June 3, 2016
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 34, No. 38
Guard survived ‘hit,’ now helps trauma survivors By Dawn Brazell brazell@musc.edu
MUSC AbUzz
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taring down the muzzle of the .38-caliber revolver, Robert Johnson knew the scene wasn’t going to go down well. He had just scuffled and lost with a man who kicked in his door early in the morning on March 5, 2010. Johnson, who was a state prison guard at the time getting ready for work, tried to fight off the intruder, a man Johnson would later learn had been hired to kill him for $6,000. The man put six bullets into him less than 6 feet away and left him for dead. Johnson had told his wife to escape if anything should happen, instead of trying to save him. Thankfully, she listened. “We had made a plan because we knew I had a hit on me,” he said, explaining that he had developed enemies at Lee Correctional Institution at Bishopville for his talent for discovering illegal contraband, including cell phones. Johnson always thought the hit would be out in the streets or at the prison, though. “I call her the bravest woman that I know,” said Johnson explaining how his wife came back to help him after the man left him for dead. “She gave me a towel and held it on me and called 911. And she did just what I wanted her to do, leave the house — cause there was no sense in both of us getting hurt. Somebody had to tell the story.” And what a story it would be. Johnson is telling his story to help other trauma survivors learn some of the ways he’s managed to survive not only the physical, but the emotional toll as well. Often trauma survivors have a long road to recovery that takes perseverance and reaching out to others who already know the ropes of creating a “new normal.” Trauma is the leading cause of death for people 1 to 46 and the third leading cause of death overall, across all age groups. The impact of life years lost is equal to that
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CelebrATeS photo by Dawn Brazell
MUSC surgeon Dr. Stephen Fann and trauma survivor Robert Johnson became friends while Johnson recovered from being shot six times. of cancer, heart disease and HIV combined, according to the National Trauma Institute. Johnson’s new normal started when he woke up by his bathtub, knowing he was gravely injured. He and his wife began quoting scriptures as they waited for an ambulance to arrive. Johnson was stabilized at a local hospital to be flown to Richland Memorial in Columbia. Surgeon Stephen Fann, M.D., who now is an associate professor of surgery at MUSC, recalls being surrounded by a SWAT team of law enforcement officers with M–16s. He took one look at the extent of Johnson’s injuries and called in his partner. “He had horrendous injuries,” he said, adding that the gunshots affected Johnson’s colon, small bowel, liver, iliac vein and vena cava, the large vein that
drains and returns most of the blood to the heart. “It was a very big case and a very challenging case. He arrested on the table, and at one point one of my partners and I were operating on him at the same time.” Johnson said he doesn’t remember much, but was told Fann let his wife come in the operating room without a gown or mask at one point to say goodbye to him. “[Fann] said, ‘I wanted her to touch you while you were still warm before you got cold.’ That’s how sure he was that I was going to die. He said they gave me 63 units of blood. I bled out three times, and they had to use
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A week of fun to recognize employees.
4 Yammer 5 Meet Azza 8 Kohl’s T h e C ATA ly S T Online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
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Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ Shawn Ellis Plant Maintenance “I recently received this letter: To whom it may concern. This email is concerning an employee named Shawn Ellis. My daughter is currently a patient at MUSC for a heart transplant and has been back and forth for past 13 yrs. and has met a lot of people, but Mr. Ellis is a rare breed. My wife was coming up the elevator with flowers for the nursing staff taking care of our daughter and had an accident and dropped and ruined the flowers. Mr. Ellis went out of his way to catch the elevator and cleaned up and salvaged as many of the flowers as he could which was extremely above and beyond his duties. We were very grateful for his efforts at that time. We thought that was the end of our interactions with Mr. Ellis, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Shawn made a selfless act that will stay with us forever. Shawn took it upon himself to go down and purchase a flower arrangement for our sick daughter and deliver it personally, even
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
Employee of the Month Awards
more selfless we weren’t in the room to receive his gift the first time he came to deliver the flowers his tenaciousness brought him back a second time, when we were there to accept his gift. Mr. Ellis gave the gift to our daughter, and we received it with respect and in awe of his selflessness. While he was there, we spoke for a moment, and he had spoken of his recent loss of his mother and allowed me to pray for him and his mother and offer our condolences for his loss. “Being a complete stranger he shed tears with us for our daughter and we shed tears for his loss.’ This was the most selfless act from a stranger that we have experienced. Mr. Ellis is not only an amazing person, but in our opinion, an asset to your company and to those around him. We feel he should be commended, and recognized as an example to others working with and/or around him of how human beings should be treated. We feel that it was a “blessing from the Lord”that he was introduced into our lives and admire his being. Thank you Shawn, you will always be a reminder of how others should be treated and will always have a place in my family’s hearts. Thank you so very much and may God bless you, friend. Sincerely, William Whitacre.” Nominated by Dr. Patrick Cawley
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Dayna Reed ART 5East
“Dayna assisted with the transfer of a patient to a higher level of care at shift change. As the charge nurse that night she was directly involved with helping staff with the patient the previous evening. The patient was stabilized and remained on the unit. As shift change approached, the patient decompensated again. She collaborated with the charge nurse from the step–down unit to ensure the patient was appropriate for that level of care. When the step-down charge nurse quickly identified the patient was more appropriate for ICU, DR recruited the oncoming team of physicians to come to the bedside and re–evaluate the level of care established by the off–going team. As the patients’ needs changed DR stopped at nothing to ensure the right level of care was obtained. It was this perseverance that prevented the patient being transferred multiple times. Her obligation to the care of this patient could have stopped exactly at 1930. DR stayed until the patient was transferred ensuring the safest transfer situation.” Nominated by Dawn Terzulli Physician of the Month Jordan Friel, M.D. Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine “Jordan Friel has always worked with the nursing staff in MSICU to provide patients with the best care possible. He takes the time to listen to the nurses’ concerns and collaborates with them to help problem solve accordingly. On March 4, we had the perfect example: An MET was called on day shift on the floor. Jordan used his excellent assessment skills to see the urgent need for them to go to CT before being transferred to the
unit. After the scan, the mass transfusion protocol was initiated. Though his shift was now up, Jordan stayed with the patient while they were taken to IR to try and stop the bleeding. Jordan worked with Dr. Clark to keep the patient hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. When they arrived back from IR, it was deemed that they needed to go to the OR. Jordan now four hours over his shift, continued to stay with the patient ( he had to be back on the unit at 6 a.m.) and ensure that excellent care was provided. When the patient was closed, he returned to the unit to give check out, so he could try and get some sleep and stated to the nurses and other physicians to call him if any changes occurred. Soon after Jordan was notified that the patient had passed, he came back to the unit to let the nurses know. His level of compassion and empathy was exemplary. We always enjoy having Jordan rotate through the MSICU because of his dedication towards patient care, compassion for patients and their families, excellent critical care skills, and above all, one of the best advocators for nurses. Big thanks from Katie S., Mia L., Emily B., Alicia D., Veronica M. Haley F., Maggie D., Adam M, Cate Y, Kristin.” Nominated by MSICU Night Shift Staff
Mobile Mammograms on June 15 The Hollings Cancer Center Mobile Health Van will be providing digital mammograms for MUSC employees, from 8:45am - 5:00pm, behind the Clyburn Research Center off President Street. Appointments are required and should be made at least one week before the event. Please call 792-0878 for an appointment or visit http://hcc.musc.edu/ commitments/partnerships/.
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MUSC all-abuzz with new Bee Campus certification By J. ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu
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USC has been certified an official Bee Campus USA, the 11th such campus in the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about one-third of the human diet comes from insectpollinated plants, with the honeybee responsible for 80 percent of that pollination. Even alfalfa and clover, the plants that cows eat to make milk, cheese, butter, ice cream and beef, depend on pollinators. “Imperiled pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of more than two-thirds of the world’s plant and tree species,” said Phyllis Stiles, the organization’s founder and director. “If we take care of pollinators, they will continue to make the planet bloom and fruit for us.” Honeybees and other pollinators have suffered serious population declines in recent years with many species hovering on the brink of extinction. Many scientists point toward pesticide exposure and loss of habitat as likely culprits. Projects like Bee Campus USA are an important part of correcting this dangerous trend. To qualify for certification, a university or educational institution must make several commitments. They must establish and maintain a committee comprised of groundskeeping staff, faculty, administrators and students to develop a Campus Pollinator Habitat Plan that will incorporate native pollinator-friendly plants and a least toxic integrated pest management plan. They
MUSC among six regional recycling winners Staff Report MUSC Sustainability and Recycling was honored to receive the 2016 Annual Recycling Award from the Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) for its Lab Recycling Program. The award honors top performing businesses and organizations that demonstrated advances in waste reduction and recycling in North and South Carolina. MUSC was named among six nominees for this award, including Chapel Hill and Carroboro Schools’ Cafeteria Composting Program; Clemson University’s Campus Recycling Program, Mecklenburg County
photo by Carmen Ketron
MUSC introduced bees with an observational hive at the MUSC Urban Farm in July 2014. must hold annual campus events to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and sponsor service– learning projects to enhance pollinator habitats on and off campus. They must offer a course or workshop on pollinator ecology and integrated pest management that provides continuing education credits for professional pesticide applicators and landscape designers. Institutions must also take steps to educate the campus and broader community about the importance of pollinator–friendly landscaping principles. Many of those responsibilities fall to Carmen Ketron, the educator for MUSC’s Urban Farm. She doesn’t mind; the idea to apply for Bee Campus certification was hers. Ketron has made sustainability and
ReTire Program; Ocean Lakes Campground iCare Program; and Sheetz Gas Stations and Convenience Stores’ Pump–Side Recycling Program. John Brooker, communications specialist with MUSC’s Sustainability and Recycling Department, praised CRA’s recognition and MUSC’s efforts. “The lab recycling program demonstrates how sustainability initiatives support a healthy environment, and also make sense economically.” MUSC’s lab recycling program provides labs with recycling bins and in–person training on how to safely and effectively recycle lab–related plastic, glass, and metal that would otherwise be destined for the landfill. As a result of this LEAN project, MUSC has seen a 27.5 percent increase in the tonnage of plastic, glass and metal recycling and has saved $17,000 annually in hauling and landfill fees. There are an estimated 700 labs on campus, and MUSC is actively trying to expand recycling to more of them. They estimate they could save up to $77,000 a year as more materials are diverted. Labs interested in being part of the program can contact Recycling to schedule an in-person training at recycle@musc.edu.
environmental stewardship key goals since she began working for MUSC last year. “It’s important to highlight pollinators — not just bees, but butterflies, wasps, bats — not just for landscaping, but for our food and our environment,” Ketron said. “My focus at MUSC is to bring our food and environment together to enhance our health and wellness. Pollinators are a huge part of that.” Ketron organized a Bee Campus subcommittee under the auspices of the MUSC Arboretum board. “The board took us under their wing, and President Cole was more than happy to support our application,” Ketron said. “Most everything the Bee Campus certification requires, we were already working toward.” For example, MUSC already has a demonstration hive — the result of a collaboration between MUSC and The Bee Cause Project, a non–profit. The Urban Farm serves as an outdoor classroom to educate members of the MUSC community and visitors from all around Charleston on the importance of pollinators. The hive is the centerpiece of that effort, helping to shift the public perception of bees from dangerous to indispensable. Ketron said MUSC is currently selling honey to raise money to sponsor hives at other schools. Her goal is to use MUSC’s Bee Campus certification to develop a model for The Citadel and the College of Charleston to follow. Eventually, she hopes the city of Charleston itself will apply for Bee City USA status. “I hope MUSC can serve as an incubator for this idea,” she said.
MUSC was among six regional top performers recognized for waste reduction and recycling.
4 The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016
Yammer: The why, the how and who needs to be there Staff Report Yammer at MUSC has been quietly gaining followers over the last year and is swiftly turning into a prolific, easy-touse and secure place for internal social networking across campus. Yammer is MUSC’s enterprise social network, a private and secure online environment that makes realtime communication, collaboration, and sharing among faculty, students, employees and staff easier and more efficient than ever before. Yammer has the potential to become a “one stop” service for communication, information sharing, and collaboration. You will be able to use Yammer to subscribe to content based on your interests and responsibilities, send messages directly to groups or individuals, and create public or private groups for departments, student classes, project teams or special interests. By August 31, 2016, all MUSC-based, internal social networking groups that exist on other platforms (i.e. Facebook) will need to move to this more secure platform. Keep reading to learn more about the “why?” behind this enterprisewide decision; about places you can go for even more information and training for Yammer; and the top 10 things you can do on this internal, secure, social networking platform. Why iS MUSC dOing ThiS? Did you know that no matter what security settings you use on other social networking platforms, such as Facebook, that those platforms own the content you place there? Once you post anything to a public platform like Facebook, they own it – even in closed groups. When you put internal networking on Facebook, for example, you also transfer information to the Facebook server, where we effectively make it much easier for hackers to access this information. The potential for HIPAA, FERPA and other privacy violations alone is bad enough, not to mention the potential negative repercussions for individuals who inadvertently post inappropriate information. Additionally: q Yammer is now part of our Enterprise Microsoft license making this
platform the best option from a safety and security perspective, according to the OCIO and Compliance offices q Yammer does not require you to remember a new password or username, and is tied directly to your MUSC credentials, creating a more secure online environment q Yammer offers an easy-to-use app compatible with all modern smartphones q Yammer looks like Facebook’s younger sibling (before all the ads) and is just as easy to navigate Moving all MUSC internal social networking groups is about protecting ourselves, each other and others from inadvertently sharing patient health or proprietary information. The campus– wide adoption of Yammer by August 31, means that private, internal MUSC social networking groups will no longer be allowed on public platforms such as Facebook. Will it take a while to transition those groups over? Yes. Are there particular nuances for certain groups? Yes. Can you make a case for an extension of that deadline? Yes. If a page has engagement from students at other schools, or some other external constituency, then there is no need to move. Why? They don’t have access to an MUSC login account, so moving that mixed group to Yammer is not possible. Moving to Yammer will be enforced over time through standard audits through the MUHA and MUSC Compliance offices and the MUSC Social Media Committee, coordinated through the MUSC Communication Council. This is not an attempt to limit free speech or babysit online comments; it is a way to keep FERPA and HIPAA information protected. In addition, individual units, colleges, departments or other areas will be held accountable to the social media guidelines for MUSC, enforced through the Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior policies of which we are all accountable. How do I post by email? You can have conversations in Yammer without ever leaving your email inbox. If you want to post a message by using email to a specific group in your network, you must send an email message to both the group and network
See Yammer on page 11
The top 10 things Yammer can do for you q Are you tired of countless emails when a quick exchange could accomplish the same thing? Stop the email struggle when communication needs to be faster, or real-time. q Are you over the “reply all” emails when it really only needs to go to one person? Yammer can help cut down on unnecessary email in your inbox. q Having trouble tracking the discussion via email? Maybe you stepped away for a meeting and now you are sifting through emails trying to find the most recent version of a document. A quick stop in Yammer can catch you up in seconds. q Do you need to know in real-time what’s happening on your unit, in your class or in your department? Go to your group on Yammer from wherever you are, and see what’s happening right now. q Did your car break down on the way to work, and you need to let everyone know? After you’ve followed the usual notification protocols for your area, maybe it’s Yammer time. q You can set your Yammer account to email you responses and notifications, just like Facebook, so you don’t even have to login to see what’s happening in the groups you follow, if that’s your preference. q You can attach documents and work on items in real-time with your colleagues from all over campus in a secure online environment. q You can create special interest or closed, private groups for fundraisers, professional activism, daily inspiration, your unit, your class of 20XX, your study group or anything else you can think of. And, if the group is private, it actually is private. q You can post photos, videos and flyers just like any other platform. q It gives you peace of mind that while communicating all that you need to within your MUSC social groups, you are doing it in a safe place. If you have questions, need more information, or would like to schedule a training: Yammer online support is available at https://community.office365.com/ en-us/w/yammer/ Go to MyQuest and search for the Yammer training module (myquest.musc. edu) Attend a drop-in training session on either June 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., NT 271 or June 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Library 440.
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6 The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016
Celebrating Hospital Week and Employee Appreciation Day Staff Report MUSC celebrated National Hospital Week and South Carolina Employee Appreciation Day May 9–13. From free food and carnival games on the Horseshoe to $5 River Dogs tickets for all MUSC employees, senior leadership found creative and popular ways to make MUSC and MUSC Health employees feel valued for their important contributions. Employees had a blast taking selfies
with Fatheads representing hospital leaders, for a chance to win prizes, as well as competing in a bake–off, photography contest, and ice cream social raffle. National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest recognition of health care professionals. Its pairing this year with Employee Appreciation Week, designated the first week of May by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, presented a special opportunity to honor the faculty and staff who make MUSC’s mission possible.
photos provided
Top photo: MUSC Health employees have some fun posing with the Fat head photo of MUSC Health Chief Operating Officer Matt Wain.
Top photo: Employees gathered around the table with their baked creations during the annual bakeoff contest on May 10. Right photo: Staff found reasons for photos.
Neuroscience Service Line’s Leah Ramos and fellow employee photo bomb Chief Quality Officer Dr. Danielle Scheurer’s likeness.
Middle photo: Managers started Hospital Week off by greeting employees May 9 with fruit and granola bars. Bottom photo: Later, evening shift employees were treated to ice cream sundaes.
See Celebrate on page 7
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CelelBraTe
Continued from Page Six
photos provided
2016 hOSpiTAl Week bAke Off Winners received a $45 gift card to Basil Restaurant and the overall winner received a Kitchen Aid stand mixer: Cake Category — April Turner, dish: strawberry shortcake cheesecake cake; Pies Category — Sean Gamble, dish: tarte aux pommes; Cookies/Bar Category — Tara Ellingham, dish: pumpkin pie cake bars; Other Category —Traci Dunn, dish: praline pecan cheesecake; Overall Winner — April Turner fAT heAdS Of The hOSpiTAl phOTOS Contest rules were to take a selfie with a “fat head” photo and submit photos for a chance to win. Winners were randomly selected and include: Sheray Adams, Dustin Cole and Chiquitta Douglas. AnnUAl phOTO COnTeST reSUlTS Pets Category — Amy Nowacki, “Shake It Off” Beach Category — Loren Dupuis, “Riding out the Storm” Funny Faces Category — Stephen Whitaker, “You Want Me to Do What?” Best Group or Department Category — Yu Wang, “Science Rocks”
iCe CreAM SOCiAl rAffle WinnerS
Winning employees received a variety of prizes: $25 gift cards to O ’Charlies, Red Lobster and Cracker Barrel; gift baskets from Coleman Publix House, Gullah Gourmet, Carpentiers Catering, MUSC cups and T–shirts and a Black Fedora Mystery Dinner.
Top photo: Employees enjoyed great spring weather, music, food and festive atmosphere at the May 13 employee reception at the Horseshoe. Top left photo: Judges prepare to sample goodies in the four-category bake–off contest.
Winners were: University Hospital: Evon Brown, Jenna Donovan, Rachel Strickland, Dawn Dresson, Angela Welker and Derrick Frasier; IOP: Johnathan Davis, Patsy Ratliff, Will Chambers, John McAlhern, Antoinette Smith, Mary Cane, Linda Harrison, Christina Williams, Laura Howle, Carissa Venning and Lawrence Jennings; Ashley River Tower: Maude Smith, Elaine Sola, Rhonda Flynn, Kara Bradley, Emily Mihalek, Dave Winchell, Katie Bliss and Kesha King
A note of thanks Thank you to members of the MUSC Health CREW (Collaboratively Recognizing Employees Within MUSC) Team: Sarah Boller, Sarah De Barros, Matthias Frye, Jennifer Gowder, Ali McAbee, Floyd Jones, Toni Mullins, Heather Plunkett, Timothy Price, Daryn Tucker, Cassandra Whaley and Audrey Wilder. Special thanks also go to: Paula Sutton, Sara Kavalla, Monique Robinson, Susan Carullo and Anton Gunn.
Employees had fun playing a variety of games from versions of lawn bowling, ring toss, fishbowl toss, balloon darts and beanbag toss, to Jenga blocks, cornhole and other activities. Transplant Center’s Amy Nowacki won in the annual Photo Contest — Pet Category for her photo “Shake It Off.”
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Kohl’s employees, MUSC grounds crew team up for flowers By J. ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu
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olunteers from Kohl’s department stores donated their time to plant flowers on MUSC’s campus May 19 as part of Kohl’s Associates in Action program. Associates in Action is one prong of Kohl’s corporate responsibility initiative that also includes partnering with hospitals and other nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of local communities. Programs that give away bicycle helmets or educate children about healthy nutrition are just a couple examples. Kohl’s also donates $500 to the recipient organization, and MUSC has benefitted from several of these grants. This initiative dovetails well with MUSC’s own goal of promoting healthy communities, a goal of Imagine MUSC 2020, the enterprisewide strategic plan introduced last year. Daryl Bonnette, an MUSC groundskeeper who supervises the volunteers, said Kohl’s employees have volunteered almost a dozen times over the past five years, and that Kohl’s has donated thousands of dollars to the MUSC Children’s Hospital as a result.
From how to plant trailing vinca to how much water to give them, Daryl Bonnette shared her expertise with Kohl’s volunteers and set them loose. Here, Kohl’s volunteer Marshana uses a shovel to plant flowers outside the entrance to the Storm Eye Institute on Ashley Avenue.
“Sometimes they bring their children to help out, which is such a treat,” Bonnette said. “These guys deserve a lot of recognition. When they volunteer, they’re actually volunteering. They’re not getting paid. It’s really special, and it helps us out so much because we can get a lot done very quickly with their help.” Kohl’s volunteers planted trailing vinca outside the entrance to the Storm Eye Institute and near the enclosed pedestrian walkway linking the Clinical Sciences Building to the Colbert Education Center and Library. These hardy plant flower in spring or early summer and can continue on into autumn. Bonnette said she hoped they would put on a show all summer long. Kohl’s employee Laurie Valentine said she had always wanted to volunteer for a good cause, and when she discovered the Associates in Action program, she jumped at the chance. “It’s amazing to get to volunteer with a group and help out more than I ever could on my own,” she said. Another Kohl’s volunteer, Tyese Riley, who organizes many of the volunteer events, said her group is always happy to lend a hand at MUSC and with other charity and nonprofit organizations around Charleston. “Sometimes we reach out to the organization looking for
photos by J. Ryne Danielson
Volunteers from Kohl’s department stores helped plant flowers around MUSC’s campus May 19 as part of Kohl’s Associates in Action program.
MUSC groundskeeper Daryl Bonnette, from left, with volunteers Laurie and Tanya, MUSC groundskeeper Carlos Cruz, and volunteers Tyese, Marshana and Nicholas. opportunities to volunteer, but a lot of times the organization reaches out to us,” she explained. “We recently participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Walk at James Island County Park. I’ve been with Kohl’s 10 years, and we’ve done so much. But, our crew really loves coming to
MUSC. This is the event that gets talked about a lot: coming to plant flowers.” Bonnette said Kohl’s volunteers are always welcome at MUSC and will likely return in the coming months to help make MUSC’s campus even more beautiful.
The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016 9
denTAl MediCine STAff AWArdS
James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Dean John Sanders congratulates Johannes Aartun, top photo, (nonclinical) and Christine VanSickle (clinical) on being recipients of the 2016 1st quarter staff award. These awards were presented May 11 at a quarterly staff lunch meeting.
MUSC Board of Trustees Meeting
Update
The MUSC Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled meeting May 19. Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D., vice president for research, delivered a strong report on the expanding research enterprise. “Research year–to–date Brady totals about $207 million, almost 25 million more than at this time last year, with funding up from NIH and corporate sources.” MUSC is poised to surpass its previous record research funding total of $247million (fiscal year 2015) in fiscal year 2016, which ends on June 30. MUSC Provost Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., advised the trustees of a recordbreaking year for MUSC graduates as well. On May 20, 600 students participated in commencement ceremonies, with 79 bachelor’s, 63 master’s and 458 doctoral students receiving degrees. Counting all of the MUSC graduates from June 1, 2015 through May 20, translates to a benchmark of 978 students who earned MUSC health care degrees in this academic year. In the Diversity and Inclusion report presented by Willette Burnham, Ph.D., the university’s chief diversity officer, trustees learned Burnham some of the demographics concerning this largest-ever graduating class: 3 percent Latino, 8.3 percent African-American (self–identified
by racial groups); 69 percent female / 31 percent male; and 75 percent from South Carolina (instate) / 25 percent out of state. The board took time to issue a resolution in honor of Provost Sothmann, who is stepping down from his position at the end of June. The resolution Sothmann expressed the trustees’ gratitude for his “profound and positive impact on the long-term well–being, growth and development of MUSC,” as well as his “nine years of service characterized by humility, integrity and commitment to the highest standards.” Sothmann has served MUSC in a number of senior-level administrative roles and will join the faculty in the College of Health Professions in July. “To be part of MUSC and part of Charleston has been a gift,” Sothmann said. “I want to thank all the people I’ve worked with over the years. I’ve taken more from them than I’ve given.” preSenTATiOnS And infOrMATiOn The Board of Trustees also received progress reports on: q The construction of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Women’s Pavilion, which is set to break ground in August; q The opening of three new primary care facilities in the Charleston metropolitan area; and q Legislative relations efforts to expand MUSC’s statewide telemedicine network and garner funds for deferred maintenance and to retire debt.
10 The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016
MUSC Urban Farm seeking volunteers to help out The MUSC Urban Farm provides a place where students, faculty, staff, and the Charleston community can come together to learn about the connection between land and food. The half–acre farm, located on the corner of Bee and President Streets hosts workshops, seminars, volunteer workdays and tours for local schools. Participants are educated on the value of incorporating vegetables into their diets through cooking and nutrition lessons and will experience a unique opportunity to engage in hands–on learning about sustainable urban agriculture. Over 40 varieties of vegetables, fruit, and herbs grown in South Carolina can be found in the farm. The mission of the MUSC Urban Farm is to build a healthier community by growing crops and social connections while educating and inspiring people with local, nutritious and delicious food. The MUSC Urban Farm hosts educational programs throughout the growing season, demonstrating accessible, preventive approaches that can improve diet and impact health. Volunteers of all ages — from master gardeners to novices alike, are welcome at the MUSC Urban Farm. Sessions are available at a variety of times, from Morning Maintenance on Wednesdays to Evening Work and Learns on Thursdays, to make participating a perfect summertime activity. Families will enjoy learning where and how their food is grown. Those who assist in the work and learn sessions can harvest in return for their work effort — bring a bag to take produce home. An observation bee hive provides a wonderful opportunity to watch the pollinators in action. A variety of tasks are planned by the Farm educator Carmen Ketron, from weeding to watering and assisting with replanting beds. Closed–toe shoes are recommended along with hats and sunscreen — all tools and equipment will be provided. Learn more at musc.edu/ ohp/urban-farm.
Employee Wellness Events
q Step It Up MUSC! Challenge – A new program developed by MUSC Office of Health Promotion, MUSC Wellness Center and MUSC Health Innovation
employee wellness and Center to promote a physically support a culture of active workplace and culture health. For details on of health. To enter: Form upcoming events, T–shirts a team consisting of 6-12 and joining the group, colleagues, designate a team email milestochange@ captain and register the team musc.edu, visit http:// at musc.challengerunner. academicdepartments.musc. com. Teams will compete for edu/ohp/musc-moves/ most steps walked/run on Miles-to-change/ or join the a monthly basis for prizes. Facebook group, MUSC Start where you are — all Miles to Change. fitness levels welcome. Team q Adventure Out: 9 a.m., Susan Johnson steps are averaged to make it June 4, YOGA with Gail at more equitable. Visit musc. the Hampton Park gazebo edu/ohp/step-it-up for more For information, visit http:// information. The first challenge begins academicdepartments.musc.edu/ June 1. ohp/adventure-out or Facebook.com/ q Final Week — Free Yoga muscadventureout/. breathing classes led by Dr. Sundar q Chair massages: Free massages are Balasubramanian, from 11:30 to 11:45 offered to students and employees a.m., Tuesday, June 7, Bioengineering Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages room 110. for varying locations and times. q MUSC Employee Fitness Series q Farmers Market: Fresh fruits and Class — Abs, 4:15p.m. to 4:45p.m., vegetables are available from local Wednesday, June 15, Wellness Center. farmers Friday from 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Katie Blaylock from the MUSC Human at the Horseshoe. Master Gardeners will Performance Lab leads this free class that involves cardio and resistance training to target the abdominal core using props. Free day pass to MUSC Wellness Center for all participants. Sign up online at musc.edu/ohp/musc-moves/employeefitness-signup.html q Worksite Screening: Thursday, June 9 at the Colbert Library room 102. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) at no charge for the basic test in 2016. Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $47. For more information, including updated pricing for optional tests, and to register online visit musc.edu/ohp/ employee-wellness/worksite-screening. html. q Nutritional coaching at worksite screening — have your nutrition questions answered by MUSC Wellness Center Registered Dietitian, Keely Flynn, efficiently and conveniently. Learn tips and tricks to improve your eating habits and transform your health. Stop by for information, even if you aren’t participating in the screening. q “Miles to Change” is an MUSC running/walking group to improve
Health at work
participate first Fridays: June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, and September 2nd from 10:00 a.m.-1:00p.m and will be available to answer gardening questions, provide valuable resources, and collect soil samples for testing. (Visit http:// www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/ plants/other/soils/hgic1652.html for guidelines on collecting soil sample.
MUSC Urban Farm
q Midday Work & Learn —12:15 to 12:45 p.m. q Early Bird Maintenance — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday q Sunset Work & Learn — 4 to 5 p.m., Thursday q Saturday Work & Learn — 9 to 11 a.m., June 4 and June 18 q Third Thursday Lunch & Learn — 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., June 16; Topic: “The Hunger–Obesity Paradox. One in six people in South Carolina are hungry. Two–out–of–three people are overweight or obese. Two different problems, but they have the same solution.
The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016 11
$8.9M grant funds research on treatment for cancers By allison leggeTT leggett@musc.edu The Hollings Cancer Center has received an $8.9 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to foster collaboration across clinical and laboratory research for the study of signaling in sphingolipids, a class of lipids involved in the growth of solid tumor cancers. The grant funds three projects, including a Phase II clinical trial of a new therapy to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common primary malignant cancer of the liver and one of the deadliest cancers. Currently, there is only one approved therapy for the condition. The five-year survival rate for patients with liver cancer is 17 percent. The grant will bring together more than 20 scientists at Hollings Cancer Center to make clear the roles of lipid signaling mechanisms thought to regulate cancer cell proliferation, resistance to cell death and metastasis in solid tumors. The Hollings-based team will develop new therapeutic strategies not only aimed at liver cancer but also others including prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. Besim Ogretmen, Ph.D., is the endowed chair in lipidomics and drug discovery in the SmartState Center for Lipidomics, Pathobiology and Therapy and a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at MUSC. He will oversee the program as principal
yammer
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names in lowercase, together with a plus (+) symbol in between the names, and without any spaces or punctuation, followed by @yammer.com. For example, to post to All Company via email, send your message to allcompany+musc.edu@yammer. com and it will show in that group as a post. For more information, contact Heather Woolwine (woolwinh@musc.edu), Jane Kelley (kelley@ musc.edu) or Deborah Reynolds (reynodh@musc. edu) for deadline extensions, general questions or to conduct group/individual training sessions. The following representatives are also available for specific procedural questions for these respective areas: Colleges of Health Professions —Heather Woolwine (woolwinh@musc.edu); College of Graduate Studies — Heather Woolwine (woolwinh@musc.edu); College of Dental Medicine — Helen Adams (adamshel@musc.edu); College of Pharmacy — Roby Hill (hilro@musc.edu); College of Nursing —Beth Khan (khane@musc.edu); College of Medicine — Deborah Reynolds (reynodh@musc.edu); MUSC Medical Center/MUSC Health — Kerry Burke (burkk@ musc.edu) or Jane Kelley (kelley@musc.edu).
Dr. Besim Ogretmen hopes to find new biomarkers to help in the early detection of cancer. investigator. “We are excited about the opportunities in this large, team-based program to share information from laboratory research over into clinical applications, and then take information learned from the clinical applications back into the lab,” Ogretmen said. “Through a collaborative effort, our goal is to provide cancer patients the very best care based on the latest cutting-edge research.” In addition to his role as principal investigator, Ogretmen will lead a project studying how lipid signaling is involved in tumor metastasis in solid tumor cancers. He hopes to learn more about how to keep cancer from spreading to other parts of the body and identify biomarkers to detect disease earlier. A second project will study how cancer cells become resistant to radiation therapy. It’s designed to find ways to improve patients’ response to radiation and chemotherapy. This study, led by Christina VoelkelJohnson, Ph.D., and James Norris, Ph.D., will focus on prostate cancer, but may also apply to all solid tumors. Carolyn D. Britten, M.D., chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine and associate director for clinical investigations at Hollings Cancer Center, will act as principal investigator for the Phase II clinical trial that’s part of the third project. The Phase II trial, expected to begin at MUSC this summer, is intended to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of YELIVA as a second-line
monotherapy in people with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. YELIVA is a sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) selective inhibitor. The study will enroll patients whose tumors have grown after being treated with sorafenib (Nexavar). The new SK2 selective inhibitor was developed by Charles Smith, Ph.D., while he was at MUSC. It was later sold to RedHill Biopharma. Smith is currently on faculty at Penn State University and will be a co-principal investigator on this trial. RedHill Biopharma will provide some funding for this part of the project. As principal investigator for the overall grant, Ogretmen brings experience as an internationally renowned investigator with a strong track record in the field of lipid signaling and cancer. He has made significant contributions to the fields of cancer and aging biology at a mechanistic level through his pioneering work on the regulation of telomerase by the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide. Philip Howe, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, said Ogretmen’s work is distinctive. “He not only focuses on basic molecular mechanisms but also demonstrates the significance of his findings in human diseases with a keen interest toward therapeutic development,” Howe said. “His leadership on this multi-project program is a reflection of this strength and focus, representing a blend of basic and translational research.”
12 The CaTalysT, June 3, 2016
Trauma
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this machine to force the blood into my system because it would bleed out as fast as they put it in.”
fOrgiveneSS bringS heAling Johnson also shares advice about how recovery comes in stages. Following the shooting, he spent four months in three different hospitals, and when he got home he went through a period of depression. He didn’t want to leave his home, but his wife wouldn’t hear of it. “She made me. She would say, ‘Let’s go, we’re going for a ride.’ She took me to this one area of Sumter, and I saw this man out in his yard taking care of his yard with one leg. And I said, ‘Man, I got a leg and a half. I can at least do something.’ And that motivated me to start doing something toward my recovery.’” Another milestone for him was being able to forgive Sean Echols, who was convicted in the shooting.
Robert Johnson wore this shirt to surprise Dr. Fann during a visit. “The Lord has blessed me because he woke me one morning, and it was like the word ‘forgiveness’ was placed in my mind,” he said. Johnson fought it, feeling like this man had hunted him down as prey. “It’s like it was pressed to my spirit. God said, ‘What is that to you? Follow me.’ So I forgave him and even in that courtroom, once we had this trial, he asked forgiveness in the courtroom, and I told him I forgave him.” It helped Johnson start to heal emotionally. Another life lesson Johnson, now 63, learned is that some scars will remain. He’s not the man anymore who used to do push-ups and sit-ups and take a run. He has a limp and battles an irregular heart rhythm. He has limited lung capacity. The physical ailments, though, do not prevent him from traveling to advocate for trauma survivors and for better regulations to be able to block cell phone signals in prison. Johnson accepts reality and doesn’t pretend the trauma didn’t happen. It helps to talk about it, something he encourages other survivors to do. Fann always let him talk and was quite frank about his medical issues, which he appreciated. “I’m handicapped. I wear it as a badge. I say yes, ‘I’m handicapped, and I deserve the tag.’ I don’t try and gloss over anything. I deserve that.” And he keeps moving on. He has a new house, a two–mile trail he’s mapped out to walk and he is working on two books. “The Lord has shown me that this is the new normal. Do what you can now. And I don’t dwell on the past. I dwell on what I can do now. And I think that’s what has really helped me.”
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dr. fAnn’S fAn Johnson’s road to recovery would be long and slow, with more than 20 surgeries and other procedures. He now has only 51 percent lung capacity. “The violence from those six bullets, I looked it up on the Internet at 755 feet per second, caused my heart to have a dead spot, and I have atrial fibrillation. The iliac vein to my left leg causes a limp, and it swells up, and I’m in pain 24/7 from that. I broke three ribs. And like my wife and I say, ‘This is the new normal.’” When Fann came to MUSC, Johnson followed him here. They had been through so much together, and Fann never gave up on him. Johnson sometimes brings him treats, such as shelled pecans. They share a love of fishing and tell tall fish tales together, so Fann recently gave him a fly fishing rod. Fann said it’s been a long and hard recovery. “So far so good. For a guy who died on the table, he’s doing remarkably well. He actually gave me a plaque that I keep at home for not giving up on him there in those first few weeks,” Fann said. “He has a tremendously positive attitude. He has continued to live life to the fullest. His daughter, unfortunately, succumbed to an aggressive breast cancer, and he weathered all of that while dealing with the complications of his surgery.” Fann describes trauma patients as some of the most vulnerable in the health care system, and special bonds often form. Johnson has a T-shirt with the slogan ‘Dr. Fann’s fan.’ “It’s kind of a special thing,” Fann said. “He has me on short dial and can call at any point, and we can get him in if he needs it.” Fann said he’s glad to see the MUSC Trauma Survivors Network get rolling to address long-term emotional needs and provide a support network for trauma survivors. MUSC’s Trauma Telehealth Resilience and Recovery Program offers muchneeded outreach efforts to help those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression or anxiety. “I think it’s a much needed service. I think our patients deserve these grass-root, holistic efforts. Our goal is return a person from their injury to a productive life.” More needs to be done to support trauma survivors, he said. “Trauma to me is an unrecognized epidemic in our country. It’s kind of like the thief in the night. It strikes without warning. People are subjected to it without preparation. It affects every aspect of your life. The patient deals with it for the rest of their life moving forward. It’s truly a life-altering event. It affects the entire family.” One of the best features of the Trauma Survivors Network is a peer-mentoring program where survivors can help others. Fann said Johnson is one of his greatest inspirations. He shows others in law enforcement who have had similar injuries that there is life after recovery. “He shows them that despite these horrific injuries, you can have a full life after this. I call him my hero. He has had a positive attitude throughout this. He has not let his injuries and the limitations they have produced suppress him in any way. He reads voraciously. He goes on speaking tours. He’s become an advocate to improve prison security systems and to limit prisoner access to cell service so what happened to him cannot happen to others.”