July 31, 2015
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 33, No. 47
Inside Birthday bash brings Christmas in July By J. ryne danielson
New MPH Degree
Public Relations
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T
ypically a birthday involves presents, perhaps lots of them. Although that was certainly the case July 27, in the seventh floor atrium of the Children’s Hospital, there was nothing typical about the birthday bash held for Shawn Jenkins, the Charleston businessman who recently donated $25 million to MUSC’s new Children’s Hospital, now named in his honor. For starters, rather than receive presents, Jenkins used the occasion to give them — more than 2,300 toys donated by his company, Benefitfocus. Jenkins credits his daughter, Olivia, with the idea. “I was talking with my daughter, who volunteers here at the Children’s Hospital,” he said. “She was telling me how a lot of presents usually come in around the holiday season, but during the summer there aren’t as many. So, we sent an email out to all the Benefitfocus associates around the country and around the world asking them to donate toys. That was just two weeks ago, but the response was overwhelming. It was just a spur–of–the–moment idea,
New MPH program begins this fall.
MUSC HealtH PlaN
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Positive changes in store for members and their dependants.
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DAISY Award
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Meet Traci
See Birthday on page 9 Olivia Jenkins, left, and her sister Ryleigh enjoy the new toys with patients at the Children’s Hospital.
11 MUSC Hero
t H e C ata ly S t ONliNe
http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst LIKE US
photos by Allyson Crowell, Development & Alumni Affairs
Top photo: Shawn Jenkins holds up a birthday gift from Abigail Lee, 4, who recently finished her last round of chemotherapy. Bottom left photo: Jenkins and daughter Olivia pose beside more than 2,300 toys donated by Benefitfocus.
Medical University of South Carolina — FOLLOW US
@ Catalyst_MUSC
2 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
9West nurse is July DAISY winner The July DAISY (Disease Attacking the Immune System) award winner is Marilyn Perilla, R.N., who works in the 9West Neuroscience Unit. Perilla Perilla was nominated by Tammy McPherson a patient who submitted this nomination using the GetWell Network. Below is Perilla’s nomination: “I was admitted within six hours of outpatient nerve stimulator implant surgery that required extensive tunneling of the soft tissue for the lead placement. I arrived post-op with pain on Oct. 10, as a result of inadequate pain management after discharge. Marilyn was very diligent about paging the neurology physician oncall. She was able to better communicate with them in an effort to get my pain under control and stabilize me as soon as possible. There is no doubt in my mind that her diligence was fully responsible for getting my pain stabilized which allowed me to rest from the exhaustion resulting from extreme, constant pain. Marilyn’s compassion for her patients goes beyond her duty as a nurse. As a retired surgical nurse and possessing a lot of personal experience as a patient, I can honestly say that she is one of the best nurses that I have ever encountered. You can tell that nursing
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723
Editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu Helen Adams, adamshel@musc.edu Sarah Pack, packsa@musc.edu Jeff Watkins, watkinsj@musc.edu
is more than a job to her, she is on a crusade to improve the quality of life for those who are in the hospital. Other nurses should aspire to have the nursing skills and compassion that Marilyn presents to her patients, because both of those elements encompass the full definition of a nurse. I cannot thank her enough for the care she provided to me, and I will always remember what she did for me. From having multiple major surgeries to child birth, this was the worst pain I had experienced, in my whole life, and she was there to help me get through it all. Marilyn is a huge asset to this hospital, and she should be the role model for all nurses. I think that all medical providers could learn a thing or two from Marilyn as well. Thank you for bringing attention to the hard work that doesn’t get addressed as often as it should.” Each month, MUSC nurses are honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. It is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program recognizing the efforts that nurses contribute daily in their jobs. The award is given to outstanding nurses in more than 1,800 health care provider hospitals in the U.S. and 14 other countries. Nominations can be submitted by anyone — patients, visitors, physicians, fellow nurses and all MUSC staff and volunteers. To nominate a nurse, visit http://www. musc.edu/medcenter/formsToolbox/ DaisyAward/form.htm.
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.
South Carolina offers sales and use tax holiday from Aug. 7-9 Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Friday, Aug 7, and ending at midnight Sunday, Aug. 9, the State of South Carolina will offer an annual three-day sales tax holiday. During this time, the 6 percent state sales and use tax, and any applicable local sales and use tax, will not be imposed on clothing, clothing accessories (hats, scarves, hosiery and handbags), footwear and school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks and other items). The law is as follows: Law: Code Section 12-36-2120(57) exempts from the sales and use tax: (a) sales taking place during a period beginning 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at 12 midnight the following Sunday of: q clothing; q clothing accessories including but not limited to, hats, scarves, hosiery and handbags; q footwear; q school supplies including, but not limited to pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, books, bookbags, lunchboxes and calculators q computers, printers, printer supplies and computer software q wash cloths, blankets, bed spreads, bed linens, sheet sets, comforter sets, bath towels, shower curtains, bath rugs and mats, pillows and pillow cases (b) The exemption allowed by this item does not apply to: q sales of jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches; q sales of furniture; q a sale of an item placed on layaway or similar deferred payment and delivery plan however described; q rental of clothing or footwear; q a sale or lease of an item for use in a trade or business For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, visit https://dor.sc.gov/ resources-site/lawandpolicy/Advisory%20Opinions/IL15-7.pdf or contact the SC Department of Revenue at (803) 898-5788 or email salestax@sctax.org.
MUWC seeks scholarship applications The Medical University Women’s Club is seeking MUSC’s most deserving students for its annual scholarships. The MUWC will award $14,000 in total scholarships this year. All full-time students in their second or subsequent years from any of MUSC’s six colleges are eligible and encouraged to apply. Previous applicants may reapply. Applications are available through at http://academicdepartments.musc. edu/womensclub/scholarship.htm. Deadline for submissions is 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 7. Applications must be submitted online via email to muwcscholarship@gmail.com.
No handwritten applications will be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The MUWC Scholarship Committee will review the applications and select scholarship recipients based on financial need, academic achievement, university and community service. Scholarship recipients will be notified by Friday, Sept. 11 and recognized at the MUWC annual membership coffee event on Sept. 15. For information about the program or process, contact Charlotte Gillespie, scholarship chairman, at muwcscholarship@gmail.com.
the Catalyst, July 31, 2015 3
MUSC offers MPH degree this fall By J. ryne danielson Public Relations Beginning in the fall, the Medical University will offer a Master of Public Health degree. The new program is open to prospective students who wish to focus on issues in public health or current students who wish to add a research credential to their professional degrees. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 31. Classes begin August 25 and students will follow one of three courses of study: biostatistics; epidemiology; or health behavior and health promotion. Betsy Hill, Ph.D., vice chair for academic programs in the recently created Department of Public Health Sciences, explained that biostatistics, as a field, is concerned with proper study design, as well as with proper analysis and interpretation of data of all kinds. “You’d be surprised at how many different kinds of data and analysis methods there are,” she said. Epidemiology tackles issues of population health — the risk factors and root causes of disease. Health behavior and health promotion completes the equation by taking interventions into the communities that need them, and developing effective communication and education strategies to empower individuals in their own health care. “All three degrees consist of 45 credit hours,” said Joan Graesch, the new MPH coordinator. “They can be completed in four semesters and consist of five core areas of study: biostatistics; epidemiology; environmental health; social and behavioral health; and health systems and health policy.” These five areas of study, in which all students will be required to take coursework, correspond with the core competencies required by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, from which the department will seek accreditation. Health care is changing, Hill said, and the growing field of public health is ahead of the curve. “Public health is focused more on preventing diseases and keeping populations healthy rather that treating disease once people are already sick,” she explained. “A good example is tobacco cessation. How do we effectively get people in the community to quit smoking? How do we prevent smoking in the first place? If you’re able to change these behaviors or prevent them from starting in the first place, you can prevent people from developing all kinds of illnesses down the line.” She continued, “Obesity is another good example. Public health researchers are interested in looking at nutritional interventions in our schools, healthier ways to feed children. Environmental health scientists or epidemiologists might also study environmental precursors to disease; those might be environmental toxins, but they also might be social risk factors. If you live in a very stressful community with a lot of violence, for example, that can have negative, long-term health
photo provided
Public Health students Delia Voronca, center, and Anthony Leonard present a poster at MUSC’s International Year of Statistics Day, held in September 2013. consequences.” Not only are outcomes better for patients, Hill said, but it is much cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat one after it has developed. “The health care system is changing. As we move toward a much more economically lean health care delivery system, the impact that public health professionals can have on making this new health care system effective is very important.” Public health professionals are in high demand, Hill said, and that demand is increasing. “Not only can someone with an MPH work in an academic environment, but there are also opportunities with federal and state agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Environmental Control, with community health organizations and even non-profits. This is a community-engaged career path.” “There are definitely career opportunities for people with an MPH, and we have data to support that,” Graesch added. Hill is excited for the growth the new program will bring to the department. “The program is brand new, but we’ve already had 23 applicants in less than a month. We really think the program is going to grow tremendously. Our objective is to reach out, both at the state and regional levels, but also be responsive to the MUSC community and be engaged in the university’s mission by offering MPH degrees that are tailored to current faculty, students and staff.” Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree and must have taken either the GRE or the MCAT. Three letters of recommendation, a writing sample and official transcripts are also required. To apply to the program, visit: http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/esl/em/admissions/ application/mph.
4 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
ExcEllEncE in Action Jean-Eric Gedeon, foreman in the Engineering & Facilities Electric Shop, on the steps of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Clinical Education Building. photo by Sharon Fowler, Public Relations
Electric shop turns savings idea to reality By sharon Fowler Public Relations The Engineering and Facilities Electric Shop is responsible for maintaining and replacing all of the electrical wiring on campus, which includes 160 buildings and all the exterior lighting on MUSC’s 64 acres of land. During a period of four months that stretched from early January 2015 until the end of April, the electric shop went above and beyond to provide exceptional service and support while undertaking a major electrical modification to the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. The job involved installing 128 LED light fixtures with occupancy sensors as part of a project funded through a grant awarded by the South Carolina Energy Office. Christine von Kolnitz Cooley, Engineering and Facilities sustainability manager, wrote the grant and oversaw its completion. The original fluorescent lighting in the dental college was a maintenance problem that frequently required servicing, so rather than continuing to sink resources into outdated lighting, Bruce Mills, maintenance manager for Engineering and Facilities, had the idea to turn this building into an energy-savings project. According to the Department of Energy, LEDs are a highly-efficient light source; LED lighting both lasts longer and is more durable thanits fluorescent equivalent. The energy and cost savings were amplified by the installation of 27 motion-detecting light sensors, which turn on automatically when someone’s presence is detected. “These LEDs can save up to 60 percent or more on our electricity bill, so that’s a slam
dunk,” Cooley explained. “It’s just a brighter light and a better light.” The improvement in light quality is especially important for task lighting in the maintenance rooms in which these fixtures were installed. Equipment, electrical and telecom rooms all received new equipment, as did the exterior mechanical room, fire command room and boiler room. Since these rooms are not always occupied, the sensors ensure lights do not stay on when they are not needed. In total, it took 14 electric shop employees to complete the four–month project. They worked in the mornings from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., when the building was unoccupied, to ensure they did not disrupt daily activities in the dental college. The Electric Shop also remained focused on their primary duties throughout the months of this process. Jean-Eric Gedeon, a shop foreman, said that, in addition to the dental college project, “we had to respond to trouble calls, perform preventive maintenance on university equipment and complete work orders.” The lifetime savings of this project is expected to be near $25,500. This amount includes the savings related to the life of the LED fixtures, which reduce energy costs and do not have to be replaced as often, and also the life cycle savings of the sensors, which help to cut the energy use of lighting by 40 percent. Concerning the potential adoption of more LED lighting at MUSC, Gedeon said, “I do anticipate this technology becoming a trend.” Cooley agreed and discussed the value of fully transitioning MUSC to LED lighting. “If we could get a whole building or all of our buildings, wow, we would be looking forward to a huge savings at the end of the day.”
Spring, Fishburne streets road project, detours continue through August Work will continue at Fishburne and President streets as well as on Sheppard Street. Both the intersection at Fishburne and President streets (including part of Fishburne) and Sheppard Street from the Crosstown to Rutledge are expected to remain closed. The detour route around the intersection at Fishburne and President streets may shift a little so please be alert for changes. Work includes: water relocations and installation of stormwater infrastructure at Fishburne and President streets and other construction. Closures are expected to continue until mid-August. Starting July 7, Bogard Street closed from the Crosstown to President Street affecting traffic around President and Fishburne streets. For everyone’s safety, while traversing these areas via vehicle, bike or on foot, please obey all signage and be aware of any construction activity. This closure is expected to continute until mid-September. For project information, visit www.SeptimaClarkProject.com.
PeoPle oF interest
MUSC’s Department of Public Safety is asking for help from the MUSC community in identifying two women who were recently on MUSC’s campus. The individuals are wanted for questioning in regard to several credit card thefts and fraudulent activity that occurred July 8 around MUSC. Anyone having knowledge about these people should contact Sgt. David Wagner, 792-0334 or Sgt. Don Register, 792-1327 of Public Safety.
the Catalyst, July 31, 2015 5
MEEt trAci
Traci Clark Department Referral Call Center How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By providing excellent customer service to patients who call MUSC
To contact MUSC Public Safety at the press of a button or to access a wealth of information on emergency scenarios, download the MUSC Notify App by visiting appstore.musc.edu and signing in with your Net ID and password. Instructions are available at http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ocio/ MUSCNotify.pdf.
Open House this Sunday 2-4!
How long at MUSC One year Family and their names Husband, Anthony; daughters Chayce and Jordynn
What is your idea of a dream job Criminal analyst Last book read “Breath, Eyes, Memory” by Edwidge Danticat Best thing about living in Charleston The culture and the food Favorite quote “Whatever you are, be a good one.” —Abraham Lincoln
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6 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
MUSC Health Plan adds services and incentive By Mikie hayes Public Relations As it heads into its third year on Jan. 1, 2016, the MUSC Health Plan continues to evolve to best meet the needs of its members, offering numerous financial incentives to employees and their dependents who choose to receive care at MUSC. Recently, at a manager’s meeting, Chief Strategic Officer Mark Lyles announced upcoming changes that will further enhance the benefits offered to MUSC Health Plan members. First, Lyles reported that members of the MUSC Health Plan will not see their premiums increase in 2016, which means they will not have more money deducted out of their paychecks to pay to be members of the MUSC Health Plan. In fact, since the plan was implemented, no increases have been passed on to MUSC employees. Lyles next reviewed the specifics of the Public Employee Benefit Authority’s Generic Copay Waiver Program. Any MUSC Health Plan member or dependent who has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure
or diabetes, can receive free generic medications to treat these conditions. The goal of the generic copay waiver program is to encourage members to take their medications and stay as healthy as possible. Once a participant qualifies for the program, certain generic drugs and diabetes supplies will be free for 12 months, and the 12-month waiver can be renewed each year. In order to receive these free medications and supplies, members must register for the program, complete a health risk assessment and get basic labs drawn. For instructions on how to qualify for the Generic Copay Waiver program and to review the lists of generic medications and diabetic supplies that are available for free, MUSC Health Plan members need to visit: http://www.eip.sc.gov/prevention/11/ generic-copay-waiver-program Perhaps the most notable change to the MUSC Health Plan addresses the need for after-hours, non-emergency care. MUSC Health Plan members are encouraged to visit their primary care physicians (PCPs) whenever possible and, when emergent medical situations arise,
Doctors Care Locations James Island 743 Folly Road, Charleston SC 29412 762-2360 West Ashley 1851 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard Charleston SC 29407 556-5585 Mount Pleasant 631 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant SC 29464 881-0815 Mount Pleasant 3074 Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant SC 29466 884-6424 Charleston West 3424 Shelby Ray Court Charleston SC 29414
(843) 402-6834 North Charleston 8091 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston SC 29406 572-7000 Summerville 10160 Dorchester Road, Summerville SC 29485 871-7900 Summerville 410 North Main Street, Summerville SC 29483 871-3277 Moncks Corner 459 Highway 52 North, Moncks Corner SC 29461 (843) 899-3870
Dr. Thomas Gibbons, left, president and CEO of Doctors Care, joins Dr. Patrick Cawley, MUSC Medical Center CEO, as they announce the collaboration to MUSC clinical leaders on July 21. photo provided
members should immediately go to an emergency room. However, “life happens” and the need for medical care does not always arise Monday through Friday during traditional office hours. There will be times when a member spikes a fever on a Saturday, pulls a muscle gardening after work or gets sunburned at the beach. While these situations don’t typically warrant a trip to an emergency room, often it’s difficult to wait until Monday to see a PCP. According to Lyles,“When the MUSC Health Plan was created, our team was not able to modify the emergency room coverage benefits without increasing MUSC Health Plan members’ premiums, something we were not permitted to do by PEBA. So, the coverage benefits for ER care remain the same as they were before the inception of the MUSC Health Plan, and our plan’s ER benefits are identical to the ER coverage benefits currently provided to the more than 350,000 members of the Standard State Health Plan. A trip to the ER triggers deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance. Visiting an ER is quite costly and is not the most efficient means of treating a virus, bad sunburn or other minor illnesses.” In an effort to offer additional opportunities for MUSC Health Plan members to be seen after hours for non-emergent care, Lyles announced
that effective Aug. 1, all Doctors Care locations in South Carolina will become an in-network, Tier A provider for the MUSC Health Plan. Doctors Care opened in 1981 as the first minor emergency medical center in Columbia, offering urgent care services with flexible evening and weekend hours. Today Doctors Care has more than 50 offices statewide. “We are very excited about this addition to the MUSC Health Plan,” Lyles said. “With nine geographically well-distributed Doctors Care locations throughout the Charleston area, MUSC Health Plan members should easily be able to access these offices if and when they need to.” Doctors Care treats both routine and urgent situations that may arise — from rashes to lacerations to fractures. In addition, they are able to perform X-rays as well as blood, pregnancy and rapid strep tests. An added benefit is that a visit by an MUSC Health Plan member to any Doctors Care location in the State will incur a flat $75 copayment. Rather than incurring more expensive ER costs, all Doctors Care services are included in the copayment. No deductibles or coinsurance must be met for any services provided at Doctors Care. “This is an exciting and great collaboration,” Lyles
See Plan on page 7
the Catalyst, July 31, 2015 7
New process in place for obtaining ADHD meds through plan By Mikie hayes Public Relations An important change went into effect on July 1 for adult members age 19 or older of both the MUSC Health Plan and the Standard State Health Plan who use prescribed medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) administers and manages all of the state’s employee health insurance programs. PEBA uses Catamaran as the pharmacy benefit manager for all of its health insurance plans. July 1 marked the day Catamaran began requiring adults to obtain prior authorization in Lyles order to receive medications prescribed for ADHD. This decision was made by Catamaran and was approved by PEBA. It affects adult members of all PEBA health insurance plans who are on ADHD medications. Although the leaders of MUSC and the MUSC Health Plan were not involved in the decision-making process, the decisions will affect the adult MUSC Health Plan members who are on these
Plan
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said, adding, “This is a very important addition to the care options and services we provide to our MUSC Health Plan members. PEBA is in the process of revising the Summary of Benefits and Coverages for the MUSC Health Plan that is posted on the PEBA website publications page, and the addition of Doctors Care as Tier A providers will be updated shortly.” According to Karyn Rae, director of Managed Care for MUSC and a key member of the MUSC Health Plan development and oversite team, “The Affordable Care Act now enables dependents to remain on their parents’ health insurance plan up until age 26. This applies to members of the MUSC Health Plan. Many MUSC Health Plan members’ dependents are attending instate colleges or are working adults under the age of 26 who are employed in South Carolina but who reside outside of the Charleston region. Since Doctors Care
medications, as well as state employees who are covered by the Standard State Health Plan. According to MUSC Chief Strategic Officer Mark Lyles, M.D., ADHD medications for adults will not be covered by Catamaran unless the prescriber submits a prior authorization request to Catamaran that confirms the patient appropriately needs the medication. Further, Catamaran will be limiting the number of ADHD medication pills that may be dispensed monthly. If the needed dose exceeds the limits specified by Catamaran, prescribers will also need to submit a request to Catamaran for quantities of the drug that exceed the dispensing limit. Additionally, these medications may need to go through the prior authorization process multiple times a year depending on the prescriber’s recommendations. Lyles said, “Prior to July 1, Catamaran sent letters to all adults who are on these medications to inform them of this change. Since Catamaran now requires physicians to complete a prior authorization form, explaining the need and specifying the intended use and length of use for the ADHD medications, this
has more than 50 locations statewide, this collaboration with Doctors Care provides dependents covered by the MUSC Health Plan with an urgent care option that enables them to avoid an ER visit when one is not needed.” Lyles said between locations, convenience of evening and weekend hours and the flat copayment of $75 per visit, MUSC Health Plan members should be very satisfied with having Doctors Care added as in-network providers for the plan. Lyles then introduced Thomas Gibbons, M.D., president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care, who also is a 1981 graduate of MUSC’s College of Medicine. The MUSC Health Plan leadership team has been working for months with PEBA and Gibbons and his team to enable Doctors Care to become in-network, Tier A providers for the MUSC Health Plan. Gibbons said, “I’m personally thrilled to collaborate with the Medical University to provide an urgent care solution for MUSC Health Plan
will be a time-consuming process. MUSC Health Plan members should visit their prescriber well in advance of needing a new prescription to allow time for the preauthorization process to be completed.” It is important to note that regardless of which pharmacy someone uses to fill the prescription — whether it’s an MUSC pharmacy or a community retail pharmacy — the process will be the same and affects all adults who take these medications. Neither the MUSC pharmacy nor community pharmacies were involved in this change and are working on behalf of the customer to ensure the authorization process is initiated so prescriptions can be filled. HOw DO yOU reCeive PriOr aUtHOrizatiON? Kelly Crowley, PharmD, manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, said if you take your prescription to the pharmacy prior to having received authorization, your pharmacist will contact your physician and inform him or her that an authorization form will need to be sent to Catamaran. She added that this process can be expedited by directly contacting the prescriber and requesting they submit the prior authorization form. MyChart provides a simple way of contacting your prescriber. If MUSC Health Plan members have further questions about this change, they should call Catamaran’s Member Services Department at (855) 901–7322. Representatives are available 24/7.
members. Doctors Care has been in business for 34 years – I think there are perhaps only one or two others in the United States delivering urgent care as long as we have.” Gibbons stressed that quality and safety are extremely important to Doctors Care. In early May, Doctor’s Care received news that all of its medical centers were among a select group of health care facilities nationwide that received the Accredited Urgent Care Center designation. It was the first urgent care organization in South Carolina to have achieved that designation. “Last year, we saw 775,000 patients between Doctors Care and Progressive Physical Therapy, our sister company,” Gibbons shared. “For our customers it’s all about convenience. We thrive on seeing how well we can do with that, because if we don’t, they’ll find somewhere else to go.” Gibbons also explained that Doctors Care offers online check-in at its locations. “We are very proud of this
service,” he said. “You can wait where you want — it’s a virtual waiting room. Check in online, and we’ll text you when it’s your turn. I can’t get over how exciting it is not to have to wait in a doctor’s waiting room.” Lastly, Gibbons explained that all Doctors Care locations are also sites where any state employee, who is a member of a PEBA health plan, including members of the MUSC Health Plan, can obtain biometric screenings and laboratory testing — at no cost — in order to become eligible to participate in PEBA’s Generic Copay Waiver Program. Before continuing with the remainder of the meeting’s agenda, MUSC CEO Patrick Cawley told the group, “Mark’s been working hard on this for several months, and we are all very excited to announce MUSC’s collaboration with Doctors Care. Effective Aug. 1, all of its locations in SC will be in–network Tier A providers for the MUSC Health Plan.” A final change to the MUSC Health
See Plan on page 9
8 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
Scholarships help students with passion for helping others By allyson Crowell Development & Alumni Affairs
F
or Palmira Snape, M.D., the moments that defined her medical career had less to do with the diseases that she treated or the countries where she worked. Instead, it's the people who stand out the most to her. She remembers the patient in Africa who walked six miles to bring her two eggs, because the patient's family had no money, and she wanted to thank Snape. And the woman from the public health department screening in Greenville who sent her a thank-you card for detecting breast cancer when the woman had nowhere else to go. “Those are the special moments,” Snape said. She calls herself “semi-retired” these days, although she has served as volunteer medical director of the Free Medical Clinic in Greenville for the past 10 years and has taken medical mission trips to 15 countries – and counting. Snape wound up in Greenville for training after she graduated from MUSC’s College of Medicine in 1964. She and her husband soon started a family and, after a brief stint in private practice, Snape began training interns and new residents of family medicine at Greenville Memorial Hospital. She worked there for the next 40 years. Snape supports students at MUSC through two scholarships: The Palmira Snape, M.D., Scholarship provides assistance to a fourth-year medical student who has been accepted into a family medicine residency program. The Palmira Silva Snape, M.D., Award for Volunteer Service helps a student who plans to enter a family medicine residency and who has given exceptional service to the community. “I wanted to give back, because I have thoroughly enjoyed family medicine and the variety of opportunities I have had,” she said recently. “I always have had a passion for the underserved, and I think I got that from the Medical University.” When Snape was a student, she saw young mothers show up at the hospital without prenatal care and their children arrive with obstructions due to parasites. Those experiences shaped her desire to help other people throughout her career and on into “semi-retirement.” “I wanted to encourage students to continue to volunteer and also to help those going into a field that is so needed: family medicine,” Snape said. Terrell Glenn, M.D., who graduated from the MUSC College of Medicine in May, received the Award for Volunteer Service this year, soon after finishing a rotation in Uganda. “I helped in the operating room, and I delivered a baby one day,” he said. In addition to his time in Africa, Terrell worked at Crisis Ministries and the free MUSC Cares Clinic while finishing medical school. “Service has been a great way to refocus,” he said.
photo by Allyson Crowell, Development & Alumni Affairs
Scholarship recipient and 2015 medical school alumnus Dr. Terrell Glenn with Dr. Palmira Snape.
He starts a residency in family medicine at Texas A&M this fall. “I liked all my rotations, but especially family medicine,” Terrell said. “A variety of cases came in, and you get the opportunity to get to know people. You get to know families over time.” Snape, who received the South Carolina Medical Association Volunteer Physician of the Year Award in 2013, created one of her scholarships by donating from an Individual Retirement Account and private funds. She and her husband, Ed, also have donated to MUSC through a charitable gift annuity. Both scholarships are endowed, meaning students will benefit from that funding for generations to come. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to give to charity if you don’t need it financially,” she said. “Since I don’t need it now, I would like to give it for a good cause.” In addition to her work as medical director of the free clinic and her missions abroad, Snape serves the Eucharist to shut-ins of St. James Episcopal, provides meals to homeless people and mentors women in becoming leaders. She remembers, after all, how women struggled to attend medical school when she was a student. “I just have a real desire to help,” Snape said, “wherever I am.” Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission from Thank You Notes, MUSC Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.
the Catalyst, July 31, 2015 9
Birthday
Continued from Page One
but here we are.” Olivia Jenkins explained what sparked the idea. “I started volunteering at the beginning of the summer,” she said. “The kids get so excited just to have somebody come in and play with them, but you can see the need for new toys. I love giving things away; if I could give everything away, I would. I’m very excited to be sharing all these new toys with the kids.” Also present were Jenkins’ wife, Jocelyn, their youngest daughter, Ryleigh, and son, Alex. The Jenkins family has a long history with MUSC and the Children’s Hospital. Olivia was treated at MUSC in 1995, after being born with torticollis, an often painful condition which, left untreated, renders a child’s head permanently tilted to one side. Now 20 years old and healthy, Olivia is pursuing a career in the health care field and aspires to work at MUSC. In addition to the toys, which the Jenkins family helped distribute room to room, ShutterBooth set up a photo booth in the atrium and Benefitfocus provided more than 30 dozen cupcakes for the event — enough to supply each nurses’ station in the hospital. The atrium was filled with laughter and smiling faces. Jim Fisher, vice president for development and alumni affairs, took the opportunity to don a festive yellow birthday hat and lead those in attendance in a chorus of “Happy Birthday to Shawn.” “People are good,” Fisher said. “People are just good. In this day and time, we all
“We have a heart for the mission of the Children’s Hospital. This is the first part of a long partnership which we’re building together.” Shawn Jenkins need to be reminded of that. Toys came in from as far as India, and they’re still coming. Today we’re distributing toys to all the children in the hospital, and we’ll have plenty left over to distribute for weeks to come. We’re also distributing cupcakes to all the nurses that couldn’t join us for the celebration. It’s a wonderful day.” Jenkins didn’t go without a gift entirely. It was his party, after all. Four-year-old Abigail Lee, who recently finished her last round of chemotherapy, presented the businessman with a framed photograph of herself. He received it, and a hug, gratefully. “Thank you so much,” Jenkins said, “for allowing our family and all of our associates to come down and hang out with you guys, to hear your stories and to be part of the healing process. We have a heart for the mission of the Children’s Hospital. This is the first of part of a long partnership which we’re building together.”
Plan
Continued from Page Seven
Plan pertains to the initially intended requirement that participants must obtain a referral from an MUSC primary care provider in order to see an MUSC specialist at a reduced copay rate of $35. Without a PCP referral, a specialty visit copayment was to have been $75. But because MUSC and Blue Cross did not have IT systems capable of identifying when a referral had or had not been made by an MUSC PCP, the referral option has never been implemented. Since the inception of the MUSC Health Plan, all specialty visit copayments have been $35. However, MUSC’s IT systems are becoming more sophisticated, and it soon will be possible to process referrals and track them more easily. But getting a referral is viewed by many as burdensome on both the patient and the PCP and not a proven way to effectively manage a population of covered lives. MUSC has successfully negotiated a deal with PEBA and Blue Cross to eliminate the potential future requirement for a referral from a PCP in order for an MUSC Health Plan member
to see an MUSC specialist without incurring the $75 copayment. In return for eliminating the potential need for a referral in the future, beginning Jan. 1, 2016, the copayment for an MUSC Health Plan member to see an MUSC specialist will increase from $35 to $45. This will remain a flat copayment and no deductible or co-insurance will be required for outpatient care. Lyles said, “We think this is a fair compromise and best meets the needs of our MUSC Health Plan members and our goal to provide high value specialty care to all our members. Other than this one increase, all Calendar year 2015 benefits, coverages and exclusions for the MUSC Health Plan will remain the same for Calendar year 2016. Lyles emphasized, “This change will not become effective until Jan. 1, 2016. In the meantime, specialty visits will not require a referral and will still incur a $35 copayment.” This change for the MUSC Health Plan will be reflected on the MUSC Health Plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverages when the summary is updated for 2016.
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BenefitFocus CEO Shawn Jenkins watches as patients at MUSC Children’s Hospital enjoy his company’s donation of more than 2,300 toys.
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10 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
Challenge: eating for energy
taking the first survey at This month the mindful http://tinyurl.com/qgv5dfk. challenge has focused on A link to the final survey making sleep a priority. will be sent at month’s end But even the best intentions to those who take the first sometimes are sidelined due survey. to schedule changes, vacations, q Chair massages: Free stress and many other barriers massages are offered to healthy habits. to employees midday And just like stress eating, Wednesdays. Check sleep deprivation can also broadcast messages for new trigger unhealthy eating habits. locations and times. Even just one night of poor q Farmers Markets: Fresh sleep can lead to increased Susan Johnson fruits and vegetables are hunger and over eating, often foods high in calories, sugar available from local farmers and fat. Instead of reaching for unhealthy Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the “comfort foods”, try powering up with Horseshoe. Look for King of Pops and these choices that are not only healthy, Angel Blends. but provide a natural source of energy: q Blueberries — fruit is a good source of MUSC Wellness Center natural sugar; berries are lower in sugar q HITS (High Intensity Training compared to other fruits so you can eat System) — Make yourself faster, stronger more for fewer calories and more agile through this six-week q Brown rice — and other complex program. Sign up at the Membership carbs give the body a sustained source of Desk. Visit www.musc.edu/hsc or 792energy over an extended period of time 5757. so you avoid having an energy “ crash” q Adventure Out is a year-long outdoor after a meal fitness campaign to encourage residents q Water — the first sign of dehydration to visit city parks for exercise. Free is fatigue; thirst is a late stage indicator fitness classes with the purchase of an you are behind on your fluid intake Adventure Out T-shirt or tank ($10/$15) q Eggs — protein keeps your energy for the entire year. The next class is even by preventing you from getting the GoodLife Circuit with Becca at too hungry in between meals; starting 9 a.m. Hampton Park at the Gazebo. the day with breakfast — that includes a For information, visit www.musc.edu/ protein — prevents mid-morning slumps adventureout. q Figs — help keep you regular.
Health at work
Employee Wellness
q July Monthly Mindful Challenge — Make sleep a daily priority. Begin by
MUSC Urban Farm
q Early Bird Maintenance — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesdays q SunsetWork and Learn — 4 to 5 p.m., Thursdays q Saturday Work and Learn — 9 to 11 a.m., Aug. 1 and Aug. 15 For information, email Susan Johnson, Ph.D. at johnsusa@musc.edu or Susan B. Whelan at whela@musc.edu.
The 2015 MUSC Faculty Convocation will begin at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Drug Discovery Auditorium. Keynote speaker for this year’s event is Marc I. Chimowitz, MBChB, professor of Neurology and associate dean of Faculty Development in the College of Medicine. Chimowitz’s speech is titled, “Faculty Mentoring in Challenging Times: A Call to Action.” The event also recognizes faculty award honorees. A reception will follow in the Drug Discovery lobby.
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2015 Faculty Convocation set Aug. 25
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the Catalyst, July 31, 2015 11
CLASSIFIED PAGE • 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 Chilton@postandcourier.com OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call Crystal Hilton (843)937-4803 Office; (843)937-5410 Fax
*Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students.
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Furniture King Size Euro Pillow Top Set New, will sacrifice for $275 Call 843-270-4283 Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set, Brand New in Plastic, Must Sell!! $150 Call Chris (843)270-4283
Parking rate increase effective July 1 In May 2013, the MUSC Board of Trustees approved a five–year schedule of increases to the parking fee structure on campus. Changes are effective July 1. Rates are indexed to employee salaries. Employees who park at the Harborview Tower Garage or Lockwood lot will continue to receive a discount over the on–campus rate. The medical center has paid a subsidy for its employees since 2009, therefore there will be no change to parking rates for medical center employees. MUSC Parking continues to provide free parking in the Hagood system with shuttle bus service to campus. Employees are reminded that MUSC provides free access to the CARTA Bus System providing Park & Ride service between Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, West Ashley and James Island direct to MUSC on Calhoun Street. Information on routes and stop schedules can be found at www.ridecarta.com. For information, contact Melinda Anderson, 792-2597 or Debby Humbert, 792-6760
MUSC Hero: Samaritans help out patient By sharon Fowler Public Relations One early morning in June, Charlotte Harber carefully settled her sleepy 4-year-old daughter, Zoe, into their family car. They were leaving MUSC, preparing to make the nearly two-hour drive back to their home in Lake City. Zoe, a patient of the Pediatric and Oncology Unit, and her mother had been shuttling back and forth from Lake City to Charleston so Zoe could receive care at MUSC. After Zoe was discharged on Wednesday, June 10, Harber was eager to get her daughter home to rest because they would still have to return to MUSC that Friday for treatment. Less than two miles into their 120-mile drive home, Harber’s 1995 Buick LeSabre broke down. Harber has a brother who is an automotive mechanic, but he was two hours away in Lake City. Knowing a bit about cars herself, Harber felt confident that in order to get them back en route, her car’s battery would need to be recharged. She would need help to do this. An MUSC Public Safety officer responded and tried to jump–start the battery, neither attempt was successful. Thankfully, two good Samaritans offered further assistance. Marc Girault and Michael Blanton, Blackbaud colleagues, each pulled over to lend Harber a hand when they noticed her car was broken down on Ashley Avenue. Blanton left the scene to return to work after seeing the car had been pulled over to a safe place, while Girault stayed to help Harber jump–start her car’s battery. To their great surprise, the car started on the third
try, and Girault offered to follow her on Interstate 26 until he exited on I-526 towards Daniel Island. Harber made it about five miles on I-26 before her car’s battery died again. By this time she had lost sight of Girault’s vehicle. Harber described the distress she felt being stranded on the interstate and her concern for Zoe having to be outside in the June heat. “The interstate takes you quick. He [Girault] is gone so, I think ‘what am I going to do now?’ I called my insurance company and was trying to get roadside assistance worked out, but I was having issues with that. And when I looked up, he was pulling in behind me.” Girault had turned around when he did not see Harber’s Buick among the cars traveling on I-26. They recognized that it would not be possible to fix the car at that time, so Girault phoned his girlfriend, Amy Richburg, R.N., a nurse with Children’s Services, to say he would be driving back to MUSC with a patient and her mother. LogistiCare, a provider of non-emergency medical transportation, was able to arrange alternative transportation for Harber and Zoe that afternoon. Girault reflected on his actions that day, “We all need a little assistance once in a while,” he said. “When we have the opportunity to provide help to someone, it is our responsibility to extend the offer. I think of it this way, if someone you care about needs help, and you are not there to assist, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that someone else was able to?” For Harber, Girault’s assistance was a “godsend.” “For him to do that,” she paused and thought, “Well, there are just no words to express how much I appreciate what he did for us that day.”
12 the Catalyst, July 31, 2015
MaralyNNe D. MitCHaM leCtUreSHiP
photo by Hazel Rider, College of Health Professions
The Division of Occupational Therapy at the College of Health Professions held the third Annual Maralynne D. Mitcham Lectureship and Alumni Luncheon July 17. Dr. Michael Awama, from left, joins presenter Dr. Charles Christiansen and CHP faculty Dr. Nancy Carson and Dr. Craig Velozo. The late Dr. Mitcham’s portrait was painted by CHP producation manager and artist Gary Melancon.
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