Columbia University Presents Ribbon Cutting For The Paul Milstein Institute For Surgical Science
Contact: Adar Novak
212-305-3900 Columbia University Presents Ribbon Cutting for the Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science WHAT: To celebrate the completion and reopening of the renovated Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science in the Division of Surgical Science, the Columbia University Department of Surgery is hosting a ribbon- cutting ceremony and champagne toast. Guided by principal investigators, guests may tour the Institute and view poster presentations describing ongoing research projects within each laboratory. WHEN & Tuesday, June 11, 2002, 5:30 to 7 p.m. WHERE: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons 630 West 168th Street 17th Floor, Room 501 New York, New York WHO: Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D., dean, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons Eric A. Rose, M.D., chairman, Columbia University Department of Surgery; surgeon-in-chief, NewYork- Presbyterian Hospital Harvey Colten, M.D., vice president and senior associate dean for translational research, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons Ann Marie Schmidt, M.D., division chief, Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science Paul Milstein, benefactor WHY: The Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science houses clinical and basic research projects focusing on a wide range of topics, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, tumor immunology and angiogenesis, and organ preservation. It comprises a network of coordinated laboratories, each with its own director and area of interest, but which often shed light on progress in other laboratories within the division. About the Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science The Paul Milstein Institute for Surgical Science, part of the Division of Surgical Science, includes a designated Center for Diabetes Complications funded by a $3 million grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The center’s goal is to study how vascular, kidney and periodontal diseases develop and progress as complications of Type 1 diabetes. The Institute also encompasses a vascular biology program funded in large part by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), of the NIH. The Institute also includes the following laboratories: Plastic Surgery Arnold S. Breitbart, M.D., director Dr. Breitbart conducts clinical studies involving stem-cell research, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and bone substitutes to advance treatment of diabetic wounds and bone and skin reconstruction. Liver Disease and Transplantation Jean C. Emond, M.D., director Dr. Emond’s work aims to optimize strategies to expand the limits of liver regeneration and investigate therapeutic targets for devastating liver injury, like those imposed by ischemia or ingestion of toxins. Receptor for AGE (Advanced Glycation Endproducts) Ann Marie Schmidt, M.D., director Dr. Schmidt’s work focuses on the AGE receptor (RAGE), a key molecule located on cell surfaces. Because RAGE is found in many disorders – from diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease to atherosclerosis and cancers and autoimmune diseases – it is the focus of research in several of the Institute’s laboratories. Diabetes Research Kevan Herold, M.D., director Dr. Herold investigates the role of RAGE in the development of diabetes and islet transplantation as a treatment for diabetes and will study the effectiveness of an immune suppressive drug in the prevention of diabetes. Colorectal Disease Emina H. Huang, M.D., director Dr. Huang studies the role of the RAGE receptor in chronic colonic inflammation and tumor development. Heart Disease Yoshifumi Naka, M.D., director Dr. Naka investigates the role of RAGE in restenosis after arterial injury; the occurrence of vein graft disease as a complication of coronary artery bypass grafting; and the role of RAGE in left ventricular function after myocardial infarction. Transplantation Immunology Mark A. Hardy, M.D., director Dr. Hardy’s research team explores mechanisms by which the host response to transplantation may be attenuated, thereby ensuring the survival and vitality of transplanted organs with minimal toxicity to the recipient. Pediatric Oncology Jessica Kandel, M.D., director; Herbert Irving Assistant Professor of Surgery Dr. Kandel investigates the role of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in Wilms tumors. Cancer Immunology Howard L. Kaufman, M.D., director Dr. Kaufman explores vaccines that may prevent the formation and/or development of malignant tumors. Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., director Dr. Oz's primary research goal is the advancement of the surgical management of heart failure and the development of new techniques to treat atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular Surgery Henry M. Spotnitz, M.D., director Dr. Spotnitz’s research focuses on improving the methods of myocardial protection for ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) testing and heart transplantation and the effects of surgery for congenital disease on systolic and diastolic properties of the left ventricle and ventricular geometry. Minimally Invasive Surgery Richard L. Whelan, M.D., director Dr. Whelan explores the role of a plasma protein in immunosuppression found in laparotomy and traditional “open” surgery and also researches perioperative and immediate postoperative anti-tumor immunotherapy. ### |