June 29, 2012
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Modern Medical Marvel
Patient gets scalp reattached through microsurgery
By Dawn Brazell Public Relations
A
shley Whittle pats the back of her modish hairstyle and smiles shyly. She’s trying to adjust to her new looks having lost the waist-long hair she used to have. “I’m like a kitten who’s all curious,” she said, her manicured fingers playing in her hair. The miracle, other than that she has started to feel beautiful again, is that her hair’s growing and with it a new sense of hope as she recovers from an industrial accident that happened Jan. 30 that tore off a section of her scalp and forehead. She has returned for a check-up to MUSC to visit with plastic and reconstructive surgeon Kevin Delaney, M.D., one that brings tears to the eyes of Whittle, 24, and her mother, Tammy, as they offer their thanks to Delaney and the team of doctors and nurses who have helped Whittle recover. A whiz in handling complicated microsurgery cases, especially replantations of amputated parts, Delaney was the one who got a call that Monday in January when doctors at a Columbia hospital were on the phone trying to find a hospital who could handle her case. Delaney was glad to take her. “I like solving problems. When people come in with complex injuries that require the highest level of reconstruction that typically involves microsurgery, that’s very interesting to me and exciting. I like to see good outcomes in the patients I treat.” Delaney quickly assembled two surgery teams and had Whittle airlifted, for the second time that day, for treatment at MUSC. Meanwhile, Tammy had to travel by car, praying all the way that her daughter would survive, trying to block out the memories of the last few hours. When Tammy got the call that her daughter had been injured at the plant where she worked and was being flown to a hospital in Columbia, she panicked. “Time stopped for me then. I knew it couldn’t be good.” She braced herself for what she would see, but still wasn’t prepared when she arrived at the hospital in Columbia for the extent of the injuries. “She was losing
See Scalp on page 10
Vol. 30, No. 44
Inside Family Fund Grants
4
Several projects will now be funded thanks to money donated by employees.
Gme awards
6
Ashley Whittle at four months after a surgery where MUSC doctors reattached her scalp following an accident at a plant where she worked.
Graduate Medical Education announces residency awards. 2 Excellence 5 Meet Joan 11 Classifieds
Shown left, Ashley Whittle’s mother, Tammy, gives her daughter a big hug at a recent visit to MUSC. Above, Whittle just after her Jan. 30 surgery. To see a video, visit http://bit.ly/ MicroSurgery.
t h e C ata ly s t Online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
2 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012
Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ May Employees of the Month Terri Massey, Volunteer & Guest Services “On May 22, the wife of a patient approached Terri about laundry service. Terri gave her the information about the closest laundry services, but due to her own health issues, she was unable to walk to the laundromat. She explained to Terri that she had soiled her clothes and only had one spare set. Terri took the soiled laundry home and brought them back cleaned. Terri contacted some laundromats and established a pick-up and drop-off service that families may utilize with the assistance of a house concierge.” Nominated by Katy Kuder Bill Crummer, Support Services/Biomedical Engineering “We had one of our X-ray tube’s alarm go off while a patient was on the table. Bill was paged and responded right away. Bill noticed the tube was overheating and that was causing the alarm. When this happens you run many different risks to the machine and possibly the patient. In order to immediately fix the problem, Bill poured cool water into the recycling bin and began to manually pour it into the cooling system and drain it so that the tube would stay cool. Because of Bill’s quick thinking, we finished the case without a problem.” Nominated by Jamie Hogan Vanessa Stewart, Volunteer & Guest Services “Vanessa had a family that was brought here due to a car accident. The grandmother was in ICU and the others had suffered injuries that were not life threatening. She called me to get clothes for a few of the family members because they had been cut out of their garments on the scene. She called around, working with the social worker to get this family clothes. Having everything left in the car, also left them with very little to eat. I had a few meal tickets I gave them, but she also used her badge to get them food until a family member could get here. Not knowing anyone here, you could see the relief in their eyes each
time she appeared. Vanessa’s compassionate attitude touches the heart of so many families she encounters.” Nominated by Contrenia Haynes Cassandra Whaley, Pharmacy Services “Cassandra goes above and beyond to help patients get the medications they need. The following is a copy of another letter I received from a thankful family. ‘My wife had a bone marrow transplant on Dec. 11, 2011, and has encountered more than her share of setbacks. One of these serious threats to her life occurred in February when the virus showed positive in her blood tests. The medical team immediately put her on tablets to counteract this deadly virus. When I picked up the prescription, I found out that these pills have a retail price of $50 each. I contacted Cassandra and requested a meeting with her to see if there were any viable options. Cassandra met with me the next morning. Upon my arrival, she had already made some calls about the prescription. I want to commend Cassandra for her sense of urgency. She has demonstrated caring as if we were family.’ I am grateful she chose to work for MUSC.” Nominated by Lynn Uber
Physician of the Month Zachary Soler, M.D., Otolaryngology “I have been a patient of Dr. Soler’s since 2011, and I have never had a more kindhearted, empathetic and knowledgeable doctor. I started seeing Dr. Soler for what I thought was another yearly routine sinus infection that turned into sinus surgery and beyond. After hearing great things and viewing Dr. Soler’s biography I knew he would be the right choice. When sinus surgery came to be a possible option, he sat down with my husband and me and explained every aspect of the surgery before, during, after and also told me how many surgeries he has performed. Once the surgery day arrived, he stopped by to check on me before my surgery even though he had other cases earlier that morning. He even called me the next day to see how I was doing. I believe he is the paragon of what every physician can look to and follow.” Nominated by Ali McAbee
The Catalyst 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 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. sales@moultrienews.com.
The caTalyST, June 29, 2012 3
Retired pharmacology leader, scientist remembered By cinDy aBole Public Relations Harry S. Margolius, M.D., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus and former chairman of the Department of Pharmacology, died June 17 after a long illness. He was 74. A researcher, inventor and author, Margolius worked at MUSC for more than 30 years and conducted a variety of pharmacology research. More specifically, he contributed to discoveries in understanding high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in humans and animals, which led to a patent for his work. College of Graduate Studies Dean and pharmacology professor Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., was a friend and worked alongside Margolius for decades. He saw the major role Margolius played in the growth of the department and subsequent rise as chairman. “Harry was a good friend and colleague for 40 years, starting when we were both in the same branch of the National Institutes of Health. His scholarly approach to both his research and leadership was always greatly appreciated and recognized. He will be missed for both his leadership and friendship.” Fellow researcher Dan Knapp, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor and MUSC Proteomics Center director, also praised Margolius for his vision as a
Dr. Harry Margolius died June 17. Donations may be made to: National Organization for Rare Disorders, 55 Kenosia Ave., Danbury, CT, 06810. Indicate an acknowledgement for restricted research in Pick’s disease in memory of Dr. Harry. S. Margolius. leader, educator and scientist. “Harry Margolius was one of a group recruited in the early 1970s by then chairman Tom Gaffney. This group developed the Pharmacology Department into the top
research department at MUSC, and Harry continued the legacy when he subsequently became chairman. Gaffney also established a strong commitment to teaching, and Harry continued maintaining the department’s reputation as the leader in basic sciences teaching.” Associate provost for research Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D., remembers being recruited by Margolius in 1991 following the completion of his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. It was around that same time that Margolius, as chair, was building a strong and nationally recognized pharmacology department. “Dr. Margolius was always a great judge of high quality science and a committed educator who made many contributions to MUSC and the broader professional community over the years. I will always appreciate his support and encouragement.” Layton McCurdy, M.D., College of Medicine Dean Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor, remembered Margolius for his commitment and enjoyable personality. “Harry Margolius was a successful chair at a difficult time. His leadership made an important difference in the progress of the College of Medicine. Also, he was fun to work with.”
See ScienTiST on page 9
4 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012
Giving to YES Campaign supports Family Fund By caroline alTman Public Relations
F
unding 20 grants totaling more than $40,000, the YES (Yearly Employee Support) Family Fund makes a huge difference in the lives of patients and families, said campaign coordinator Whitney McLuen. The Family Fund provides grants to projects that positively impact the mission of MUSC through education, patient care and research. Funding for the Family Fund comes directly from employee giving during MUSC’s annual YES Campaign. “As one of the 1,300 funds that employees can support during the YES Campaign, the Family Fund is helping to make a huge impact in more lives than you can imagine.” Erica Rouvalis, physical therapy manager, has been giving to the fund for 11 years. “The YES Campaign has provided resources to groups who use the funds to ‘go above and beyond’ or to fill funding gaps to do the right thing for patients and families.” She continues to donate because the fund is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. To her, all grants are given to well deserving projects. Two groups that couldn’t exist without the YES Family Fund are the Spina Bifida Transitions and the Pediatric Diabetes Emergency Treatment Project. The Pediatric Diabetes Emergency Treatment Project provides glucose tablets and ketone sticks at no cost to families of diabetic children who cannot afford them. Sharon Schwarz, R.N., certified diabetes educator, said that without this project needy children would go without glucose tablets or ketone sticks since several insurance companies do not cover these supplies. “To our families that don’t have that coverage, that’s huge. They typically just wouldn’t buy them. If the children become ill, we are going to end up sending them for a costly emergency room visit that could have been avoided through the use of these supplies.” Anne Marie Webster, a nurse practitioner and coordinator who works for the Spina Bifida Clinic, said the transitions project helps children with spina bifida become more independent as they mature. The project teaches children with the condition how to record and organize their medical information as they become adults in order to communicate their needs to their doctors. Webster said for many teenagers with spina bifida, it can be intimidating to take charge of their health care. “What we are hoping is that if we educate the children about their condition, and their medicines, we will keep them out of the hospitals and healthier longer.” The goal of Spina Bifida Transitions is to improve
Sharon Kelly-Brown, left, nurse practitioner, and colleague Sharon Schwarz demonstrate how the Pediatric Diabetes Emergency Treatment Project provides supplies to help children with diabetes in needy families.
“As one of the 1,300 funds that employees can support during the YES Campaign, the Family Fund is helping to make a huge impact in more lives than you can imagine.” Whitney McLuen the patients’ health, prepare them for adulthood, keep them out of the hospital and improve their quality of life. McLuen said the Family Fund has awarded more than $240,000 to projects that positively impact the mission of MUSC since its establishment in 1999. Employees and staff donating to the YES Campaign can designate their gift to specific funds, including the Family Fund, by going online to https://giving.musc. edu/yes/. A list of the most active funds is available on https://giving.musc.edu/yes/fund_list_2012.pdf. For information, call 792-1973.
2012 Family Fund grant recipients Pediatrics Ambulatory Care: Spina Bifida Transitions; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Crematocrit for Neonatal Health in the Neonatal Nurseries; Clinical Neurophysiology: Technology Aiding Treatment; Child Life: Sickle Cell Sisters Support Group; Pediatric Endocrinology: Pediatric Diabetes Emergency Treatment Project; Family Medicine: CARES Clinic; Children’s Services: PASSAGES; Transplant Center: Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Project; Pediatric Cardiology Intensive Care Unit: Skim Breast Milk in the Treatment of Chylothorax; Pediatric Cardiology: Interstage Monitoring for Cardiac Infants with Single Ventricle Anatomy; Department of Otolaryngology: Pediatric Tracheostomy Handbook; Neurosciences: Ultrasound in ALS; Pediatrics/Division of Violence Intervention and Prevention: Child Abuse Patient Assistance Fund; Clinical Effectiveness: Car Seat Project; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Psychosocial Program (BMT Program); Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: CAN-TEEN Support Group; Child Life: Ozzie’s Project; Education and Student Life: Junior Doctors of Health Parent Exercise Program; Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy: Bottles for Babies; Division of Occupational Therapy: REPEAT (Rehabilitating and Enriching Performance through Education in Assistive Technology).
The caTalyST, June 29, 2012 5
Meet Joan
Joan Mueller Department Pathology and Laboratory Medicine How long at MUSC 14 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC Encouraging communication between departments to provide the best patient care What music is in your player right now Adele, NEEDTOBREATHE, Luke Cunningham, Crowfield Dream job Travel writer. Getting paid to take a vacation would be perfect. Meal you love to cook My husband is retired and loves to cook, so I don’t. Best thing about living in Charleston I can go crabbing every weekend and catch dinner. What do you do on a rainy day Watch disaster movies on the Syfy channel Hobby I cross-stitch cat patterns. I have them all over the house. Dream vacation Anywhere on a cruise ship
6 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012
GME residents, departments receive awards Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
John E. Mahaffey Resident of the Year Award— Timothy Heinke, M.D.; JG Reves Resident Research Award—Ryan Nobles, M.D.; Laurie Brown Teacher of the Year Award—Tara Queener, M.D.
General Cardiology
Fellow of the Year—Robert Leonardi; Teaching Award (Cardiology faculty)—Daley Gregg, M.D.; Electrophysiology Fellow of the Year—Erick Funke, M.D.; Electrophysiology First–Year Fellow Award— Robert Yoe IV
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Samuel P. Jacks, M.D., and Susan M. Hecker, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Golden Apple—Neil Glover, M.D.; Golden Orange— Bruce Crookes, M.D.; Little People—Olivia Titus, M.D.; Intern of the Year—Meghan Cummins, M.D.; Platinum Podium—Pauline Meekins, M.D.; Mid-Level Provider MVP—Doug Schutz, PA-C; Ultimate Fighter— Amy Ramsay, M.D.; Pleasant Surprise Award—Simon Watson, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Intern of the Year—Jenny Riley, M.D.; Resident of the Year—Kathryn Willoughby, M.D.; Fellow of the Year—Carlos Kummerfeldt, M.D.; Division of the Year—General Internal Medicine; Outpatient Resident of the Year—Chelsey Petz, M.D.; Inpatient Resident of the Year—Stefanie Erway, M.D.
Ophthalmology
Pierre Gautier Jenkins Award—Charlene Grice, M.D.; Ophthalmic Technician of the Year—Lauryn Earls; Program Director’s Award—Charles Proctor, M.D.; Helma Award—Elizabeth Richter, M.D.; William W. Vallotton Award—Edward Crosswell, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine residents celebrate completing four years of residency on June 22. Graduates are Drs. Becky Payne, Heather Scott, Lacey Godeaux, Tara Queener, Ryan Nobles, Ebony Hilton, Tim Heinke, Matt Buck. Hilton (critical care) and Heinke (cardiothoracic) will stay on to complete a yearlong fellowship in their sub-specialties. (Best Procedure Teacher)—Fred Tecklenburg, M.D.; Sunrise Swami (Best Morning Report Educator)— Sandra Fowler, M.D.; PM Pedagogue (Best Noon Conference Educator)—David Sas, M.D.; Atlas Award (Most Supportive Faculty Member)—David Mills , M.D.; Rookie of the Year (Best New Faculty Member)—Ana Xavier, M.D.; Fellow of the Year—Anca Dumitriu, M.D.; Senior Resident of the Year—Conrad Williams, M.D.; Intern of the Year—Colby Day, M.D.; Most Supportive Staff Member—Anita Shuler; Outstanding Elective Rotation (Infectious Disease), Sandra Fowler; Outstanding Required Rotation (Neonatology)—John Cahill, M.D.; Pediatric Attending of the Year—David Mills, M.D.
Pediatric Cardiology
Highest Orthopaedic In Training Exam Score—Harris Slone, M.D., and Zeke Walton, M.D.; Outstanding Research Paper—Gregory Colbath, M.D.; AOA-OREF Resident Leadership Nominee—Kyle Kokko, M.D., Ph.D; AOA-OREF Resident Leadership Nominee— Harris Slone, M.D., and Zeke Walton, M.D.; John A. Siegling Teaching Award—Lee R. Leddy, M.D.; Alumnus of the Year—Harry Demos, M.D.
Foundation Abstract Presenter Travel Grant Recipients—Yar Chowdhury, M.D., and Suma Potiny, M.D.; Foundation Career Development Award Recipient—Yar Chowdhury, M.D.
Pediatrics
q Psychiatry Medical Student Teaching Golden Apple Award Awards: Outstanding Medical Student Teaching By a Faculty Member—Rabiya Hasan, M.D., and Tara Wright, M.D.; Outstanding Medical Student Teaching
Around-the-Clock Aristotle (Best Inpatient Educator)— Fred Tecklenburg, M.D.; Nine-to-Five Socrates (Best Outpatient Educator)—Terry Dixon, M.D.; Bob Villa
Pulmonary/Critical Care
Resident of the Year—Carlos Kummerfeldt, M.D.
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
by a Voluntary Faculty Member—Scott Christie, M.D., Ray Hodges, M.D., and staff of the Berkeley Community Mental Health Center; Outstanding Medical Student Teaching by a Resident—Amy Garner, M.D., George Hneich, M.D., and Maggie Wilkes, M.D.; Outstanding Medical Student Didactic Teaching—Lee Lewis, M.D.; Outstanding Teaching Fundamentals of Patient Care by a Faculty Teacher—Dan Smith, Ph.D.; Outstanding Teaching Fundamentals of Patient Care by a Trainee Teacher—Julia Felton, Ph.D.; Outstanding Teaching Fundamentals of Patient Care by a Trainee Teacher—Ray Worthy, M.D., Ph.D.; q Psychology Internship Program Awards: Clinical Excellence Award—Zachary W. Adams; ScientistPractitioner Excellence Award—Bethany C. Wangelin; Robert Magwood Jr. Outstanding Service Award for Crime Victims—Melissa E. Milanak; Laura Griffin Humanitarian Award—Jennifer C. Naylor, Ph.D.; Best Intern Advocate—Dan Smith, Ph.D.; Best Didactic Presenter—Elizabeth Santa Ana, Ph.D.; Best Clinical Supervisor—Wendy Balliet, Ph.D. q Psychology Intern Paper Competition: First Place— Zachary Adams; Second Place—Bethany Wangelin; Third Place—Joshua Clapp q Psychiatry Residency Training Programs Awards: J. J. Cleckley M.D. Clinical Excellence Award—John Hopkins, M.D., Callie Lalich, M.D., Temeia Martin, M.D.; Dr. Henry P. and M. Page Durkee Laughlin Foundation Fellow—Callie Lalich, M.D.; PGY I Outstanding Didactic Teacher of the Year—Lee Lewis, M.D.; PGY I Clinical Teacher of the Year— Christopher Pelic, M.D.; PGY 2 Clinical Teacher of the Year—Tara M. Wright, M.D.; PGY 2 Outstanding Didactic Teacher of the Year—Matthew S. Koval M.D.; PGY 3 Outpatient Supervisor of the Year— Libby Riddle; PGY 3 Outstanding Didactic Teacher of the Year—Amy VandenBerg; Outstanding Career Mentor for the Class of 2012—Libby Riddle; Child Fellow Awards: Outstanding Didactic Teaching in the Child and Adolescent Fellowship—Lisa Hand, M.D.; Outstanding Clinical Training in the Child and Adolescent Fellowship by an Attending—Sondra Keller, M.D.; Outstanding Clinical Training in the Child and Adolescent Fellowship by Faculty/Staff—Stan Shoemaker, Ph.D. q Psychology Program Graduates: Zachary W. Adams, Jenna L. Baddeley, J. Brandon Birath, Jessica Lynn Burris, Joshua D. Clapp, Emily Priscilla Garai, Corrie L. Jackson, Andrea M. Jones, Jennifer E. Merrill, Melissa E. Milanak, Jennifer C. Naylor, Ph.D.; James Albert Pollock IV, Kelly R. Theim, Bethany C. Wangelin, Elizabeth Meghan Archer Wheeler; Completing Traumatic Stress Research Postdoctoral
See awarDS on page 7
The Catalyst, June 29, 2012 7
awarDS Continued from Page Six
Chief resident Dr. Lewis Cooper, left, accepts the 2012 Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award for the Department of Radiation Oncology from Dr. David Marshall. Fellowship—Julia Felton, Ph.D., Lisa Paul, Ph.D., Tatiana Davidson, Ph.D., Simone Barr, Ph.D., Kate Walsh, Ph.D.; Completing Fellowship in Trauma and Health Disparities—Cristina Lopez, Ph.D.; Completing Behavioral Medicine Postdoctoral Fellowships— Shenelle Edwards Hampton, Ph.D.; Completing Fellowship in Clinical Psychology—Shantee M. Foster, Ph.D; Psychiatry Residency Program Graduates—John Hopkins, M.D., Cat Kouvolo, M.D., Callie Lalich, M.D., Todd Magro, M.D., Temeia Martin, M.D., Aiko McGlynn, DO, Rocco Molinaro, M.D., Wes Seabolt, M.D., Jon Snipes, M.D., Zachary Stroud, M.D., and Ray Worthy, M.D., Ph.D.; Completing Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship: Mari Asper, M.D., Bryant Byrne, M.D., and Ryan Byrne, M.D.; Completing Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship: Julie Burke, M.D.
Radiation Oncology
Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award for MUSC Radiation Oncology—S. Lewis Cooper, M.D.
Surgery
Resident Research Recognition Day—First Prize: Aaron Lesher M.D. Also recognized: Shaina Eckhouse, M.D., and Brent Jewett, M.D.; Paul H. O’Brien, M.D.; Resident Teaching Award—T. Karl Byrne, M.D.; Dabney R. Yarbrough III, M.D.; Research Award— Jennifer Dixon, M.D.; Max S. Rittenbury M.D. Intern of the Year Award—Justin Ellett, M.D., and Adam Franklin, M.D.; Student Award for Excellence in Resident Teaching—Brent Jewett, M.D.; Surgical Training Awareness & Residency Medical Student Faculty Teaching Award—Stephanie Montgomery, M.D.; 2011 David J. Cole, M.D. Professionalism Award—Craig Selander, M.D.; 2012 David J. Cole, M.D. Professionalism Award—Tom Theruvath, M.D.
MUSC Department of Internal Medicine held its awards day event on May 30. Physicians recognized are back row, from left: Drs. Rogers Kyle, J. Brzezinski, Don Fox and Jenny Riley; front row, from left: Drs. Kathryn Willoughby, Chelsey Petz, Stefanie Erway, Carlos Kummerfeldt and Kim Davis.
Communications tool informs house staff By laura murphy Medical Director’s Office Clinical Connections is an internal publication distributed from the Medical Director’s Office to attendings, residents, students and credentialed providers electronically on a bi-weekly basis. The purpose of this publication is to serve as a central source for internal communication to educate MUSC Health medical staff with valuable, top-line information, news, announcements, initiatives and positive outcomes. We are dedicated to maintain the high quality standards of MUSC and provide timely communication of issues important to our staff. Patrick Cawley, M.D., chief medical officer and executive medical director, sponsors this newsletter from the Medical Director’s Office. “We have a lot to say and our informational piece allows us to utilize an effective medium to communicate and disseminate key information to our core audience and influencer groups.” Our regular columns include a letter from Cawley, CDI Corner, Risk Management and MUSCare Innovations. We also include short features about
To see the latest Clinical Connections, visit http://www.fathompbm.com/MUSC/ internal/2012-06-28-InternalNews.html. patient safety, Joint Commission readiness, and centerwide projects such as Epic. We welcome feedback on ways to improve our communication dissemination as well as invite you to contribute a story for an upcoming installment. Deadline to submit a story is a week before the release date. The deadline dates through the year include: July 5, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. To submit your story or provide improvement suggestions, call 792-5101 or email murpl@musc.edu.
8 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012
lOG a lOad FOr Kids helps musC Children’s hOspital
A group representing South Carolina’s loggers, paper and wood-supplying businesses present a check of almost $41,000 to Dr. Rita Ryan, center, MUSC Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics chair, June 13. The donation came from proceeds and fundraising collected through the Log A Load for Kids campaign. The program, which originated at MUSC, supports MUSC and other Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals.
Scholars initiative accepting nominations for Advancement of Women Faculty Award A call for nominations is under way for the MUSC Women Scholars Initiative Award for Advancement of Women Faculty. The purpose of the award is to recognize the MUSC faculty member who best demonstrates excellence in his or her commitment to the advancement and promotion of women faculty at MUSC. This annual award will be announced during Faculty Convocation, and in addition to a commemorative plaque, the recipient will receive a monetary award from the MUSC Foundation To be eligible for this award, the nominee must be a full-time faculty member at MUSC. Male or female nominees are welcomed. Application materials include a completed nomination form; a one-page letter of support from the person making the nomination; two additional supporting letters; and the nominee’s bio that includes examples of their investment in faculty development efforts. Nomination packets should be submitted as one single PDF file to Miriam Hutto (huttojm@musc.edu) no later than 5 p.m., July 13. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Mary Mauldin, chair, Award Selection Committee. For information, visit http://academicdepartments. musc.edu/womenscholars/index.htm.
The caTalyST, June 29, 2012 9
Office of Public Relations staff includes Jeff Watkins, from left, Heather Woolwine, Sharlene Atkins, Dawn Brazell, Kim Draughn, Cindy Abole, Tony Ciuffo and Sarah Bates. Not pictured is Dr. Sarah King, director of public relations.
Public Relations staff honored at banquet
M
USC’s Office of Public Relations won four awards at the Public Relations Society of America banquet May 28. Sarah King, DHA, director of public relations, said she was thrilled to hear the news. Trusting a team to handle the diverse challenges that face a public relations department each day has been her great fortune because of the staff that makes the department thrive, she said. “It’s not just their talent and expertise in the many fields that encompass the discipline, but the hearts and souls of people who
sincerely care about doing the best they can do and deeply care for the people they work with every day.” The department won a Silver Wing Award for its 2010-2011 Annual Report in the nonprofit category; a Silver Wing Award of Merit for The Catalyst, MUSC’s campus newspaper; and a Silver Wing Award of Merit for Creative Tactics for “The MUSC Safety Dance,” a video created to explain the employee mandatory flu policy in a fun way. Heather Woolwine, media relations director, won the inaugural Lowcountry Jupiter
Award. This new award recognizes individual excellence in social media management by connecting communities, serving as conduits of information, setting new trends for social media, and making contributions to the growth of social media in South Carolina. To see MUSC’s annual report, visit www.musc.edu/pr/annual_report. pdf. To see the safety dance video, visit http://tinyurl.com/72fgako. To see The Catalyst online, visit www. musc.edu/catalyst. Archived issues of The Catalyst may be viewed at http://www.issuu. com/ and search MUSC Catalyst.
ScienTiST Continued from Page Three An upstate New York native, Margolius earned his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy 1959 and a doctoral degree in pharmacology in 1963 from Albany Medical College of Union University. In 1968, he received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Margolius completed his residency in internal medicine with Harvard Medical Services of the Boston City Hospital and later, worked as a senior clinical investigator at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In addition, Margolius served on advisory committees for the NIH, National Science Foundation, Veteran’s Administration and other agencies and as a consultant working in private industry. He was the recipient of several state and national awards, including the South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science, the Burroughs Wellcome Scholar Award in Clinical Pharmacology and other honors. He was a member of several national professional organizations and authored several books, journal articles and chapters. Margolius is survived by his wife, Francine R. Margolius, Ed.D., and their children.
10 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012
Scalp Continued from Page One blood consistently. It was a complete detachment. It was a very rare, rare case. It’s not what any mother wants to see happen to her child.”
The Surgery A successful scalp replantation happens only a few times yearly nationwide, said Delaney. He was glad to get the call, given that he and his group do many extensive, complex surgeries involving microsurgery each year. “It’s difficult to treat because we have to take the tiny microscopic blood vessels that are still attached to the amputated scalp and, using a high-powered microscope, we have to attach those tiny arteries and veins to the surrounding arteries and veins still on her head to get adequate blood flow.” The vessels are one to three millimeters in size so it is delicate, painstaking work. Ashley’s scalp amputation included a portion of her right eyebrow, which meant the piece of tissue that had to be sewn on was larger than usual and the vessels in the brow area were smaller, which made it even trickier. “It was one of the most complex cases we’ve had.” Ashley’s surgery took two plastic surgery teams and lasted about 10 hours. One group prepped the patient and the other cleaned the scalp that fortunately had been preserved by the first responders. Both groups identified the vessels to be used in surgery. “I was on both teams. I was orchestrating the entire process until we did the microsurgery to hook the scalp up, and then I was involved with that whole process,” Delaney said. Doctors properly positioned the scalp back onto her head, temporarily securing it in place with sutures. Arteries and veins on the amputated scalp that were identified and marked were unclamped and irrigated with an anti-clotting solution. Using the microscope, two microsurgeons worked together to hook up the ends of two to three veins between the amputated scalp and the patient. Once the veins were hooked up, the plastic and reconstructive microsurgeons began work on the arteries. Once completed, the blood vessel microclamps were removed and the blood flow was restored to the amputated scalp. Delaney said the scalp immediately regained its color. The blood vessels that were joined were evaluated using a doppler machine that helps monitor the continued blood flow where the vessels had been joined. Monitoring at this stage is critical. Ashley went to the surgical intensive care unit where her scalp was monitored on an hourly basis by evaluating its color, temperature and turgor, as well as regular doppler probes to check the blood flow across the reconnected vessels. Delaney said sometimes doctors have to use medicinal leeches to better control the blood draining
Ashley Whittle enjoys a visit with Drs. Kevin Delaney, left, and Jason Ulm, a plastic and reconstructive surgical fellow. properly, and this was the case for Ashley. Tammy said this part of the treatment gave her pause. “I said, ‘Wait a minute.’ I grew up in the country and I know what those leeches can do. You’re going to have to explain this to me.” Ashley, who has intermittent memories of the whole time, was awake for this part of treatment and said it took some adjustment on her part. They explained how the leeches ‘drink’ the excess blood and produce hirudin, a natural anti-coagulant in their saliva that improves blood flow in the scalp. Ashley said it was tough, but she understood how it would help. Her mother said she was so proud of her, both for how she fought to survive her injury and how she pushed through recovery. “I was just completely amazed at what they had to do. I can’t fathom the idea of having the nature of that kind of an injury happening to you. Thank God, she has some strength to deal with things. She kicked into survival mode.”
Taking rooT Delaney said he’s thrilled by Ashley’s progress. “When you have a patient who has a good attitude and who is willing to do what you ask during the recovery, then that helps to bring a good outcome.” He also praises the teamwork of doctors and nurses involved with her case. Advances in instrumentation has opened up all kinds of possibilities in microsurgery, giving plastic and reconstructive surgeons the ability to do incredible things for patients who have severe injuries. They have handled reattachments of all types of body parts, including fingers, hands and tongues. They also are able to do intricate, reconstruction surgery for cancer patients. In Ashley’s case, if doctors had tried to just cover her wound, she would have been left with a very severe defect of her scalp. “She would have never had her own hair. She would have required multiple, additional operations just to close the wound and get the bone of her scalp covered and closed. She would have never been able to grow her own hair in that area.”
Ashley Whittle is prepped for surgery at MUSC Jan. 30. Time was critical to the success of getting her scalp reattached by the two teams of microsurgeons required for the procedure.
Tammy, who’s from Great Falls, said she’s amazed every time she thinks about it. They treasure the relationships they formed, which is one reason they love coming back to Charleston for check-ups. “The nurses were amazed at her progress of recovery,” said Tammy. “She handled everything really well. It helped that they were young people, and they really related to her very well, down to cutting up with her about her fingernail polish. It turned a really bad experience into the best it could have ever been. None of this could have happened without the team of doctors she had.” Ashley said she doesn’t remember much about the accident except that she was able to pull herself away from the napkin-folding machine that trapped her hair. “The next thing I knew I was in the back of an ambulance.” She does remember being terrified of the flight from Columbia to Charleston because she’s scared of heights, and waking up after surgery. She spent 14 days at MUSC, and her recovery has gone smoothly. She finally has started sleeping better. The accident marks a turning point in her life. She has decided she wants to get her GED and take a new path in life, she said. “It’s amazing how quick my hair is growing and that I actually have a head-full of hair now. I had a great team and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here now and I wouldn’t look as beautiful as I do right now.” Tammy beams at her daughter’s statement. Part of the new confidence her daughter shows comes in part from the support she’s gotten from Delaney, who took control of her daughter’s case and watched over every aspect. “I love the look of total amazement when he sees her. He didn’t expect her hair to be anything like it is. He boosts her confidence in herself and lets her see how life goes on. She’s able to look at herself and say, ‘I am beautiful.’”
The caTalyST, June 29, 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
Homes For Sale
984 Harbor Oaks, James Island. 3BR, 2.5BA, 1582 sf. $179,900 Minutes from Connector 843-696-1331
TO ADVERTISE IN THE CATALYST CALL 849-1778
12 The caTalyST, June 29, 2012