Dec. 5, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 33, No. 16
Inside
Good results bring sickle cell trial to an early end
PEDIATRIC CARE
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Staff Reports A study involving MUSC sickle cell anemia researchers Robert Adams, M.D., and Sherron M. Jackson, M.D., has been stopped early due to conclusive data that showed hydroxyurea therapy offers safe and effective disease management of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and reduces the risk of stroke. The early termination of this key clinical trial studying the drug’s efficacy was issued by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute about one year ahead of when it was originally scheduled to end. Going by the title TWiTCH (TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea), the Phase III randomized clinical trial at 25 medical centers in the U.S. and Canada compared standard therapy (monthly erythrocyte transfusions) with the alternative (daily hydroxyurea) for children with elevated transcranial Doppler velocities and high risk of stroke. “This signals a paradigm shift in treating children with sickle cell anemia who are at risk for stroke,” said Adams, South Carolina Centers of Economic Excellence for Stroke endowed chair as well as director and co–principal investigator for the study’s neurological core. “We are moving from stroke prevention to vascular protection, with screening early and often for the risk factors of stroke in these patients. We’ve been working on this for decades and it’s gratifying to see this work come to fruition. We have an incredible opportunity to offer a less complicated and invasive therapy that can reduce the likelihood of stroke in these patients and improve the health of their blood vessels, too.” An important reason for testing hydroxyurea is that the current standard therapy of monthly blood transfusions to reduce stroke risk can lead to problems such as antibody formation and iron overload, which are increasingly recognized as a sources of morbidity in young patients with SCA. According to Russell E. Ware, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of the larger study and director of Hematology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which served as the study’s medical
New director named in pediatric urology.
DEDICATED SERVICE
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photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations
Twelve-year–old John Lewis smiles at his mother while Dr. Sherron Jackson examines him in MUSC’s Sickle Cell Clinic. coordinating center, these early results indicate that TWiTCH is a success. “Hydroxyurea works as well as blood transfusions to lower TCD velocities, which lowers the risk of the child having a stroke,” he said. “A group of outside experts has been reviewing the TWiTCH data every few months to ensure the safety of children in the clinical trial and to monitor the data. This group met recently and after careful consideration of the interim data results, recommended that the study be stopped since hydroxyurea worked as well as transfusions to lower TCD velocities.” The study enrolled its first patient in September 2011 and included children between ages 4 and 16 years with sickle cell anemia and abnormally elevated TCD velocities, which increases their risk of developing a stroke. The current standard therapy for children with elevated TCD velocities is monthly blood transfusions. A total of 121 children were randomized: half received the standard therapy of transfusions while the other half received the alternate treatment with daily hydroxyurea, which has not yet been approved for children with sickle cell anemia. During the past decade, the laboratory and clinical efficacy of hydroxyurea has been demonstrated in children and adults with SCA. Originally developed as a drug to treat cancer and infections, hydroxyurea boosts fetal hemoglobin production in SCA, which prevents the red blood cells from acquiring the sickled shape that fuels the many complications. Hydroxyurea has been previously shown to have clinical efficacy for a variety of sickle-–related complications, but TWiTCH is the first Phase III trial that demonstrates its benefits for children with cerebrovascular disease and increased stroke risk.
Worthington retires after 60 years service with MUSC.
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Meet Ada
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Research Day
11 Soccer in Africa T H E C ATA LY S T ONLINE http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014
Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ Employees of the Month Award Karen Worden Acute Directional Unit “Karen admitted a patient who became ill while vacationing in Charleston. His wife was at the bedside with him. While Karen oriented the patient and his wife to the unit, the wife opened up and told Karen that all of their belongings were back at the hotel, but she had no way of getting them because she doesn’t drive. The wife expressed concern that they were paying for a hotel room that neither of them could use for the night. After her shift was over, Karen and her husband took the patient’s wife to her hotel to get their belongings and brought her back to the hospital to spend the night with her husband. Karen went out of her way to demonstrate kindness and concern for a patient’s family member. In a city of strangers, this couple found a warm and caring nurse that showed them the human face of MUSC nursing ‘excellence.’” Nominated by Tiffany Carter
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 J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu
Danny Spillane Business Development & Marketing Services “Danny is a valuable employee and one that is truly skilled. While Danny is not directly in a clinical environment, his work is a big part of our success. Danny is the videographer in the Marketing Services Department. He is often called on to shoot videos of patient stories, physicians, medical center initiatives (new power plant, LDI Connect to Purpose, patient stories and yes, the MUSC Ebola video). This is tedious work and while most of us would think that shooting a video is easy, it is not. It is the first part of the work, but then he does all the editing, which is how the ‘story is told.” Danny has done this time and time again. He is a true MUSC Excellence Ambassador. We have received information from employees, patients and others thanking us for Danny taking the time to tell their story. He is able to do his assignments with compassion, empathy and caring which further demonstrates his caring,
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.
encountered. She needs to be commended. My husband works with nurses on a daily basis and has never seen a more proficient, talented, Brenda Brown personable nurse. ART HVC Prep & Recovery You have a real “Brenda Brown gem with Val. Please, please make sure is a very valuable that the highest of high-ups at MUSC are team member told of this wonderful nurse. Val made for our unit. this scary process of cancer so much She keeps the patient and their easier. A real jewel of MUSC.” Nominated by Kathy Wanstall family updated as to when their procedure will be Physician of the Month Award James Glenn, M.D. done, especially Division of Cardiology if there’s a “For the past delay. She is always pleasant, friendly two years, Dr. and compassionate. She consistently Glenn has treated displays a positive attitude and is always my daughter professional. She helps put patients during a long and their family members at ease. She and complicated has received numerous applause cards illness, which has because of her exemplary customer affected every service. She facilitates a safe workplace aspect of her life, through the adherence of safety protocol. and which will A prime example is the recognition continue for the she received in the ‘Monday Message’ foreseeable future. Remarkably, I have from Dr. Cawley, August 25, 2014. never questioned his skill and acumen She promotes communication and as a clinician, or his ability to coordinate cooperation. She is the example of the services, which is an outstanding commitment of excellence and the achievement for any physician in difficult standard of behavior for the betterment circumstances. He doesn’t excel in just a of the MUSC.” few areas of medicine or patient care, but Nominated by Laura Finklea and Donna can handle all levels of service whether it Cohen involves a highly critical medical decision requiring experience and judgment, Valerie Warren or helping to streamline the process ART 5West-Hematology/Oncology of ordering mediations from the local “This lady is the absolute best. Not pharmacy. Dr. Glenn is the consummate only is she passionate about what she does, she has a vested and true interest in Southern gentleman, whose care and her patients. This is a quality that stands kindness, patience and fortitude seem to know no bounds. Clearly, I’m not out about her more than any nurse my for MUSC. With the Ebola story, Danny gave up time to be with his family to get this project done. Why, you might ask? Because he genuinely cares about MUSC, our patients and what happens here.” Nominated by Linda Meehan
husband, Dr. Scott Sweazy, or I have ever
See Award on page 9
THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014 3
Louisiana native appointed peds urology director BY J. RYNE DANIELSON Public Relations Before joining the faculty of MUSC four years ago, Andrew Stec, M.D., attended medical school at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He went on to complete a residency in urology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtain a fellowship in pediatric urology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Stec grew up in Eunice, Louisiana, “a little town that nobody’s ever heard of,” as he calls it. Most of his friends still live there, but education was very important to his family. From an early age, Stec’s strengths were in math and science. Seeing the potential for a career, Stec left the rural South to study biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins. However, working in a biotech lab for a year doing basic research, he realized the lab setting wasn’t for him. “I liked the people more,” Stec said. So he sought out medical practitioners doing similar research in a clinical setting. From there, he went on to medical school and began to focus on reconstructive surgery. “Fixing things comes natural,” Stec said. “I like working with my hands. Surgery just sort of fit my personality and my skill set.” Stec said he chose to come to MUSC because of its great capacity for growth: “A lot of the bigger centers have very well established pediatric urology programs and new faculty just plug into the pecking order, whereas MUSC offered more of a blank slate, a program to be developed.” Stec was eager to integrate his unique skills into MUSC’s program and begin building a nationally recognized brand in pediatric urology. He brings expertise in robotic surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which, he said, “is becoming a
Using surgical magnifying glasses called loupes, Dr. Andrew Stec performs an operation on an infant.
photos provided
Dr. Andrew Stec with one of his patients, a child born with a congenital urologic disorder. mainstay of some of the bigger institutions across the country.” Before he arrived, “nobody was doing robotic surgery in pediatric urology here at MUSC.” Stec performed the first robotic ureteral reimplantation on a pediatric patient in South Carolina. He also performed the first reported Young- Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction on a patient with bladder exstrophy, a condition where a child is born with the bladder outside of the body. “What I’m most proud of," he said, "is being able to push the envelope for the benefit of the patients.” Stec has also sought to expand MUSC’s practice across the Lowcountry. “Before I got here we weren’t doing any significant outreach,” he said. “Our practice
was solely based on the peninsula at MUSC. I established our first real outreach practice in the North Charleston area, and from there we’ve established practices in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, in addition to North Charleston and downtown.” Stec estimates that pediatric urology has expanded its business by approximately 50percent, which, he said, “means we’re taking care of more kids in the region.” Stec finds pediatric care “uniquely rewarding and uniquely challenging.” The most difficult aspect, he said, is working with parents to help them understand their child’s condition.“You’ve got to manage the needs and concerns of the parents, all the while keeping the focus on the child. That makes the levels of interaction far more complicated. But parents are often the most important members of their child’s health care team.” Additional challenges, Stec believes, arise from the broad spectrum of patients involved in pediatric care: from 2-day-old preterm babies to 15-year-old adolescents. “It might be the same operation, the same procedure, but it changes dramatically in terms of the age of the patient.” Yet Stec seems to enjoy these challenges. “I’m a problem solver at heart,” he said. “The majority of pediatric urology is exactly that — a child with a problem: How do I fix it?” This philosophy carries over into Stec’s personal life as well. One of his principal hobbies is woodworking. Recently Stec constructed a Charleston swing bed for his porch and a coffee table with a fire pit in its center for his backyard. “I’m a builder,” he said. “I like to do things with my hands. And I like to accomplish tasks.” Stec also enjoys gardening and kayak fishing. Stec said that he and his wife, Stacey, love the Lowcountry — especially the climate — and are happy to be living in Charleston and working at MUSC.
A Letter to the MUSC Community, As the holidays approach, we all look forward to the season of gift-giving and celebrations. It is also a time when many employees seek guidance on how to appropriately handle gifts given to them by industry/ vendors without violating State and Institutional policies. Please keep in mind that faculty, staff, students and trainees of the MUSC enterprise may not accept industry gifts of more than nominal value ($10; See Industry Relations Policy, http://preview.tinyurl. com/me914vl). In the event that a company sends a gift of greater value, as is frequently the case during the holidays, then you may use the following guidelines: T You may remove any logos or branding from the item and place it in a communal area for your entire unit or department to share. T You may donate the item to MUSC Volunteer Services or to a local charity. Thank you very much for all that you do to serve MUSC and the Charleston community. If you have any questions, please contact the Conflict of Interest Office (Mary Evelyn Armstrong at conflicts@musc. edu). Regards, Bruce M. Elliott, M.D., Interim Vice President for Medical Affairs Chair, University Conflict of Interest Committee
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Research Impact Dr. L. Ashley Cowart T Associate professor,
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Distinguishing lethal tumors from the
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology T NIH RO1 award: $373,750 (Year 1 cost) T August 2014 to May 2019
indolent majority is a major clinical challenge. Tumor invasion is a risk factor for progression, and loss of epithelial polarity and is associated with both of these processes. Therefore, understanding the initiating signaling events that
With NIH R01 funding, Ashley Cowart,
compromise cell polarity in prostate cancer may create therapeutic opportunities to antagonize or
Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biology, plans to study ”Sphingolipids in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.” Diabetics are at increased risk of heart disease from several factors including geometric and functional changes that occur independently of other risk factors; this is termed ‘diabetic cardiomyopathy.’ Mechanisms of this disease are
pre–empt cancer invasion and metastasis.
not completely understood, but data increasingly support the notion that aberrant lipid metabolism contributes to this disease process. Mechanisms for this process are thought to include toxic effects of lipid oversupply to
epithelial polarity to support invasive behavior
the cardiac muscle cells or cardiomyocytes. In previous research, Cowart discovered that a distinct ceramide biosynthesis pathway mediates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and autophagy. This R01 award will enable Cowart to further study the mechanistic understanding of this process, with the ultimate goal of identifying molecular pathways that might be targeted to improve cardiac function in diabetics. Dr. Jennifer Isaacs T Associate professor, Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology T NIH RO1 award: $323,541 (Year 1 cost) T July 2014 to May 2019
Dr. Matthew J. Carpenter T Associate professor, Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences T NIH R21 award: $205,225 (Year 1 cost) T August 2014 to July 2016
Matthew J. Carpenter, Ph.D., associate professor, Clinical Neuroscience Division,
Jennifer Isaacs, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Cell & Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, received an R21 award to study, was awarded an R01 grant to study the “Role “A Randomized Trial of E-cigarettes: Natural of Extracellular HSP90 in Epithelial Cell Polarity and Invasion.” The goal of this study is to identify the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular protein (eHsp90) subverts and prostate cancer progression. This research will dissect the molecular events contributing to eHsp90’s loss of polarity and will establish whether diminished fidelity of the polarity network is a requisite for eHsp90’s invasive behavior. The elucidation of key signaling and molecular effectors of eHsp90 action is expected to yield an expanded range of pharmacological opportunities aimed at functional restoration of the polarity network to antagonize or pre–empt cancer invasion and metastasis. These trends may serve as a molecular fingerprint to identify early stage tumors at greater risk for progression. The Catalyst’s Research Impact column replaces the former Research Grants . column and showcases the campus’ research community’s grant activities. For information about other awards, visit the MUSC Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Monthly Reports or email your MUSC research impact stories to research@musc.edu.
Update, Patterns, and Impact of Use. E-cigarettes are the fastest growing non- cigarette product available to smokers, yet the science base to understand these products has not kept pace. This study will provide important information for regulatory authorities regarding how and why smokers initiate e-cigarette use and how such use affects smoking behavior. Carpenter proposes the first prospective, randomized trial of e-cigarette use in the U.S. As a pilot, this study will provide important information for generation of future research, including large–scale trials that are critically needed. This trial includes a brief sampling period, in which smokers with no prior e–cigarette use will be given the opportunity to use e–cigarettes (vs. not) as they wish. The trial will then transition to prospective follow–up for an additional three months, during which researchers will assess downstream effects of e-cigarette use on smoking behavior.
THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014 5
MEET ADA
Adrianna “Ada” Choluj Department Volunteer Services, North Tower Welcome Center How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By always doing my best and trying to do as much as I can to help out. The smiles and NLQG ZRUGV , UHFHLYH HYHU\ GD\ DUH GHÀQLWHO\ worth it How long at MUSC 4 months Pets and their names Yellow lab, Zoe, and brown lab, Noel A unique talent you have I speak Polish, play drums, timpani, and shoot for sport. Favorite place in the world Krackow, Poland What you like most about MUSC’s Angel Tree Program It’s a wonderful feeling seeing the angels disappear. It was hard not to take all of the angels but buying gifts for four little angels gave me a lot of satisfaction and brought me more Christmas joy than I had expected.
6 THE Â CATALYST, Dec. Â 5, Â 2014
Research talent gathers for MUSC Research Day 2014
T
he  49th  annual  Perry  V.  Halushka  2014  MUSC  Research  Day  gathered  some  of  the  Lowcountry’s  foremost  research  talent  at  the  Wellness  Center  Gym  and  Drug  Discovery  Building,  Nov.  13  to  Nov.  14.   Each  fall,  MUSC  Research  Day  is  open  to  all  students,  postdoctoral  residents  and  fellows  on  campus,  as  well  as  other  statewide  and  national  institutions,  who  participated  over  the  past  year  in  research  programs  at  MUSC. The  event’s  kick-Âoff  featured  a  keynote  address  presented  by  Karl  Deisseroth,  M.D.,  Ph.D.,  the  D.H.  Chen  Professor  of  Bioengineering  and  of  Psychiatry  and  Behavioral  Sciences  at  Stanford  University.   He  also  is  an  investigator  with  the  Howard  Hughes  Medical  Institute.  Deisseroth,  who  is  a  member  of  the  Institute  of  Medicine  and  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  spoke  about  his  research  progress  in  developing  optical  tools  for  precise,  high-Âresolution  investigation  of  intact  biological  systems  and  the  use  of  optogenetics,  a  technique  developed  by  Deisseroth  that  uses  light  to  control  the  activity  of  the  brain  and  mental  health  conditions.   Perry  V.  Halushka,  M.D.,  Ph.D.,  Distinguished  University  Professor  and  dean  emeritus  of  the  College  of  Graduate  Studies,  and  for  whom  the  event  was  named,  attended  this  year’s  activities.   “I  had  a  chance  to  view  and  interact  with  a  large  number  of  students  at  their  posters  or  oral  presentations.  I  was  extremely  impressed  with  the  quality  of  the  research  that  was  presented  and  would  say  that  it  is  some  of  the  best  that  I  have  seen  at  our  annual  research  day,â€?  said  Halushka.  “A  special  thanks  goes  to  Dr.  Kubalak  for  his  tireless  efforts  to  organize  the  research  day.â€?
photo  by  Mary  Mauldin,  ITFR
After a day of poster and oral presentations and judging, the winners of the 2014 Perry V. Halushka Student Research Day gatherered Nov. 14 at the Drug Discovery auditorium to be recognized. 0RQHWDU\ DZDUGV ZHUH SUHVHQWHG WR WKH ÀUVW DQG VHFRQG SODFH UHJXODU VHVVLRQ ZLQQHUV 6LJPD ;L Interprofessional Research, VA Research, Health Dispairities, Innovation and Clinical Research Ethics Awards also had their own cash prizes for winners.
photos  by  Anne  Thompson,  Digital  Imaging
MUSC ENT Clinical Research team members Dr. Shaun A. Nguyen, left, joins Dr. Marc P. Camilon and other presenters during the event.
Department of Surgery’s Hannah Chimowitz explains her research to medicine professor Dr. Joseph Johns.
The  winners  are: Undergraduate  Poster  I  —  First  place:  Patrick  M.  Pallitto;  second  place:  Vaibhav  Mohanty;  Clinical/Professional/Masters  Poster  I  —  First  place:  Kelly  P.  Callahan;  second  place:  Jonathan  D.  Wagner;  Clinical/Professional/Masters  Poster  II  —  First  place:  Michael  Sarson;  second  place:  Ravi  Patel;  Clinical/Professional/Masters  Poster  III  —  First  place:  Christopher  Xiao;  second  place:  Brooke  D.  King;
Clinical/Professional/Masters  Poster  IV  —  First  place:  Kelsey  D.  Wilson;  second  place:  Chenchen  Costelloe; PhD  Poster  I  —  First  place:  Emilie  Rosset;  second  place:  Logan  T.  Dowdle; PhD  Poster  II  —  First  place:  Allessandra  Metelli;  second  place:  Ryan  R.  Kelly; PhD  Poster  III  —  First  place:  Bethany  A.  Herbert  (Kinard  Gadsden  Award);  second  place:  Sarah  Stephenson; Postdocs/Residents/Fellow/Staff  Scientist  Poster  I  —  First  place:  Lindsay  T.  McDonald;  second  place:  Yuvaraj  Sambandam; Postdocs/Residents/Fellow/Staff  Scientist  Poster  II  —  First  place:  Nandita  Nadig;  second  place:  Ala  Jalil; Research  Specialist/Technician  I  —  First  place:  Oliver  J.  Mithoefer;  second  place:  Alexandra  E.  Serpe; Undergraduate  Oral  II  —  First  place:  Emily  Moore;  second  place:  John  M.  Gehris; Clinical-ÂProfessional-ÂMasters  Oral  V  —  First  place:  Hassieb  A.  Din;  second  place:  Daniel  Taraskiewicz; Clinical/Professional/Masters  Oral  VI  —  First  place:  Matthew  C.  Sherrier;  second  place:  Victoria  Lybrand; Clinical/Professional/Masters  Oral  VII  —  First  place:  Katherine  R.  Walter;  second  place:  Marshall  M.  Diven; PhD  Oral  IV  —  First  place:  Jacob  Bowers;  second  place:  Jamie  L.  Speiser; PhD  Oral  V  —  First  place:  April  Cox  (Eric  James
See Research on page 7
THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014 7
photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Left photo: More than 153 participants took part in the Nov. 14 poster presentations. Above photo: Charleston Research Institute’s Kelly Page, from left, reviews details with CRI judges Dr. Amanda LaRue and Dr. Rick Klein.
RESEARCH Continued from Page Six
Sigma Xi — First place oral: Abby M. Wenzel; first place poster: Theresa M. Cantu; Award); second place: Caroline H. Wallace; Interprofessional — First place: Christian Finetto; PhD Oral VI —First place: C. Bryce Johnson (Willard second place: Chih-Ying Li; & Betty Peterson Award); second place: Jennifer L. Health Disparities Poster — First place: Meredith A. Scott; Alger; second place: Abby M. Wenzel; Postdoc/Residents/Fellow/Staff Scientist Oral III — Health Disparities Oral — First place: Caroline M. First place: Mara Lennard; second place: Michelle H. West; second place: Taylor N. Hutt; Nelson; VA Medical Center Oral — First place: Ludivine PhD Oral VI —First place: C. Bryce Johnson (Willard & Betty Peterson Award); second place: Jennifer L. Scott Renaud; second place: Aarti Narang; VA Medical Center Poster — First place: Ryan Kelly; Special Awards second place: Craig Kutz; Innovation Award — First place: Angela A. Alexander- VA Medical Center Rehabilitation Research — Kelly Bryant; second place: Kelly R. Anderson; Callahan; photo by Mary Mauldin, ITFR
Above photo: Innovation award winner Angela Alexander-Bryant, center, accepts her award from Graduate Studies professor Dr. John Vournakis and Interim Dean Dr. Jacqueline McGinty. Bottom left photo: Participants, judges and visitors gathered in the Harper Student Center Gym for the poster sessions that took place between 8:30 a.m. to noon on Nov. 14. Posters were judged in 11 total categories from undergraduate; clinical/professional/masters (four levels); Ph.D. (three levels); Postdoc/ Resident/Fellow/Staff Scientist (two levels) and Research Specialist/Technician. Special thanks to the MUSC Research Day Committee: Steven Kubalak, Christopher Davies, Teri-Lynn Herbert, Paul Jacques, Teresa Kelechi, Susan Reed, Yuri Peterson, Stephanie Brown-Guion, Rachel Weber and Audrey Padula
8 THE Â CATALYST, Dec. Â 5, Â 2014
Curtis Worthington retires after 60 years service at MUSC BY  MIKIE  HAYES Public  Relations
M
ahatma  Gandhi  said,  “The  future  depends  on  what  you  do  today.â€?  Sixty-Âtwo  years  ago,  when  W.  Curtis  Worthington,  Jr.,  director  of  the  Waring  Historical  Library,  started  his  professional  career,  he  set  out  to  accomplish  great  things.  And  that  he  did.  Although  he  retired  on  Oct.  30,  at  the  age  of  89,  after  60  years  of  service  to  MUSC,  the  fruit  of  his  many  labors  will  be  enjoyed  for  decades  to  come.  A  retirement  reception  was  held  for  him  on  Oct.  28;  colleagues  and  friends  bid  him  a  fond  farewell  and  celebrated  his  accomplishments.   Dr.  Worthington  graduated  from  what  was  then  called  the  Medical  College  of  South  Carolina  School  of  Medicine  in  1952,  and  after  a  brief  sojourn  out  of  state  to  complete  his  residency,  he  returned  to  Charleston  to  join  the  Department  of  Anatomy.  Among  the  positions  he  held  at  MUSC  were  chairman  of  the  Department  of  Anatomy,  associate  dean  of  the  College  of  Medicine,  vice  president  for  academic  affairs,  and  interim  provost.  In  1982  he  became  the  director  of  the  Waring  Historical  Library,  a  position  he's  held  ever  since.  The  Waring  Historical  Library  is  MUSC’s  rare  book  library.  Named  for  Joseph  I.  Waring,  Jr.,  the  first  director  of Â
the  Historical  Library,  it  houses  special  collections,  books,  journals,  manuscripts,  and  museum  artifacts  dealing  with  the  history  of  the  health  sciences. On  Nov.  13,  the  Waring  Historical  Library  hosted  its  annual  Warren  A.  Sawyer  Lecture.  Little  did  Dr.  Worthington  know  there  would  be  a  surprise  awaiting  him  at  this  event:  The  presentation  of  the  inaugural  Curtis  Worthington,  Jr.  Lifetime  Achievement  Award.  Believing  that  the  foundation  of  any  great  organization  is  rooted  in  service,  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Waring  Library  Society  established  an  award  that  would  recognize  exceptional  commitment,  loyalty  and  dedication  to  the  mission  of  the  Waring  Library,  specifically,  developing  collections,  raising  funds  for  the  library's  endowment,  promoting  membership,  and  perpetuating  interest  in  the  history  of  the  health  sciences  throughout  the  recipient's  career. As  the  board  reflected  on  the  importance  of  this  new  award,  they  immediately  raised  Dr.  Worthington’s  name.  Walton  Ector,  M.D.,  past  chairman  of  the  board  and  lifelong  friend  of  Dr.  Worthington’s,  shared  the  following  during  his  presentation  of  the  award:  “It  is  very  clear  that  during  his  32  years  of  uninterrupted  service  to  the  Waring  Library  that  he  epitomizes  all  of  the  requisite  characteristics.  So,  the Â
:DULQJ +LVWRULFDO /LEUDULDQV %URRNH )R[ OHIW DQG 6XVDQ +RIĂ€XV congratulate Dr. Curtis Worthington on his achievements.
photos  by  Tim  Roylance,  Digital  Imaging
)RUPHU 086& Ă€UVW ODG\ $QQ (GZDUGV MRLQV 'U &XUWLV :RUWKLQJWRQ -U DW his Oct. 28 farewell reception. board  decided  to  name  the  award  after  Dr.  Worthington  and  to  present  the  first  award  to  him.â€? He  continued,  “Let  me  tell  you  a  little  about  this  man.  We  were  classmates  in  medical  school  at  MUSC,  so  we  have  been  close  friends  since  the  fall  of  1948.  Curtis  did  not  know  this  award  was  being  developed,  and  he  did  not  know  that  he  would  be  the  first  recipient.  He  really  does  not  need  another  award;  the  list  of  honors  he  has  attained  is  long  and  distinguished.  You  would  think  that  a  person  who  has  received  so  many  awards  would  be  a  little  conceited,  ‘stuck  up,’  but  you  will  seldom  meet  a  more  humble  gentleman  than  Curtis  Worthington.  Having  known  him  for  66  years,  you  would  think  I  would  know  at  least  some  minor  flaw  in  his  character.  But  I  have  never  heard  a  remotely  bad  word  spoken  about  Curtis.  In  fact,  every  time  I  have  asked  a  person  if  they  know  Dr.  Worthington,  the  reply  is  always:  ‘Yes,  and  what  a  fine  man  he  is.’â€? Ector  spoke  of  the  many  honors  Dr.  Worthington  received  over  the  years  and  his  extensive  professional  accomplishments.  Of  the  man  he  calls  his  best  friend,  he  said,  “Over  the  years,  I  have  been  privileged  to  be  invited  on  a  number  of  occasions  to  go  shrimp  seining  with  Curtis  at  his  favorite  place  in  the  world  —  Edisto  Island,  on  Store  Creek.   And  let  me  tell  you,  this  skinny  guy  would  wear  me  out  pulling  that Â
seine.  I  thought  I  was  in  good  shape.  Curtis  used  to  respond,  when  people  asked  where  he  lived,  ‘I  exist  on  Morton  Avenue,  in  the  West  Ashley  area  of  Charleston,  but  I  live  on  Edisto  Island.’�   A  familiar  and  well–respected  presence  on  campus,  Dr.  Worthington  worked  closely  with  the  administration  of  the  Medical  University  and  made  many  friends  and  admirers  along  the  way.  Layton  McCurdy,  M.D.,  Distinguished  University  Professor  and  dean  emeritus  of  the  College  of  Medicine,  had  many  complimentary  things  to  say  about  Dr.  Worthington’s  time  at  MUSC.  “Curtis  and  I  have  been  friends  and  close  working  partners  for  many,  many  years.  He  is  a  wonderful  gamesman.  He  loved  his  place  out  there  on  the  Edisto  —  it  was  a  second  home.  He  and  I  used  to  pull  a  seine  in  the  creek  behind  his  house  —  we  would  pull  it  out  and  see  what  we  got.  He  loved  to  fish  and  loves  being  out  there.�   He  continued,  “I’ve  never  spent  time  with  Curtis  that  I  didn’t  come  away  with  a  feeling  of  having  enjoyed  it  and  like  I  had  learned  something,  and  that  what  I  said  to  him  would  be  held  in  confidence.  I  didn’t  have  to  ask  him,  it’s  just  who  he  was  and  how  he  operated.   He  has  a  subtle  sense  of  humor  and  can  see  irony  in  things.  I’ll  miss  him  being  at  the  Waring.  I’d  go  in  there  at  least  once  a  month  to  chat  with  him.  He  is  an  impeccable  scholar  and  a  man  with  vision.�
See Service on page 10
THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014 9
AWARD Continued from Page Two the only individual who holds him in such high esteem because I have observed firsthand the warmth and respect that his colleagues universally show him. I don’t have a single exceptional example to illustrate Dr. Glenn’s willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty because there are countless acts for which I am recommending him. I am reminded of the time that my 20–year–old child was experiencing chest pain which extended down her left arm. She emailed Dr. Glenn for advice, which he immediately answered by telling her that he would meet her at the cardiac ER. This is typical behavior for him. After seeing patients all day, and putting in a full workload, Dr. Glenn got up from his dinner table to go back to the hospital and meet his patient despite the fact that there was a full team available to assist her. Upon his arrival, he was appropriately concerned but also reassuring. I cannot describe the comfort I felt from this gesture and the thorough evaluation he gave in this situation despite the fact that he had seen her during a routine office visit the same week. Additionally, my daughter’s care has required a referral to a much larger institution that specializes in her diagnosis. No one likes to feel usurped, especially after establishing a strong personal relationship, and when providing so much extra time and effort. However, Dr. Glenn has worked diligently and unselfishly to accomplish this task even when it required repeating steps that he had already invested a considerable amount of time in doing to make sure that the patient was quickly accepted into another program. I have enormous respect and affection for this man, his commitment to medicine, his dedication for his patients and co–workers, his deep insight, and the depth and solidity of his character. I am truly thankful for him and believe that he embodies the spirit and commitment to excellence that are key values of MUSC.” Nominated by Brooke Kiser
Holiday Shipping Dates Domestic Shipping Dec. 15 – Standard Post Dec. 20 – First Class & Priority Mail Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express Military Shipping Dec. 10 – First Class & Priority Mail Dec. 17 – Priority Mail Express International Dec. 2 – First Class Package Intl. Dec. 10 – Priority Mail Dec. 14 – Priority Mail Express
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
photo provided
Children’s Hospital 7A nurse Jennie de Leon Bourque, left, and physicial therapist Erica Pfeiffer light candles at the Nov. 7 Service of Remembrance event at St. Luke’s Chapel. The annual event is held in honor and in memory of children who died throughout 2014. A total of 71 candles were lit, one for each child remembered, and the name of each child was read aloud by three Children’s Hospital staff and faculty readers Dr. David McSwain (PICU), Lauren Sailor (RN 7C), and Lori Donahoo (PNP, Hem/Onc). Also involved in the event was MUSC chaplain Stacy Sergent.
Fun time had by all at CIPS Carnival Week MUSC Institute of Psychiatry’s Central Inpatient Programming Service hosted its annual Carnival Week in the IOP park area for patient within their units. The event took place from Oct 28 to Oct. 30. The carnival included popcorn, game stations, prizes, face painting, clowns, carnival music and other festivities. Members of the CIPS team include Jamie Lupini, Robert Raynor, Holly-Ann Boyle, Lauren Lavalle, Jessica Jones, Victoria Ryan, and Lauren Porter. The CIPS team would like send a special thank you to MUSC employees and community volunteers for donating their time to help with this year’ carnival: Dr. Kiana Andrew, Jena Barr, Terri Beale, Sandra Belton, Ella Bennett, Pamela and Keith Brown, Wanda Brown, Dr. Jeff Cluver, Deb Cody, Harriet Cooney, Bryan Counts, Rebecca Daffron, Cheri Demarchi, Jane Dinnan, Evelyn Middleton Frazier, Tonya Henderson, Liz Holmes, Lyndsey Huffman, Dan Jenkins, Cheryl Lawrence, Karen McHugh, Pamela McManus, Alison Meeks, Carrie King, Tara Novit Thomas , Jessica Norton, Catie Park, Alison Parson, Steve Poirer, Patrick Riley, Crystal Rouse, Nyashia Smith, Dr. Corigan Smothers, Stephen Somerville, Kelley Teague, Dawn Vocolina, Debra Wallace, Cameron Williams, Sandy Wilson, Gene Woodall and Michelle Zapanta.
10 THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014
A Festivus for the Rest of Us The MUSC Office of Health Promotion presents the fifth annual “Healthy Holiday Live” on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Library Portico. Enjoy a fun break from holiday, work and end–of–semester stress with games, food and unique gift options. In addition to food trucks, healthy, delicious Wellness Grab and Go Boxed Lunches will be available for purchase - $5 includes bottled water, while supplies last.
abdominal core using props. To register, email musc-empwell@musc.edu. T Worksite Screening — Friday, Dec. 12, Wellness Center Auditorium. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) for only $15 (covered spouses also Susan Johnson can participate for $15). Employees and spouses Wellness Events without this insurance can participate T Chair massages — Free massages for $42.To register, visit www.musc.edu/ are offered to employees midday on employeewellness and click “Worksite Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages Screening Appointment.” for locations and times. T Farmers Markets — Fresh fruits and MUSC Urban Farm vegetables are available from local T Midday Work and Learn — 12:15 to farmers on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 12:45 p.m., Tuesdays p.m. at the Horseshoe. T Flu Shot Satellite clinics will be held — T Early Bird Maintenance — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Get your day started at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 6, 2 West the farm. Classroom, and Dec. 11 from 6 to 10 T First and Third Saturdays, family- p.m., 2 West Classroom T MUSC Employee Fitness Series Class friendly Work & Learn — 9 to 11 a.m., Dec. 6. — Abs, 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, For information, contact Dr. Susan Dec. 17 at the Wellness Center. Free Johnson via email at johnsusa@musc.edu day pass to Wellness Center for all or Suzan Benenson Whelan at whela@ participants. This class involves cardio musc.edu. and resistance training that targets the
Health at work
SERVICE Continued from Page Eight H. Biemann Othersen, Jr., M.D., professor of surgery and pediatrics and medical director for the Children's Hospital, considers himself a second- class shrimper compared to his friend. “Curtis Worthington is a multi- talented individual skilled in anatomy, administration, history, and shrimping. He is kind and generous, but was not with Manse Creek. That muddy creek ran by his dock at Edisto and he considered it his. I once trespassed on that creek and hid below the sides of my boat until I passed his dock. Too much mud in that creek, though,” he joked. Jerry Reves, M.D., dean emeritus of the College of Medicine, also enjoyed his chats with Dr. Worthington: "I recall Dr. Worthington as one of the few, but critical, members of the anatomy faculty when we were first-year medical students here in 1965. Through the many succeeding years, it was a privilege to watch him continue to impact our College of Medicine and university. It was reassuring to enter the Waring Library and find Dr. Worthington always at his desk doing work, but more importantly taking time from his work to chat about anything important related to MUSC. I don't think there is anyone who had his finger on the pulse of this institution more certainly than Curtis Worthington. He will be greatly missed as the keen participant and observer of this place over such a long and distinguished time." Jim Fisher, vice president for development and alumni affairs, expressed his great respect and admiration for Dr. Worthington. “When
photo by Tim Roylance, Digital Imaging
Waring Library Society President Dr. Wayne Weart, right, presents the library’s lifetime achievement award to Dr. Curtis Worthington on Oct. 30. I first came to MUSC, Curtis was serving as vice president for academic affairs, so I’ve known him for a long time and in a lot of different roles,” Fisher said. “Some people think of him as a teacher, an administrator or a historian, but in many ways, I’ll always think of Curtis as the heart of the Medical University. A Southern gentleman in every respect, he has helped keep this institution grounded in its best traditions of honor, integrity, compassion, and humble service. To me, that has been his most important and enduring contribution to the Medical University.”
Holiday Break The Catalyst will not be published Dec. 26 or Jan. 2 and will resume publication Jan. 9. For information, call Cindy Abole at 792-2795 or email catalyst@musc. edu. For advertising information, call the Moultrie News at 958-7480 or email sales@moultrienews.com.
THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014 11
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olweni! My name is Matthew Husband, and I am a first–year Occupational Therapy student at MUSC. Before arriving on campus, I had the opportunity to intern for a year with a non-profit organization, Grassroot Soccer, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. GRS uses the power of soccer to teach kids about HIV and AIDS. South Africa has the largest percentage of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the world — a total of roughly 6.2 million South Africans. Upon acceptance in the program, I did not know what country I would be working in and in what capacity. It was a complete leap into the unknown. GRS works in 23 different countries, predominantly in Sub–Saharan Africa, however GRS only sends interns to Zambia, Lesotho, and various cities in South Africa including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Kimberly, and Johannesburg. After months of anticipation, I was placed as a monitoring and evaluation intern in Port Elizabeth, a coastal city situated on the Indian Ocean and home to the Xhosa people. On August 12, 2012, I said goodbye to family and friends and voyaged across the world to a new continent, country, city, and culture ready to make an impact. Before moving forward it is important to understand the background of Grassroot Soccer. Founder, Tommy Clark, M.D., conceived of the idea after having played soccer professionally in Zimbabwe where he witnessed firsthand both the devastation of HIV and the fanatical popularity of soccer. Together with a group of friends who had similar experiences, he and co-founders Methembe Ndlovu, Ethan Zohn and Kirk Friedrich created Grassroot Soccer. GRS works in elementary and high schools using a curricula that is age and gender specific. As an organization we believe that children are more likely to respond to curriculum taught by peers. Therefore, GRS employs local members of the community as peer educators (coaches, sticking to the soccer theme) to learn and teach the curriculum. Although, I never directly taught the kids, I did have a plethora of opportunities to visit schools and classrooms. As the M&E intern, my role was analyzing and restructuring our data collection process. GRS has graduated over 500,000 kids since the inception of the organization in 2002. My role was very important in finding any patterns or inconsistencies within the delivery and content of our curriculum and improve upon those processes where needed. I also had the opportunity to serve as a team leader for the second year of a three-year research trial, GOAL Trial, which analyzed the effectiveness of the GRS curriculum. More than 4,500 10th graders in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, South Africa participated
photo provided
OT student Matthew Husband, back row, center, and fellow staff members of Grassroot Soccer in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. For information, visit www.Grassrootssoccer.org or visit his blog at matthew.husband.blogspot.com. in the Randomized Control Trial. The Trial was a joint collaboration between London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Wits Reproductive Health Institute, the South African Institute of Education, and Grassroot Soccer. Aside from my volunteer work with Grassroot Soccer, I was able to find a niche in Port Elizabeth and immerse myself in the culture. I attended a local church, played on a travel soccer team, and became friends with students from a local university. I also gained valuable insight to the subtle effects of apartheid, which still permeates society. However, the way that GRS uses soccer to cut across racial lines allowed for numerous opportunities to bridge the gap to equality. My experience in South Africa has altered my worldview and gave more purpose to my graduate studies at MUSC. Before I left, I held the notion that relating to people in Africa would be challenging. I believe today’s media helped heighten the idea that the opportunities, lifestyle, and medical knowledge of America (or any first–world country) is in high contrast to the poverty in Africa. However, I learned over the course of the year that this is a myth. People are people wherever you go. We all smile, dream, cry, fail and at our core want to be healthy, accepted and loved. I was excited to learn that MUSC provides Global Health courses to all students, and I am enrolled in the Introduction to Global Health course this fall, the first course of the Global Health Certificate. I want to continue to understand health from a Global perspective and hopefully use Occupational Therapy internationally in the future. Editor’s Note: Matthew Husband is a first–year occupational therapy student at MUSC. His story is reprinted with permission from the MUSC Center for Global Health.
12 THE CATALYST, Dec. 5, 2014
Holiday spices that may actually make you healthier BY DEBBI PETITPAIN Office of Health Promotion Tis the season of the pumpkin. It begins in fall as pumpkin spice lattes steam up the windows of local coffee shops. It continues as pumpkin patches fill up, jack-o-lanterns light up and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” plays on TV. It’s the star of Halloween and an integral part of Thanksgiving dinner. This time of year, even the afternoon sky reflects its rich hues. This theme carries through the cold months as a bouquet of pumpkin pie spices — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice - add culinary interest to many dishes, allowing us to use less salt, sugar and fat in recipes. To indulge in the aroma of the harvest season, consider adding the following to spice up your recipes: T Cinnamon — Cinnamon reigns as one of the most popular spices in the kitchen. Most commonly used in baked goods, it has both a spicy and sweet side that allow it to complement many types of foods. Cinnamon mellows the acidity in fruit so you can use less sugar. The next time you make apple pie or applesauce, use generous amounts of cinnamon and cut the sugar in half. It similarly highlights the natural sweetness of winter vegetables like sweet potatoes or acorn squash: add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and use less (or no) butter. It also pairs well with chocolate. Try adding a tablespoon to your next mug of cocoa T Ginger — Ginger, with its warm and woody characteristics, adds the defining bite to gingersnaps, gingerbread and ginger ale. A homemade ginger tea is a great way to warm up from the cold, particularly after exercising outdoors, and can be used as a coffee substitute in the morning, providing an eye opener without the caffeine. Grate a small amount fresh ginger root into a pot with one to two cups of cold water, bring to a simmer, and add fresh-squeezed lemon and a teaspoon of honey before sipping. Powdered ginger can be substituted in a pinch. T Nutmeg — The sweet and slightly bitter flavor of nutmeg provides the characteristic aroma of mulled wine and eggnog. It can also be used in savory recipes, including ground meat and potato dishes, providing a significant snap that allows you to cut back on the salt. A small amount goes a long way. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon per 4 servings on fish, chicken or beef just before serving. If the flavor is too pungent, try mace instead. Mace comes from the covering of the nutmeg seed; it’s more delicate in flavor and adds asaffron color. T Allspice — Typically used in Jamaican jerk seasoning, pickling spice and holiday baked goods, allspice was more widely used in the kitchen prior to World War II and may be the most interesting and versatile spice to get reacquainted with this fall. Add a few whole allspice
berries to your pepper grinder for a seasonal way to spice up any entrée. A sprinkle will maintain the depth of a creamed spinach or potato au gratin dish when made with low-fat ingredients. HEALTH BENEFITS In addition to the many culinary benefits, these spices may add nutritional benefits in terms of disease prevention or management. Cinnamon, which has been consumed since 2000 BC, is purported to lower triglycerides, fight bacteria and correct erectile dysfunction. The most exciting research involves cinnamon’s role in controlling blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol in those with diabetes. Ginger root, most commonly found in powdered form, has been used medicinally in Asian and Indian cultures for centuries, primarily for digestive relief. Clinical research has shown ginger provides relief for menstrual pain, dizziness and nausea from surgery, morning sickness during pregnancy, and chemotherapy, although it is ineffective for preventing motion sickness and seasickness. Current interest is in ginger’s potential anti-inflammatory properties (which is also a beneficial property of another member of the Zingiberaceae family, turmeric). Some studies have shown taking
ginger relieves pain as well as ibuprofen in those with osteoarthritis, and similar trials are being conducted on those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. Nutmeg has traditionally been used to treat flatulence, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea, although most reports are anecdotal and clinical evidence is lacking. The lignin macelignan in nutmeg has been shown to have antimicrobial effects on bacteria that cause tooth decay. Psychoactive effects have also been reported from ingesting large amounts of myristicin, the principal aromatic ingredient in nutmeg. Allspice boasts an array of medicinal uses in traditional medicine. Most commonly it has been used to kill germs in the mouth and to alleviate tooth pain. Recent studies have shown two active compounds in allspice, eugenol and gallic acid, have selective anti-proliferative and anti-tumor properties on human cancer cells. Spices have long histories in traditional medicine that modern science is just now documenting. While the science has yet to support many of the working theories on how these spices affect health, as long as they are used in moderate amounts, not only do they do no harm, they also spice up our seasonal cuisine. Editor’s note: Debbie Petitpain, RDN, is a Sodexo Wellness dietitian in MUSC’s Office of Health Promotion.