His breast cancer group included 12 laboratory researchers and a clinical staff of six performing trials in patients with breast cancer. With additional research funds that should be available, Dr. Cowan said, he hopes to double cancer center research during the next 5 to 10 years. About 25 students spent their spring break helping others in Jamaica. The Student Alliance for Global Health organized the trip to Falmouth, a poor, medically underserved city of about 10,000. While there, students from the College of Medicine and Dentistry diagnosed and treated patients, provided screening for diabetes, hypertension and other conditions, performed minor surgery and provided dental procedures.
Medical care is provided in a small house that was converted into a four-room clinic.
One physician serves the area. Outstanding Investigator Ira Fox, M.D., was named the 1999 College of Medicine Outstanding Investigator. Dr. Fox, associate professor in the Department of Surgery, proved that liver cells, which are essential to liver function, could be immobilized and infused into laboratory animals to reverse liver failure. The procedure is an alternative to solid organ transplantation. The Outstanding Investigator Award recognizes the achievements of a College of Medicine investigator.