People

Carolyn D. Britten
Carolyn D. Britten, M.D., a noted expert in cancer drug development, has joined MUSC's Hollings Cancer Center and will serve as director of the cancer center's growing Phase I Clinical Trials Research Program. The medical oncologist was recruited from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center where her leadership positions from 2001-2012 included serving as director of Protocol-Specific Research Support and associate director of the Signal Transduction and Therapeutics Program.

Hollings Director Andrew S. Kraft, M.D., said the center is glad to have her join the team. "Known for her knowledge and experience in drug discovery and Phase I clinical trials, she will work closely with our clinicians, researchers and industry partners to build a renowned Phase I program. Her contributions will lead to more novel early-phase treatment options for our cancer patients and help transition promising laboratory research into the clinic."

Hollings has 30 Phase I trials in progress and 11 scheduled to open this year. Britten said MUSC and Hollings demonstrate a commitment to developing an impressive Phase I program by earning designation from the National Cancer Institute, recruiting accomplished scientists and investing in technology and infrastructure.

"Phase I trials are where we begin to explore whether a new drug that looks promising in the lab can make a difference in the lives of patients," Britten said.

"There is a keen interest in drug development at MUSC, and I look forward to collaborating with the basic, translational and clinical researchers here."

Robin Bissinger
Robin Bissinger, Ph.D., R.N., associate dean for academics in the College of Nursing, has been selected for Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing. The academy is composed of more than 1,800 members who are leaders in education, management, practice, policy and research.

Golden Rose Hartley
Fourth-year dental student Golden Rose Hartley was named the 2012-2013 Pierre Fauchard Academy's Dental Student Scholarship Award winner. The Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., native was praised for her contributions to the dental school and meeting the scholarship's qualities of integrity, imagination, initiative and excellent communication skills.

Joseph Meserve
Joseph Meserve, Hematology/Oncology, is one of 44 recipients of the 2012 American Society of Hematology Trainee Research Award. Meserve will receive $1,000 to travel to the society's annual meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Attendance at this event provides recipients with opportunities to network with leaders in the field and to learn about the latest research and therapies in hematology.

Events

Faculty Convocation
The 2012 Faculty Convocation titled, "From Discovery to Improved Therapeutics: The role of entrepreneurialism," will begin at 4:30 p.m., Aug. 21 in Room DD110, Drug Discovery Building. The keynote address will be delivered by Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., dean, College of Graduate Studies. A reception will follow in the lobby. For information, visit http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/convocation.

The Strides for Autism event will be held Oct. 6 at the Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. Onsite registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 9 a.m. Although there is no minimum donation, individuals who participate at the $25 level will receive a free walk T-shirt. Registration and other inforamtion for Strides for Autism is available at www.scautism.org/strides or by calling 800-438-4790.

The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Health Unit and the MUSC Level 1 Trauma Center were at Front Beach Isle of Palms July 14. The Mobile Health Unit provided free skin cancer screenings and the Trauma Center provided summer safety tips. Participants received free sunscreen samples and sunglasses. The next screening and safety event will be Aug. 11 at James Island County Park. For information call 792-0878.