Janurary 2006
Orthopedic Surgeons at Jefferson to Study Safety of Artificial Disc for Patients with Cervical Disc Degeneration
(Published 1-4-2006) Thousands of patients with chronic pain in their shoulders and arms could benefit from a study being
done at The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia. Orthopedic and neurosurgeons specializing
in spinal surgery there are participating in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical study assessing the safety
and effectiveness of an artificial disc for use in the treatment of chronic cervical disc degeneration.
Jefferson Researchers Building a Better Rabies Vaccine
(Published 1-5-2006) In an unexpected discovery, scientists at Jefferson Medical College have found that a tiny change in
a rabies virus protein can turn a “safe” virus extremely deadly. The finding has enabled the researchers to refine a vaccine
they previously created against rabies in wildlife, making it safer and more effective.
Leading National Nursing Magazine Names Jefferson Sickle Cell Specialist “Nurse of the Year”
(Published 1-10-2006) Nursing Spectrum Magazine has bestowed its highest honor, “National Nurse of the Year,” on Gaye Riddick-Burden,
R.N., CRNP, the nurse practitioner of the Sickle Cell Day Treatment Unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
She received the Clinical Care Award for her ongoing advocacy on behalf of patients with sickle cell disease.
Jefferson Launches Nurse Anesthesia Master’s Degree Program
(Published 1-24-2006) The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs granted accreditation to Thomas
Jefferson University’s Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP) nurse anesthesia program. The master’s level program
will prepare registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). After completing the master’s degree
in nurse anesthesia, students will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination as the final step before
practice.
Jefferson Recruits Top Fundraiser
(Published 1-31-2006) After an extensive national search, David R. Lepper has been named senior vice president for Development
for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University.
