As we enter fall and brace for winter, many of us look forward to snowy days and ski slopes. Others may feel a different shift in mood. The colder, shorter days can feel challenging. We should take the time to reflect on the importance of well-being and finding ways to embrace the season ahead.

Emphasize the positive aspects of this season, such as curling up with a book, gathering with loved ones, or taking in the crisp, fresh air, rather than dwelling on winter challenges. Creating a "Winter Survival List" of special activities like building a snowman with your family or cross-country skiing on a sunny morning, can build anticipation for the chilly months. Setting aside time for hobbies, favorite movies, or simple outings like a walk or time with friends, can make the days feel warmer.

It's important to recognize when it's more than just a seasonal slump, and know the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Learn how to fight the "Winter Blues" and SAD this season.

Finally, our Office of Wellbeing has compiled a list of many URMC wellness resources. I encourage you to take advantage of them.

Together, let's embrace the season and take care of ourselves and each other.

Be well,
Ruth O'Regan, MD

Grants: Daniel Lachant, DO, from Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for his project "Electronically Delivered Home Rehabilitation to Improve Symptoms and Activity After Pulmonary Embolism."

Publication: Amit Dhamoon, MD, PhD, from Hospital Medicine, is co-author of "Gangrene and osteomyelitis of the toe in a previously healthy patient due to undiagnosed essential thrombocythemia," published in BMJ Case Reports.

Publication: Danielle Wallace, MD, Melissa Loh, MBBCh, BAO, MS, and Carla Casulo, MD, from Hematology/Oncology, are authors of "How I Treat Older Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma," published in Blood.

In the News: Caroline Quill, MD, from Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, is featured in the article "AI, Digital Technologies Set to Revolutionize COPD Care, Expert Says," published in the American Journal of Managed Care.

In the News: Sullafa Kadura, MD, MBA, from Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, is a featured expert in the article "Post-Menopausal and Not Sleeping? It Could Be Sleep Apnea," published in Next Avenue, a PBS digital platform.

DOM Research and Education Pilot Awards

The department will support three to five awards, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 for creative basic, clinical, and translational research, as well as unique educational scholarship projects. Get all the details here. Letters of intent are due Monday, November 4.

Registration Open for CTSI EQ-DI Fall Webinar Series

The Equity-Focused Dissemination and Implementation series examines how scientific evidence is implemented in clinical setting and communities. All sessions are 4 – 5 p.m. Upcoming webinars are:

• Use of Dissemination & Implementation Tools to Inform Behavior Change, Adapt Interventions, and Measure Research Outcomes (November 5)
• Patient Partnering in Research Implementation (November 12)
• Rapid Qualitative Analysis in Implementation Research (November 19)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Robert Betts, MD, professor emeritus from Infectious Diseases and former Internal Medicine Residency Program Director. He is remembered in URMC's In Memoriam, and his obituary.

We also mourn the passing of Emmanuel S. Akowuah, MD, MS, professor emeritus from Primary Care and a member of the Medical Center Board of Directors. He is remembered in URMC's In Memoriam, and his obituary.