January 21, 2011
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 29, No. 21
Prenatal studies make history insiDe LocaL food
4
Now is the time to sign up for a Community Support Agriculture share. safeTy dance
MUSC initiates its second landmark obstetrical ultrasound study - this time focusing on twins. The photo above is a 4D ultrasound image of Jennifer Montgomery’s twin boys at 25 weeks of gestation. By Dawn Brazell Public Relations
B
ecoming part of obstetrical history with its participation in a second national fetal growth study, MUSC will help establish the gold standard for what is normal growth and development of twins. MUSC is one of five hospitals chosen to be a part of the National Twins Study, which will begin recruiting women
6
Medical center employees express themselves on YouTube. Dr. Roger Newman displays the T-shirt that is given to the study’s participants.
this month to be a part of this research sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development. Roger Newman, M.D., the study’s principal investigator, said this is the second nationally important study using obstetrical ultrasound that has been undertaken by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine service at 135 Cannon Place, a part of MUSC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “It’s important for us to be part of these
studies. The selection of the study sites was to create geographic and ethnic diversity in terms of recruitment. What also makes us a good selection is the quality of the prenatal ultrasound services that we offer. Our research infrastructure in the Department of OB-GYN is very strong and we are able to deliver on what we say we can do.” The hospital began recruiting to the National Standard for Normal Fetal Growth Study, also sponsored by the
See History on page 8
3
Applause
5
Meet Narendra
11 Classifieds
T h e c aTa Ly s T onLine http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
2 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
EmployEE WEllnEss If you have a behavior that puts yourself in danger, consider taking the New Year’s Safety Pledge. The MUSC Trauma Team and Safe Kids are encouraging MUSC employees to vow to change one behavior that will make their lives safer. Injury is the leading cause of death for ages newborn to 44 and is often preventable by people taking “one simple step.” For the month of January, employees are being asked to sign a pledge to change one behavior. The change could be as small as deciding to talk on the phone while driving only in an emergency or to never text and drive. Other examples of a change are: q Making sure parents and children are wearing a bike helmet every time when riding a bicycle q Paying closer attention to walking on crosswalks q Turning music down when exercising outside to be more aware of surroundings q Becoming more aware of yourself or friends driving a vehicle or boat after drinking q Wearing a helmet when driving or riding a motorcycle The goal is for employees to be dedicated to changing one behavior and moving forward from there. Hospital units are encouraged to participate in the safety pledge as a hospital unit competition. Contact Stephanie Power at Powe@musc.edu for information. The Wellness Center is contributing day passes to the gym to foster the event.
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu
MUSC Employee Wellness events q Chair massages: Free massages are offered to employees on Tuesday nights and midday Wednesdays. Look for broadcast messages for locations. q Discounted state park annual passes: Ranger John Phelps from Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site will be near Starbucks in the Children’s Hospital lobby from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 26 selling annual state park passes to employees at a 20 percent discount. Visit http://www.charlestowne.org/ or http:// www.southcarolinaparks.com/ to learn more about the natural and historic settings in the community and state. q Worksite screening: A screening will be held Jan. 27 in the MUSC Wellness Center auditorium. The screening is $15 with the State Health Plan and advanced payment is required. Register at http:// www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st. q Lunchtime Losers: 10-week lifestyle change program. Weekly classes meet on Thursdays during lunch with professionals from the MUSC Weight Management Center and the $98 fee can be payroll deducted. The next class begins Jan. 27. E-mail musc-empwell@ musc.edu to register. q Farmers market: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday in the Horseshoe and in the grassy area next to Ashley River Tower behind Charleston Memorial Hospital. Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@ musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC. The Catalyst is published once a week. Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or Fax: 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
Nominations being accepted for Teaching Excellence Awards Nominations are being accepted for the MUSC Foundation Teaching Excellence Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize members of the MUSC faculty who have made outstanding contributions to the university through teaching. Awards may be given from the following categories: Clinical/Professional (EducatorMentor): For teaching excellence in nontraditional roles with individuals or small groups, specifically those who teach, mentor, or serve as role models in their clinical and professional development. Scholarship/Academic (EducatorMentor): For teaching excellence in nontraditional roles with individuals or small groups, specifically those who teach, mentor, or serve as role models in their scholarly or academic development. Educator-Lecturer: For teaching excellence in traditional, didactic or classroom teaching. Developing Teacher: For teaching excellence demonstrated by a junior faculty member in either of the above categories. Any regular, full-time faculty member who holds an academic rank of instructor or higher in a college or department of MUSC, who has not been the recipient of this award within
the previous three years is eligible for nomination. Faculty who are nominated in the Clinical/Professional (EducatorMentor), Scholarship/Academic (Educator-Mentor), or Educator-Lecturer categories must have taught at MUSC for three or more years. Those nominated for the Developing Teacher category must have taught for a minimum of two years at MUSC and for no more than four years total at an institute of higher education. Presented for the first time in 1995, these universitywide teaching awards were proposed as part of MUSC’s Educational Strategic Plan. In addition to a commemorative medallion, each recipient will receive a cash award from the MUSC Foundation. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11. Nominees will be invited to submit supporting materials, and a committee of faculty and students representing MUSC’s six colleges, Library Sciences and Informatics, and the Student Government Association will review the nominations and select the recipients for this year’s awards. Forms may be obtained and submitted at http://www.carc.musc.edu/ nomination/. For more information, call Marcia Higaki at 792-2228.
Person of interest The exit door at the Basic Science Building was damaged at 6:17 a.m. on Jan. 9. MUSC Public Safety is searching for this person in the photograph. If you have information, contact Sgt. Charles Davis at 792-0334 or 792-4196.
tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011 3
Applause Program honors employees, students
Medical Center
Sam Guffey, 10W; Alix Boster, 10W; Marianne Wittenmyer, 10W; Jill Norman, 10W; Brett Mills, 10W; Senaca Shefton, 10W; Lionel DaCosta, 10W; Fred Scruggs, 10W; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Anna Smalls, Department of Family Medicine; Amelia Hoak, ART 6E; Carnice French, ART 6E; Emily Patrick, ART 6E; Scott Rand, Radiation Oncology; Karen Moskos, Department of Family Medicine; Paulette Edwards, Business Operations Administration; Anne Gibson, Women’s Health; Kelly Keiter, 5W; Deborah Balasia, Surgery, Women & Infant Services; Laurie Woods, Therapeutic & Professional Support Services; Megan Baker, Department of Surgery; Fallyn Greene, Ambulatory Pharmacy; Daniel Ward, Dermatology; Danielle Campbell, 7B; Joyce Middleton, Labor & Delivery; Pamela Chimino, Sleep Lab; Karen Richardson, Sleep Lab; Karnesia Hicks, Storm Eye Surgery Magill; Maryhelen Britt, Neurophysiology; Diane Leyh, Referral Call Center; Gabe Hillegass, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine; Roberta Porcher, ART OR; Brian Berry, Psychiatry; Rodney Tyler, James Island PT/OT; Margaret Lavelle,7A; Nessa Snyder, 7A; Marquita Smith, 7E;
Dora McCutcheon, 7E; Melisa Coffin, 7E; Kellie Gainey, 7E; Courtney Jordan, 7E; Queen Haynes, Department of Family Medicine; Lisa Pinckney, Department of Family Medicine; Deborah Mitchell, Neuroscience; Jill Serguson, Radiology; Karen Parsons, Women’s Services; Cynthia Adams, PAS; Jonathan Springer, Radiology; Jenice Edney, Environmental Services; Patricia Brown, PAS; Charlene Grice, Ophthalmology; Peter Gutierrez, Pediatrics; Steven Saef, Emergency Medicine; Donnie Beason, Radiology; Pamela Chavis, Ophthalmology; Chris Merrell, Orthopaedic Surgery; Kimberle Pride, Pre/Post Ambulatory Anesthesia; Sharon Sheppard, Dietetic Services; Mikia Green, Radiology; Scott Buff, Radiology; Morris Sheppard, Radiology; Michael Gage, Radiology; Shane Cox, Radiology; Sonya Richardson, Radiology; Yolanda Simmons, PAS; Quintella Grant, Radiology; David Springle, Radiology; Marques Bradshaw, Radiology; Sharon Cowan, Dietetic Services; Debra Nelson, Environmental Services; Carolyn Keller, 8W; Rebecca Ladson, Environmental Services; Danielle Nowakowski, 8E; Shauniqua Pinckney, Environmental Services; Jerome Perilla, 8E; Jess Bullington, 8E; Dandre Jackson, RT Children’s Services Registration; Kelli Bryant, Ambulatory Care; LaRenzo Champagne, Transplant Center; Wendy Pena-Smith, Transplant Center; Jacqueline Arthur, RT Pulmonary Clinic; Chad Vick,
Med/Surg ICU; Brandon Couch, Med/Surg ICU; Eleanor Pineda, Med/Surg ICU; Luc Gagne, Med/Surg ICU; Emmanuel Tria, 10W; Crysta Schaff, Medical Director’s Office/Social Workers; Florence Simmons, Medical Director’s Office/Social Workers; Kathy Sloan, Medical Director’s Office/Social Workers; Patricia Parker, Department of Surgery; Natalie Prince, 8W; William Wilson, Respiratory Therapy; Paulette Edwards, Business Operations Administration; Janice Quinn, Respiratory Therapy; Cherrelle Meggett, Radiology Registration; Amanda McGarrigle, Therapeutic Services; Jessica Hardy, Women’s Services; Michael Annand, Facilities Management; Hedy Fagan, DDC; Bettye Broomfield, ART; and Deborah Oliver, Pediatrics Ambulatory Care.
University Jennifer Abrusia, Cardiology; Andrew Brock, Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Seung Choi, College of Dental Medicine; William Cook, Engineering & Facilities Lock Shop; Michelle Daniel, Cardiology; Randall Echols, SCTR Institute; Mary Gray, College of Dental Medicine; Rosalind Giddens, Purchasing Services; Peter Gutierrez, Pediatrics; Anne Hawes, Cardiology; Raynard James, Purchasing Services; Michelle Muir, Enrollment Management; Harris Stone, Orthopaedic Surgery; and Eunsil Yim, Biostatistics & Epidemiology.
IP04-460124
The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile:
4 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
CurrEnts Jan. 18
People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty
Wins Melinda RautonBiller, R.N., nurse manager, PICU, reported that PICU has had more than 365 days without a central line associated blood stream infection. Employee of the Month Katy Kuder, manager, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services, introduced Lane Elsey, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services, as the Employee of the Month for December. Elsey arranged for a mother of a pediatric patient to have her hair cut and styled. The patient had been at MUSC for more than a month and didn’t want to leave her daughter. She was nominated by a nurse. Adult Inpatient Pain Program Lisa Langdale, R.N., manager, Center for Education and Best Practice, introduced pain resource clinicians Kathleen Price, R.N., and Jayne Quinn, R.N., as the team members for Adult Pain Management. They will cover the university hospital and Ashley River Tower. The coordinating physician is Barton Sachs, M.D., associate executive medical director, Orthopaedic Surgery.
The program focus is patient care and education. Patient care: consultative service; collaboration with medical, nursing, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatric nurse liaison, behavioral health, chaplain and palliative care staff and pharmacological and alternative treatment modalities. Education: nursing and resident staff and patient and family. The program will continue to be rolled out by unit. Additional priorities will be a review of pain scales, a review of CATTS lessons, documentation recommendations and staff education. For information, e-mail Quinn or Price at Pain-adult@musc.edu. Human Resources (HR) update Helena Bastian, HR director, presented the following topics: q Hiring Justification Process The hiring justification process guidelines were discussed and details were e-mailed to leaders Jan. 13. Any questions e-mail Lynn Campbell, employment and compensation manager, at Campbell@musc.edu or Bastian, at bastianh@musc.edu. q New Hire Checklist Leaders were reminded that prior to beginning employment, the following must be successfully completed for new hires: references, criminal background check, education verification, Excluded Parties List System website check and
To Medical Center Employees: The Jan. 11 Currents newsletter (issued via mass e-mail but not in The Catalyst) highlighted the driving forces behind the medical center’s (MUHA’s) cost savings initiatives which we refer to as our “5/5 plan.” Our goal is to reduce the cost of care by 5 percent this year and 5 percent next year while continuing to improve quality of care. Currently the medical center is facing a potential substantial shortfall in Medicaid funding. The medical center’s revenues include approximately $200 million in Medicaid funding which amounts to around 20 percent of our operating budget. To date the state has not identified Medicaid funding for the final quarter of this fiscal year which ends June 30. MUSC leadership is working with state government officials and others to offer recommendations on how to address this issue. In the best case scenario we will have to tighten our belts and operate more efficiently. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. The medical center, like other hospitals and health care providers, is also preparing for reductions in reimbursement rates in future years as a result of health care reform. These expected reductions underscore our need to be successful now with our cost reduction efforts. On a related matter, recently a local newspaper article addressed the budgetary outlook for higher education, including medical university (academic component), as the state legislature begins deliberations on the budget for next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The university and the medical center (MUHA) both face financial challenges, but of a different nature. On a separate matter, as the medical center enters into the middle of our formal annual performance evaluation cycle, we are asking all leaders to conduct “high, middle, low” conversations with staff. HML conversations should be 90+ percent positive. The intent is to express to high performers appreciation for a job well done; recognize middle performers (most of us) for their good work and identify one or two opportunities for improvement; and inform low performers of improvements needed. HML training sessions have been conducted and more training sessions can be scheduled if needed. Tools for use in the discussions are located on the medical center intranet. The medical center HR Department is working with several departments to pilot use of SuccessFactors for the HML process. All HML discussions should be completed by Feb. 28. For information, contact Helena Bastian (bastianh@musc.edu), Karen Rankine (rankinkh@musc.edu) or Kim Duncan (duncanki@musc.edu). W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Office of Inspector General Inquiry website check; health and drug screening; Primary Source Verification of Licensure (if applicable); and a current CPR card
by the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer card (as applicable).
Join a Community Supported Agriculture, support local farmers
The items in your lunch today traveled an average of 1,020 miles to get to you, according to The Journal of Environmental Science & Technology. The greenhouse gases emitted on this journey represent only 4 percent of the total emissions released to produce and deliver food. Purchasing local foods is a great way to reduce these environmental pollutants, Vanessa Clark provide healthy food and
Nutrition matters
support the local economy. One of the best ways to go local when spring hits is by signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share. By joining a CSA, you’re teaming up with a particular farm (or farmer) for the season. Members pay for a “share” in advance and receive a box (small, medium, or large) of produce every week. Shares are either picked up weekly at a communal delivery site or are delivered to your doorstep. For those living and cooking alone, shares are often perfect for sharing. Talk to neighbors, and coworkers about teaming up to split food, costs, and pickups. Most shares cost about $7 to $10 per person, per week.
Local CSAs aren’t limited to selling things that grow out of the ground. CSA groups in the area offer everything from fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs to beef, poultry, fish, and even clams and oysters. A great place to start your journey home is with Lowcountry Local First (http://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/). The website has a list of farms that offer CSA shares, some that even have drop-off sites at or near MUSC. Although winter’s chill is still here, don’t wait to secure your spring farm share. Many farms will sell out as the growing season approaches. January may seem like a tough time to purchase locally, but, if you know
See Local on page 8
tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011 5
mEEt narEndra
Many of my listings have closed or gone under contract. If you are thinking about selling, call me for a no obligation consultation. If you tried to sell your home last year and it did not sell, let's talk about what my experience and extensive marketing plan can do for you! I also closed several short sales in 2010, call me if you have questions regarding the short sales process. IP05-450117
Narendra Patel, M.D. Department Ophthalmology How long at MUSC 1 year
www.EdHunnicutt.com 843-270-0292
What music is in your CD player Jars of Clay and Selah
IP03-459392
A unique talent you have Woodworking Bad habit I use too many Post-its Role model My dad
A must have in the fridge or pantry Hummus and multigrain tortilla chips Favorite magazine “The New Yorker” What cities have you lived in Sarasv, India; Cairo, Egypt; Mbirikani, Kenya; Grinnell, Iowa; Monroe, La.; St. Louis, Mo.; Chicago, Ill.; Iowa City, Iowa; LaCrosse, Wis.; and Charleston What do you most appreciate about your mother Her wisdom and generosity
R eside with us at Bee Street Lofts Call Josephine and find out why we are the Number One Choice for Medical Professionals
*Best buying opportunity in Charleston Real estate in over 20 years *Strategically located, across from MUSC, Roper St. Francis *Lowest Interest rates in over 50 years for qualified buyers *Lowest price per square foot for new construction in zip code 29401 *Lowest regime fees in zip code 29401 When you buy or sell a home, I will donate 5% of my net commission to the charity of your choice. Your next real estate transaction can make a difference!
IP05-460942
Favorite place in the world The Indian Himalayas
Josephine Traina, Broker Associate
c 843.793.4023 Josephine@CarolinaOne.com WWW.BEESTREETLOFTS.COM www.charlestonwelcomehome.com 49 Broad Street • Charleston, SC 29401
IP05-450116
6 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
YouTube video lets employees share message
MUSC departments let loose for a YouTube video that promotes a safety message. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xJ0LEGWJI.
By Megan Fink Public Relations MUSC’s latest YouTube video shows off how well employees can jam for a cause. The video, which has gotten more than 2,800 hits, is successfully spreading awareness of MUSC’s compulsory influenza vaccine policy that requires all medical center employees to get a flu shot or wear a surgical mask while at work. “MUSC Safety Dance” is a YouTube video staring numerous employees from various department and units who dance along to the Men Without Hats ’80s hit Safety Dance to educate patients; http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xJ0LEGWJI. Some participating departments and units include Patient Admissions, Public Safety, Volunteer Services, Dietetic Services, Labor and Delivery, Perinatal Services, Emergency Medicine, Employee Health Services, Public Relations, Transportation Services, Hollings Cancer Center, and Human Resources. “This was a fun way to educate folks about MUSC's new flu vaccine policy,” said Tony Ciuffo, public
relations information specialist. “We were looking for a way to not only get the word out, but have folks remember and understand our message, which was the ultimate goal. When you're a patient or a visitor at MUSC, we want you know that your safety and comfort is a priority, and our flu vaccine policy is just one example. Initially, most performers were nervous and a little hesitant to let loose, but once the music started playing, they showed their true talents. It was a blast and something we look forward to doing more of in the future.” In addition to raising awareness of MUSC’s flu vaccine campaign and policy, the making of the video has been good for employee morale. “I volunteered Employee Health Services (EHS) to participate in the Safety Dance to promote our support of the flu vaccine,” said Cheryl Harris, R.N., EHS manager. “The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and flu prevention should be a goal for everyone. The staff embraced the dance, and it was a chance to see who has rhythm and who does not. I will be the first to admit that I cannot dance. We laughed before, during and
Tune in What: PBS’s “NOVA Science Now” to air segment “Magnetic Mind Control” featuring Mark S. George, M.D. When: Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. The segment is part of the broadcast “How Does the Brain Work?” Topic: The show explores Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, which is being used not only to explore brain functions, but also to treat mental depression, with surprisingly powerful results. Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ body/mind-control-TMS.html
well after the dance. Laughter can be the best medicine. We have administered thousands of flu vaccines in our office this flu season, a record number. I am fortunate to work with staff that readily agreed to dance in the effort to educate and promote flu vaccinations. It was an enjoyable experience for all.” MUSC’s compulsory influenza vaccine policy took effect January of this year. Medical center staff, volunteers and residents who declined the flu shot must wear a mask while in the hospital or clinic through the end of March. For policy specifics, refer to the following link: https://www.musc.edu/medcenter/policy/Med/C166. pdf. You also can view the Society for Hospital Epidemiology of America’s recent position statement on influenza vaccination in health care workers at http://mcintranet.musc.edu/cceps/Documents/ Influenza%20Vaccination%20of%20Healthcare%20 Personnel.pdf. If employees have questions about this policy, contact Infection Control, Employee Health Services or Student Health Services.
Dr. Mark S. George, director of both the MUSC Center for Advanced Imaging Research and the Brain Stimulation Laboratory, meets with the PBS’s “NOVA Science Now” crew to demonstrate transcranial magnetic stimulation.
The Catalyst, January 21, 2011 7
IP05-457213
8 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
History Continued from Page One National Institutes of Health, in 2009. That study runs through March 2012 and uses ultrasound to redefine what represents normal fetal growth in healthy women pregnant with one child. Newman said both of these studies are important because they rely on the latest technologies in ultrasound imaging, an important part in assuring normal fetal growth, which is critical to the long-term health and well-being of the child. The studies will help set a comparative gold standard to determine if fetal growth is normal, restricted or excessive. Most current growth standards are based on fairly small populations, and many of these studies were performed 30 to 40 years ago with ultrasound technologies inferior to Dr. Roger Newman what is available today. Another complicating factor is that those studies included women who had risk factors for impaired fetal growth. A true gold standard should be based upon fetal growth in low risk women without medical or obstetrical complications, he said. The National Twins Study will be recruiting 500 patients from five centers nationwide, 50 from MUSC, while the fetal growth study will be recruiting 2,400 women, about 500 from MUSC. Investigators are collecting data that will allow them to develop customized fetal growth curves that can be adjusted for maternal factors such as age, race, parity, weight and
“It’s a great credit to our center and our university to be a part of this. We’re excited to be participating in this.”
Registered nurse Carolyn G. Williams holds up the onesie that babies in the prenatal studies get to wear. See study requirements on page 9. height as well as for fetal gender. These studies will set new standards for what represents normal fetal growth based on individual maternal and fetal variables using ultrasounds instead of the previous standard, which involved measuring the fundal height, he said. The lack of quality, prospective
Researcher receives March of Dimes grant Lakshmi D. Katikaneni, M.D., professor, Department of Neonatology, was awarded a research grant by the March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter. Katikaneni is studying brain damage in newborns that can result from uterine infection in the mother. According to the March of Dimes, about 5 to 10 percent of pregnant women develop a uterine infection called chorioamnionitis. This infection is a common cause of premature labor. In some cases, this infection also may cause inflammation in the fetal brain,
resulting in brain damage, cerebral palsy and learning problems. Katikaneni is studying the effectiveness of new imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, in detecting and determining the severity of brain injuries in newborns of mothers with chorioamnionitis. Currently used imaging techniques are inadequate for detecting brain injury in the early stages. Earlier diagnosis of brain injuries could allow for prompt treatment to prevent further brain damage and improve the outcome for the child.
longitudinal studies has left major gaps in the understanding of what should be considered normal versus abnormal growth. “Each baby will be evaluated against its own individual growth potential—not against some standard set in some other population. When you’re dealing with millions of pregnancies, even small differences become magnified within an entire population. Your baby should not be evaluated using the same growth curve as another woman who is a different size or ethnicity.” Newman said the new standards will help doctors know better when they should or should not intervene in a pregnancy. The twins study also will answer important questions about differences between single and twin gestations, between identical and fraternal twins and what degree of growth discordance between co-twins is clinically acceptable. “It’s a reflection of the high quality of prenatal ultrasound offered at MUSC that our Prenatal Wellness Center was chosen for these NIH-funded, national studies,” said Newman. “We’ve developed a nationallyrecognized prenatal diagnostic center, which enjoys a great reputation. We see referrals from the lower half of South Carolina.” In addition to MUSC, these two studies also are being performed at Columbia University in New York City, Northwestern University in Chicago, the University of California at Irvine, and the Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I. All of the participating centers underwent rigorous pre-selection review and credentialing of both the sonographers and investigators. There also is an ongoing quality review of submitted scans. Newman likes it that South Carolina women and their babies will be helping to set the new standards. He holds up a T-shirt with the study’s slogan— ‘This is one of the 3,000 most important babies in the U.S.’ “It’s a great credit to our center and our university to be a part of this. We’re excited to be participating in this.”
loCal Continued from Page Four
where to look, it can be as easy as finding peach cobbler at a summer picnic. Load up on local products at any of the following: q Thornhill Farm—Seasonal CSA shares. Visit http://ourlocalfoods. com/. Thornhill Farm has offered to start a drop-off site for online grocery orders at MUSC. Contact clarv@musc. edu. q The Vegetable Bin, Whole Foods, and Earth Fare carry some items from Thackeray, Fields Farm, Mepkin Abby Mushrooms and Giddy Goat Cheese.
q Boone Hall Farms—Market with some locally sourced products. http:// boonehallfarms.com/ q Ray & Les Oliver—Farm store selling grass-fed beef in Vance. E-mail riverrunfarms@live.com. q Keegan-Filion Farm—Local, pastured chicken and pork and grass-fed beef. http://www.keeganfilionfarm.com or akfilion@yahoo.com q Clammer Dave—David Belanger’s oyster, clam CSA. dbelag@email.com q Sustainable Seafood—http:// scaquarium.org/SSI/default.html
tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011 9
MUSC prenatal studies seek expectant mothers
National Twins Study
Requirements for the National Twins Study are not quite as rigorous. Smoking and other high-risk conditions are not exclusions. To be eligible, mothers of twins need to be: q in the first trimester (less than 14 weeks) q and have a known last menstrual period.
Women from minority groups especially are needed. One of the goals of these studies is to recruit equal numbers of Caucasians, AfricanAmericans, Hispanics and Asians so that the results accurately reflect the diversity of the national population.
Change Bandits fundraiser runs through Jan. 29 Sign up now to rob your family, friends, co-workers and classmates of their change for the MUSC Children’s Hospital. Join the Change Bandits program to help kick off the WEZL and Y102.5 Cares for Kids Radiothon. Change Bandits runs through Jan. 29. There are a number of ways to participate: collect change and deposit it into the Change Bandits Fund at all area South Carolina Federal Credit Union branches or sign up online at http://
www.muscchangebandits.com. Funds may be collected by individuals or teams. The Annual Change Bandits’ Bash to celebrate the program and the Y102.5 and WEZL Cares for Kids Radiothon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Horseshoe and will include food, games and entertainment. Volunteers are also needed for the radiothon. For information contact Amy Gordon at gordona@musc.edu or 7923321.
IP05-451190
National Fetal Growth Study logo recognizing their participation. The mother’s T-shirt states: ‘My baby is one of the 3,000 most important babies in the United States’ and the baby’s onesie states: ‘I am the standard by which all other babies are judged.’ For more information about the National Fetal Growth Study or the National Twins Study, call any of the MUSC prenatal care sites and ask to speak to a research coordinator. Carolyn Williams (792-0349) is available for women receiving prenatal care at Cannon Place, Northwoods or at MUSC Family Medicine. Holly Boggan (876-1434) sees patients at the East Cooper Women’s Center practice. Sarah Cordell (792-6654) sees women at Cannon Place downtown as well as the West Ashley Women’s Health office.
Tammy Throneburg wishes you a
HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcomes you to join her at a new location at LOWCOUNTRY BARBERSHOP on 114 Cannon Street in historic downtown Charleston! Free parking on site!
IP05-455421
National Standard for Fetal Growth Study Pregnant women eligible for the study must be: q in the first trimester (less than 14 weeks) q have a known last menstrual period q be a nonsmoker q and be free of any other significant medical or obstetrical complications.
What to expect? Once enrolled, women receive: q A total of six ultrasound exams during their pregnancy, which include a comprehensive evaluation with 2-D and 3-D images of all fetal and maternal structures. q At each ultrasound visit, mothers will be interviewed, measured (including the fundal height), complete a 24-hour dietary recall and, on some visits, asked to provide a small blood sample. q After delivery, both and mother and baby will be physically measured as part of the newborn assessment. There are no costs associated with participation in these studies as funding for all study-related procedures and ultrasounds is being provided by the National Institutes of Health. Compensation is offered for the time commitment involved. Each participant also will receive a CD, which includes all of the 2-D and 3-D images obtained during ultrasounds. Participants will receive a T-shirt with the
IP07-449193
Want to be a study participant?
10 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
IP02-455549
tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011 11
CLASSIFIED P AGE • Household Personal Items for MUSC employees are free.
All other classifieds are charged at rate below. Ads considered venture-making ads (puppy breeder, coffee business, home for sale, etc.) will be charged as PAID ADS •• PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED * NO MORE THAN 3 LINES * FREE ADS RUN 2 WEEKS ONLY!
PAID ADS are $3 per line (1 line = 28 characters) DEADLINE: TUESDAY – 10:00 AM * CLASSIFIED ADS CAN BE E-MAILED TO sales@moultrienews.com, OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call 849-1778 with questions. *Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students. IP01-213824a
Rental Properties
Rental Properties
Items for Sale
1BR/1BA Condo in West Ashley 3 miles to MUSC $875/mo. Includes washer/ dryer, water, sewage, trash, & use of amentities. Call (843)345-7210.
2 BR/2 BA house for rent. $900/mo Great location in West Ashley No pets Call 814-4955
JEL, Enterprises Selling Gain and Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent 5 gal buckets for only $25 Call 843-214-9567 to place your order.
RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 14 - 22, 2011 COMING UP Sunday - Brunch 10am - 4pm Monday - $7.00 Large cheese Pizza Tuesday - Kid's Pizza Making Night Wednesday - 1/2 Off Appetizers Thursday - Mike Thompson Live Friday - Doug Jones Live
MOULTRIE PLAZA • MT. PLEASANT • 881-2313 • IACOFANOS.COM
IP03-459391
To place a classified in the Catalyst call 849-1778
TERRABROOK 5 minutes to MUSC! FROM THE $240s
All Crescent Homes Are Built to Energy Efficient EarthCraft Standards.
TERRABROOK ON THE RETREAT JAMES ISLAND AT JOHNS ISLAND 843-795-8255 843-559-1088 www.CrescentHomes.net IP07-459643
IP05-426147
THE RETREAT 15 minutes to MUSC! FROM THE $190s
12 tHe Catalyst, January 21, 2011
IP07-460246