Hanover
Dr. Ambrose Cheung, a professor of microbiology and immunology, has received a 2017 Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award from the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland.
The institute is the nonprofit arm of the Harrington Project for Discovery & Development, an international initiative supporting breakthrough research by physician-scientists, according to the institute’s website. Up to 12 Harrington Scholar-Innovator awards are made each year through a competitive selection process. They receive at least $100,000 to support their work, and can qualify for as much as $700,000
“I’m very pleased and excited,” Cheung said in a Geisel news release. “This is exactly the kind of support that is needed to bridge the gap that exists between making discoveries in the lab and introducing clinical treatments that can help patients.”
Award winners have access to the institute’s innovation support center, which offers drug development expertise and project management support, as well as connections to commercialization partners, through its advisory panel of experts who have held leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry, according to the news release.
They also with a mentor to develop a project plan “to help them advance their research into the clinical realm.”
MRSA, which causes infections in different parts of the body, is sometimes referred to as a superbug, due to its increasing resistance to antibiotics. The focus of Cheung’s project is to develop an adjuvant compound that can effectively neutralize the bacteria, the release said.
“Instead of screening for a new compound that by itself can kill the bug, we’re looking for a compound that will synergize with and enhance the efficacy of an antibiotic that is already on the market,” said Cheung, who will collaborate with a chemist from the University of Minnesota on the project.
Hanover
Dr. George Little is an active emeritus professor of pediatrics and of obstetrics and gynecology at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, according to a news release from the institute.
A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he recently received the academy’s Virginia Apgar Award, given annually to someone whose career has had a continuing influence on the well being of newborns.
He also served as chair of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and is currently active with global perinatal medicine.
The other new board members include Dr. Andrea Darby-Stewart, associate program director of the family medicine residency at a large nonprofit health system in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Monica McLemore, a public health nurse, research scientist, educator and reproductive health advocate.
“We are very pleased to welcome these three outstanding leaders to our board,” said Angie Truesdale, CEO of Centering Healthcare Institute. “Their energy and clinical experience will strengthen our organization as it continues to grow and to expand the Centering model to new health care providers and settings. Centering Healthcare Institute will benefit tremendously from their collective perspectives and passions.”
The Centering model is used in more than 450 practice sites and within some of the largest health systems in the world, according to the release. It includes CenteringPregnancy and CenteringParenting, which combine health assessment, interactive learning and community building.
Lebanon
The event is sponsored by the Lebanon police and fire departments.
To make an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Walk-ins are welcome.
Windsor
The hospital’s lead switchboard operator, Perron was nominated in recognition of her work excellence.
Her supervisor, Melissa Hale, said Perron is wonderful with callers.
“She is always professional, but you can hear the warmth and friendliness in her voice,” Hale said in a hospital news release. “Even when callers aren’t sure what department to ask for, Lori takes time to ask questions and make sure they’re directed correctly. She’s also a delightful coworker who has the gift of making everyone around her feel happier.”
Perron joined Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in October 2014.
— Compiled by Aimee Caruso