HOUSTON
Oncology Research pg.3
Healthy Heart pg.5
Advanced Healthcare pg.9
Financial Forecast pg.12
Still in Telemedicine Limbo: DEA Issues Third Temporary Rule Extending Controlled Substance Prescribing Flexibilities Through December 2025
By Joelle M. Wilson, J.D. Laura D. Pone, J.D. Polsinelli, PC
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced a third temporary extension of the telemedicine flexibilities originally implemented during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This third extension continues the current controlled substance telemedicine prescribing rules, which allow practitioners to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine without requiring an in-person visit. The provisions will stay in effect through December 31, 2025.
Background and Current Status
Since the PHE’s expiration in May 2023, the DEA has issued a series of temporary extensions to maintain telemedicine flexibilities while working on permanent rules. Under these flexibilities, practitioners can prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without an in-person evaluation, a policy credited with expanding access to care, particularly for those in rural and underserved areas. Practitioners can also prescribe schedule III-V narcotic-controlled medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance and withdrawal management treatment of opioid use disorder via audio-only telemedicine.
The DEA has signaled its
intent to develop a long-term regulatory framework. However, its initial proposals in early 2023 faced significant backlash. Critics argued that the proposed rules — requiring in-person visits after 30 days for most prescriptions — would undermine the progress made during the PHE. Following an unprecedented volume of public comments, the DEA announced a commitment to further study the issue, resulting in the ongoing temporary measures.
In June 2024, the DEA submitted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). While the specifics of the NPRM have not been made public, sources speculate that the DEA is considering rules that would significantly modify telemedicine prescribing practices.
Stakeholder Responses
Public interest groups, medical associations, and patient advocacy organizations are actively shaping the debate:
• Medical Organizations: Groups such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the
American Telemedicine Association (ATA) have pushed for permanent telemedicine flexibilities, emphasizing the positive impact on patient outcomes.
• Patient Advocacy Groups: Mental health and substance use disorder advocates argue that restricting telehealth prescriptions could lead to treatment gaps for vulnerable populations.
• Law Enforcement Concerns: Some groups, including law enforcement representatives, have raised concerns about the potential for telemedicine to facilitate the diversion of controlled substances. Likelihood of Permanent Flexibilities There is growing speculation about whether the current telemedicine flexibilities will be made permanent. The DEA faces pressure to balance public health needs, particularly access to mental health and addiction treatment, with concerns about potential misuse of controlled substances. While the agency has not
Oncology Research Cancer Among Young Adults is on the Rise:
What You Need to Know About This Concerning Trend
By Gury Doshi, M.D., Texas Oncology
Today, someone in their 30s and 40s has a higher risk of developing cancer than their grandparents did when they were that age.
Since 1990, the rate of new cancer diagnoses increases each year for adults younger than 50, while rates among older individuals are declining. Globally, projections indicate that by 2030 the number of new cancer diagnoses for young adults will increase by 31% and deaths will increase by 21%.
Certain types of cancer — such as colon and breast — can be more aggressive when found in younger adults than in older adults. Millennials
and Gen-Xers also tend to be diagnosed at later stages. Researchers don’t yet know what’s driving this trend, so it’s important for people younger than 50 to know the signs and symptoms of the top cancer types affecting this age group and understand their risk of developing cancer.
Cancer types affecting younger adults
While breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancers have the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in young adults, new cancer diagnoses of the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems are increasing at faster rates each year.
According to the American Cancer Society, some of the most common cancers in young adults are:
• Breast cancer
• Lymphomas (non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin)
• Melanoma
• Sarcomas (cancers of connective tissues like muscles and bones)
• Cancers of the female genital tract (cervix and ovary)
• Thyroid cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Brain and spinal cord tumors
Potential signs and symptoms of cancer in young adults
Because screening for breast and colorectal cancers begin at age 40 and 45 for people at average risk — and many cancers don’t have standard screening guidelines — it’s important for young adults to understand the common signs and symptoms.
Anyone experiencing these signs and symptoms of cancer should speak
with their doctor to rule out a potential cancer diagnosis:
• An unusual lump or swelling, especially in the neck, breast, belly, or testicle
• Unexplained tiredness and loss of energy
• Easy bruising
• Abnormal bleeding
• Ongoing pain in one part of the body
• Unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away
• Frequent headaches, sometimes along with vomiting
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New Addition to Standard-Of-Care Treatments for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Has Potential to Increase Progression-Free Survival
Houston Methodist Researchers Use Mathematical Modeling to Predict Enhanced Survival Outcomes
Houston Methodist researchers have developed an advanced mathematical model that predicts how novel treatment combinations could significantly extend progression-free survival for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer.
By doing this, we boost the effectiveness of current standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors, ultimately leading to improved survival rates, as shown in our model. By neutralizing the overactivity of miR-155, we can restore the balance in the immune system and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. — Zhihui “Bill” Wang, Ph.D., research professor of computational biology in medicine.
Through advanced mathematical modeling, a team led by Prashant Dogra, Ph.D., and Zhihui “Bill” Wang, Ph.D., from the Mathematics in Medicine Program at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, expanded on initial research done at MD Anderson Cancer Center on the molecule anti-miR-155 in mice. Dogra and Wang explored the clinical potential of anti-miR-155 – a small RNA molecule - in simulated patients, identifying novel drug combinations that could significantly improve treatment efficacy and progression-free survival.
MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is known to play a critical role in worsening treatment outcomes for NSCLC by contributing to drug resistance and immune suppression. In particular,
elevated levels of miR-155 can help tumors evade immune detection and reduce the effectiveness of standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. To counteract this, researchers have sought to use a synthetic therapeutic molecule, called anti-miR-155, to neutralize the negative effects of miR-155.
“By doing this, we boost the effectiveness of current standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors, ultimately leading to improved survival rates, as shown in our model,” Wang said.
“By neutralizing the overactivity of miR-155, we can restore the balance in the immune system and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments.”
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy
and anti-miR-155 therapy can be seen as different yet complementary approaches to treating non-small-cell lung cancer, Wang added.
The researchers calibrated their computational model with preclinical data from the MD Anderson Cancer Center lab of George Calin, M.D., Ph.D., using information from mouse studies that provided real-world biological data on how anti-miR-155 behaves in the body, including how it affects tumor growth and drug resistance. This allowed them to refine their mathematical model to ensure it accurately represented the relevant biological processes. They modified the model for application to
Healthy Heart Tips and Recipes for A Healthy Holiday Season from A Doctor And A Dietitian
By Jaclyn Albin, M.D.
Holiday celebrations are synonymous with families gathered around the dining table, laden with rich and festive dishes. The overabundance of tasty treats is a large part of most traditions, but it can feel overwhelming when you’re also trying to prioritize your health.
The good news is it’s all right to indulge in some of your favorite foods and beverages with friends and family without fear of derailing your dietary goals. With a little planning and extra forethought about what to put on your plate – while also adding a few nutritious ingredients to your holiday recipes – you can still enjoy your favorite foods and provide nourishing meals for everyone at the table.
To allay any uncertainty about healthy eating, I collaborated with registered dietitian Milette Siler, lead culinary medicine instructor at UT Southwestern and co-founder of our
Culinary Medicine clinical service line, to offer some guidance. And here are four of her favorite healthy holiday recipes, including Cinnamon Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl, Triple Green Super Edamame Dip, Gingerbread Smoothie, and Avocado Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding.
Moderation is key
You are the architect of your plate, so you can create a healthy mix. Start with a smaller helping and go back for more if you’re still hungry. Plan to fill half of the plate with fruits and veggies and consider adding multiple colors to each plate to create a balance between proteins, fruits, fiber, and sweets. Also, don’t be afraid to add variety. Savoring the different colors, flavors, and textures will enhance the meal and your enjoyment. At the end of the day, eating with family and friends is meant to be a delightful experience to cherish.
Don’t beat yourself up
It’s OK to enjoy your favorite
dishes during the holidays, so don’t feel as if you need to “earn” them. The holiday menu should not come with a side of guilt and shame. Instead, embrace intention and mindfulness. Accepting an occasional high-sugar or high-fat treat is fine, and it will feel all the more special because they are infrequent.
Do a little pre-party planning
If you’re going to a holiday party or event where you anticipate feeling overwhelmed by options, consider eating a nourishing pre-party meal (think veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, legumes, lean protein). Then you can focus on socializing and just grab a few light additions.
Try the wait-and-see method
If you just ate a delicious cookie and feel compelled to have another, try waiting 10 minutes. Grab some water, a savory food item, and distract yourself. Then, if you’re still craving another cookie, go for it. However, you might just find you’ve moved on!
Limit how much you drink
Calories from alcoholic and sugary holiday beverages can quickly add up, and they don’t do much to help us stay full. Plan ahead when you expect to indulge and be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day before
a celebration.
Think beyond your plate
Holiday wellness isn’t just about food. It’s also a time to express thanks and connect with loved ones. This year, take a moment to intentionally honor the people who laboriously prepared the meal and opened their homes. Centering our minds in a place of gratitude can redirect our focus from the food to the people we care about
see Healthy Heart...page 13
Registered dietitian Milette Siler is lead culinary medicine instructor at UT Southwestern.
Phillips 66 Gifts $1. 5 Million in Fuel to Support Memorial Hermann Life Flight Services
Phillips 66 announced today that it has been named the official fuel provider for Memorial Hermann Life Flight, gifting up to $1.5 million worth of fuel in 2025 to the critical care air medical transport service.
The donation to Memorial Hermann Foundation will support the new Life Flight helicopter fleet, which is set to make its debut next year and is designed to expand services to a wider range of areas. The arrangement gives an opportunity for Phillips 66 to gift the same amount annually for the next five years.
“With this donation, we are putting our company’s mission of providing energy and improving lives into action,” said Zhanna Golodryga, Phillips 66 EVP of Emerging Energy and Sustainability and Memorial Hermann Foundation board member.
“Life Flight is a pillar of medical response, and we are thrilled to share our resources to support their life-saving work. Memorial Hermann is
a leading health care provider, and as a leading integrated downstream energy provider, we are proud to collaborate with them for the greater good of our community.”
Phillips 66’s donation is equal to the amount of fuel the new Life Flight fleet will use each year. The fleet will include the first H160 helicopter in North America used for medical missions which will expand Life Flight’s service radius from 150 miles to 250. The Phillips 66 name will also be displayed on one of the fleet’s helicopters and its shield will be on the John S. Dunn Helistop helipad at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
“We are extremely fortunate that Phillips 66 sees how fundamental Memorial Hermann Life Flight is to saving lives in the Greater Houston Area,” said Anne Neeson, executive vice president and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation. “It takes a tremendous amount of resources to
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ensure Memorial Hermann Life Flight operates efficiently for our community, and this generous fuel gift from Phillips 66 will enable this great community asset valued so highly by Houstonians.”
Memorial Hermann Life Flight crews perform more than 4,000 missions each year, making the hospital’s helipad one of the busiest in the world. Life Flight employs their own crews to ensure safety and quality with a staff of 21 pilots, 24 flight nurses, 12 paramedics, 10 dispatchers and 10 mechanics.
“As technology and helicopters advance, Life Flight is consistently looking ahead to ensure we are operating at the absolute best of our abilities,” said Tom Flanagan, Life Flight’s program director and internal consultant. “Life Flight’s new fleet is proof of that mission, and this generous gift from Phillips 66 helps to ease the transition with an abundance of fuel.”
The service has flown more than 166,000 critical care situations since its inaugural flight in 1976.
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L to R: Mark Lashier, Phillips 66 chairman and CEO; Anne Neeson, executive vice president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Foundation; Zhanna Golodryga, Phillips 66 executive vice president of Emerging Energy and Sustainability; Steve Trauber, Chairman, Memorial Hermann Foundation Board
Jennifer Bickel, M.D., named MD Anderson Vice President and Chief Wellness Officer
New Role Will Champion Workforce Well-Being and Lead New Wellness Institute
By MD Anderson
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the selection of Jennifer Bickel, M.D., as the institution’s inaugural vice president and chief wellness officer (CWO). She will begin on January 6, 2025. Working closely with the senior vice president of people, culture and infrastructure, as well as the chief academic officer, she will spearhead initiatives that prioritize employee well-being, professional fulfillment and community resilience.
In her new role, Bickel will implement a three-component model focusing on a culture of wellness, efficiency of practice and personal resilience. She will work collaboratively across the institution to integrate wellness into academic, operational
and financial programs, championing strategies that support the well-being of our employees. Notably, she will lead the development of a groundbreaking wellness institute aimed at fostering an environment that enhances engagement, psychological safety and professional fulfillment.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Bickel to MD Anderson as our inaugural Chief Wellness Officer, a role that underscores our commitment to holistic care and well-being,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “This new role marks a pivotal step in our intent to nurture the physical, emotional and mental health of our employees and patients.”
Bickel’s leadership will be instrumental in embedding a comprehensive approach to wellness within the culture of MD Anderson
and the future wellness institute. Her efforts will aim to reduce the challenges inherent in cancer care and will provide essential resources for addressing the emotional demands of the profession.
Since 2021, Bickel has served as chief wellness officer at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. A recognized wellness expert, Bickel was the creator and lead of The Moffitt Wellness Academy and chaired multiple wellness committees, helping Moffitt earn the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine recognition for its comprehensive clinician well-being initiatives.
“I strongly believe that wellness is not just an individual responsibility. It’s a system responsibility as well, so we must ensure we are building systems that optimize opportunities for well-being,” says Bickel. “What I hope to accomplish is to further improve MD Anderson’s culture, operations and programs to truly meet the needs of people where they are.”
Bickel earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed her residency in Neurology at University of Kansas Medical Center. Before becoming
CWO at Moffitt, she spent 15 years as a faculty member at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she rose through the academic ranks in Pediatrics. Bickel’s background includes substantial health care experience at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where she demonstrated outstanding servant leadership in several roles, including COVID employee wellness officer, medical director for the Center for Professional Well Being, and associate director of
MD Anderson ...page 13
Jennifer Bickel, M.D.
Advanced Healthcare
First Infusion in Houston for New Alzheimer’s Drug Administered at UTHealth Houston
By Jeannette Sanchez
UTHealth Houston is the first institution in Houston to administer an FDA-approved drug, Kisunla (donanemab-azbt), for the treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
The recipient was 79-year-old Terrie Frankel.
“We’re making history today,” Frankel said.
Frankel began experiencing memory loss and forgetfulness at the beginning of this year. After consulting Rehal Bhojani, MD, primary care and sports medicine physician with McGovern Medical School, she was referred to David Hunter, MD, associate professor in the Department of Neurology with McGovern Medical School.
Kisunla isn’t a cure for the disease, but clinical trial results showed it reduced amyloid plaques on average by 84% at 10 months after infusion –
appearing to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s for those in the early stages. UTHealth Houston was one of the sites in the study.
“Mrs. Frankel is the ideal patient for this treatment,” Hunter said. “We want to see patients as soon as they, or their family, notice the slightest trace of forgetfulness. The earlier the patient is in their Alzheimer’s disease, the more they benefit from treatments like Kisunla.”
Frankel will receive monthly Kisunla infusions for the next 18 months. She will also undergo MRIs after each of the first several infusions to monitor for possible side effects.
Frankel will also have frequent PET scans to check how the amyloid plaque is reacting to the treatment.
“If we notice it is gone, we will reduce the frequency of infusions to once every six months,” Hunter said.
Paul E. Schulz, MD, professor of neurology and director of the UTHealth Houston Neurosciences
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Neurocognitive Disorders Center with McGovern Medical School, led the clinical trial for Kisunla at UTHealth Houston.
“For the first time in human history we now have two drugs that significantly slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease,” Schulz said. “Having two drugs is way better than one because now we know that the approach to the disease is generally correct. Up until recently, we were wondering whether we were barking up the wrong tree after having a lot of negative studies using similar
approaches. But now we have a lot of confidence that we’re on the right pathway to treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a very emotionally distressing disease, so anything we do to slow its course has a big impact on a lot of patients and families.”
UTHealth Houston is involved in several Alzheimer’s disease trials. Starting in 2025, researchers will be recruiting participants over the age of 55 with a family history of dementia, but
After being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Terrie Frankel, 79, was referred to David Hunter, MD, who suggested Kisunla as a treatment for the disease.
Texas A&M University Receives Historic Gift for College Of Medicine
Entrepreneur Naresh K. Vashisht’s Generous Donation Will Fund Scholarships, Medical Research and Support for Rural Health Care
By Josh Lewis Texas A&M Foundation
Naresh K. Vashisht ’72, an entrepreneur from Arlington, Texas, has made the largest endowed gift ever to Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine. As a result, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted unanimously to name the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine during its November meeting.
The gift will further the university’s land-grant mission through supporting the Vashisht College of Medicine’s innovative work. “Texas A&M is a place that tackles the biggest challenges facing our state, our nation and our world head on,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “Mr. Vashisht’s
generous gift ensures that we can expand upon our land-grant mission by educating outstanding Aggie doctors, discovering new knowledge, and leading the charge in the areas of medical research and health care, all while supporting our rural and underserved communities.”
Vashisht’s career has spanned four decades and two continents. He initially worked with major and independent oil companies in a variety of engineering and management positions before founding and becoming CEO of Omimex Resources Inc. in 1987. His company drilled and operated oil and gas wells in the United States, Canada and Colombia before diversifying into the chemical fertilizer industry in Colombia and seven additional South American countries. Currently, Omimex Resources is building multiple
fertilizer plants in Brazil.
Vashisht’s gift through the Texas A&M Foundation is tied to his passion for the role that education can have on individuals, families and society.
“My three college degrees enabled my professional success, so I want to provide the same to as many people as I can,” explained the businessman, who holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (formerly Indian School of Mines), a master’s degree in petroleum
engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA in finance from Eastern New Mexico University. “Once one person in a family is educated, the whole family’s quality of life improves.”
He is also focused on making financial commitments that create an immediate impact on health care and underserved populations. Impressed with the College of Medicine’s innovative work, his gift will create full-tuition see Gift ...page 13
Arlington entrepreneur Naresh K. Vashisht ’72 has made a significant investment in the future of health care through a historic donation establishing the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine. As the largest endowed gift ever given to the college, his donation will support scholarships, medical research and initiatives to improve health care access for underserved communities, aligning with Texas A&M’s mission to address critical challenges across Texas and beyond.
SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Achieves Nation’s Highest First Time Pass Rate on COMLEX-USA Level 1
SamHouston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) proudly announces that its student doctors have achieved the highest pass rate in the nation for first-time test takers on the Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 exam for the class of 2025, administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). This outstanding achievement highlights SHSU-COM’s commitment to its mission of expanding exceptional healthcare access to rural communities and addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in Texas.
The COMLEX-USA Level 1 exam is a critical milestone in the journey to becoming a licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), assessing the foundational medical knowledge necessary for clinical practice. Over 99% of SHSU-COM Class of 2025 passed the examination on the first attempt during the testing cycle from May 2023 through April 2024* with every student doctor passing by the second attempt.
“Achieving the nation’s highest first-time pass rate on COMLEX-USA Level 1 is a
remarkable reflection of the hard work and commitment of our student doctors and our faculty and staff, and the strength of our curriculum,” said Dr. Thomas Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM.
“This milestone not only validates the quality of education we provide but also reinforces our mission to produce skilled and compassionate osteopathic physicians who will be equipped to serve their communities with distinction.”
Earlier this year, SHSU-COM was awarded “Accreditation with Exceptional Outcomes,” by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
SHSU-COM is the first and only new osteopathic medical school to have ever achieved the highest level of approval. This accomplishment positions SHSU-COM as a leader in osteopathic medical education and highlights its focus on preparing future physicians to excel in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
*This information reflects NBOME data from all first-time test takers from the COM who elected to take the examination during the test cycle reported above.
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Financial Forecast Year-End Financial Planning: A Guide to Wrapping Up and Starting Fresh
AsBy Grace S. Yung, CFP Midtown Financial Group, LLC
the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to assess your financial health, reflect on the past year, and set actionable goals for the next year. Thoughtful year-end financial planning not only helps you close the year on a strong note but also sets the foundation for financial success in the coming year. Here are some key strategies to consider, including reassessing the past year, tax-loss harvesting, re-evaluating your asset allocation, and refining savings and expense goals.
1. Reflect on This Year’s Financial Performance
investments. If you’ve realized gains on certain assets this year, selling investments that have lost value can help reduce your overall tax bill. Here’s how it works: If your losses exceed your gains, you can use up to $3,000 of those losses to offset other income. Any additional losses can be carried forward to future tax years.
3. Reevaluate Your Asset Allocation
Year-end is an excellent time to review your investment portfolio to make sure it aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Over the course of a year, market fluctuations can cause your portfolio to drift from its intended allocation. For example, if stocks have performed well, they may now represent a larger portion of your portfolio than you initially intended, potentially increasing your risk exposure.
Rebalancing involves selling some assets and buying others to bring
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The first step in effective financial planning is to review what worked—and what didn’t—over the past year. Analyze your income, spending, and saving habits. Did you stick to your budget? Were there any unexpected expenses, and how did you handle them?
Take time to evaluate your major financial milestones. Did you meet your savings goals for retirement, a home purchase, or an emergency fund? Identifying gaps between your goals and outcomes can help you adjust your strategies moving forward.
2. Tax-Loss Harvesting: Minimize Tax Liability
Tax-loss harvesting is a year-end strategy that allows you to offset capital gains by selling underperforming
your portfolio back in line with your target allocation. This assists you in maintaining a diversified portfolio that reflects your financial objectives. Additionally, consider whether your goals or circumstances have changed. For instance, if you’re nearing retirement, you may want to shift to more conservative investments to protect your savings from market volatility.
4. Set Clear Savings Goals for Next Year
Saving should always be a top priority, and the new year is an opportunity to refine your savings goals. Start by evaluating your progress toward
Healthy Heart
Continued from page 5
and share it with.
And in terms of personal health, nutrition is only part of the equation. Getting consistent and adequate sleep, engaging in daily movement (even short bursts of 5 to 10 minutes are helpful), and learning effective ways of coping with stress (think herbal tea, aromatherapy, a warm bath, or a massage) will go a long way in helping you stay on track. A healthful holiday season will set you up for wellness year-round, and there is no one-size-fits-all instruction manual.
MD Anderson
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the Physician Leadership Center.
“Dr. Bickel brings an extraordinary wealth of experience, and she will be a driving force in fostering a culture of wellness at MD Anderson,” said Carin Hagberg, M.D., senior vice president and chief
Gift
Continued from page 10
scholarships for Aggie medical students and a dean’s excellence fund to support the college’s strategic needs, establish an innovation and discovery fund for medical research, and support Texas A&M’s groundbreaking Rural Medicine Program.
The college’s dean said that Vashisht’s support will enhance and expand its work. “We will be able to give more scholarships that will make
Financial Forecast
Continued from page 12
long-term goals, such as retirement. If you haven’t maxed out contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, aim to do so. For 2025, the 401(k)-contribution limit is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed if you are 50 or older. For those ages 61-63, a higher
The most important approach is one you can stick to – consistency matters! Add ‘Mediterranean’ flavor to the holiday menu
If you’re hosting the family gathering or a holiday party with friends, consider adding fruits, vegetables, grains, and other healthy items that take a page from the Mediterranean diet.
Fruits and vegetables
• Fill half your plate with non-starchy fruits and vegetables.
• Enjoy your favorite holiday dips with slices of apple or cucumber, or carrot or celery sticks.
• Consider adding multiple colors to
academic officer at MD Anderson. “This type of environment empowers both our employees and patients to navigate the complexities of cancer care with resilience and compassion.”
Prioritizing comprehensive wellness in the workplace is essential for health care institutions nationwide. Bickel’s arrival coincides with MD Anderson’s strengthened commitment to enhancing the well-being of
our college even more attractive to applicants and help us retain students, particularly those from rural or underserved parts of the state who are committed to becoming Aggie doctors,” explained Amy Waer ’23, Jean and Tom McMullin Endowed Dean. “This gift will also help our Rural Medicine Program tremendously and enable us to be even more innovative, particularly around academic student success and research.”
Vashisht previously provided philanthropic support for his high school in India, a Pre-K Center of Excellence in
each plate as a goal.
Breads and grains
• Instead of a usual serving of starch, pair a small serving of bread (such as a small roll or scoop of dressing) with a whole grain if possible (brown rice, oats, whole wheat, etc.)
Legumes, beans, and lentils
• At the salad bar or buffet, add a spoonful of chickpeas or black beans to your plate.
• If you’re enjoying homemade soup on a cold night, add a handful of dry lentils. In 20 minutes, they will be tender, and your soup or stew will have more fiber and protein
our community and ensuring psychologically safe work environments that empower all employees to bring their best selves to work each day.
“Supporting wellness at MD Anderson means supporting the people who make a difference every day for our patients and their families,” said Shibu Varghese, senior vice president, people, culture & infrastructure at MD Anderson. “This initiative is
Colombia, the Cook Children’s Medical Center, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. He also created two centers at his alma mater in India, one for innovation and another for research in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Additionally, he has created numerous scholarships and faculty positions focused on health care.
Strong philanthropic support helps create a critical margin of excellence for the university’s leading-edge academics, programs and research. “Mr. Vashisht’s gift embodies hard work, brilliance and the American Dream,” said Tyson
and be more nourishing!
Desserts
• Look for ways to incorporate fruit, nuts, or legumes.
• Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate or white chocolate. For more ideas and nutrition advice, please visit UT Southwestern’s Culinary Medicine website.
catch up of $11,250 is available instead of the $7,500.
Beyond retirement, assess your progress on building an emergency fund. Experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved. If you’ve dipped into your emergency fund this year, prioritize replenishing it.
5. Set and Manage Expense Goals
Understanding your expenses is just as critical as meeting your savings targets. Review your spending
patterns over the past year and identify areas where you can cut back. This might involve reducing discretionary spending, like dining out or subscription services, or finding ways to lower fixed costs, such as renegotiating insurance premiums or utility rates.
Conclusion: Start the Year Strong Year-end financial planning isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s about setting yourself up for success in the future. By reassessing your financial situation, optimizing your tax strategy,
built on the understanding that a well-supported team leads to even better care and advancements in cancer treatment, and we are pleased to have Dr. Bickel joining to help us advance these efforts.”
Voelkel ’96, president and CEO of the Texas A&M Foundation. “A true patriot, his endowed gift will save lives, elevate health care outcomes and spark generational change for Texas A&M medical students for years to come.”
rebalancing your portfolio, and refining your savings and expense goals, you can enter the new year with more confidence and clarity.
Financial planning is a dynamic process. Regularly revisiting your goals and strategies throughout the year and working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner will help you work towards your long-term objectives.
Limbo
Continued from page 1
yet signaled a definitive direction, it is likely to issue a new proposed rule in 2025.
Next Steps for Providers
Providers relying on telemedicine should closely monitor developments and engage in advocacy efforts to shape the regulatory landscape. Legal and compliance teams should evaluate the implications of a return to stricter requirements and prepare for the possibility of more prescriptive frameworks in 2026.
Oncology
Continued from page 3
• Sudden eye or vision changes
• Loss of appetite or unplanned weight loss
• A new mole or other spot on the skin, or one that changes in size, shape, or color
Understanding your risk
Individual risk factors vary by cancer type, so it’s best to work with a doctor to determine if you are at higher risk for developing specific types of cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, almost one out of three people diagnosed with colorectal
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humans by accounting for differences between species, such as body size and metabolism, to help simulate and predict how the treatment might work in humans.
Due to significant biological differences, there typically is uncertainty when transitioning from animal studies to clinical trials. Wang, Dogra and team’s mathematical model, however, helps address this by providing insight on how the treatment might work in diverse human patients through extensive computer simulations, predicting outcomes like progression-free survival and
cancer before age 50 have a family history or genetic predisposition, such as Lynch syndrome. Inherited mutations can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer, such as in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
While not all cancers in young adults are the result of genetics, a genetic counselor can help you understand your inherited risk for several cancer types, and doctors can review your personal and family health history to determine if genetic testing is needed.
Early detection is key
identifying the best drug combinations.
“By using a combination of in vivo data from animal studies and advanced mathematical modeling to predict how the therapy would perform in humans, this work bridges the critical gap between preclinical development and clinical translation of anti-miR-155, offering a clear path to testing this treatment in humans,” Dogra said. “This approach provides a strong foundation for designing more effective clinical trials and helps accelerate the process, making the transition from preclinical to clinical testing more efficient and targeted.”
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no memory loss themselves.
“We can also be very proud of everybody here at UTHealth Houston and all of our patients that have been involved in these trials that are having a positive outcome now. It’s become a very emotionally rewarding field in which to be working now that we can finally offer
people things that we know work, while at the same time we are continuing to look for additional medications to improve outcomes even further,” said Schulz, who is the Rick McCord Professor in Neurology and the Umphrey Family Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases at McGovern Medical School.
Detecting cancer early is one of the most important things young adults can do to protect their health. By staying vigilant for potential signs and symptoms of cancer — and working with a doctor to determine risk and develop a cancer screening game plan — young adults can improve the likelihood that cancer will be caught in its early stages before it spreads.
Their next steps focus on further preclinical testing to confirm the safety and efficacy of the anti-miR-155 therapy in combination with standard-of-care drugs before progressing to human trials.
“Our approach to combining mathematical modeling with therapeutic development could revolutionize how we bring new cancer treatments to patients,” Wang said. “This goes beyond non-small-cell lung cancer. It could accelerate treatment development for many types of cancer.”
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“My hope for being part of this is that it will be a notable treatment for other folks and that there is hope for those who recognize their symptoms early,” Frankel said.
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