Digest — U.Va. News Daily

Psychology professor Haidt wins state faculty award
Jonathan Haidt, associate professor of psychology at U.Va. was one of 11 college teachers from across Virginia named recipients of the statewide Outstanding Faculty Awards, administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Nancy Cooley, acting executive director of SCHEV, and Gov. Mark R. Warner were on hand at the Richmond ceremony Jan. 21 to honor the winners. Each award carries a $4,000 prize.

Haidt, a member of the psychology faculty since 1995, has received several teaching awards at U.Va., including an All-University Teaching Award last year. (Feb. 2)

It’s tougher to be unemployed in Virginia than elsewhere
A new study by U.Va.’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service shows that while it’s tough to be unemployed, it’s even tougher in Virginia than in many other states to receive unemployment benefits. “There are many reasons for the difference, but they include Virginia’s tougher qualifying requirements and a stronger job market,” said John L. Knapp, director of business and economics research at the Cooper Center. (Feb. 2)

Medicare bill has gaps, Massaro says
The Medicare bill signed into law in December could be a potential regulatory and financial nightmare, said Dr. Thomas Massaro, associate dean of graduate medical education and director of Performance Improvement at U.Va.’s Health System, at a recent Law School lecture. The bill, designed to address the need for prescription medicine coverage for the elderly, has coverage gaps that could affect the majority of benefits users, said Massaro. (Feb. 3)

Under review: Animal models in medical ed
Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., vice president and dean of the School of Medicine, and R. Edward Howell, vice president and chief executive officer of the Medical Center, have asked representatives of the Medical School’s educational committees to review the use of animal models in medical education. “Until the review is complete, live animals will not be acquired or used for medical education,” said Garson. The announcement came after questions were raised about the use and euthanasia of dogs in an optional life-saving medical techniques lab. (Feb. 5)

U.Va. doctors rank among nation’s best
If you’re looking for a specialist in the medical profession, you can find more than 100 physicians from U.Va.’s Health System listed among the finest in America in the annual rankings compiled by Best Doctors Inc. The list represents the top 5 percent of doctors in more than 400 medical subspecialties. (Feb. 6-8)