Gov. Abbott Visits Houston Methodist

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Gov. Greg Abbott visited Houston Methodist, where he hosted a news conference on a variety of COVID-19 issues. Gov. Abbott shared how impressed he is with Houston Methodist’s efforts, including that we are currently the largest COVID-19 vaccinator in Texas. Houston Methodist was chosen for this visit because of its exceptional work throughout the pandemic. Thanks to our commitment to keeping the patient at the center, Houston Methodist has collectively improved outcomes for COVID-19 patients while reducing hospitalizations overall. In addition to being the first hospital in the country to use convalescent plasma, Houston Methodist also has conducted numerous clinical trials for newly developed treatments. Recent accomplishments include administering such a high volume of monoclonal antibody treatments that we now order directly from the distributor. And being so proficient at administering COVID-19 vaccines, Houston Methodist was chosen as one of the original 28 state hubs to help vaccinate the public.

Leading in Administering Vaccine

Houston Methodist has administered the COVID-19 vaccine to over 56,000 as of Jan. 18. Among its many successes, Houston Methodist held a mega-event on Saturday, Jan. 16, to vaccinate more than 4,000 members of the Houston community from the hardest hit and underserved neighborhoods. Please note that Houston Methodist patients aged 75 or older also have an opportunity to receive the vaccine, as do Category 1B individuals who are over 65 with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. To learn more, email CovidVaccineQuestion@houstonmethodist.org.

Skills Development Workshops for Faculty Career Development

The faculty development team is offering a new series of Skills Development & Communications Workshops for faculty. Led by Dorothy Lewis, PhD, faculty development program director, each 90-minute workshop will be offered biannually, on Tuesdays. The format typically includes an online lecture combined with larger discussion opportunities and small working groups, with registration limited to encourage participation. Find details and registration at the links below:

Presenting at Grand Rounds Workshop - Feb. 2

Creating Research Posters Workshop - Feb. 9

New Microsoft Edge Browser

To enhance security and improve your online experience, Houston Methodist IT has begun deploying the new Microsoft Edge browser, which will continue rolling out over the next two weeks. Compared to other browsers, Microsoft Edge offers faster browsing, enhanced security and identity protection, and easier access to open tabs and web searches. Microsoft Edge will install automatically and appear on your computer and eventually will replace Internet Explorer as the default browser. When Edge is installed, try using it right away to become familiar with it.

NIH Applicants and Funding Recipients Website

The National Institutes of Health Office of Extramural Research continues to offer resources and information for NIH applicants and recipients of NIH Funding. Here are highlights for Jan. 2021:

• New eRA Commons screens were unveiled on Jan. 12. Find insights for using the new eRA Commons home screen (log-in screen) and landing screen (screen when first logged in).
• eRA will require the use of login.gov to access in 2021. Users will be required to use two-factor authentication through login.gov to access eRA Commons, ASSIST, Internet Assisted Review (IAR), and Commons Mobile by September 15, 2021.
• “Human Subjects’ Research Post-Award” is the newest installment of the NIH’s All About Grants podcast series, presented by Lyndi Lahl, RN, NIH Human Subjects’ Officer.

To have NIH notices sent directly to you when they are announced, subscribe to the NIH Extramural Nexus News.