February 4, 2011
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 29, No. 23
Islet cell transplant offers promising lifeline
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Autologous Islet Cell Transplant
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1.
What drew me to this field is the need to take care of these patients who are in so much pain.
Patient goes in for surgery to remove the pancreas. An islet cell transplant can help patients who are suffering from the pain of chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas is put on ice and 2. placed in a special fluid. The organ undergoes a four-
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hour process in the 3. to-five Center for Cellular Therapy’s
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clean lab where specially trained technicians extract insulin-producing islet cells.
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islet cells go into an IV 4. The bag and are infused into the
patient during a procedure done by an interventional radiologist who uses ultrasound to guide a catheter into the main blood vessel in the liver.
5. into the liver where they are
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The islet cells are infused
expected to begin functioning as a miniaturized pancreas, producing and releasing insulin. About 25 to 40 percent of patients who have islet cell transplants will not require insulin treatment. For the remaining patients who are insulin dependent, their diabetes typically is much more easily managed.
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Interventional radiologist Renan Uflacker (right), registered nurses Monica Mallory, center, and Hedy Fagan oversee islet cells being infused into a patient’s liver. by daWN brazell Public Relations
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hrilled that MUSC’s pioneering efforts led to the milestone of the 50th islet cell transplant Jan. 31, David Adams’ mission is to end the suffering of patients with chronic pancreatitis. MUSC holds the distinction of being the second busiest autologous islet cell transplant center in the country, behind the University of Minnesota, which started doing the procedure in the 1970s. MUSC, the only place in the state
Nurse CoordiNator remembered Laura Lail was a ‘shining star’ among the Digestive Disease Center staff.
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to offer the procedure, treated its first patient in March 2009, and performs about 25 cases a year to treat chronic pancreatitis. The condition afflicts thousands of patients and is characterized by debilitating pain and suffering that frequently is unresponsive to traditional medical and surgical treatments, said Adams, M.D. “Chronic pancreatitis causes severe, knifelike pain that is unimaginable to most of us and results in these patients being stigmatized and marginalized by doctors and health care providers, who are frustrated by an See Islet on page 8
Dr. David Adams
WatCh a Video visit http://tinyurl. com/6xb2z4v
Global HealtH
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Excellence in Action
Nigeria still struggles with malaria, yellow fever and tuberculosis.
5
Meet Star
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Classifieds
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
Grant program connects health care professionals across SC
In the fall of 2010, the South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium (AHEC) received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration after completing a request for proposals for an initiative known as Equipment to Enhance the Training for Health Professionals. This American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded initiative has enabled S.C. AHEC to place Polycom videoconferencing equipment in the five program office, the offices of the four regional centers and in 20 rural hospitals across the state. The grant application, known as the S.C. Health Occupations Outreach Learning System (Schools), enables access to continuing education programs, student rotation support and research initiatives through the use of videoconferencing equipment. Programs and trainings are delivered from any of the S.C. AHEC locations over a highspeed, dedicated broadband highway known as the Palmetto State Providers
Network (PSPN). “We are excited to launch Schools in partnership with the PSPN initiative,” said Ragan DuBose-Morris, program services manager for S.C. AHEC and the project’s principal investigator. “Schools will allow health care professionals in all areas of the state to participate in training programs that will directly impact patient care.” The first statewide program will be broadcast from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Feb. 15 from the S.C. AHEC Program Office housed at MUSC in Room 802 Harborview Office Tower (HOT 802). Joel Handler, M.D., Kaiser Permanente’s lead hypertension physician in Southern California, will present a live program on “Optimizing Hypertension Control.” Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are offered by the MUSC Office of CME to participants at any location. To attend the session, e-mail duboser@musc.edu. Space is limited. For information about Schools, visit http:// www.scahec.net.
Nominations being accepted for teaching awards Nominations are being accepted for the MUSC Foundation Teaching Excellence Awards. The purpose of these awards is to recognize members of the MUSC faculty who have made contributions to the university through teaching. Awards may be given from the
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu
following categories: Clinical/ Professional (Educator-Mentor), Scholarship/Academic (EducatorMentor), Educator-Lecturer, and Developing Teacher. Nominations deadline is 5 p.m., Feb. 11. Visit http://www.carc.musc. edu/nomination/ or call 792-2228.
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.
excellence in action
MUSC’s Caroline DeLongchamps, Children Volunteer Guest Services, center, with Kennedy and her parents, Oscar and Stacy Douglas.
M
y wife and I had to re-admit our 5-year-old daughter, Kennedy, due to complications from previous brain tumor surgeries. As you could imagine, this was a very trying time, especially in light of the Christmas and New Year's seasons. Caroline DeLongchamps introduced herself to us and has been rendering assistance ever since. The entire PICU staff has been exceptional, but Caroline has gone above and beyond what should be required by any staff member.
My family and I decided to provide a Christmas meal for the other families visiting with their critical care loved ones. Caroline volunteered to provide paper products and utensils for the meal. That in itself was a kind gesture, but that wasn't enough as Caroline arranged to have the conference room opened to provide a place for all of us to fellowship on Christmas day. My wife and I waited for some "surrogate" to arrive with the utensils, but instead we were greeted by Caroline and two MUSC security guards bearing a wagon full of food that had been donated and huge bags of toys. What my family and I had planned for a meal to feed about 10-12 people, enabled us to feed all the visiting families. With Caroline's assistance, we were able to not only feed the people previously mentioned, but we were able to take a large amount of food to the Crisis Ministries shelter. In closing, I'd like to state that I'm a business owner, and I know the value of great employees. You should be awfully proud of an employee who not only does what is required per his or her job description, but does the extra things that gives this institution the great name and reputation it's garnered for years. The Douglas Family Oscar, Stacy, Jordan, and "Princess Kennedy"
the Catalyst, February 4, 2011 3
Nurse coordinator remembered for ‘zest for life’
Laura Mode Lail, 56, of Mount Pleasant died Sunday, Jan. 23 after a battle against breast cancer. Lail was a registered nurse who came to MUSC in 1995 as a nurse coordinator. She was responsible for facilitating referrals from outside physicians and triaging the patients to determine the appropriate course of care. She worked closely with the faculty to identify patients for new and special procedures. Lail Lail was born Aug. 6, 1954, in Morganton, N.C., a daughter of the late John and Pearl Louise Mode. She graduated from Western Piedmont College with a degree in nursing. Lail is survived by Michael Dickson of Mount Pleasant; her sister, Cindy Mode of Drexel, N.C.; her brother, John Mode and his wife, Mary of Newton, N.C.; her brother, Phillip Mode of Lincolnton, N.C.; and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
“I first met Laura after I moved from England to Duke University in 1986 to develop a endoscopy center. With strong support from the Department of Medicine and the recently appointed chief of the Division of Gastroenterology (Dr. Ian
Taylor), we set about building a unit and a team. Laura applied from one of the in-patient floors, and was clearly an ideal recruit, enthusiastic, professional, compassionate and always cheerful. When Ian Taylor moved to MUSC he asked me to join him to initiate a new multi-disciplinary Digestive Disease Center. Laura did not hesitate when I invited her to become the friendly and helpful interface with our patients and their doctors. Laura continued to be a strong patient advocate, always going the extra mile to organize and to reassure. One of my favorite phrases for someone who has gone the extra mile is ‘You are a Star.’ Laura was one of the brightest stars, and her memory will keep us warm. I celebrate and will never forget our 25 years of working together.” —Peter B. Cotton, M.D. “Laura and I began our friendship 24 years ago after we both started working for Dr. Peter Cotton at Duke University, then moving with Dr. Cotton to MUSC in 1994. Being a part of this unique GI family gave us a bond that cannot be broken. Laura had a zest for life and could always find humor in any situation. Our special friendship and her immeasurable courage will not be forgotten.” —Rita Oden, Digestive Disease Center “Laura was full of fun. She had a gorgeous smile and an infectious laugh that could make anyone’s day. She was bright and well-rounded in her knowledge and interests. Many
wonderful memories will keep her spirit alive in my heart.” —Marilyn J. Schaffner, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator for Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive “Laura started out as my boss and ended up as my friend. She had a zany sense of humor that would always have you laughing. I will miss our crazy conversations and all of the laughs we shared. If there is one thing I will remember about Laura it is that she lived life her way! Rest in peace Laura. I will miss you.” —Donna Noisette Johnson, Digestive Disease Service Line
Dialogue on Health Care Disparities
Featuring the research of MUSC’s Black Student Scholars Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 9 Room 302, Basic Science Building “My Journey: Learning and Becoming Equipped to Tackle Health Disparities.” DeAnna Baker, College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies. The focus will be on Baker’s experiences learning about health disparities and how those experiences have given her tools to participate in health disparities research in the future. For information, visit http://www.musc.edu/ diversity or call 792-2146.
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4 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
currents Feb. 1
People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty
HR update q Selecting Talent —Training for peer team and leaders will be combined; training will be monthly from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sessions are scheduled for March 3, April 7, May 4 and June 1; registration via CATTS; contact Karen Rankine at 792-7690. q S.C. Stingrays Pack the House Night —Game starts at 7:05 p.m., Feb. 26. Tickets are $5; free parking; Call 744-2248, ext. 1214. q University Internal Medicine Rapid Access Center—(Rutledge Tower) RAC is designed to support all MUSC/MUHA, UMA employees and their adult family members. Call 876-0888.
HIPAA, social media Reece Smith, medical center compliance and privacy officer, reviewed HIPAA privacy rules and patient Protected Health Information (PHI) guidelines as they relate to social networking sites and other media (i.e. Facebook, etc.), and appropriate vs. inappropriate use of patient information. Employees should refrain from discussing, accessing or viewing a patient’s PHI unless it is necessary for treatment, payment or operations. Employees also should be cautious when faxing or e-mailing PHI to ensure it is going to the correct destination. Breaches will be reported to the DHHS Office of Civil Rights. Employees are urged to review updates to MUHA HIPAA Policy C-03. The Medical Center Compliance Office team is available to meet with any hospital unit or department staff to provide further information. Contact Smith at 792-7795 or Smithre@musc.edu.
PICIS Reports-OACIS Pat Aysse, R.N., Surgical Services Program manager, and David Moore, OCIO, shared news that MUHA has achieved the capability to send the PICIS
summary reports—OR, Anesthesia and PACU case records—directly to OACIS interface helping the hospital achieve its goal to use a paperless system. PICIS has been used in the ORs since 2007 and it has been continually running since 2009. Records will be cataloged under one column headings or as procedural records and viewable via eCareNet once cases are completed. OR record will be the same version. Both anesthesia and PACU records are continuous records (summary report) and will not exist separately. Updates are made after the patient leaves the OR and includes post op anesthesia follow up visit. Hospitalwide implementation is scheduled for the Feb. 19 weekend.
Finance—Providing the highest value to patients while ensuring financial stability
Steve Hargett, medical center controller, presented the medical center’s results and income statement for the six month period ending Dec. 31 Fiscal year (FY) 2011 and FY 2010. FY 2011 showed a change in net assets or net profit as $11.5 million ($12.7 million budgeted). Hargett explained why the medical center was behind in their overall budget due to December’s booking to cover Medicare Advantage Guardian HMO bankruptcy. The medical center budgeted for the loss with a $1 million reserve. Added with this loss, the hospital remains on budget. Leadership is confident that the medical center will achieve budget due to recent high census generating new revenue for the medical center. Cash position remains challenging. Cash balance as of end of December is $17.9 million with 6.9 days cash on hand. Driving the cash issue, according to Hargett, is a national problem in Medicare processing of claims. Medicaid also has reduced their claims processing. Hargett and his team are working with
To Medical Center Employees: A series of medical center town hall meetings has been scheduled to take place from Feb. 16 through March 1, at the times and locations indicated below. There will also be several town hall meetings for large departments in place of their routine departmentbased meetings. Evaluations from previous town hall meetings indicate relatively brief sessions have been well received. Our plan is to limit the upcoming town hall sessions to 30 minutes. The town hall agenda will include an update on our fiscal year 2010/2011 goals; employee recognition; cost savings initiatives; hand hygiene campaign; and questions and answers. Our goal is to increase town hall participation. Attendance is strongly encouraged. At the Feb. 1 management communications meeting Steve Hargett, medical center controller, gave a financial update. Among other things, Hargett reported that timeliness of Medicare claims processing has been problematic for hospitals throughout the nation recently and that our South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been slow in processing Medicaid claims. As a result of delays in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, the medical center’s cash position has deteriorated. Additional details are included in this newsletter. On a related matter, Medicaid funding for the final quarter of this fiscal year remains unresolved. A substantial amount (approximately $200 million annually or 20 percent) of our revenue is from Medicaid reimbursement. Also, the state is facing a large Medicaid budget shortfall for next fiscal year and this will have a significant impact on MUSC. MUSC leadership is working with key state government staff, legislative leaders and the State Hospital Association to explore alternatives and recommend solutions. Additional details will be disseminated in the weeks ahead. The Medicaid funding outlook gives us a sense of urgency to make progress with our cost reduction initiatives referred to as the “5/5 plan.” Our goal is to reduce the cost of care by 5 percent this fiscal year and 5 percent next fiscal year while improving quality of care. Everyone can contribute to our 5/5 cost reduction initiatives by taking part in cost reduction teams or being familiar with the cost reduction plan for your area. Examples of cost savings opportunities that many of us can help with include: focus on reducing overtime; consistently use eShift; look for ways to reduce supply costs; identify and eliminate underutilized phone lines; and other such cost savings opportunities. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center
Town Hall meetings
Feb. 16: 2 p.m., Storm Eye Auditorium and 5 p.m., 2W Amphitheater; Feb. 17: 4 p.m., 2W Amphitheater. Feb. 18: 10 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; Feb. 18: 11 a.m., ART Auditorium; Feb. 21, 10 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; Feb. 21, 2 p.m., IOP Auditorium; Feb. 22: 11 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; Feb. 23: 7 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; Feb. 23: 11 a.m., Storm Eye Auditorium; Feb. 24: 7:30 a.m.,2 West Amphitheater; Feb. 24, Noon, ART Auditorium; March 1, 7 a.m., ART Auditorium MUSC leadership on a cash projection plan. This, combined with frugal spending and adopting more campuswide cost-saving practices, will put MUSC in an improved cash position by the end of June. Currently, the S.C. Budget and Control board will meet to review and renew
MUSC’s $25 million line of credit. MUHA is already slowing down on all payables and will soon return to a normal AP processing timeframe once the institution’s major payors can catch up. Announcements The next meeting is Feb. 15.
the Catalyst, February 4, 2011 5
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6 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
Nigerians find path to modernization by aNyaNime asuquo edem, Ginika Biko Ikwuezunm College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine
Nigerian Facts
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raditionally, Nigeria, like most African nations, depended on herbalists, medicine men or “juju doctors” who were trained to identify, prepare, administer and cure ailments using herbs and roots. The advancements of modern medicine and western influence have mitigated such practices in exchange for contemporary avenues of treatment. Those who can afford it rely on medical professionals rather than the herbalist. Some patients choose to combine herbs with medications. A Nigerian doctor may even discover ritualistic markings on their patient, an important clue to the past medical history of prior visits to the juju doctor. Despite efforts to modernize medicine, Nigeria still has pressing health issues that include malaria, yellow fever, tuberculosis and AIDS. Amidst all of these problems, the most pressing and fundamental issues of health and poverty have been neglected. These forgotten issues, primarily cardiovascular disease and mental health, have received little mention. However, if unchecked they pose a major issue to Nigeria’s overall success. A few Nigerians have chosen to take “the road less traveled.” Dr. Ernest Madu, a former Vanderbilt cardiologist, is one of those individuals advocating a fresh perspective to address matters of the heart. He believes that people in developing countries like Nigeria have the right to a high quality care. “The quickest way to kill the progress of a country and spiral into a cycle of poverty is to kill the parents,” he remarks as his thick Ibo accent booms over the loud speaker during a conference for progressive thinkers called TED (Technology Education Development). Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death behind AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and the leading cause of death for individuals more than 30 in the region. It would appear that Madu’s assertion is true as the past Nigerian President Alhaji Umaru Yar’ Adua became the latest high profile Nigerian to fall victim to chronic heart and kidney disease at 56 on May 5, 2010. Nigerian physicians trained in the U.S. and U.K., such as Madu, have opted to make specialty care in developing nations a reality. Utilizing innovations such as the telemedicine platform in his facilities, Madu consults physicians from around the world to address the most complex cases, giving optimal care to these patients. In addition to cardiovascular disease, mental health
Oil pipelines run through a village in the Niger Delta.
q Population: 154.7 million (UN, 2009) (The most populous nation in Africa) q Capital: Abuja. q Government type: Federal Republic Nigeria is one of the OPEC nations. q Area: 923,768 sq km (356,669 sq miles). 2.5x California q Year of Independence: October 1, 1960 from Great Britain q Seasons: Dry (November to March) and Wet (April to October) q Endangered Species: Drills Monkeys are denizens of the Cross River State, Nigeria q Health Care: Nigeria has a three-tier health care system. The Primary receives local and state government support. Secondary care is more specialized using referrals via outpatient and inpatient services. Tertiary care is centralized around highly-specialized services with a teaching hospital such as MUSC operating as a hub. In principal, this system works, but the critical issue is that government funds are misappropriated. issues have reached a boiling point in the country. Initially, like many other Nigerians, we ignored these issues and looked at the indigent population who are ambulating the streets as a public nuisance. I (Ginika) remember visiting Lagos last December for Christmas when one of these so called “mad men” accosted our vehicle and an episode that is commonplace in Nigeria and many African countries ensued. Among the herd of cars and okada (men on motorcycles) snaking
through the congested streets, one of these “mad men” approached. He was visibly disheveled, so we assumed the position. This meant looking forward and ignoring the gentleman in hopes that he would eventually leave. This effort proved futile, as he became agitated, pounded on the window and extended his hand demanding, “yem ego!” or give me money. We eventually gave into his request. However later, while recounting the event, we became cognizant of this personal stigma that we experienced with our respective families. In Anyanime’s case, her personal experience involved a neighbor, while my experience was with my uncle, Kristopher, whom we called “Teacher.” The inhumane treatment of these people we loved was utterly devastating, but reconvicted us with the responsibility to raise awareness about these issues and engage in local outreach. Nigeria, like the U.S., has its own unique challenges with a complex economic and political climate. However, it is our duty to ensure that our loved ones are not among the forgotten. In spite of all its idiosyncrasies and frustrations, ask any Nigerian and they will proudly tell you, this is home.
Clinician’s corner A 32-year-old female student from Nigeria presented to MUSC with a two day history of fever, sweats, headaches, chills and eye sensitivity to light. Her temperature was 101 F, pulse 110 per minute but otherwise hemodynamically stable. Examination revealed a soft ejection systolic murmur and signs of meningism, but her neurological status was otherwise normal. She noted that she suffered from a new onset anemia and did not use a bed net while in Nigeria. Of note, a review of her body systems was positive for intermittent fever (every 48 hours), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and joint pain. What is the likely diagnosis? A. Dengue fever B. Malaria C. Giardiasis D. Trichinosis For the correct answer, see page 10
The Catalyst, February 4, 2011 7
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8 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
islet Continued from Page One inability to help these long-suffering patients. Total pancreatectomy with transplantation of the patients’ own insulin-producing cells offers patients the chance to remove the source of the pain and at the same time prevent the sideeffects of brittle diabetes.” Adams, chief of the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, said he’s seen the condition reduce wartoughened veterans to tears. He recalls a patient who had suffered having his jeep blown up in Vietnam, but said that his pancreatic pain topped that experience to the point he couldn’t move to even turn around. He related how he had gone to emergency rooms in intense pain and the staff would think he had just come in for drugs. Adams often sees patients after they’ve been referred through the system by health professionals who don’t know what to do to help them. The five-year survival rate for patients with chronic pancreatitis is 25 percent. “What drew me to this field is the need to take care of these patients who are in so much pain. They’ve always been shunned in the past. You can’t cure everybody, but you can care for them— always.” Katherine Morgan, M.D., a surgeon who also treats these patients, agrees. It’s gratifying to be able to have had the opportunity to have such an impact on so many people’s lives, she said. “We have evolved into a strong, experienced team which enables us to take care of people most effectively.” The islet cell transplant procedure is reserved for those patients who have failed all medical and endoscopic interventions. The goal is to achieve optimal pain control and improve quality of life, she said. “We have seen a significant decrease in the need for narcotic analgesics in most patients, an overall 57 percent reduction in median daily oral morphine requirements, with about 30 percent of patients being able to be narcotic free. Most impressively, patients note a dramatic improvement in quality of life.” One of the key duties of the pancreas is to produce the hormones insulin and glugagon to metabolize sugars in the blood, a job done by islet cells in the
Research specialist Kelly Moxley performs sterility testing on the final islet preparation. pancreas. When the pancreas is removed, the body loses its ability to produce insulin, so diabetes will occur often in the form of “brittle diabetes” that is very severe and difficult to control. In the islet cell transplant, the patient’s own cells are extracted and infused into their livers with the hope that patients will be able to remain insulin independent or at least have a less severe form of insulindependent diabetes. Adams said MUSC has a long history of being a center of excellence for pancreatic care. He trained under Marion Anderson, M.D., a former department chairman who was a highly-respected national leader in the operative treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Another positive influence
is Peter Cotton, M.D., who initiated the Digestive Disease Center at MUSC in 1994, with a focus on facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration. Collaboration is a key factor to success for the islet transplant program, which receives support from MUSC’s Center for Cellular Therapy’s (CCT) clean lab, where islet cells are harvested to be infused back into the patient’s liver by an interventional radiologist. Michael Nishimura, Ph.D., CCT scientific director, said the lab, the only one of its kind in the state, is the future of regenerative medicine because of the sterile environment created by a special air-handling system that leaves the lab almost particle free. It prevents spores, dust mites, mold, bacteria, pollen, viruses
“We have evolved into a strong, experienced team which enables us to take care of people most effectively.” Dr. Katherine Morgan
and other particles from contaminating what’s being processed. For example, the lab gets particle counts of 0 to 1 as compared to a normal room that would have billions, he said. “That’s the environment required to do these islet isolations. It enables the institution to do the cutting-edge of medicine, which is regenerative medicine —giving back people their own cells to treat diseases. Regenerative medicine is the future of medicine,” he said, citing a few examples. “In the future, if you have heart disease, we hope to be able to inject your own cells back into your heart to help it to remodel the heart. Similarly, if you have joint problems, we hope to inject your cells into whatever joint. The goal will be to have your own cells help participate in your own tissue or organ repair. You need a facility like the clean cell lab to do that.” Islet cell transplants are just the beginning of very exciting research —from treating juvenile diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease—that eventually will be done in the lab, he said. “It’s waiting for someone in the scientific community at MUSC to invest the time and effort.” Meanwhile, research continues on islet cell transplants. Adams said MUSC is in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of islet cell transplantation for the quality of life and pain relief for patients, but it’s too early to identify long-term outcomes, he said. Inflammation of the pancreas causes changes resulting in the production of extra nerve pain stimulators in the nerves around the pancreas. Another area of interest is how the disease causes a remodeling of the pain centers in the brain, something that can be hard to reverse, he said. The goal is to remove the pancreas before it sets up irreversible brain pathways and to develop better medications that interfere with those pathways. Patients with chronic pancreatitis never know when they’re going to end up in the emergency room with pain and sometimes vomiting because of these debilitating attacks, he said. He’s excited MUSC will be continuing its pioneering efforts. “By intervening early in pancreatic disease, we can return these people to a somewhat normal life.”
the Catalyst, February 4, 2011 9
eMployee Wellness
MUSC Level 1 Trauma Center and Safe Kids are looking for MUSC Safety Families. Injury impacts everyone and MUSC is working to make the community safer by demonstrating examples provided by employees. Examples of safety topics are: q Child passenger safety-car seats and booster seats q Pregnant women wearing a seatbelt q Teen and adult drivers with seatbelts in all areas of the car q Passengers on bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s, scooters, and skateboards wearing helmets q Pedestrians walking on crosswalks or wearing reflective clothing q Boaters and swimmers wearing a lifejacket The Trauma Center is looking for MUSC families to serve as a model for safety, illustrating the best safety practices. Pictures selected may be used for brochures, health fairs, and educational forums. Employees are asked to submit photos to Stephanie Power at Powe@musc.edu. The last day of submission will be Feb. 18. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of permission to use photos for educational programs.
Weight Management Center The MUSC Weight Management Center has been providing weight management programs for more than 35 years. The staff at weight management consists of registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, psychologists, physicians, and nursing staff; the most comprehensive weight management staff in the area. “We offer a full range of lifestyle change programs—either individual- or group-based—for patients of all weight loss needs; whether they have a little or a lot to lose,” said Josh Brown, Ph.D., clinical psychologist. “Regardless of the program, we place strong emphasis on helping people make the lifestyle changes that are important for long-term success.” Staff from the Weight Management Center will be at the Wellness
Wednesday booth at Ashley River Tower from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9. Come have your body mass index calculated, your body composition measured, and talk with the staff about the range of programs offered. Discounts and payroll deduction are offered to MUSC/MUHA/UMA employees and their spouses, and if you have Medical Spending, Health Savings, or Flexible Spending Accounts, you can use those to pay for the programs. For information, call 792-2273, e-mail WMC@musc.edu or visit http://www.MUSChealth.com/ weight.
Employee Wellness events q Chair massages: Free massages are offered to employees on Tuesday nights and midday Wednesdays. Look for broadcast messages for locations. q MUSC employee fitness series: A free Pilates class will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Feb. 8 at the MUSC Wellness Center. Participants will also receive a free one-day pass to the Wellness Center. E-mail barneslr@musc. edu to register. q Discounted state park annual passes: Ranger John Phelps from Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site will be located in the Children’s Hospital lobby for Wellness Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 selling park passes to employees at a 20 percent discount. Visit http://www.charlestowne.org/. q Mobile mammograms: The Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Van will be conducting mammograms from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16 next to the Basic Sciences Building loading dock, behind the College of Dental Medicine. Call 7920878 to schedule an appointment. q Worksite screening: The next screening will be held Feb.17 in room 322, College of Nursing. The screening is $15 with the State Health Plan and advanced payment is required. Register at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/ health1st. Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@ musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC.
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10 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
by Katie staCy Public Relations
Hollings Cancer Center’s “Research and Recipes for Results” will focus on the connection between eating healthy and preventing cancer. The free event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11 at the International Longshoreman’s Association on 1142 Morrison Drive. There will be several guest speakers, including local cancer research experts and cancer survivors who will share their stories as a prime example of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Debbie Bryant, assistant director of cancer prevention and control and outreach, said they chose February’s Black History Month and Valentine’s weekend as the perfect time to focus on an event that supports the community in making healthy lifestyles choices. “The mission is to support and
promote cancer education, awareness and research initiatives in the community,” she said. They will be exploring the link between obesity and the health issues of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, conditions that are among the leading cause of death in the state. The event also will be the community kick-off for the Compass Project. Bryant said they are excited to see the community interest in the project’s goal of creating an environment that includes being smoke free, becoming more active and having a healthy diet. “The unique aspect of this project and our first event is the partnership that’s been created with over 25 local social, civic, and fraternal organizations pledged to creating opportunities of social change in our community.” For information, call Hollings Cancer Center’s Jim Etheredge, 792-8192 or e-mail etherjam@musc.edu.
CliNiCiaN Continued from Page Six Correct Answer: B. Malaria. This infection is caused by the protozoan (parasite) Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It accounts for 98% of malarial infections in Africa. The parasite lives in the gut of the female anopheles mosquito and is transmitted when it bites a human. Treatment with artesunate and sulfdoxine-pryimethamine is indicated in uncomplicated cases. For this severe case IV or IM artesunate/quinine is effective. Prevention with bed nets is indicated.
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Event to focus on connection between healthy eating, cancer
the Catalyst, February 4, 2011 11
CLASSIFIED P AGE All other classifieds are charged at rate below. Ads considered venture-making ads (puppy breeder, coffee business, home for sale, etc.) will be charged as PAID ADS •• PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED * NO MORE THAN 3 LINES * FREE ADS RUN 2 WEEKS ONLY!
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Misc. Services
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College of Charleston is seeking a Registered Nurse for a temporary 9 month appointment. A Campus Nurse provides health care in an ambulatory setting to students at the College of Charleston. Pay $22-$24/hr, 37.5 hrs/week. Job posting #0600253. Please add apply at CofC Jobs at https://jobs.cofc.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_cs s.jsp
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12 the Catalyst, February 4, 2011
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