August 30, 2013
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 32, No. 3
Summerville: Next location for clinic Inside DAISY AwArD
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A nurse in the Emergency Department takes the opportunity to comfort one of her own and captures award.
lunChTIme lOSerS
Helping to break ground for the next After Hours Care clinic are Hunter Phalen, left, and Tillman Strehle. Bottom photo: Shoveling the first mound of dirt for the new clinic are from left: Kayleigh Roussau, Dr. Rita Ryan, Summerville Mayor Bill Collins, John Sanders, Dr. Patrick Cawley and Meredith Strehle.
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he Children’s Hospital of South Carolina broke ground Aug. 22 for the next After Hours Care clinic located at 4330 Ladson Road, Summerville. The facility, scheduled to be completed by December, will have 10 exam rooms with digital X-ray capabilities and be approximately 5,500 square feet. According to John Sanders, The Children’s Hospital of South Carolina administrator, the after hours program supports the local pediatricians and primary care physicians and gives easy access to the children’s hospital. “We are very pleased to continue our specialized care to the community and have a physical presence in the Summerville area. All children deserve a children’s hospital,” he said. The clinic hours will be from 4 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays. During the morning, specialty clinics will be offered. Other clinics are located in Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. For information, call 876-2222 or visit musckids.org/afterhours.
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MUSC’s Weight Management Center offers virtual and online real-time classes to help others lose pounds. 2 Applause 4 Convocation 5 Meet John T h e C ATA lY S T OnlIne
www.musc.edu/ catalyst
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Study shows Alzheimer’s linked to high-fat diets Recent evidence suggests that metabolic disorders frequently develop due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. Researchers Narayan R. Bhat, Ph.D., neurosciences professor at MUSC, and Lakshmi Thirumangalakudi, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, have found evidence to suggest that what’s bad for the body also is bad for the mind. Their study was published this month in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. “Alzheimer’s disease progressively robs its victims of their memory, mental faculties and independent living,” Bhat said. “Although specific genetic mutations have been identified Bhat that directly cause the disease, these cases are rare. Our study suggests potential common causes and co-morbidities of metabolic disorders and sporadic cases of Alzheimer’s disease and hence an opportunity to develop treatments targeted at improving insulin sensitivity for those more common cases of AD.”
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
Epidemiological and experimental studies point to a link between metabolic diseases and Alzheimer’s-like dementia via common vascular-associated risk factors. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear and complex, certain common features are emerging including inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to changes in metabolic derangement in the brain similar to peripheral organs. In fact, some researchers now describe Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes” – a consequence of insulin deficiency and inaction (i.e., resistance). One of the consequences of altered insulin signaling and resistance in the brain is increased phosphorylation of tau, a brain protein that loses its normal function while becoming toxic in the Alzheimer’s disease brain. In their study, Bhat and Thirumangalakudi describe brain changes that indicate altered insulin signaling and increased tau phosphorylation in normal mice fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. The hypothesis for the link between vascular disorders and Alzheimer’slike changes in the brain is that metabolic changes including peripheral inflammation and insulin resistance resulting from high fat intake cause dysfunction in the brain’s vascular system that in turn leads to cellular and metabolic changes in the brain similar to what occurs in an Alzheimer’s brain. 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.
ApplAuse progrAm The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program: Medical Center Corey Matthews, ART 4E; Olga Stwalley, 6W; Jessica Grant, ART CCU; Justin Carr, Volunteer & Guest Services;Terry Day, Head & Neck Surgery; Jonathan Edwards, Neurosciences; Priscilla Pearsey, Environmental Services; Darian Epps, ART 6W; Melissa Parker, ART 6W; Maude Smith, ART 6W; Amelia Hinchcliffe, Women’s Services; Walter Brzezinski, Geriatrics; Tina Hinkle, 5E; Melissa Williamson, Women’s Services; Tracy Floyd, Women’s Services; Susan Alexander, Women & Infant Services; Kristal Stanley, Meduflex Team; Christina Gailey, 8W; Monica Wigfall, 5E;
Ashley Harrison, 7A; Natasha Sheppard, 2 JRU; Leslie Brown, Revenue Cycle Operations; and Antoinette Blakely, HCC. University Sue Coates, Enrollment Services; Ann Durgun, Otolaryngology-Head & Neck; Kimberly Griesemer, Neurology; Lanier Jackson, Pediatrics; Bernard Jansen, College of Nursing; Martha Jones, Public Safety; Jo Ann King, CHP Research Administration; Stefanie Owczarski, Surgery; Jennifer Page, Hollings Cancer Center; Marilyn Stark, Dental Faculty Practice; Sara Thigpen, College of Dental Medicine-Oral Rehabilitation; Rebecca Truesdell, CHP Research Administration; and Toni Vines, College of Dental Medicine-Oral Rehabilitation.
SArCOmA reSeArCh, TrIAlS geT A bOOST
Funds raised from the Swing For A Cure golf tournament, in memory of Travis Branch, were presented to Hollings Cancer Center Aug. 9. Presenting the proceeds are, back row from left: Giles Branch, (Travis’ brother), Barbara Branch (wife of Giles), Carrie Branch (widow of Travis), and Dr. Lee Leddy (MUSC physician). Front row are Tyler, left, and Parker (sons of Travis and Carrie Branch). More than $33,000 was raised for sarcoma research and clinical trials. The event was organized by his family. Travis passed away in 2010 from a rare form of sarcoma.
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ED nurse receives DAISY award The DAISY (disease attacking the immune system) award winner for August is Chrissy English, R.N., Emergency Department. English was nominated by Susan Fawcett. Below is her nomination. “I am a nurse at MUSC, but recently I was on the other side of the fence. My husband, a Charleston County deputy, was involved in an accident and was transported to MUSC. I arrived at MUSC terrified. Chrissy literally took me by the hand, very calmly updated me on my husband’s status, reassured me and walked me back to see him. She also found a quiet room for my two children to wait in, and had Child Life visit and bring some fun stuff to keep them occupied. As nurses, we are often given opportunities to change the lives of patients and their families. Chrissy wasn’t even the nurse assigned to my husband, but since she is also the wife of a law enforcement officer, she
employee Wellness q Farmers markets: Fresh fruit and vegetables are available from local farmers from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every Tuesday at Harborview Office Tower lobby, and Wednesday and Thursday at Ashley River Tower. The market also will be available from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday at the Horseshoe. Look for new vendors: Angel Blends, Roadside Blooms and Old Whaling Company.
August DAISY award winner Chrissy English, left, and Susan Fawcett recognized an opportunity to make a difference, and she did just that. While I can’t say enough about the excellent care that my husband received, I want to recognize Chrissy for going above and beyond. Chrissy is a compassionate nurse and a wonderful example of MUSC excellence.”
MUSC Urban Farm q Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Urban Farm. Order ahead Brazilian lunch for $6 which includes vegetable casserole, corn cake and fruit-topped mousse. Join chef Teca of Brazilianuts Food Service and Events for a cultural journey through her native country. Email urbanfarm@musc.edu to reserve a space. Cash payment (only) due at the event. Make reservations by Sept. 3. q Lunch & Learn: Thursday, noon to
1 p.m. under the oak tree. The topic is: Transitioning your garden for fall planting Part 2. q Work & Learns: 4 to 5 p.m., Thursdays. q Early-bird maintenance: Start the day at the Urban Farm from 7:30 to 8:30 am. q Work and Learn with child-friendly activities: The farm is open to children and their families from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The next event scheduled is Sept. 7. Bring a plastic bag and take home some fresh produce in return for work efforts on the farm or help gather for donations on certain days. Wear closed-toe shoes. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary. Contact Susan 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.
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Convocation recognizes faculty for high achievements M USC faculty members honored their own Aug. 20 during their annual convocation, the kickoff to the 2013-14 academic year. Fourteen members of the faculty were recognized in the following categories: Teaching Excellence, Developing Scholar, Outstanding Clinician, Peggy Schachte Research Mentor and Distinguished Faculty Service. Prior to the awards portion of the program, faculty members heard keynote speaker Robert Sade, M.D., discuss “Ethics in the Emerging Health Care System.” Summaries of the four recipients of the Teaching Excellence awards – Carrie L. Cormack, R.N., Dorothea D. Jenkins, M.D., Sara V. Kraft, P.T., DPT, and Shakaib U. Rehman, M.D. – were published in the May 17 issue of The Catalyst when the honorees were announced. Summaries of the remaining 10 honorees follow: Developing Scholar Katherine R. Sterba, Ph.D. More people are surviving cancer or living longer through advancements in cancer research and treatment. But what are the long-term effects of survival on cancer patients and their caregivers? In this fledgling field of scientific inquiry, Sterba is pioneering research efforts as she attempts to study the issues facing survivors and caregivers. Since there was no established study at MUSC in this particular field, she had to build one from the ground up. In doing so, she successfully assembled teams of clinicians representing several disciplines, other researchers and population scientists. Her work in this trailblazing field is gathering national recognition from other academic institutions and from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Michael R. McCart, Ph.D. McCart focuses his research on an issue most of society wishes would just go away: at-risk youth. From the halls of juvenile courts to the triage rooms of hospital emergency departments, troubled adolescents can be found suffering from a wide range of problems, such as drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, even Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Since joining MUSC’s Family Services Research Center in 2007, McCart has served as the principal investigator or key co-investigator on multiple federallyfunded projects while building his own independent research program. His research has centered primarily on the evaluation of behavioral interventions for at risk adolescents. Viswanathan Palanisamy, Ph.D. Nausea may be the most common side effect of radiation or chemotherapy, but there are others, such
Members of the MUSC faculty are honored during the annual MUSC convocation Aug. 22. as the often debilitating condition oral mucositis, a painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane lining the mouth, gums, tongue and throat, caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to target oral cancers. With the progress being made in the laboratory of Palanisamy, however, oral mucositis may be one less condition to worry about in the future. Since arriving at MUSC in 2009, he has established a very robust laboratory allowing him to publish six papers and has recently been awarded a research project grant (R01) from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Outstanding Clinician Eric M. Graham, M.D. Graham embodies MUSC’s threefold mission of teaching, research and patient care. As director of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Graham and his staff play a crucial role in The Children’s Hospital of South Carolina’s national ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital’s heart program is one of three nationally ranked specialties, along with nephrology and gastroenterology. In the supporting material for this award were letters from three families whose children had been in the intensive care unit. Two of those children eventually succumbed to their defective hearts, yet, in both cases, the parents were so moved by Graham’s care and compassion that they felt compelled
to speak out. For one mother and father, the fact that Graham engaged them as participants in their daughter’s care meant everything to them. “By allowing us to have a role,” they said, “he made a way for us to thrive in what were the most difficult days of our lives.” Georgette M. (Gigi) Smith, Ph.D. Epilepsy can strike at any age, but it is the very young and the very old who are the most vulnerable. For the stricken children, Smith is their champion. Smith has devoted more than two-thirds of her 28-year career to children with epilepsy and their parents at MUSC. Her care extends beyond the clinic and hospital settings into the community in a tireless effort to ensure quality of life and best outcomes for her patients. Together with a pediatrician specializing in developmental disabilities, they developed a neurobehavioral clinic to see children with autism, behavioral disorders and epilepsy, which has been favorably received by caregivers. She also has been involved in the establishment of MUSC’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, which the National Association of Epilepsy Centers has designated as a Level 4 facility, the highest classification possible. Peggy Schachte Research Mentor Ashli J. Sheidow, Ph.D. Sheidow, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is an accomplished
See Faculty on page 10
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meet John
John Scott Dean College Health Professions, Cardiovascular Perfusion How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC It is never too late to further your education and pursue a new career. Previous career prior to becoming a student? Co-owned Magnolia Flooring in Summerville What made you choose MUSC? My wife brought home a copy of The Catalyst that featured an article on the perfusion program and its simulation lab. That piqued my interest and informed me that one of the top schools for the field was conveniently located in Charleston. Family Wife, Nicole; and children, Maddie, Cali, Reagan and Gabe Meal you love to cook Steaks Favorite restaurant Cypress on East Bay Street What do you do on a rainy day? Rain? It never rains in Charleston.
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Weight Management Center offers online competition By Ashley Barker Public Relations
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Top photo: Amanda Griffith, an exercise physiologist at the MUSC Weight Management Center, teaches a Lunchtime Losers class with Dr. Josh Brown, a licensed psychologist and director of Clinical Services and Training. Right photo: Tonya Turner, a registered dietitian, answers questions via chat during the same Lunchtime Losers class. The course lasts 10 weeks and the group meets once per week in a real-time virtual classroom.
he MUSC Weight Management Center now offers two different types of competitive Lunchtime Losers courses. Participants may choose a combination of in-person and virtual courses or a completely online in real-time version. Both courses last 10 weeks and meet for one hour per week. They include a program manual, tailored dietary instruction, help in developing appropriate exercise goals and behavioral information on how to facilitate long-term healthy behavior changes. Participants also receive access to a comprehensive set of online and app-based weight loss tools, which the staff can monitor. Courses are led by registered dietitians, licensed psychologists and exercise physiologists. Josh Brown, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and director of Clinical Services and Training, works with Tonya Turner, a registered dietitian, to emphasize healthy eating and exercise to the center’s clients who pay $98 for the program, which is available as payroll deduction. The virtual class is available through Adobe Connect, but participants do not need any special equipment or software. The leaders email a link to participants to open at the appropriate class time. All participants need is an Internet-connected device such as a computer, smartphone or tablet. The courses are all recorded and available anytime for the participants to review. “If they can’t get on during that particular time, it’s all recorded. If you have a meeting from 12 until 1 that day and you couldn’t tune in, we’ll send the link out afterwards so even if you missed it you can go back and catch up,” Turner said. “The virtual participants weigh themselves on their own, and they email us their weights. Obviously there is some trust there, but they have to do it on a weekly basis.” Anyone who is looking to lose weight and learn to live healthier is invited to sign up. “We built it with MUSC employees in mind, but it doesn’t exclude non-employees,” Brown said. “In every Lunchtime Losers, we’ll usually have one or two who aren’t employees.” The majority of participants in the online only option are within a few blocks of the in-person class, which is held in the library. “We asked the participants where they worked. We were expecting that there were going to be quite a few who worked off campus,” Brown said. “The majority were on campus somewhere. That’s good to find out. It’s inconvenient to have to come over to us even for people who are close. We had some in Harborview, some in Rutledge Tower and all over MUSC.” In addition to Lunchtime Losers, the MUSC Weight Management Center now offers one-on-one services in real-time via the Internet. “We really see this is a great way to extend our reach and our ability to deliver evidence-based weight loss treatments to folks anywhere in the state,” Brown said. For more information or to register for the next class, visit www. muschealth.com/weight/services/LunchtimeLosers/index.htm or email Brown at browjosh@musc.edu.
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Greenberg Greenway creates lasting tribute to president M USC President Raymond Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., was honored Aug. 16 for his work in creating a healthy environment for the university and surrounding community. MUSC president from 2000 to 2013, Greenberg understood that comprehensive health promotion and wellness efforts within MUSC were essential to maintaining and improving the health of the organization as well as the broader community. Examples include the creation of a tobacco-free campus, a smoke-free medical district, and multiple green initiatives such as MUSC Sustainability, the MUSC Urban Farm, the Porcher Medicinal Garden and the MUSC Arboretum. The Greenberg Greenway was established in August, as Greenberg resigned as president of the university, to honor his work in creating an enduring system to support health and wellness at MUSC. The Greenberg Greenway is a series of greenscapes that connect people with places that support the environment and ecology of the campus, provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and create an inviting space for exercise and other health-promoting activities. Components of the greenway include the MUSC Arboretum, MUSC Urban Farm, Porcher Medicinal Garden, walking trails and the MUSC Fitness Park, and will continue to evolve with the campus and beyond. The Greenberg Greenway is an example of MUSC’s commitment to its mission of providing healthy options
MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg, left, and Nate Dubosh, MUSC arborist, plant a swamp chestnut oak. The chestnut oak commemorated the Greenberg Greenway. Bottom photo: A dedication plaque is located in front of the tree, directly behind the Drug Discovery Building. and innovative programs that contribute to a higher quality of life, healthier environment and overall wellness for all who visit the campus. A swamp chestnut oak (Quercus Michauxii) will serve as a symbol of Greenberg’s contributions to creating a healthier community and his enduring presence at MUSC.
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Endowed scholarship honors neuro-anatanomist By Cindy aBole Public Relations
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o hundreds of students, Isabel Lockard, MUSC professor emerita, was a remarkable teacher and mentor. Since 1952, the neuro-anatanomist taught one of the most difficult courses – neuroanatomy (neurosciences) – to medical, dental and graduate students and neurology residents for more than three decades. Following Lockard’s death Nov. 5, 2011, several of her faculty colleagues, former students and friends of MUSC established the endowed scholarship in her name that is funded by contributions from donors. The scholarship will provide a substantial gift to a fourthyear medical student based on need and interest in the neurosciences field. Lockard was recruited to MUSC in 1952 by former Department of Anatomy Chair Melvin Knisely, Ph.D., and was among few women faculty members at the Medical College of South Carolina. In addition to teaching, she wrote and published the Desk Reference for Neuroscience, a guide still used by the neuroscience community worldwide. In 1999, she was honored for her contributions to the fields of anatomy, research and medical education with the MUSC Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Born in Manitoba, Canada, Lockard received her undergraduate degree in speech from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in speech correction from the University of Michigan. She went on to earn a doctorate in neuroanatomy from Michigan working with famed neuro-anatanomist Elizabeth C. Crosby, Ph.D. In 1947, she taught at Georgetown University before moving to Charleston. Hilda Debacker, Ph.D., an anatomy professor, colleague and friend, taught with Lockard in the mid1950s. She said Lockard was known for her command of the subject, her distinctive teaching style and detailed neuroanatomical drawings. At the time of her
Following Dr. Isabel Lockard’s death in 2011, several MUSC faculty, colleagues and former students established the scholarship in her name. To donate, email stanleyt@musc.edu. retirement in 1985, Lockard was part of a lunch group of former anatomy department and basic science faculty who met regularly. “She was a gifted teacher,” said Debacker, who remembers Lockard to be dedicated, loyal and smart. She was affectionately called “Neuro Nellie” by colleagues and students. William O. Whetsell, M.D., a 1966 College of Medicine alumnus and professor emeritus of neuropathology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, fondly remembered his teacher and mentor. “Dr. Lockard was indeed one of a kind, and one who,
in her straight-forward but gentle and intellectually honest way, gave each of us a substantial part of the early academic background we needed to get through medical, dental or graduate school and move on into our futures,” Whetsell said. Sunil Patel, M.D., professor and Department of Neurosciences chairman, was among those medical students who sat in Lockard’s neuroanatomy class in 1981. According to Patel, Lockard’s class was considered among the most challenging taken for medical students in addition to gross anatomy, histology and embryology. Lockard’s classes were popular and always filled. “Dr. Lockard knew how to simplify anatomy and make it very easy to understand. She brought neuroanatomy to the students. The complex nervous system was often carefully dissected open in the most simplified manner in her lectures. Many of her lectures were taped and transcribed by her students. Most of our class used only her notes to study for the board exams because it was much better than some of the texts available at that time,” Patel said. Patel counts Lockard as some of a handful of faculty who inspired him toward studying neurosciences in general. As a physics undergraduate student, Patel felt comfortable learning medicine in this way. “We went from studying membrane physiology to cortical cytoarchitecture and then to Lockard’s lectures on synapses, pathways and structural neuroanatomy that brought everything nicely together,” he said. “She was an inspiring teacher and left a huge imprint in my career as both a neurosurgeon and teacher.” Patel hopes the scholarship will attract more medical students to consider a career in neurosciences. “In our busy lives, we often forget who taught us, who inspired us. All our successes depend on how much interest our teachers and mentors took in us. It was very easy to contribute and support this particular fund,” Patel said. For information, contact Terry Stanley, College of Medicine Development, at 792-3937.
Creator of Kawa Model speaks at inaugural Mitcham lecture
The inaugural Maralynne D. Mitcham lecture and alumni luncheon, hosted by the Division of Occupational Therapy and the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, was held July 19. The day-long festivities attracted a standing room only crowd of nearly 125 faculty, staff, students and OT alumni. Internationally renowned lecturer Michael Iwama, Ph.D., delivered the inaugural address, “East & West: Cross Cultural Implications on the
Construction of Theory and Knowledge in Occupational Therapy.” Iwama, an internationally known champion of culturally relevant occupational Iwama therapy, created the conceptual Kawa Model, which has been incorporated into occupational therapy curricula and clinical settings worldwide. He previously held academic
appointments at the University of Toronto, Dalhousie University and the University of British Columbia in Canada and at Kibi International University in Japan, and holds honorary appointments in Australia, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journals as well as five books on rehabilitation sciences. Iwama has doctoral degrees in medical and cultural anthropology and in sociology, a master’s degree in
rehabilitation sciences and bachelor’s degrees in occupational therapy and human performance. The lecture was preceded by a tour of MUSC’s College of Health Profession’s Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions and followed by an alumni luncheon with remarks from Mitcham. The afternoon featured both adult and pediatric continuing education workshops on splinting and therapeutic taping.
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ALS HOPE Beach Run slated for Sept. 21
The annual ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) HOPE Beach 5K Run/Walk will begin at 6 p.m., Sept. 21 on the beach at the Isle of Palms. The race was started in 2001 by the MUSC physical therapy class. The PT students passed down the event to the rising senior class each year until 2012 when the occupational therapy class of 2013 took on the event. ALS currently affects more than 30,000 Americans, with a new person
diagnosed every 90 minutes. It is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When ALS attacks, it stops muscles throughout the body from working. During the event, several people living with ALS will be honored, including a veteran from Columbia. Registration is $25 before Sept. 17 and $35 after Sept. 18. All race proceeds will be donated to the ALS Association South Carolina Chapter. Visit www. scalsa.org or call 708-3075.
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FaCulTy
Continued from Page Four
researcher with extensive federal funding. A clinical psychologist, she is working to improve the effectiveness and availability of treatments for adolescents and their families. If her professional achievements did not extend beyond this point, it would be an impressive body of work. Sheidow, however, goes far beyond that. She has mentored junior faculty and postdoctoral fellows resulting in more than $5 million in awards to MUSC from the National Institutes of Health. She is committed to mentoring faculty from underrepresented minority groups, most notably women scholars. To this end, she is heavily involved in the leadership of MUSC’s Women Scholars Initiative, established to promote gender equity in the recruitment, retention and advancement of women faculty. As an example of Sheidow’s commitment and creativity, she implemented an on-campus professional development program for women faculty that attracted more than 50 attendees for the same amount it would have cost to send two or three faculty members out of town. The program was so successful another one is being planned. Gary S. Gilkeson, M.D. Gilkeson may not be able to move heaven and earth, but he moved colleague Jim Oates from Durham, N.C., to Charleston without even trying. Gilkeson was an associate professor at Duke in the mid 1990s and a mentor to Oates, an M.D., who was completing a fellowship at Duke Univeristy Medical Center when Gilkeson relocated to MUSC. Oates promptly followed him. “I knew little of the Medical University of South Carolina or of the strengths of the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology,” Oates said, “but I was willing to move anywhere to continue my work with him.” Such strong bonds between Gilkeson and his mentees are common. Descriptive terms such as “generous,” “nurturing,” “kind” and “encouraging” are typical when former and current trainees of Gilkeson explain their relationship. Through the years, Gilkeson has mentored a lengthy and impressive list of basic and clinical
scientists: seven graduate students, six Ph.D.s and six medical degrees postdoctoral fellows and seven junior faculty, not to mention many high school, college and medical students. Many have assumed leadership positions in academia and industry, and can be found as far away as Japan. Distinguished Faculty Service Ian A. Aaronson, M.D. Since his arrival at MUSC in 1987, Aaronson has made the institution a center for the treatment and study of pediatric urology. In fact, for 20 years he was the only pediatric urologist within South Carolina’s borders, but, more importantly, he was and still is one of the top clinicians in his field. He has continually been named one of America’s Best Doctors since 1998. He has built up the Division of the Pediatric Urology from an average of eight outpatient visits a week to more than 100 patients being seen on a weekly basis and through this productivity has developed the Division of Pediatric Urology to the extent that the staff has expanded to four faculty members. MUSC is now recognized as the main referral center for pediatric urology for South Carolina as well as the border areas of North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It is also recognized as a referral center for both email and telemedicine advice from around the country. Patrick M. O’Neil, Ph.D. O’Neil joined MUSC’s fledgling Weight Management Center as an intern in the 1970s. Obesity was not the overwhelming health concern it is now. Since assuming leadership of the center in 1984, O’Neil and the center have moved to the forefront of the obesity issue that is now considered a major health problem in the U.S. for adults and children. Today, he directs a vastly expanded, nationally recognized program with a distinguished staff comprised of physicians, nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists and researchers. O’Neil himself has become an international leader in the field of obesity research, having participated in or led more than 53 published studies on obesity. He has published 64 articles in peerreviewed journals, 75 abstracts and 14
book chapters and monographs. He has brought in an impressive amount of extramural funding and has served on the editorial boards of four peer-reviewed obesity-related journals. He has served as president of The Obesity Society, and is an honorary member of the American Dietetic Association. O’Neil wrote a weekly column on weight issues for the Charleston Post & Courier for nine years, displaying a wry sense of humor along with information on healthy lifestyles. Roger L. White, PharmD In a stellar career at MUSC dating back to 1985, White epitomizes the institution’s three-pronged mission of academics, research and patient care. “Tough, but fair” would be a common description of White that students offer after completing his courses. He is as generous with his time as he is his
knowledge in an effort to ensure his students understand the material. As a result, White has earned the College of Pharmacy’s preceptor of the year on two occasions for teaching in a clinical setting and professor of the year once. In today’s digital society, with information instantly available with the press of a finger, keeping the attention of students presents more of a challenge. White succeeds in this endeavor by incorporating innovation in the classroom. During his lectures, he utilizes many active learning techniques to include students on both the MUSC and University of South Carolina campuses, which house the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. It also should be noted that White’s students range in age from high school to adult. He mentors both junior and senior faculty on how to incorporate new teaching techniques into their courses.
The CaTalysT, August 30, 2013 11 School supply drive
Misc. Services
Items for Sale
B & V Covers Ulphostery, slipcovers, curtains, cushions, alterations, etc. FREE ESTIMATE Vicky/Martha 814-1727 or 5534900 bvcovers@gmail.com
Roseville pottery 1949 Ewer Apple Blossum blue twig hdl 316-8 $415 843-762-2002
College of Charleston is seeking a Registered Nurse for a part time position. A Campus Nurse provides health care in an ambulatory setting to students. Approx. 15 hrs/week. For more info call Brittany Coefield @ 953-5520
Homes For Sale Mt. Pleasant, 5 miles to MUSC, 3 br, 2.5 ba, private backyard, quiet neighborhood w/pool. Avail. July 2014 $1400 per mth. 3yr lease available. 843-834-5465
The Alliance for Hispanic Health is sponsoring a school supply and linen drive to benefit Our Lady of Mercy Outreach on John's Island. Boxes may be found in the lobbies of Ashley River Tower, the Wellness Center, Colbert Education Center & Library, Basic Sciences Building, and the Women's Center at 135 Cannon St. The collection will be held through Aug. 30. The following new or gently used items are needed: white-collared shirts, kahki pants and skirts, children's books, pens, pencils, school glue and gluesticks. For information, call Laurie Charles at 7922146 or email charlelt@ musc.edu.
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