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Meet a Scientist: Dr. Lucia Peixoto’s Work Narrows the Search for Autism Risk Factors

Lucia Peixoto in her lab on the WSU Health Sciences Spokane campus

Lucia Peixoto in her lab on the WSU Health Sciences Spokane campus

A landmark study by scientists at WSU and elsewhere has brought focus to the search for genetic links to autism spectrum disorder, which affects an estimated 2 million Americans. Published in the Jan. 16 issue of Science Signaling, the study identifies more than 2,000 areas of DNA that are active when mice learn a new task and are strongly associated with autism. Taking a closer look at one of those areas, the researchers found a genetic mutation that is associated with increased risk of developing autism.

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Medical school accreditation a great day in WSU’s history

WSU Medical School

WSU Medical School

Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Dean John Tomkowiak, center, celebrates with Sen. Michael Baumgartner (left) and Rep. Marcus Riccelli (right)

(This story appears in the latest edition of the WSU Spokane Magazine)

By Doug Nadvornick

In the short history of Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, there have been several momentous events.

The most important and the one that prompted high fives and whoops and hollers heard all the way across the state was the October 19 decision by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, or LCME – the allopathic medical school accrediting agency in the U.S. and Canada – to grant preliminary accreditation to the college so that it may accept medical students.

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A potpourri of WSU Spokane news and notes

WSU Spokane

WSU Spokane

The fall semester begins in 20 days here at WSU Spokane.

We felt it was a good time to review some recent news headlines concerning our campus, including a new clinic, recognition for our vice chancellor, a visit from the Air National Guard and more.

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Na-ha-shnee introduces Native American high school students to health sciences programs

WSU Spokane Na-ha-shnee

WSU Spokane Na-ha-shnee

“That was awesome. That was so much fun.”

Those words came from a high school student immediately after her group finished their session with Sim Man, the mannequin used by the College of Nursing in its simulation lab.

She is one of 20 Native American high school students on campus through June 30 for the 21st Annual Na-ha-shnee Health Sciences Institute.

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Health Sciences Update episodes focus on medical school, pharmacy college and nursing research

WSU Spokane

The latest batch of Health Sciences Update episodes are now available and can soon be seen on Comcast channel 17 in Spokane at 8:00 a.m., noon and 8:00 p.m.

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Former Indian Health Service director brings lifelong mission to Spokane

Yvette Roubideaux

Yvette Roubideaux

(This story appears in the latest edition of the WSU Spokane Magazine)

By Terren Roloff

As an American Indian teenager in Rapid City, South Dakota, Yvette Roubideaux (pictured above, second from left) experienced long waits when she went to the doctor at the local Indian Health Service clinic.

She heard from relatives who were frustrated at not knowing which physician they would see, and who were not happy with their care. 

It got her to thinking that maybe she could be one of the solutions to the problems in Indian health.

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Great expectations

Highway Sign

Highway Sign

(This story appears in the latest edition of the WSU Spokane Magazine)

By Doug Nadvornick

When Elson Floyd envisioned a Washington State University medical school, he had big dreams.

He spoke about training more doctors in Washington to alleviate the state’s physician shortage and about using WSU’s stature as the state’s land-grant university to extend the new school’s influence into every county.

Nearly a year after his passing as the new school that now bears Floyd’s name is in the process of being created, the expectations are high. Prospective students are contacting the school to find out when they can apply. Several of Washington’s health care providers have signed agreements to teach WSU medical students in clinical rotations. And Founding Dean John Tomkowiak, M.D., is leading the effort to give the state’s newest publicly-funded medical school its own unique identity.

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Elson S. Floyd honored with Citizen Hall of Fame award

Elson Floyd

Elson Floyd

The City of Spokane and the Spokane Public Library Foundation today honored former WSU president Elson S. Floyd with first ever Spokane Citizen Impact Award. Going forward, the award will be named the Elson S. Floyd Impact Award and will be given each year to individuals who have made significant contributions to the region that may fall outside the scope of the Hall of Fame.

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Symposium highlights research leading to change

Inland Northwest Research Symposium

Inland Northwest Research Symposium

Hundreds of students, faculty and visitors filled a multi-purpose room on the WSU Spokane campus for the annual Inland Northwest Research Symposium last week. Health sciences students at WSU Spokane and EWU Spokane, as well as students from North Central High School’s Institute of Science and Technology, showcased their work.

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