Listed below are some of the highlights of medical stories from local and national media in 2009 featuring experts from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Please note that there were many more positive news media stories about Rush that those included in this listing. Click on media links to view the story.

New Year's Resolutions – Janine Gauthier, PhD, psychology, was interviewed on FOX-32 on December 31 about why people don't keep New Year's Resolutions.

H1N1 Survivor – Dr. Omar Lateef, critical care medicine, appeared in a CBS-2 story about a patient at Rush who was seriously ill from H1N1 and is now recovering. The story aired on December 28.

Limb Preservation – Dr. Steven Gitelis, orthopedic surgery, appeared on CBS-2, FOX-32 and Univision on December 18 and on ABC-7 on December 15. Gitelis performed surgery on nine-year-old Vladimir Trigueros, from El Salvador, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last July. Dr. Gitelis removed the cancer from the boy's femur and implanted an expandable "replacement bone" that can be lengthened as the boy grows. The implant saved the child from having his leg amputated. 

Autism - Dr. Louis Kraus, chief of pediatric and adolescent psychiatry appeared on ABC-7 December 18 to discuss a CDC report that found autism diagnosis on the rise.

Cartilage Restoration – Dr. Brian Cole appeared live on WGN-TV on December 14 along with patient John Golden to discuss Golden's cartilage restoration and subsequent mountain climb of Mt. Everest.

Birth Control - Dr. Barbara Soltes, reproductive endocrinologist appeared on ABC-7 on December 10 to provide expert input on birth control and safety concerns. 

Gene Therapy for the Heart – Dr. Cliff Kavinsky, cardiology, was interviewed on CBS-2 on December 4 and Dr. Gary Schaer and Dr. Jeffrey Snell were interviewed by ABC-7 on December 3 about stem cell therapies for the heart.

Bone Cancer - Dr. Ross Abrams, was interviewed live on ABC-7 and Dr. Steve Gitelis was interviewed by ABC-7, FOX-32 and WBBM-AM on December 3 about bone cancer following news that Maggie Daley was being treated for bone cancer.

Insomnia – Jason Ong, PhD, sleep disorders, was interviewed on NBC-5 on November 24 about behavioral and cognitive therapy for insomnia. The story aired again on NBC-5's "The Talk" program on November 29 with an extended interview with James Wyatt, PhD, sleep disorders. The story was also aired on 72 NBC stations nationwide.

Allergies and the Holidays – Dr. Mary Kay Tobin, allergy and immunology, was interviewed by ABC-7 on November 25 about allergies that can intensify during the holiday season.

TIAs – A story that was originally produced by NBC-5 about Rush's TIA Express System featuring Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, neurology, was aired by numerous NBC stations including those in Rochester, Sioux City, Columbus, Winnipeg, Indianapolis, Lake Charles, Bangor, Burlington, Portland, Champaign, Pittsburgh, Bakersfield, Charlottesville, Fort Myers, Utica and Tulsa.

CHAP Study ARRA Funding – On November 24 WGN-TV mentioned the $4 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding grant to continue the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) study.

Jobs at Rush – Debbie Pillola, human resources, was interviewed live on FOX-32's Good Day Chicago program on November 23 about jobs that are available at Rush.

H1N1 Facebook Chat – On November 20, WBBM-AM, FOX-32, CBS-2, NBC-5 and the NBC station in Paducah all carried stories about Rush hosting a live Facebook chat with Dr. James McAuley and Dr. Brian Harting, infectious diseases, to answer questions about H1N1.

Parkinson's Exercise Study – Dr. Cynthia Comella, neurology, was interviewed by WGN-TV on November 20 about a study looking at the benefits of exercise for Parkinson's patients.

Pap Testing – Dr. Jacob Rotmensch, ob/gyn, was interviewed by CBS-2 on November 20 about new guidelines regarding pap smears recommended by the American College of Obstetricians.

Mammography Screening – Dr. Peter Jokich, breast imaging center, was interviewed by ABC-7 on November 17 about the controversial guidelines by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommending less frequent mammography screenings. The soundbite was aired by Good Morning America, ABC National World News Now, and ABC stations in Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Diego, Terre Haute and Hartford. Dr. Jokich also appeared on the nationally syndicated program Extra on November 19.

Microbiota and Breast Cancer Study – Dr. Ece Mutlu, gastroenterology, appeared on WGN-TV on November 19 to discuss her study looking at bacteria in the gut and how it may impact breast cancer.

Lung Cancer Study – Several stations, including CBS-2 and the ABC station in Paducah, ran an Associated Press story about the I-ELCAP lung cancer CT screening study at Rush on November 18^th.

Army National Guard Medic Training – Dr. Sobia Ansara, emergency medicine, was interviewed by CBS-2 on November 12 about the army national guard medic training program at Rush.

Muscle Strength and Alzheimer's – On November 11, a reader about a study looking at decreased muscle strength and the risk of Alzheimer's disease by Tricia Boyle, PhD, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, ran on NBC stations in Colorado Springs, Seattle, St. Louis, Greensboro, Albany, Detroit, Paducah, Davenport, Fort Smith, Sioux Falls, Augusta, Monterey, Wilmington, Terre Haute, Quincy, Lexington, Philadelphia, Little Rock, San Francisco, Austin, Cedar Rapids, Philadelphia, Midland, Billings,  Yuma, Jackson, Joplin, Albany, Columbus, Columbia, Traverse City and Charleston.

Allergy Sniffing Dogs – Dr. Mary Kay Tobin, allergy and immunology, was interviewed on November 10 by CBS-2 about allergy sniffing dogs.

FortHood Shooting  - Stevan Hobfoll, PhD, psychology, was interviewed on MSNBC and PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer on November 6 , regarding the shooting spree at Fort Hood.  Dr. William Scheftner, psychiatry, appeared on WGN-TV on November 6 and WMAQ-TV on November 5.

New Orthopedic Building at Rush – WGN-TV ran a story about the opening of the New Orthopedic Building opening at Rush on November 5.

Vitamins - Heather Rasmussen, RD, was interviewed on WGN-TV on October 28 about vitamins.

Breast Cancer Disparities – Dr. David Ansell, chief medical officer, was interviewed October 22 on WBEZ-FM NPR and on ABC-7 on October 21 about the racial disparities in breast cancer deaths in Chicago.

Breast Cancer Awareness – Dr. Melody Cobleigh, oncology, appeared in two segments of a special breast cancer awareness special on ABC-7 that aired on October 22.

Microbiota and Breast Cancer – Dr. Melody Cobleigh, oncology, and Dr. Ece Multu, gastroenterology, were interviewed for a story on ABC-7 on October 22 about a Rush study looking at how bacteria in the gut may impact breast cancer.

 

HIV – Dr. Kimberly Smith, infectious diseases, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show on October 20 to discuss HIV.

Generic Drugs – James O'Donnell, PharmD, and Dr. Marvin Rossi, neurology, were interviewed by CBS-2 on October 16 about the differences between generic drugs and brand name drugs.

Autism – Dr. Louis Kraus, adolescent and child psychiatry, appeared live on WTTW's Chicago Tonight program on October 14 to discuss the increase in number of diagnosed autism cases.

Stress – Dr. Marco De La Cruz, primary care, was interviewed by CBS-2 on October 12 about how stress can impact physical health.

AEDs – Dr. Gary Schaer, cardiology, was interviewed by ABC-7 on October 9 about AEDs.

Kineso Taping – Dr. Jeff Mjaanes, pediatric sports medicine, appeared in a story on ABC-7 on October 8 about kinesio taping, a technique to improve healing of orthopedic injuries.

H1N1 – Several Rush experts were interviewed about H1N1. Dr. James McAuley, pediatric infectious diseases, on FOX-32 on November 9 and NBC-5 on October 9 and October 6. Dr. Alan Harris, infectious diseases, on NBC-5 on October 25. Dr. John Segreti, infectious disease, on CBS-2 on October 23 and ABC-7 on October 5. Dr. Harold Kessler, infectious disease, on FOX-32 on October 20. ABC-7, FOX-32 and CBS-2 ran stories about the injectable vaccine arriving at Rush on Oct 16. Mary Alice Lavin, RN, infection control, on CBS-2 on October 14 and FOX-32 on October 5.  Dr. Dragan Djordjevic, internal medicine on NBC-5 on October 14. Dr. Ed Cortez on ABC-7 on October 10. Dr. Daniel Felten, pediatrics on NBC-5 on October 5. Dr. Beth Volin, pediatrics, on NBC-5 on October 6. CLTV, NBC-5, WGN-TV, FOX-32, ABC-7, and WBBM-AM aired stories and video about the H1N1 vaccine arriving at Rush on October 5.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine - CLTV, FOX-32, WGN-TV, WLS-AM and CBS-2 ran stories about the mass seasonal flu vaccination day for employees at Rush on October 1.

 

Rush Mass Vaccination Day – Stories about the employee seasonal flu vaccination day at Rush were aired on NBC-5 and ABC-7 on September 30.

Mandatory Flu Vaccine – stories about Rush's decision to mandate seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines for all employees aired on WLUP-FM, WLS-AM, WGN-AM, WBBM-AM and ABC-7 on September 30 and CBS-2 and CLTV on September 29.

H1N1 Vaccine – Dr. James McAuley, pediatric infectious disease, was interviewed by FOX-32 on September 29 about the H1N1 vaccine.

H1N1 and Hand-washing – Mary Alice Lavin, RN, infection control, was interviewed by FOX-32 on September 23 about proper hand washing to reduce risk of H1N1. The story was picked up FOX stations in Nashville, Houston, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Columbus, Salt Lake City, Greensboro and South Bend.

Expired Medications – James O'Donnell, PharmD, was interviewed on CBS-2 on September 21 about the effectiveness of expired medications.

Preemie Picnic – Jennifer Paulsen, RN, was interviewed on WLS-AM on September 20 about Rush's annual preemie picnic that welcomes back former NICU patients and their families. ABC-7 showed video from the event.

Army National Guard Medic Training – Dr. James Ward, emergency medicine, was interviewed on WGN-TV on September 18 about the army national guard medic training program at Rush.

Urlacher wrist injury – Dr. Mark Cohen, orthopedic surgery, was interviewed on ABC-7 on September 14 about Chicago Bears' player Brian Urlacher's season-ending wrist injury.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma – Dr. Stephanie Gregory, hematology/oncology, appeared in a story about a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient that appeared on FOX News Channel on September 10 and was picked up by local FOX stations in New York and Atlanta.

Xoft Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy – Dr. Arnold Herskovic, was interviewed by FOX News Channel on September 9 about Xoft one-day breast cancer radiation therapy. The story also aired on local FOX affiliates in Houston and Washington.

Novilase Treatment for Breast Tumors – Dr. Kambiz Dowlat was interviewed on WGN-TV about the Novilase laser treatment for benign breast tumors on September 9.

Healthcare Reform – Dr. Kousik Krishnan, cardiology, appeared on a live roundtable discussion on FOX-32 on September 9 to discuss President Obama's healthcare initiative.

H1N1 – Dr. James McAuley, pediatric infectious disease, was interviewed on CBS-2 about H1N1 on September 4. He appeared on FOX-32 on August 25 and was interviewed by Sirius XM radio on August 26.

PRP Therapy – Dr. Brian Cole, sports medicine, and Dr. Anthony Romeo, orthopedic surgery, were interviewed by ABC-7 for a story that aired September 3 about the use of platelet rich plasma to treat orthopedic injuries and speed healing after surgery.

Mammography Screenings – Dr. Gene Solmos, diagnostic radiology, was interviewed by FOX-32 on August 19 about the shortage of breast imaging specialists.

TIAs – Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, neurology, was interviewed on NBC-5 on August 19 about Rush's TIA Express System to rapidly treat TIAs and potential stroke victims.

Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect
A new study about elder abuse and self-neglect authored by Dr. XinQi Dong, geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center, is published in the Aug. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Several news outlets are reporting about the study, including the HealthDay news wire. To view the story, click here.   

Art Therapy and Mental Illness
Robert Berry, a psychologist and assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at Rush University Medical Center, is quoted in a Chicago Tribune article today about the therapeutic value of creating art for treating mental illness. To read the story click here. 

Increase in Produce Allergies
Dr. Mary Kay Tobin, allergy /asthma specialist, Rush University Medical Center, appeared on CBS-2 News on July 20 to discuss how more people are developing fruit and vegetable allergies. To view the story click here.

Rush Building Chicago's First Full Service Green Hospital
Rush is mentioned in a July 20 Crain's Chicago Business article about green teams, groups of employees who hash out ways to make company operations more eco-friendly. Rush is building the first "full service green hospital" in Chicago. 

Laser Surgery for Tongue Cancer
Dr. Guy Petruzzelli, chief of the Section of Head, Neck and Skull Base Surgery, Rush University Medical Center was featured on July 17 in a medical watch segment about transoral laser surgery for tongue cancer.
 

Health and the Economy
Dr. John Zajecka, psychiatry, and Dr. Annabelle Volgman, medical director, Rush Heart Center for Women, Rush University Medical Center, were featured on the FOX-on July 17 in a story about reducing stress during the economic downturn. To view the story click here.

Hip Resurfacing
Dr. Craig Della Valle, orthopedic surgeon, Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in the Saturday Evening Post on June 29. Dr. della Valle discussed who are the most ideal candidates for hip resurfacing. To read the story click here.

Social Activity Keeps You Young
Dr. Aron Buchman, a researcher with the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in several news stories including in the Vital Signs column of the New York Times on June 30. The article features new research by the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center on how more frequent social activity appears to stave off decline in motor function in older adults. The story also was featured on Time.com and several other news outlets. To read the story click here.

Cognitive Testing and Alzheimer's Disease
Dr. Raj Shah, medical director of the Rush Memory Clinic, Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in the Chicago Tribune on June 28 in a story about the important role cognitive testing plays in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. To view to story click here.

New Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knees
Laura Thorp, PhD, a researcher in the department of anatomy and cell biology at Rush University Medical Center, appeared on WGN-9 News on June 26. The story featured a novel hip exercise program developed at Rush to treat osteoarthritis in the knees.
Sudden Cardiac Death
Dr. Kousik Krishnan, director of the Arrhythmia Device Clinic and associate director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Rush University Medical Center, appeared on ABC-7 News at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the difference between sudden cardiac death and a heart attack. The interview was based on breaking news about Michael Jackson's death. To view the story click here.

Children and Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. John Polley, chairman of pediatric reconstructive and plastic surgery, Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a front page USA Today article on June 24. Dr. Polley discusses the medical ethical issues medical experts face when asked to conduct plastic and reconstructive procedures on patients with cognitive disabilities. To view the story click here.

Rush's Autism Resource Center
Dr. Louis Kraus, director of child and adolescent child psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a story in the Chicago Tribune on June 24. The feature article spotlighted the new Rush Autism Resource Center, a comprehensive online and phone referral source for services that cater to children with autism. To view the story click here.

Racial Differences in Alzheimer's Disease
A study co-authored by Robert Wilson, PhD, neuropsychologist in the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center was featured in several articles on June 22 including WebMD, MSN.com, HealthDay News, and U.S News & World Report.com. To view the story click here.

Pain Management and Integrative Medicine
Angela Johnson, Chinese medicine practitioner and program manager of the Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in the Chicago Tribune on June 17. The article discussed new pain management treatments for chronic pain sufferers. To view the story click here.

Purpose of Life Study
A study about links between a sense of greater purpose in life and mortality by Patricia Boyle, PhD, neuropsychologist in the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, was featured on ABC-7 News and several other news outlets including HealthDay News and Businessweek.com. To view the ABC-7 story click here.

Dealing with Stress
Stevan Hobfoll, PhD, chairman of behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal article on June 16. The article discusses how people are using stress as a competitive weapon. To read the story click here.

Rare Heart Defect from Egypt
Dr. Ziyad Hijazi, director of the Rush Center for Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, was interviewed by WGN-9 News and NBC-5 News on June 10 for successfully completing a unique, life-saving interventional heart procedure on a 17-year-old girl from Egypt.
Rush Outpatient Chest Pain Center
Dr. Gary Schaer, director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Rush University Medical Center was quoted in a feature article on the new Outpatient Chest Pain Center at Rush University Medical Center in the Chicago Tribune on June 10. To view the story click here.

Special Stroke Centers
Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, director of the stroke program at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in the Chicago Tribune on May 20. The article discusses potential Illinois legislation that would establish a network of special stroke centers. Dr. Prabhakaran is a key expert who was asked for his input on how other states that have passed this type of legislation. To view to story click here.

Antipsychotic Medication and Children
Dr. Louis Kraus, chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a Wall Street Journal story on May 18. In the article, Dr. Kraust talks about the decline in prescribing antipsychotic medications for children. To read the story click here.

Baseball and Softball Pitching Injuries
Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph and Dr. Nikhil Verma, orthopedic surgeons at Rush University Medical Center, appeared on ABC-7 News on May 14. Both doctors were interviewed for a feature story on two Rush studies looking at pitching injuries in baseball and softball. To view the story click here.

Dr. Nikhil Verma also was interviewed by WGN-9 News on May 21 about how the windmill pitch used in softball can cause injuries in female softball patients. To view the story click here.

Dr. Bernard Bach, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Shane Seroyer, orthopedic fellow, Rush University Medical Center, were quoted in a Chicago Tribune article on May 10. The story featured research conducted by Rush orthopedic experts on the different types of overhand pitching injuries young baseball pitchers can sustain.

Dr. Shane Seroyer also was quoted in a United Press International story on April 13. The article focuses on a new study by Rush orthopedic experts that analyzes possible overhand pitching injuries in young baseball players. To view the story click here.

Rush Receives Perfect Score on Health Equality Index
Brad Hinrichs, vice president of operations, Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a feature article in Windy City Times on May 20. The story spotlighted Rush receiving a perfect score on the 2009 Healthcare Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Acting May Improve Brain Function
Robert Wilson, PhD, neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Center, appeared on ABC-7 News on May 21. Dr. Wilson discussed how seniors who are studying acting may help improve brain function. To view the story click here.

Kidney Transplant Success Story
A patient who underwent a kidney transplant at Rush University Medical Center was featured in the Chicago Tribune on April 27. The story focuses on the Gift of Hope telethon hosted by Salem Baptist Church yesterday. Several members of the Rush faculty and staff attended the event, including Dr. Robert Higgins, chairman of cardiovascular-thoracic surgery. To read the story click here. To view the story on FOX-32 News click here.

Effects of Beauty and Skin Products
Dr. Mary Massa, dermatology, is quoted in a RedEye story on April 27 about beauty products that claim to turn back the hands of time. To read the article click here.

Heart Defect Possible Cause of Migraines
Dr. Ziyad M. Hijazi, director of the Rush Center for Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, Rush University Medical Center, was on ABC-7 News on April 16. Dr. Hijazi talked about how a common heart defect might potentially be linked to migraines. To view the story click here.

Eight Signs of Pregnancy
Dr. Xavier Pombar, director of obstetrics at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a WebMD article on April 16 about the possible signs of pregnancy. To view the story click here.

Financial Assistance for Health Care
Catherine Jacobson, chief financial officer at Rush University Medical Center, was on FOX-32 News on April 13 to discuss discounts for hospital care. To view the story click here.

Breast Cancer Health Disparities
Dr. David Ansell, chief medical officer at Rush University Medical Center, was interviewed by Chicago Public Radio on April 13. Dr. Ansell talked about the growing gap between African Americans and whites in diagnosing breast cancer. To view the story click here.

Tuberculosis Exposure and Risk
Dr. James McAuley, director of pediatric infectious diseases at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted by the Chicago Tribune and appeared on ABC World News Tonight on April 11. Dr. McAuley was asked to provide medical expertise on the possible risks of exposure to someone with active TB. To view the story click here.

Causes of Fatigue
Dr. Annabelle Volgman, medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women, is quoted in the April issue of Health Magazine about the causes of fatigue. Please to view the story click here.

Girls' Softball and Windmill Pitch Study
A study by Dr. Nik Verma, sports medicine, and colleagues in the Department of Orthopedics at Rush University Medical Center is featured in the April 10 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The study found that the windmill pitch used by softball players can cause enormous strain on the biceps and excessive use of that motion can lead to injury. To view the story click here.

The study about injuries suffered by softball pitchers by was also in the April 7 issue of the New York Times. To view the story click here.

Childhood Obesity
Dr. Cathy Joyce, pediatrician at Rush University Medical Center, is quoted in an April 9 Medill Wire Service story about the increase in prescription drug use among children being tied to the increase in childhood obesity. To read the story click here.

Breast Cancer Routine Screening
Dr. Lydia Usha, oncologist at Rush University Medical Center, is quoted in an April 9 Medill Wire Service story about a Copenhagen study that's recently brought the practice of routine mammograms under fire in Great Britain. To read the story click here.

Cartilage Knee Transplant
Dr. Brian Cole, orthopedic surgeon and head of the Cartilage Restoration Center at Rush University Medical Center is featured in the April 8 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The story discusses cartilage transplant as an alternative to total joint replacement and new research to grow the patient's own cartilage. To read the story click here.

Caregivers and Stress
Caryn Etkin, PhD, College of Nursing at Rush University Medical Center, is quoted in the April 7 Daily Herald about the stress on caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. To read the story click here.

Jet Lag Study
Helen Burgess, PhD, Biological Rhythms Research Lab at Rush University Medical Center, is quoted in a story in the April 6 issue of the Daily Herald about clinical trials that pay participants. Burgess discusses the jet lag study. To view the story click here.

Autism Awareness Day
Dr. Louis Kraus, chief of child and adolescent child psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, appeared on CBS-2 News on April 2 to discuss Autism. To view the story click here.

Huntington's Disease
Dr. Kathleen Shannon, neurologist at the Movement Disorders Center at Rush University Medical Center, appeared on KMGH-TV (ABC-7) in Denver on April 1. The news story highlighted Xenazine, the first FDA-approved drug to treat Huntington's Disease. Rush is one of 16 sites in the country that studied the medication. The story also appeared on ABC-7 News in Chicago. To view the story click here.

Women and Pelvic Health
Dr. Sheila Dugan, co-director of the Rush Program for Abdominal and Pelvic Health at Rush University Medical Center, was quoted in a Reuters story on April 1. The news wire story discusses the importance of simple exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To read the story click here.

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