In the news

Pulse strong for pharmacy jobs

An aging population and the influx of new drugs mean more pharmacists are needed than ever before. As starting salaries top $80,000, pharmacy schools are turning away applicants, but Michigan's three pharmacy schools are expanding capacity. "You do this, and you're guaranteed a job," said Divyesh Patel, 23, a student in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. He likes the career and salary prospects. The story includes a color photo of three WSU students. Wayne State received more than 900 applications for 80 spots this fall in its four-year program to earn a doctorate in pharmacy science. Wayne also includes some Oakland University students in a recently formed partnership to train druggists.

Volunteer of the Week

Margaret Thomas, who works in the dean's office of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, is featured as the "Volunteer of the Week." The write-up focuses on her work as a volunteer with the Detroit Institute of Arts, where she is membership chair for the Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre, writes a column for one newsletter and is the editor of another. She has a bachelor's degree in theatre and is working on a master's degree in media arts and studies. A photo accompanies the piece.

WSU receives award for commitment to minority suppliers

For the third consecutive year, Wayne State has received a Corporate ONE Award from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, the nation's largest minority business development organization. The award recognizes organizations that fully participate in MMBDC's Project ONE program for mentoring minority partners. WSU was recognized for its leadership of a team that mentors 11 minority business partners. The Purchasing Department coordinates the university's involvement.

Arthritis patients left in limbo

Bextra is the most recent painkiller to be pulled from shelves after studies found increased health risks. Bextra raised the risk of heart disease and strokes, and it has also been linked to serious skin problems. People who take Bextra to alleviate pain due to arthritis should consult their doctor before starting a new pain management plan, said Dr. Josephine Patricia Dhar, a rheumatologist at Henry Ford Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Wayne State University.

U-M plans kids clinic

The University of Michigan will announce plans today to build a 240-bed children\'s hospital to make way for the latest advances in health care for kids -- from saving premature babies to treating young burn victims. U-M\'s current facilities are cramped and outdated, lacking space for new technology and for families to stay comfortably with their ailing children, U-M officials say. \"The facilities need to keep up with the talents of the staff, \" said Robert Kelch, U-M executive vice president for medical affairs. Work on the new hospital is expected to begin late next year and will cost $360 million to $480 million. The U-M Board of Regents is expected to approve the project this spring.The Flint-based C.S. Mott Foundation, which helped launch the existing hospital in 1969, will donate $25 million for the new building. It\'s the largest gift ever for U-M Health System and the largest single gift given by the foundation.