May 23, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 32, No. 38
MUSC students inspire junior doctors of health By Dawn Brazell Public Relations
T
eaching kindergarten children is much like herding cats. Energetic and curious, the children love information but can be easily distracted. “Let’s catch bubbles in our mouths,” pharmacy student Tom O’Donnell said, puffing out his cheeks to get the children to mimic him, something he didn’t think he’d be doing at this stage of his career. They puff out their cheeks, too, and stop talking, which is exactly the objective of O’Donnell, who is one of five Junior Doctors of Health instructors from MUSC here to teach kindergarten students at Meeting Street Academy. His other objective today, beyond getting their attention, is to explain the good effects of exercise and why watch it’s so good to drink water a ViDeo versus sweetened beverages. O’Donnell points to a body model next to him and pulls Visit MUSC’s out a lung. News Center “Does anybody want to hold to see videos a lung?” and a photo “Ugh,” one student grimaces, gallery on this but another reaches for the program at www. lobe, and the conversation musc.edu/pr/ turns to exercise and breathing. newscenter/2014/ After the 50–minute session, JDOH.html. the students leave tired but happy. Dietetic intern Magie Young said she loved getting the children’s perspective and figuring out what resonated with them. “I think they’re hysterical. It’s fun to engage them on a topic you know that you’re going to get funny answers,” she said, referring to one child’s answer that chocolate milk comes from chocolate– colored cows. “It makes me aware of my audience and try to find out what they know and where they’re at.” O’Donnell agreed, saying the experience was good practice for him in explaining health topics to a lay
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Colleague Remembered Beloved researcher leaves a hole in the heart of a department.
photo by Sarah Pack, Pubic Relations
MUSC dietetic intern Keely Flynn reads a book to Meeting Street Academy kindergarten students during a Junior Doctors of Health lesson at the school. audience, a skill he will parlay into his work as a pharmacist. With the program celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, JDOH is proving to be effective in its mission of getting students, teachers and parents on healthier tracks. JDOH director Scotty Buff, Ph.D., said that was the original intent. While a student and participant in MUSC’s Presidential Scholars Program, she helped found JDOH with the vision of putting undergraduate and graduate
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students in interdisciplinary teams to go into schools to encourage underserved youth to lead healthy lifestyles and to consider health care professions. In the past 10 years, JDOH has trained more than 850 students and reached more than 3,000 children. It has expanded across the state through a collaboration with the S.C. Area Health Education Consortium.
See Junior on page 6
Communications Corner
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Employee Wellness
Results of a physician engagement survey paint a picture of key issues.
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Meet Carrie
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Classifieds
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
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Researcher, mentor will be fondly remembered By Mikie hayes Public Relations MUSC has lost one of its own. Scott Argraves, Ph.D., passed away on May 11 after a valiant battle with cancer. The devoted family man, generous friend and beloved colleague has left a void in the lives of many that will be impossible to fill. Argraves’s numerous contributions to science are well known in the field of regenerative medicine and cell biology and a source of great pride at MUSC, especially his work in extracellular matrix biology, where he is considered a pioneer. In 1995, Roger Markwald, Ph.D., chairman of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology recruited both Argraves and his wife, Kelley Argraves, to his department and considers it one of his best decisions. Argraves enjoyed an illustrious career at MUSC and in 2009, was named the associate chair for research. Recently, he provided leadership for two major statewide research efforts: The first in proteogenomics and another in tissue biofabrication. He helped create the Advanced Tissue Biofabrication Center which houses the “Palmetto Argraves Printer,” a 3D bioprinter designed to print vessels for use in blood vessel replacement therapy. According to Markwald, he brought great recognition to the state of South Carolina for these and many efforts. “Scott was a pillar in this department. He had an outstanding scientific mind and was always brimming with new ideas. He was a powerhouse and the most gifted scientist I’ve ever met. He was a pioneer in technologies that have become the most widely used in the world of genomics.”
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Interim editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu
“Scott was a pillar in this department. He had an outstanding scientific mind and was always brimming with new ideas. He was a powerhouse and the most gifted scientist I’ve ever met.” Roger Markwald, Ph.D. In the early 90s, Argraves conducted groundbreaking research at the American Red Cross on a protein he identified and named fibulin. He continued that important work at MUSC and became widely recognized as the “father” of this field. Associates described Argraves as a very special person who cared deeply for colleagues, students and those he mentored. He was a constant source of encouragement to all and worked to bring out the very best in people as he could always see their potential, even when they didn’t see it themselves. He is said to have enriched the lives of countless young scientists, friends, co-workers, and family members. Markwald described one of Argraves’ most admirable qualities as his love of promoting careers in science and his devotion to bringing young scientists along. “He was passionate about mentoring and developing new scientists and promoting diversity, particularly for the careers of women in science.” Those who speak of Argraves never fail to mention that while he loved his work, his wife and daughters,
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Jenna Margaret and Livia Shae, were truly the very heart of his life. Although it appeared he worked 24 hours a day, in reality, he was integrally involved in their interests and pursuits. Etta D. Pisano, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine, said, “Scott meant a great deal to many of us personally through his roles as teacher, friend, and mentor. He was passionate about his work, but his devotion to MUSC paled in comparison to the love he had for his wife, Kelley, who is also on our faculty, and their two daughters. He has left behind an incredible legacy, and will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.” Bryan Toole, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, agrees. “Scott was a truly remarkable guy. He was a close friend and colleague who was always ready to chat, explain, argue, illuminate, hypothesize, enthuse about any aspect of life that mattered to either of us or our families and friends. If I had a new idea, a puzzling conundrum or just felt restless, I would wander around to Scott’s office and he was always ready to talk about it in a way that made you feel your stuff was important to him. And likely as not, others would wander in, join in, and soon a full–scale, usually loud discussion would ensue. Sometimes things got solved, other times more challenging or confusing. I will miss him very, very much,” Toole said. Christi Kern, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, said, “Scott had a contagious enthusiasm for science. The fact that he would drop everything to engage in a lively scientific discussion was encouraging and also acknowledged the hard work that went into your latest discovery. Scott’s tenacious determination has motivated me to keep doing my scientific best because, as he often said, ‘you can’t hit a home run, if you’re not willing to step up to the plate.’”
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Employee Wellness at lunchtime with a coworker Vivian Hall, the frequently, feeling guilty when winner of the April she couldn’t. Participating Mindful Monthly changed her mind set: “I figured Challenge, echoes the if I make myself accountable, I’d sentiments of many become motivated to do better.... MUSC staff members.“I even if it’s small baby steps,” said definitely need a push Hall. to become motivated to There is a new Monthly live a healthier lifestyle. Mindful Challenge for May: I have a sit down job so Adventure Out: find ways to I don’t get much exercise exercise outdoors and enjoy the while at work,” she said. Susan Johnson many benefits of green exercise. The Office of Health To begin, take the first May Promotion’s focus on Monthly Mindful Challenge survey at fitness throughout the month http://tinyurl.com/kj2w32k. A link to of April was intended to reach the final survey will be sent at month’s those who can relate to Vivian’s end to those who take the first survey. sedentary work habits and encourage them to get moving. The Healthy Eating Challenge q Fit Family Challenge — MUSC has invited partnered with Coca–Cola, Lowcountry participants Parent magazine, DHEC, SC Hospital to try a new Association and CVS in an 8–week exercise or program in which S.C. residents are work out as challenged to get out and get active. fatigue with Register at fitfamilychallengesc.com. an existing Families earn points for a chance to routine win prizes during the challenge period, is often May 15 to July 10. Hall cited as a q MUSC Quits! — an eight–week reason for tobacco cessation program to help discontinuing exercise. MUSC students and employees quit Once she signed up, smoking — free of charge from May 27 according to Johnson, Hall, an to July 18; 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., Tuesdays administrative assistant with the or 7:45 to 8:45pm, Thursdays. Register Department of Public Health at woodarda@musc.edu. Sciences, took the commitment Read more Employee Wellness seriously. Events or Urban Farm activities, She walked the MUSC mile visit http://mcintranet.musc.edu/
Health at work
employeewellness/.
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MUSC Medical Center Communications Corner Physician Engagement Survey Results Now Available 2014 Results In February, the medical center’s physicians were asked to complete the annual physician engagement survey. Consistent with our efforts last year to improve overall engagement with our employees and physicians, we are paying close attention this year to our survey results and are using the results to drive changes within the organization and improve alignment and engagement of our physicians. We continue to examine the
HIGHEST PERFORMING ITEMS compared to the national average
2014
Difference from National Average
5. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of the nursing staff.
4.14
+.10
1. The nursing staff is responsive when I need assistance.
4.28
+.08
19. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of laboratory services.
4.13
+.08
20. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of radiology services.
4.15
+.08
22. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of the emergency department.
3.83
+.08
This year, we had only two items with scores that declined from 2013 to 2014.
relationship between employee engagement, physician engagement and key patient outcomes to assess how engagement pertains to excellence in care. Response rate The physician engagement survey was sent to 839 physicians, 499 completed the survey, giving an overall response rate of 59 percent. Response rates above 30 percent are considered statistically valid, and all of our departments had a 30 percent or above response rate. Though our results give a statistically valid picture of our physician engagement, we will continue to strive for 100 percent participation in order to give leaders a more complete understanding of key issues. Response Rate
# of Respondents
Anesthesiology
58%
34
Dermatology
67%
10
Family Medicine
46%
11
Medicine
52%
120
Neurosciences
64%
30
Obstetrics & Gynecology Services
76%
25
Ophthalmology
50%
11
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
43%
3
Orthopaedic Surgery
84%
16
Otolaryngology
52%
13
ITEMS WITH DECLINE compared to the 2013 survey
2014 Decrease from 2013
18. I receive adequate Information Technology support.
3.62
–.14
Pathology & Lab. Med.
74%
20
19. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of laboratory services.
4.13
–.09
Pediatrics
63%
83
Psychiatry
51%
29
Radiation Oncology
100%
7
Radiology
67%
30
Surgery
63%
40
Urology
57%
8
Carolina Family Care
33%
9
The leadership team is committed to listening carefully to what our physicians have told us and to use the results of this survey to enact plans to respond to the issues identified. Please watch for updates on plans and activities in future communications.
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MEET CARRIE
Carrie Alexander, M.D. Department MUSC Physicians—Park West Years at MUSC 2.5 years How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC As an internist, I try to get to know people as a person and a patient. I think it helps me understand how to work better with them and help them get well. Children and their names Brandon, 12 and Riley, 11 Dream job Exactly what I’m doing now. It is a privilege to be asked to come into patients’ lives and help them get better. Favorite summer activity Anything outside! Favorite place in the world Cinque Terre, Italy Favorite quote “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” —Abraham Lincoln
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Junior
Continued from Page One
Buff said three students spearheaded it — a medical student who was concerned about exercise, a nursing student with an interest in diabetes and nutrition and herself. “I was interested in getting younger students interested in their careers, whether it be health care or a biomedical science career, but I wanted to start very, very young because one of the things I noticed when I was in school was that the higher I got through my education, the less and less diverse the group of people around me was.” The program works with children preschool age all the way up to 8th grade, with plans to expand to high school students who could serve as mentors. Buff also sees the program adding more to its parent and community outreach segments. Jean McDowell, director of admissions and communications at Meeting Street Academy, is glad to hear that. “I love the program. I think the kids really enjoy it. What I really love for Meeting Street Academy is that it includes a parent or family aspect to it so it’s not just with the child. It’s great we can tell the children to eat healthy until we’re blue in the face and to live healthy lifestyles, but they’re not the ones grocery shopping and cooking.” She recalls a parent meeting on how to make healthy beverage choices where she sought feedback from a parent who attended. “One mother said, ‘oh my gosh. I had no idea. Do you know how much sugar is in a Coke?’” I was like ‘yes, yes I do. It’s a lot of sugar.’ I just feel like it’s bringing things home for everyone involved. It’s working with the whole family and that’s a lot about what Meeting Street Academy is about. It’s being partners with the whole family, not just with the child because it takes everyone working together.” The parent meetings have included free giveaways, such as a crockpot, and cooking lessons. “It’s not just lecturing about sugar’s bad and fruit sugar is good. It’s not stuff that everybody has heard. It’s really teaching real life cooking. You know — things that you can actually cook, and then getting them to taste it and take home the crockpot so that you can actually cook with it. MUSC has been really willing to morph to continue to provide the best means possible to reach as many of our families as they can.” McDowell said she likes the partnership of the school, their families and MUSC. Young students get exposed to new ideas for careers and develop relationships with the student mentors during the four– week program. It’s exposure that seems to stick and make an impact. Driving two girls home one day, she asked them the usual question she does about the best and worst parts of their days. The worst: They didn’t get seconds on the bell peppers in Junior Doctors of Health. “And I was like, ‘oh my gosh. In first grade, there is no way I would’ve eaten a bell pepper.’ It’s exposing them to more food choices, and they like it.”
photo by Dawn Brazell, Public Relations
Pharmacy students Tom O’Donnell (right) and Ryan Linton field questions from Meeting Street Academy children during a Junior Doctors of Health session. The program is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has grown in popularity. It is seeking more faculty and student involvement from MUSC and other educational institutions in the state.
relationships Studies show that the JDOH curriculum works. An evaluation funded by The Duke Endowment (2008 to 2012) found elementary age children who received JDOH significantly decreased consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and increased consumption of fruit and vegetables. Preschoolers who received JDOH decreased their intake of sugar and consumption of fiber increased, knowledge of how to select healthy meal choices increased, and physical activity increased while sedentary behavior decreased. Buff said findings suggest that student participation in a preschool program that included JDOH health curriculum positively influences the children’s future risk of obesity. Buff said the program’s success largely is due to the relationships formed in the hands–on, interactive lessons. “It’s not a one–time volunteer project. You go three or four times. You build relationships. We need students who want to have a deeper experience. The
first time students go, it’s like deer in headlights with them afraid of doing something wrong. By the second session, everyone is more comfortable. By the third or fourth session, they are rocking and rolling — all the stereotypes either group has had have fallen away.” She recounts a time a parent came to her to say her daughter insisted they change what they eat after doing JDOH, and she wanted to cook with her mother so they could try out healthier fare. “We’re only in the classroom four times. It’s interesting to see we can have that kind of impact on a household.” An impact is made on MUSC’s students as well. Buff said the program makes students step outside of their comfort zones and drop any stereotypes they may have. In trying to get out key health messages, the graduate students learn firsthand how well received they are. “It encourages students to look at the whole person — not just the person you see in clinic — whether it’s putting them at ease or better understanding adherence issues or learning how to communicate more effectively.
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Above, Meeting Street Academy kindergarten teacher, Katie Bailey, left, and Aniyah Legare, right, laugh as Amiya Thomas tries to bite into an apple slice while having a loose tooth. The children are introduced to new healthier food snacks during the program. Pictured left, Payton Rivers, left, and Taliyah Roman view their classmates’ art projects during photos by Sarah Pack, Public Relations a lesson on the value of eating whole grains. All those things we embody in what we teach students.” Student mentors, after they go through JDOH training, report that they can better see the impact health care providers and the community can have on the health of children. “They learn it’s not just the parents’ jobs.” Another benefit is that it encourages more of these medical professionals to practice in underserved, resource–poor areas. “That’s huge,” Buff said. “That right there is more primary health care providers in South Carolina in rural areas.” Elana Wells is a JDOH program coordinator who has developed much of the curriculum and likes the interprofessional learning among the team.“They have an opportunity to work with students from other professions and really learn their expertise. For example, a lot of students don’t really know what the dietetic interns do or that we even have dietetic interns on this campus. They also learn how important it is to work together and rely on each other’s knowledge because not one profession can know everything.” Wells said the schools chosen for JDOH are rural and underserved schools or have Title 1 designations, which means they have student enrollments in which more than half of the students qualify as low income, so university students are exposed to how issues such as poverty may hinder healthy behavior choices. “I think in terms of cultural sensitivity, they are able to work with people and children who they may not have worked with before, but whom they’ll definitely work with in the future. That’s really important,” Wells said.
“And then just hearing some of the children’s stories may bring a new reality. When children say something like, ‘oh my mom doesn’t let me play outside because the area I live in isn’t safe’ or ‘my mom says we can’t afford this type of fruit or vegetable,’ that opens their eyes to issues like that.” Many of the students are interested in working with children, and it’s a great experience for them to practice that, Wells said. “They actually get to use information that they’ve learned in school and share it with the community. Also, there’s the value of prevention. This program is focused on obesity prevention so practicing that messaging in terms of preventative health care is important.”
eMpowerMent The challenge facing JDOH now is how to keep up with the demand. Wells said the program needs more student and faculty involvement. They have worked to expand ways more colleges can be involved as well as more faculty and students at MUSC. At MUSC, students may volunteer or take JDOH as a course elective. They also can participate in a monthlong experience, called the Interprofessional Service Learning Project, a statewide program that MUSC has partnered with AHEC to facilitate. More recently JDOH has partnered with the individual colleges at MUSC and locally to see how faculty members can integrate the curriculum into their courses. For example, in the physician’s assistant program, JDOH is being integrated into the community health course, she said.
“That’s been a really neat way for us to recruit more students and so we’re always looking for more faculty members who are interested in their students gaining information about prevention and community health and cultural sensitivity. This is a great program to fulfill those learning objectives.” Student mentors are trained to deliver the curriculum over four, one–hour sessions that are geared to be highly interactive and tailored to the respective grade level. The sessions teach nutrition, exercise and health career exploration. When elementary students finish the program, they receive their Junior Doctor of Health certificates that have pictures and biographies of the students who taught the courses. The mission is empowerment. “The point that the child becomes a Junior Doctor of Health is that they become an advocate for their own health,” Wells said. Buff agreed. The children learn they are in control over what they eat and the physical activity they get and how that affects their health. The student mentors role model how they can become anything they want to become and how education can provide that pathway. It’s a message children need to get at a very early age. “When you empower children that they can help influence those decisions, it leads to a train of thought where they start realizing they can have an impact on the trajectory of their lives,” she said. “It’s empowering them to become health advocates, their own self advocates, to be on a course that’s healthy.”
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CanCer SpeCialiSt ViSitS HollingS
photo provided
Hollings Cancer Center’s Dr. Marvella Ford, left, HCC director Dr. Andrew Kraft, second right, and South Carolina State University’s Dr. Judith Salley, far right, welcome hematolgy oncologist Dr. Olufunmilayo “Funmi” Olopade, second from left, who was a guest seminar speaker May 2 at HCC. Dr. Olopade, who has extensive experience studying breast cancer, discussed the value of personalized cancer care for patients. She is on the American Board of Internal Medicine and in 2011, was selected by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Cancer Advisory Board.
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