A Look at FOCIS Centers of Excellence

Mark Holterman, MD, is a pediatric surgeon who holds degrees from Yale and the University of Virginia. Currently, Dr. Mark Holterman retired as an attending pediatric surgeon and pediatrics professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Holterman augments his medical work with membership in professional organizations that include the American College of Surgeons and the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS).

Since its founding in 2003, FOCIS has advanced breakthroughs in disease therapy by bringing together opinion leaders, researchers, and clinicians. The organization currently maintains 58 member societies made up of nearly 70,000 clinician scientists.

FOCIS also maintains 74 Centers of Excellence (FCEs) that work together to accelerate scientific and clinical education and innovation. FCEs, which are based at academic medical centers, implement a multidisciplinary approach to clinical research. Each FCE includes several multidisciplinary researchers who hold expertise in three or more areas of clinical research. Together, FCE researchers provide students with training opportunities, collaborate on research efforts, and generate continuing education opportunities for professionals.

For additional information, visit www.focisnet.org.

A Look at Some Early Indicators of Autoimmunity

 

Autoimmunity
Image: webmd.com

A former National Merit Scholar at Yale University, Mark Holterman, MD leverages decades of clinical experience as a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, Illinois. Also a researcher, Dr. Mark Holterman holds a particular interest in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, obesity, innovative cancer treatments, and autoimmunity.

Autoimmunity refers to a condition in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the body itself. Some form of autoimmunity is present in everyone, but when serious it can lead to a range of autoimmune diseases that include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. Although it is not known what causes autoimmune disease, genetic history, infections, diet, and chemical exposure are all thought to play a role.

Many autoimmune disorders have unique symptoms. However, the early symptoms are often quite similar. In addition to fatigue and muscle aches, individuals with autoimmune disorders may experience swelling, inflammation, and a fever. Hair loss, hand and foot numbness, and rashes on the skin may also be present. Lastly, autoimmune disorders often make it difficult for individuals to concentrate.

About the 2018 AACA Annual Meeting

 

American Association of Clinical Anatomists
Image: clinical-anatomy.org

An accomplished pediatric surgeon with upwards of three decades of experience in the field, Mark Holterman, MD, serves as a faculty member at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. An active member of a number of professional organizations, Dr. Mark Holterman belongs to the American Association Of Clinical Anatomists (AACA).

The AACA will hold its 35th Annual conference on July 8-12, 2018 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by the Morehouse School of Medicine, the event will feature keynote speakers and breakout sessions geared toward arming attendees with the latest advances and information in the field of clinical anatomy.

Lodging for the conference will be available on-site at the Grand Hyatt and shuttle options will be available from the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to the hotel for those traveling by plane to the conference. To learn more about the meeting or register, visit www.clinical-anatomy.org.

IPSAC-VN Nonprofit Group Improves Pediatric Surgery In Vietnam

 

IPSAC-VN
Image: ipsacvietnam.org

Dr. Mark Holterman, a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, actively contributes to the advancement of regenerative medicine. In addition to teaching and serving on advisory boards, Mark Holterman, MD, supports the International Pediatric Specialists Alliance for the Children of Vietnam (IPSAC-VN).

IPSAC-VN is a nonprofit that helps Vietnamese children who need specialized surgical attention. The organization also trains local providers on surgical techniques. Recent projects of IPSAC-VN include a trip to Vietnam Kon Tum General Hospital, where a pediatric surgery team delivered tools and supplies and spent time teaching bedside and operating room skills.

In addition, physician volunteers visited Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, where they donated supplies and conducted clinic visits to evaluate pediatric patients before surgery. The IPSAC-VN team also followed up on the interdisciplinary oncology care program it helped establish at the hospital several years ago.

NIH Medical Scientist Training Program Funds Biomedical Research

 

MSTP
Image: nih.gov

A professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Mark Holterman formerly served as an attending pediatric surgeon at Rush University Medical Center and as the surgeon-in-chief at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Mark Holterman, MD, started his medical career at the University of Virginia in the National Institutes of Health Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

Funded through the Ruth L. Kirschstein Grant, the MSTP program supports the training of qualified students who are seeking dual doctorates (MD and PhD) and are motivated to pursue biomedical research and other research-related careers in academia, industry, and government. Benefitting from an education that integrates biomedical sciences with clinical training, 900 trainees at 48 sites are funded through the MSTP program.

Students can choose research projects in a wide array of specialties, including biology, chemistry, behavioral science, and computer science. Those who prevail in the highly competitive grant selection process typically spend eight years obtaining their dual degrees. MSTP grant winners receive a stipend and tuition allowance.

ADA Praises Congress for Funding Special Diabetes Program

 

American Diabetes Association
Image: professional.diabetes.org

With three decades of experience as a physician and an educator, Mark Holterman, MD, serves as a professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In addition to his work as an educator, Dr. Mark Holterman engages with such organizations as the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The ADA recently praised the federal government for agreeing to fund the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) to the tune of $600 million. SDP is one of the major drivers of research into type 1 diabetes and how to prevent type 2 diabetes for American Indians across the country. Thanks to this new funding, researchers will be able to continue exploring new treatments for diabetes in these communities, which are at exceptionally high risk of developing the disease.

The ADA recognized the Diabetes Caucuses in both houses of Congress for their work in helping this funding package come to fruition. The organization says it will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure that programs such as SDP continue to receive the support they need.

Study – Enhanced Recovery Plan for Colorectal Surgical Patients

 

Dr. Mark J. Holterman
Image: osfhealthcare.org

Mark Holterman, MD, serves as a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Mark Holterman also is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

According to a recent study published by the American College of Surgeons, a new procedure for handling patient care through every stage of colorectal surgery not only helps these individuals have better outcomes, but also reduces the amount of time they have to stay in the hospital after surgery and results in lowered opioid pain medication usage.

In their study, researchers found that this new enhanced recovery program reduced hospital stays by an average of two days. Patients also were 14 percent less likely to develop abnormal bowel function and required 500-plus fewer units of morphine to manage their pain. The study’s lead author, Ian Paquette, MD, FACS, touted the results as a major breakthrough for surgeons and patients looking for better ways to handle recovery.

AACA Looks at Parametric Human

 

American Association of Clinical Anatomists
Image: clinical-anatomy.org

A board-certified pediatric surgeon, Mark Holterman, MD, serves as a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Active in the medical field outside of his work, Dr. Mark Holterman is a member of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA).

The AACA recently highlighted the work of a multidisciplinary team of doctors and data scientists that could fundamentally shift the way we doctors tailor individualized medical treatment. Dubbed the parametric human, researchers are close to developing a completely 3D-printable “virtual” human that can be customized with all the different musculoskeletal variations currently known.

Doctors would then be able to run diagnostic tests on this virtual human to potentially see how it can respond to certain types of treatment, eliminating the need for animal testing altogether. The group behind the project says the goal is to become intimately familiar with the human body, beyond the superficial diagrams and other data that is so often used in anatomical education.

About PAPS Membership

 

Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons
Image: pacificassociationofpediatricsurgeons.org

A longtime proponent of stem cell research and therapy, Mark Holterman, MD, serves as pediatrics professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Alongside his work, Dr. Mark Holterman belongs to the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons (PAPS).

PAPS is an exclusive organization aimed at promoting fellowship and education among doctors who are from Pacific Rim nations. The organization currently has more than 500 members spanning 23 countries. Surgeons who spend more than 90 percent of their time in pediatric care are eligible to join the organization through geography and by invitation.

Potential applicants must either currently be practicing pediatric surgery in a Pacific-bordering country. If that surgeon moves away from the Pacific area, they can remain in the organizations by attending at least three PAPS meetings within the last decade. They must also be practicing pediatric surgeons for at least a year before becoming eligible to apply for membership.

American Diabetes Association Issues Joint Guidance on CGMs

 

American Diabetes Association
Image: diabetes.org

Possessing decades of experience as both a physician and an educator, Mark Holterman, MD, serves as a professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In addition to his work educating students, Dr. Mark Holterman is a longtime supporter of the American Diabetes Association.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide people with diabetes real-time feedback about changes in their blood sugar levels. This helps them decide whether or not to eat different things or integrate some exercise into their daily routines. Even though these devices offer significant benefits to patients, they are not used as much as they could be, because a lack of standardized guidelines exist on how they should be prescribed. That’s why the American Diabetes Association has partnered with the European Association for the Study of Diabetes to issue a joint statement called “Improving the Clinical Value and Utility of CGM Systems: Issues and Recommendations.”

The new statement provides recommendations on marketing, clinical data reporting, and regulatory guidance, among other items. It can be found in the December 2017 edition of Diabetes Care and is based on a comprehensive examination of 50-plus scientific articles about CGMs.

The Potential of Regenerative Medicine to Restore Organ Function

 

Dr. Mark J. Holterman
Image: osfhealthcare.org

Dr. Mark Holterman, a longtime advocate of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, serves as pediatrics professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Reflecting decades of research employing ethically sourced fetal stem cells, Mark J. Holterman, MD, seeks to promote the academic study of the safety and efficacy of innovative treatment modalities.

An emerging area of medical science, regenerative medicine at its foundation centers on restoring the functionality of organs and tissues, specifically those that have been damaged or are associated with chronic disease and severe injuries that do not respond to conventional therapies. Restoration of function is enabled through a combination of tissue engineering and gene editing advancements, which allows stem cells to be remodeled as three-dimensional tissue structures and organoids that meet highly specific needs.

Enabling this is the potentially limitless ability of stem cells to divide and transdifferentiate into a variety of cell types. As such, stem cells provide a foundation for the body’s full range of organs and tissues. Employing microengineering and cell transplantation techniques, organoids are grown that have the potential to take the place of donated organs and tissues, which are of limited supply and expensive.

Three Patient Benefits of Cellular Therapies

 

Mark J Holterman

A pediatric surgeon with more than two decades of experience, Mark Holterman, MD, teaches medical students and residents at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and serves as the chief medical officer for Mariam Global Health. Dr. Mark Holterman also maintains an interest in stem cell therapy and has published numerous articles on the subject. Stem cell therapies offer multiple benefits to patients, as outlined below.

1. Treats a wide range of conditions. From cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases to orthopedic injuries, cellular therapies can treat a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Research indicates that cellular therapies can help stimulate the repair and growth of blood vessel tissues surrounding the heart and offer relief from degenerative symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Medical researchers also suspect that adult stem cells may possess the ability to help patients with autoimmune diseases and diabetes.

2. Promotes wound healing. Stem cell therapy accelerates tissue growth and boosts the body’s production of collagen, a protein found in skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and the digestive system that strengthens skin and replaces dead cells. The increase of collagen concentration tightens damaged tissue and reduces scars by growing healthy tissue.

3. Improved success for transplants. Cellular therapies give patients the option to transplant cells from one area of their body to another, which decreases the possibility of a rejection response.