May 25, 2012
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 30, No. 39
Need Blood? You can bank on it at MUSC BY DAWN BRAZELL Public Relations
D
espite the occasional vampire joke, Jerry Squires, M.D., Ph.D., practically gushes about his job. The former national medical director of the American Red Cross came to MUSC four years ago to “get back to the patients” in his position as medical director of transfusion and associate professor of pathology. Squires said he was drawn to the field because of his interest in pathology and teaching and wasn’t put off by working in a blood bank as some of his colleagues were. “Transfusions save lives every day here. But transfusion, like many medical therapies, carry some risk. It is this knowledge that makes every person working in the transfusion service so focused on doing a good job and on doing what is best for the patient,” he said. Leading a tour of MUSC’s Blood Bank, Squires explained what a huge undertaking it is to keep a Level I trauma center, such as MUSC, always prepared for whatever emergency might arrive. He points to a board listing blood types, with the amount of units stocked in each. All donors are welcomed, but particularly type O, since this universal blood type may go to anyone. Other blood types are more restricted as they must be matched for a safe transfusion. “We have 60 units of O, so we’re good,” he said, noting the bank has a minimum level it tries to keep within each blood type. “But we can have a patient come in by helicopter in a big trauma case and that stock is gone.” A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. Other areas of great need for transfusion are patients with cancer and sickle cell disease. Sickle cell affects more than 80,000 people in the nation, many of whom have to have frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. More than
See BANK on page 6
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SCHOLAR REMEMBERED Dr. Gene Burges, an MUSC alumna and VA dermatologist, died May 5 after a long illness.
Left, employees tour MUSC’s Blood Bank where Dr. Jerry Squires and Karen Garner, manager of transfusion services, dqor jeqhfpklhu tl klq vqwi smnc receives about 40,000 units of blood and blood products from the American Red Cross, about 60 percent, red blood cell units; 20 percent, plasma units; 18 percent, platelet apheresis; and 2 percent, cryoprecipitate.
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SPECIAL-NEEDS CLINIC
4
Applause Program
A College of Dental Medicine graduate donates $1.5 million.
5
Meet Mack
10
Medical Center Excellence
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012
Scholar, clinician remembered for compassion BY CINDY ABOLE Public Relations Gene Elizabeth Burges, M.D., Ph.D., a respected clinician, advisor, scholar and MUSC alumna died May 5 at her home after a long illness. A Charleston native, Burgess received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1968 and earned Burges her medical and doctorate degrees in microbiology and immunology in 1983. She went on to complete an internal medicine internship and dermatology residency in 1988. She established a private practice in dermatology in 1988 and remained as a clinical attending physician at MUSC. In 2005, she joined MUSC full-time in dual appointments as an associate professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery and in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. She was named chief of dermatology at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2005. Regarded as an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging teacher and lecturer to her students, Burges won several teaching awards including the Golden Apple Award in 2009. In 2011, she was presented with the MUSC Foundation Teaching Excellence Award in the educator/lecturer category. She also was the author of more than 30 publications and abstracts
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
during her career. Burgess served on numerous campus committees including the Department of Dermatology Career Planning and Curriculum committees and Year 2 College of Medicine’s curriculum reform committee, the MUSC medical center credentials and telemedicine committees. Additionally, she held memberships with the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Medical Association, South Carolina Medical Association, the Charleston County Medical Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burges was born Jan. 11, 1947 to Julius and Margaret Burges of Charleston. She is survived by her two sons, Stephen Estes Jr., and Philip Estes, and other family. Memorials may be made to the MUSC Foundation, Class of 1984 Scholarship Fund, 261 Calhoun St., Suite 306, MSC 182, Charleston, S.C., 29425; Tricounty Family Ministries, 3349 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, S.C., 29405; Ashley Hall School Science Programs, 172 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, S.C., 29402; or Hospice of Charleston Foundation, P.O. Box 417, Mount Pleasant, S.C., 29465. “Dr. Burges’ passion was counseling medical students and young physicians. She was the consummate mentor. She was most proud of the recognition she received from MUSC, including the Golden Apple Award in 2009, and the MUSC Foundation Teaching Excellence 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.
Award in 2011.” —Bruce H. Thiers, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery “Dr. Burges had a profound impact on MUSC and all those who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.” —Etta D. Pisano, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean, College of Medicine “I will miss Gene so much. We met six or seven years ago when teaching in the microbiology and immunology course at MUSC. She was an outstanding mentor and role model, super smart and always meticulous and conscientious about her work. You could always count on her. Seeing all that she did these last three years after her diagnosis also really changed my view of living with cancer. She was inspiring.” —Laura Kasman, Ph.D., Department of
Microbiology & Immunology “Dr. Burges was my fellow colleague in dermatology at MUSC and the Ralph Johnson VAMC. She was an outstanding clinician, an excellent teacher of dermatology and microbiology/ immunology, and was dedicated to medical students and resident education. Dr. Burges also was quite creative and established a fine tele-dermatology program at the VAMC. —Ross Pollack, M.D., MUSC Dermatology “I would not be starting a career in dermatology in only a few short weeks if it weren’t for Dr. Burges. She was an incredibly unique person: exceptionally pragmatic, painstakingly meticulous, consistently selfless, considerate, quick to smile and always kind.” —Roger Sullivan, M.D., resident, MUSC Dermatology
Schachte Research Mentor Award accepting nominations Nominations are being accepted for the Peggy Schachte Research Mentor Award. This award was established by an endowment from the College of Medicine in honor of Margaret P. (Peggy) Schachte, who founded and served as director of the MUSC Office of Research Development from 1993 to 2009. During her tenure, Schachte recognized the significance of research mentorship and played a major role in initiating and championing research mentorship activities at MUSC. The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals at MUSC who mentor faculty in obtaining research support from private and public organizations or government agencies. The award is aimed at a faculty mentor or other colleague who is widely recognized as an outstanding research mentor who encourages and supports the advancement of others as successful, extramurally funded
investigators. The Research Mentor Award will be presented at the MUSC Faculty Convocation and will include $1,000 as part of the recognition. Nominations are accepted from all MUSC faculty and staff. The nominating package should include the full curriculum vitae of the nominee with examples of research mentorship activities; three supporting letters from MUSC faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, or staff attesting to the research mentorship activities of the nominee; and a letter from the nominator (not to exceed 1,000 words) summarizing the nominee's background and achievements as a research mentor. Nominations should be sent to: Stephen Lanier, Ph.D., associate provost for research, c/o Robin Hanckel (hanckelr@musc.edu) Colcock Hall, MSC 002. For information, call 792-4333. The deadline for nominations is June 14.
THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012 3
Vitamin D: Sun, supplements or food sources? As the temperature rises, we naturally begin to migrate outside to the beach, our neighborhood pool or a Sunday afternoon baseball game. In doing so, we also may be reaping some health benefits from the absorption of vitamin D, the “Sunshine Vitamin,” Margie Sharpe but if so, the questions MUSC Dietetic Intern are what are these benefits and how much is enough. Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone produced in the body, is used to aid in the body’s absorption of calcium. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin and brittle bones. In addition, muscles need vitamin D to move and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Some researchers have found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased inflammation in otherwise healthy people and that inflammation was lowered by simple vitamin D. Increased inflammation
Nutrition matters
in the body can increase the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes. These studies, however, are controversial and have been subject to debate in the medical community. The Institute of Medicine recently increased the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) to 600 international units (IUs) per day (up from 400 IU) to maintain health for adults and 800 IUs for those 71 and older. But evidence shows that this may still not be enough to reap the benefits of vitamin D. Studies support intakes of 2,000 – 5,000 IUs daily in adults to replenish deficient stores without causing toxicity. Very few foods in nature actually contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish (salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts are also found in beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. Fortified foods such as milk, most ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, some brands of orange juice, yogurt and margarine provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet. For example, almost all of the United States milk supply is fortified with 100 IUs per 8 ounce cup. In addition, the body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun. The National Institute of
Health estimates that 80 to 90 percent of the vitamin D in our bodies comes from sun exposure. It has been suggested by some vitamin D researchers, including MUSC’s Bruce Hollis, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics, biochemistry and molecular biology, that just five to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. twice a week to the face, arms, legs or back without sunscreen usually leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. Cloudy days, shade, and dark-colored skin cut down on the amount of this vitamin the body can convert into usable form. Those especially at risk for not getting enough vitamin D include older adults, as their skin doesn't make the vitamin when exposed to sunlight as efficiently as when they were younger and their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form; people with dark skin, because their skin has less ability to produce vitamin D from the sun; and obese people, because their body fat binds to some vitamin D and prevents it from getting into the blood. Obtaining sufficient vitamin D from natural food sources alone is difficult. For most people, consuming vitamin D-fortified foods, taking a supplement or being exposed to some sunlight are essential for maintaining a healthy status.
4 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012
APPLAUSE PROGRAM The following medical center and university employees and offices received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile:
Medical Center Amelia Hoak, Ashley River Tower (ART) 6E; Margie Myers, Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Christina Moore, DDC; Bobbie Miller, Endoscopy; Nicole Na- jim, ART OR; Diane Kramer, ART OR; Heather Tay- lor, ART OR; Michelle Kennedy, Women’s Services; Tanchella Perry, Revenue Cycle Operations; Cynthia Fitzgerald, Pain Management Clinic; Libby Wood- ward, Women’s Services; Deborah Oliver, Pediatric Ambulatory Care; Kerry Hammond, Surgery; Kather- ine Morgan, Surgery; Tory Kindley, ART 6E; Farrah Rivera, ART 6E; Becky Hank, ART 6W; Adam Mill- er, ART 6E; Eve Sparger, ART 6E; Mona Murdaugh, ART 6W; Christina Chapman, Meduflex Team; Elyse Miller, Radiology; Kathleen Purl, Radiology; Joellen Redders, Emergency Department; Lewis Eisele, ART CCU; Corinne Dolan, MedSurg ICU; Ann Peterson, Volunteer & Guest Services; Gwen Brown, Pediatrics; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Wendy Wil- liams, 10W; Emily Deguzman, 6E; Megan Moore, Ther- apeutic Services; Brett Green, 10W; Courtney Nettles, 10W; Michelle Magwood, Volunteer & Guest Services; Vanessa Stewart, Volunteer & Guest Services; Patricia Totaro, University OR; Valerie Jamison, PACU; Jessica Edwards, Peri-Anesthesia; Rebecca Cleaves, Pharmacy; Angela Raney, Hollings Cancer Center Clinics; Kellie Adams, Radiology; Douglas Simon, Safety & Security; Porsche Berry, Medical Records; Jill Norman, 10W; John Carson, 10W; Brett Mills, 10W; Clive Brock, Family Medicine; Jonathan Abbas, Hematology/Oncol- ogy; Darryl Lee, Revenue Cycle Operations; Michelle Moore, 2 JRU; Richard Marchell, Dermatology; Con- stance Manigault, Dermatology; Melody Bess, Revenue Cycle Operations; Kate Miccichi, Revenue Cycle Op- erations; Laurie Krafsig, Revenue Cycle Operations; Andrea McCall, Rheumatology; Doris Simmons, Chil- dren’s Services Registration; Andrea Rochon, Chil- dren’s Emergency Department; LaCrystal Bartelle, Rev- enue Cycle Operations; Deborah Bellinger, Radiology; Anne Bromley, Revenue Cycle Operations; Deborah Cepeda, Revenue Cycle Operations; Lisa Shealy, 8W; Sheba Pringle, Environmental Services; Leslie Power, Transplant Center; Margaret Sights, Transplant Cen- ter; Susan Gay, Women’s Services; Tawanna Singleton, Dietetic Services; Rita Forrest, Environmental Services; Adam Miller, ART 6E; Sara Sullivan, ART 6E; Jennie Curry, ART 6W; Diana Martin, ART 6W; Rie Reid, ART 6W; Melkannah Cochran, ART 6E; Elaine Sola, ART 6E; Martha Perry, ART 6E; Shatora Williams, GI Clinic; Shinika Phillips, Volunteer & Guest Services;
Melissa Leslie, GI Clinic; Karen Boinest, Volunteer & Guest Services; Susan Hecker, Residents Surgery; John Toole, Surgery; Ana Virella, Women’s Services; Kath- ryn Davidson, Respiratory Therapy; Carrie Bagley, 7A; Karen Loury, 7A; Lindsay Domrese, 7A; Shane Cox, Radiology; Thomas Pollehn, Emergency Medicine; Bev- erly Barrineau, University Internal Medicine; Monica Wigfall, 5E; Hope McFadden, Anesthesia & Periopera- tive Medicine; Chiquita Anderson, 5E; Kaitlyn Mitch- ell, Labor & Delivery; Kelly Fink, Social Workers; April Slagle, Labor & Delivery; Courtney Boyd, 5E; Sharon Groat, 5E; Angela Welker, Antepartum; Simone Gra- ham, Labor & Delivery; Murray Passo, Pediatrics Rheu- matology; Lamor Coaxum, Labor & Delivery; Sheena Calliham, Operations; Betty Capers, Environmental Services; Glennie Davis, Patient Transport; Mary Sch- ram, Pulmonary Clinic; Michael Snyder, Safety & Security; Don Fylstra, Obstetrics-Gynecology; Lillian Jenkins, Revenue Cycle Operations; Jill Serguson, Ra- diology; Eric Rovner, Urology; Gwen Nesbitt, Urology Clinic; Erin Langendorfer, ART Pre-Op Testing; Dora Johnson, ART Pre-Op Testing; Terrence Walker, 6W; Ramona Smith, 9W; Jason Taylor, Anesthesia & Peri- operative Medicine; Jennifer Nash, Transplant Center; Melissa Dutton, Radiology; Haley Fitzsimmons, 10W; Shane Pais, 2 JRU; Nicholas Swatt, 7B; Anne Redick, 2 JRU; Amber Crawford, Transplant Center; Jennifer Saunders, Physical Therapy; Sheila Dawson, ART 6W; David Hall, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine; Anna Hinzmann, Transplant Center; Tawana Gadsden, Medi- cal Records; Ashley Watkins, Safety & Security; Nancy Murray, Dialysis Unit; Lauren Haney, Pharmacy; Mary Parks, 5E; Jacqueline Heyward, PAS; Monica Davis, PACU; Curtis Grant, Environmental Services; Eliza- beth Richter, Storm Eye Institute; Twanda Ferrell, Envi- ronmental Services; Whitney Hamrick, 6W; Julie Ross, 6W; Catherine Gaillard, Radiology; and Pamela Grady, OCIO Information Services.
University
College of Dental Medicine/Patient Admissions Of- fices; Derek Bell, College of Dental Medicine; Sharon Bond, College of Nursing/Nurse Midwifery Clinic; Jim Corr, University Press; Charles Preston Hamrick, Col- lege of Dental Medicine; Kimberly Jones, College of Dental Medicine; Richard Medaska, Engineering & Facilities; Trent Pierce, College of Dental Medicine; Deborah Reynolds, College of Dental Medicine; Dawn Simmons, College of Dental Medicine; Dee Skinner, Pulmonary & Critical Care; Cindy Tumbleston, College of Dental Medicine; JoAnne Waller, College of Dental Medicine; Laura Walters, Vice President of Academic Affairs Office; and Debbie Wood, College of Dental Medicine.
William Stewart, College of Dental Medicine Class of 2015, leads an interactive session in one of the four second-grade classes at Harborview Elementary school.
CDM students teach others about hygiene The College of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2015, as part of the MUSC Gives Back program, completed a seven-week program of training in oral health to second grade classes at Harborview Elementary on James Island. Eighty students received instruction on topics such as tooth development, dental decay, oral hygiene and nutrition using teaching techniques and materials to actively engage the students. The idea was born from a consultation between dental medicine’s Class of 2013 students Marie Cross, Graham Lee and MUSC Gives Back director Liz Sheridan. According to second-grade teacher Terri Ulichine the students anxiously awaited for the dental students to arrive every Tuesday. “The lessons were always well prepared and actively involved all of the students. We were very impressed how the dental students handled so many second graders at one time. Our students learned so much and had lots of fun. We would love to do this every year.”
THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012 5
MEET MACK
Mack Ellis Shieder Jr., R.N. Department 2N, Institute of Psychiatry, Pediatric Behavioral Health How long at MUSC 8 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC By continuing to seek opportunities for improvement in providing excellent patient and family care Why did you choose nursing As a child, I always aspired to be a police P\I_]N iQ^ i M_ZPPW L]i_Z]Nc `KNMYQ[ [YJ]M R] i WYLLW] P\ hPLZc a []L LZ] POOPNLKQYLf to educate and teach others along with OPWY_YQ[ LZ]YN Z]iWLZ iQ^ g]WWdh]YQ[c Dream job SNP hP^f hKYW^]N PN OPg]N WY\L]Nc a PQ_] WPJ]^ LP WY\L Z]iJf g]Y[ZLMc Heaviest weights you have lifted 405 pound bench press, 525 pound squat, 285 pound shoulder press, 605 pound ^]i^WY\L iQ^ VeVTb OPKQ^ W][ ON]MMc aUR P\I_YiWWf N]LYN]^ \NPR YL iWWc a LZYQX aUR ready to live life as a normal strength ZKRiQ h]YQ[c Greatest moments The birth of my two children
6 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012
INSIDE MUSC’S BLOOD BANK
Technologists in MUSC’s Blood Bank test patients’ blood to make the best matches with the donated blood.
Karen Garner, manager of transfusiom services, holds up a bag of platelets that they call ‘liquid gold.’ One blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
BANK Continued from Page One 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with many of them needing blood, sometimes daily, during chemotherapy treatment. MUSC receives blood from the Red Cross that has been processed and tested. Squires raves about the services. “We talk to the Red Cross every day. They’re incredibly valuable to us. The Red Cross does a superior job here.” One blood donation can save up to three people, given all the components in blood that are needed. Red cells are stored in refrigerators at 6 degrees Celsius for up to 42 days. Platelets are stored at room temperature in agitators for up to five days. Plasma and cryo are frozen and stored in freezers for up to one year. Karen Garner, manager of transfusion services, points out an oscillator where the platelets are kept jostling. “We have
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. About 500 people need to give blood or platelets each week to meet hospital demand. The MUSC Donor Center is located in Room 279 of the university hospital.
one of the lowest expiration rates of platelets because of our large use.” There are other ways MUSC’s Blood Bank, which provides the blood products needed to support 42,000 transfusions a year, stands out. Squires said MUSC is one Squires of few hospitals committed to providing space for the Red Cross. The donor room, located in Room 279, university hospital, across from 2 West Amphitheater, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Most MUSC technologists hold advanced degrees, which shows their dedication. When blood arrives from the Red Cross, it still has to be matched
to patients’ needs. This isn’t as easy as it may seem. A sickle cell patient, for example, needs careful matching, a service that not all hospitals have the staffing and resources to perform. Hanging on the wall in the Blood Bank is an elaborate chart of blood antigens. The transfusion of donor red blood cell units that lack certain red cell antigens (such as C, E and K) when the corresponding antigens are absent from the recipient’s red cells has been shown to reduce the risk of red cell alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease. Squires and his staff help advise staff about whether patients need transfusions and if so, test blood products to ensure the best match. “It’s such a high-powered facility,” he said scanning the room’s various testing areas and equipment from irradiators to oscillators. Another part of his job he likes is that the daily flow of blood through the bank
Plasma can be kept frozen for up to a year.
is a testament of people’s altruism. It can get challenging during holidays when fewer people think to donate blood, but yet the need remains there. “There’s always this pressing need. It never takes a vacation. It never quits. There could always be more donors.” Barbie Kolar, donor recruitment representative with the American Red Cross, praised MUSC for donating space. It’s crucial for the Red Cross to have that support. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, which is a good thing since every two seconds, someone in the nation needs blood. Nearly 5 million people need blood transfusions each year, and one in 10 people entering the hospital needs blood. Often family members in the hospital waiting for news on their loved one will donate blood, knowing that one day it will be used to save someone else. She smiles. “Those are special days for us.”
The Catalyst, May 25, 2012 7
Gift from dental graduate to support special-needs clinic
A
n alumna of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine (CDM) has given a $1.5 million gift to name a special-needs dental center in the school’s new clinical building. The gift also will establish an endowment for the center. Pamela M. Kaminski, DMD, MUSC CDM Class of 1989, is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Grants, N.M., where she sees many patients with a broad spectrum of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. She said that, on the whole, too few dentists have been trained how to address the secondary challenges that can accompany such conditions. “Many of these patients have very specific needs in terms of medication, anesthesia and the manner in which they’re treated,” she said. “Unless they’ve been trained in these areas, very few dentists are going to be fully prepared for the challenges that come with treating someone with, say, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome.” In recognition of these challenges, the CDM designated 1,500 square feet in its new clinical education building to teach and practice special-needs dentistry. CDM Dean John Sanders, DMD, said that there’s a huge demand for added capacity in this field. About 14 percent of children in the United States have special needs, according to a 2005-2006 survey by the National
“I have been looking for a way to give back to the institution that took me in and made so many things possible for me. I’ve also spent most of my career caring for special-needs patients.” Dr. Pamela Kaminski Survey of Children with Special Care Needs. “Some of these patients come to us with physical disabilities that make it difficult just to get them in a chair,” said Sanders. “Others have mental or emotional problems that create a very high level of anxiety, which makes it difficult for them to remain still or seated for long.” When the Pamela M. Kaminski Center for Special Care Dentistry Center is complete and fully functional, it will include four operatories equipped with chair lifts
and other amenities designed to facilitate special-needs patient care. The endowment, which will be funded through Kaminski’s estate, will be used for outreach- related programs or to provide treatment for special- care patients. In addition to its expanded clinical capabilities, the space also will bring new depth to the college’s educational program. “Right now, dental students get relatively little exposure to these cases on a regular basis,” Sanders said. “This center will allow us to bring together what are now independent pockets of clinical expertise and integrate them into our core curriculum, so that all of our students receive special-needs experience as part of their training.” Kaminski said her gift allowed her to advance two longtime passions: her alma mater, and serving a group of people she describes as one of the most vulnerable and underserved populations of patients out there. “I have been looking for a way to give back to the institution that took me in and made so many things possible for me. I’ve also spent most of my career caring for special-needs patients,” she said. “When I went back for my 20th reunion in 2009 and heard about the college’s plans for serving these people, I knew right away I wanted to be part of this center. For me, the decision to become involved was very easy.”
8 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012
Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ April Employees of the Month Rebecca Britton, RT Outpatient Pharmacy “I contacted Becca about a medication that a family needed for their child. The medication cost more than $700 at a local pharmacy. She researched the medication and was able to get the cost reduced to less than $100 a month. The family not only has a child with special medical needs, but the mother is out of work. Becca taking the time to go the extra mile will impact this family. Becca is an example of MUSC Excellence!” Nominated by Susan Fawcett Kimberly Mitchell, Medicine Scheduling “A university internal medicine nurse informed me that one of my team members saved a patient’s life. Kim Mitchell recognized the patient needed to speak immediately to a nurse as she had taken her insulin incorrectly, mixing up her sliding scale and regular dose. The nurse informed me that the patient would have probably died in about 30 minutes had she not received medical intervention. Despite the fact that Kim is not clinically trained, she realized the potential danger the medication mistake could have on the patient and put her in direct contact with a nurse who arranged for EMS to transport the patient to the emergency department. The nurses told us that the patient is doing well.” Nominated by Jac Tepper Kelly Howard, Ashley River Tower Adult Heart Cath “Kelly Howard, an X-ray technician
and Heart & Vascular Center (HVC) value analysis coordinator, was taking the CARTA bus home when a passenger (who was also an MUSC employee) collapsed. The bus was crowded and Kelly jumped out of her seat and assessed the man. She found him to be pulseless and started CPR. She asked if the bus had an AED [automated external defibillator] and learned it did not, however, two bus riders knew where to find one in a building nearby and retrieved the AED. She connected it to the patient, and it delivered a shock to him. At this point, EMS arrived and shortly there after transported the man to MUSC for further treatment. Reportedly this patient is recovering well thanks to the quick interventions of Kelly Howard and the MUSC team caring for him. Kelly Howard is one of my most valuable employees. She puts 110 percent into everything she does. Prior to conceiving our 5/10 plans, her work contributed to saving MUSC millions within the HVC through vendor control, great negotiations and collaboration with other departments responsible for purchasing and billing. She has outdone herself again.” Nominated by Natalie Ankney Contrenia Haynes, Volunteer & Guest Services “On April 13, I received a trauma victim in the Intensive Care Unit. A couple of hours later her family members arrived. As they arrived I realized that a little boy was wearing only socks, his T-shirt cut down the center, both pant legs cut up the center, and his aunt was draped in a blanket with paper pants and knees wrapped. I called Kiesha the social worker, and she was able to give me a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for the little boy, but we didn't really have anything for the young lady. After
sitting at my desk, I thought I would call downstairs to the Volunteer Office. I spoke with Contrenia to see if any unwanted clothing was lying around. After telling her of a car accident of eight family members traveling from Florida to Maryland, she immediately came upstairs, greeted the family and offered her assistance. Not knowing what was going on in Contrenia's mind, she went to the store and bought a dress for
the aunt and a warm-up suit for the little boy during her lunch hour and brought it back to the waiting area. I thought, ‘Wow, what an awesome gesture, and what a caring and loving person she is to go out with her money to purchase clothing for a couple of the family members who didn't have anything to wear.’ Not only did she spend her money on clothes for them, she bought lunch for everyone. That is what I call going above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you for being you, and my prayer is that God returns blessings to you in 100 folds.” Nominated by Vanessa Stewart
THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012 9
10 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012
CURRENTS May 15 People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty Employee of the month–March Cassandra Poole, an administrative coordinator with Volunteer and Guest Services, was recognized for her dedication and effort in providing transportation for an overnight concierge team member who experienced car trouble and could not get to work. On her own time, Poole picked up the coworker and escorted him to the university hospital (Nominated by Katy Kuder). HR update Kim Duncan, MUHA HRIS manager, presented the following: ! SuccessFactors – Employees who transfer between July 1 and Aug. 31: Previous supervisor will complete review and new supervisor completes the planning form; Transfers during the fiscal year: New supervisor completes review and planning form; For an employee in a new job more than six months: the employee will be evaluated on their new job duties using new pillar goals; for employees in a new job less than six months: access “Getfeedback” button in SuccessFactors; email between current and prior supervisor; or provide paper notes between current and prior supervisor ! How do I decide which job duties to use? New duties: current and former job are similar; long enough to rate on new duties; and use regular planning form; Prior duties: current and former job is different; not long enough to rate on new duties; and use transitional planning form; Combination: feedback from current and former jobs are different; long enough to rate on new duties; and use transitional planning form ! Which Pillar Goals should I assign? Managers can apply goals to current job, prior job or a combination of both ! Review forms are first sent to employees and then sent to supervisors on or before June 1; Supervisors can allow employees more time to complete
the review even after the May 31 deadline by using the Send Back Employee Self Review button; employees hired April 1 or afterwards will not be rated in 2012. ! Users can use a number of tools, games and tutorials to help employees throughout the self-review process. All tools are located on the SuccessFactors training site: https://www.musc.edu/ medenter/SuccessFactors/training.html. ! Classes (All classes will occur at 9 a.m., Room 438, Colbert Education Center and Library) — Employee self review: May 22; Annual review for new leaders and administrative support staff: June 13, July 18 and Aug. 8; Refresher for leaders and administrative support staff: June 28, July 11 and July 26; and Reporting class: July 26 and Aug. 1. Register for all classes via CATTS. ! For information, contact Michelle Foreman, 792-6219 or Kim Duncan, 792- 1962. Phishing, privacy Annette Drachman, J.D., MUHA Legal Affairs director, gave a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) update and spoke to managers about campuswide problems with email phishing. Phishing is when individuals use emails to gain personal and vital information from others under false pretense. She reminded employees to be cautious sharing information online. Employees should not respond to and delete any suspicious emails. MUSC and MUHA will never ask employees to verify vital information or provide their password by email. Each reported incident must undergo a timely evaluation and research to determine if a privacy breach has been violated. To send an email that contains any patient information, the file or contents must be encrypted. Visit http://www. musc.edu/infoservices/exchange/ securemail.html. Drachman told employees to be cautious regarding their social media posts. Any information that’s patient- related should not be posted and is a violation of HIPAA laws. The MUHA Compliance team is
To Medical Center Employees: Medical center town hall meetings have been scheduled to take place from May 16 – June 1 at the times and locations listed below. There also will be some town hall sessions conducted in conjunction with departmental meetings not reflected in the schedule below. Town hall meetings topics will include: update on our pillar-based goals; recognition of exceptional achievements of employees and departments; discussion concerning the employee commitment survey participation rate and plan for rollout of results; and general comments concerning the MUSC Health strategic plan, Joint Commission accreditation survey outlook and Magnet journey. We will continue the 30 minute town hall format. Attendance is strongly encouraged. On another matter, as announced earlier this year, the Computerized Annual Training and Tracking System (CATTS) mandatory lessons now correspond with the July 1 – June 30 universal performance review period. All mandatory lessons need to be completed by June 30. Everyone’s attention to this and cooperation by completing the mandatory lessons by the June 30 deadline is needed. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Town Hall Meetings May 29: 7:30 a.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium, and 10 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; May 30: 7:30 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater, and 11 a.m., Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium; May 31: 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium, 11 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; and June 1: 10 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater. available for staff education. Contact Reece Smith, 792-7795.
Quality – Providing quality patient care in a safe environment
Wayne Brannan, University Risk Management, spoke about fire safety and alarm activations of the medical center’s fire systems. Brannan specifically spoke about recent fire alarm activations
in the university hospital in March and May, and asked managers to review their unit or department’s fire plan. Brannan praised hospital employees for their quick response the evening of March 24 during an 8th floor fire incident. Staff relocated patients from the 8th and 9th floors and worked with Respiratory Therapy for patient support. He recognized Musculoskeletal Service Line manager Nancy Tassin, R.N., who served as hospital communications officer for that incident.
THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012 11
CLASSIFIED P AGE • Household Personal Items for MUSC employees are free.
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!
PAID ADS are $3 per line ( 1 line = 35 characters) DEADLINE: TUESDAY – 10:00 AM * CLASSIFIED ADS CAN BE E-MAILED TO sales@moultrienews.com, OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call 849-1778 with questions. *Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students. IP01-681634
Rental Properties
Homes For Sale
Homes For Sale
3BR/2BA House in Asheford Place HW floors in den, kitchen, dining room. 1 car garage,W/D, fridge incl. Exc. condition, Avail. immediately $1400/mo. 843-830-1900
MUSC RESIDENTS! Bike to work DOWNTOWN in the morning, walk to AVONDALE bars/restaurants in the evenings, and spend weekends lounging on FOLLY BEACH, all while PAYING LESS THAN RENT! This 3 bedroom beautifully maintained brick cottage in Byrnes Down can easily offer you this fabulous lifestyle. Call 1-800294-1074 CODE 4079 for 24/7 information, or 843-864-3777 to arrange a showing. (The Alan Donald Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Realty.)
Luxury Condo 3BR/2BA laundry room, screen/open porch. Incl pool/clubhouse/exercise room and more. 4mi from beach, 10 min from DT 191K 843-559-1982
3BR/2BA House in W. Ashley: Available June 1st. High ceiling spacious master room w/ large great room. Screen porch, big pond view, pool and two car garage. W/D,fridge incl. 1922 sqft $1400/mo.843-518-2280. Email: liu@musc.edu.
Misc. Services Resp., N/S, MUSC student for P/T Nanny ;3 yr. old boy @ dntwn residence;Tue/Thur 115w/ more hrs. in Summer; Exp. w/ toddlers/background check req.$11/hr.(843)324-6783
12 THE CATALYST, May 25, 2012