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February 12, 2016
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 34, No. 22
Emanuel Nine: A brother shares his grief By Mikie Hayes hayesMi@musc.edu
Inside Travel advisory
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lack History Month is an annual celebration of the many important achievements by black Americans and a time when the nation recognizes the pivotal role African–Americans have played throughout U.S. history. For the past seven years, Black History Month has been celebrated at MUSC with a series of events that underscored its importance. This year, Willette Burnham, Ph.D., chief diversity officer for the university, decided to take the observance in a different direction, planning, instead, a single meaningful event. With the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church still fresh on people’s minds, Malcolm Graham, the brother of one of the victims, was invited to be the keynote speaker. Graham’s sister, Cynthia Hurd, was attending a Bible study on that fateful night. She was shot and killed just days before her 55th birthday. As Burnham spoke about the purpose of the day’s event, she said, “Remember, Black History Month is not just about thinking about those big inventors or huge civil rights iconic leaders. Sometimes it’s remembering the impact of one black person in your life that has changed your life significantly for the better — for the rest of your life.” Then she cut her remarks short, eager for Graham to take center stage and share his thoughts on the subject: “Turning Tragedy to Victory, a Black History Lesson.” Graham, a former North Carolina state senator, noted expert on minority issues and president and CEO of the Center for Supplier Diversity, wasted no time diving headfirst into his message, beginning with his own special version of the poem “First They
Precautions for Zika virus unveiled.
auTopsy serviCes
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photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Hidden area makes huge impact.
Above photo: Malcolm Graham, brother of Emanuel 9 victim Cynthia Hurd, addresses guests about understanding and action. Left photo: Ms. Celeste Jilich introduces Malcom Graham at the Feb. 3 MUSC Black History Month event. Came.” The original was a commentary on the fact that many did nothing during the Nazi persecution of the Jews. “They came to foster racism and discrimination. I was not an immediate victim, so I said nothing. “They came to get those who are poor among us. I’m not poor, so I said nothing. “They came to get those who were sick; those with cancer and AIDs and mental illness. I feel fine, I’m fit, so I said nothing. “They came to get the homeless - you know those guys who live under the bridge and sleep on the park benches. I have a home, so I said nothing.
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ART med-surg nurse awarded with DAISY The December DAISY (Disease Attacking the Immune System) Award winner is Lindsey Tredinnick, R.N., who works on the 3East Medical Surgical ICU at ART. Tredinnick was nominated by MSICU colleague Katie White, R.N. Below is White’s nomination: “I would like to nominate Lindsey Tredinnick for recognition as an outstanding role model and advocate for patient and family–centered care for her Tredinnick recent efforts in organizing a wedding on our unit for a terminal cancer patient. Lindsey is a DAISY
nurse. Lindsey went above and beyond the call of duty in order to make this event something the patient and family would remember forever. Not only did she organize all of the wedding day events, she collaborated with the social worker, other nurses on the unit, doctors, PCTs and the chaplain’s office to make sure everything went smoothly. Lindsey organized a unit fundraiser to get decorations for the wedding and even donated her own time to decorate, clean and be here for the events. Lindsey’s actions display the values of MUSC to the highest standard. Her caring nature is something that comes naturally to her. She displayed excellent clinical leadership and interpersonal skills. The wedding would have never happened without her, and we are so very lucky to have her as a nurse and role model on this unit.” Each month, MUSC nurses are
photo provided
DAISY award nurse Lindsey Tredinnick salutes her 3East ART team. honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. It is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program, recognizing the efforts that nurses contribute daily in their jobs. The award is given to outstanding nurses in more than 1,800 health care provider hospitals in the U.S. and 14
other countries. Nominations can be submitted by anyone — patients, visitors, physicians, fellow nurses and all MUSC staff and volunteers. For information or to nominate a nurse, visit http://www.musc.edu/ medcenter/formsToolbox/DaisyAward/ form.htm.
YES Family Fund accepting grant applications
Health Innovation Center call for new Apps ideas
Looking for a way to fund a special program or research opportunity? The YES Family Fund, sponsored by the Yearly Employee Support Campaign, is currently accepting grant applications until March 31. The fund provides grants to support projects that impact the mission of MUSC through education, patient care and research. Applications should include name, department phone, name of project and amount of funding requested. Include a brief summary of the project or program and how funding will benefit MUSC’s mission. For information, email mcluen@ musc.edu or visit www.academicdepartments.musc.edu/development/help/ YESgrant html.
The MUSC Health Innovation Center conducts Idea Campaigns to promote Innovation at MUSC. The focus of this idea campaign is "App Development." We want your ideas for MUSC or health–related apps. Share your your best ideas and
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
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., 843-958-7480 or 843-937-4803. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
the winning ideas will be awarded and implemented with the help of MUSC Technology Center (TACHL) experts. Submit your ideas by Feb. 14 using this online link at https://redcap.musc.edu/ surveys/?s=9NPP4XM4WL. For information on this project, visit http://mcintranet.musc.edu/MUHIC.
8th Annual Gourmet & Grapes Benefitting the Hollings Cancer Center
Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 18-21, 2016 The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island A dazzling weekend at the Sanctuary with visionaries from the culinary world Thursday, Feb. 18: Gourmet, Grapes & Grain (Osprey Point) Friday, Feb. 19: An Epicurean Affair (Ocean Room) Saturday, Feb. 20: Gourmet Culinary Luncheon (Sanctuary) Sunday, Feb. 21: Farewell Brunch (Sanctuary) For information, call Kiki Cooper, 792-1669 or http://www.gourmetandgrapes.com
THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016 3
Travel abroad advisory regarding the Zika virus Staff Report The MUSC Center for Global Health is monitoring events related to the outbreak of the Zika virus in a number of countries in South America, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level 2 travel alert for people traveling to countries where the Zika virus transmission is ongoing, with particular recommendations for women of reproductive age due to its potential association with birth defects. The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes, and there is neither a vaccine to prevent it nor medicine to treat it. Anyone traveling to areas with confirmed cases of Zika virus is at risk for infection. Symptoms of Zika virus appear in approximately one out of five infected people and can include a rash, fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The incubation period of the virus is unknown but thought to be in the range of several days to a week. pregnanT Women and Women Trying To BeCome pregnanT Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC has issued interim guidance for pregnant women or those who
are planning to become pregnant who have visited Zika–impacted areas. Although knowledge about Zika virus is evolving, at this time the virus appears to be associated with a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in women infected during pregnancy. The CDC has advised that pregnant women, and women who are considering becoming pregnant, postpone travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women, and women who are considering becoming pregnant, who must travel to one of these areas should consult with their health care providers before traveling and upon return for counseling. guidanCe for Travel To Zika-affeCTed regions MUSC employees who are planning international travel are reminded to register international travel plans with International SOS at http://tinyurl.com/zqkq9vj. Registration of travel plans will help facilitate access to emergency assistance and follow–up if needed, while on university-related international travel. While no one is obligated to travel to an affected area on university business, those who do are strongly advised to adhere strictly to mosquito precautions. For current information, updated travel advisories
and a list of impacted countries, visit the CDC Zika virus website at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/. For information about the MUSC Center for Global Health, visit http://globalhealth.musc.edu/.
Mosquito precautions related to the Zika virus q Wear long–sleeved shirts and long pants. q Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. q Sleep under a mosquito bed net. q Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)registered insect repellents. q Use permethrin–treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
First year medical student Richard Droghini plays at the CARES clinic’s 10 year anniversary gala. He credits teachers like Gil Long, Jerry Kimbrough and Bill Adair for inspiring his love of music.
Talent, compassion featured at MUSiC Live By J. Ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu
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rant Kahley has been playing the piano since eighth grade. “My mom forced me to do it,” he said. “But I fell in love with it. I had some amazing piano teachers, like Heather Simon and Lilia Stoytcheva, who are very passionate about what they do. They instilled a passion for music in me, and I wouldn’t be doing something like this without their influence.” Richard Droghini also learned piano because of his mother, or rather, he tried to. “I didn’t really have it as a young kid,” he said. “But that’s what got me into music.” He later learned to play the tuba while in middle school band; later started playing the guitar; and eventually majored in music in college. The two, both first–year medical students, are now co–presidents
of Musicians United for Service in Charleston (MUSiC) — a group created in 2014 to bring music to students, medical professionals and patients at MUSC. Both looked for ways to continue playing music upon entering medical school. The group provided the perfect opportunity. Music provides both Kahley and Droghini a way to relieve stress and has brought them closer to their fellow students and future colleagues. “Music provides its own separate connection,” Droghini explained. “There is another sense that you have when you’re playing music with people.” “When you play music, you’re using a different part of your brain,” Kahley said. “When you are around people who are also using that part of their brain, and they have the same passions as you do, you build a unique bond.” Finding the time to play music in
photo provided
medical school is tough, but they make it a priority. “Whenever you’re studying, you still take breaks. But, they’re either going to be conscious breaks or unconscious breaks,” Kahley said. “An example of an unconscious break is surfing Facebook. I try not to do that. I plan things out and use music as my break instead.” Beyond the personal fulfillment it provides its members, MUSiC, at its heart, is a service organization. The
group has performed at the Institute of Psychiatry, sung Christmas carols for patients at Hollings Cancer Center and played for the 10th anniversary of the CARES clinic, all for free.They donate not only the time it takes to perform but also the time it takes to practice and rehearse. In the future, Kayley and Droghini hope their group will be able to play
See MUSiC on page 12
4 THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016
ReseaRch GRant hiGhliGhts Public Health Sciences Marvella Ford South Carolina Cancer Health Equity Consortium— Summer Undergaduate Research Training Program, $252,164, from NIH/NCI (1R25CA193088), September 2015 to August 2020 Benjamin Toll Novel Treatment to Enhance Smoking Cessation before Cancer Surgery, $257,042, from NIH/NCI (7R21CA181569), September 2015 to August 2016 Benjamin Toll Quit4hlth: Enhancing Tobacco and Cancer Control Through Framed Text Messages, $192,786, from NIH/ NCI (1R21CA1814701A1), September 2015 to August 2017 Radiology Dean Connor Elucidating Vertebral Microstructure with Diffraction Enhanced Imaging, $74,750, from NIH/NIAMS (1R03AR066332), September 2015 to August 2016 Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology Arno Wessels Mechanisms of DMP: Development and Atrioventricular Septation, $373,750, from NIH/ NHLBI (1R01HL122906), September 2015 to August 2018 College of Nursing Ron Acierno National Elder Mistreatment Study: 5 Year Followup of Victims and Matched Non-Victims, $390,108, from the National Institute of Justice, January 2015 to December 2017 Kenneth Ruggiero Fire Prevention & Safety: Web-Based Training in Behavioral Health Screening for Firefighters, $375,602 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 14, 2015 to August 13, 2016 Gigi Smith Impacting At-Risk Populations through Multi-Modal Training of Nursing and Medical Students in SB/ RT, $309,855, from SAMHSA (1H79T1025988), September 2015 to September 2018 Deborah Williamson Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and RetentionEQUIP: Excellence and Quality Using Interprofessional
Practice, $432,107, from HRSA (1UD7HP28531), July 2015 to June 2018
Health Sciences & Research James S. Krause Risk of Early Mortality after Spinal Cord Injury, $199,926, from DHHS/Admin. for Community Living (90IF00660200), April 2015 to September 2017 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Shaun Olsen Structural Biology of the Ubiquiltin Conjugation System, $295,265, from NIH/NIGMS (1R01GM115568), September 2015 to July 2020 Microbiology & Immunology Zihai Li Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperones in Cancer Biology and Therapy, $1,337,450, from NIH/NCI (1P01CA186866), September 2015 to August 2020 Adam Soloff Improving MUC1–Targeted Immunotherapy to Eliminate Established Breast Cancer, $150,000, from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, September 2015 to September 2018 Paula Tracktman Biogenesis of Poxvirus Membrane, $382,244, from NIH/NIAID (5R01Al1071233), July 2015 to October 2019 Neurosurgery Supriti Samanta Ray DigiGait Analysis, a Novel Functional Predictor in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury, $30,000, from the S.C. Spinal Cord Injury Fund, October 2015 to September 2016
Neurosciences Jacqueline McGinty Graduate Education in Human Biology and New Technologies, $295,278, from Department of Education (P200A150241), September 2015 to August 2018 Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Steven Carroll Combined Therapies for Neurofibroma and MPNST Treatment and Prevention $261,626, from DOD (W81XWH1510193), August 2015 to July 2018 Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Sudie Back CAP-Doxazosim in the Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorders, $352,664, (101CX00128), September 2015 to August 2018 Carla Danielson Comprehensive HIV and Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies for Ethnic Minority Teens and Emerging adults in the Charleston Tri-County area: EMPOWERR Program Capacity Expansion, $283,875, from SAMHSA (1H79SP02124301), September 2015 to September 2020 Therese Killeen Mindfulness Meditation for the Treatment of Women with PTSD and SUD, $365,537, from NIH/NIDA (1R01DA04096801), September 2015 to July 2020 The Catalyst’s Research Grant Highlights column showcases the research community’s grant activities. For information about awards, visit the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs at http://academicdepartments. musc.edu/research/orsp/reporting/.
Editor’s Note: Starting Feb. 19, The Catalyst will no longer support classified advertising (usually found on page 11) in this publication.
THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016 5
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“They came to get those who needed an education. I have a BS; I have a bachelors, so I said nothing. “They came to get those who lost their dreams, their hopes, their aspirations. I, too, have a dream, so I said nothing. “And finally in the middle of the night, when all was quiet in the land, they finally came to get me. And there was no one left to say anything.” The result of not speaking up in the face of injustice was the central message Graham delivered to the packed auditorium. Throughout history, he said, there have always been courageous men and women, black and white alike, who had the courage and the fortitude to say something and then to back it up with actions. And for the following 30 minutes, he explained why saying something and doing something are the only real ways to fight the racism and discrimination that still pervade American society today. He likened the tragedy on June 17, 2015 at his home church, Mother Emanuel, to the bombing of a black church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. “It was a Sunday, and people were going to church,” he said. “In the middle of the night, members of the KKK planted bombs at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. The next morning, the bombs went off, and scores of people were injured and four little girls were dead. 1963.” He fast forwarded to 2015. “On June 17, a Bible study was occurring at Emanuel. You guys know the story,” he said. “A white man walks in — did not look like those who were there. He was welcomed. He prayed with them for an hour. They went over Bible scripts. They tell me that as the Benediction was in place and heads were bowed and eyes were closed, that gun fire rung out." Five members survived the shooting that night, but nine died, including Graham’s sister Cynthia. “But you know,” he said, “it’s really not about Cynthia — it’s really about a race of people. It’s about humanity. Nine people died — but, a race of people that night was attacked. Because it really didn’t matter who they were or what their reputations were or their character was, it only mattered that they were there. And that they were black. So, the attack was about a race of people. He said it himself that he wanted to create a race war,” referring to the shooter. Graham recounted how the events in the Charleston community progressed after the shooting. He explained that two days later, at a bond hearing, words of forgiveness were offered by two family members of one of the victims. He said the next morning the national media had painted a broad brush stroke across nine families and an entire community, as headlines read and reporters decreed that “Charleston forgives.” He genuinely thanked the Charleston community for their prayers, well wishes, love, support and their commitment to respecting life and humanity. But with that same level of sincerity, he told the audience he is not sure forgiveness was the right first step.
photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
At times as Graham spoke, a pin drop could have been heard. Audience members listen transfixed as Malcolm Graham spoke about the tragedy at Mother Emanuel and his thoughts on moving Graham, center, reconnects with Marlena Davis, left, and Carla Jones, MUSC employees and members of Mother Emanuel AME Church, after the the Black History Month event. Graham is the brother of the late Cynthia Hurd, a victim of the attack at Mother Emanuel Church. Graham, who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, was born and raised in Charleston and attended Mother Emanuel since his birth. He still considers it his home church.
“Everyone, black and white in this audience – everybody was attacked that night. If you were black you were attacked because you were black. If you’re here and you’re white, you were attacked because you’re a member of the human race. Everybody was attacked that night. And how this community responded — with love and grace and support was amazing, and I thank you very, very much.” He continued, “But that type of community embracing and support is a lot different from forgiveness. Forgiveness is a journey. It’s a destination.
Some people can get there. Some people can’t. My role is still on the road of understanding. Haven’t even found the road to forgiveness yet.” His goal, he shared, was not to offend anyone in the room with his honestly or his perspective. He knew his message was going to be “a little different” from what they were used to hearing, but that being said, he felt he“had to say it.” “Emanuel is part of my being,” Graham explained.
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photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Left photo: Paula Reavis, right, who works in dialysis and specialty nursing, chats with a clinical colleague before former North Carolina State Senator Malcolm Graham begins his presentation. Above photo: After the program, many guests remained to ask questions of Graham. “So, you know, what happens then sticks with me. It’s personal. It was my home church. It was my sister. I knew Senator Pinckney. I knew Sharonda, Cynthia’s best friend (Sharonda Coleman–Singleton was also killed that night). These are people I knew. I think two days after the killing, and it took me a long time to say that word. I’m finally able to say it — she was killed, she was murdered. To say I forgive two days after that is just too passive of a response.” Graham admitted that he doesn’t understand how in 2015, considering this nation’s civil rights history going back to 1963, some of the same things that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King fought so hard for then — voting rights, equal access, eliminating poverty, homelessness — are still so pervasive today. “Racism and discrimination exist,” he said. “Our history tells us that it exists. And I’m so glad that there’ve been men and women, black and white alike, that have said throughout history ‘that cannot stand.’ We need men and women, black and white alike, to say you know we forgive, and we understand that, but what happened on that night cannot stand.” He blamed social mores that have been in place far too long for promoting racism and discrimination, and he enumerated the inherent problems in areas such as public education, the criminal justice system, health care and voting rights and how they continue to contribute to both. “We’ve got system failures,” he said. “It’s not like
someone going to a church and shooting somebody, but people of color are being discriminated against – biases, unintentional biases every day. Through systems. And I think we’ve got to say something about that. And we’ve got to do something about that. That’s necessary for all of us.” He said we‘ve got to figure “this race thing out.” That it’s America’s greatest Achilles’ heel, past and present. He believes that as sad as the tragedy was, it’s time to get busy and make some changes. “There’s an old saying about tears and sweat. They said, ‘Tears and sweat are both salty, but they render different results.’ Right? Tears will get you sympathy. Sweat’ll get you change. So, you know, we need to dry our tears and get sweaty and get to work — all of us. Because we all deserve better than what we’re getting… Cynthia deserves better than she got that night.” He and his sister were extremely close, and ironically enough, had shared many a conversation about racial justice. When she was killed, he lost a sister, caregiver, friend and advisor. “My mom died when I was senior in college. My father, my sophomore year. Cynthia was not only a big sister, but she was also a mother figure. She gave me permission to marry my wife. She would proofread all my speeches. When I ran for Congress, she was there in Charlotte campaigning with me, my political advisor. She was — we’ve all got one — she was the family member who knew everybody’s business but the one in the family that was the most respected.”
Graham said if his sister had to die, he was thankful she didn’t die alone — she died, he said, in the arms of God in the church. “So we owe it to her to say something. Do something. It doesn’t mean that we’re going down, we’re going to burn down the Market. But it means we’re going have the conversation about how could something like that happen in 2015? And before we forgive — seek some understanding. So that 30 years from now someone may say, well you know they had a bombing in 1963, and then in 2015 they had the Emanuel Church shooting, and we’re talking about something else again, because blacks and whites — and by that time, Latinos and browns – can’t seem to understand that when we cut and bleed, it’s all red. “The hearts, the heart, right?” he asked. “Everything is the same on the inside.”
To read the full transcript of Malcom Graham’s speech from the Black History Month “Turning Tragedy into Victory” lecture, visit www.academicdepartments.musc.edu/ catalyst/archives/2016/2-12VictoryGraham. html. To view the Feb. 3 presentation on Tegrity, visit https://tegr.it/y/1jujl.
8 THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016
Forensic Autopsy Services: Not exactly like CSI By J. Ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu
S
tep behind the scenes at MUSC, and you’ll discover a world to which few have access. Hidden in plain sight on the second floor of the University Hospital is the room where autopsy technicians like Raymond Edwards, Tyrish Page, Brent Grimball and autopsy assistant Ashley Wooldridge assist doctors in performing more than 1,000 autopsies a year, removing organs, examining stomach contents and collecting samples to be sent to the toxicology lab for detailed analysis. Some of these autopsies are requested by a physician to determine exactly why a treatment failed or to confirm or clarify diagnoses made while the patient was alive. Others are requested by the next of kin to better understand why their loved one didn’t survive, analyze hereditary diseases or even to donate a loved one’s organs to science. By far, however, most autopsies are ordered by a coroner to help solve unexpected, unexplained or unnatural deaths. MUSC provides forensic autopsy services for all of South Carolina, with most requests coming from counties between Interstate 95 and the coast. Such a heavy workload can be overwhelming, especially considering the
type of work it is. But Edwards, the team leader, said he finds in it a sense of deep satisfaction. He wears his keys and badge on a yellow lanyard that reads: “CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS” — a sign of how proud he is of his role in helping to bring justice and closure to so many families. Page agrees. “This job is like being a superhero that nobody ever sees,” she explained. “At the end of the day, there is a family who has lost a loved one. They don’t know why, and they often don’t know how. We want to help relieve a little bit of their pain.” The work she and the others do helps to answer the question that gnaws at many families when a loved one dies: What could I have done? In many cases, the work of the autopsy team even makes the crucial difference in whether a murderer goes to jail or walks free; whether a family sees justice or is haunted by an unsolved murder. sTories To Tell The dead still have stories to tell, Page said. “Every human is different, and you can learn so much from their bodies. You can really get a sense of what kind of life they led.” Tattoos, scars, broken bones, she explained, are memories, a person’s life story written in flesh and bone.
photo by J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu
More than 1,000 autopsies a year are conducted here on brightly-lit stainless steel tables. These medical examinations help to bring answers and justice to many families across the state.
photo provided
Autopsy technicians Raymond Edwards, from left, Tyrish Page and Brent Grimball. Edwards is the team leader with 31 years of experience. MUSC has no formal training program for autopsy technicians. Rather, the work is handed down from person to person. Senior techs train junior techs, who may even start as volunteers. “You can’t learn this from a book,” Edwards said. “It requires hands-on experience.” Page started as a volunteer before accepting a permanent position on the team. She double majored in physical education and health promotion at the College of Charleston and worked as a middle school health teacher for a time. Later she became a secretary at MUSC, and she started volunteering with the autopsy team on weekends. Having always loved anatomy, it was a natural choice. Page recently graduated from The Citadel with a master’s degree in intelligence analysis and criminal justice. As part of her job, she runs a fourday law enforcement workshop to give new detectives insights into the services the autopsy team provides, letting them know what to look for at crime scenes and what questions to ask witnesses. She found her first autopsy fascinating.
While many might find the work unappealing, to her it was a puzzle to be solved. “I’m not squeamish,” she said. “I’ve worked with kids.” Wooldridge once worked as a dental assistant before feeling inspired to continue her education. She decided to pursue a master’s in forensic science, and for her internship she settled on MUSC, working with Erin Presnell, M.D., director of the medical and forensic autopsy section. “The first day, I was just in awe,” she said. “But after that it became easier. I realized I wasn’t as sensitive to things that other people might be sensitive to.” Wooldridge has loved forensics since high school. She recalled how satisfying it was when her high school forensics teacher asked her to teach her class a few months ago. “That was really neat,” she said. One of Wooldridge’s responsibilities includes managing chains of custody to ensure the evidence that makes it to the court room is unassailable. “Even though
See Forensic on page 9
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FoRensiC
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photos by J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu
Autopsy technicians use implements like these to methodically expose and examine each part of a deceased person’s body. things have to move at a reasonable pace, I have to go behind myself and make sure I’m double checking all of my work,” she said. noT like on Tv Page explained that the biggest misconceptions about forensics come from television. “We don’t get results back in an hour like on CSI,” she said. “Within a few commercial breaks, they know who the killer is. In real life, it takes time.” The time from a person’s death until the completion of the pathologist’s report can take eight weeks, she said. Another misconception concerns the team’s level of professionalism and emphasis on safety. On television they rarely take the safety precautions that are required in real–life situations. “Anybody that walks into that room, we make sure is covered from head to toe,” Page said. “The work these folks do is high risk,” said Vinnie Della Speranza, manager of Anatomic Pathology Services. “You can’t get any closer to an infectious process than being inside a human body. The potential safety risks are very high, probably much higher than anywhere else in the hospital, even among caregivers dealing with live patients.” The team wears specialized protective equipment, such as masks, face shields,
gowns, booties and cut-proof gloves, to guard against exposure. Autopsies are conducted in stages. Because the body isn’t two–dimensional, technicians cannot see all of the organs at once; much of the laborious process of inspecting and removing each organ is done by feel alone. From their training, they know how each organ attaches to the body and the best way to remove it. Some conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver can also be detected by touch. “It’s a very detailed process,” Edwards said. “It’s also a very labor–intensive process, mentally and physically. You’ve got a knife in your hand, so you have to be extremely aware of what you’re doing. One glance, and you slice yourself. It takes a lot of focus.” But, mastering the technical expertise required is not the most difficult aspect of the job. The emotional challenge is far more daunting. “I’ve had medical secretaries who were hired to type autopsy reports quit because they could not emotionally handle what they were typing,” Della Speranza said. How do the team members in the room handle it? In different ways. For Wooldridge, surrounding herself with the company of loved ones helps her not to dwell on the emotional aspects of the position. For Page, it helps
to focus and make sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted. For Edwards, faith in a higher power sees him through. “People say, ‘how do you sleep at night?’ Well, I say my prayers, and I go to sleep,” Edwards said. “There are a lot of things we burden ourselves with that we don’t have to. “You have to have some kind of faith,” he continued. “Faith in what you’re doing. Faith in God. People do evil things to each other, but you’ve got to put things in perspective. There’s a parent, sister or brother out there who is going to grieve over that person.” Edwards himself doesn’t have time to grieve. “We have to set aside the horror of it all so we can get some justice done. People need an answer, some kind of finality. And we’re here to do that.” Nonetheless, Edwards said, “There’re a lot of cases we’ve done — there’re a lot of cases I’ve done — that were difficult.” He especially doesn’t like cases involving child abuse. “I know when a child has been abused,” he said. “It makes me very upset. And angry. But, I know it’s a job I have to do. And I’ll get it done.” Perhaps the most challenging case the team has ever dealt with happened last June when nine members of Emanuel AME church were gunned down while they prayed. “It was exhausting, physically
and emotionally,” Wooldridge said. Managing a mass casualty event with an already full caseload was hard. Seeing the consequences of hatred and violence in her community firsthand was harder. For Edwards, it struck even closer to home. He is a member of Ebenezer AME, which is located only three blocks from Mother Emanuel. “I knew the Rev. Clementa Pinckney,” he said. “I had just met Myra Thompson about two weeks before it happened.” Seeing a clip of the Rev. Pinckney on television, Edwards said, still sends chills through him to this day. “It’s something that stays with you,” he explained. “There is no punishment for nine people that you can give to one man. But, you do what you can to make sure that person never hurts anybody again. You don’t think you can handle it, but you do — because this is what we do.” As hard as the job is, Edwards, Page and Wooldridge said they believe it makes them more compassionate and more appreciative of their friends and family. It also makes crimes like the church shooting, motivated by racism, even harder to understand. Though individuals may appear different on the outside, they know such differences are truly only skin deep. “At the end of the day, everyone has one heart,” Page said. Autopsy assistant Ashley Wooldridge puts away knives in the autopsy room at the end of a busy day. One of Wooldridge’s responsibilities is documenting the chain of custody for any evidence that passes through the department, ensuring law enforcement has the tools they need to win in the courtroom.
10 THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016
For a better workout, brave the cold with outdoor exercise Many people shift to indoor fitness activities in winter due to cold weather, including me. However, there are many benefits to exercising outdoors in cold weather to consider before jumping on the treadmill for another indoor run. The body works harder in the cold; it’s not only called upon to burn calories and fat to produce enough energy to support workouts, but it needs to burn even more to keep warm. This speeds metabolism and provides more energy and contributes to weight loss. Regular cold–weather training also boosts the immune system that can help fight off winter colds and the flu. An Iowa University report showed that 45 minutes of running per day reduces the risk of contracting the flu during winter months. The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research found that winter workouts can cut your flu risk by 20 to 30 percent. Finally, exercising outdoors can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or “winter blues.� A brisk outdoor workout increases exposure to sunlight, which ups
warm socks and good shoes. the body’s ability to produce A scarf or face mask may be vitamin D, and produces a good idea, too, when it is “feel good� endorphins that colder to protect your skin trigger the release of dopamine and lungs. and serotonin, all of which 5. Check the forecast — significantly elevate mood. Rain, wind and temperature Tips for Cold Weather must be a factor in when Exercise: and how much you exercise. 1. Warm up — it’s important Wind chill and moisture to increase body temperature can drop body temperature to avoid injuries while drastically. Don’t be afraid to exercising in cold weather. cancel or reschedule when it Susan Johnson 2. Hydrate — even in cold gets cold or wet or the wind weather the body loses water is blowing too hard. Wait for during exercise so be sure the warmer afternoon or stay in entirely. to hydrate before, during and after any 6. Adjust cool down — split cool down exercise. between the outdoors and the warmer 3. Dress in layers — the first should be indoors. Start slowing down a few something that wicks away moisture; the minutes before going back indoors and second should be a warm, thin insulator then finish inside with some walking and like wool; and the third should be water stretching. resistant. 4. Protect extremities — the head, ears, Employee Wellness Center hands and feet are the first to get cold q February Mindful Challenge — Know and 50 percent of body heat can be lost your numbers, show your heart some from an uncovered head. Keep these love. Take the initial survey at www.musc. areas covered with a warm hat, gloves,
Health at work
edu/ohp/monthlymindfulchallenge. html and complete the final survey at the end of the month for a chance to share your story in our “Spotlight on Wellness� series. q Worksite Screening — Wednesday, Feb. 24, Wellness Center Auditorium. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including the MUSC Health Plan) at no charge for the basic test (2016). Employees and spouses without insurance can participate for $47. Register online at www.musc. edu/ohp/employee-wellness/worksitescreening.html. q MUSC Employee Fitness Series Class — Cardio Power from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the Wellness Center. Try this free class that features intense cardio interval and strength training. Free day pass to the Wellness Center for participants. Register at www.musc.edu/ohp/muscmoves/employee-fitness-signup.html. For more information, email Dr. Susan Johnson at johnsusa@musc.edu or Suzan Whelan at whela@musc.edu.
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THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016 11
MUSC – Let Us Hear From You!
M
USC is conducting a communications audit to hear what employees have to say about our efforts. This brief, anonymous survey is designed so that employees and students can feel free to comment on any aspect of our communications work. How effectively we, as an enterprise, communicate will have a tangible impact on our ability to achieve MUSC’s strategic goals. Please take five minutes to complete this survey and return it to us by March 1. You may already have received this survey online. Please only complete the survey once. Your responses are confidential. Thank You. PosT–suRVey insTRuCTions Once you’ve completed the form, please do one of the following: q Drop it off at any of the nine designated drop boxes located at the first floor security or information desks of the following buildings: – University Hospital – Clinical Science Building – Children’s Hospital – ART – Rutledge Tower – MUSC Wellness Center – Harborview Office Tower – MUSC Health East Cooper – MUSC Parkshore Office Center q Scan and email to pubrelat@musc.edu q Mail your form using an interoffice envelope to: MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street Suite 403, MSC 189 Attn: Survey q Fax it to 843-792-6723 q Take a photo using your cellphone and email it to pubrelat@ musc.edu.
Survey deadline is March 1.
12 THe CaTalysT, Feb. 12, 2016
MusiC
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patients’ their favorite songs and sing for them on their birthdays. “Music can lift someone’s spirts and make their day,� Kahley said. “It heals them spiritually, if not physically. In medicine you can’t ignore any aspect of a patient’s needs.� MUSiC will take center stage at this year’s MUSC Live!, an annual concert where all proceeds from the event are donated to the Charleston Autism Academy. The group selected CAA, Droghini said, because of its great work in the community.
CAA provides a therapeutically structured environment for the advancement of school–aged children with autism spectrum disorders and seeks to challenge and nurture each child it serves. One way it does that is through music therapy, which appealed to the members of MUSiC, Kahley said. MUSC Live! is open to any MUSC students, faculty or staff members who want to perform any genre of music. For more information, email desjardm@ musc.edu, kahley@musc.edu or droghini@musc.edu.
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Members of Musicians United for Service in Charleston pose for a photo at the 10th anniversary celebration of the CARES clinic.
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The Acorn School of Charleston
Charleston’s Waldorf School Opening AugustFirst of 2016 in West Ashley
Opening August of 2016 in West Ashley-Windermere neighborhood
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Applications are being accepted for our Kindergarten program ages 3.5 to 6. Class size is limited, enroll today. For more information go to: www.aschas.org info@acornschoolcharleston.org or call 843.501.2780
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Waldorf Education started in Germany in 1919 and opened in New York City in 1928. Today there are more than 900 Waldorf schools in 83 countries.