MUSC Catalyst by Cindy Abole

Vol. 31, No. 15

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

November 23, 2012

Furniture bank allows employees to give back By Gerry Le Public Relations

Furniture bank drive

Giving thanks is just one step away from giving back, which is what two MUSC employees are proud to be doing. Lowcountry Furniture Bank, a nonprofit organization which collects slightly used furniture and distributes to families in need, was started in June 2011 by Steve Paterniti, information system analyst for MUSC’s Business Development and Marketing Services Department. “This is our way to support the community,” said Paterniti. “Our vision is to involve community partners such as school groups, civic groups and church groups that are wanting to help give back too.” Paterniti said he was inspired to create the organization because of a home makeover show on HGTV. “They were making over a home in Atlanta, and they showed the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. I started thinking it was a good way to give back to the community,” he said. “Think about that extra bed or dresser you have lying around. There’s no sense in it collecting dust. Instead, give it to people who really need it.” Susan Lucas, MUSC referral call center supervisor and board member for Lowcountry Furniture Bank, is also giving back through the program. “[Paterniti] has just contagious enthusiasm for this. He’s so passionate about this organization and helping

The furniture bank will hold a drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 1 in the QQ parking lot, across from 135 Cannon St., on the MUSC campus. Visit http://www. LowCountryFurnitureBank.org for a list of items that are needed. people. I just had to help,” said Lucas. “He is usually such a quiet guy. But when he talks about the organization, he’s just so excited. He puts so much time into it, and I just think it’s great.” Time isn’t all that Paterniti puts into his organization. Originally Lowcountry Furniture Bank wasn’t accepting any cash donations, just furniture. “We wanted the organization to be finalized through the IRS as an official 501(c)(3) before we took any donations,” he said. On Oct. 19, the Lowcountry Furniture Bank received its IRS approval letter. Cash contributions will now go toward operating expenses and plans for a permanent warehouse, which is becoming more and more important. “[Paterniti] uses his own truck to move things,” Lucas said. “He and his wife use money from their own pocket, so I help by giving them my garage to use as extra storage for now. They give so much. I figure it’s no problem. I can park in the driveway.” As of Oct. 19, the bank had collected

Quality of care South Carolina doctors take part in ratings when it comes to patient care.

See Furniture on page 9

Business Development & Marketing Services’ Steve Paterniti, right, helps load a table in the bed of his truck for the Lowcountry Furniture Bank. Paterniti collects furniture for families in need. Visit http://www. LowCountryFurnitureBank.org for a list of items that are needed. For information, email stevep@lowcountryfurniturebank.org.

Workplace Decorations

Caring Spirit Award

There are specific guidelines for making the hospital festive.

HCC mourns loss of surgeon

Meet Susan

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

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STICU employee receives Caring Spirit Award The MUSC Pastoral Care staff recently presented the sixth annual Caring Spirit Award to Tyrone Vanish. The award is presented each year in conjunction with national Pastoral Care Week, the purpose being to honor one faculty or staff member for his/her commitment and support. Four people were nominated for the award by the Pastoral Care staff, and it was difficult to select just one. The annual Caring Spirit Award recognizes: q Spiritual care of patients and families q Support of the MUSC Pastoral Care mission q Effort to foster community among clergypersons and hospital staff q Support of this year’s Pastoral Care Week theme, “Giving Voice” Vanish, who works in the surgicaltrauma intensive care unit (STICU), was nominated by the chaplains for his compassionate care of patients and their families. According to the Pastoral Care staff, Vanish sees the person and not just the patient. “He does a wonderful job of making the STICU run smoothly and unselfishly works with lots of heart and compassion,” said Rev. Terry Wilson, clinical staff chaplain and manager. Wilson said Vanish always strives to be attentive to the fact that all patients are "spiritual" and have a need for compassion and human sensitivity during their suffering and pain. He does a wonderful job of being steady, faithful and consistent. He also regularly

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 Ashley Barker, barkera@musc.edu

Pastoral Care Services’ Dr. Terry Wilson, left, clinical staff chaplain, presents Tyrone Vanish, STICU, with the Caring Spirit Award. Vanish was nominated by the chaplains for his compassionate care for patients and their families. supports and helps the mission and work of chaplains. In accepting the award, Vanish recognized and credited his peer group and the team he works with in the STICU as being a vital part of who he is as a health care provider. Other nominees this year for the award included: Caroline DeLongchamps, guest relations representative in the Children’s Hospital; Mary Ernst, R.N., perinatal outreach coordinator; and Johan Zamoscianyk, adult emergency department technician. The chaplaincy staff support MUSC faculty and staff members who “give voice” and ensure the spiritual and pastoral care needs of patients and families are given the highest priority. 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.

GolDen GraDs are appreciateD

The MUSC College of Health Professions recently celebrated its 52 golden graduates, members of a graduating class from at least 50 years ago. Nine of the golden graduates attended a luncheon Nov. 8, which was hosted by Dr. Lisa Saladin, dean of the College of Health Professions. Mary Eileen Leonard, who graduated in 1947 and retired from MUSC in 1979, was the honorable chairperson. Pictured from left are: Lois Owen Wellman, Jane Copleston Martin, Elizabeth Barrow, Mary G. Callahan, Ann Harper, Leonard, Betty P. Black and Saladin. Graduates not pictured: Joyce W. Hill and Gladys D. Mappus.

CDAP director named one of top addiction psychiatrists Raymond F. Anton, M.D., Distinguished University Professor at MUSC, was named one of the top addiction psychiatrists in the country by Anton U.S. News Top Doctors. This listing is based on a peer nomination process, and the star icon listed next to Anton’s name denotes that he is considered to be among the top 1 percent in the nation in his specialty. Anton, in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, is currently the director of the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs and an international expert in medication treatment for alcoholism. He said he was honored to be nominated by his peers. “I and the center have been recognized by addiction specialists for the important

research on the root causes of alcoholism and other addictions and for testing new medication treatment approaches to reduce and/or abolish craving, drinking and other drug use. We are pleased to offer this cutting-edge research while bringing the newest ideas on prevention and treatment of alcoholism and other addictions to the people of South Carolina.” U.S. News Top Doctors was developed in collaboration with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., publisher of America’s Top Doctors and other guides, and was built upon data from Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors. The list is to help consumers find the doctors who can best address their needs. The guide identifies the top doctors across a wide range of specialties and subspecialties and for more than 2,000 diseases, medical issues and procedures. To see the list, visit http://health. usnews.com/top-doctors. To learn more about the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, visit http://www.muschealth. com/psychiatry/services/cdap/.

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S.C. doctors volunteer quality ratings for transparency I n another step toward transparency for the health care consumer, nearly 100 physicians in three medical groups across South Carolina have stepped up to have their doctors’ quality of care ratings made available to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina members. The ratings will be viewable in the members’ section of the company’s website early next year. Initially, the quality ratings will focus on physicians who treat diabetes and will show how outcomes for all of their diabetes patients as an aggregate compare with outcomes of other doctors treating similar patients. Later rankings will expand to other chronic illnesses or health conditions. The first physicians participating are from McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program, located primarily in the Pee Dee region; Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, located in five Lowcountry counties; and Spartanburg Regional Physician Group in the Upstate. The physicians treat a total of 150,000 patients. The data comes to BlueCross, with permission from the physician groups, from MUSC’s Outpatient Quality Improvement Network (OQUIN). OQUIN (http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/oquin), collects and compares the aggregate data. Rating stars are assigned using the OQUIN comparison and nationally recognized standards. One star represents “below community standard,” two stars represent “at community standard” and three stars

represent “above community standard.” The ratings will be updated annually. “This is a program that physicians feel uses evidencebased and nationally recognized quality measures. Our program is voluntary, and we salute the early-adopter medical practices that are participating,” said Laura Long, M.D., BlueCross’ vice president of clinical innovation and population health. “This means our members will have more information to help them make more informed decisions.” “The entire health care spectrum is collaborating to improve the patient’s experience and outcome. This initiative engages the consumer as well as the medical community and the payor,” said William Hester, M.D., with McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program. “Quality initiatives help physicians and consumers with information that ultimately supports the delivery and coordination of care. Performance measurement is critical to a high-functioning health care system,” said Ron Piccione, Palmetto Primary Care Physicians’ chief executive officer. “Physicians value quality measurement as a means to continuous improvement. Transparency in health care helps everyone,” said E. G. “Nick” Ulmer Jr., M.D., vice president of clinical Services, Spartanburg Regional Physician Group. Brent Egan, M.D., senior medical director for OQUIN and professor at MUSC said, “OQUIN has

colleGe of Dental MeDicine excellence

Dr. John Sanders, dean of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine (CDM) congratulates Kim Jones, left, and Vanessa Daniels as recipients of the third quarter 2012 CDM Staff Recognition Program. The dental medicine staff honored Jones and Daniels Oct. 30 with a pizza lunch and listened to a speech delivered by Sanders.

served as a quality improvement partner for physicians and other providers for over a decade. We are pleased that OQUIN practices excel in providing high quality care for their patients.” Other medical practices that want their quality ratings made available to BlueCross members may contact OQUIN to participate at no cost. For more information about OQUIN, email Rob Davis at davro@musc.edu. This is part of an overall transparency program developed for BlueCross members. So far it includes a prescription drug cost comparison tool and hospital quality scores – all geared to helping consumers consider costs as well as quality when they evaluate their health care options. The information also will be available to BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina members and State Health Plan members. Headquartered in Columbia and operating in South Carolina for more than 65 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of S.C. comprises 47 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.

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Cystic Fibrosis Center earns Quality Care Award By Vanessa CLark Cystic Fibrosis Center The MUSC Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center was recently awarded the 20112012 Quality Care Award at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, held in Orlando, Fla. Along with three other centers – Children’s Hospital at Oakland, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and University of Texas Southwestern, Austin, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler – MUSC’s CF Center was commended for ongoing dedication to developing and implementing quality improvement projects that use clinical outcomes data to improve patient care. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. During the past five years, MUSC’s interdisciplinary CF team has been involved in a variety of projects. These have examined such diverse areas as pulmonary exacerbations and lung function, nutrition education efficacy, cystic fibrosis related diabetes identification and treatment, the pediatric-to-adult care team transition program, inpatient Tobramycin monitoring, and, most recently, reeducation of airway clearance as a means to improve adherence.

Members of the MUSC Cystic Fibrosis Center accept the 2011-12 Quality Care Award. Back row from left are: Michael Bowman, Jessica Webb, Meredith Rhame, Mary Lester, Cheryl Kerrigan and Vanessa Clark Front row from left are: Sara Wienke, Nina Keegan, Isabel Virella-Lowell, Sarah Bishop and Julie Ostrye. Not pictured: Patrick Flume, Sue Gray, Wendy Bullington, Brandi Taylor, Antine Stenbit and Katherine Lewis. Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation, commended the four award winners at the conference: “We’re fortunate to have such amazing partners in our care centers who live and breathe our CF mission and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for those living with CF.” Patrick Flume, M.D., program director and adult center director, and Isabel Virella-Lowell, M.D, pediatric center director, ensure their patients receive the highest level of care by staying on the cutting edge of new drug trials, emerging

therapies, and research initiatives. It is thanks to this type of commitment to patient care that more than 30,000 people in the United States diagnosed with this chronic disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s, 50s, and further CF team members don’t abandon their fight against the disease after working hours. Many take the fight off of MUSC’s campus by promoting and participating in community events and activities that raise both awareness of the disease and much-needed funds for new

Program provides gifts during holiday season Families Helping Families (FHF), a partnership between the Palmetto Project and ABC News 4, provides assistance to local families in crisis. In most instances the breadwinner in these families has recently become disabled, ill, deceased or unemployed. This year, FHF organizers are hoping to expand their Christmas program in the Lowcountry and are seeking local families, church groups, businesses and civic organizations to sponsor individual families with urgent needs. During the past 20 years, the program has provided Christmas gifts, clothing, food and other essentials to thousands of Charleston area families each December. Last year, 1,338 children and their families were

provided food, clothing and winter supplies from local sponsors. According to Palmetto Project executive director Steve Skardon, every sponsor will receive a detailed profile of a family, including names, ages, clothing sizes and wish lists for special needs and Christmas gifts. Families are pre-screened by social service organizations to ensure there are no duplication of services and those in the greatest need are served first. Individual sponsors for the program may sign up at palmettoproject.org. Corporate sponsors may sign on by calling Ann Addison at 729-8338. A video may also be viewed at http://youtu.be/ DXGL3lqds5g

and ongoing research. Flume spoke at the DeBordieu Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament recently to educate participants about the disease, its complications and ongoing research trials. Proceeds from the tournament go to benefit the South Carolina chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Last year, the event raised more than $135,000. Mary Lester, the respiratory therapist for the team, makes it a priority to educate future practitioners about CF and the role respiratory therapy plays in maximizing lung function throughout life. For two years, Lester has presented these topics to students at the Healthcare Occupations Student Association meeting at the Charleston County School of Math and Science. Sue Gray, the nurse coordinator for the adult CF team, demonstrated her commitment to ending CF by participating in the Cycle for Life bike ride held in October. The team was led by Jason Gregg, a patient at the MUSC CF Center and an avid cyclist. Gregg’s team raised more than $2,000, and the ride raised more than $42,000. If you’re still in a giving mood after the holiday season, consider participating in the Great Strides walk. Held May 4, 2013 in Charleston, this walk is the CF Foundation’s largest national fundraising event of the year.

Hollings Cancer Center mourns loss of thoracic surgeon Carolyn Elaine Reed, M.D., died Nov. 16, after a short illness. She was recruited to MUSC 1985 as an assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Reed was the Alice Ruth Reeves Folk Endowed Chair of Clinical Reed Oncology. She served as associate director for clinical affairs, director of Hollings Cancer Center, and deputy director of clinical affairs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Carolyn E. Reed, Distinguished Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology. Mail to MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St. Charleston, SC, 29425. Memorial plans will be announced in The Catalyst at a later date.

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Meet SuSan

Susan Master Department Office of Development/Office of the President How long at MUSC 16 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC By hiring college student interns, I am able to share my event planning skills. In turn, I learn so much from them and what they are learning in their classes. I feel it makes me a better MUSC employee. Do you have a favorite philanthropic organization that you support There are several that we support; however, the one most dear to my heart is serving as a foster family for basset hounds through the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue League. Family My husband, Michael. We also have a basset hound, Gaylord, a mini-dachsund, Mr. Ripley, and three cockatiels. Dream job The White House social secretary Last book read “Towers of Midnight” by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. Favorite restaurant Taco Boy on Huger Street.

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Life Sciences entrepreneur leads tech transfer process By Cindy aBoLe Public Relations

here’s nothing more important to Charleston native G. Thomas Finnegan III than to see MUSC’s campus and the Lowcountry area grow to become a hotbed for discovery, innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Finnegan, a successful biotech entrepreneur, inventor and investor with real-world technology commercialization experience, was recruited to MUSC to work with faculty and the research community. He plans to identify promising discoveries in biotechnology research, medical devices and applications, and new therapies that can improve health outcomes in order to create commercial applications and products or create start-up companies. He wants to expand the institution’s commercialization pipeline by marketing and promoting technology to industry, licensing and drafting tech transfer agreements as well as providing business support to researchers. Finnegan is the director of MUSC’s new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurialism. The center was established under the recommendation of MUSC leadership, research directors and guidance from MUSC’s Strategic Plan. Finnegan feels that about 20 percent of faculty, as well as students, already embrace an entrepreneurial spirit through their research work and activities. But, he feels that MUSC has fallen behind compared to other institutions in benefitting from commercialized discoveries and licensing income. “It’s these people that I want to connect with and talk to so I can

“Entrepreneurialism isn’t about just licensing technology; it’s about helping people work better, quicker, smarter and more efficiently. It’s this outside-of-the box thinking that achieves results.” Tom Finnegan help those who are ready to move their research ideas and clinical innovations to the next level,” he said. “Entrepreneurialism isn’t about just licensing technology; it’s about helping people work better, quicker, smarter and more efficiently. It’s this outsideof-the box thinking that achieves results.” Since setting foot on campus in August, Finnegan has been busy telling faculty and research groups his own story as a life sciences professional that owns and manages licensed technologies connected with MUSC and other institutions. He said he sees himself as a catalyst — someone who encourages an entrepreneurial culture at MUSC and throughout the state. As research universities and academic health care institutions struggle with smaller budgets, reduced federal and state funding and limited private support, faculty are realizing that it’s tough to advance their research and discoveries. According to Finnegan,

HoliDay teDDy Bear taG tree College of Pharmacy student Bridget Barnett selects a gift tag to help a child. Trees are located in the lobbies of the Colbert Education, Basic Science, College of Health Professions, Harper Student Center and College of Pharmacy buildings. Each tree contains the names of Carolina Youth Development Center children with gift requests. Gift should be returned by Dec. 7. For information, call 792-4094.

if an organization reduces costs that are deemed entrepreneurial or innovative, they added more dollars to their bottom line to conduct research. “Everyone can be entrepreneurial. I’d like to provide an avenue for more people who want to go in this direction, to think this way,” said Finnegan, who often defends the general stereotype of successful entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurs aren’t risk-taking mavericks who only know how to run and startup companies. On the contrary, many are innovators, who are calculated risk takers, who share a vision, drive, intelligence and strong work ethic.” Finnegan believes that not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. He challenges faculty to do their part and seek alternative ways to support the entrepreneurial process by sharing ideas with colleagues, networking, participating with a clinical trial, etc. Finnegan came to MUSC by way of Austin, Texas where he was vice president of finance for Introgen Therapeutics and went on to start up and manage several biotech companies. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia with a degree in finance and real estate in 1990 and earned his master’s degree in business from Emory University in 1999 before working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch and S.G. Cowen & Co. Finnegan’s presence on campus is welcomed by research and university leadership, including MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. On Nov. 16, Finnegan was a guest speaker at the University’s Leadership Development Institute where the theme was about leadership through innovation.

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Medical Center Excellence

Puppy finds temporary home Bella, a 7-pound Scottish terrier puppy who belongs to an MUSC patient, found a temporary home with Hollings Cancer Center infusion nurse Bonnie Vasenda. The patient went to her follow-up doctor’s appointment Nov. 12. Since the temperature was cool and Bella was too young to be boarded, the puppy was left in her owner’s vehicle with water and a cracked window. Without warning, Bella’s owner was admitted to MUSC. Vasenda, the nurse who was caring for Bella’s owner, decided to bring the puppy home. With new treats, toys and food, Bella is now spending time with Vasenda’s 12-year-old son, Kyle, and happily waiting for her owner to recover.

Kyle will be taking care of Bella until her owner is discharged from MUSC.

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Quilters of South Carolina take on challenge

The Quilters of South Carolina donated 95 quilts to the MUSC Children’s Hospital Nov. 19. Members from left are: Karen Kendo, Virginia Schrenker, Sheila Moore, Betsy Gibson, Marcie Vyse and MUSC Children’s Hospital Child Life specialist Lacey McInish. Each of the unique quilts took between six and eight hours to sew and will be used to decorate patients’ rooms. Kendo, the quilter’s president, challenged members to make quilts to be donated to a Children’s Miracle Network hospital. For more information, visit www.QuiltsofSC.org.

MUSC recognized as first in S.C. to receive Gold Star On Nov. 14 MUSC was recognized as a Gold Star Hospital as part of Working Well, a collaboration between the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) and N.C. Prevention Partners (NCPP), for providing the highest standard of excellence in employee quit-tobacco systems for tobacco cessation. MUSC is the first institution of higher learning in South Carolina to receive recognition. Jen Wright, Working Well manager, presented the MUSC leadership and wellness team with the award prior to the screening of the tobacco industry documentary Addiction Incorporated. The documentary, held Nov. 14, was held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout. “As a major health care provider and educator, MUSC has a responsibility to

“The commitment of MUSC to not just lead, but model healthy behaviors through a supportive culture is evident.” Jen Wright lead by example,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. “We have made considerable progress in the past year on our campus and look forward to working with other hospitals and universities to implement similar initiatives on their campuses.”

Funded by The Duke Endowment, managed by SCHA, and informed by NCPP’s success in developing infrastructure for effective worksite wellness programs in North Carolina, Working Well is an effort to improve the health of hospital employees across the state of South Carolina by establishing a culture of worksite wellness where the healthy choice is the easy choice. MUSC addressed key components of an effective quit-tobacco system recommended by Working Well and showed a strong commitment to provide a tobacco-free environment and the best possible support for employees to lead a tobacco-free life. “The commitment of MUSC to not just lead, but model healthy behaviors through a supportive culture is evident,” said Wright. “They are change-makers

and an impressive example to hospitals, businesses, and higher education of innovative and effective implementation strategies.” While MUSC had a strong desire to implement a tobacco-free campus policy, as a public institution, they required statutory authority to do so. MUSC led a coalition of colleges and universities in the state seeking the opportunity to set campus-specific policies concerning tobacco use. The General Assembly passed this legislation, and MUSC implemented a comprehensive policy. MUSC has increased cessation assistance for staff and students including classes, nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications. In addition, employee incentives are used to promote healthy behaviors among employees.

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S.C. BlueCross Foundation presents grant to CON The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation presented a $250,000 check to MUSC’s College of Nursing Nov. 15. The college will use the funds for a project called “Expanding the Pipeline of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners,” which entails adding 70 doctoral students per year who will become nurse practitioners working in primary care throughout the state. “The MUSC College of Nursing is so very appreciative of this grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation,” said Gail Stuart, Ph.D., R.N., dean of the college. “With their support, we have entered into a true partnership focused on improving the health of the people of South Carolina. Our College of Nursing has risen to the challenge of providing primary care nurse practitioners who can open the doors of access to quality health care. This grant allows us to double the numbers of advanced practice nurses who will serve the people of our state. This would not have been possible without this partnership.” BlueCross Foundation’s executive director, Harvey Galloway, is pleased to be able to support the College of Nursing’s goal to prepare more graduates to practice nursing at the highest clinical level. “Most of these students are from South Carolina; they stay in South Carolina and many go into primary care in the rural areas where there is a critical need for more medical practitioners,” he said. “Our nursing workforce is crucial for meeting the needs of underserved populations in South Carolina, yet our state ranks 35th nationally in the number of nurse practitioners. We see

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina presents a check for $250,000 to Dr. Gail Stuart, dean of MUSC’s College of Nursing. The college will use the funds for a project called “Expanding the Pipeline of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners,” which entails adding 70 doctoral students per year who will become nurse practitioners working in primary care throughout the state. From left are: Laurie Scott, MUSC College of Nursing, director of Development; Rev. Sidney Davis, Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church; Lisa Montgomery, MUSC vice president for finance and administration; Ann Edwards, wife of Dr. James Edwards; Stuart; Harvey Galloway, executive director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation; Dr. James Edwards, MUSC President Emeritus; Sen. Paul Campbell; and Representative Chip Limehouse. this as an excellent investment to improve the health of our citizens.” The event was one in a series the foundation is hosting around the state to present its grants and honor the recipients. Since the foundation was established in

2003, it has allocated more than $40.4 million in S.C. to address issues such as childhood health, community health, mental health, obesity, diabetes, nursing and health research, and the increasing need for free medical clinics.

transFer Continued from Page Six “Tom Finnegan can help our faculty better understand the process of commercializing technology,” Greenberg said. “With his extensive experience in securing investments for new technologies, he understands the perspective of a potential investor. He can help faculty think through the kinds of issues that would be of concern to a potential investor, thereby improving the chances of securing support.” Finnegan feels the time is ripe to define MUSC in the technology transfer arena. Currently he’s busy organizing one-on-one meetings to streamline processes. He’s also planning education outreach events with faculty and students and collaborating with the campus’ Foundation for Research Development, the South Carolina Clinical and

Translational Research Institute and other groups to establish industrysponsored research. Other plans include inviting industry professionals such as a patent lawyer, venture capitalist and business development specialist, to meet and address issues and answer questions with faculty entrepreneurs. Robert R. Donato, J.D., is the interim executive director for the Foundation for Research Development, and works closely with Finnegan. He agrees that MUSC already hosts a corps of worldclass researchers and that the challenge is to extend this entrepreneurial thinking so that people feel empowered to contribute ideas in this process. “This type of culture change supports an ‘I can do it’ attitude that’s important to faculty, staff and students.”

“Our short-term priorities are to identify more technologies that have market potential and to help position inventors to have a higher rate of success in bringing these products to use for the benefit of patients and their caregivers,” Greenberg said. “We need to be realistic that the chances of developing a blockbuster technology are small. At the same time, we know that we have a very creative faculty, and we want to encourage them to think big – to envision how they can be agents of change. I am very confident that some great innovations will come out of this effort.” For information on the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneuralism, contact Finnegan at finnegan@musc.edu or call 876-2413.

Holiday mailing guidelines The U.S. Postal Service recommends the following holiday mail-by dates to ensure gifts arrive on time: Dec. 3 – Military mail (Afghanistan); Dec. 10 – Military mail (other overseas bases); Dec. 15 – Parcel Post (most economical); Dec. 20 (first-class mail); Dec. 21 (priority mail) and Dec. 22 (express mail). Due to security requirements, packages bearing postage stamps and weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented to a Post Office retail counter employee and cannot be dropped in blue collection boxes. Employees, students and visitors can complete their mailing needs by visiting the MUSC Mail Store and Processing Center, Bee Street Parking Garage. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.

the CataLyst, November 23, 2012 9

Tips offered for workplace decorations The holidays are here and staff are beginning to decorate work areas to create a festive atmosphere. The Occupational Safety and Health Fire and Life Safety Program wants to help in providing a safe work environment. There are specific requirements for decorations within the hospital, university and all support facilities. Due to the life safety designations of the health care facilities, there are strict guidelines for the use and placement of decorations and natural cut vegetation. This information is being distributed so staff members have plenty of time to properly plan, purchase and place decorations in order to comply with the International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101 and MUSC policy. Employees are asked to follow this policy and understand that it will be enforced to minimize fire hazards. All personnel should review the following guidelines prior to purchasing materials and decorating for seasonal holidays: q Decorations shall not be placed in any area that will obscure an exit or interfere with the path of evacuation. Trees must not be located in corridors or near any source of ignition. q Candles or other open flame decorations are not allowed. q Natural cut vegetation and decorations: Natural cut decorations are prohibited in health care facilities. Fire retardant artificial trees that are FM or UL listed and used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions may be authorized on a case-by-case basis. Natural cut Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands will be allowed only in facilities other than health care occupancies if treated with approved flame retardants. Water levels for real trees must be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Vegetation that has dried out shall be immediately removed from the facility. It cannot be placed in or obstruct any means of escape. q Combustible decorations including, but not limited to, paper cutouts, plastic wall hangings, banners, ornaments and posters are prohibited in health care

areas unless of such limited size or quantity that will not contribute to the development or spread of fire. All combustible ornaments and decorations must be treated with a flame retardant. Retardants may deteriorate during storage and handling; therefore, decorations must be retreated at least every five years, with documented proof immediately available. Retardants may be purchased online. Maintain all documentation and the actual container as evidence of the treatment of any decoration. The retardant must be for the material of the decoration. q Decorations must not be attached to, nor obstruct, ceiling tiles, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or exit signs. q Corridor doors must not be wrapped with any material nor have excessive decorations attached. The operation of the doors shall not be obstructed in any way. q Lighting, if used, must adhere to the following conditions: Use only underwriter laboratory (UL) tested and approved cool lamp variety bulbs (manufacturers tag must be attached); use only in constantly monitored areas; attach only to non-metallic, non-combustible surfaces; do not use in patient rooms or areas where oxygen is stored or in use; electrical connections must be free of splices and checked routinely for damage. If any damage is found, remove the item immediately; lighting shall be used only on artificial vegetation in the health care facilities. q Extension cords are prohibited in MUSC facilities and health care occupancies. An independent laboratory tested and approved (UL) surge protector may be allowed (maximum 6 feet) in constantly monitored areas. Surge protectors shall not be connected in series. q Plug-in air fresheners and scents are strictly prohibited in health care facilities. Any decoration not in compliance with the above guidelines must be removed. For additional information, call the Occupational Safety and Health Fire and Life Safety Program 792-3604.

Furniture Continued from Page One

72 pieces of furniture and distributed 44 items to 14 different individuals and families. The families that the furniture bank provides for are typically single women with children, some that This used cabinet was have been battered donated to the furniture bank. and are fortunate to even be alive. “We’re serving the less fortunate and giving back from what we have already been given,” said Lucas. One of the first deliveries that was made came from a tip from a teacher about her student. “The teacher came to us and said that she had a student that was sleeping on a blanket on the floor,” said Paterniti. “We asked if they needed anything else, and we were told they didn’t have a couch either.” He checked the bank’s inventory and loaded up a couch and a couple beds. They surprised the family by setting everything up in the apartment before they came home. The single mother was brought to tears because of the generosity. It’s because of this moment that Paterniti believes giving back is worthwhile. Lowcountry Furniture Bank has many sister organizations and sponsors such as East Cooper Baptist Church, East Cooper Outreach, Uncentered, and Gracious Gifts. But the bank needs donations in order to continue to help these families. “We hope to help keep providing for them as needed. Kids grow up and need bigger beds. Furniture gets old, and we want them to know we’re not going to abandon them,” said Paterniti. For information, email Paterniti at stevep@ lowcountryfurniturebank.org.

10 the CataLyst, November 23, 2012

Healthy Holiday Live shares tips for Thanksgiving

n Nov. 16 MUSC Office of Health Promotion and Sodexo celebrated the third annual Healthy Holiday Live event with a live cooking demonstration, speakers and vendors that provided information for “greening” the season. For those who were unable to attend the event, here are some ideas Susan Johnson for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving:

Health at work

q Think global, eat local: Shopping local for Thanksgiving meals not only benefits small businesses, but also the environment. Buying local and organic helps preserve the environment by minimizing transportation and chemical pollutants. Guests will appreciate the taste and nutritional value of foods such as local, organic and heirloom vegetables, whole grains, fresh seafood and organic turkey, most of which are raised without hormones and pesticides. Organic turkey are certified by the USDA and adhere to healthy raising practices, which ban the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. q Reduce, reuse, recycle: At least 28 billion pounds of edible food is wasted each year — more than 100 pounds per person. One of the best ways to reduce waste this Thanksgiving is to plan ahead for the meal and practicing portion control. According to Slow Food USA, onethird of food in America goes to waste, adding up to 15 percent of what’s in landfills. To prevent food waste, the solution may simply be to cut back on things that aren’t as necessary. Having too many side dishes not only leads to food waste but overeating. Try cutting back on the number of items or using smaller dinner plates, which helps with portion control. Send plates of leftovers home with guests, donate to a food bank or nearby homeless shelter, and remember to compost food scraps. q Give back, give thanks: There is evidence of the interdependencies between human health, well-being and

sustainability. These links between healthy lifestyles and sustainable lifestyles define the importance of living right for our health as well as the health of the environment. Take time this Thanksgiving to consider the gifts of the natural world and their value to our well-being. Finally, take time to show gratitude and say thanks to people who matter most and, if possible, spend time in their company. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” From the Office of Health Promotion and our Wellness Team, have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! Employee Wellness events q Flu shot satellite clinic: The next flu shot clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 28 in the Children’s Hospital lobby. For faster service bring completed influenza consent form, found in My Records. q Farmers markets: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers on Wednesday at Ashley River Tower, and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the horseshoe and the area next to Ashley River Tower. MUSC Urban Farm q Early bird maintenance: The Urban Farm needs maintenance from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. q Work & learns: A Work & Learn will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 at the Urban Farm. The topic will be Herbal Teas from the Garden. Take home some fresh produce in return for work efforts on the farm. Bring water, sunscreen and wear closedtoe shoes. Email urbanfarm@musc.edu to register. Open to everyone. “Like” us on Facebook: “MUSC Urban Farm” and visit our website www. musc.edu/urbanfarm. Contact Johnson, Ph.D., at johnsusa@ musc.edu for information on the Office of Health Promotion and Suzan Benenson Whelan at whela@musc. edu for information about Employee Wellness. Events, classes, or any other ideas are welcome. Find us on Facebook. Like our page and keep up with all the wellness events at MUSC.

Sodexo chefs cook healthy food during the annual Healthy Holiday Live demonstration Nov. 16. Dr. Susan Johnson, right, explains the steps to healthy cooking during Thanksgiving.

the CataLyst, November 23, 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. IP01-681614

Rental Properties

236 Rutledge Ave. 3 BR/4BA, Very nice home, updated kitchen, heart of pine floors, double porches, PLENTY of OFF Street parking, very nice large, back yard, out door kitchen / entertainment area. Lawn maintenance incl. $3500/mo. Tim Rogers 4122221 tim@timrogersrealty.com

$1250 / 2br - 865 sf - Motherin-law apartment (JAMES ISLAND) Waterfront 2Br-1 Ba First Floor of 3 story, in a Historic home built in 1896 w/dock. Approx. 7 minutes from Connector. Can be one room and living room. New appliances, W/D all utilities, and high speed Internet included. No yard work. No smokers/no pets. 843-729-8529 or drbernardarnold@aol.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CATALYST CALL 849-1778

Transportation 2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L Leather/HeatSeats/Good Cond $4,500 843-343-3074

Community medical clinic needs help The mission of Murray Community Medical Clinic, located in Summerville, is to help members of the community achieve healthier lifestyles by providing reliable, easyto-comprehend health information and services. Volunteer help is needed from medical assistants, physician assistants, pharmacy technicians, nurses, and other clinical staff. The next day of operation is Nov. 30. If interested, email robia@musc.edu.

Annual Pajama Run slated for Dec. 8 Knology's 5th Annual Pajama Run will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8. This family-friendly 5K Run invites runners and walkers to dress in their favorite pajamas. One hundred percent of proceeds from the race benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and cancer research for cancers below the waist. When you sign up for the race, look for information on becoming a fundraiser to help Knology reach its goal of raising $20,000 Register online at www.pajamarun.org. Reindeer Run needs help during race The Reindeer Run is in need of race course volunteers. Volunteering times will be from 7:30 to 11 a.m., Dec. 1. Duties include working at different stations to hand out water, donuts, and cheer the runners and walkers along the course. Volunteers also are needed to serve as street marshals to help ensure car traffic does not enter the race route. If interested in volunteering, contact Reindeer Run volunteer coordinator Angela Millare at volunteer@ reindeerrun.org. The Reindeer Run is sponsored by the Charitable Society of Charleston and benefits the MUSC Children’s Hospital.

12 the CataLyst, November 23, 2012