McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Monthly Message - January 2025 - Monthly Message Newsletter - News - $host.map.pageTitle
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Monthly Message

Volume 15, Issue 5
January 28, 2025

Spring Semester at McWilliams

We hope everyone had a safe & healthy holiday season. McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics would like to welcome all new students and sends greetings to our returning students. We look forward to a successful spring semester.

Photo of Spring Semester banner

Now that the semester is underway, we want to remind all students to submit their updated, yearly degree or program plans if it has not been completed recently. Please work with your academic advisor to complete the plan and if you have questions, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 713.500.3591 or [email protected] assistance.

Important Reminders for Students and Upcoming Opportunities

Here are some important reminders for current students, along with information on some exciting events that are happening in the coming weeks.

  • We encourage students to bookmark the UTHealth Houston Central Student Portal at https://www.uth.edu/student. This site will serve as a guide to help connect you with the most sought-after resources at the university.
  • Student Counseling Services wants to remind all students of the services their staff offers, including counseling and psychiatry appointments in person and online. This PDF provides more information on the available resources. Please reach out if you need support; Student Counseling Services is here to help.
  • The first all-school event this Spring will be the Student Life and Leadership Fair on Thursday, February 13. The fair will include a Leadership Workshop, International Student Open Forum, and an Education Accommodations Panel. Food and giveaways will also be provided!
  • McWilliams students are invited to participate in the spring 2025 Community Action Poverty Simulator (CAPS). Through hands-on simulations and in-depth discussions, CAPS aims to empower participants with a comprehensive grasp of the intricate challenges faced by individuals in poverty, motivating them to develop tangible and effective solutions. There are numerous dates available so visit go.uth.edu/CAPS to register for an upcoming date.
  • Taipei Medical University (TMU) invites McWilliams School of Biomedical informatics students to explore the TMU Experience Program (TXP). This program offers international students the opportunity to immerse themselves in academic coursework, cultural experiences, and research opportunities at TMU. To learn more about these opportunities, click here. Students should contact [email protected] if they have any questions about the program.
Register for the TMC AI Summit 2025

In collaboration with the Texas Medical Center institutions, you are invited to attend the TMC AI Summit 2025 on February 20 and 21. This event will explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare at the new TMC3 Collaborative Building in Houston.

This summit is at the intersection of cutting-edge AI research and its transformative impact on healthcare and biomedicine. Register, today!

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McWilliams Bragging Points

Members of our McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics Community have recently achieved noteworthy accomplishments. We want to recognize and applaud their endeavors.

McWilliams Bragging Points Banner

  • Earlier this month, Toufeeq Ahmed Syed, PhD, associate professor and assistant dean of Education, received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Dr. Syed and his fellow awardees were recognized by Former President Joe Biden for their contributions in the “field of mentoring and in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
Healthcare Innovation Challenge (Spring 2025)

McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics students are invited to collaborate in assigned teams represented by 4-6 fellow students from across all UTHealth Houston schools and prepare a solution to a challenging problem or topic in healthcare. The 4-week case preparation will culminate with a one-day event where teams will present their solution to a panel of faculty judges.

Click here to get more information and register by the January 31 deadline.

Accepting Applications for 2025

If you are a current McWilliams Certificate or MS student interested in a higher-level degree at our school, please be aware that the Summer and Fall application deadline dates are quickly approaching. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the admissions team in the Office of Academic Affairs via e-mail [email protected] or phone 713-500-3591.

Feel free to also join us in a Prospective Student Webinar Information Session by registering here.

Ready to Apply? Visit the Apply Now page!

ADMISSION DEADLINES

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Nursing Mothers Rooms at UTHealth Houston

UTHealth Houston now offers several nursing mother rooms throughout campus for faculty and staff mothers who need a private location to express milk during the workday. The rooms are card-reader accessible by having your ID badge coded for access.

Visit this webpage to learn more and view the map to see where rooms are located throughout the university.

Your Perspective Shapes the Future
of AI at UTHealth Houston

UTHealth Houston is conducting a short survey to better understand how faculty, staff, and trainees/students engage with generative AI tools in their work and studies. This is your opportunity to help guide the resources and training programs we develop for our community.

Why Your Input Matters
  • Play a key role in shaping AI initiatives at UTHealth Houston.
  • Ensure training programs reflect your needs and priorities.
  • Share valuable insights on how AI impacts your work and studies.

Who Should Participate?

This survey is open to all UTHealth Houston faculty, staff, and trainees/students (patients are excluded).

How You Can Help

The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain confidential. If you prefer not to answer a question, you are welcome to skip it.

Deadline to complete the survey: February 19, 2025.

Scan the QR Code or visit:
https://go.uth.edu/genaisurvey

Your voice matters. Together, we can reimagine how UTHealth Houston integrates AI into our work, education, and research.

McWilliams In the News
  • Professor James Langabeer, PhD, was quoted in Your Tango as he discussed the signs of long-lasting economic stress on people.
  • In December, Associate Dean Elmer Bernstam, MD spoke to Medscape about how physicians are using AI for research.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Upcoming Events
Jan. 29 Research Seminar presentation by Cecelia Ganduglia Cabazan, MD
12 PM CT online and at 7000 Fannin Street, 6th floor (UCT E-618)
Feb. 5 Research Seminar presentation by Jorge Herskovic, PhD
12 PM CT online and at 7000 Fannin Street, 6th floor (UCT E-612 & E-614)
Feb. 12 Research Seminar presentation by Jeff Chang, PhD
12 PM CT online and at 7000 Fannin Street, 6th floor (UCT E-612 & E-614)
Feb. 19 Research Seminar presentation by Zhangdong Liu, PhD
12 PM CT online and at 7000 Fannin Street, 6th floor (UCT E-612 & E-614)
Important Dates
January 29 Last day to add or drop a course for spring 2025
March 10-14 Spring Break – no classes will be held
March 21 Deadline to apply for graduation or certificate completion for spring 2025
March 28 Last day to drop with a withdrawal grade of “W” with the appropriate form (pdf) (Docusign)

Visit our website for a full list of research seminar dates and access to recordings for past seminars.