What's Up in DOM Faculty Development? 
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Case of the Month

From the Division of Hospital Medicine:
"The Tip of the Iceberg"

Story and Case:

A 49-year-old woman with a history of multiple meningiomas (s/p multiple resections complicated by intracranial abscess requiring bifrontal craniectomy for drainage with subsequent bifrontal prosthetic cranioplasty), prior stroke with mild residual left-side weakness, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for pseudomeningocele presented to the emergency department (ED) with one day of redness and swelling near her left medial eyebrow. She first noticed the redness and swelling on the morning of admission. There was no recent trauma to this area. There was mild pain over her eyebrow but no headache, fevers, or chills.

On presentation, she was afebrile. Her heart rate was 116, and the rest of her vital signs were normal. Just superior to her left medial eyebrow, she had a nickel-sized area of erythema and tenderness. There was no induration or swelling. Her neurologic exam was notable only for mild weakness on her left, which was unchanged from her baseline. Labs were significant for a white blood cell count of 15.9 k/mcL with 78% neutrophils and c-reactive protein (CRP) of 110.3 mg/L.

A head computerized tomography (CT) scan was obtained, which was concerning for obstructive hydrocephalus. Neurosurgery was consulted, and they believed the changes noted were chronic, related to her multiple prior surgeries and known diffuse meningiomas. She was admitted to medicine for treatment for facial cellulitis. She had a severe allergy to cephalosporins and so was started on clindamycin.

The subsequent morning, she experienced a worsening of her facial pain. A physical exam demonstrated a new marked protuberance over her left medial eyebrow with fluctuance present. Edema had developed and was tracking dependently into both her left and right eyelids. The rest of her exam was unchanged, and she denied new symptoms. Repeat labs were notable for worsening leukocytosis to 16.3 k/mcL.

To address this new swelling, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and neurosurgery were consulted. She subsequently underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her brain with and without contrast to evaluate it further.

Have an interesting case that you want to share with the DOM faculty?
Contact Lenore Meeks for template, sample cases, and how to submit. 

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Faculty Development Events

CV Review Session 
Tuesday, March 14 | 8–10 a.m. | Virtual
This session provides an opportunity for faculty to receive individualized advice on their progress toward promotion from a member of the department's Faculty Development Promotion and Tenure Committee.

DOM Faculty Enrichment, Education, and Development (FEED) Conference
Friday, March 24 | 8 a.m.–noon | Virtual
The annual FEED conference provides career advancement advice and workshops for clinician educators, clinical researchers, and basic scientists. Register here.

Other Upcoming Events

9th Annual Health Services Research Day
May 3, 2023 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Emory School of Medicine Building, Auditorium 110
Join Georgia CTSA colleagues at Emory University School of Medicine for a symposium and networking opportunity where researchers across Georgia will learn about ongoing quality, effectiveness, and value-based research activities.
Abstracts are due Monday, March 6. Click here to submit!

2023 Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference
March 1–3, 2023 ǀ Callaway Resort and Gardens
The goal of the conference is to bring together cross-disciplinary researchers from across the southeast region to present the best new health-related preclinical, clinical, implementation, and population-based research and build collaborative relationships. Register here.

Passion and Promotion: Making your Community and Equity Work Count
Friday, February 17 | noon–1 p.m. | Virtual 
Presented by: Sheryl Heron (emergency medicine) and Tracey Henry (medicine). Register here.

19th Annual Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes, MD Memorial Lecture 
Wednesday, February 22 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Virtual 
Honor the legacy of Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes with this timely discussion titled Patient History: A Discussion on Trauma Across a Lifespan. Panelists include John Constantino, Chief of Behavioral and Mental Health at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Antonio Graham, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics at Emory University School of Medicine; and Veda Johnson, Marcus Professor in General Academics and Pediatrics and Director at PARTNERS for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health. Register here.

Let's Talk Promotions 

Research 

Data Analytics and Biostatistics (DAB) Core provides high-quality biostatistics and IT Data management services to Department of Medicine (DOM) faculty by leveraging existing services in the Rollins School of Public Health and the Information Technology Department. The DOM offers 10 hours at no charge for approved DOM investigators who do not have grant funding; however, the requestee is responsible for time exceeding 10 hours. Find out how to submit your request and how to write DAB Core services into future grants!

Quick Notes

Be In the Know: Emory Worklife Benefits and Resources Webinar
Wednesday, February 8 | noon–1 p.m. 
Learn how Emory University supports its employees day in and day out. This session will be a broad overview of all the employee-centered benefits/resources, including child-related issues, caring for an adult, financial wellness, and flexibility at work. Learn more and register here.

Wellness and Work Life Integration

New Parenting Education and Resources 
Emory University is partnering with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions to help you take some of the stress out of parenting. Peace At Home can help solve big and small parenting challenges, from newborn to young adult, with solutions that are proven to work and easy to use. Resources include live and recorded sessions, a parenting library, monthly live Q&A, parenting groups, and one: one parent coaching. Learn more and register here. 

Connect and Chat Sessions
Did you know the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) offers a weekly "Connect & Chat" session to help you process the emotional impact of ongoing societal stressors and traumatic events with others? These sessions will provide a safe space to unpack, share and discuss healthy strategies for coping while navigating life’s daily pressures. Sessions are offered on Tuesdays via Zoom. Register

Refresh and Mindfulness Meditation 
Every first and third Wednesday from 4:30–4:45 p.m., you can join the FSAP group for a 15-minute virtual self-care experience to support your resilience. Register

On the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., you can join Mindfulness Meditation. Learn strategies for staying centered and reducing your stress level. Join at 1 p.m. to learn the basics of mindfulness, or join at 1:15 p.m. for guided practice and opportunities for discussion. Register

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Looking for research specific information within the DOM? Be sure to subscribe to our sister publication, 'What's Up in DOM Research?' Email domresearch@emory.edu to be added to the monthly newsletter. To subscribe to 'What's Up in DOM Faculty Development?' email somfdev@emory.edu.