The inaugural issue of EVMS Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (JMHS) is now available. This student-run journal is a compilation of distinguished papers, projects and articles written by student authors with faculty mentorship. All submitted works were reviewed by an editorial team, and future issues of this bi-annual publication will implement a formalized student-run peer review process.

"Medical journals are forums in which many advances in the field of medicine are communicated and ultimately transformed into better patient care, " says Robert Orgeira, marketing director for JMHS and a surgical assistant class of 2011 student. "JMHS will give the EVMS community the opportunity to publish their research and contribute commentaries relevant to health care and medical education."

Copies of JMHS are available in Lewis Hall, Hofheimer Hall and outside the Brickell Library. For more information, visit www.evms.edu/jmhs.

Congratulations to the EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center for the August 4 report on WVEC-TV regarding its research examining the link between belly fat and diabetes/heart disease.

The report quotes Jerry Nadler, MD, chair of internal medicine and director of the Strelitz Diabetes Center, and Anca Dobrian, PhD, assistant professor of physiological sciences, one of the scientists involved in the study.

Major renovations to the first floor of Lewis Hall will begin this August. The newly-renovated space will include upgrades to the Brickell Library, a new student lounge area, a new bookstore with café, and renovated administrative offices.

The following Offices will move to Smith-Rogers Hall, located at 358 Mowbray Arch, on July 9, 2010:

• Medical Admissions, Minority Affairs: first floor
• Education, Student Affairs, Faculty Development: second floor
• Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Performance and Evaluation: fourth floor

All phone numbers and email addresses of personnel who are relocating will remain the same.

The EVMS School of Health Professions Master's of Public Health program is hosting a week of events April 5-9 to mark National Public Health Week. An initiative of the American Public Health Association, the event this year focuses on the theme "A Healthier America: One Community at a Time" and seeks to create a healthier nation by starting at the local level.