MUSC Catalyst by Cindy Abole

May 4, 2012

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 30, No. 36

Mother’s dAy connections

Above, Charlotte Heath, who was born at 1:14 a.m. May 2 enjoys a nap next to a rose her mother, Katherine, just received from GetWellNetwork. Natalie Carr, right, delivers the meal and flowers to new mothers on 5E. Below, Carr dishes up the plates that include double chocolate brownies for dessert.

nuggling close to the new bundle in her arms, Katherine Heath watches her 1-day-old daughter Charlotte smack her lips the way only newborns can. Heath gazes at her, happy for the peaceful moment. “She was a squirmer and a screamer last night,” she said, grinning. This is her third child so she knows what to do. She is grateful, though, for the early Mother’s Day lunch and flowers brought to her. It’s a service of GetWellNetwork, with whom MUSC partners to provide interactive patient care.

AstronAut shAres experiences Dr. Robert Satcher tells grand rounds participants how bone strength is effected while in space.

Natalie Carr, client innovation specialist with the network, said that the outreach to new mothers is part of the network’s GetInvolved Now program. “We just thought it would be nice to provide flowers and lunch to the new moms.” Through community service, fund raising and charity work, GetInvolved Now assists patients, families and caregivers. Much of the group’s work centers around three primary initiatives: pediatrics, leukemia and lymphoma and high risk pregnancies.

$1.92 Million AwArd

Overheard at MUSC

MUSC receives a grant to initiate a training program in pediatrics.

Currents

Meet Amy

READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst

2 The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012

Overheard at musc

who? Charleston Charter School for Math and Science 10th and 11th grade students teamed up with MUSC researchers Tilman Heise, Ph.D., and Gunhild Sommer, Ph.D., of the Department of

laboratories focus on the role and function of ww-binding proteins in cancer pathobiology. After the seminar students went

certified health education specialist who works with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), said it was an eye-

McGormley this fall to establish an internship for students to receive practical experience in conducting

opener for students.

real research with the team. Outreach team members who worked with the students were: Heise, Sommer and graduate students Julia Kuehnert and

Biochemistry and Molecular

scientific stations demonstrating

“The field trip became a great success for all participants especially when students started to ask scientific questions and

Biology for an “outreach” field trip experience.

techniques used in molecular biology, e.g. mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, Western blot analysis and DNA

were more and more engaged in the presentation. The organizers of the outreach event are very confident that they sparked the

Alexander Brock and research specialist Avery Zierk. PLTW is the leading provider of innovative science, technology,

agarose gel electrophoresis.

interest for science in some of the students.” The experience will lead

engineering, and mathematics education curricular programs used

to future collaborations with Heise and Sommer teaming up with

in middle and high schools across the nation.

whAt? The field trip started with a lecture on biochemistry and cancer biology. The Heise and Sommer

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

to a laboratory for a “real life lab setting” and rotated through presentations on four different

why? Teacher Katie McGormley, a 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.

Foundation accepting Developing Scholars Award nominations The MUSC Foundation is accepting nominations for the Developing Scholars Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward junior faculty members who have made contributions to the research mission of MUSC. Candidates are restricted to faculty members holding the rank of assistant professor who have been on the MUSC faculty at least two, but no more than six, academic years. Any member of the MUSC faculty may make nominations. No more than three scholars are to be named each year. Scholars may be named

in the basic or applied/clinical sciences category. Each fellow shall receive, along with a certificate, a $3,000 reward to be used at the discretion of the awardees. The deadline for nominations is May 28. All 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 Hanckel at 7924333 or visit http://www.musc.edu/ catalyst/archive/2012/co5-4developing. html.

THE CATALYST, May 4, 2012 3

Astronaut-surgeon shares spaceflight experiences BY CINDY ABOLE Public Relations A former NASA astronaut who graduated from a South Carolina high school visited MUSC to tell of his travels 240 miles above the earth and what it’s like to walk in space. Retired astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr., M.D., Ph.D., the first orthopaedic surgeon in space, was a guest presenter at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Grand Rounds. Satcher, who also is a musculoskeletal oncologist, explored the effects of microgravity on bone mass and muscle strength. His visit coincided with a scheduled talk as the guest speaker of the Charleston Orthopaedic Society where he spoke about NASA’s work and progress in the area of information technology in medicine and its telemedicine program. Satcher was invited by Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Chairman Langdon A. Hartsock, M.D., who met Satcher previously at a national meeting.

Dr. Robert Satcher visited MUSC April 3 as part of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Grand Rounds. Satcher is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Satcher addressed a small crowd about his training and experiences as a mission specialist and medical officer aboard STS-129 (Atlantis) which flew in November 2009 as part of an 11day re-supply and maintenance mission

to the International Space Station. Additionally, Satcher logged more than 260 hours in space which included more than 12 hours in two space walks using the shuttle’s robotic arm. “I’ve always had a desire to discover new things. As a child, I loved reading the history of Europeans traveling the oceans and making new discoveries. I was fascinated by their courage and sense of adventure. I knew that combining my interests in science, engineering and medicine was a great fit for space exploration and new discoveries.” As STS-129’s proxy scientist, Satcher was able to conduct several experiments during the multiple days in space, evaluating sleep and circadian rhythms (the biological clock that influences sleep), immune system response and changes to the body’s spine (upright and seated) in microgravity. Data from these studies and experiments will help scientists and researchers understand changes to the human body in preparation for longer duration flights and future missions

possibly to the moon, Mars or beyond, according to Satcher. Research in manned spaceflight shows the effects of zero gravity to be very harsh on the body, resulting in increased bone loss and muscle atrophy. For this reason, astronauts must exercise their muscles daily to maintain their strength. Working with the shuttle crew, Satcher studied differences with endurance and muscle strength during exercise. There is promising research tying studies in space to preserve bone health during longterm space flight and cancer research, specifically with pharmacological studies using bisphosphonates and similar drugs used to treat osteoporosis and improve bone loss in cancer patients. Orthopaedic Surgery’s Lee Leddy, M.D., said he was impressed with the former astronaut’s career accomplishments. “I found it amazing that Dr. Satcher was able to do so much balancing his clinical and research work while pursuing his dream to fly in space. His success is an inspiration that one can aspire to anything without limitations.”

4 The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012

currents May 1 People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty Kim Duncan, MUHA HRIS manager, presented the following: q New Employee Commitment Survey – Thanks to all employees who participated in this year’s survey. Preliminary response rate, MUSC overall – 80 percent (2012) compared to 72 percent (2011). q Employment and compensation – People admin upgrade: in preparation for the upgrade to People Admin 7; code applicants for postings that are in closed and on-hold statuses; review postings six months old and older. Meal and rest periods (meal period deduction): In the event a non-exempt employee performs any work during the meal break to include a meal break which has been interrupted, the employee must be paid for the entire meal break; employees must submit a time entry form (http:// mcintranet.musc.edu/hr/payroll/ pdf_files/TimeEntryForm.pdf) to a manager or designee (timekeeper) for an interrupted or no meal break(s). q Off the clock work is prohibited – Employees who may come in early or stay late must be instructed not to perform any work duties until they are clocked in. In the event a manager knew or should have known that an employee performed any duties off the clock, the employee must be compensated. q SuccessFactors – Employees will receive the Annual Self Review on May 1; if not completed by the end of the day, May 31, the reviews will automatically be moved to the supervisor; training classes are available, register via CATTS; a tutorial on SuccessFactors training is available at https://www.musc.edu/ medcenter/SuccessFactors/source/ Annual%20Review%20Tutorial_ Employees_skin.swf. Annual review classes for leaders will start in June and continue throughout the summer. Annual performance review training will be from 9 - 10 a.m. May 8 and May 22 in Room 438, Colbert Education Center & Library.

q CATTS reminder – Due date for CATTS mandatory lessons will now correspond with the universal review period, July 1 to June 30; mandatory lessons have been assigned and are due June 30. q Hospital Week, May 6-12– Features daily activities from MUSC Family Night at the Charleston Riverdogs, May 6 (5:05 p.m. game), fruit and bagels, May 7 (6 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.); Unit Decorating Contest (Attitude for Magnet-tude), May 8; food vendors and ice cream social for night staff (10:30 p.m. to Midnight); Bake-off at main hospital café, May 10; and winners announced for photo contest and unit decorating contest, May 11. Other events include daily trivia, employee discounts and random prize drawings. Visit https: www.musc.edu/medcenter/ hospitalweek/index.htm. Benefit of the Month-May MUSC’s employee perks and discount program offers entertainment and discounts at local and South Carolina attractions. The program is available to MUSC employees, students and volunteers. Visit http://mcintranet. musc.edu/volunteer/index.htm. For the month of May, MUSC employees can enjoy a free one-week pass to its facilities. Call 792-5757 or visit http://www.musc. edu/hsc. Wellness update Susan Johnson, Ph.D., Employee Wellness Program coordinator, thanked employees for participating in two MUSC Moves! Programs, Fitness Fest and National Walking Day. Another May event includes National Employee Health & Fitness Day, May 16 (noon) meet at the Horseshoe for a group walk. Other events include Night Shift Awareness, 8 to 10 p.m., May 9, Children’s Hospital lobby, Worksite Screening, May 17 (Room 2408 ART); and MUSC Fitness Series—Step class, 12:15 p.m., May 16. Progress with the MUSC Urban Farm

See Currents on page 10

To Medical Center Employees: We kicked off the Medical Center Employee Commitment survey April 16 and wrapped it up April 27. The survey was conducted by Morehead Associates, a highly regarded survey firm that serves a large number of hospitals, including academic medical centers. Our goal was a participation rate of 80 percent or greater. I am pleased the preliminary information indicates we achieved an 80 percent participation rate. We hope to receive the overall raw score and general information by mid-May. We will share any general information received Smith at the May town hall meetings, discussed below. We expect to receive more detailed department and unit results by mid-June. The findings will be communicated in a timely fashion. National Nurses and National Hospital weeks are celebrated May 6 – 12. The National Nurses Week Committee, co-chaired by Andrea Coyle and Becky Cherrington, and the Employer of Choice Team, co-chaired by Nicole Bernier and Tammy Rapp, did a great job in organizing an array of celebratory events. The kick off event for National Hospital Week is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. May 3 in the Horseshoe. Be sure to check out the medical center intranet (https://www.musc.edu/medcenter/) for a complete listing of numerous celebratory activities occurring throughout National Nurses and National Hospital weeks. Plans are being made for a series of medical center town hall meetings May 16 – June 1 at the times and locations listed below. There also will be a number of town hall sessions conducted in conjunction with departmental meetings not reflected in the schedule below. Town hall meeting topics will include an update on our medical center pillar-based goals, recognition of exceptional employees, highlights of the MUSC Health Strategic Plan and Magnet initiatives, preliminary results from the Medical Center Employee Commitment Survey, the Joint Commission unannounced survey outlook, and general information concerning Ashley River Tower seventh floor plans. Everyone’s attendance is encouraged. Finally, please join me in congratulating Dr. Pat Cawley, executive medical director. He was recently inducted by the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) as “Master of Hospital Medicine.” This is the SHM’s pinnacle of recognition for “utmost demonstration of dedication to the field of hospital medicine through significant contributions to the development and maturation of the profession.” Dr. Cawley’s distinction reflects positively on the entire medical center. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Town Hall Meetings May 16: 11 a.m., Storm Eye Institute Auditorium, and 2 p.m., 2 West Amphitheater; May 17: Noon, 2 West Amphitheater, and 2 p.m., Storm Eye Institute Auditorium; May 18: 10 a.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium; May 21: 10 a.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium; May 22: 9 a.m., Storm Eye Institute Auditorium; May 24: 10 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; 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.

The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012 5

meet amy

Amy Gordon Department Children’s Hospital Fund How long at MUSC 7 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC I feel fortunate to help raise support and awareness for all the miracles that take place at MUSC Children’s Hospital. My role allows me to be out in the community helping others give back as well as allowing me to do something I love — plan events. What do you do on a rainy day Snuggle up with our three dogs, a good cup of soup and my Kindle Meal you love to cook Any meal that my husband and I tag team together ... usually it’s taco night Best career advice you have been given Always set your goals to be almost unattainable. There is no fun in easily accomplishing something. Whether it’s in your personal or professional life, aim high. While you may not always accomplish what you set out to do or it may prove to be a challenge or fierce struggle, you will always walk away with such a better life lesson. A must-have in the fridge Any type of cheese and fixings for guacamole

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Mobile technology retreat forges collaborations

Dr. John McGillicuddy in MUSC’s Department of Surgery gives an overview of how mobile technology is being studied as a way to help kidney transplant patients adhere to their medications.

Researchers are working with body sensor networks to combat obesity issues in urban youth.

howing slide after slide of the innovative ways researchers are using mobile health technology, a National Institutes of Health administrator encouraged attendees of a scientific retreat to extend the reach of this tool in reshaping health care. Wendy Nilsen, Ph.D., was the keynote speaker at the Mobile Health Technology retreat April 26 that was sponsored by the South Carolina and Translational Institute. Researchers from MUSC, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina presented highlights of their research during the event that was attended by more than 80 participants. MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., welcomed attendees. He said the retreat offered a great opportunity for partnerships to be forged and fits into MUSC’s strategic plan of fostering innovation and technology. Attending the conference were professionals representing a wide range of specialties, including clinicians, engineers, software planners and entrepreneurs. Nilsen, chair of NIH’s Mobile Health Training Institute and Health Scientist Administrator in the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, said the portability of the technology and ability to deliver

personalized medicine makes it an exciting area to explore that goes far beyond telemedicine. The technology offers ways to give realtime feedback to patients to empower them to manage their own health. She highlighted research that ranges from wearable chemical sensor systems to body sensor networks. There are more than 20,000 apps on health and fitness, but few have empirical evidence showing of how well they work. She encouraged the participants to form interdisciplinary collaborations and use her office as a resource for future research and grants. “It’s your good ideas that we’re looking for.” Her suggestions: q Join the listserv mHealth-Training@list. nih.gov q Check out the mHealth Training Institutes that offer five-day trainings to help professionals develop the skills to improve the design and research of mobile technology. q Contact her if researchers are looking for more information on funding or ways to collaborate with colleagues at nilsenwj@ad.nih. gov or 301-496-0979. For more information on SCTR, visit http:// sctr.musc.edu or call 792-8300.

Breaks and breakout sessions at the retreat offer opportunities for attendees to network.

Wendy Nilsen of the NIH explores the exciting future of mobile health technology at a retreat held in MUSC’s Bioegineering Building.

The Catalyst, May 4, 2012 7

Radiology professor Dr. Leonie Gordon, left, associate dean for faculty affairs and development, and fourth-year College of Dental Medicine student Mary Alice Hughes, right, are recipients of the 2012 Earl B. Higgins Award. Representing the Higgins family is Deborah Higgins, sister of the late Earl B. Higgins. Gordon won the Achievement in Diversity Award for her work with the College of Medicine’s Diversity Committee. Hughes is the Student Leadership in Diversity Award recipient and was praised for her dedication to efforts in dental mission trips abroad and service to underserved communities in South Carolina. Watch the video at http://bit.ly/Earl_Higgins.

emplOyee Wellness The Wellness Center is offering a complimentary week pass to MUSC employees during the month of May. The MUSC Wellness Center offers discount memberships to all MUSC employees. The facility includes a group exercise studio, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, indoor racquetball and squash courts, two strength training areas, a cardiovascular room, as well as an indoor running track. The locker rooms provide shower facilities, towels, sauna and steam rooms. The roof offers an outdoor running track and four tennis courts. In addition to the facilities, the Wellness Center offers fitness programs, including boot camp taught by activeduty Marines. The Wellness Center also is home to the Healthy Charleston Challenge activity and weight loss program. The Wellness Center offers a group exercise classes including Zumba and Tae Bo, pilates, and yoga as well as a seniors program. In addition, the center offers youth programs including swim

lessons and summer camp. For more information, visit www.musc. edu/hsc or call 792-2533. Employee Wellness events q MUSC's Pitch the Pack Program: Free smoking cessation program offered to MUSC employees and students. Enroll at http://ceii.muschealth.com/SCP/ SCPRegistration.aspx. q MUSC Urban Farm: Work & Learn Learn through working with the soil and seeds in the MUSC Urban Farm from noon – 1 p.m. and from 4 – 5 p.m., May 9. Family workday from 9 - 11 a.m. May 5. Email musc-empwell@musc.edu for more information and to register for this event. q Night Shift Awareness: May 9, 8 – 10 p.m. in Children’s Hospital lobby. Free information, screenings, massages and prizes. Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@ musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC.

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eArl B. higgins AwArd recipients

8 The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012

PAs, students march on Washington DC, express concerns

A South Carolina AAPA contingent and MUSC PA students journeyed to Washington D.C. as part of their annual Capitol Connections effort. Attending are Jesse Blanton, back row, from left, Colin Johnson, Tim Stuart, Paul F. Jacques, Rebecca Patton, Megan E. Fulton, Ali Whitten, Melissa Whitson and Victoria Gleichman. Record incentives; enabling PAs to assist in the care for federal workers injured on the job; and ensuring continued federal support of PA educational programs through Title VII. California Congresswoman Karen Bass, who was the first PA elected to Congress, was the guest speaker and

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provided motivational guidance. AAPA predicts that the number of practicing PAs will increase from 83,466 in 2010 to 128,174 in 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that PAs will be the second fastest-growing profession in the next decade. SCAAPA members in attendance

included Tim Stuart (president), Paul F. Jacques, Fulton, Michael Petrillo and MUSC PA students: Colin Johnson, Rebecca Patton, Jesse Blanton, Victoria Gleichman, Ali Whitten and Melissa Whitson. Whitson was among several students who felt positive about this advocacy experience. “Attending this year’s Capital Connections not only gave me a better understanding of the way our government works, but it also made me appreciate how, as future PAs, we can help influence positive changes that can make a big difference in our profession. It was great to be among professionals and other students from all over the country and see so much national support for PAs.” Gleichman also felt empowered by the unity of this effort. “I’m excited for the patients, PAs, and health care providers who will benefit from the visit to Capitol Hill. It was great to be part of a team that is going to make changes in South Carolina.”

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MUSC physician assistant (PA) students joined fellow students and practicing PAs from across the country in Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators and promote health care issues as part of American Association of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) National Call-In to Congress Day. The annual event brings together advocates who engage with legislators and staff in face-to-face meetings, communicating their profession’s legislative priorities, according to Megan E. Fulton, PA, Department of Neurosurgery and South Carolina AAPA Lowcountry representative. Fulton was among a group of practitioners and students who were part of a South Carolina contingent attending this year’s event March 26 – 27. The first day was spent in a training session learning about multiple issues that PAs face in their work such as allowing them to provide hospice care to Medicare beneficiaries; making PAs eligible for Medicaid Electronic Health

The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012 9

Grants solidify MUSC, Georgetown Pediatric Center bond The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded MUSC a $1.92 million grant to initiate a primary care track in the pediatric residency program. The Georgetown Pediatric Center was named as one of the two community training sites in South Carolina. Georgetown Pediatric Center has been affiliated with the Division of General Pediatrics at MUSC since 1999. Paul Hletko, M.D., serves as the center director and is an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at MUSC. Hletko is the founder of Georgetown Pediatric Center and has provided pediatric health services in Georgetown for more than 22 years. Members of the MUSC pediatric faculty visit the center on a weekly basis, and see a wide range of complex problems while assisting in providing Georgetown children with a full-service medical home. This July, pediatric resident physicians will rotate through Georgetown as part of their formal training, working with Hletko and his staff in providing care for patients from birth through their teenage years. “This close alliance to MUSC provides an exceptional standard of care to our Georgetown families, and our patients enjoy the attention and care of MUSC faculty physicians,” Hletko said. “We are proud to be part of this innovative program for our area and ultimately hope to influence some young pediatricians to practice in underserved rural communities.”

Helping Georgetown’s sickle cell patients transition from pediatric to adult The American Academy of Pediatrics awarded a 2012 CATCH (Community Access to Child Health) grant to Paul Hletko, M.D., and Sarah Mennito, M.D., director of the combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program. The grant funds a project that will plan for the smooth transition of adolescents with sickle cell anemia to adult medical providers who are familiar with the complex multisystem health problems experienced by these patients. Hletko has worked with sickle cell anemia patients throughout his career. “When I started working in pediatric hematology at Cook County Children’s Hospital, we did not have many of the life saving William Basco, M.D., MUSC division director for general pediatrics, agrees. “There are many studies demonstrating that physicians-in-training who spend part of their training in rural areas are much more likely to eventually practice there, so this new residency program track helps train pediatricians in areas of need where we want them to later practice.” The grant also includes funds to establish an on-site telemedicine program. Hletko said the technology will aid both the education of the residents and patient care. “The residents, staff and guests of our office will be able

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routines which are commonly in use today. Because life expectancy was only into young adulthood in the early 70s, we did not necessarily plan for a transition of care to an adult medical home.” With Mennito’s help in developing new processes for the transition from pediatric to adult care, Hletko looks forward to working with various individuals to further define transition planning for all special needs children, including those with sickle cell anemia. The planning committee will also examine the needs of sickle cell anemia patients in the areas of education, insurance, income, living independence, transportation, spirituality and mental health. to attend any and all daily and weekly MUSC academic pediatric conferences being held in Charleston, in real time. Patients who require a consultation may soon be able to receive that service with the pediatrician via our video equipment.” For example, a consulting physician would be able to conduct a visual exam of a patient and review lab or X-ray results in real time without requiring the family to travel to Charleston. As part of the telemedicine approach, the center will offer follow-up visits for behavioral or school-related problems.

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CurrenTs Continued from Page Four continues. A 12-member leadership team was formed to support this effort. Visit http://www.facebook.com/ MuscUrbanFarm.

Service – Serving the public with compassion, respect and excellence

Dan Furlong, OCIO, gave an update on OCIO’s project request system. He guided people to the project request system found at medical center’s Project Management Office web page (via the MUHA intranet and forms toolbox). Furlong noted that the scoring criteria is being updated to reflect a greater focus on risk and safety. Marilyn Schaffner, Ph.D., R.N., Clinical Services administrator and meeting chair, reminded managers that they need to include as much detail as possible when submitting project requests so that the committee can make an informed decision regarding each request. Visit http://academicdepartments. musc.edu/projects.

Quality – Providing quality patient care in a safe environment Tyler Nance, Patient Transport and Support Services manager, gave an update of the medical center’s transport system. The program has supported more than 30,000 weekday patient transports since its inception in December 2011 Service areas include the university hospital, Children’s Hospital, Hollings Cancer Center, Rutledge Tower, Clinical Sciences Building and Ashley River Tower. Nance unveiled the program’s new website which is available via the MUHA intranet or through the MUSC Patient Transport request system. In addition to requesting patient transporters, the Lift Team and the Morgue Attendant, the new Future State of the department allows MUSC personnel to request the Transport Bed Attendant. The attendant’s role is helpful when a bed, crib or stretcher is needed or picked up from an inpatient unit. Patient Transport department also is expanding their services to include inpatient discharges during their hours of service, MondayFriday. These new services will begin

May 9. For information, call 876-0411 or Nance, 876-0548. MUSC Excellence Team update KellyAnne Pennington, R.N., and Nick Reynolds, co-chairs of the Ashley River Tower Satisfaction team, reported changes made of its 26-member Satisfaction team. Pennington reviewed team wins, improvements with monthly meetings, presentations, establishment of service line and department teams, a “Johnny-onthe-Spot” recognition program and participation in the quarterly MUSC

Excellence banner presentations. They will now focus on patient rounding, improved communications, staff education as well as a focus on patient perspectives for hospital care (cleanliness, noise reduction, communication for medications and pain and staff responsiveness). Disaster drill instructions Brian Fletcher, R.N., clinical disaster preparedness coordinator, reminded managers of a planned May 15 mass casualty burn incident exercise involving MUSC.

The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012 11

12 The CaTalysT, May 4, 2012