MHAUS Newsletter, August 2007
In this issue:

MHAUS APPOINTS DR. SHARON J. HIRSHEY DIRKSEN AS SCIENTIFIC OFFICER

MHAUS has appointed Dr. Sharon J. Hirshey Dirksen to the newly-created position of Scientific Officer. Dr. Dirksen will seek opportunities to submit grants for support of programs and research into malignant hyperthermia (MH) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). She also will track medical literature related to MH, NMS, and heat-related disorders.

“Sharon’s background and skills in both basic and clinical research will be an asset to MHAUS,” said Dr. Henry Rosenberg, MHAUS president. “She is a strong and focused communicator and has worked in team environments efficiently in order to meet project goals. She has experience in the clear presentation of scientific data in the form of protocols, clinical study reports and manuscripts. She has proven capability in bringing multiple projects to successful conclusion.”

As part of the position, Dr. Dirksen will review Hotline calls and data and assist with the completion of NAMHR forms. She will speak to lay audiences on topics related to MH and NMSIS, and she will work with PAC members and Hotline Consultants in organizing and presenting information to professional audiences through web-based presentations and scientific writings.

The MHAUS Board approved the creation of the position of Scientific Officer last year and solicited inquires for the position over several months. A committee of the board, which included Dr. Sheila Muldoon, Dr. Joe Tobin, Mr. Ron Ziegler, and Dr. Rosenberg, reviewed the applications and interviewed four candidates.

Dr. Dirksen received her PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Rochester and has since served in positions for Global Clinical Programs with Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Howard M. Proskin & Associates, Celltech Americas (previously Medeva Americas), and the AMC Cancer Research Center.

Learn more about Dr. Dirksen in the coming fall issue of The Communicator.

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MHAUS HOLDS FIRST-EVER WEBINAR

MHAUS will present its first-ever webinar on Wednesday, September 12, 2007. Very popular in today’s Computer Age, webinars are similar to seminars only without the travel and overnight stay often necessary to attend in-person presentations.

Dr. Ronald Litman, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, and Dr. Henry Rosenberg, St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ, are the featured speakers. Discussions of specific case scenarios, review of the MHAUS treatment protocol and methods on how to prepare for MH will be highlighted. There will be time set aside for audience questions.

Go to http://www.bostonconferencing.com/mhaus/webinar/2 for specific information regarding the webinar and to register, or call MHAUS at (800) 986-4287 to sign up. 1.5 CME credits offered and a FREE laminated MH Emergency Therapy Protocol given to each registrant for use in their facility.  Hurry! Space is limited, even for a webinar.

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MH ASSOCIATED DISEASES PODCAST NOW AVAILABLE

A new podcast has been added to the MHAUS website. “MH Associated Diseases: Who Really Needs a Non-triggering Technique?” by Dr. Ronald Litman is now available at www.mhaus.org/NonFB/podcasts/MHSDiseases.html

If you have an iPod or other portable media player and are interested in getting free, unique content to listen to, podcasting is for you.  Podcasting is a way of using your computer to automatically download audio files to your iPod (or other player).

Getting started with podcasting is easy.  All you need is a computer with an Internet link and a portable media player.  In fact, you can listen to podcasts right on your computer.

To automatically download files to your iPod, you'll need to use a podcast client. iPodder(www.podcasttools.com/ipodder/) is a free, open-source client that is available for Mac OS X & Windows users.

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ONE YEAR COMPLIMENTARY MHAUS MEMBERSHIP OFFERED FOR COMPLETED AMRA FORM

In order to improve the completion rate of the Adverse Metabolic Reaction to Anesthesia (AMRA) forms, healthcare providers are now being offered a complimentary MHAUS membership for one year when they send in the completed AMRA form.

This membership includes specific benefits:

1.)    a 10% discount on materials ordered from MHAUS

2.)    the MHAUS quarterly newsletter, The Communicator

3.)    a member card

4.)    a New-member kit 

Data from the AMRA forms are entered into the MH Registry. The Registry helps MH experts learn how MH presents itself clinically by compiling a database of MH cases. The Registry relies on anesthesia care providers filling out and sending in a thorough report of MH incidents or suspected cases.

AMRAs are available from the MH Registry www.mhreg.org, or calling the Registry at (888) 274-7899 or from the MHAUS office at (607) 674-7901.

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PATIENT LIASON COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Patient Liaison Committee is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference and be involved in getting the word out about MH. If you would like more information on what the Patient Liaison Committee does, call 1-800-986-4287 or e-mail info@mhaus.org

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