March 18, 2016
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 34, No. 27
Mary Moultrie Patient Safety Day MUSC Health Chief Diversity Officer Anton Gunn read a resolution on the Horseshoe declaring that the Wednesday of each annual Patient Safety Week would be recognized in honor of Mary Moultrie, who led the 1969 hospital workers strike for better pay and working conditions for black nurses at MUSC. He presented a plaque commemorating the dedication to Moultrie’s sister, Angie Daniels, and niece, Danielle Wiggins, as well as two of Moultrie’s former co-workers who marched with her in 1969, Louise Brown and Mary Grimes. Moultrie was an exemplar of patient safety, said Sheila Scarborough, director of patient safety and risk management. “It’s extremely important to speak up, but that’s not always easy,” she said. Read the full story in next Friday’s (March 25) edition of The Catalyst. photo by Sarah Pack
MUSC Pharmacy offers whooping cough vaccines Staff Report The Rutledge Tower Outpatient Pharmacy at MUSC is offering free whooping cough vaccines until April 15. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and can be very dangerous for babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the whooping cough vaccine, known as Tdap (tetanus–diphtheria– acellular pertussis), for anyone who’s never had one before, anybody who comes into contact with kids under the age of 1 and women who are pregnant. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System reports that Tdap is safe for the general population. The
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most common reaction reported is pain at the injection site. In 2014, the CDC reported almost 33,000 cases of pertussis across the United States. About half of all babies under the age of 1 who get whooping cough end up in the hospital and a few die from the infection. In babies, whooping cough starts with symptoms that look like the common cold, including a cough, runny nose and slight fever. Instead of improving, the symptoms get worse, lasting up to 10 weeks. The baby can end up with rapid coughing characterized by a “whooping” sound along
with vomiting and exhaustion from the coughing fits. Adults with whooping cough rarely get the “whooping” sound but can have coughing spasms for weeks. The Rutledge Tower Pharmacy is on the first floor of Rutledge Tower and is open 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For information, call 876-0199. The free vaccines are available at MUSC through April 15 regardless of insurance coverage.
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Nursing faculty member builds healthy communities.
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Travel awards announced.
4 Research Grants 5 Meet Ana 10 Wellness t H e C ata ly S t online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
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Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’
Employee and Physician of the Month Awards Employee of the Month Markita Johnson RT Children’s Hemotology/ Oncology “About a year ago, I was contacted by Sherry Miller to see if my staff could help out with a problem Storm Eye was having. They have a pediatric patient that comes in every few months to have a fluorescence angiogram, a series of pictures of the eye done after the patient is injected with dye through the vein. The patient had come in for several visits and each time was having to be stuck multiple times to receive the injection. In the best interest of the patient and family, I was asked if someone from my team that had experience with pediatric accessing could come to provide support. I immediately knew the person to send. Markita has been a valuable resource to our team for many reasons, but definitely for her superb IV skills. Markita was up to the task and gladly went over on the day asked. She was able to obtain access on the first stick and brought much relief to the patient’s and family’s anxieties. Since that day, the patient has returned
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
numerous times for the same testing and Markita is always asked for by name. Markita always agrees to go when asked and is always positive. The parents have commented to me how Markita puts their daughter at ease, and knowing that Markita is coming decreases her anxiety of having to be stuck. Markita’s willingness to go above and beyond to help a patient is truly demonstrated and her ability to make the patient feel better about her testing is definitely what the organization strives to provide. Please consider Markita Johnson, RN, for employee of the month.” Nominated by Michelle Cooper Christopher Kling Pulmonary Function Testing Lab “I would like to nominate Chris Kling (Pulmonary, RT) for employee of the month. On Friday Feb 12, I was riding the CARTA bus home to Summerville, reading my Hebrew lesson and eating baby carrots. A carrot became lodged in my throat and I could not breathe at all. I thought
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.
this may be the end for me. I caught the attention of Pam Hardwick (L&D) sitting across the aisle from me and grabbed my throat. She asked, ‘Are you choking?’ I nodded and stood up so she could do the Heimlich maneuver. She quickly got up and started doing thrusts on me. A voice from the back said, ‘You are too high, let me do it.’ Chris Kling, a CPR instructor, had come, and I felt two arms wrap around me and meet at my navel, then I was lifted off my feet. I was able to breathe in some air, then recovered my breathing. (All while the bus is moving.) How thankful I am to Chris and Pam for saving my life.” Nominated by Carla Harvey Lisa Richardson Translational Care Unit “Lisa Richardson has served MUSC for over 25 years, all of which have been on TCU. She is our only LPN but serves as our senior preceptor for patient care technician. She has been the preceptor for three new hires back to back, all the while keeping an attitude of excellence. She always
speaks highly of her teammates, MUSC and our patients. I have personally seen her explain and educate new staff on the importance of clear communication with nurses and PCTs, which goes to show her clinical expertise and commitment to patient safety. She takes time to do the ‘little’ things like wash patients’ hair, take patients outside to sit in the garden or organize patients’ rooms. Lisa is consistent in always doing the right thing and is a leader for both the techs and nurses every day.” Nominated by Carolyn Thompson Physician of the Month Anand Sharma, M.D. Radiation Oncology “I wanted to let you know about the high quality care I have received at MUSC radiation oncology department. I am an employee so I would like to remain anonymous, but Dr. Sharma in particular has gone above what would be expected of a treating physician, and I wanted to share
See POM on page 3
Distinguished Faculty Awards applications accepted Applications for the 2016 MUSC Foundation Distinguished Faculty Service Awards are being accepted. Application deadline is Thursday, April 30. The award honors full–time faculty who have, over a substantial portion of their careers, have provided exceptional and sustained service and contributions in teaching, research, health care and/or public service to MUSC. Up to three awards may be presented this year and a monetary
contribution from the MUSC Foundation. To nominate someone, provide a written justification along with the nominee’s CV or resume. Additional letters of endorsement that demonstrate the breadth of the nominee’s contributions will also be accepted. Submit nominations to Dr. Mark Sothmann, VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, 179 Ashley Avenue, Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.
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Kate’s Candles: How a girl raised $1K for peds cancer research By allyson Crowell crowella@musc.edu
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t 9 years old, Kate McCabe has a business bank account, expertise in the melting point of soy wax and an understanding of why philanthropy matters. As she carefully arranges glass jars on the counter of her family’s West Ashley kitchen for the next batch of Kate’s Candles for a Cure, she talks about her holiday peppermint candles and her plans to introduce a new summer fragrance. For every $15 candle that she sells, Kate donates half the price — and nearly all her proceeds — to pediatric oncology research at MUSC. “My mom thought of donating, and I thought of cancer research,” Kate explains. Really, she thought of Hannah. Hannah Warren, a 19–year–old freshman at Clemson University, babysat Kate and her two older sisters when they were younger. One day in 2014, when Hannah was a junior at Bishop England High School, she scratched her back and felt a lump the size of an avocado. After testing and waiting, she learned that she had Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of pediatric bone cancer. Her doctor told her, yes, she would lose her hair — but that Ewing’s sometimes is curable. “I don’t consider any other options than that,” Hannah said recently. Her tumor responded so well to chemotherapy that
PoM Continued from Page One this story with you. In addition, the department he is responsible for is doing so many things right. My surgery was done at an out–of–state hospital. On my most recent surgery, Dr. Sharma noted a spot on my scan that was of concern to him that my surgeon had not seen. On the morning of my surgery, Dr. Sharma called my surgeon and reviewed the scans along with our radiologist to ensure that I could have the best outcome possible. Some additional nodes were removed based on his assessment. My surgeon said that in all his years of practice, he never knew of a radiation oncologist who took the time to intervene in that manner. Dr. Sharma is also highly skilled and has developed an excellent reputation with the other providers at MUSC. Most recently I had a non–standard treatment and all providers that I consulted with prior to the final treatment plan decision had confidence that he was the right person to be able to do this treatment plan. I will also share that despite the fact I have a clinical background, Dr. Sharma takes the time to validate through ‘teach
photo provided
Kate McCabe (left) with Hannah Warren at the MUSC Children’s Hospital for Kate’s check presentation. Hannah never needed surgery. But as she finished her final round of treatment, the cancer returned. Hannah delayed her freshman year of college, but only for a semester. In January she started at Clemson, where she administers her own chemotherapy — a pill and a liquid — and says most of the time she doesn’t
back’ what he has told me. On more than one occasion I did not repeat back the correct information. This gave both of us an opportunity under situations of anxiety and stress to ensure that I really understood the plan or instruction. Dr. Sharma, the radiation technologist and nursing staff all demonstrate that they are part of an interdisciplinary team that provides your care. Each member of the team brings their special skills to the table. They all demonstrate high regard in working with Dr. Sharma and give the patient a high degree of confidence as you go through treatment. Dr. Sharma has developed a team that demonstrates daily a caring attitude toward their patients. He deserves to be recognized as physician of the month.” This nomination was Anonymous
even notice it. After her Make–A–Wish trip to see Broadway plays this winter, Hannah decided to study theater. She returns home for appointments once a month and often stops in to see the McCabes. Kate remembered one time when Hannah came over to help make candles, after undergoing radiation just hours earlier. Kate’s mother, Amy McCabe, said Hannah manages Kate’s Candles social media accounts (Facebook.com/katescandlesforacure) and always shows up smiling. “I’ve never seen anyone face adversity like Hannah has, and she’s not one to dwell on the negative,” Amy McCabe said. “There’s a lot to be learned from her.” In October Kate presented a check for $1,000 from candle proceeds to the MUSC Children’s Hospital. She toured a research lab with Hannah’s oncologist, Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., and learned more about where her friend receives treatment. Chemotherapy remains a part of Hannah’s life for the foreseeable future, and she describes MUSC as more of a home than a hospital. “Every nurse, every doctor, every oncologist I talked to was so nice, so strong-willed,” Hannah said. “All the nurses and doctors have become pretty much a second family to me.” Editor’s note: Reprinted with permission from Thank You Notes, MUSC Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.
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ReseaRch GRant hiGhliGhts Public Health Sciences Benjamin Toll Quit4hlth: Enhancing Tobacco and Cancer Control Through Framed Text Messages, $192,786, from NIH/ NCI (1R21CA1814701A1), September 2015 to August 2017 Health Professions David Morrisette Targeted Interventions to Prevent Chronic Low Back Pain in High Risk Patients: A Multi–Site Pragmatic RCT, $310,731, from the University of Pittsburgh, July 2015 to June 2020 Deepak Kumar Mind Your Walk Intervention for Community-Based Management of Knee OA: A Feasability Study, $75,000, from the Rheumatology Research Foundation., January 15, 2016 to January 14, 2017 Microbiology & Immunology Eric Bartee Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Using Oncolytic Myxoma Virus, $341,981, from NIH/NCI (1R01CA19409001A1), December 2015 to November 2020 Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences Hereward Wimborne
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase–2 as a Drug Target for Cholestatic Liver Fibrosis, $39,244, from NIH/NIDDK (1F31DK10857001), December 2015 to November 2017
Cell & Molecular Pharmacology Elizabeth Yeh Application of a Cx43 Targeted Agent for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer, $40,000, from MetAvivor, January 2016 to December 2016 Medicine Eric Meissner Elucidating Mechanisms of Treatment Relapse for Interferon–Free HCV Therapy, $184,637, from the NIH/NIAID (1K08AI12134801), January 2016 to December 2020 M.A. Julia Westerink Immune Response to Pneumococcal Vaccination in Aging HIV Postivie Adults, $200,645 from the NIH/ NIA (7RO1AG04597304), September 2015 to May 2018 Neurosciences Jamie Peters Targeting Extinction Circuits to Treat Comorbid PTSD and Addiction, $35,000, from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, January 15, 2016 to January 14, 2018
Celebrate National Nutrition Month
By DeBBie PeTiTPain pettitpain@musc.edu
The third week of National Nutrition Month explores the many intense flavors that we borrow from coastal and inland areas of the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Caribbean cuisine blends flavors from the rich and varied histories of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Grenada, the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica and many others. Caribbean cuisine is known for its strong flavors and spices such as allspice, ginger, habanero and cinnamon that add island flair to chicken, pork, beef and vegetables. These flavors can be found in a dish called Montego Bay jerk chicken salad, which is highlighted this week’s “Savor the Flavor” campaign. Jerk is a style of cooking that originated in Jamaica. It refers to the way that meat is seasoned and cooked. The spicy and flavorful jerk seasoning, which can be used as a marinade or dry rub, combines white and green onions, garlic, allspice, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, habaneros, nutmeg, cinnamon and ground sage. Traditionally, the chicken or other meat is then smoked
and barbecued over pimenta wood, which comes from the small Jamaican allspice tree, otherwise known as the Pimenta dioica plant. In the Lowcountry, it is common to use exotic wood chips when grilling, although pimenta wood is rarely used outside of Jamaica. The pimenta tree is indigenous to the Caribbean Islands and allspice is believed to be the only spice which is grown solely in the Western Hemisphere. Allspice berries are grown on the pimenta tree, and while allspice is used in Southern cooking and to prepare holiday cookies, breads and pies, it is used in Jamaica to flavor meat and vegetables. In the Carolinas, allspice was once considered an exotic spice to be imported only during affluent times. Now, however, it’s a staple in local cabinets, providing a signature scent for the winter holiday season. The island flavors of the Caribbean are part of what defines modern Lowcountry cuisine. Celebrate them fully and “savor the flavor” of eating right. To watch Montego Bay jerk chicken salad being prepared, visit: www.muschealth.org/nutrition/ mindful/index.html
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Su–Hua Sha Molecular Mechanisms in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, $317,698, from NIH/NIDCD (2R01DC00922207A1), April 2010 to December 2020 Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Kathleen Brady The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Fund: Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists, $270,000, from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, January 2016 to December 2020 James J. Prisciandaro A Neuroimaging Investigation of Recovery from Substance Dependence in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder, $35,000, from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, January 15, 2016 to January 14, 2018
The Catalyst’s Research Grant Highlights column showcases the MUSC research community’s grant activities. For information about awards, visit the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/ research/orsp/reporting/.
The CaTalysT, March 18, 2016 5
Meet ana
Ana Reeves Department and how long at MUSC Library Services; eight months
Pets I have a lazy and loveable basset hound named Iris. Last book read “The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise” by Julia Stuart. It’s available for InterLibraryLoan from the MUSC Library Favorite place in the world Any coast, anywhere. It gives me options. Best thing about living in Charleston The ongoing opportunity to jump in puddles. Downside of this: the risk of disappearing forever into what looks like an innocent little puddle. Favorite quote “If you try and take a cat apart to see how it works, the first thing you have on your hands is a nonworking cat.” –Douglas Adams
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Nursing psychologist has a heart for the community By J. ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu
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uilding healthy communities is a key pillar of Imagine MUSC 2020, but to Cristina López, Ph.D., it is much more than that. It’s her mission in life. “One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t complain about how things are if you’re not going to get dirty and put in the effort to improve them,” Lopez said. When López first came to MUSC as an intern in 2009, she fell in love with Charleston — the people, the weather, the food — but she quickly recognized the unique challenges of working as a psychologist in the Lowcountry. Seeing the many barriers standing between the area’s most vulnerable citizens and access to life–changing mental health care, she immediately set to work tearing those barriers down. Now, she is being honored for that work as part of MUSC’s celebration of Women’s History Month. Growing up in Miami, the daughter of Cuban émigrés, López has been drawn to Latino populations whose immigrant experiences have been so unlike her own. “A lot of my own ethnic identity has changed depending on where I was,” she said. “In Miami, if you’re Cuban, you’re in the majority. There are plenty of Spanish–speaking services. When I applied to college at Washington University in St. Louis and started receiving minority scholarships, I was sort of taken aback. I never saw myself as a minority.” In St. Louis, López said, she first felt what it was like to be an outsider. “Luckily, I had a very healthy ethnic identity. When people were culturally insensitive, I knew they weren’t trying to be mean — at least I hoped not — they were trying to learn. And I got to learn about other cultures as well. I went to a school that was 40 percent Jewish and knew nothing about the Jewish culture before I started asking questions. I was in college during the September 11 attacks, and I had a lot of friends who were Muslim, so I learned from their experience as well. “My anthropology background is probably coming out right now,” she laughed. It was in St. Louis that López first saw the effects of racial discrimination and health care disparities among underserved populations. “People said it was one of the most segregated cities in the country, and at the time Ferguson hadn’t even happened yet,” she said, referring to the St. Louis suburb’s racial unrest following a police shooting in 2014. While attending Florida State University for graduate school, López was struck by how different the immigrant experience was for local migrant worker populations than it was for her growing up. “I saw a dire situation,” she said. “The population wasn’t just underserved. Many migrant workers faced language barriers or barriers of citizenship, most lacked health insurance and many refused to seek help for fear
photo provided
Dr. Cristina López participates in a Georgetown County. health fair As part of the Ethnic Minority Preventative Outreach and Web-based Education for Risk Reduction (EMPOWERR) program, she hands out information on HIV and AIDS prevention and substance abuse and helps connect families to the mental health resources they need. of anxiety and depression in adolescents, but once I of being deported.” The situation in Charleston was even worse, she said. started working at MUSC, my focus shifted toward the more clinical goal of increasing engagement with “When I came to MUSC, I found myself in the role of mental health services and getting evidence–based psychologist, social worker and translator all in one. I interventions out to the populations that needed them was doing hours of Spanish–speaking therapy. There the most.” was such a waitlist of people who couldn’t be seen López explained that a brutal cascade of health effects because there wasn’t a Spanish–speaking psychologist can result from leaving mental trauma untreated. available. Charleston has a huge unmet need in Patients suffering from mental trauma are at higher mental health services, particularly for underserved risk for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic issues populations. It is very hard to access mental health that can lead to diabetes or obesity. Likewise, illness– services, not only for Latino populations, but for related anxiety can lead to depression and other African–American and rural populations as well.” mental conditions in patients suffering from cancer, Because of a boom in agricultural jobs and an influx heart disease, HIV and AIDS and many other chronic of migrant construction workers after Hurricane conditions, creating a vicious cycle virtually impossible Katrina, South Carolina has one of the fastest–growing to escape from without proper interventions. Latino communities in the country. As demographics At the conclusion of her internship, López decided to shift over the coming years, López believes one of remain at MUSC and dedicated herself to making sure the main challenges of the health care system will be those interventions reached the people who needed adapting to serve a more diverse population. For those them, first as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department in the field of mental health, that challenge is even of Psychiatry’s Diversity and Mental Health Disparities tougher. Program, then as a faculty member in the College of A stigma against seeking mental health services Nursing. affects all populations, López said, but when combined Department of Nursing chairwoman Julie Barroso, with the barriers that face Latino, African–American Ph.D., RN, praised López for her zeal. “Cristina is a and rural populations, the hurdles can seem researcher with a bright future, who cares passionately insurmountable. “When I started my career, my research was focused on identifying factors that led to the development
See Researcher on page 7
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researCher
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about helping young African–American and Hispanic women,” Barroso said. “We have had many lunchtime conversations about her research, and I always come away having learned something from her.” One of López’s projects to address health care disparities is called Meeting Kids Where They’re At. Its goal is to design and deliver a culturally–tailored HIV and teen–pregnancy prevention program for African–American girls living in rural areas, and López is quite proud of it. “People who have emotional regulation problems more often engage in highrisk behaviors like substance abuse, unprotected sex and other activities that lead to a higher likelihood of contracting HIV and other sexually–transmitted diseases,” López explained. “This program attempts to short–circuit those cascade effects especially in trauma– exposed populations.” One unique feature of this project is that it incorporates telemedicine in the delivery of prevention services online. “We want it to work much like Apple’s Facetime where you can sign in and talk to a live person,” López said. “Eighty–five percent of high–school aged populations have Internet access via their smartphones. Why not use the infrastructure that’s already there? That’s why the project is called Meeting Kids Where They’re At, because you can meet them in their homes, in their schools, at their grandmother’s house, without the logistical nightmare of taking time off from work and school and fighting traffic to come to the downtown peninsula.” It also enables sex education and substance abuse educators to reach kids outside of schools, where comprehensive sex education is seldom a priority. “Research shows that not talking about it is doing your child a disservice,” López said. “The more parents and care providers talk about sex and substance abuse, the better the outcomes are in preventing substance-use disorders and sexually–risky behaviors.” Ron Acierno, Ph.D., College of Nursing’s associate dean for research, has been López’s mentor on the project and praised her dedication and commitment to breaking down silos. “Cristina is one of the most collaboratively–oriented researchers I know,” he said. “She
“I’d love to help Charleston become a place where everyone can feel comfortable and safe, enjoying everything this wonderful city has to offer.”
Cristina López, Ph.D. embodies the spirit of team science by genuinely appreciating that which she can learn from others.” In addition to facilitating the Meeting Kids Where They’re At program, López serves as the director of the mental health rotation for Stall High School, a Title I school in North Charleston. Schools like Stall are subject to Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provides assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low–income families. The student enrollment at Stall High School is greater than 80 percent low-income and almost 90 percent minority. The dropout rate is around 50 percent. “This is definitely a high–needs community,” López said. López also volunteers as a translator at the Harvest Free Medical Clinic in North Charleston. “It’s been an eyeopening experience,” she said. I often find myself giving referrals and dealing with mental health needs in the course of interpreting for the doctor. I’m not there in my capacity as a psychologist, but I find myself wearing multiple hats because that’s what’s needed.” Angela Moreland, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences who works with MUSC’s National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, knows López and her work well. “I have worked closely with Cristina on multiple projects focused on reducing health disparities for adolescent and young adult girls,” she said. “I have been consistently impressed with Cristina’s passion for the work that she does and her genuine drive for reducing health disparities and improving the lives of adolescents and young adults.” Another aspect of López’s work is
working with attorneys to process U visa applications, which allow victims of criminal activity such as domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking to remain in the country legally. “Many victims of domestic violence come from countries where domestic violence is not a crime,” she said. “They don’t know
how to come forward or even that they should.” The current political climate with heated rhetoric around undocumented immigration, she said, makes it even less likely crime victims will come forward. While many of López’s colleagues praise her selflessness, she doesn’t necessarily see it that way. “I always remember thinking being a psychologist is very selfish,” she said. “Even though it’s very draining sometimes, it’s very gratifying work.” To be doing that work in Charleston is even better. When she’s not working, López can often be found exploring Charleston’s food and wine scene, taking Zumba classes or recharging at the beach. “I really live in other people’s vacations,” she said. “I’d love to help Charleston become a place where everyone can feel comfortable and safe, enjoying everything this wonderful city has to offer.”
photo provided
Cristina López presents at the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s annual Summer Institute conference held in Columbia, South Carolina last June. She spoke of the importance of trauma-focused mental health care in mitigating risky behaviors that lead to unplanned pregnancies.
8 The CaTalysT, March 18, 2016
Global Health travel grants awarded to 2016 recipients Staff Report
photo provided
Tanzanian women attempt to prepare food outside for relatives who are in the hospital. Students will be working on similar outreach projects. Trainee Travel Grants q Bailey Beauclair, College of Health Professions Project: Implementing an Electronic Health Record System in the Heart of Africa Bailey Beauclair is working with her classmates in the Masters of Health Administration program to develop an electronic health record (EHR) system implementation plan for Palmetto Medical Initiative’s facilities in Uganda. Paper medical records are inefficient, difficult to read and time–consuming to update, making it difficult to share information among clinicians, patients and their families. This project will allow Beauclair to gain firsthand experience in
developing a plan in collaboration with clinicians, residents and administrative staff in transitioning the Uganda hospital from a paper–based medical record system to an EHR. She looks forward to being immersed in another culture, especially gaining insight into different socio–cultural perceptions and the unique needs of the clinicians and the patients they serve. “What is unique about helping to implement this system is that even after I leave it will be sustainable and continue to help others for years to come,” she said. q Kathryn Bradburn, College of Medicine
See Global on page 9
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MUSC’s Center for Global Health announced this week the names of the students and faculty members who received the Global Health trainee travel and faculty mentor grants. The awards went to 10 students, representing four of the six MUSC colleges, and three faculty members who will lead students from all six of the colleges abroad, providing guidance and mentorship. Kathleen Ellis, director of operations for the center, said the decision–making process was a difficult one, as there were many excellent proposals that went through a competitive review process that included faculty and student evaluators from the various colleges. “ “Whether it’s battling HIV and diabetes in Tanzania, tackling environmental health issues in South Africa or improving clinical care in Haiti, these students and residents are gaining irreplacable hands–on knowledge and perspective of how differently medicine is delivered half a world away and tapping into the very heart of their desire to become health care professionals,” she said. The trainee grants program was established in 2013 and provides opportunities for MUSC students to develop their clinical skills and research abilities in a global environment. The $2,000 grants will support their efforts in global health research and training. Over the last three years, a total of 37 students and trainees have had the chance to conduct fieldwork and service learning projects in 11 countries.
Project: A Medical Expedition to the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti Kathryn Bradburn, a first–year medical student, will join the Himalayan Health Exchange (HHE) this summer to travel with a large mobile medical team to provide medical care to underserved populations in the remote interior regions of the Himalayas. The team will work closely with local physicians, nurses and ancillary staff to provide medical care and education that acknowledges and respects the local customs and cultural beliefs. The trip will provide a unique clinical experience, posing the challenge of diagnosing and treating patients with limited supplies of testing equipment and medications. In particular, she hopes to gain an understanding of regional health topics such as wilderness medicine, altitude sickness, HIV and STDs in northern India. She is also looking forward to exploring traditional medical practices, specifically the impact of Ayurvedic medicine on the local perception of health and healing. “Setting up and running clinics will require teamwork, organization, and a willingness to learn and adapt from each participant,” explained Bradburn. “This will challenge me and increase my ability to be an effective communicator and team member. I am determined to use my medical training to invest in a community of need and develop international service throughout my career.”
The CaTalysT, March 18, 2016 9 Continued from Page Eight
Mark Lyles, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and chief strategic officer MUSC Health/College of Medicine q Julia Haston, College of Medicine Project: Global Health Experience in Pediatric Medicine in Arusha, Tanzania Pediatric resident Julia Haston, M.D., will be traveling to Arusha, Tanzania this spring for a one–month rotation at Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, an urban medical facility, and the Selian Lutheran Hospital, a community facility, where she will work in the pediatric wards, caring for and learning about the health care of children in Tanzania. She will assist in treatment of common, but often fatal infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia and parasitic infections. Haston plans to complete a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases after residency, making this rotation an even more valuable opportunity to strengthen her skills and learn firsthand about tropical medicine and infectious diseases that are not commonly seen in the United States. She looks forward to being immersed in the Tanzanian culture and gaining a deeper understanding of the health care issues and resource constraints facing the local community. “When I was interviewing for my pediatric residency, I asked each institution about their involvement with global health and the opportunities allowed for international travel,” said Haston. “Because I plan to practice medicine internationally in some capacity once I complete residency and fellowship, I felt that it was very important to train in a program where travel was supported and encouraged.” q Kate Measom, College of Medicine Project: Increasing Cultural Competence and Improving an Ethics Curriculum for Medical and Pharmacy Students during a Primary Care Service Trip to Haiti Kate Measom will be traveling to Thomonde, Haiti, with Project Medishare, a non-governmental
Walter G. Renne, DMD, assistant professor, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral Rehabilitation College of Dental Medicine
Cynthia Swenson, Ph.D., professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
organization dedicated to providing comprehensive health services in Haiti, and Service Learners International (SLI), an MUSC student–led organization established in 2011 to create sustainable health care services there. As a third–year medical student, Measom will be working in mobile clinics in rural communities throughout the Central Plateau region of Haiti. During previous trips to Haiti, Measom became keenly aware of the value of understanding how local cultural perceptions impact patient care. As the team’s interactions with the local staff and community grew, it became clear that cultural differences were presenting challenges in organization and communication. As director of SLI, she became concerned that team members might make assumptions while in clinic and miss key opportunities to provide adequate counseling to patients. Measom’s project this summer will lay the groundwork for a culture and ethics curriculum that can be implemented for future trips. “As a leader, it is my job to make sure we are continuously improving and equipping ourselves with the necessary cultural knowledge to deliver the best quality of care we can,” said Measom. “Striving to improve cultural competence applies not only to Haiti, but also to all of our future patients. If we are able to understand our patients’ lives a little better, we can treat the whole person and not just the disease.”
(TBAs) and midwives in Uganda to better support neonatal resuscitation training in resource–poor settings. While at Palmetto Medical Initiative’s clinic in Masindi, Uganda, Mendhi’s research will focus on evaluating the barriers, facilitators and specific learning needs for implementation of neonatal airway
q Marvesh Mendhi, College of Nursing Project: Investigating Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Neonatal Airway Management Practices in Uganda Marvesh Mendhi, RN, a nurse anesthetist pursuing a Ph.D. in the College of Nursing, will address a significant health priority in the World Health Organization’s millennium development goal — reducing neonatal deaths caused by hypoxic events — by capturing the voices of traditional birth attendants
College of Medicine
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Take 15 minutes, reduce stress the basic test in 2016. MUSC’s Office of Health Employees and spouses Promotion and the Health without this insurance can Innovation Center is offering participate for $47. For a series of free yogic breathing information, including classes lead by Sundar updated pricing for Balasubramanian, Ph.D., assistant optional tests and to professor in the Department register online visit musc. of Radiation Oncology, on edu/ohp/employeeTuesdays from 11:30 a.m. until wellness/worksite11:45, beginning March 22. screening.html. The recent Employee Wellness q Chair massages — Free Idea Campaign received many massages are offered recommendations for stress Susan Johnson reduction classes, and now they’re to employees midday available. Wednesdays. Check Yogic breathing is a technique to broadcast messages for new locations and promote self-healing that can be done times while standing or seated in a chair. No q Farmers Markets — Fresh fruits and mats, props or postures are required, vegetables are available from local which makes it perfect for beginners. farmers on Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 Participants will learn a few effective p.m. at the Horseshoe. techniques to regulate breathing that q Adventure Out: The Adventure Out can be done anywhere, even at work. program offers free fitness classes in City The Tuesday classes that run from of Charleston parks and on the MUSC 11:30. to 11:45 a.m. will be held in the Campus to help you turn over a new following locations: leaf and discover the benefits of green •March 22 — BE110: Bioengineering exercise. Join MUSC Wellness Center’s •March 29 — BE110: Bioengineering Gail Corvette at 9 a.m., Saturday, March •April 05 — BE110: Bioengineering 26, at Hampton Park’s gazebo for a free •April 12 — BS502: Basic Science yoga class. For information, visit www. •April 19 — BE110: Bioengineering musc.edu/ohp/adventure-out. •April 26 — H282: University q Save the Date — National Walking Hospital, 2 West Amphitheatre Day: 12:15 p.m., April 6 at the •May 3 — BS349: Basic Science •May 10 — H282: University Hospital, Horseshoe. Meet city and MUSC 2 West Amphitheatre dignitaries will be present near the Participants can attend any or all Colbert Library. Program will begin with sessions. Registration is not required brief remarks followed by a warm up by and wearing work attire is perfectly Wellness Center instructors and walk acceptable. Leaders advise that to (rain or shine) of the MUSC Medical receive the optimum effect, it is best to Mile (from Ashley Avenue to Calhoun refrain from eating a big meal within to Courtenay and Bee streets back to two hours of class. Participants are Ashley) in support of a healthy and active asked not to bring any food to classes, lifestyle. Free pedometers and Sodexo– although water is fine. provided fruit and water (while supplies Please email musc-empwell@musc. last). Join us for a post–walk lunch with edu for additional information. To options including food trucks (sponsored be sent the calendar of events for this by Library Commons): Roti Rolls, Just series of classes please email flanaganc@ Eat This! and Brava Bowls. musc.edu.
Health at work
Employee Wellness Events
q Worksite Screening: Thursday, March 24 at Harborview Office Tower in room 803. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) at no charge for
MUSC Urban Farm
q Midday Work and Learn — Tuesday, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. q Early Bird Maintenance — Wednesday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. q Saturday Work and Learns — March 19, 9 to 11 a.m.
Event is Monday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., The Royal American. Purchase tickets ($5) from MUSiC members, Colblert Library Lobby from 12 to 1 p.m., weekdays
The CaTalysT, March 18, 2016 11
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Continued from Page Nine
management among rural community maternal–child health care workers. Her project will assess current neonatal care practices and the need for education resources tailored to the learning needs, preferences and cultural traditions of midwives and TBAs. This approach will guide Mendhi in the future development of tools and techniques that are culturally appropriate and tailored to the local culture. “My passion to serve the developing nations continues with a focus on developing and testing a new strategy for preparing traditional birth attendants to carry out simple neonatal airway management, which can have a profound effect on infant survival and developmental outcomes in developing countries,” stated Mendhi. q Max Mondestin, College of Medicine Project: South Carolina Orthopaedic Association Mission Trip in Haiti Haiti is more than a destination on the map to Max Mondestin, a third– year orthopedic resident at MUSC, whose parents were born in Haiti and immigrated to the U.S., where they both became nurses. Watching his parents give back to communities in need during their careers was a driving force in his decision to enter the medical field. This summer, Mondestin will travel to Haiti through the South Carolina Orthopaedic Association’s Global Resident Education Initiative, a training program designed to promote the global training of South Carolina orthopedic residents and to support training of Haitian orthopedic residents. Mondestin will spend his time at two partner hospitals where he will work directly with local medical staff and nurses to provide care and consultations to inpatients and outpatients. Mondestin will gain the cultural experience of interacting with caring for patients in a foreign country and learn how to best provide treatment in resource–constrained settings. “I understand that there are many underserved patients in the United States, but the patients that we will help in Haiti are beyond underserved and potentially have no one to service their orthopedic needs at all,” said Mondestin. “This trip will be a constant reminder of the importance of providing care to the
underserved while in the United States.” q Lutfiyya Muhammad, College of Graduate Studies Project: HIV Partner Testing in Uganda with Makerere University Lutfiyya Muhammad will be working this summer on a randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effect of HIV oral self–test kits for partner testing in Uganda. While many pregnant women in Uganda are tested for HIV, current data shows their partners have a very low rate. Pregnant women represent an important population due to the opportunity to prevent mother–to–child transmission of HIV during delivery and breastfeeding. During her internship this summer, Muhammad will work directly with in-country collaborators at Makere University School of Public Health and Mildmay Clinic on a research intervention focused on increasing HIV testing rates among the male partners of these women. As a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in biostatistics in the Department of Public Health Sciences, this internship will allow Muhammad direct involvement in identifying and overcoming the difficulties connected with data collection. “My future career plan includes becoming a lead biostatistician for a governmental agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization,” shared Muhammad. “I hope to gain a sense of the qualities it takes to conduct research on an international level by participating in this internship.” q Regan Stewart, College of Medicine Project: School Mental Health Screening: Developing the Tools for a Total Educational Environment Regan Stewart’s project focuses on the mental health care of youth in Honduras, a significant area of concern identified by the World Health Organization. Mental health problems affect approximately 20 percent of children and adolescents worldwide, and failure to address these issues in children and adolescents is a significant public health issue with wide-ranging negative consequences. This is of particular importance in Honduras, where 35 percent of the population is under the age of 15. Schools are uniquely positioned to provide mental
health services because children spend the majority of their day in school, and the environment provides a good context for prevention and intervention. Stewart will work with a school through the Lamb Institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to assess the mental health needs of children and adolescents via school–based screening and then use those screening results to develop teacher training, which will be delivered via telehealth. “I am working to develop my career as an independent health disparities researcher, with both domestic and international lines of research,” stated Stewart. q Jessica Wade, College of Medicine Project: Establishing a Medical Site in Ecuador Jessica Wade has been involved for several years with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to quality health care to communities across the globe. As an undergraduate at Clemson University, Wade participated in volunteer trips aimed at developing micro-health insurance programs, pregnancy counseling, water sanitation and diabetes prevention programs. This summer, as a first–year medical student, Wade will work directly with FIMRC’s field operations manager to plan and develop the opening of the organization’s new site in Ecuador. As part of her project, she plans to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment to identify the health and educational needs that are currently undeserved in the community. This analysis will help drive the decisions and development of future FIMRC public health programs at the site. “I never wanted to pursue a career that I could ever completely master — I want to be in a field where good isn’t good enough,” explained Wade. “Global health is that incredibly complex field I’ve been looking for to turn me into the best doctor I can be. The amount of needed education around the world, the thousands of cultures and subcultures that exist, governmental differences and the daunting health challenges that many underserved countries must face all combine to form an almost insurmountable challenge.” q Emily Whitman, College of Health Professions — Physician
Assistant Program Project: Telemedicine Project at Masindi–Katira Medical Center in Uganda Telemedicine is currently changing the availability of medical advice and treatment around the world. It allows remote locations with limited medical resources to receive consultations from medical staff in different regions and countries. Emily Whitman, a student in the physician assistant program, will spend her internal medicine rotation in Masindi, Uganda, with Palmetto Medical Initiative, as part of a team dedicated to providing access to clinical specialists via telemedicine between the clinic in Uganda and MUSC. Given the challenges — such as a 12–hour time difference and low bandwidth – involved with real–time telemedicine consultations between the two sites, Whitman and her team developed a solution. While in Uganda, she will serve as the on–the–ground facilitator, working with the local physicians to decide which complex patients need consultation with MUSC specialists. She will record a video of the patient’s case, summarize the case report with attached photos or imaging and upload them to an online portal where a team of MUSC physicians in Charleston, led by MUSC Chief Strategic Officer Mark Lyles, M.D., will review the cases and offer a consultation within 12 hours. Whitman will then work with local physicians at the Masindi clinic to review the consultations advice sent back from MUSC to determine the medical management needed. “With this experience I will gain interprofessional experience, coordinating with physicians, medical students, physician assistant students and the IT department,”said Whitman. “I am interested to see the impact that telemedicine can have on a community.” Faculty Mentor Grant Awardees q Mark Lyles, M.D. — Lyles will be mentoring MUSC College of Health Professions students in Uganda. q Wally Renne, DMD — Renne will be leading an experiential service learning trip to South Africa with MUSC dental students. q Cynthia Swenson, Ph.D. — Swenson will be mentoring students in an immersive village health outreach program in Ghana.
12 The CaTalysT, March 18, 2016
blue DoGS Donate $50K to CaMPaiGn
photo provided
The Blue Dogs, a popular local band, presented a check for $50,000 to the band’s charity partner, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital to support its campaign and pediatric cancer research at MUSC. The check presentation took place on March 14 at MUSC. The proceeds were raised from the group’s third annual homecoming concert last December.
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