Nov. 14, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 33, No. 13
Inside Children’s Hospital holiday cards on sale HOPE FOR STROKE
6
PATIENTS
Aphasia study recruiting patients.
A SALUTE TO VETERANS
7
Top, Mount Pleasant’s Emma Rohaley, 8, drew a picture of a crab with lights. Below left, Ladson’s Caroline Chase, 10, created colorful ball ornaments for her card. Below right, Former NICU patient McKenzie Evans, 4, created a holiday mermaid angel with lights.
MUSC honors its own on Veterans Day.
2
EOM Awards
5
Meet Scott
8
Bela’s Garden
T H E C ATA LY S T ONLINE http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
total of 32 area A artists and friends of the MUSC Children’s Hospital created drawings that will be featured on the front of holiday cards. The cards may be purchased in packs of 16
for $15 through Dec. 31, and all of the proceeds go back to children and related programs at MUSC. In 2013, the annual “Kids Helping Kids” holiday card project raised $60,000.
To purchase holiday cards, go to: • www.musckids. com/holidaycards • Any MUSC gift shop (Lori’s Gifts) • Any branch of the S.C. Federal Credit Union • All Wonderworks locations • Charleston Place Gift Shop • LG’s by the Creek (Hanahan) • Hanahan’s (Hanahan) • Jim N Nick’s (Tanger Outlet) • Nick’s BBQ (King Street)
2 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014
Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ Employees of the Month Award Chad Gibbs Pediatric Radiology “I just wanted to take the time to commend an employee in the Pediatric Radiology Department. His name is Chad. My son Sterling Coaxum was having a Fluoro Peds Barium Enema and I was totally nervous about it because I knew Sterling would be apprehensive about having it done. The Friday before the procedure when I scheduled it, I had so many questions and concerns about the overall process mainly because I am a very over – protective mother. Chad was very patient with me and answered every single question I had, even the ones that other people would have probably thought were crazy questions. I think I called him twice because I was just that anxious about Sterling’s comfort level throughout the procedure. He never seemed irritated with my questions and he didn’t rush me off the phone. That evening when I explained the process to my husband I told him I was so confident by what the gentleman from radiology told me that Sterling would be
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 Helen Adams, adamshel@musc.edu
okay that I was actually not going to even go to the appointment. I was just going to let my husband take him. Needless to say I am grateful that I changed my mind and went because I got to meet Chad and see his kindness expressed in person while caring for my son that day. When I saw him I thought to myself this young man is going to say “Oh goodness you’re the crazy lady from Friday with all those questions.” However, he offered multiple times to answer more questions for us if we had any. He took the time to explain to Sterling step by step what was going to happen and I could tell Sterling trusted him and felt relaxed. Throughout the whole process Chad went above and beyond the call of duty and displayed MUSC Excellence at its very best and I applaud him for that! (Came from an Applause card submission).” Nominated by Antoinette Coaxum Carolyn Kay RT Neurology “Carolyn is our nurse on RT9 serving the neuromuscular and stroke service. As you can imagine, we take care 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.
of a special patient population with multiple physical and emotional needs with diagnoses such as ALS, muscular dystrophy and stroke. Carolyn always greets the patients with a smile on her face and the patients have come to know her by name and look forward to seeing her each visit. Additionally, Carolyn has never used the term “that is not my job” and always goes above and beyond. Most days she is the only nurse on RT9 and completes the triaging on her own. She additionally will make patient phone calls and helps with patient orders and patient admissions. She has never complained about working late. One afternoon she and I were the only team on the floor and had two admissions and a very busy clinic. She stayed with me until 6:30 p.m. to help make sure patients were safely transported to the hospital and maintained calmness. She helps those around her stay positive even in difficult situations and clinic would be much more difficult without her.” Nominated by Carrie Smith Hazel Washington Medical Records “Hazel has been a valued employee of MUSC since 1996 and in Health Information Services since 2000. I know
of no one who takes her job more seriously. In the role as Birth Clerk she literally runs down dads to get their acknowledgement of paternity. But Hazel sees this as her contribution to the welfare of each child born at MUHA. Recently, as I was walking back from an off–site meeting, I saw Hazel waiting in the Horseshoe. Along came a car, a young man got out — who she then greeted — and had him sign the paperwork. Clearly, she had arranged to meet this father to get him to sign the DHEC Paternity Acknowledgement form. Whatever it takes is her motto. In the past few months, the tireless efforts of Hazel have paid off. MUHA has improved from a 38 percent compliance rate, which is very common in S.C., to 54 percent, aligning us as a top performer. Hazel is very deserving of Employee of the Month.” Nominated by PJ Floyd
Teaching and Learning Grant applications due Nov. 14 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Funding provided through MUSC’s Strategic Plan (Technology/Innovation) in collaboration with the Apple Tree Society Grant Opportunity Pilot Project Program Deadline to apply is by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14. Goal: To support innovative ideas and practices that will strengthen learning in the areas of education, research and clinical care. Eligibility: Open to investigators who are faculty, post docs graduate students, residents and clinical staff. Note: Students/post docs will need a letter of support from a faculty mentor or sponsor. Submit your application or information, contact Mary Mauldin, 876-5040 or mauldinm@musc.edu
THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014 3
Light Up the Farm and Make a Wish for a STAR their “wish lists”. There The MUSC Urban Farm invites will be approximately 24 the community to participate in students, aged 13-16 who the second annual “Light up the are currently enrolled Farm” Sunset Work and Learn on in the STAR adolescent Thursday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. day program who will Help string lights and decorations be participating in the while enjoying holiday music, “Make a Wish” for a refreshments and fellowship. This STAR Program. Those event is free and open to the public. who would like to give to For the third year, MUSC Urban this worthwhile gift drive Farm is promoting the “Make a can select a star from the Wish for a STAR” gift program to Urban Farm Oak Tree make holidays a little brighter for Susan Johnson and purchase items for a some local teens. Each week students STAR student. from the Institute of Psychiatry’s For more information on the “Light STAR Adolescent Day Treatment up the Farm” event or “Make a Wish program visit the Urban Farm for special for a Star” gift program, please email work & learn sessions as a reward for urbanfarm@musc.edu. their accomplishments. For one hour a week, STAR teens get their hands Wellness Events dirty and their minds cleared of some q Mindful Combo Contest — Purchase a very difficult problems in their daily Mindful Combo Meal until Nov. 14 and lives. They can forget about their anger, you’ll be entered to win your choice of frustrations, depression, anxiety and stress and experience the joy of watching a Clemson or Carolina Fan Kit. The kit features a choice of a Clemson or South things grow. We would like to do our Carolina Cut Out and team counter part to bring a little holiday joy to these cooler. Combo must include Coca-Cola students by collecting donations from
Health at work
Zero or other Coke products or a Dasani Water. Submit your receipt into the entry box (including name and email). A winner will be chosen Nov. 17. q The November challenge is to Release the Tension. Begin by taking the Monthly Mindful Challenge survey at http://tinyurl.com/n62q9uq. A link to the final survey will be sent at month’s end to those who take the first survey. q Location change for the next Worksite Screening — set for Monday, Nov. 17 at Hollings Cancer Center auditorium, Room 120. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) for only $15 (covered spouses can participate for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. Screening includes height, weight, blood pressure, blood draw (blood chemistry profile, hemogram and blood lipid profile).Register at www.musc.edu/ employeewellness and click “Worksite Screening Appointment.” q MUSC Employee Fitness Series Class — Yoga, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Nov. 19 at
the Wellness Center. Free pass to MUSC Wellness Center for all participants. To register, email musc-empwell@musc.edu. q Chair massages — Free massages are offered to employees midday Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages for locations and times. q Farmers Market — Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Horseshoe. q Flu Shot Satellite clinics will be held — Noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 13, Rutledge Tower, room 280J; 8 a.m. to Noon, Nov. 18 at Children’s Hospital, room 7033; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 6, 2 West Classroom and 6 to 10 p.m., 2West Classroom.
MUSC Urban Farm
q Midday Work and Learn — Tuesdays, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. q First and third Saturdays: Familyfriendly work and learn — 9 to 11 a.m., Nov. 15. For more information about wellness events and the MUSC Urban Farm, contact johnssa@musc.edu or whela@ musc.edu.
4 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014
MUSC Medical Center Communications Corner Town Hall follow up: Your questions answered
The most recent MUSC Medical Center Town Hall meetings were held in late September and early October. These meetings are an important part of the Medical Center’s efforts to make sure that employees are well informed and involved. The meetings are not only an opportunity to hear directly from senior leaders but also to ask questions and share ideas. Thank you to all employees who attended or viewed the town halls sessions. Following recommendations from the Communications Advisory Group, we hosted a follow–up employee forum where all employees were invited to ask questions that they may not have been able to ask during the town hall sessions. Here are some of the questions and answers from both the town hall sessions and the follow-up employee Q&A forum: QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND WOMEN’S PAVILION Question
Answer
How many beds will be in the new hospital?
150
How many ORs will be in the new hospital?
10 for Children’s and two for Women’s
What is the plan for the current CH once the new hospital opens?
It may be backfilled with offices, and perhaps clinical space, if reasonable. There is a third phase of building planned wherein a new adult hospital will be built. This is approximately 15 years down the road.
Where will the Peds ED be located?
In the new Children’s and Women’s Hospital
Will there be a crosswalk between ART and the new hospital?
Yes
Will there be an ambulance entrance at the new Children’s and Women’s Hospital?
Yes. We will continue to have our normal ambulance services. The entrance will be at the Pediatric Emergency Department.
Will there be transporters and valet parking at the new CH/WP?
Yes
Will there be a parking garage added for the new Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion?
No. We currently lease spots to Roper Hospital. By the time the new Children’s Hospital opens, the lease with Roper will have expired, and many spots will become available.
QUESTIONS ABOUT RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION Question
Answer
What is the time frame for seventh floor ART renovations?
Construction will begin in January 2015 with a goal of a 40–bed oncology unit being complete by September 2015.
What is happening to the old bank lot?
It is now a parking lot.
Will the Family Medicine building be demolished and made into a parking lot?
No, it will be utilized by those currently at McClellan Banks. It will be used for non–clinical purposes.
Question
Answer
Can we do anything about the potholes in the Hagood parking lot?
Medical Center administration is working with Charleston County on this issue.
What will happen with the Hagood parking lot?
In the next few years, a garage will be built on one side of the lot. Additional parking will be provided to employees during construction.
Are there plans for parking for people within walking distance?
Closer parking and off–hours parking is part of a 3– to–5–year plan. Part of the Horizon project is to also build bridges over Hagood and the Crosstown.
Medical Center administration is looking into this. Adult ED parking lot suggestions: • block off parking lot from foot traffic – make them use sidewalks • make buses pull up so they do not block the entrance to parking lot ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS Question
Answer
What issues are the state lobbyists advocating for?
The issues are determined by an advisory group led by MUSC President David Cole. An agenda will be released in early 2015. Examples from 2014’s agenda: • Uninsured and underinsured patients • The new Children’s Hospital • Telehealth
Are we ready for Ebola patients if we admit any?
Yes. Please visit our intranet site for additional information.
Can Pharmacy hours be extended – earlier open time or later closing time – for those working night shift? Open at 7 a.m. or stay open until 6:30 p.m.?
The pharmacy will reassess its hours. In the meantime, the pharmacy offers prescription mail delivery through the post office. Prescriptions can be mailed to home or office six days a week. Packages need to be signed for insurance auditing purposes. This convenience is available to MUSC staff and patients and may be an option to help employees who are not on campus during current pharmacy hours.
Can we add more buses at prime times such as 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.?
Medical Center administration has a scheduled meeting with Parking Management to discuss additional parking needs.
What will be done for those who have reached their max in pay but continue to receive excellent evaluations?
As we continue to do well financially, we can resolve this issue. We are committed to this. Pay bands were changed in May, but this did not help everyone.
From whom and where does “The Buzz” come from?
“The Buzz” comes from the Communications Advisory Group, which is an employee focus group that meets monthly. You may visit the MUSC Excellence website for a list of members.
For more information on the MUHA town halls or to access past town halls, visit http://mcintranet.musc.edu/muscexcellence/communications/townhall/ townhallindex.htm
Are there any future plans to educate staff The organization is consulting with the FBI, SLED, on active shooters? etc, on a seven–part initiative. They will visually map out the campus and do a preparedness assessment. There will also be a CATTS module for training and onsite training in the next six to nine months.
QUESTIONS ABOUT PARKING
Will there be changes with the new MUSC Health Plan?
Not this year
THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014 5
MEET SCOTT
Scott Muetz Department Office of Public Safety How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By always being there to help people. I want to change people’s perception of MUSC’s Office of Public Safety and police men and women in general so that they know we are always here to serve. How long at MUSC 2 years Family and their names Wife, DeeDee; daughters, Kayla, 13 and Emma, 2 Branch of military and years served Marine Corps (6 years) and U.S. Army (15 years) Hero you admire in life and why USAF Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager. He had no concept of personal limitions and I admired that in him. First thing you notice about a person Their hands Greatest moment in your life The birth of both of my daughters.
6 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014
Investigators involved in ground-breaking stroke research BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations
H
is head wrapped in blue bandages attached to wires leading to a mysterious black box, Jim Simpson stares at a computer screen, trying to distinguish whether the word he hears actually matches the picture he’s looking at. His task is to press the green button if it does and red button if it doesn’t. As random images appear and just as quickly disappear, properly identifying the object is not nearly as easy as it looks — especially considering the fact Simpson continues to battle back from a debilitating stroke. More than seven years leater, he still suffers the effects of aphasia — a speech and language disorder that resulted from the assault to his brain’s language system. Stroke, one of the most disabling conditions in the U.S., can result in a multitude of long–term or permanent disabilities like aphasia. Simpson had his stroke on February 2, 2007, and since that time has experienced a number of residual problems that have severely impacted his quality of life, aphasia being one of the most frustrating. The left side of Simpson’s brain was affected by the stroke, which is the reason he was left with significant problems with speech and language. His wife, Donna, explained that he knows what things are but has difficulty expressing himself. He learned to write with his left hand and is able to write basic things such as his name. He enjoys reading, especially his Bible, Donna shared, and he is able to pick out words on a menu. Language problems, in particular, can be very upsetting to patients and their families. Aphasia, according to the National Center on Biotechnology Information, tops the list of symptoms people fear most about stroke, which is not surprising as patients often may have a great deal of difficulty with critically necessary day–to–day functions such as speaking, recalling words, and reading and writing. In more severe cases, aphasic patients may have difficulty comprehending what people are saying
photo by Dawn Brazell, Public Relations
Jim Simpson, who suffered a stroke in 2007, participates in a study using tDCS, a new technology that helps with brain recovery for stroke patients. to them. As researchers learn more about brain recovery, they strive to find ways of improving the brain’s response to injuries such as stroke. David Bachman, M.D., a professor in the Department of Neurosciences, said, “At this time, we are more or less dependent on the natural recovery processes of the brain for improvement to occur. Speech therapy is important in recovery, but often there is still a substantial language disability.” Patients often, though not always, improve after a stroke, but there are no medications to speed up or enhance that recovery. “We have relatively good insight into how to prevent stroke,” Bachman said. “We also have new drugs and treatments for acute stroke, especially the first five hours after symptom onset. However, aside from speech therapy, which is very important, we have no therapies to change the brain to improve its ability to recover.” Hopefully that is about to change. Through an ongoing research study, funded by the National Institutes of Health Institute on Aging, Bachman and two other MUSC researchers, Leonardo Bonilha, M.D., Ph.D., an
assistant professor in the Department of Neurosciences, and Mark George, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, are investigating a new form of brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation, which could potentially improve language function in stroke patients when administered during speech therapy. Bachman holds out great hope for this study. He explained, “We are very excited. This new technology uses a very low voltage electrical current applied directly to the scalp with electrodes for a period of about 15 to 20 minutes. Studies suggest that brain cells directly under the electrodes may be activated. Increasing the activation of these neurons potentially could allow more opportunity for the brain to ‘rewire’ itself, thus enhancing stroke recovery.” Although many aphasic patients will recover, more than 60 percent continue to struggle even after a course of speech therapy. For patients like Simpson, who have not recovered much of their former ability to communicate, novel research, like this study, offers new hope for possible improvement.
Last year, Simpson applied to enroll in the tDCS research trial. Because he scored only two out of 80 words correctly, he was not able to participate. Last week, however, he correctly identified five words, the minimum number to participate. He is now enrolled in the study, and he and his family are hopeful he will improve. “We just want an opportunity to try and jumpstart his progress,” Donna said. “He’s plateaued, and we’d like to see some results in his speech that will allow him to communicate better.” Because the study is double–blinded, meaning neither the subjects nor the researchers know which participants are receiving the brain stimulation, Simpson may be receiving the real or sham brain treatment while he undergoes three weeks of speech therapy, using for one, the 175–item Philadelphia Naming Test, where the patient presses the green or red button to signify yea or nay to the image. The PNT consists of high–, medium–, and low–frequency nouns that range in length from one to four syllables. All patients involved in the study receive speech therapy which is the traditional treatment approach in the rehabilitation of aphasia. Controlled studies have shown that this approach may modestly improve naming performance. The threshold between the results a patient receives from the speech therapy alone and those resulting from the brain stimulation will ultimately determine the efficacy of the study. Until the study is completed, investigators won’t know the results. While Simpson has his own special way of communicating with his family, using the few words he is able to speak, dealing with the reality of aphasia for the past 7–½ years, has been a major frustration for him and also for Donna who longs to be able to have “a normal conversation” with her husband. Bachman said this situation is not unusual for stroke patients. “Aphasia is a particularly devastating symptom of a stroke since much of what we do in life is to communicate with other people. It
See stroke on page 10
THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014 7
A moving tribute honors MUSC veterans BY HELEN ADAMS Public Relations As DeBorah Smalls–Brown sat in the front row at MUSC’s Veterans Day celebration, she thought about her time in the U.S. Air Force. About 30 years have passed since she served as a Morse code systems operator. “It brought back memories,” Smalls– Brown said. “It’s like wow, just think about all of the members who have served in the military. I consider them my brothers and my sisters. It’s just such a warm fuzzy feeling to have MUSC recognize all the veterans for their service.” Smalls–Brown supervises the scheduling of appointments for doctors. There are veterans working in almost all areas of MUSC, from surgeons to systems experts to public safety officers. Provost Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., told the audience of veterans and co–workers that ties are strong between MUSC and the military. “We at MUSC have always had a special relationship with our veterans through cutting–edge research and clinical care,” Sothmann said. “Today while we’re honoring all MUSC veterans, we also honor the MUSC practitioners, educators and researchers who are working so hard to make our veterans’ lives better.” Sothmann described how recent events continue to impact MUSC and other medical institutions. “We need to recognize the human toll of the war on terror that started with 9/11,” Sothmann said. “I mention that because it gives us a special role here at the Medical University in treating those individuals who have been involved in that war. Sixty–eight hundred service men and women lost their lives, 52,000 have been wounded, 400,000 are living with a medical condition attributed to that war. Eight hundred and seventy–five thousand have filed disability claims and have been approved by the Veterans Administration. Incredible statistics.” The men and women still serving our
photos by Helen Adams, Public Relations
An employee distributes commemorative pins to fellow employees during the Nov. 10 Veterans Day Celebration at the Drug Discovery Building auditorium. “Remember this ceremonial day was born in the aftermath of World War I as Armistice Day,” Sula said. It marked the end of what was known as “the war to end all wars.” The first Armistice Day was in 1919, and it became a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. “It was to be a celebration to single out those who served for their patriotism and love of country and sacrifice for the common good. The observation of this day indicates that every veteran has given a portion of his or her life in defense of our country,” Sula said. Patient scheduler DeBorah SmallsMonday’s ceremony at MUSC Brown, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was included a scrolling list of veterans over a among several dozen employeeveterans who attended the event. country were also on the mind of Melvin Williams, a chaplain with Pastoral Care Services. The Air Force veteran led the audience in a prayer. “We come today to honor our brave and bold military men and women and their families for their dedication and unmatchable commitment to protecting our freedom. May God continue to bless them and their families,” Williams said. Guest speaker Dick Sula, a retired Air Force colonel, reminded the audience of how the day some may take for granted came about.
picture of the American flag. Afterward, veterans gathered to share stories. Michael Andrews, who is with the Biomedical Engineering Department, talked with Vice President for Medical Affairs Bruce Elliott, M.D. Andrews served in the Navy’s submarine service; Elliott was an Army surgeon. “It’s a great honor to be a veteran,” Andrews said, describing his family’s long history of military service. Elliott retired from the Army 15 years ago. For him, the Veterans Day ceremony was a time to reflect. “A lot of déjà vu,” Elliott said. “I saw veterans of Vietnam as well as Gulf War I. Those were my two war experiences.” Standing nearby, Clifton McDonald, who works in business services, said it was an honor for him and all veterans to be recognized. He served in the Army. “I felt very privileged and appreciated,” McDonald said. An MUSC public safety officer who served in the Navy echoed that sentiment. “I think it’s awesome,” Donald Newborn said. “You’ve got a lot of veterans down here.” Smalls–Brown, the former Morse code operator from the front row, said there are similarities between her job at MUSC and her time in the Air Force. “I always wanted to be some place where I could feel needed, where I could help somebody being selfless,” Smalls– Brown said. “The military provided that and MUSC provides that as well.”
Research Administration Survey due Nov. 21
The Office of the Associate Provost for Research invites you to complete a survey on Central Research Administrative Units and affiliated Service Centers: Research Development, Research and Sponsored Programs, Research Integrity (IACUC/IBC/IRB), Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Foundation for Research Development. Survey Goals include: q Providing research community an opportunity to give input on research administrative operations
q Identifying areas for improved user experience and increased efficiencies q Serving as a basis for action plans supporting institutional strategic planning This survey should take no more than 10 minutes. Feedback is anonymous unless you wish to provide contact information at the end of the survey. Thank you for participating. You may open the survey in your web browser at https://redcap.musc.edu/ surveys/?s=kufNynuwpa.
8 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014
Bela’s Garden honors author’s life, provides public green view BY ALLYSON CROWELL Development & Alumni Affairs
H
arriet McDougal stared from a hospital window out onto a gray landscape the day she learned of her husband’s prognosis. James O. Rigney Jr., who penned the best-selling multivolume fantasy series “Wheel of Time,” would not survive the blood disease amyloidosis. Rigney died in 2007 at age 58, during the peak of his career. His hospital room had overlooked an aging metal roof at MUSC, a bleak corner in a beautiful city. Rigney, who wrote his "Wheel of Time" novels under the pseudonym Robert Jordan, had grown up on rural Johns Island and lived with an appreciation for nature. Chora trees, a fictional flora created by Rigney, instilled peace into the characters that passed below their branches. The last remaining chora tree, Avendesora, was known in Rigney’s books as the Tree of Life. When his wife, also his editor, learned from a newspaper article about MUSC’s arboretum project, she saw an opportunity to honor Rigney. The MUSC Arboretum began in 2010 and, last year, the campus achieved federal Tree Campus USA certification. McDougal contacted MUSC’s arborist and joined the arboretum’s advisory board. Last year she committed to funding the transformation of a gray rooftop on the fifth floor of the main
Harriet McDougal reads from the “Wheel of Time” series at the Oct. 20 dedication for Bela’s Garden on campus. hospital into a terrace garden. MUSC leaders and medical students recently joined McDougal for the opening of Bela’s Garden. Bela, a shaggy brown mare, appeared in the first “Wheel of Time” book and became a beloved character throughout the series. McDougal wore a button for the occasion that said, “BELA LIVES.” Looking up at the garden’s arbor, she said, “The Lady Banks rose is going to cover that whole thing so well.” Her late husband’s birthday had fallen three days earlier, so McDougal said the timing of the dedication “could not be more appropriate.”
See Garden on page 11
THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014 9
MUSC coaches other hospitals to become baby friendly BY HELEN ADAMS Public Relations
10 Steps a hospital needed to Achieve Baby–Friendly status
In the first hours after a woman gives birth, she decides whether to breast–feed. It can be hard at first, and without a lot of encouragement, some mothers give up and turn to formula. Next week, MUSC will host an event designed to encourage hospitals around the state to become “baby–friendly.” The designation, awarded by BabyFriendly USA, means a hospital is committed to getting mothers to breast–feed. It’s a global initiative of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). MUSC’s Baby-Friendly Showcase will take place Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Storm Eye Institute Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Representatives of several hospitals have registered to attend. Experts say breast-feeding gives babies the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies. It also reduces their risk and their mother’s risk of developing certain illnesses. MUSC is one of only seven Baby–Friendly Hospitals in the state. It was part of the Best Fed Beginnings initiative, sponsored by the Centers for Disease
1. Have a written breast–feeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. 2. Train all health care staff in the skills necessary to implement this policy. 3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breast–feeding. 4. Help mothers initiate breast–feeding within one hour of birth. 5. Show mothers how to breast–feed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are separated from their infants. 6. Give infants no food or drink other than breast-milk, unless medically indicated. 7. Practice rooming in — allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. 8. Encourage breast–feeding on demand. 9. Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breast-feeding infants. 10. Foster the establishment of breast–feeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or birth center.
photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations
Nurse Molly Gros talks to patient Catherine MacKelcan about ways to breast-feed her twins, Walker, left and Mary Bryan. Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality. MUSC received expert coaching to become baby friendly. It is now helping other hospitals work to achieve the same accreditation. For more information about the MUSC BabyFriendly Showcase, call 792-9591.
KAPPA PSI COLLECTS 100 PAIRS OF SOCKS FOR PATIENTS
photos provided
Students from the College of Pharmacy Kappa Epsilon sorority collected over 100 pairs of colorful socks for Hollings Cancer Center patients this month. Top photo: HCC volunteer Sharon Murphy, right, helped collect the socks from Sommer Norris, center and Caitlyn Fry, left, on Nov. 11. This is the third year Kappa Psi has supported this project and patients are grateful to receive socks to keep their feet warm on cold days.
10 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014
STROKE
Continued from Page Six
can result in patients becoming more socially isolated or even depressed.” Donna agreed, sharing that her husband can sometimes get frustrated when trying to do the things that were at one time simple. “Jim manages to keep a pretty positive attitude,” she said. “But sometimes he gets down when he isn’t able to do the things he would like to do. He stays optimistic because of his strong faith in God. The Lord is the only thing that keeps us going.” Simpson, a tall, strapping 55–year–old, is described by his wife of 32 years as having a great sense of humor and having been a terrific conversationalist. As a second degree karate black– belt, Simpson was not only accustomed to being active but having precision control over his body movements. Donna said he misses it very much and hopes to get back into it one day. The Simpsons own a local wood flooring business that is known for its radio commercials featuring Simpson, before his stroke, telling radio listeners that: “My aim is to honor God through my business.” Donna took over the day–to–day operations of the company after his stroke. She said it
photo by Dawn Brazell, Public Relations
Ladson residents Jim and Donna Simpson stay positive and upbeat during the testing process. has been difficult for both of them, but they remain hopeful. She is grateful to the people who help her so she is able to bring her husband to MUSC to participate in the study. She said she doesn’t know what she would do without them. Her love for her husband is clear, as is her not–so–secret hope that he is one of the participants actually receiving the tDCS. When the study is complete in 2017, the hope is this new technique will have represented
photo by Mikie Hayes, Public Relations
Sheri Davis and Dr. David Bachman review a brain image of a potential participant.
a leap forward in the treatment of aphasia. Bachman points to a computer screen that displays an image of a participant’s brain. Three distinct types of brain tissue are apparent. Bachman circles the black tissue, which represents the part of the brain that died as a result of the stroke; then the gray area, he says, is tissue hanging on by a thread, but possibly still salvageable; and finally, the white area which is viable, intact tissue that is trying to compensate for the dead and damaged areas. He hopes the tDCS, by stimulating intact brain tissue spared from the stroke, will compensate for the tissue damaged by the stroke. “We hope that the newly stimulated brain tissue will help take over some of the language function that was lost when the stroke occurred. Giving tDCS during special speech therapy could potentially enhance language function in aphasic patients who are more than six months out from a stroke.” Bachman expressed how important this study is to the participants and their families and the future of aphasia treatment. For Simpson, this study could mean being able to say the words “I love you” to his wife again. The study was initiated by Julius Fridriksson, Ph.D., director of the Aphasia Laboratory and professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Carolina, who also serves as the principal investigator of the overall study. Now, 2½ years into the five– year–trial, Bachman and the team are recruiting additional subjects for this important study. Research volunteers should have mild to moderate aphasia due to stroke and be at least six months out from the date of their stroke onset. For information, call Sheri Davis at 792-2845.
THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014 11
GARDEN
Donate toiletries for Helping Hands A-Queen Pillowtop that is MUSC’s Surgery & Brand New in Plastic. Will take $150. Please call Medicine Acute Critical 843-270-4283 Care Service Lines is Full Mattress Set with Euro Pil- collecting items for low Top New $140. Please Helping Hands of Goose Call: 843-270-4283 Creek. The group is King Size Plush Set seeking unopened hygiene New, will sacrifice for $275 843-270-4283 items such as toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and soap. Drop off your items at the donation box located on the first floor security desk by the University hospital entrance.
Furniture
Continued from Page Eight
Former College of Medicine Dean Dr. Jerry Reves said that McDougal introduced the arboretum advisory board to peerreviewed research that highlights the link between natural settings and patient health. She inspired university leaders to “do better,” as Reves put it, and to provide a more stimulating landscape for people gazing from the 75 patient rooms overlooking the space that became Bela’s Garden. “The MUSC Arboretum began several years ago with a mission to transform our campus into a place of optimal healing and learning by creating an urban landscape that invigorates, inspires and teaches through nature,” Reves said. “Bela’s Garden is a source of comfort to our patients, families, staff and students faced with the torments of illness and surgery.” McDougal read an excerpt about Bela from her late husband’s novel before guests moved from the rooftop garden over to a reception beneath a live oak tree in front of Colcock Hall. MUSC arborist Nate Dubosh dedicated the tree to McDougal in appreciation of her gift — and he named it
photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
MUSC aroborist Nate Dubosh, left, speaks to a crowd gathered beneath a live oak tree at Colcock Hall that was named and dedicated to Harriet McDougal and her late husband, James O. Rigney, Jr. Rigney was the author of the best-selling fantasy series “Wheel of Time.” The oak, named Avendesora for its significance in the book series, was dedicated Oct. 20. Avendesora. Editor’s note: Reprinted with permission from Thank-You Notes, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.
12 THE CATALYST, Nov. 14, 2014