Bernard Oxman

University of Miami School of Law Professor Bernard H. Oxman, a globally renowned expert on the law of the sea, delivered the inaugural lecture of the course in public international law at The Hague Academy of International Law on July 26.

More than 300 students from over 80 countries attended Oxman’s lecture, “Idealism and the Study of International Law,” which was held at the academy’s facilities at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The lecture will be published in the next volume of the academy’s widely distributed Collected Courses.

Professor Oxman has served as judge ad hoc of both the International Court of  Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and is the only American to have been appointed to both courts.

At the University of Miami, he regularly teaches courses on conflict of laws, international law, law of the sea, and torts. Before joining UM’s School of Law in 1977, he was assistant legal adviser for oceans, environment, and scientific affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He also served as U.S. representative to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea.

Mauricio G. Cohen, associate professor of medicine

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), more commonly known as angioplasty, is a widely used method of restoring blood flow to the heart. During those procedures, a certain amount of anticoagulation is necessary to prevent blood clots during the procedure. The challenge for physicians is that anticoagulants used for PCI often increase the risk of bleeding, especially at femoral access points in the thigh.

A multisite study led by a Miller School cardiologist has provided the first clinical application of a unique medication protocol consisting of an anticoagulant that thins the blood followed by a control agent that quickly reverses the process after the intervention.

Mauricio G. Cohen, associate professor of medicine in the Cardiovascular Division, led the Phase IIa study, which he calls “an important milestone in the search for safer anticoagulants for patients undergoing procedures in the catheterization lab.” The study results are published in the July 26 online issue of Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association.

The study represented the first clinical application of REG1, a unique RNA drug system made up of an anticoagulant/blood thinner (RB006) and a control agent (RB007) to reverse anticoagulation. The REG1 system, developed by Regado Biosciences, Inc., is the first of its kind to enter clinical testing. This Phase IIa, multisite randomized study compared REG1 with unfractionated heparin during angioplasty.

The 26-patient trial was conducted between October 2007 and October 2008 at four U.S. sites and one in Argentina. The study indicated the use of the anticoagulant (RB006) provided a rapid and measurable response in patients. The control agent of REG1, RB007, which reverses the anticoagulation effect, was then used to control the step-down process. Cohen says the product can be administered according to the specific needs of the patient.

Read the full story

From left, William Donelan; Laz Pagan, chief nursing and operating officer for UMHC and Sylvester; David Zambrana, chief nursing and operations officer for UMMG; Hector Jimenez, medical director for University of Miami Hospital; Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt; Fredrick Moffat, professor of surgery; William O'Neill; and Michele Chulick.

Miller School Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt was named Business Leader of the Year in the hospital category by Business Leader Media at the Second Annual Business Leader of the Year Awards ceremony held at The Bankers Club in downtown Miami on June 14.

“It is often said that it takes a village to make progress and positive change,” said Dean Goldschmidt. “The same can be said for UHealth-University of Miami Health System. I am very proud of our team of dedicated professionals, who provide leading-edge health care to our South Florida community and beyond.”

Also in attendance were William O’Neill, executive dean for clinical affairs and chief medical officer, UHealth; William Donelan, vice president for medical affairs and chief operating and strategy officer; and Michele Chulick, associate vice president and executive director of clinical operations.

Dean Goldschmidt was selected from among three finalists in the hospital category and will be featured in the June 2010 issue of Business Leader Magazine (formerly South Florida CEO). Awards were given out in ten business sectors from a record number of nominations.

James M. Tien

James M. Tien, distinguished professor, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Miami, and world-renowned researcher and educator who has devoted more than 25 years to enhancing IEEE’s image and improving the services it provides to its members and industry, is being honored with the 2010 IEEE Richard M. Emberson Award. IEEE is the world’s largest professional association advancing technology for humanity.

“I am deeply honored by this award,” says Tien. “Moreover, to be recognized for doing what I enthusiastically volunteered to do—to make IEEE the organization of choice for technical, publication, and educational activities—is akin to receiving a double honor. It has been a humbling and rewarding experience.”

Read the full story

Christian Garcia

Christian Garcia, director of the University of Miami’s Toppel Career Center, has been chosen as one of the South Florida Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees.

The 40 recipients will be honored at an event on Thursday, July 29 at Nova Southeastern University and will be featured in the South Florida Business Journal’s June 25 edition. The magazine singles out the best and brightest individuals under 40 years old for their professional honors, success, and community involvement. The awards are sponsored by Nova Southeastern University.

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” says Garcia. “It is an incentive to continue to strive for excellence in all I do.”

On its website, the magazine cites that the award is given to “young professionals who are among our community’s most vital assets, and it is important to recognize and acknowledge those who are making great strides in shaping its future. The emphasis of the award is on leadership and potential leadership, whether it be in business, law, real estate, nonprofits, education, health care, public service, or other industries. Focus is placed on the nominees’ community involvement.”

Garcia, 36, is responsible for overseeing and managing career resources and services for students and alumni. Before taking on this role, he served as the associate director of employer relations for eight years, working directly with employers who recruit UM students for internships and full-time opportunities. Prior to the University of Miami, he worked at the University of Michigan and Millersville University of Pennsylvania in the areas of new student orientation, student activities, and leadership programs.