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U children's hospital again ranks among the nation's best

University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital is ranked among the best in the nation when it comes to treating cancer, diabetes, and kidney disorders, according to U.S. News & World Report.

"We're building something special here—and the rankings remind us that our care makes a real difference in the lives of children," says Kathie Taranto, president, University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital. "This is great recognition for all of our care professionals, who dedicate themselves each and every day to the unique medical needs of our patients."

"It's great news and a tremendous honor for everybody here who cares for children," says Aaron Friedman, M.D., Ruben-Bentson Chair and Professor of Pediatrics, at the University of Minnesota. "This shines a light on our high quality care, and our important medical achievements made possible by leading-edge research."

medical bulletin

Canine connections

Medical Bulletin - Spring 2009From cancer to epilepsy, dogs are informing human medical care — and vice versa

Batman is one lucky dog. Rescued from the streets of Berlin a decade ago, the laid-back Belgian shepherd mix seemed to be living a charmed life — until he had a massive seizure last July. The diagnosis — a brain tumor — was disheartneing, until an alert veterinary resident reviewing Batman's file suggested an alternative and literally lifesaving plan that could make Batman a medical hero.

 

in the news

U researchers derive cancer-killers from human embryonic stem cells

In a study of human tumors growing in mice, University of Minnesota researchers have found that immune cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) completely eliminated the tumors in 100 percent — 13 of 13 — of mice tested. In contrast, similar immune cells derived from human umbilical cord blood cells cleared away tumors in only five of 13 mice.


'Fantastic Four'

Medical Devices Center [photo: Nancy Johnson]

Four University of Minnesota medical researchers — Drs. Doris Taylor, Karen Hsiao Ashe, Meri Firpo, and Dorothy Hatsukami — have been recognized in the latest issue of Twin Cities Business for their leadership roles in "medical research initiatives that could dramatically improve our quality and quantity of life within a decade."


Medical School, MMF present annual academic awards

Awards and honors were bestowed on the best and brightest Medical School faculty, residents, and students at the 2009 Celebrating Excellence ceremony on April 17. The honors, which recognize excellence and achievement, are made possible each year by the Minnesota Medical Foundation and its donors.


news about giving

Estate gift from abroad honors family, provides medical student support

Hedwige Lea Van Windekens Rosen, of Oostende, Belgium, left more than $1.76 million to the Minnesota Medical Foundation to establish a fund in honor of her family. The gift will be used to provide support for University of Minnesota medical students.

Although the gift honors Rosen's late husband Gerald Rosen and family, according to the will, it was the donor's late-father-in-law who inspired the gift. "Dr. Samuel Rosen, my late husband's father, was very poor as a young medical student and could not afford to buy books when he attended the Medical School at the University of Minnesota. He graduated and later became a very competent, caring, and dedicated physician," she wrote in her will.

Samuel Rosen, who graduated in 1904 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, belonged to numerous professional groups, including county, state, and national medical societies. Born in Romania, in 1880, he died in 1969 in the Los Angeles area of California, at age 90.