September 21, 2012
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 31, No. 6
Hyundai gives MUSC helping hand $250,000 Hope On Wheels grant to support children’s cancer research MUSC received a $250,000 Hope Grant Sept. 6 to support research focused on the treatment of neuroblastoma, becoming one of 41 recipients of Hope On Wheels’ 2012 Hyundai Hope Grants. The grant was presented at a signature Handprint Ceremony in the Children’s Hospital atrium. This ceremony captures the colorful handprints of young cancer patients and places them on a white 2012 Hyundai Tucson, the official vehicle of the program. Every Handprint Ceremony celebrates the lives of children faced with cancer and commemorates their brave battles with cancer.
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Chase Towne, 4, enjoys making a handprint.
Dr. Mehrdad Rahmaniyan holds a check that will go to fund his research in the treatment of neuroblastoma, a cancer that forms in nerve tissue and often begins in early childhood.
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HouSekeepinG Week Celebrated Hospital employees were recognized during Environmental Services Week, Sept. 10 – 14.
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Gold Star HoSpital
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Currents
The S.C. Hospital Association honored MUSC for becoming a tobacco-free campus.
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Meet Grace
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New Student Affairs dean
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
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EmployEE WEllnEss The MUSC Urban Farm is recruiting farm hands to volunteer and receive training to assist with the farm. The farm is designed to be a living classroom where students, faculty, staff and the community come together to explore the connection between food and health through hands-on learning about the many varieties of vegetables, fruit, and herbs grown in South Carolina. Volunteers are the key to sustaining a successful project.
Kim Hemmingway accepts the award by Dick Smith, Environmental Services general manager.
EVS workers applauded in weeklong celebration MUSC recognized hospital environmental service workers and celebrated National Health Care Environmental Services (EVS) and Housekeeping Week, Sept. 10 – 14. Part of the festivities featured recognition of the EVS 2012 Employee of the Year winner, Kim Hemmingway, 6West/Trauma Step-down Unit. Throughout the celebration, employees were treated to meals, trivia challenge and daily prize drawings for gas cards, gift and restaurant certificates. There are more than 400 EVS employees who work within the medical center and university, who are
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
dedicated members of their respective staffs. Hospital EVS employees work in outpatient clinics, inpatient units and multiple emergency rooms. During the celebration, Children’s Hospital 7A nurse manager Jennifer Wright praised employee Erica Epps. “We have a great working relationship and are able to communicate when and where patient discharges and admission are scheduled so everyone’s efficient and supportive.” Wright also recognized Epps for working with patients and their families. “Erica embraces our mission and it enhances the culture of our unit. She loves making a difference every day.” 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.
What is a farm hand? Farm hands are volunteers who participate in MUSC Urban Farm activities on a more regular basis and have received additional training. Once trained, farm hands can assist in any of the following ways: hosting scheduled groups at the farm, relaying weather information to meteorologist Tom Crawford at WCIV-TV News 4 (from the MUSC Urban Farm Weather Station), representing the farm at community events, contributing to farm planning/farm management as well as day-to-day activities on the farm such as maintenance, watering and weeding. The level of commitment expected from our farm hands is flexible and based on the volunteer’s schedule and area of interest. Why become a farm hand? Farm hands are an important component of the team and ensure the long-term success of the MUSC Urban Farm project. In addition learning about urban, organic gardening, participants will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy the benefits of an active, healthy hobby. How to become a farm hand? Visit http://academicdepartments. musc.edu/urbanfarm/involve/ volunteer.html, fill out the volunteer form and sign up for the next training session, scheduled 5 – 6:30 p.m., Oct. 3. Registration is required for training sessions at the Urban Farm. Email urbanfarm@musc.edu.
The MUSC Urban Farm needs volunteers to maintain the garden. Employee Wellness events q Zumba at Harborview Office Tower: Join licensed Zumba instructor Felecia Curry for a weekly Wednesday night Zumba class held from 5 - 6 p.m., Room 910, Harborview Office Tower. The workout accommodates any fitness level. Space is limited. Email curryf@musc.edu or call 822-6136 to register. q Worksite screening: The next worksite screening, valued at about $350, will be held on Sept. 27, Room 109, Colbert Education Center & Library Building. The screening is available to employees with the State Health Plan for $15 (covered spouses can also participate for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. The screening includes height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for a blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and a blood lipid profile. To register, go to www.musc.edu/employeewellness and click Worksite Screening. q Farmers market: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sept. 24. Due to the Heartwalk Hustle, the market has been moved to Sept. 24. Contact Susan Johnson, Ph.D., at johnsusa@musc.edu for more information on the Office of Health Promotion at MUSC and Suzan Benenson Whelan at whela@musc.edu for specific information about Employee Wellness. Events, classes or any other ideas are welcome.
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photo by Wade Spees, The Post and Courier
MUSC researchers Pamela Ferguson, from left, Abby Teklehalmanot, Monica Cornelius and Elisabeth Pickelsimer are studying traumatic brain injuries among South Carolina’s prisoners.
Mental health in prisons By Renee dudley The Post and Courier Local researchers have released new findings on the rates of traumatic brain injury among people in South Carolina’s prisons in hopes that better treatment eventually will be available to them. The $2 million study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that nearly two-thirds of the men surveyed and nearly threefourths of the women reported having had traumatic brain injury, generally occurring early in life. Researchers, coordinated by MUSC, interviewed more than 600 adults who have been in the state prison system. Their results recently were published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. The study’s local authors — Elisabeth Pickelsimer and Pamela Ferguson, an MUSC epidemiologist and research director, respectively — said they hope the findings will “reduce the revolving door of prison re-entry and increase the offenders’ potential for a successful return back into their communities.” A spokesman for the S.C. Department of Corrections said the system’s physicians were unavailable to comment on the study last week.
The authors believe identifying and treating South Carolina prisoners with histories of traumatic brain injury could reduce the rate of recidivism in that population. That rate, however, was not yet available for comparison with the overall rate of recidivism. Traumatic brain injury can result in an array of mental health issues, including substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. Given the prevalence of the condition, prisons have become “mental health facilities without appropriate funding for mental health treatment,” Pickelsimer said. Proper treatment could help prevent behavior problems among prisoners and could improve their level of productivity and success after being released. Beyond improved treatment, the authors suggest new training for prison staff on handling inmates with histories of traumatic brain injury. “Without a clear understanding of how (traumatic brain injury) may impact a person, prison officials may be misled to believe that the offender is deliberately defiant,” according to the study. Editor’s note: This article ran in the Sept. 11 issue of The Post and Courier and is reprinted with permission.
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CurrEnts sEpt. 18 People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty Hospital administration resident Hailey James reminded managers of the Sept. 27 MUSC Heart Walk Hustle from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 27 in the MUSC horseshoe and ART atrium. Featured are a silent auction, massage therapy, food, games and craft vendors. The 2012 Lowcountry Heart Walk will be held Sept. 29 in Liberty Square. Activities begin at 8 a.m. followed by the walk at 9 a.m. Employee of the Month — August q Mary Fischer, Office of Enterprise Business Intelligence, was praised for her hard work and assistance in helping an MHA student create a new software program supporting a children’s outpatient clinic. (Janna Cone) q Bill Rentz, physical therapy technician, Therapeutic & Professional Support Services, was recognized for his quick thinking and help rescuing several patients from a flooded car during an unexpected flash flood situation on Ashley Avenue. (Erica Rouvalis) HR update Mark Stimpson, MUHA HR benefits manager, presented the following information: q MUHA policy changes effective immediately: managers of employees wishing to be rehired after retiring must gain the approval of the hiring curtailment committee before acceding to employees’ requests q The 0.5 percent pay increase for medical center employees effective in the Sept. 19 paycheck is a one-time increase and is not related to an employee’s performance rating(s) q SuccessFactors – 2013 planning forms are due Sept. 30 q 2012 Annual Benefits Fair is planned from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 28, outside the Colbert Education Center & Library Building Open Enrollment for State Insurance Benefits The enrollment period runs throughout October; changes made in
October are effective Jan. 1. During October, Employees may: change medical plans if already enrolled in one; add or drop vision insurance; add or increase employee life insurance by $50,000 (without answering medical questions); reduce/cancel employee, spousal and kids life insurance coverage; and enroll or re-enroll in a medical spending account (requires annual reenrollment) or a dependent day care account. During October, employees may not: Add or drop dental or medical insurance plans; add or drop dependents to or from medical or dental coverage; increase spousal life insurance (without answering medical questions); or increase employee life insurance or than $50,000 (without answering medical questions). Key changes effective Jan. 1, 2013: Maximum contribution to a medical spending account reduces from $5,000 to $2,500; Cigna HMO medical plan no longer offered; both employer and employee premiums on both state health plans will increase by 4.6 percent; premiums for BlueChoice HMO plan increase by 16 percent to 28 percent depending on level of coverage; dental plus premiums increase by 1.1 percent; employee and spousal life insurance premiums increase by 10 percent to 18 percent, depending on age category; employees paying premiums directly to a Tricare Supplement plan provider may elect to do this via payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis through the MoneyPlus program; small adjustments to co-pays (both up and down) for benefits offered through BlueChoice HMO medical plan; and small adjustments to fees charged for flexible spending accounts (medical spending, dependent day care, HSA). A comprehensive review of all changes and instructions on making online changes will be sent via email to all benefits eligible medical center employees by the end of September. For information, contact Stimpson at Stimpso@musc.edu or 792-9320. Quality – Providing quality patient care in a safe environment Lois Kerr, accreditation manager, reviewed details
To Medical Center Employees: Recently the University Healthsystem Consortium (UHC) awarded MUSC its Rising Star honor for significant improvements and exemplary performance in patient safety, mortality, clinical effectiveness, and equity of care as defined by UHC’s Quality and Accountability Study. Other academic medical centers who received the Rising Star award include Duke, Shands Hospital at the University of Florida and Cleveland Clinic. UHC Smith President Irene Thompson stated “this Rising Star achievement is especially notable because other academic medical centers also are working in earnest to improve patient safety and quality, thus it has become quite difficult to stand out among more than 100 peer organizations.” Congratulations to the Quality and Patient Safety leadership team, staff and to everyone involved throughout the MUSC clinical enterprise. The Rising Star honor is a huge win for MUSC. Also, for another great win, the Heart & Vascular Services’ Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) program was recently surveyed by the Joint Commission and received a 100 percent pass rate. The surveyor was very complimentary of everyone she came into contact with and praised the overall hospital commitment to the program. On another matter, at the Sept. 18 management communications meeting, Lois Kerr, Accreditation Manager, emphasized that we will have an unannounced comprehensive Joint Commission survey soon. The survey team will be on campus for a full week and is expected to arrive the week beginning either Oct. 1, 15 or 29, but is not bound by these dates. Everyone should be familiar with relevant National Patient Safety Goals and the methods we use to fulfill the goals (see http://mcintranet.musc.edu/cceps/PatientSafety/). Thank you. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center in the hospital’s preparation of the upcoming Joint Commission survey. Kerr reminded managers of some potential survey visit dates in October. She reviewed 10 basic reminders for staff to prepare for the survey — know and implement all 2012 National Patient Safety Goals; keep corridors and exits clear; complete Safety Wednesday activities; conduct daily chart reviews in areas; review plans of care, assessments completed in a timely fashion, nutritional and functional screens, advance directives, confirm Med Rec and restraint documentation; review pain assessment and reassessment; maintain an 18-inch clearing from ceiling; verify that HR folders are complete (verified,
current license, current evidence-certifications, evaluations, current competency and change of position), review time out policy and stay focused. Hazardous materials and fire safety Wayne Brannan, University Rick Management director, reviewed the institution’s policy with a current, written chemical inventory list and its availability. He spoke about a new MUSC Chemical Inventory List form (available via the University Risk Management website) and emphasized how staff members should know how to access Material Safety Data Sheets on all materials in their work area. At eyewash
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mEEt GraCE
Grace Badgett Department MUSC Health East Cooper, Urology How long at MUSC 14 years What do you like most about the East Cooper facility Everything is in one building and the ease of parking. I also am excited to see the facility continue to grow and offer more services. Best thing about living in Charleston My children, Melissa and Jeremy, are here. Dream vacation A real vacation with my grandchildren, either in the mountains or at Disney World. Meal you love to cook All the holiday meals Nickname in high school Gracie Last book read “Fifty Shades of Grey� What music is in your CD player Country
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Tobacco-free campus receives ‘gold star’ Officials ask employees to be courteous in public spaces
MUSC celebrates its six-month anniversary of becoming a tobacco-free campus in earning a Gold Star award from the South Carolina Hospital Association. The award marks the culmination of hard efforts to transform the campus into a tobacco-free environment representative of MUSC’s mission to maintain a healthy environment that promotes wellness and good health habits within all MUSC facilities. Susan Johnson, Ph.D., director of the Office of Health Promotion, said it’s an important milestone for MUSC in what has been a long journey, including legislative advocacy efforts. A state law was signed into effect June 5 that gives authority to the governing bodies of public colleges and universities in South Carolina to legally declare and enforce tobacco-free campuses to include outdoor spaces. “MUSC has now met all the criteria and has officially been designated as a Gold Star Hospital for creating a tobacco-free environment and providing comprehensive cessation support resources. We are honored to receive this award and are looking forward to celebrating our success with our amazing colleagues from the South Carolina Hospital Association and N.C. Prevention Partners in the near future.” Jen Wright, manager of Working Well with the association, praised MUSC for its efforts, noting that it’s the first institution of higher education in the state to do so. She said the accomplishment proves MUSC’s clear leadership and its commitment to the health of its employees and the community it serves. “You are setting a high bar for the rest of South Carolina hospitals to meet while making a positive impact on population health,” she said in a letter citing MUSC’s award. “We will look to you once again to help lead the way in efforts to increase the number of tobacco-free higher education campuses across our state. Thank you for your
Dr. Kelly Crowley holds up one of the bags full of free gifts that employees received who signed up for the Pitch the Pack campaign. It was part of the rollout of MUSC’s tobacco-free campus. immense efforts in changing legislation to make sure this vision is possible. We will count on you to continue to share your stories of success as a model for other hospitals and businesses in the state and across the country.” The other major milestone is the success of MUSC’s Pitch the Pack cessation program. More than 60 employees participated in the program that was rolled out to coincide with the new policy. The cessation program provided classes, counseling and a free, one-month medication supply to all participating employees and students. Kelly Crowley, PharmD, manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, said the department was happy to participate in the tobacco-free campus campaign. “There were many MUSC employees who were able to take advantage of the coupons and low priced items available from our pharmacies to assist them in their decision to quit smoking. Although the coupons are no longer available, many of the low priced smoking cessation products are still available for those making the decision to quit.”
Stewart Mixon, chief operations officer for the university, said he’s been thrilled to see how well the transition was handled and how cooperative employees have been in accepting the change. The change is part of a long process that started with resolutions passed by the Student Government Association and MUSC’s faculty senate. MUSC became a tobacco-free campus March 1. On a personal level, many employees used the change as a catalyst to take advantage of the free smoking cessation program, said Mixon. “We’ve been successful in helping people transform their lives. That’s been exciting to see.” Challenges remain, particularly in respecting MUSC’s neighboring businesses and residences. Mixon said the tobacco-free initiative takes the cooperation of all employees to be successful. “While we have experienced much success in the transition, we have noted that some smokers have sought areas to smoke that can affect others, especially our visitors and patients as they come and go into our facilities. In that this is a cooperative effort, we would ask those who choose to smoke around the campus to find public areas that are not highly visible, that do not intrude on businesses or create corridors where non-smokers must walk through second-hand smoke to get to their destinations.” MUSC and Roper Hospital officials have met with city officials to discuss the possibility of the city creating a tobaccofree zone around medical facilities in the City of Charleston. In the meantime, Johnson said the goal is to remind employees who smoke in public areas around the hospital to be courteous to neighbors and visitors. “We ask that employees smoking in these areas be mindful that they are wearing hospital badges and are a symbol of MUSC in that respect. It’s important to be courteous and dispose of butts responsibly. We appreciate the cooperation in continuing to make this
litter FaCtS q Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world with trillions littered each year. An estimated 2 million are littered in Charleston annually. q Cigarette litter
represents more than 20 percent of all litter collected in community cleanup initiatives within the U.S. q Cigarette filters are
not cotton. They are cellulose acetate (aka plastic) and they stay in the environment for a minimum of five years and in some cases they never degrade. q Cigarette butts are
harmful to children, pets and the environment. Research shows that the butts are toxic, including a San Diego State University study showing that one butt has enough poisons to kill half the minnows in a liter of water – a standard laboratory test for toxins – in 96 hours. q Cleaning up cigarette
litter in Charleston costs nearly $100,000 a year.
Information from Keep Charleston Beautiful and San Diego State University
a positive change for MUSC and for the city.” To share comments or suggestions about MUSC’s tobacco-free campus policy, contact Johnson at johnsusa@ musc.edu or call 792-1245. Visit the website at http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ tobaccofree/.
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New student affairs dean guides future doctor’s goals By Cindy aBole Public Relations College of Medicine’s associate dean for student affairs John R. Freedy, M.D., Ph.D., loves many aspects of his job from getting to know students to helping them achieve their career goals. But already he’s dealing with a paradox. Freedy hopes to prepare students as they emerge as physicians who are not only skilled and proficient in the procedural approach to medicine, but who are humane, compassionate and dedicated to a patient-centered approach to health care. Achieving this balance is a responsibility that Freedy, his team and other colleagues are committed to improve as part of the medical education experience. Freedy’s proud of the fact that this year's incoming medicine class had more than 3,500 applicants, 468 of them interviewed and 168 students selected. Of that number, 79 students are women, 89 men and 31 students are underrepresented minorities. The undergraduate GPA average was 3.7 and average MCAT score was 30. In 2011 and 2012, MUSC was named among the top 10 most popular medical schools by U.S. News & World Report. The medical school remains a national model for diversity in education and clinical care. In 2008, MUSC won the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Institutional Leadership in Diversity Award for establishing pipeline programs that support diversity in medicine. The college seems on track in meeting its goal of becoming a top 25 academic medical center by 2015. “I look forward to getting to know and working with our students. It’s important that they know our staff works for them, and we are advocates for each of them to do well at MUSC,” said Freedy, who graduated from MUSC in 2002. At the Aug. 19 White Coat Ceremony, Freedy addressed the Class of 2016 medical students. He called on students to embrace the role of a physician as a lifelong service to humanity, the profession and to fellow physicians. He promoted the value of the doctorpatient relationship and challenged students to find their inner “mensch” and develop personal qualities such as integrity and honor that can distinguish them as a good person and physician. He shared a quote from a personal hero, Albert Schweitzer, M.D., a Swiss-born theologian, philosopher, physician, musician and medical missionary, about seeking one’s destiny through service. “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Currently, Freedy leads the Group on Student Affairs to provide support, advisement and counseling to medical students. Staff members are committed to helping students achieve success through academic and
Medicine’s Dr. John Freedy is joined by his daughter, Madison, (from left) wife, Melba, son, Matthew and mom, Dr. Lucy R. Freedy, at the college’s Aug. 19 White Coat Ceremony.
“It’s important that the students know our staff works for them, and we are advocates for them to do well at MUSC.” Dr. John Freedy personal counseling and career advising. They also work with students to find solutions to resolve issues and concerns and can provide referrals to campus resources including the Center of Academic Excellence, Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Financial Aid Services and other support programs. Deborah Deas, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education, realized the changing needs of medical students and wanted to expand services that support them. Deas and senior leadership in the college are responsive to student feedback and responses used in student satisfaction surveys, questionnaires and ongoing assessments. “Dr. Freedy brings skills as a psychologist, family physician and educator that are a great match in managing both professional and personal issues relating
to our students. Even if things are not problematic, Freedy and his team’s expertise and dedication promote each student’s personal well-being in a positive way.” Freedy came to his new role in March. He is an associate professor and clinical educator in the Department of Family Medicine where he directs the behavioral science curriculum for residents at the Trident/MUSC Family Medicine Residency Program. His research and clinical interests include traumatic stress, PTSD and the relationship between mental health and chronic disease. Being involved in leadership and academic medicine was no accident for Freedy. His choice to work in academic medicine follows a family tradition of service in medicine and to humanity. Freedy hails from a family of physicians. Father, Robert, was a general practitioner and mother, Lucy, who was among four females in a class of 88 students who graduated from Duke University’s School of Medicine in 1957, became an accomplished radiologist and academician at The Ohio State University. Another brother and brother-in-law also are physicians. Together, they’ve provided more than 160 years in medical practice. After earning his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
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Hand Continued from Page One According to John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, “At Hyundai, our goal is for a child to never again have to hear the words ‘you have cancer.’ Through the support of our dealers, hospital partners, and online community, this goal is attainable as we join together for a cure. We congratulate and commend each institution for their important life-changing work, and thank our supporters for their continued efforts.” To improve the odds in the fight for a cure, Hope On Wheels raised its Hyundai Hope Grant award amount this year from $100,000 to $250,000. In all, $10.25 million will be awarded in grants during the month of September in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The monthlong program marks Hope On Wheels’ largest research grant donation period to date. It will bring the total amount that the nonprofit has committed to childhood cancer to $57 million since it first began in 1998. Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., director of MUSC’s pediatric oncology research lab, said she’s pleased to be a part of the Hope On Wheels campaign. In its third annual September campaign, Hope On Wheels opened its competitive grant program to all Children’s Oncology Group institutions. Every proposal received was reviewed by Hope On Wheels’ Medical Advisory Committee, comprised of leading pediatric oncologists from around the country. “We are honored that Dr. Mehrdad Rahmaniyan is a recipient of Hope Grant,” said Kraveka. “I commend
Dr. Rita Ryan, fifth from right, applauds Hyundai Motor America for donating $250,000 toward research at MUSC Children’s Hospital. With Ryan are: (from left) Rick Hendrick, Sam Brnovich, Dr. Mehrdad Rahmaniyan, Dr. Jacqueline Kraveka and the Towne family, Christine and Chuck with children Olivia, Chase and Faith. Hyundai Motor America for its commitment to pediatric cancer research. Our laboratory focuses in neuroblastoma, one of the deadliest childhood cancers. This grant will support research on targeting a novel lipid biomarker to improve survival rates for high risk neuroblastoma patients.” For additional information on Hyundai Hope On Wheels and its efforts during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit HyundaiHopeonWheels.org.
Children’s Hospital patient Fallyn Hendrix, 5, makes a hand print which will then be placed on a Hyundai Tucson. Every Handprint Ceremony celebrates the lives of the children faced with cancer and commemorates their brave battles with cancer. For more information on MUSC’s Children’s Hospital, visit http:// www.musckids.com/.
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Agency to accept unused, expired drugs Sept. 29 By JessiCa MiCHaud S.C. College of Pharmacy, MUSC The Drug Enforcement Agency scheduled its fifth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Sept. 29. As the number of prescriptions dispensed yearly continues to rise, so does the amount of unused and expired medications, including controlled substances. These excess medications can lead to misuse or abuse, potentially resulting in overdose or death. While the agency establishes a uniform system for collecting unused drugs, they will continue to host periodic take-back days. In the first four TakeBack Days, sites across the United States collected 1.5 million pounds or 747 tons of unwanted medications. One of the missions of the agency is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system those organizations involved in the distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the U.S. These Prescription Drug Take-Back Days were created in an effort to decrease the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs by reducing the amount of expired or unused medications available to the general public. This service is free and completely anonymous, with a “no questions asked” policy. Consumers can either blackout personal information on
prescription bottles or empty the bottles into the provided containers. Tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms will be accepted (no liquids). Two sites currently are hosting the Take-Back Day in September, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, located at 3505 Pinehaven Drive in North Charleston, and Joint Base Charleston (which requires access to the base). More information on the collection sites can be found at http://www.justice. gov/dea/index.shtml.
CuRRenTs Continued from Page Four stations a weekly flush log should be maintained by staff. Brannan also reviewed the hospital’s five-step fire plan. He reminded managers to review fire extinguisher locations and maintain an 18-inch ceiling sprinkler clearance from stored materials. Due to the increase of hand washing stations throughout the hospital, there is limited storage of alcohol-based hand rub. Each smoke compartment may store a maximum aggregate of 10 gallons (37.8 liters) of ABHR product in dispensers (maximum of five gallons or 18.9 liters) in storage. Brannan also spoke about plans for the Great Southeast Shake Out, a one minute drill scheduled to occur at 10:18 a.m., Oct. 18 as part of Charleston’s earthquake preparation. More than 400,000 participants in the Southeast will participate. Visit http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/vpfa/ operations/Risk%20Management/ muscgreatsoutheastshakeout.htm. Service – Serving the public with compassion, respect and excellence Leah Ramos, R.N., 9E nurse
manager and a member of the medical center’s Adult Inpatient Satisfaction Team. The group focused on improving the hospital’s Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), a national standardized survey tool used to measure patient satisfaction. The effort focuses on hardwiring actions with bedside reporting, hourly rounding, thank you cards and creation of unit Magnet brochures. Other units are moving forward in educating patients and families about inpatient bed transfers via a brochure (MICU and NSICU), which describes the process. Other activities include the reinforcement of MUSC Excellence practices, AIDET and patient and staff rounding by leaders. Although the hospital, as a whole, has not met set organizational goals, there is evidence that HCAHPS scores are on the rise. Other improvements came in hourly rounding, bedside reporting and validation. Some units are implementing quiet hours (9 East, 9West, NSICU and MICU) using tools like the Yakker Tracker. Announcement The next meeting is Oct. 2.
Exhibit features medical gender inequalities of 19th century MUSC’s Waring Historical Library and Humanities Committee will host the exhibit, “Literature of Prescription: Charlotte Perkins Gilman and ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’” through Oct. 6 in the Colbert Education Center & Library. In conjunction with the exhibit, a discussion about postpartum depression from clinical, literary, and personal
perspectives will begin at noon, Sept. 27, Room 109, Colbert Education Center & Library. The closing lecture will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4 in the Basic Science Building. The lecture will be delivered by Jane Thrailkill, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, associate professor in English and Comparative Literature.
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sTudenTs Continued from Page Seven Freedy completed his master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology at Kent State University in 1990. He went on to earn his medical degree from MUSC in 2002 and served a three-year residency with the Trident/MUSC Family Medicine Residency Program at Trident Medical Center. He completed several fellowships, including a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored research fellowship in 1990, and a National Institute for Program Director Development Fundamentals with the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors in 2008, among other educational leadership training experiences at MUSC. His leadership in graduate medical education included several department and administrative positions, including program director for the Trident/MUSC Family Medicine Transitional Year Residency and Institutional Review Board Chair for
Group on Student aFFairS John R. Freedy, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean; Myra Haney Singleton, assistant dean; Chris Pelic, M.D., associate dean for Student Career Planning and Advising; Marta Rivell, Student Activities and Student Affairs manager; and Alva Blair and Artice Smith, administrative support the Trident Regional Medical Center. For now, Freedy is focused on finding ways for his team to be more connected with medical students. “I believe that all people have great potential. My aim is for our Student Affairs team to develop strong and meaningful relationships with each of our medical students and to use these relationships to support our students in reaching their natural potential.”
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