One year later: Robotic heart graft patients alive, well

By Gila Z. Reckess

Scientists are one step closer to performing minimally invasive heart surgery thanks to new robotic technology.

Researchers now have completed the first North American pilot trial of endoscopic heart surgery performed with assistance from a robot. At the one-year follow-up, all 19 patients who underwent the procedure were alive and well. The results show it is possible to use endoscopic instruments for heart surgery, a goal that has long defeated cardiac surgeons.

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Employee help centerpiece of new program

By Jessica N. Roberts

The University's Office of Human Resources will offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) beginning July 1.

"We are excited to offer this benefit to our employees and their family members as a way to help balance the work and life issues we all face," said Lorraine Goffe-Rush, director of employee relations.

The EAP provides confidential, professional assistance to benefits-eligible University employees and their family members to help resolve problems that are affecting their personal lives or job performances. The program will be managed by People Resources, a nationally known professional consulting firm specializing in employee-assistance services.

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Health benefits deadline extended

The health benefits open enrollment deadline for University employees has been extended to June 20. This is a final re-enrollment opportunity for those employees who missed the original May 31 deadline and need to complete their initial application for health/dental insurance or waiver of health benefits.

To ensure enrollment for the plan year beginning July 1, employees must take their applications or waiver to either the benefits office on the Medical School Campus, the human resources office on the Hilltop Campus or the benefits office at West Campus. Do not send the enrollment forms or waiver by mail.

For more information, call your benefits department.

World-renowned biologist Hamburger dies at 100

Viktor Hamburger, Ph.D., famed biologist and the Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor Emeritus in Arts & Sciences, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, in St. Louis after a short illness. He was 100.

Hamburger was considered a giant in neurobiology, embryology and the study of programmed cell death. He often has been referred to as "the father of neuroembryology."

"Viktor Hamburger was a pioneer in biology and a person who encouraged the careers of others," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. "His impact on science is immeasurably large, and Washington University has flourished as a consequence of his work. We will miss him, but his great contributions will be long-remembered."

Parking policies clarified

By Jessica N. Roberts

To improve parking and parking access on the Hilltop and West campuses, the University is implementing and considering policies that focus on the enforcement of transportation guidelines.

Updated campus parking policies are in the following areas: permit prices, enforcement hours, summer/holiday parking privileges, green parking permits, zone changes, parking fine enforcement and the Athletic Complex traffic route. The goal is to help ensure that parking is available to those who have purchased permits.

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