Well-child visit

While some may say that “everything is free and available on the Internet” medical professionals know that the full-text of all published journal articles or medical textbooks is not available online – even from Google. The PubMed database is free to search but often only citations and abstracts are available for free, and ordering from the publisher may cost $40-50. Once a relevant citation is identified, a clinician needs to get the article as quickly as possible.

The Dana Medical Library may be able to help. As the Resource Library of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine for Vermont and as part of UVM’s community service mission, Dana Library offers a set of services to health care providers who are unaffiliated with UVM or Fletcher Allen. Journal article delivery service and literature search services are available at a reasonable cost (less than direct from the publisher) to physicians, providers, public health professionals and others throughout the state.

Services offered include:

• Health Research Associate Accounts. The Library provides information resources and services to unaffiliated individuals and organizations through our Health Research Associate (HRA) program.  Membership covers search and reference services, borrowing of books, and document/article delivery options.  Members may request services electronically.   http://library.uvm.edu/dana/services/hra/index.php

• Loansome Doc Accounts. This is a category of service for individuals who only want medical article delivery service utilizing the Loansome Doc feature in the PubMed database.  Only publications indexed in NLM’s PubMed database can be ordered through  Loansome Doc, but this simple inexpensive option may work well for some health care providers.   http://library.uvm.edu/dana/about/access/loan_doc/index.php

It’s easy to use an HRA or Loansome Doc account. After you or your organization pay a basic membership fee, you may request articles and services using several forms available from the Dana website. You or your organization will receive a monthly itemized bill. For questions and fee schedules, please contact Lesley Boucher at 656-4404, or Lesley.Boucher@uvm.edu.

Free Medical Information on the Internet

Thanks to NIH policies and recent legislation, there is increasing public access to medical research publications. This increase in access was driven in part by a desire to see government-supported research made easily available to its funders: the taxpayers. The Dana Library has created a web guide entitled “Free Medical Resources to Support Clinical Care.”  http://danaguides.uvm.edu/freeresources. Examples of freely available resources linked on this site include the PubMed database, the Guidelines Clearinghouse website, the NLM Drug Information Portal, NCBI Bookshelf and other open access book and journal lists. NIH’s MedlinePlus consumer health website for patient educational resources is also a link.

Medical and Health Informatics Education Opportunities

Classes on searching the biomedical literature such as PubMed and Google are held at Dana Library free of charge. On campus classes are held on Wednesdays at noon: http://library.uvm.edu/dana/services/currentclasses.php. Group sessions may be arranged for HRA organizations and individuals. Medical librarians will always answer telephone or email reference questions from anyone in Vermont. A charge may apply for detailed literature searches.

Dana Director, Marianne Burke

Dana Medical Library is dedicated to being your source for a variety of clinical and research information services depending on the level of support you need.

Please feel free to contact Marianne Burke, Director Marianne.Burke@uvm.edu or Lesley Boucher, Access Services, Lesley.Boucher@uvm.edu for further information.

One of Dana’s most-used services is assistance with EndNote. And now, thanks to librarian Angie Chapple-Sokol, a new Online Resource Guide [http://danaguides.uvm.edu/Endnote] has been created to assist patrons in their use of EndNote, the bibliographic management software that helps organize your references and produce bibliographies for the preparation of papers and grants. This guide covers EndNote basics, choosing EndNote or EndNote Web, creating a library, managing the library and using the citations in your writing.

Editing a paper photograph by Nic’s events used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.

Indiana Pathology Images: Mycology

Dana Library is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new resource, the Indiana Pathology Images™ Mycology database.

From their description:

“The Indiana Pathology Images™ Mycology database, containing more than 600 photomicrographs, was developed for the purpose of providing a visual atlas that would serve as a resource for students and practitioners alike. The criteria used in selecting the “Grouping” of fungi in this atlas was an arbitrary determination by the authors who recognize that there are some fungi that may be included in more than one group. The authors included not only the “textbook” perfect images but also examples of the not-so-perfect morphologic appearances often observed in clinical specimens. It is beyond the scope of this database atlas to be all-inclusive and the authors recommend that comprehensive texts continue to be used as references when identifying fungal pathogens.

The authors have gone to great lengths to assure the standardization of image sizes. For comparative purposes, magnification is provided for all microscopic images. Since this CD has been designed for use as a “visual” review and image resource, text has been limited. For detailed discussion and descriptions, the authors recommend use of other clinical mycology resources (e.g., textbooks, websites).”

Image above: Epidermophyton floccosum – Microscopic Morphology, 100x Lactophenol cotton blue from Indiana Pathology Images Mycology.

Current Protocols provides up-to-date methods for scientific research in 14 titles spanning the life sciences. Scientists contribute methods in areas of research identified by the Current Protocols editorial board members. The board members—along with a full-time, in-house editorial staff of M.S. and Ph.D. scientists—then review, fine-tune, and edit the content for clarity, consistency of style, and presentation. Already-published procedures are reviewed periodically and revised “as needed” to keep all the protocols up-to-date. Most titles are updated quarterly—both in print and online.

For years the Dana Medical Library has subscribed to many of these titles in print. The Library is pleased to announce that 6 Current Protocols titles are now available electronically:

• Current Protocols in Bioinformatics
• Current Protocols in Cell Biology
• Current Protocols in Human Genetics
• Current Protocols in Microbiology
• Current Protocols in Molecular Biology
• Current Protocols in Protein Science.

Dana also receives Current Protocols in Immunology and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology in print.

For more information on Current Protocols, including a handy tutorial, see Current Protocols on the Library’s web site.

Tubes photograph by striatic used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.

Ninety years ago, the 1918-19 Flu Pandemic was called the “greatest medical holocaust in history.” Best estimates put the worldwide death toll anywhere from 50 to 100 million people.  The H1N1 virus, an unusually virulent strain of influenza A, was identified as the deadly culprit behind that pandemic. Now, fast-forward to 2009, and the H1N1 virus has re-emerged around the world with a vengeance.

A new exhibit at the Dana Medical Library, H1N1 Flu: 1918-19 & 2009, traces the epidemiological and historical aspects of this virus in two different centuries. The images and texts in the exhibit hope to shed some light on the virus’ impact on a world at war, on student life at UVM, and even on literary works on the shelves at the Bailey/Howe Library. Current 2009 influenza statistics from the Vermont Department of Health will be monitored and posted weekly for this dynamic display.

Dans l’air du temps (d’actualité) photo by =xAv= used in accordance with the Creative Commons License.

To your health : achieving well-being during medical school by Wolf, Thomas M., 1944- (Thousand Oaks, [Calif.] : Sage Publications, 2001)

“How is it possible to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and academic life during medical school? Quite a challenge! This is a practical, hands-on, experiential book about how to achieve well-being during medical school. Premedical and medical students as well as those in the helping professions will benefit from reading it.

You can diagnose yourself and assess how well you are fulfilling your needs in ten lifestyle areas: time management; exercise and physical activity; relaxation, meditation, visualization, and imagery; spirituality; communication skills and social support; cognitive and coping skills; nutrition; substance use; humor; and touch and massage. Following each self-evaluation, you are provided with practical information and easy, engaging, and enjoyable exercise to enhance your health and well being.

The right time to take responsibility for your own health is now! Encouraging the practice of healthy living in your patients will lead to an improvement in the quantity and quality of life in our society.”

Clinical clerkships : the heart of professional development by Ways, Peter, 1928- (Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications, 2000)

W 18 W359c 2000

Publisher Description:

“A medical student’s clinical clerkship is characterized by-among other things-long hours, insufficient sleep, daily frustrations, and emotional burdens. At the same time, it will be a defining professional experience, as well as a rewarding life experience. Clinical Clerkships takes the third or fourth year student through the unstated curriculum of the clerkship to address those difficulties not often discussed by deans, educators, practitioners, professors, or lab assistants. Through practical discussion and germane vignettes, the authors not only describe the difficult issues involved in clerkships; they also provide solutions and stimulate discovery.”

Hints for success in medical school and the match by Giza, Eric. (Alexandria, Va. : J & S, 2000)

W 18 G539h 2000

Publisher Description

“This book offers practical advice about navigating the academic, social, and political hurdles of medical school and residency matching. Written in an informal, student-friendly fashion, this book is like having a successful friend at hand to advise you on survival and success skills for medical school. The book has chapters devoted to each year of medical school, residency matching, and the end of medical school.”

Philosophy of psychopharmacology : smart pills, happy pills, and pepp pills by Stein, Dan J. (Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008)

Publisher Description:

“Psychotropic agents have been effective for the treatment of the emotional, and cognitive symptoms of serious psychiatric disorders. At the same time, the availability of such agents raises questions about the appropriate use of what might be termed ’smart pills’, ‘happy pills’, or ‘pepp pills’. This volume argues that developments in modern psychopharmacology raise a range of important philosophical questions, and may ultimately change the way we think about ourselves. It provides a framework for addressing important philosophical issues in psychiatry and psychopharmacology. The approach is a naturalistic one, drawing on theory and data from modern cognitive-affective neuroscience and attempts to address objective and subjective aspects of psychiatric disorders, to integrate our knowledge of mechanisms and meanings, and to provide a balanced view of the good and the bad of psychotropics.”

Pharmacodynamic basis of herbal medicine by Ebadi, Manuchair S. (Boca Raton : CRC/Taylor & Francis, 2007)

Publisher Description

“Continuing in the tradition of the acclaimed first edition, Pharmacodynamic Basis of Herbal Medicine, Second Edition examines in extensive detail the physiologic effects of complimentary and alternative therapies, foods, supplements, vitamins, and traditional herbal remedies. The author considers the site, mode, and mechanism of action to explain the desired and adverse effects and interactions of each herb, drug, and food in an encyclopedic volume. Devoting entire chapters to the most influential herbal remedies, the text either endorses or debunks popular conceptions with pure scientific data. The author provides answers to today’s naturopathic questions by paying particular attention to the chronic diseases engendered by obesity, as well as Alzheimer’s, cancer, imbalances of neurotransmitters such as Parkinson’s, and depression. Incorporating current research on the devastating role of chronic systemic inflammation and the cumulative effect of poor oxygen metabolism and free radicals on changes in mitochondrial DNA, enzyme activity, and accelerations in the aging process, the text bridges the gap between ancient remedies and modern knowledge. Deconstructing the molecular mystery that is the interaction among herbal properties, physiology, and disease, Pharmacodynamic Basis of Herbal Medicine, Second Edition opens the door to successful herbal treatment.”

The UVM Libraries’ new book list is updated weekly. Subscribe via RSS feed to subjects that interest you. (Find subject categories listed here, RSS Feed available once in a subject area.)

For thirteen years the Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries have offered the October Conference to New England librarians. The idea behind the conference is to have a day-long series of short presentations on one topic that are focused on the more practical aspects of librarianship. As library staff across New England knows, this conference is well-attended, timely and always informative.

This year two employees of the Dana Medical Library presented at this popular conference whose theme this year was, “Staff Development on a Shoestring.”

Colin McClung at the October Conference

Colin McClung, Circulation Assistant at Dana, presented “Using Jing to Add Swing to Your Tutorials.” Colin discussed Jing, a free, downloadable program that allows screen capturing, annotation and sharing, and how he’s used it to make high-quality “How To” guides for his student worker orientations. He also uses Jing to create many of the visual tutorials now available on the Dana Library web site. [See this recent post for more information.] As one attendee tweeted during the conference:  “Anxious 2 try Jing; looks easy peasy!”

Donna O'Malley

Donna O’Malley, Library Associate Professor and head of the education program at Dana, presented “Adapting a Learning 2.0 Program” about Dana’s adaptation of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County’s experiential learning program for Dana’s library staff. She noted that Learning 2.0 enabled staff at Dana to use Web 2.0 technologies and become internet contributors as well as consumers.

See the Darmouth October Conference site for more information, and links to these and other presentations.

A core reference resource in the sciences for many years has been the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. UVM Libraries also subscribes to  McGraw-Hill AccessScience 2.0 — the enhanced online version of this product.

This database provides full text access to over 8500 online articles, 110,000+ definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 15,000 illustrations and graphics, as well as a host of value added features such as RSS feeds, access to podcasts, all with a great new interface and search engine to make finding information easier.

Questions regarding this product may be referred to the library liaison for engineering Elizabeth Hassemer elizabeth.hassemer@uvm.edu.

Fletcher Allen Health Care Ambulatory Care Center

For years now, the Dana Medical Library has worked collaboratively with the Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, Fletcher Allen Hospital’s patient medical library, but we’re often asked:

What is the Frymoyer and what do they do?

The Dana Medical Library Newsletter sat down with Alan Lampson, Coordinator of Fletcher Allen’s Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center, to find out more about this library, its services and staff recommended resources for patients.

What is the Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center and what is its mission?

The Frymoyer Center is a patient education center. We help patients, their family members and members of the general community who are looking for health information and local resources. People can come into the Center and use our computers to do health research, borrow materials or ask for assistance. In addition people can call or e-mail for help. We help everyone, whether they are a Fletcher Allen patient or not and there is no charge for any of our services.

What is your relationship to the Dana Medical Library?

First off, I think of our relationship as a triage: if we have questions that are very complex or very technical, we can refer the patron to Dana.

But we also work collaboratively with Dana. We have worked on two large projects together: Vermont Go Local and a project called Connecting Patients, Providers and the Community to Quality Health Information. Vermont Go Local is a statewide directory of health care services that is linked to MedlinePlus.  The Connecting Patients, Providers and the Community to Quality Health Information project was an outreach and education project that involved the staff and patients at Milton Family Practice as well as the staff at the Milton Public Library. Both of these projects were NLM/ NER (National Library of Medicine/New England Region) funded projects. In the past we have also tabled together at the Breast Cancer Conference, as well as other outreach events.

How many staff members do you have and what is their background?

Alan Lampson and Kristine Zaker of the Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center

We have 2 staff members. I am the coordinator of the Center and have a Master of Library Science from the State University of New York, University Center at Albany. I have been here 7 years and previous to this I worked for 14 years as a medical librarian for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Kristine Zaker is the Center’s Health Educator. Kristine has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the State University of New York, College at Potsdam. Kristine can be found in the Center helping our many patrons or out in the community spreading the news about our services and informing people about healthy living and wellness.

Does the Center offer instruction of any kind?

Several times a year I do classes and presentations for the public and health care providers on how to use the Internet to search for health information.  When someone comes in to the Center we offer to help them either by doing the search for them or showing them how to search for themselves.

You see a lot of patients and families, and you answer a lot of questions. What are some of your favorite resources? Do you have any favorite lesser-known health internet sites?

Kristine and I both use MedlinePlus several times a day.  I like a web site from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/AZlist.html) that provides a list of Patient decision guides that are available on the internet. Decision guides help patients make decisions about testing and treatment options.  Kristine is a big fan of Natural Standard (a database of evidence based information about complementary and alternative medicine) and the wealth of information it provides.

For more information about the Frymoyer, including a video tour, see their web site.

Fall 2009

Wednesdays, Noon-1 PM

Bring your lunch and your questions to the Dana Library Conference Room for our Brown Bag Lunch and Learn sessions.

Our workshops are open to UVM and FAHC faculty, staff and students.

We can custom design a workshop for you, for your class, or for your work group. Workshops can be held in the Library or in another more convenient location for you. Call 656-4415 or email donna.omalley@uvm.edu for more information or to schedule a session. Workshops on these topics are readily available, or request a customized combination of topics.

Questions? Call 656-2201, or send an email to danaref@uvm.edu.

Blue Bottle brown bag lunch photo by Mazarine, used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.

The Community Medical School lecture series began in 1998 and was designed to provide people in the community with an opportunity to share in the medical learning experience. The program advisory committee includes: basic science and clinical faculty members from the University of Vermont College of Medicine; a medical student; and members of the College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen Health Care public relations departments. The committee’s goal is to choose timely topics and faculty recognized for their ability to present scientific information in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner.

Offered each semester, Community Medical School consists of seven weekly lectures on such diverse subjects as heart failure, DNA, food allergies, asthma, melanoma, stem cell transplants, coronary artery bypass surgery and incontinence. Each lecture is videotaped for distribution to libraries and to public access cable television stations around the state.

Attendance is free, but registration is strongly encouraged. Call (802) 847-2886 for more information or to register.

Online Registration

Fall 2009 Topics

Fall 2009 brochure (PDF)

Past lectures on DVD

September 22
Going Deep: Brain Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders
Paul Penar, M.D., Professor of Surgery and Neurosurgeon, and James Boyd, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurologist

Dana Medical Library owns many titles on Parkinson’s. Those in the Consumer Health Collection can be borrowed by Vermont residents for free. Simply obtain a Consumer Health Borrower’s Card.