January 8, 2016
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 34, No. 17
New medical district means more green, walking space MUSC, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Roper Hospital to create downtown Medical District Staff Report Important changes are in the works in downtown Charleston, where city leaders have given the go–ahead for a new medical district. It will mean more green space, walking areas, parking, signs and easier access to MUSC, Roper Hospital and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. MUSC President David Cole, M.D., FACS, said the medical district will create many more opportunities for people to gather and connect. “Patients and family members so often say ‘thank you’ for not only the care provided but also the opportunity to walk into a garden or to have a place outside to rest. We are a place of health, healing and education.” MUSC Office of Health Promotion director Susan Johnson, Ph.D., said the medical district embodies what she and other campus leaders have been working on for years. “It really embraces this idea of the built environment and green spaces and what that means in terms of people’s behavior and also just their overall health and well–being. We’ve always felt at MUSC that when people are here on our campus, everything they experience needs to be positive for their health and well–being. That helps them heal, whether they’re a patient or a family member.” Momentum for creating the medical district started in January when Cole called Roper St. Francis President and Chief
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Images provided by Medical District design team
This illustration and map show the proposed Medical District property and view from Doughty Street looking toward the Colbert Education Center and Library. this medical district to become another iconic Charleston landmark and an incredible addition to the many reasons why Charleston is a world–class city.”
See Space on page 12
Executive Officer David Dunlap, and the two met to discuss a proposed parking garage for Roper St. Francis employees. The result was an agreement that allowed Roper Hospital to continue leasing parking spaces in MUSC garages while both hospitals collaborated with the City of Charleston on creating a medical district that everyone could enjoy. Dunlap said the pedestrian mall will give employees, patients and visitors a great way to walk across the hospital campuses and enjoy the beauty of the area. “We expect
AmA ScHolArSHiP HEAltH liNkS Studentstudent volunteers connect patients of Medical recipient of Physicians and families to community resources. Tomorrow Scholarship LIKE US
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Initial plans for the Medical District include: q Developing a pedestrian– oriented greenway that links the eastern and western parts of the peninsula q Better managing Courtenay Drive traffic to improve conditions for pedestrians q Building a garage at Courtenay Drive and Bee Street for parking
3 E-V iSitS SANE ProgrAm Victim advocates, prosecutors preserve Employees with state health plan can connect 5 evidence of sexually assaulted patients. with providers through MyChart 7
Medical University of South Carolina — FOLLOW US
q Connecting WestEdge, a planned mixed–use research community, to Colonial Lake, to link the upper west side of the peninsula with the lower part q Turning part of Doughty Street into a pedestrian area with trees, grass and outdoor seating
4 Research Health care law Grants 5
Meet Lindsay
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@ Catalyst_MUSC
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Applause Program The following MUSC employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile: Medical Center
Sara Labissoniere, MICU; Tameka Frye, MICU; Brent Paape, MICU; Lori Paulus, MICU; Latoya Just, MICU; Charles Garred, MICU; Patty Humphrey, Neonatal Nurseries; Kelsie Goodwin, Adult ED; Leslie Adams, STNICU; Valerie Radcliffe, Radiology; Aretha Gibbs Washington, Radiology; Andre Rhodes, Patient Transport Services; Antonio Taylor, Patient Transport Services; Ste-
ven Owen, Decision Support Services; Bobby Dookie, EVS; L’Tanya Wright, RT Outpatient Pharmacy; Jennifer Jacob, Clinical Effectiveness; Rhiannon Davis, Anesthesia and Preoperative Medicine; Jennifer Harshen, Newborn Special Care Nursery; Shawn Anderson, Revenue Cycle; Cathy Addison, RT UIM; Linda Peters, Guest Services; Lisa Dooley, Radiology; and Dionne Boone, Venipuncture
A Call for Submissions 20th Anniversary edition
Humanitas
(MUSC’s Literary Journal)
Submissions due by midnight, Jan. 8, 2016 For details and further information, visit http://academicdepartment.musc.edu/humanties/humanitas.htm.
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu Helen Adams, adamshel@musc.edu Sarah Pack, packsa@musc.edu Jeff Watkins, watkinsj@musc.edu
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 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
Nominations for Teaching Excellence Awards due Jan. 22 A call for nominations is underway for all MUSC faculty and students to recognize faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the university through teaching. Awards may be given from the following categories: q Clinical/Professional (Educator– Mentor) q Scholarship/Academic (Educator– Mentor) q Educator–Lecturer q Developing Teacher
Any regular, full–time faculty member who holds an academic rank of instructor or higher in a college or department at MUSC, who has not been the recipient of this award within the previous three years, is eligible for nomination. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 22. Nominees must submit supporting materials. Forms may be found at http://www.carc.musc.edu/ nomination/ or call 792-2228.
The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016 3
Medical student awarded prestigious AMA scholarship By J. Ryne DanielSon Public Relations MUSC fourth–year medical student Brittany Watson was the recipient of the 2015 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, which was recently awarded by the American Medical Association. Watson, who is originally from Georgetown, attended and graduated from Clemson University in 2012, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following her undergraduate studies, Watson, a registered nurse, resolved to become a physician and prepared herself for medical school. Since coming to MUSC Watson in August of 2012, Watson has distinguished herself as a dedicated student of medicine, said Michael de Arellano, Ph.D., associate dean of diversity for the College of Medicine. “She has emerged as a passionate and engaged active learner and has gained the admiration and respect of countless administrators in the College of Medicine. Her demonstration
of excitement and enthusiasm about learning is unforgettable.” Watson has been the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding academic achievement, including the Medical Association of Georgetown County Scholar award, the Herbert N. Shearin Memorial Award for Excellence in Nursing and the Human Development Emerging Leader award. She is a Roper St. Francis Physicians Scholar, Palmetto Fellow and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Golden Key Honor Society. In 2013, Watson was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society as well as the MUSC Presidential Scholars program, which is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication between students and faculty. In 2014, Watson received the Earl B. Higgins Award. “This prestigious university distinction was established to honor a former director of minority affairs at MUSC,” Arellano said. “The award acknowledges Brittany’s passionate engagement and positive contributions to MUSC. In addition to her obvious strengths in temperament and talent, Brittany is a genuinely friendly and engaging person. Her selfless devotion to others is a remarkable trait. She can be found rallying and motivating her classmates to ensure that they are staying on task with their studies. She takes the time to help her classmates understand
concepts and will teach and review course material with those who need her help. She is a mature, conscientious and self–motivated student. She is a natural leader and exemplifies exceptional leadership skills through her volunteerism and community involvement.” One way Watson has been involved in the MUSC community is by serving as a mentor in the Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine program, a program that seeks to encourage high school and college students who are underrepresented in the health care field to pursue a career in medicine by presenting them with role models and mentors. She has also served as the director of marketing and development at the Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support (CARES) Clinic, a student–run clinic for individuals without health insurance. One of the biggest impediments to pursuing a medical career is the cost of medical school. The Physicians of Tomorrow scholarship, of which Watson is one of the latest recipients, was created in 2004 to provide financial assistance to medical students facing spiraling medical school debt. According to the AMA, on average, medical students in the U.S. graduate with a debt load of nearly $162,000. Such large debt burdens may deter many from practicing in underserved areas of the country or practicing primary care medicine, but this scholarship
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ReseaRch GRant hiGhliGhts Oral Health Sciences Amy Martin Rural Oral Health Advancement and Delivery Systems, $435,224 from HRSA (1T12HP2888201), September 2015 to August 2018 Health Sciences & Research Steven Kautz National Center of Neuromodulation for Rehabilitation, $1,040,000 from the NIH/NICHD (1P2CHDO8684401), Sept. 15, 2015 to June 2020 James S. Krause Successful Employment and Quality Work Life after Severe Disability Due to SCI (Research), $499,195 from the DHHS/Admin. for Community Living (90DP0050), April 2015 to September 2017 Lee L. Saunders Prevelance of Chronic Disease after Spinal Cord Injury: A Longitudinal Study, $199,823, from DHHS/Admin. for Community Living, April 2015 to September 2017 Medicine Perry V. Halushka South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research Institute, $494,096, from NIH/NCATS (1TL1TR001451), Aug. 13, 2015 to March 2020 Kristi Helke Immunogenicity of Wild-type Pig Tissues After Ice–free Cryopreservation in Genetically Engineered Recipients, $27,892 from Tissue Testing Technology, LLC (019063), September 2015 to November 2015 Cara Litvin Reducing Overuse in Primary Care through Safe and Effective Health Information Technology, $496,023, from AHRQ (1R01HS024371), September 2015 to September 2018 Bernadette Marriott Ranger Resilience and Improved Performance on Phospholipid Bound Omega-3, $1,864,270, from Biomarine Antartic AS (F30CA200272), August 2015 to December 2018 Takamitsu Saigusa Renal Mechanism for Hyupertension in Polycistic Kidney Disease, $159,233, from NIH/NIDDK (1J08DJ106465) June 2015 to August 2020 Michael Zile Extracellular Matrix in Hypertensive Heart Disease
& Transition to Heart Failure, $387,175, from NIH/ NHLBI (1R01HL123478), September 2015 to May 2019
Microbiology & Immunology Stephen Tomlinson Immune Sensing of Ischemic Injury and ComplementDependent Modulation of Alloimmunity in Cardiac Transplantation, $373,750, from NIH/NIADA (1R56AI1190026), September 2015 to August 2016 Jun Wu Enhancing Anti-CTLA4 Immunology Therapy for Prostate Cancer with Co-Targeting Soluble NKG2D Ligand, $560,625, from DOD (W81XWH1510406), September 2015 to August 2018 Neurology Marc Chimowitz South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research Institute, $485,397, from NIH/NCATS (1KL2TR001452), Aug. 13, 2015 to June 2017
Pediatrics Allison Eckard Vitamin D Status and HIV-Related Complications in Children and Young Adults, $81,494, from NIH/ NINDS (7K23HD069199), September 2015 to December 2016 Inderjit Singh Cytokines in Glial Cells and EAE Brain, $327,031 from NIH/NINDS (2R01NS037766), August 1998 to July 2020 Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences *Kathleen Brady (multiple PI .5 percent credit) Southern Consortium Node of the Clinical Trials Network $453,850, from NIH/NIDA (2UG1DA013727), September 2000 to May 2020 Kathleen Brady South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research Institute $3,324,938 from NIH/NCATS (1UL1TR001450), Aug. 13, 2015 to March 2020
Gonzalo Revuelta Identification of Gait and Imaging Markers for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease, $190,877, from NIH/ Fogarty Intl. (K23NS091391), from August 15, 2015 to March 2016
*Marifrasier Carpenter (multiple PI .5 percent credit) Southern Consortium Node of the Clinical Trials Network, $453,850 from NIH/NIDA (2UG1DAO13727), September 2015 to May 2020
Tanya Turan China-American MRI Plaque Imaging Outcome Network (ChAMpion), $172,253, from NIH/Fogarty Intl., September 2015 to August 2017
*Kevin Gray (multiple PI .33 percent credit) Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Research of Nicotine Addiction, $197,799 from NIH/NIDA (1RO1DA038700), Sept. 15, 2015 to July 2020
Neurosciences Lawrence Chandler Adolescent Alcohol and Prefontal Cortical Function in the Adult, $336,375, from NIH/NIAAA, September 2015 to August 2020
Michael Sweat Synthesizing HIV Behavioral Intervention Effectiveness in Developing Countries, $50,698, from NIH/NIMH (2R01MH090173), February 2012 to March 2020
*Brett Froeliger (multiple PI .34 percent credit) Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Research of Nicotine Addiction $203,793, from NIH/NIAAA (1R01DA038700), Sept. 15 2015 to July 2020 Patrick Mulholland 1/2 NADIA U24 Dendritic Spine Core, $168,186, from NIH/NIAAA (1U24AA024603), September 2015 to June 2020 Michael Scofield Contributions of Nitrergic Interneurons and NO Signaling in Cocaine Relapse, $148,419, from NIH/ NIDA (1K99DA0400004), September 2015 to August 2017
Michael Sweat Dyadic-based Diagnosis, Care & Prevention for HIV Discordant Couples in Tanzania, $65,247, from NIH/ NIMH (1R01MH106369), August 2015 to May 2020
The Catalyst’s Research Grant Highlights column showcases the research community’s grant activities. For information about awards, visit the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/ research/orsp/reporting/.
The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016 5
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E-Visits take the sting out of common ailments By Mikie hayeS Public Relations
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t’s 6 a.m., and thanks to your trusty radio alarm clock, a new song by Adele wakes you out of a deep sleep. You dutifully roll over and hop out of bed. The holidays are over, and this is to be your first day back to work. As you squeeze some Crest out on the toothbrush, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Your left eye is beet red, runny and mostly crusted over. Not a pretty sight. Quickly you remember your nephew had pink eye over Christmas and that his mother mentioned it was extremely contagious. You’re kicking yourself for not taking that warning more seriously. With an important conference call to lead in three hours, you did not need this setback today. You wonder, “Should I see a doctor? Can I go into the office until I can be seen?” You’re pretty sure you know what you have, and it’s probably not a good idea to expose others to it. At times like this, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to touch base with a doctor and get some advice on what to do, rather than having to take the time out of your busy day to be seen? If you’re an MUSC employee or a dependent enrolled in the MUSC Health or
HealthSmart plans, 18 years or older, who has been seen by an MUSC provider in the past 36 months, now you can use MyChart E–Visits. Whether it’s pink eye, a rash or the flu, from time to time everyone suffers with a non–complex health issue and wishes they could get a prescription or instructions without having to be seen in person by a doctor. Through a new program launched by the MUSC Center for Telehealth, MUSC employees can complete E–Visits — electronic doctor visits — for several common, nonemergency clinical complaints that can be managed without a physical exam. How it workS Using MyChart, a patient selects the E–Visit option and then answers a series of smart–logic questions about his or her symptoms. An MUSC provider reviews the information and determines if the condition is treatable through an E–Visit. If so, the clinician responds to the patient with treatment recommendations, guidelines for home care and any necessary prescriptions. There is no face–to–face component to the visit, and because the visit does not take place in real time over a medium like Skype, for instance, patients do not need a camera or video capabilities to complete an E–Visit. However, the
images provided
Through MyCharts, E-Visits are now possible for assessing common ailments. patient does have the ability to attach a photo on MyChart if necessary. According to Shawn Valenta, director of Telehealth, along with conjunctivitis or eye redness, there are a number of common conditions that can be treated with an E–Visit including: rashes, sinusitis, diarrhea, heartburn, urinary problems, vaginal irritation and influenza. “We know how busy our employees are, so we want to make things as easy as possible for them while maintaining the first-rate quality of our clinical care. In certain circumstances, there are conditions that are easily treatable without a physical exam, and we are so pleased we are able to offer the E–Visit option to our employees. Putting patients first is at the heart of all we do.” Subscribing to MyChart is required for E–Visits. Once registered, patients can submit an E–Visit request online by logging into their MyChart account. Patients are able to submit requests 24 hours a day. MUSC health care providers will respond to the patient within four hours between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week. If patients submit an E–Visit request after hours, they will receive a response the following day. Valenta shared that one benefit employees are finding extremely convenient is getting a prescription
for one of these types of ailments. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan, an MUSC provider will prescribe appropriate medications to treat the condition, with the exception of narcotics or pain medications. coStS iNVolVEd A $25 out–of–pocket fee will be charged for the E–Visit; insurance will not be contacted or billed for the visit. Patients may use a credit or debit card or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay the fee in MyChart. The patient will only be charged if the provider determines the condition can be treated through an E– Visit. Patients are also responsible for any cost associated with prescriptions, over– the–counter treatments or recommended follow–up care. Schwartz Rounds set for Jan. 8
Join us for the Schwartz Rounds at noon, Friday, Jan. 8, Room 125 Gazes Auditorium. Topic: Gifts our patients give us. The Schwartz Rounds are a multidisciplinary forum where caregivers discuss difficult, emotional and social issues that arise in caring for patients. Visit http://www. theschwartzcenter.org.
The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016 7
Prescription drug takeback program best consumer remedy By J. Ryne DanielSon Public Relations he Department of Public Safety, working with Generation Rx, a student–driven initiative of the American Pharmacists Association dedicated to safe medication practices, has established a drop box for expired or unwanted prescription drugs in the Public Safety office at 101 Doughty Street. This box will serve not only MUSC but the greater Charleston community as the only publicly accessible drop box of its kind between Savannah and Myrtle Beach. The misuse of prescription drugs has reached epidemic proportions in recent years. More than 6 million Americans use prescription drugs for non–medical reasons every month, according to the APhA, and drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. “Many people have misperceptions regarding the safety and legality of prescription medications,” said Generation Rx co–chair and MUSC College of Pharmacy student Katelyn Hnat. “Some believe that prescription medications cannot cause addiction, that they are safer to misuse than illicit drugs. That’s not true.” In reality, there are serious consequences for misusing prescription medication, both legally and to one’s health. It is a felony to possess many medications without a prescription, and the number of emergency room visits associated with misuse of prescription medication has come to exceed those for illicit drugs.
The Prescription Drug Drop Box is located at the Department of Public Safety office, 101 Doughty Street. drug drop box to provide access to safe drug disposal. This is an important piece of preventing prescription drug abuse since most pharmacies will not take back drugs.” According the Food and Drug Administration, flushing some medications down the toilet can pose a contamination risk to the local water supply. Disposing of them in household garbage is equally risky; not only does the chance for contamination exist, but also of theft and harm to wildlife. Working with law enforcement, who are among the only entities legally able to accept these medications and dispose
of them properly, was a natural solution. But, just because law enforcement is involved, that does not mean anyone should fear legal repercussions for doing the right thing. “The process is completely anonymous,” Thompson explained. “No one’s reading the names off the pill bottles or anything like that. And the only reports filed are the ones required for disposal. No one likes a hassle or an intrusion. There are no forms to fill out. Just come in, drop your medications in the box and leave, no questions asked. The fewer steps we can make it, the better for everyone.” For more information, email thompl@ musc.edu or call Public Safety at 7924023.
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“Prescription medications are often the starting point for substance abuse,” said Lt. Layne Thompson, assistant operations support commander and crime prevention training officer for MUSC’s Department of Public Safety. “Prescription drugs are the No. 1 abused substance among 12–to–17 year–olds, and most often those drugs are taken from parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinets.” Removing unwanted medications from the home, he said, can significantly reduce such abuse. Thompson expressed surprise at the amount of drugs that have been turned in since introducing the drop box in October. “We’ve collected more than 50 pounds of medications in just those three months,” he said. This isn’t the first time Public Safety and Generation Rx have taken steps to fight prescription drug abuse. Both previously participated in the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s annual take–back program. “We might collect 40 or 50 pounds of medication in a few hours during the annual take–back initiative,” Thompson explained. He hopes this permanent drop box will see even more use. “Many people in the community have expressed concerns about not knowing what to do with unused or expired prescriptions,” Hnat said. “Our organization has participated in the DEA Drug Take Back Day once a year, but we saw a need for a drop box year–round and wanted to get one for Charleston. We were able to raise funds to help provide the city’s first and only
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mUwc SHArES tHE loVE tHroUgH todd cArtEr mEmoriAl EVENt MUSC Women’s Club members Dawn Hartsell, from left, Nancy Pellegrini, chair of the event, Catherine Cummins, Laura Patrick, and MUSC pharmacy students SheChia Chen, Ashley Tufton, Grace Elsey and Millie Thomas gathered Dec. 7 to deliver approximately 200 teddy bears to the adult patients at the MUSC University Hospital. This annual activity is part of the Todd Carter Memorial Teddy Bear Day, one of MUWC’s most popular service projects. The new bears are collected throughout the year by members and delivered in the fall. Patients and staff are appreciative of this gesture, as it most always brings laughs, smiles and good cheer to the recipients as well as the givers. photo provided
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Oldie Goldies: ‘Diva’ shares her secrets to happiness By Dawn BRazell Public Relations
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t doesn’t take long with Delores Sanders to pick up on being in the presence of a diva. First, there’s her carriage. Even though she’s checked in at MUSC’s chemotherapy infusion suite at the Hollings Cancer Center, she’s decked out in a floral jacket, jewelry and pumps. Her nails shine a bright firehouse red. Her hair, of course, is “fabulous.” She’ll tell you. She’s thrilled to have been selected to be part of the MUSC News Center’s Oldie Goldies series about people age 60 and over who embrace aging with vim and vigor, serving as role models of how to maintain health and vitality. “I’m 60, and I’m proud of it, honey,” she says, laughing. So what’s her secret to aging well and being happy? “My secret is having Christ in my life, first of all. That’s it. When you find him and you’re just living for him it makes all the difference in the world.” For her, this is not just lip service. Sanders has been a member of the Greater Howard AME Church in McClellanville since 1979 and the choir director there for more than 30 years. “I love singing. I do. I told God I want to have a seat in his heavenly choir where I can just sing like an angel.” Originally from Ravenel, Sanders fell in love with her music teacher her senior year in high school. “My husband said when he saw me, he knew I was the one for him. In my yearbook before we got married, he wrote that he wanted me to be his wife and the mother of his children.” That’s not to say Sanders' cheerful attitude rises from always having had it easy. When the couple learned that she wouldn’t be able to have any children, for example, she took it in stride. “I just told my husband, we’ll just have to grow old together.” Then when her husband died in October 1998 when he was 50, she had to find a path through that grief. For her, of course, it was relying on her faith. “I’ve learned that death has no age. He’s in a much better place so all I have to do is live right and I’ll get to see him.” Sanders says what works for her is keeping a positive attitude regardless of what she’s going through. “You are going to have your ups and downs. You’re always going to have those. When you put God first, though, he’ll bring you through it. I’m a living witness to that. He’s awesome. Yes!” she says, punctuating words as if delivering a spirited sermon. Her phone rings. “Wait a minute. Let me see who’s calling the Diva.” Sanders chats with her sister briefly and then cuts the call short. “The Diva will have to talk to you later
photo by Julia Lynn
Delores Sanders, known as ‘the diva’ to some, embraces life with gusto. because she’s really busy.” Family is important to Sanders. She has three sisters and three brothers. “We all are very close, but I wouldn’t want none for a neighbor.” She grins. “They tell me none would want me either.” Sanders has held various jobs through her life, including working for a lawyer in Ravenel and being a substitute teacher at Lincoln High School. She has stayed open to life. She started dating and met a man, Leroy Newton, about nine years ago. She recalls meeting Newton, who has five children, on a Friday afternoon at an Applebee’s restaurant in Summerville. “When I pulled off and looked in the mirror, I thought, yeah, I think he’d be a good catch,” she recalls. “He’s wonderful. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for him.” They are thinking of getting married. His children are almost like her own, she says. She told his daughter Kim about a month ago how grateful she was to have met her father. “If someone else would have met him, I
would have missed out on so much.” In Sept. 2014, Sanders found out why she was feeling sick. Her doctor came in to tell her that her test results showed that she had uterine cancer. “I told her that’s not what Dr. Jesus said. I didn’t get upset. I feel it’s all going to OK. I have no doubt. Just because you hear the word cancer, it does not mean death. Uh – uh, it does not. I did not go home and mope and moan.” Instead she went back and prayed about it and got back to her regular routine. “I love to shop. And I love being a choir director. I love collecting doll babies.” True to her positive nature, Sanders decided to participate in clinical trials at MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center. Her physician, Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., says Sanders participated in a Phase III national NCI trial looking at uterine cancer chemotherapy, testing the standard treatment versus standard chemotherapy with an anti–hormone medication. “Ms. Sanders is an absolute pleasure to take care of as a patient,” Pierce says. “She is always overflowing with a positive attitude and lights up the entire clinic when she comes. She lives every day to the absolute fullest and is an example to all of us on how to greet each day with joy despite her struggles with cancer.” The Hollings Cancer Center does a promotional series to raise awareness of the importance of clinical trials. Sanders is featured on one of those posters, and of course, was glad to be part of the campaign. “Oh, yes, girlfriend. I want to be an inspiration and let people know that all things are possible. You can’t give up. You have to be positive. With all that I’ve been through and where I am now, I’ve learned that you just have to focus on the good.” She likes the idea of being part of research that might be able to help others. She’s not sure when her treatment will end, but she’s grateful for Dr. Pierce, she says. “With Dr. Pierce, she’s awesome. God knew exactly where I needed to be so far as a doctor. She is a Christian, and I love her dearly. I just thank God for her every day. I wish she were my next door neighbor.” When asked about hobbies, Sanders says she doesn’t much like cooking. She and Newton tend to eat out a good bit. At the mention of gardening, she laughs. Bright fingers wave in the air, implying what part of diva has been missed here. “That’s all part of the Diva package. It’s a good positive attitude and shop until you drop and makeup and fabulous hair.” The other part is just being herself, she says. “That’s what it’s all about. This is me. I love to make people smile. Sometimes a person may be going through something, and you would never know what they are going through. “But sometimes just to give them a smile or say, ‘Hello, today is the day for your miracle’ – something like that. You never know what will help.”
10 The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016
Mindful winner bids soda goodbye Wednesday, Soft drinks have become the Jan. 20, MUSC Welllness easy scapegoat for excessive Center. Piloxing is a blend sugar consumption with roughly of Pilates, boxing and three tablespoons in a single dance. Free day pass to the can. Reducing her consumption Wellness Center for event of these beverages was the focus for November Monthly participants. Register at Mindful Winner Kim Duncan, musc.edu/ohp/muscMUHA Human Resources moves/employee-fitnessInformation Systems manager, signup.html when challenged with ‘making q Adventure Out — This the sweet the treat, not the daily program offers free fitness Susan Johnson dose.’ classes in Charleston City Duncan’s strategy was simple Parks and on the MUSC and effective. “On the wise advice Campus and can help you of my doctor, I chose to wean myself off turn over a new leaf and discover the slowly rather than to stop cold turkey benefits of green exercise. Join MUSC in order to avoid excessive headaches Wellness Center’s Gail Corvette at 9 and other withdrawal symptoms. Each a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, Hampton Park week I ‘stepped down’ by one half: one Gazebo, for a free yoga class. Visit www. half of a caffeinated beverage became musc.edu/ohp/adventure-out one half of a caffeine–free (with sugar) q Chair massages — Free massages and one half of a caffeine–free beverage are offered to employees midday became water. Since Duncan gradually Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages transitioned off the caffeine and sugar, for new locations and times her body had time to acclimate, plus, q Farmers Markets — Fresh fruits and she had a plan to fight the afternoon vegetables are available from local fatigue. “That’s when I crave sugar, farmers on Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 chocolate, caffeine….anything to fight p.m. at the Horseshoe. that tired feeling. But when I learned
Health at work
that this is the body’s natural ‘lull’ time at a Lunch and Learn about reducing and eliminating sugar, I became more accepting of the feeling and didn’t try so hard to fight it. I now try to stretch or walk in order to work through that feeling instead.” Duncan’s new regime has her feeling “cleaner” and she has been sleeping better since she’s off the bottled beverages. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that now in the mornings, she craves a nice cold cup of water. The Office of Health Promotion offers a new Mindful Challenge each month to help employees and students commit to small changes that can lead to a heathier lifestyle. The January challenge is to Keep a Journal of Joy. Take the initial survey at musc.edu/ ohp/monthlymindfulchallenge.html and be sure to complete the final survey at the end of the month for a chance to share your story in our “Spotlight on Wellness” series.
Employee Wellness
q MUSC Employee Fitness Series Class — Piloxing from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.,
MUSC Wellness Center
q The MUSC Wellness Center is excited to offer a wellness and physical activity opportunity to employees. Sign up for the MUSC Employee Only Express Membership (no spouse or dependents): The Express Membership hours are perfect for lunchtime or evening exercisers. Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday: 6 to 8 p.m. Fees: One–year memership: $25 per month (plus $15 enrollment fee)
MUSC Urban Farm
q Midday Work and Learn — 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Tuesday q Early Bird Maintenance — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday q Sunset Work and Learn — 4 to 5 p.m., Thursday q Third Saturday Work and Learn — 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Jan. 21; Topic: Know before you go: Strategies for successfully navigating the MUSC Cafeteria
The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016 11
Cervical Cancer-Free S.C. holds January summit Staff Report Cervical Cancer-Free South Carolina will hold its second statewide summit to address cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV)–related issues Jan. 7 to Jan. 8 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville. The summit, which brings together more than 80 health care providers, researchers and community advocates, will feature sessions on cervical cancer screening, eliminating disparities in cervical cancer, the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and advocacy and education. “HPV, which can be prevented with a vaccine in childhood, is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other cancers in adults,” said Donald W. Wiper III, M.D., chairman of the Greenville Health System’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “In spite of the alarming statistics and the availability of a preventative and safe vaccine, South Carolinians have been hesitant to get vaccinations for themselves or their
children. HPV vaccination in South Carolina lags behind the United States overall. Fewer than 50 percent of girls and less than 20 percent of boys in South Carolina have received the three doses necessary to fully protect against this cancer causing virus. It’s my hope that summits like this and community outreach will raise awareness about these cancers and the vaccine that can stop them.” The opening day of the summit will include a screening of the nationally acclaimed documentary, “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic,” followed by keynote speaker Tamika Felder, one of five women featured in the film and founder of the national patient advocacy group Cervivor. Jennifer Smith, Ph.D., founder of the Cervical Cancer–Free Coalition and professor at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, will deliver the closing address at the conference. Heather Brandt, Ph.D., a faculty member in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of
South Carolina and co–chair of Cervical Cancer–Free South Carolina, emphasized the summit’s role in bringing together a diverse audience of stakeholders. “The issues of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus affect everyone — women, men and children and people of all races and ethnicities and backgrounds,” said Brandt. “We can prevent cervical cancer, and there is interest in South Carolina in accelerating our progress through education and innovation. This conference plays an important role in bringing together a very diverse group of committed professionals, survivors and advocates to collaborate and address the many issues and strategies needed to prevent this disease.” An associate professor and gynecologic oncologist at MUSC, Cervical Cancer– Free South Carolina co–chair Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., added, “Cervical cancer and other HPV–related diseases continue to affect many in our state, and we know we can prevent this. This is an
exciting opportunity to have so many of the public health, research, clinical and advocacy leaders from across our state come together to discuss what we can do to prevent HPV and cervical cancer.” Pierce noted that steady increases have been seen in vaccination rates and other statewide collaborations to improve screening and treatment of cervical cancer since the 2014 summit, adding that organizers expect to see continued momentum from this event. Cervical Cancer–Free South Carolina is a member state of the Cervical CancerFree Coalition focused on eliminating cervical cancer through screening, followup care, vaccination and education. Cervical Cancer–Free South Carolina consists of individual and organizational partners committed to increasing participation in cervical cancer screening; increasing adherence to follow–up care of abnormal screening results; increasing rates of HPV vaccination; and seeking additional funding to support cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in South Carolina. For more information on the Cervical Cancer–Free Summit, visit http:// hcc.musc.edu/research/conferences/ CervicalCancerFreeSC/index.htm.
Summit Sponsors MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, MUSC Department of Gynecology and General Obstetrics, and Greenville Health System. Other sponsors include the South Carolina Cancer Alliance, Cervivor, South Carolina Cervical Cancer Awareness Initiative, South Carolina Coalition for Healthy Families, the American Cancer Society, the College of Charleston Women’s Health Research Team, the USC Cancer Prevention & Control Program, National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Clemson University and the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
12 The caTalyST, Jan. 8, 2016
Space
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An artist’s rendering of the view up Courtenay Street of the new Medical District which combines green space among MUSC, VA Medical Center and Roper Hospital.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center joined MUSC and Roper Hospital in supporting the medical district with a goal of improving pedestrian traffic. VA Medical Center Director Scott Isaacks said the hospitals are next–door neighbors that work hand in hand. “We have a significant number of medical staff who hold appointments at the VA, MUSC and Roper, and walk between our facilities multiple times every day. We also have veterans who go to MUSC and Roper for certain appointments, so it is natural that our
VA would be interested in improving the environment in this area.� Last month, MUSC, Roper Hospital and the VA submitted a memorandum of understanding to Charleston, asking city officials to endorse the project. The memorandum set up the initial framework for future development. City Council voted to support the proposed medical district memorandum on Tuesday during Joe Riley’s final public meeting as mayor. Riley called the proposed changes “unprecedented� and “thrilling.�
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