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Effective immediately, Himmelfarb Library will now provide 30 free interlibrary requests for the year for all GW Nursing, GWSPH, and SMHS patrons between January and December! The allowed amount will reset at the beginning of each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).   We hope the change simplifies the service for users and allows them to maximize their use of Documents2Go’s interlibrary loan service!

Why the limit? 

Due to the expensive nature of research articles, we are unable to lift the current limit to the number of allowable free requests. We will do everything we are able to obtain your article in a timely fashion. 

Why the limit?

Articles are normally delivered within 24-72 hours.  If your article takes longer than a week to receive, feel free to contact us at mlbdoc@gwu.edu to receive an update on your request. 

Are there any other costs?

If you need to receive your requested article within 24 hours of creating it, you may designate your request as a “rush” request. Rush requests incur a $10 fee. After your acknowledgment of the additional cost, we will try to obtain your article within 24 hours. In the case that we are unable to obtain the article within the allotted time, you will not be charged. 

How can I submit requests? Access Documents2Go then log in using your GW User ID and password. For accounts created before May 22, 2022, your GW UserID is the portion of your email address prior to the “@.” For accounts created after May 22, 2022, your GW UserID is your GWID (G#). If you are unable to access your account or have any additional questions about our Interlibrary Loan service let us know by contacting mlbdoc@gwu.edu

Decorative image of citrus fruits sliced and placed on a yellow background.

As the days get longer it is a fantastic time to enjoy the many flavors of Summer! From refreshing beverages to one-of-a-kind dishes, the culinary landscape of the season offers so many delicious possibilities that don’t require a diet. We have found some fantastic recipes to tantalize your taste buds with healthy summer eats that are sure to make the sunny season more delightful. 

For lunch, why not try this low-carb and crunchy Thai Larb salad? You can pick your protein, be it beef, lamb, or chicken, you can even make this into a healthy vegetarian option. This immunity-boosting recipe offers a unique heat and crunch combination that is packed full of riboflavin, zinc, B12, and B6! If gluten is not an option, these Vietnamese-style Summer rolls guarantee a unique flavor with a mint, bean sprout, and chili flavor fusion.

If you’re looking for reasons to spend some quality time with the grill, these Grilled - honey - Chipotle Salmon packets with summer squash are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C! Summer isn’t complete without some of the classic flavors too! Always a crowd pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a timeless Cucumber Black-eyed pea salad. This salad is wonderfully versatile, pairs well with any sort of summer meal, and can be enjoyed as a snack. 

If you are looking for something new to try to revolutionize the way you see dessert, these Apple Nachos with Chocolate and Peanut Butter are not only vegetarian and gluten-free, but also are a great way to get in that “Apple a day!” You can also offer Root Beer Floats. While a Root Beer Float may not be packed with vitamins, this unforgettable treat almost always delivers a smile. Don’t forget to serve them in a chilled mug! 

If you haven’t already, it might be a great time to ask yourself: How can I make my summer menu more innovative? Are you into the challenge of something new? Or do you prefer to keep meal plans traditional and tried and true? Whichever your preference, we hope that you will have a flavor-packed summer season.

Celebrated in May, Older Americans Month is dedicated to honoring the many contributions, wisdom, and experiences of the older adult population in the United States. We observe to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by older Americans while highlighting their achievements and the valuable roles they play in our society.

The month of May serves as a platform to address the challenges currently faced by older Americans and advocate for their rights and well-being. It highlights important issues such as healthcare access, financial security, and social isolation. By highlighting these concerns, we are all encouraged to take action and support initiatives that improve the lives of older adults, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and support they deserve.

It also is beneficial to remember the importance of this month particularly from a health perspective, as it draws attention to the healthcare needs and challenges faced by older adults. With advancing age, individuals may experience a variety of health conditions and physical limitations that require specialized care and support. This observance serves as a reminder to prioritize the health and well-being of older Americans, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare services, preventive screenings, and resources that promote healthy aging.

What better time to honor the wisdom, strength, and resilience of older Americans and to advocate for their rights and dignity? By recognizing and supporting older adults, we can foster a society that values and benefits from the wealth of knowledge and experience that comes with age.

Additional reading can be found at Himmelfarb: 
Guccione's Geriatric Physical Therapy
Ham's Primary Care Geriatrics : A case-based approach
Geriatrics review syllabus (GRS11)
GNRS : geriatric nursing review syllabus: a core curriculum in advance practice geriatric nursing
Geriatric Mental Health Care: Lessons From a Pandemic
Current diagnosis & treatment. Geriatrics
Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care

If you would like to promote Older Americans Month, there are logos, social media graphics, and posters available!

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Mental health is a key player in overall health, and can impact how we handle stress and influence the healthy (or unhealthy) choices we make every day. The field of medicine is critical to ensure wellness; it's also our responsibility as individuals to prioritize our mental health. Even daily stressors can hinder our physical health. 

Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) leads the Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, which aims to increase public understanding of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Through this campaign, #morethanenough, NAMI encourages individuals to share their stories, raise awareness in their communities, and advocate for better access to mental health resources and services.

Anxiety, depression, or trauma can greatly affect one’s ability to live a productive life. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate and inform the public about the importance of mental health and the impact of mental illness on individuals, families, and society as a whole. As the country is facing a shortage of practicing psychiatrists, sharing our knowledge, and supporting those we love has become a topic that is needed, but not often addressed. 

Remember that it's okay not to be okay, and it's okay to ask for help. You deserve to receive the support and care you need to prioritize your mental health and well-being Don’t forget: you are #morethanenough. 

Mental Health Support:

Mental Health resources at Himmelfarb: 

This week in April is National Library Week. Are you a big fan of libraries? Now might be a fantastic opportunity to ask yourself: what are some of my favorite library experiences? Maybe you found a favorite book series or a quiet study place for an important exam. One couple in Texas even had a beautiful Library themed wedding

Some accomplishments that we are proud of: 
Staff Updates:
  • Following Anne Linton’s many years of incredible service, Laura Abate accepted her promotion to Director of Himmelfarb Library in July 2022! 
  • Former Serials Librarian Ruth Bueter was promoted to Associate Director of Library Operations in early March 2023. Thank you to JoLinda Thompson for her great work as Interim Associate Director of Library Operations!
  • Himmelfarb welcomed new staff: Our reference team has grown over the past year with the addition of Rachel Brill (Reference and Instruction Librarian), Deborah Wassertzug (Reference and Instruction Librarian), and Temitayo Wolff (Reference Specialist). 
  • Our Metadata Specialist, Brittany Smith is relentlessly working on her Master of Library Science at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. 
  • Catherine Sluder, BloedornTechnology Center Manager, received the 2022 SMHS Dean's Excellence in Service Award. Bravo! 
  • Himmelfarb Librarians have been busy publishing in the last year too! Several Himmelfarb Librarians and staff have upcoming publications, conference posters, and presentations just around the corner.


If you aren’t yet in the library spirit, we challenge you to read a book this season! Reading has been shown to reduce stress, muscle tension and to slow your heart rate. At Himmelfarb Library, we continue to be honored to serve such a diverse, talented, and intellectual group of students, staff, and faculty members here at GW. Raise High! 


Toronto Brunch © Hufsa Khan, 2022

If you haven’t submitted your artwork, there is still time! 
We are excited to invite you to share your creative projects with us! Himmelfarb Library’s 35th annual art show features photographs, paintings of all mediums, drawings, sculptures, and more created by GW’s health sciences community! Submissions are currently being accepted through April 13th, so submit your favorite work of art soon! We accept a wide range of art, from paintings, photography, needlework, pottery, handmade jewelry, and more. Feel free to contact us with questions about submissions at himmelfarb@gwu.edu. 

Important Dates:

Submissions: Now through Thursday, April 13th. Submissions can be dropped off at the Himmelfarb Circulation/Reference Desk. For each submission, we need the name of your piece and the artist’s name.

Opening Reception: Monday, April 17, 4:00pm - 5:30pm.

Art Show: Monday, April 17 through Thursday, May 11

In case you haven’t noticed, the seasons are changing once again! Did you know that seasons can affect our mental health? Seasonal affective disorder may not seem like a significant condition, but it can affect the most basic of human functions such as sleeping and performing daily tasks. It’s important to consider yourself regarding the weather, and know that if you are feeling down or anxious on a cloudy day, you are not alone. 

Here are some ideas that can help you to clean out any mental cobwebs that may have occurred over winter!

One of the best free activities that can be done during this time of year is to go out for a walk! Did you know that not only does walking help to combat weight-promoting genes, but it also helps to combat a sweet tooth? Additionally, walking helps to give a helpful boost to your immune system. The benefits of walking are fantastic for all.  If you’re only looking to walk a few blocks to a few miles, there are bound to be options for your specific needs. Bicyclists can also take advantage of these benefits too! 

Starting March 18th to April 16th, the four-week-long Cherry Blossom Festival will occur in D.C.! From webinars, art events, kite festivals, and taiko drum demonstrations, there are many different community events that are open to the public. You can also track peak blossom season which is expected to happen in a few days (March 22nd-25th). 

If you’d prefer someplace with fewer crowds than the Cherry Blossom Festival, you can always check out the National Botanic Gardens. With three locations that offer every reason to get your steps in for the day, it’s literally perfect for any time of the year, and a great place to visit with a friend or family member.  From Himmelfarb Library to the tidal basin and cherry blossoms, is a beautiful walk

If you are looking for an event to attend, why not go see a Washington Nationals Game? Not only is watching a sporting event a good way to get away from the weekly work grind, but it also offers mental health benefits you may not even have noticed you needed! If you don’t understand the rules, no problem. Attending a game is a fantastic way to get some fresh air, soak in some Vitamin D (but don’t forget to wear sunscreen), and get in some great people watching! Being amongst the local community at an outing can not only reduce depression, but it also releases dopamine, regardless of if the team wins or loses! 

Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, going for a walk or spring cleaning, now is the perfect time to address any seasonal depression you may feel. Take advantage of what the season has to offer, not only to strengthen your mind and body, but also to promote general wellness and self care as a whole. Ultimately that is what healthy living is all about - feeling good so that we can enjoy the many excellent incentives that life has to offer!  

Celebrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, March is designated as Women’s History month, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the many women who changed the field of Medicine.

Mary Putnam Jacobi (1842 - 1906)

Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi, who received her education from the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania and trained in Paris, argued for coeducation for medical students.  She noted that existing women's medical schools could not provide the same clinical experience as major hospitals. Jacoby created the Association for the Advancement of Medical Education of Women to directly address inequalities. Most notably, Jacobi wrote a counter argument proving the stability of women's strength throughout their menstrual cycle which earned her Harvard's prestigious Boylston prize, and later became a powerful tool in the continued fight for women's education.

Patricia Goldman-Rakic (1937 - 2003)

Dr. Patricia Goldman-Rakic is known for mapping the prefrontal cortex region of the brain, which had been deemed too complex to research in detail prior to her achievements. Patricia's mapping illuminated critical functions of the brain such as cognition, planning, and working memory. Her research contributed greatly to our understanding of schizophrenia, ADHD, Parkinson's disease, and dementia.

Antonia Novello (1944 - )

Still with us today, Dr. Novello has served the field of medicine by being the first Hispanic, and first female U.S. Surgeon General. In her earlier work, Novello cared for critically ill children and then transitioned into the field of Public Health where she felt that she could make a greater impact on the broader population. She worked to draft the Organ Transplantation Procurement Act of 1984, which established the national registry for organ matching. She also helped author the health warnings that were added to cigarette packaging. One of her most notable contributions was her campaign that sought to end cigarette advertising to children to help combat underage smoking.

Mary Edwards Walker (1832 - 1919)

The only woman to receive the United States Medal of Honor, Mary became the first U.S. surgeon during the Civil War. In 1855, alongside her spouse, she started a Medical clinic in New York, which was unsuccessful due to the public’s lack of support for a female doctor. In 1863, after treating wounded soldiers on the front lines in Virginia, Dr. Walker’s request to practice as a surgeon was finally accepted. The following year, while assisting a Confederate doctor with surgery, she was captured as a spy. She was held in prison for four months and refused to wear women’s clothing. She was later released in 1864 and awarded the Medal of Honor by President Andrew Johnson.

Nothing stopped these brave women from contributing to medical progress. Let us take a moment to give thanks, learn about, and educate our peers about not only the astounding accomplishments of these women but about the many others who have helped to push forward the boundaries of the field of medicine.

Summer Beauty© (Dana Bolsteins, Photography). 2022 Art Show submission.

We are excited to invite you to share your creative projects with us! Himmelfarb Library’s annual art show  features photographs, paintings of all mediums, drawings, sculptures, and more created by GW’s health sciences community! Starting March 13th, we encourage you to submit your favorite work of art! If you are uncertain about what types of media may or may not be accepted, feel free to contact us at himmelfarb@gwu.edu

Important Dates:

Submissions: Monday, March 13 through Thursday, April 13. Submissions can be dropped off at the Himmelfarb Circulation/Reference Desk. For each submission, we need the name of your piece and the artist’s name.

Opening Reception: Monday, April 17, 4:00pm - 5:30pm.

Art Show: Monday, April 17 through Thursday, May 11

Need some inspiration? Here are some of last year’s Art Show submissions:

 Koi© (Hannah Crowder, Oil Painting)
Disco Bath© (Caitlin Horn, Digital Collage)

Feast of the Three Saints© (Dylan Parsons, 35mm Film Photo)

Crocheted Table Runner© (Sandy Hoar, Cotton thread)

The Neo-Dadaist Oracle©(Sair Lazzaro, Tarot Deck)

Mountain Eyes© (Christopher Aduwari, Acrylic on Canvas)

Staph Meeting© (Sarah Reece-Stremtan, Cross-Stitch)

Whether you submit artwork or not, we look forward to seeing you at the Art Show!

Whether you are a football fan or not, why not take some time this weekend to shake up your regular cuisine routine? 

For appetizers, these Fried Buffalo Artichoke hearts are a healthier alternative if you’re a chicken wing fan. Not only are they vegetarian-friendly, but artichokes also help to lower bad cholesterol! Not into artichokes? No problem. Air fryer lovers or oven users can create these alluring cheesy cauliflower tots! Cauliflower is a fantastic option if you are watching carbohydrates, and it is high in fiber and B vitamins! 

In addition to being low on carbs, these keto taco cups are an eye-catching delight, and offer a flavor fusion of onions, cilantro, and avocado! Lastly for appetizers and a personal favorite of mine, oven-fried pickles. Packed with flavonoids, dill helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. 

For an entree, these spicy shrimp lettuce wraps give every reason to try something new! Who said Superbowl Sunday needs to be only burgers and hot dogs? If you are craving chicken, these barbecue herbed drumsticks offer a unique mix of sweet and savory flavors that will make it difficult to resist going back for seconds. For our grillmasters, add these skewered chili-honey-garlic shrimp kebabs to your menu!

If you are entertaining young ones or are looking for something colorful and different, these sour patch grapes just might hit the spot after salty and savory dishes! Who would have thought that green grapes could be transformed into sour patch treats? Following the trend of fruit, these chocolate-dipped apricots will offer a new and different flavor with a pistachio crunch! For a dessert that will be a bit more filling, these cinnamon vanilla donuts are both whole grain and sugar-free while still deliciously sweet!