Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford University School of Medicine, November 2, 2009

Millions of people in the United States may suffer from lymphatic diseases, but little is known about what causes these illnesses or how widespread they may be. To try to answer these and other questions, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have partnered with the Lymphatic Research Foundation and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, NY, to establish the first patient registry and tissue bank for patients with lymphatic disorders.

Stanley Rockson, MD, the Allan and Tina Neill Professor of Lymphatic Research and Medicine at Stanford, will oversee the patient registry and tissue bank, made possible by a $1 million grant to the Lymphatic Research Foundation from a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Rockson is also chair of the foundation’s scientific and medical advisory board as well as director of the Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders at Stanford. Read More >

Stanford University Medical Center, October 14, 2009

Patients reporting new low-back pain are more likely to undergo surgery if treated in an area with a higher-than-average concentration of magnetic resonance imaging machines, according to research from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

This may be bad news for patients, since previous studies have found that increased surgery rates don’t improve patient outcomes. “The worry is that many people will not benefit from the surgery, so heading in this direction is concerning,” said senior author Laurence Baker, PhD, professor of health research and policy. Read More >

“Fast-acting, pain-free medical news and commentary.” That’s what “Scope,” a new blog from the Office of Communication & Public Affairs, promises to deliver. The site began its official rollout on Oct. 12, though it has been up and running as a beta project since last spring.

‘Scope’s goal is to provide high quality, timely conversations about biomedical research and health-care policy. In addition to covering the achievements of the faculty, staff and students, Scope will also provide insight on medical and scientific developments around the world. The communications office hopes to build it into a leading voice in the biomedical blogosphere. Read More >

Stanford University Medical Center, October 12, 2009.

What many senior citizens fear most — more than disease — is losing their independence because they can no longer move around easily.

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine are recruiting older adults to determine the effectiveness of two senior lifestyle programs aimed at preserving participants’ mobility and independence. Read more >