HUPdate by Penn Medicine

Volume 25

Number 17

August 22, 2014

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

`` Members of Penn Medicine’s Pipeline program with Francis Graham (far left) and Telandria Boyd-Johnson (fourth from left), Workforce Development coordinator.

“Without this program, and the driving forces behind it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Meeting

— Shanice Jackson

High Expectations Another successful year for Penn Medicine’s Pipeline Program

Penn Medicine’s Pipeline Program is not easy. Its rigorous agenda requires participants to successfully complete their junior- and senior-year high school courses while taking college courses and learning about health-care careers through on-site experiences. But they’re up to the challenge. Francis Graham, associate director of HR Workforce Development, told this year’s graduates, “We expect a lot and you meet our expectations … and then 10-fold.” The program, which initially started as a summer internship, was later extended into a two-year, year-round program. It exposes students to the health-care field while providing job readiness training and professional development. The students all work with mentors in departments and areas throughout the Health System who are positive role models and provide on-site job training. So far, more than 100 students from three West Philadelphia high schools have participated in the program.

Inside Taking Time Out Giving Babies a to Talk...........2 Healthy Start..............................2 Roundtable.................................3 “Break” From Cancer Free Skin Point..........................3 A Turning Cancer Screening......................3 Heartfelt Thanks........................3 Partners in Rehab......................4 Penn’s 5K for the IOA................4 Shortakes...................................4 Discount at the University’s Computer Store.........................4

At this year’s graduation, members of the program spoke of their experiences. For Jordan Smith, who is in his second year of the Pipeline program, the preview of college was a ”rude awakening. It’s nothing like high school.” He said they learned how to better handle their time … and their finances. “It’s expensive to buy lunch. Bring food!” he said, smiling. But on a more serious note, he said the work experience showed all of them the importance of “always being respectful and polite, to coworkers and patients.” Shakir Alexander-Noah’s work with the Good Shepherd Penn Partners team cemented his interest in physical therapy. “Working alongside of physical therapists was one of the best experiences,” he said, but it was his second assignment, working with elderly patients at Scheie Eye Institute, that opened his eyes. “A physical therapist told me to specialize in something I’m impassioned about,” he said, and working at PPMC, he discovered his passion. “I want to be a physical therapist specializing in geriatric care.” (Continued on page 2)

Giving Babies a Healthy Start World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated earlier this month, serves as a reminder about the many benefits of this nutritious start to life. Indeed, breastfed infants have fewer infections and allergies than those fed with a formula supplement. Moms who breastfeed their babies can decrease their risk of ovarian and breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. And it goes beyond health benefits: breastfeeding is convenient, free and helps mom get back to her pre-baby body faster! To help spread the word about all these benefits, members of Women’s Health set up a table outside of the cafeteria, decorated in a sports theme to match this year’s theme (Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life) and passed out information about breastfeeding as well as tickets for several raffles for baby products. They also had a table in the Helen O. Dickens Center and posted info throughout the Women’s Health floors all week. While certified lactation specialists, like Tricia Snyder, BSN, RN, help new moms learn about breastfeeding, she said they have shifted their focus to educate patients prenatally. “So many women make the decision about breastfeeding before they even give birth,” Snyder said. To encourage breastfeeding exclusivity (meaning no formula supplements), HUP stopped giving out formula to moms in 2012. “We still have formula for those who need it but our discharge bags do not have samples and coupons now.” `` (L—R) HUP lactation consultants Tricia Snyder, Jennifer Connolly, and Maria DiSciullo were on hand to help spread the good word about breastfeeding.

Meeting (Continued from page 1)

Breastfeeding, with all of his health benefits, is especially important for premature babies. In HUP’s intensive care nursery, more than 80 percent of NICU moms initiated breastfeeding or pumping in FY14, said Laura A. Carpenter BSN, RN, ICN lactation consultant. Even the unit’s tiniest babies — under 1,500 grams — received breast milk. “90 out of 92 babies born last year received mother’s milk.”

High Expectations

Maliyah Moment spoke of their new responsibilities in moving forward and told next year’s graduates, “The only person standing in the way of your success is you!” The Trauma team continued its tradition of awarding a $500 Barnes and Noble book scholarship to some of the graduates going on to college. “They are such extraordinary students,” said Steven Allen, MD, of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care. “I wish I had had this type of program when I was their age.” The program’s success is evident in its statistics. This year, 100 percent of the Pipeline graduates successfully completed high school and intend to go to college in the 20142015 academic year. The overall high school graduation rate in the city’s school district is 64 percent. “Without this program, and the driving forces behind it, I wouldn’t be where I am today, educationally or financially,” said Shanice Jackson, a 2012 Pipeline graduate who now works in Neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital. After graduating from high school, Jackson became an intern at the Penn Medicine Academy, working 20 hours per week while taking college courses at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and receiving pay for 40 hours. Penn Medicine’s tuition benefits helped with her college expenses. She is currently enrolled at LaSalle University working towards a nursing degree. “Over and over again Penn Medicine opened doors for me. I am thankful for this program.”

Congrats to the 2014 Pipeline Graduates! This year’s graduates— and the colleges they will be attending — are: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Shakir Alexander-Noah (Shippensburg University) Shanee Boone (Temple University) Naja Butler (Kutztown University) Khalil Cash (University of Maryland) Christina Evans (Penn State Berks) Sydney Geathers (Neumann University) Seon Gilding (CCP) Moussa Guindo (King’s College) Tyler Jackson (St. Joseph’s University) Maliyah Moment (Penn State University Park) Kadijah Niddy-Renner (CCP) Janiece Owens (Bethune-Cookman University) Victoria Terry (CCP) Steven Toure (Carleton College)

“Break” from Cancer a Turning Point Webster’s dictionary defines respite as “a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant.” The trips that For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation provides for patients clearly fit that definition. The allexpense-paid vacation is a chance for the patient — and his or her loved ones — to get away from the day-to-day anxieties of cancer treatment and just relax and have fun.

back, Marcy wrote, “Pete wanted to ensure that patients just like him had this critical opportunity to regenerate their minds, bodies and spirits. I promised Pete to pursue his dream.”

That’s how Daryl Robinson, a patient service representative in Rheumatology, viewed his trip to Cancun in 2010, when he was undergoing treatment for GI cancer. “Cancer affects your life on so many different levels. I enjoyed my time away from the everyday battles.”

Robinson started volunteering with For Pete’s Sake in 2011, serving as the keynote speaker at the gala fundraiser that year and again in 2014. “He’s an inspirational speaker with a dynamic and optimistic personality,” Gambino said. She saw this enthusiasm firsthand when he volunteered at the ACC in 2013 before he started working fulltime, talking with and helping cancer patients who came in for treatment. “He’d been through the same journey as these patients,” she said. “He helped them see they can come through the storm as well. It was inspirational for me, as a nurse, to see the impact he had on patients.”

But the getaway did more. It gave him a new focus on life. “It helped me clear my head, give me more insight about what life is about,” he said. “It made me want to fight the disease more.” The trip to Cancun also motivated Robinson to give back to the organization that gave him this chance to rethink his life. For Pete’s Sake is named in memory of Peter Bossow, who died from cancer in 1999. According to its website, Pete and Marcy Bossow went on a vacation in the midst of his treatment. When they got

Patricia Gambino, BSN, MSN, nurse navigator at the Abramson Cancer Center, noticed an immediate difference in Robinson when he returned from the trip. “It was a turning point for him. That’s when he decided to be really positive about life.” All candidates for a “respite” must be nominated by a health-care professional who is a member of the patient’s oncology team. Gambino, who nominated Robinson, was no stranger to the organization. Back in 1998, when she was a nurse on Dulles 6, HUP’s oncology unit, she met and got to know the Bossows. She became a volunteer when the organization was formed and later served on its board. “I believe in its mission.”

His dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, Robinson received the ACC’s Distinguished Partner in Hope Award for “his outstanding dedication to improving the quality of life for GI cancer survivors.” Robinson continues in his role as spokesperson with For Pete’s Sake and also serves on its board. Like Gambino, he believes in what they do. “We’ve sent 110 families away on vacations this year alone … and we’re looking to do more.” To learn more about For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation, go to www.takeabreakfromcancer.org.

Heartfelt Thanks A letter sent to Scott Levin, MD, chair of Orthopaedic Surgery My significant other fell at a friend’s home, injuring his knee. I brought him to HUP’s emergency room where we had a great experience. The

staff were very friendly and I am amazed that the wait time was short…. He was admitted to 6th floor Dulles. The nurses and staff were so kind and patient with us the entire visit, which lasted a full week. Each nurse and staff did an exceptional job at making us feel like we were at home. He had surgery by Dr. [Samir] Mehta which was very successful… His follow-up visits in your office were also amazing. Your staff were polite and very pleasant. It is great to see people who seem to enjoy their jobs. They treated us with kindness and respect.… From the bottom of our hearts we are so grateful he was treated by your team.

A letter sent to the Medical Intensive Care Unit I would like to thank all the doctors, residents, nurses, techs, and everyone who cared for our [loved one]. She spent 13 days on the unit. I was there most of the time with her. The level of care you all provided was extraordinary. From the first night to when we left the unit it was always explained to us what the doctors and nurses were doing for her. Her road was a long and bumpy one. She was an inspiration to us all. I find comfort in knowing each and every one of you treated her with care and compassion. I can’t thank you enough for keeping her comfortable and easing our minds. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

All Employee Meetings Learn more about HUP and the Health System by attending an All Employee Meeting. Hospital leaders will be available to provide updates and answer your questions. The next three meetings will take place on: Wednesday, Septmeber 10 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Penn’s

5K for the IOA

The Institute on Aging

TUESday, October 21 8:30 to 9:30 am TUESday, November 4 Noon to 1:00 pm

& the memory mile walk

All Employee Meetings

Sunday, September 21 , 2014 • 8:00 am @ Penn Park

are held in Medical Alumni Hall, on 1 Maloney.

You can still register for Penn’s Third Annual 5K for the IOA and Memory Mile Walk, to be held on Sunday, September 21. The event will be on Penn’s campus, starting at Shoemaker Green between the Palestra and Franklin Field, and running through Penn Park, with its skyline views of Center City Philadelphia. The 5K Run will begin at 8:00 am and the Memory Mile Walk will begin at 8:10 am. Proceeds will help further innovative research by Penn’s Institute on Aging through the Pilot Grant Program, to fill funding gaps and foster exploration of new directions in research for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Ask family and friends to support your run! And employees in the UPHS Wellfocused Employee Benefits Rewards Program can earn 100 points for participating. The cost to register through September 7 is $25 ($20 for Penn student with ID). After that date, registration is $30. Please visit PennMedicine.org/5kIOA to sign up, volunteer or donate today!

Keep Our Sidewalks Safe! Riding a bike to work is great exercise and fun, especially during the summer, but be sure to secure your bike on one of the many bike racks provided by Penn Medicine. Do not lock a bike on a street sign or railing. Help Security keep the sidewalks around HUP clear and safe.

HUPdate Editorial Staff Sally Sapega Editor and Photographer

Discounts at the University’s Computer Store Did you know that UPHS employees qualify for the same academic discounts at the Penn Computer Connection as are offered to Penn faculty, staff and students? And during the Computer Connection’s annual Back-To-School Sale promotion, employees can also take advantage of limited time offers. Simply present your UPHS, HUP, Presbyterian, or Pennsylvania Hospital ID to take advantage of these savings. The Computer Connection’s new store is located on the second floor of the Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut Steet. The store’s website is www.upenn.edu/computerstore. Call 215.898.3282, or email ccxmail@exchange.upenn.edu for more information.

Trissy Harding Designer

Administration

Susan E. Phillips Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Holly Auer Director of Communications Contact HUPdate at: 3535 Market Street, Mezzanine Philadelphia, PA 19104 phone: 215.662.4488 fax: 215.349.8312 email: sally.sapega@uphs.upenn.edu

HUPdate is published biweekly for HUP employees. Access HUPdate online at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/hupdate.