The 2017 CCEC Winter Program & Business Meeting

Leading the Brain Health Revolution

When Chancellor McRaven introduced his vision for the UT System last year, he announced an effort akin to the Manhattan Project to understand, prevent, treat and cure diseases of the brain. Researchers and neuroscientists across the UT System already are “Leading the Brain Health Revolution” – one of nine Quantum Leaps Chancellor McRaven has identified to improve the human condition. With an ambitious collaboration between UT institutions, the UT System is committed to using its size, scope and expertise to accelerate and revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. New discoveries and treatments are within reach. Investing in neurosciences initiatives will not only advance UT’s current work and research; its impact has the potential to change the lives of millions of people across Texas and the world. 

Friday, January 13

11:30 a.m. 

 

For out-of-town CCEC members: Shuttles will run continuously from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between the Ritz-Carlton Dallas Hotel and UT Southwestern, T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building, located at 6001 Forest Park Road.

For Dallas area CCEC members or those driving directly to UT Southwestern:  Complimentary parking is available. 

An interactive Google map is attached for your convenience. Click here for the map.

Attire for the day program is Business Casual.

12:00 p.m.  

Arrive at UT Southwestern Medical Center

T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building
6001 Forest Park Road
Dallas, TX 75235

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

 

Registration and Informal Lunch available

14th Floor, T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building

1:00 - 1:50 p.m.

 

Opening Remarks and Meeting Overview

Wallace M. Smith, Chair, Chancellor's Council

William H. McRaven, Chancellor, The University of Texas System

Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President, UT Southwestern

1:50 - 2:00 p.m.

 

Break

2:00 - 2:45 p.m.

 

 

 

Breakout Session, Round 1

Five breakout sessions will be offered and you may select one for Round 1, another for Round 2. The topics offered in Round 1 will be offered again in Round 2.

There will be a 15-minute break between session blocks. 

2:45 - 3:00 p.m.

 

Refreshment Break

3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

 

Breakout Session, Round 2

 

 

The Sessions

Traumatic Brain Injury

 

 

 

 
Traumatic Brain Injury: Deciphering Concussions across Texas
 
Presenters
Kathleen Bell M.D., Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern
C. Munro Cullum, Ph.D., Director of Neuropsychology Program, UT Southwestern
Robert Rennaker, Ph.D., Department Head of Bioengineering, UT Dallas
 
UT Dallas and UT Southwestern are joining forces to improve the prevention and treatment of concussions and traumatic brain injuries across Texas. Little is known about the prevalence of sports-related concussions across the state and there is a critical need to track trends, improve safety, and better understand and treat concussion among school-age youth participating in sports. This interactive discussion will include an overview of the problem, the launch of a new statewide concussion registry and the use of state-of-art technology to improve athlete safety.

 


 
     

Stroke

 

 
Stroke: How Texas is Advancing Stroke Diagnosis, Research, Treatment & Recovery
 
Presenters
Robin Brey, M.D., Chair of Neurology, UT Health San Antonio
Mark Goldberg, M.D., Chair of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern
Sean I. Savitz, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Director of Vascular Neurology Program, UTHealth
Steven Warach, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director, Seton Dell Medical School Stroke Institute, UT Austin
 
Stroke might be the fifth leading cause of death in the nation, but it’s the No. 1 cause of disability, creating a major public health challenge. And while there have been advances in research and treatment, it’s been more than 20 years since a new drug has been approved to treat an acute stroke. Hear from the UT System’s leading stroke experts about how a collaboration of Texas proportions could play a critical role in efforts to prevent stroke and improve recovery. It’s called the Lone Star Stroke Consortium, and partners include leading medical research institutions across the state who are dedicated to finding better therapies, better research protocol and better access to expert medical care for Texans, no matter where they live.

 


 
     

Neurodegenerative Diseases


 

 

 

 
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Creating Hope, New Therapies for Alzheimer's & Parkinson's
 
Presenters
Richard Dewey, M.D., Director of the Clinical Center for Movement Disorders, UT Southwestern
Marc Diamond, M.D., Director of the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, UT Southwestern
Jim Ray, Ph.D., Institute for Applied Science Center, UT MD Anderson
Giulio Taglialatela Ph.D., Director of the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UT Medical Branch
 
 
Moderator
Beena Koshy, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Industry Relations, UT System
 
Despite significant treatment advances for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, no disease modifying agents are available for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Fortunately, new hypotheses are emerging to slow or even prevent these devastating diseases. This panel discussion will highlight how UT discoveries are contributing to what’s being called “the golden age of neuroscience” and how collaborations within and outside the UT System are contributing to new diagnostics and treatments on the horizon.

 


 
     

Memory & Sleep

 

 
Memory & Sleep: Exploring the Fundamentals & Uncovering the Unknown 
 
Presenters
Brad Pfeiffer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern
Todd Roberts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern
Joseph Takahashi, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern
   
Explore the fundamental basis of memory with the help of finches – yes, the song birds – and rodents. And learn about clock genes, which control the circadian rhythms in the brain and, as it turns out, many bodily functions and the incredible discovery UT Southwestern scientists made that could unlock the biochemistry that controls the switch from wakefulness to sleep.

  


 
     

Mental Health

 
Mental Health: The Path to Understanding Depression, A Doctor & Patient Perspective
 
Presenters
Julie K. Hersh, President of the Hersh Foundation and Author of Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope
Madhukar Trivedi, M.D., Director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, UT Southwestern
 
Dr. Trivedi, an internationally recognized expert in depression and mood disorders, and Hersh, a community leader and outspoken advocate for mental health, will give a compelling and engaging presentation about the need to better identify and treat depression, which affects 25% of Americans. Says Hersh, a survivor of multiple suicide attempts: We need the equivalent of a mammogram for depression.

  


 
     

3:45pm - 4:00 p.m.

 

Refreshment Break

4:00 p.m.

 

Campus Excursions 

Brain Exploration: A Behind the Scenes Look at Alzheimer’s & Traumatic Brain Injury
Stroll through the labs to get a behind the scenes look at Alzheimer’s and Traumatic Brain Injury research. This walking tour of the lab also includes a 5 - 10 minute walk from the Pickens Building.
 
Tour of William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital
Explore a state-of-the-art hospital unlike any other, built on the firm foundation of one big idea: every aspect was designed to enhance the patient's  care and experience. From treatments and science, to artwork and private rooms, discover the technology and design focused on the highest standards of patient-centered heal care. This walking tour excursion is a short shuttle ride to Clements University Hospital.
 
Using Technology to Improve Stroke Care
An interactive opportunity to experience telemedicine efforts of the Lone Star Consortium to improve stroke response in rural areas; a new app that will strengthen community networks between EMS and hospitals; and innovative endovascular techniques that are improving stroke outcomes. This seated presentation is a short shuttle ride to Clements University Hospital.
  
Autism: Cracking the Code
Presenters
Craig Powell, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern
Thomas F. Campbell, Ph.D., Executive Director Callier Center for Communication Disorders, UT Dallas
Almost 1 in 68 American children is on the autism spectrum – a 10-fold increase in prevalence compared to 40 years ago. Research shows that the increase is only partially explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Autism experts from UT Southwestern and the Callier Center for Communication Disorders at UT Dallas will discuss the latest research and therapies and answer these questions: Should all children be screened for autism? Is autism being over-diagnosed? Can it be cured by diet? Are there smart phone apps that can diagnose autism? Is there a connection between autism and ADHD? And what is it going to take to crack the autism code? This seated presentation will be held in the Pickens Building.

 

5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

 

Shuttles Depart to Ritz-Carlton Dallas Hotel

7:00 - 7:30 p.m.

 

Cocktail Reception

Please join fellow CCEC members and featured presenters for conversation and fellowship. 

Business Attire.

Please note: All evening activities will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas Hotel. 

7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

 

Dinner and Program

Conversation with Roger Staubach, Dallas business and civic leader, NFL Hall of Famer, Dallas Cowboy Quarterback, 1969-1979.

 

Saturday, January 14

 

 

The Saturday breakfast and program will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas Hotel. Check out time is noon, so you will have ample time to gather your belongings from your room after the CCEC Business Meeting adjourns.

Attire for the day is Business Casual.

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

 

Hot Breakfast (served continuously)

9:00 - 9:50 a.m.

 
Morning Program

Flex your Cortex: Extend and Enhance your Brain's Health

Presenters
Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Director, Center for BrainHealth, UT Dallas
Ian Robertson, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Global Brain Health Institute, Center for Brain Health, UT Dallas
 
Are you strengthening or compromising your brain systems that sustain your mental and social acumen? Dr. Chapman and Dr. Robertson will share the latest cognitive neuroscience discoveries that relate to executive performance, stress management, innovative thinking and enhanced decision-making. These renowned brain health scientists will engage you in an interactive exchange of ideas and challenges to experience how to best use mental tools to harness your brain potential. Unlocking brain potential will help us to thrive economically and to become happier, more productive, more competitive, and, ultimately, more successful.
     

9:50 - 10:00 a.m.

     

Break

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

 

CCEC Business Meeting

11:30 a.m.

 

CCEC Business Meeting Adjourns