MUSC Catalyst 12-11-2015

Dec. 11, 2015

Inside

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Angel Tree Parade brings out the best on campus

Parking UPdate

By J. Ryne Danielson Public Relations

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West Edge construction to affect Hagood parking.

sCientifiC disCOveries

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Reception unveils new sculpture, recognizes scholars and junior researchers.

2

Around Campus

5

Meet Sandra

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Pet Therapy

photo by J. Ryne Danielson Public Relations

The annual Angel Tree Parade is held at MUSC every December to raise donations for children in need as part of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Grand marshal of the parade, Calhoun Tannery, rides a float with Dr. Michelle Hudspeth, who treated his twin brother Lachlan before his death in May. To view more photos, visit the parade photo gallery at https://depthtml.musc. edu/pr/photogalleries/2015/ angel_tree_parade/

t h e C ata ly s t Online

http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst

Vol. 34, No. 15

photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations

ew York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and 3–year–old Calhoun Tannery served as grand marshals for the annual Angel Tree parade at MUSC Dec. 4.

Calhoun’s twin brother, Lachlan, died May 7 of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare blood cancer. He had been a patient at the Children’s Hospital.

“We typically choose a pediatric cancer survivor as the parade marshal,” said Michelle Hudspeth, M.D., director of MUSC’s Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant program. “This year, we decided to focus on Lachlan and his family. While our hearts are forever broken that Lachlan died from JMML, we feel that the amazing amount of compassion and commitment to help other children with pediatric cancer that Lachlan’s family continues to show every day is truly what the Christmas season is all about.”

The twins' parents have partnered with Be the Match, a non-profit organization operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, to promote national donor drives to help children like Lachlan.

They have also launched the Lachlan Tannery Foundation, which aims to increase awareness of childhood cancer and provide support to children and families fighting it. This support includes travel cards for gas, food and other necessities during extended hospital stays.

“Despite all they have been through, Lachlan and Calhoun’s parents remain focused on increasing donors through the Be the Match program, increasing research for childhood cancer and providing support to families whose children are undergoing transplant,” Hudspeth said. “We have pediatric patients right now who have received support and special items through the Lachlan Tannery Foundation.”

Gardner is also doing his part this Christmas, partnering with his corporate sponsor, New Balance, to donate 500 pairs of sneakers to Charleston families in need.

“I wear New Balance shoes on the field, and because of my relationship with them, we were able

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PeoPle

Around Campus

evenTs

David Lewin

F&A Food Drive

David Lewin, M.D., a professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, will serve as president of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. ASCP is the largest and oldest pathology society.

Its mission is to provide excellence in education, certification and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists and laboratory professionals.

Vincent Pellegrini

Vincent Pellegrini Jr., M.D., the John A. Siegling Professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics in the College of Medicine, began a two–year term as chairman of the Council of Faculty and Academic Societies of the American Association of Medical Colleges. The CFAS provides a strong voice for academic faculty within the AAMC’s performance and leadership structure

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 Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu Helen Adams, adamshel@musc.edu Sarah Pack, packsa@musc.edu Jeff Watkins, watkinsj@musc.edu

Finance & Administration is hosting a canned food drive until Dec. 18 to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

Donate non–perishable goods (rice, tuna, grits, oatmeal, canned fruits and vegetables, personal hygiene items and diapers) in collection bins across campus located in the lobbies of Basic Science Bldg., Drug Discovery Bldg., Parking Garage–I Second Floor, Harborview Office Tower, Strom Thurmond Building and 56 Courtenay Drive. photo provided

Members of the MUSC Pulmonary Team hosted the “Airway to Heaven” team at the American Lung Association’s 2015 Lung Force 5K Run/Walk in Folly Beach Nov. 14. Dr. Andy Goodwin placed third overall and Drs. Lynn Schnapp and Jeremy Richards took first place in their age groups.

Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith, DNP, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, was selected by the executive committee of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. for its 2015 SGNA Scholars Program. This program helps educate and train GI and endoscopy nurses to build a repository of evidence applicable to GI and 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.

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Amy Williams

Amy Williams, DNP an instructor in the College of Nursing, will serve as the only medical provider on South Carolina’s First Steps to School Readiness board of trustees.

The program is the state’s comprehensive early childhood education initative.

Humanitas Deadline Entries are due for the 20th Anniverary issue of Humanitas, MUSC’s literary journal. Submissions are due midnight, Dec. 27 to http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ humanities/humanitas.htm.

USPS Christmas Shipping The 2015 U.S. Postal Service’s holiday domestic shipping deadlines are as follows: q Dec. 15—Standard Post q Dec. 19—First Class Mail q Dec. 21—Priority Mail q Dec. 23—Priority Mail Express (next– day service) For more information about military and international shipping during the holidays, visit www.usps.com/holiday/.

MUSC Waring Historical Library Presents Building a Medical Center: The Construction of the 1955 Medical College Hospital

60th Anniversary Web exhibit Visit http://waring.library.musc.edu/exhibits/1955Hospital/index.php Founded in 1824 under the auspices of the Medical Society of Scouth Carolina, MUSC has grown from an initial faculty of seven and student population of five into one of the nation’s top academic health centers.

For information, call Brooke Fox, 792-6477

The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015 3

West Edge creates new parking opportunities for MUSC Construction begins soon on a billion–dollar project to transform the western edge of the Charleston peninsula into a “next generation research and discovery district” (West Edge) that will feature residences, offices, retail stores, restaurants, research and lab space and parking. Located between the MUSC campus and The Citadel, the area to be developed is bounded by Lockwood Drive on the west, Fishburne Street on the north, Hagood Avenue on the East and Spring Street on the South.

“The vision of West Edge (formerly Horizon) is culminating in 2016 after more than 10 years in the making,” said John Runyon, director of business services for MUSC. “When it’s completed, there will be a community– centered feel to the new development.

And, in the end, MUSC will have added more free parking and reserved parking opportunities for employees, students, and staff. But, in the meantime, there will be a need for some temporary off–site parking, and we’re planning for that.”

The West Edge Phase I Development area encompasses two parking lots, Hagood and Lockwood, which currently are utilized by hundreds of MUSC employees each day.

To help alleviate this impact, the city is undertaking a project to expand the Hagood lot by about 200 spaces beginning mid–to–late December. This expansion will be complete by mid– to–late February. The spaces gained will be used to provide transition space for Lockwood parkers, then with the completion of a new city garage behind the city police headquarters, to expand MUSC free parking opportunities.

The city is providing a temporary lot, tentatively identified on Morrison Avenue for this purpose. The lot will be served by MUSC shuttle buses with security coverage by MUSC Public Safety.

CARTA has also agreed to expand the Medical 203 route around the main campus to allow for MUSC buses to support the temporary lot opening in early January.

MUSC Office of Parking Management

is in the process of contacting people who park in the Hagood lot to solicit approximately 250 volunteers. In recognition of the contribution the volunteers will make to the efficiency of the project, volunteer participants are being offered an incentive. “After the Hagood System is returned to normal use, the remote–parker group will be offered free, controlled, guaranteed parking (no hunting) for a length of time equal to the time spent in remote parking, “ Runyon said.

On March 1, construction of the West Edge parking garage is scheduled to begin. This garage will be located behind the city administration building on Lockwood Ave. The city will lease 322 spaces in this garage to MUSC by January 2017, when the project is slated for completion.

These new parking spaces will, ultimately, replace spaces that will be lost around April 1, when construction is scheduled to begin on a new retail and residential complex on the current site of the Lockwood parking lot. Lockwood parkers will be contacted directly later this winter to assist them with their transitions through the parking system.

“Planning and implementing parking

photo provided

The area between the campuses of MUSC and The Citadel will become a discovery district, drawing innovation to the western edge of the Charleston peninsula. In the meantime, it will cause some parking disruptions for MUSC employees.

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See Lot on page 11 West Edge Parking Timeline q December 2015 to February 2016 — Hagood lot expansion.

Remote parking available at 999 Morrison Ave. for displaced parkers. q March 2016 — Construction of West Edge parking garage begins q April 2016 — Construction begins on current site of Lockwood parking lot. Displaced parkers will use expanded Hagood lot or Harborview Tower garage. Remote parking continues at 999 Morrison Ave. q January 2017 — West Edge garage opens to MUSC parkers

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Research Impact Dr. Kenneth J. Ruggiero q Professor, College of Nursing q NIH RO1 award: $2,909,487 (Total Cost) q Aug. 20, 2015 to June 30, 2019

Kenneth J. Ruggiero, Ph.D., professor in the College of Nursing, received an NIH/ NIMH R01 award to conduct a study titled, “Bounce Back Now: A Low–Cost Intervention to Facilitate Post–Disaster Recovery,” in collaboration with Dr. Sandro Galea at Columbia University.

Disasters confront individuals with a wide range of stressors, including threat of death or injury, loss of loved ones, limited access to basic needs and financial strain due to property damage or disruptions in employment. Many survivors are resilient or recover rapidly, but many others develop behavioral health problems such as post–traumatic stress disorder and depression.

This research will evaluate a novel, scalable and highly sustainable technology–based intervention called, Bounce Back Now. BBN will be accessible via any device that is connected to the Internet, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet; it will be optimized for mobile devices to ensure that it is highly accessible and user friendly.

This intervention consists of three major components: q A symptom/activity tracking component designed to facilitate self–monitoring in the acute post–disaster phase; q A brief self–help intervention component that aims to accelerate mental health recovery relative to PTSD and mood symptoms; and

q A provider assistance component that will

connect survivors to a national Disaster Distress Helpline.

Research completed by the research has supported the feasibility of the first two components of BBN and the initial efficacy of the brief intervention component of BBN. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national service administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that provides crisis counseling and local referrals to mental health providers. Ruggiero’s research team plans to recruit 5,000 disaster survivors to test the intervention: 2,500 will be randomly assigned to the BBN condition, the other 2,500 to an enhanced usual–care comparison condition. The cost effectiveness of the BBN intervention relative to enhanced usual care will also be measured.

The American Red Cross and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response have partnered with the MUSC team on this and will assist with participant recruitment and data collection relating to triage–level risk factors. This research will use an innovative phased–funding approach that will ensure that the team is prepared to initiate research in the immediate aftermath of a triggering disaster incident.

Dr. Michael D. Sweat q Director, MUSC Center for Global Initiatives q NIH R01 Award: $2,983,931 (Total Cost) q Aug. 1, 2015 to May 31, 2020

To maximize the public health benefit of expenditures on HIV prevention, treatment and care in sub–Saharan Africa, programs are

needed that synergistically combine intervention strategies, target the intensity of interventions to attributable risk, support couples to reduce their risk of HIV transmission within the partnership, and facilitate safe and acceptable uptake of available treatment and prevention services.

Michael D. Sweat, Ph.D., director of MUSC’s Center for Global Initiatives, will conduct this research in Kisarawe, Tanzania. This project will develop reliable indicators for intervention exposure using biometric identifiers, develop indicators that capture dynamic multi– component risk reduction strategies, establish proof of concept for the combination and scalability of proven HIV intervention components never before brought to scale (HIV self–testing, PrEP for discordant couples), carefully assess the safety and acceptance of the strategy and examine important operational issues related to comparative cost and efficiency of competing strategies.

Dr. Diane L. Kamen q Associate professor and chair, Department of Medicine q NIH R21 award: $361,790 (Total Cost) q Aug. 10, 2015 to June 30, 2016

The intervention, if found efficacious, would provide needed program and policy guidance highly significant to public health. In addition, if these strategies being explored are proven to be effective it could lead to substantial savings to U.S. programs that support global AIDS control and treatment.

See Impact on page 11

The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015 5

Meet Sandra

Sandra Belton Department and how long at MUSC? IOP Senior Care Unit; 3 1/2 years How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By helping to carry out the vision and mission of MUSC through my everyday interactons with staff and patients

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6 The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015

New sculpture reflects campus’ scientific discoveries The scientific discoveries sculpture was unveiled to the MUSC community on Dec. 2. The bronze and metal sculpture, located in the green space adjacent to the MUSC Urban Farm, represents the collaboration and information shared between MUSC basic and clinical scientists and clinicians to foster innovative strategies and ideas.

By Mikie hayes Public Relations Dec. 4 marked the launch of scientific discoveries, the fourth Imagine 2020 goal to be introduced to the MUSC family.

Since October, three other goals have been featured in celebrations around campus, have the associated symbols for each, which serve as a reminder to all. The Patients First event featured a patient bell installed in the Ann Edwards Garden; Diversity and Inclusion introduced five sets of wind chimes hung throughout the Horseshoe, and Healthy Communities highlighted plans for a meditative labyrinth garden that will be located near the MUSC Urban Farm.

The fourth celebration was also set to include the unveiling of a bronze sculpture dedicated to scientific discoveries that had been installed in MUSC’s Green Space for the occasion, but heavy rainfall prevented guests from gathering outside to take part in its debut. The weather, however, contributed to the beautiful verdigris patina forming on the bronze.

Woven into the scientific discoveries event was a special recognition reception honoring 50 MUSC Career Development Award Scholars and 50 MUSC Junior Investigator Research Innovators award recipients. Speakers’ comments underscored how important research innovation and collaboration are to MUSC’s mission and overall success.

Philip Howe, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Hans & Helen Koebig Chair in Clinical Oncology, along with Teresa Kelechi, Ph.D., R.N., the David and Margaret Clare Endowed Chair, co–chaired the scientific discoveries goal team and took part in the program.

Howe opened the event, expressing what a great honor it was for him to participate in the strategic planning process and work with Kelechi on promoting the initiatives related to advancing new knowledge and scientific discoveries. He also thanked President David Cole, M.D., FACS, for his overarching support of this goal and working with the team so closely

photos by Sarah Pack, Public Relations

Dr. Kathleen Brady shares with the audience the impressive growth of MUSC’s extramural research funding, mentioning the fact that 2014 was MUSC’s best year ever.

while they crafted and polished their objectives.

The president delivered opening remarks, saying, “We lead health innovations for the lives we touch. I hope that it is meaningful to anybody who is part of this campus, in any dimension, in any capacity. I think it’s an opportunity for us to invest in each other in terms of how we change the future for the lives we touch.”

Cole also enumerated MUSC’s core values: compassion, respect, collaboration, integrity and innovation, but focused primarily on the subject of innovation as it underscored the day’s goal. “It’s my true belief that what differentiates us from anybody else in health care is our innovation. To be able to change the future for our patients — to

change the realities that they face right now, and do so in a meaningful manner, is really what MUSC is all about. And intrinsically that is innovation, and underpinning that is advancing new knowledge and scientific discoveries.”

He touched on another priority theme: integration. “In my very biased opinion, one cannot live without the other. Our clinical care, our clinical enterprise has to be integrated with and part of our future with all of the research and all the innovations we bring. We are at a transitional point at this university. I think at a very exciting point, because we’ve been on a trajectory like this,” he said, gesturing to represent a steady climb. “And if I have anything to do with it, it would look like this,” he added, showing a much steeper ascent.

“The fuel to make that happen will be based on work, intelligence, collaboration, synergy, and opportunity divided by innovation and fueled by scientific discoveries that we can partner with and dive into for the future of the lives we touch.”

He explained that the bronze sculpture was chosen because it symbolizes interprofessional teams that work together to generate and translate cutting–edge discoveries that will integrate with learning both in health care and health promotion across the MUSC enterprise.

“There are huge opportunities to build more capable and more meaningful interdisciplinary teams,” he said. “The ability to listen to and learn from somebody else’s viewpoint is incredibly powerful. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t miss the opportunity,” he told guests and honorees. “We all speak different languages based on our training and who we are. But when you start hearing what other people have to say about their perspective, it leads to remarkable insights.”

Speaker Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished university professor, associate provost for Clinical and Translational Science and director of the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, characterized MUSC’s research

See Event on page 10

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Meet some of MUSC’s tail-wagging therapy dogs M

making the rounds and visiting adults and kids who respond to his bouncy personality. Lucky is one of 27 currently on the therapy dog team. Hoffman is eager to highlight other dedicated members of his team and introduced seven very familiar faces.

Meet sOMe Of the MUsC theraPy dOgs Schnoodle Lucky Hoffman has a corner office. Well, to be exact, he has his own corner in his owner’s office in Volunteer Services and comes to work every day,

JOey and Charlie BrUMBelOw Vickie Brumbelow has two gentle giants: Joey and Charlie Charizard. Joey is an almost 10–year–old rescued Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever mix she adopted at 3 ½ months. Charlie is 3 years old, born on a farm north of Conway where his parents are working Great Pyrenees, guardian dogs for sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Joey has been a therapy dog for six years and Charlie, for nearly a year. They visit three MUSC programs a month and volunteer several times a year at various MUSC events.

Therapy dogs, it seems, have a very special way of touching hearts all around campus — not just the patients they visit. “We spend time with students, staff, visitors, and faculty,� Brumbelow said. “People stop just to thank me for coming to MUSC and sharing my dogs.

Many stop to pet Joey or Charlie and tell me they were having a bad day and really just needed to hug a dog.�

Working with Joey and Charlie has been more rewarding than Brumbelow could have ever expected.

By Mikie hayes Public Relations

an’s best friend, tail–wagging motivator, furry comforter — dogs. They’ve been known to perform some pretty incredible feats — even in hospitals. Whether they help stabilize vital signs, cause an unresponsive patient to smile or just cuddle up with a child during a nap, MUSC’s therapy dogs are much more than faithful companions.

Beyond some dogs’ ability to sniff out certain cancers or detect approaching seizures, one of the reasons for a dog’s therapeutic effect on patients, according to Al Hoffman, MUSC PET Therapy Program specialist, is that dogs fulfill one of the most basic human needs — touch. Hugging a dog, rubbing a belly, or petting a muzzle is often what it takes to calm and soothe patients when they’re stressed or anxious.

And MUSC Health CEO Patrick Cawley, M.D., makes no bones about it: MUSC is pet therapy dog friendly.

She sums it up this way: “For me volunteering with a therapy dog is the best job I never got paid for. sCaMP and Bentley field Sharon Field calls herself mom to Bentley and Scamp, a bonded pair who provide comfort and frivolity all around MUSC. Bentley, a sweet cockapoo (half cocker spaniel and half poodle), is extremely calm and relaxed in his job, providing pet therapy at the Institute of Psychiatry’s Children’s unit and participating in the parades at the Children’s Hospital.

According to Field, he is the perfect dog to work with children with emotional issues. “He makes them laugh and smile, and I am told after he visits the children on the IOP unit, they have a more relaxed day.� she said. “I was reminded by a man I never saw before, who met me on the steps of the hospital one day as we were entering, that I would never realize the immense effect my little dogs have on all who they encounter

See Dogs on page 10

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8 The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015

Adventure Out program brings green excerise to campus Adventure Out is a free yearlong outdoor fitness campaign offered by the MUSC Office of Health Promotion and MUSC Wellness Center in partnership with the City of Charleston Recreation Department, City of Charleston Parks and sponsored by Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated.

Exercising outdoors or “green exercise� has many additional benefits to indoor fitness activities, including stress management, improved self–esteem and mood, increased frequency of exercise and improved sense of wellbeing. The Adventure Out program features a variety of classes taught by MUSC Wellness Center instructors in City of Charleston Parks as well as on the MUSC Campus. There is no cost to participate and classes are designed for all ages and fitness levels. Upcoming classes include kickboxing at the MUSC Fitness Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 and at 12 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, Cannon Park.

For information on the program, contact Katie Blaylock at 792-9238,

q Five Loaves in ART Cafeteria — Dec. 16 at World Cuisine; Featuring pumpkin seed–crusted salmon as part of our Celebrity Chef series. Pan–seared salmon served on top of quinoa, corn and roasted tomato and kale medley served in a mushroom Employee Wellness broth. Get a 10 percent discount q Take the December with your badge for this dish.

Monthly Mindful Challenge: Meet Chef Jason Ulak for this Create a stress–free zone. Take event. Free samples and recipe the initial December Monthly cards.

Mindful Challenge survey @ Susan Johnson q Adventure Out: The http://tinyurl.com/p4gvzrx Adventure Out program offers q Worksite screening — Wednesday, free fitness classes in City of Charleston Dec. 9, Colbert Library, Room 109.

Parks and on the MUSC Campus to help This screening, valued at about $350, you turn over a new leaf and discover the is available to employees with the State benefits of green exercise. Join MUSC Health Plan (including MUSC Health Wellness Center’s Katie Blaylock at 9 Plan) at no charge for the basic test in a.m., Dec. 12, Hampton Park Gazebo for 2015. Employees and spouses without a free yoga class. For information, visit this insurance can participate for $46. www.musc.edu/ohp/adventure-out q Chair massages: Free massages For information, and to register online, are offered to employees midday visit musc.edu/ohp/employee-wellness/ Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages worksite-screening.html. This is the last for new locations and times. one for 2015. blaylock@musc.edu or Dr. Susan Johnson at 792-1245, johnsusa@musc.edu or visit www.musc.edu/ohp/ adventure-out or facebook/ muscadventureout.

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50 years of excellence: Halushka Research Day Staff Report

T

he 50th annual Perry V. Halushka MUSC Research Day gathered some of the Lowcountry’s foremost research talent at the Wellness Center Gym and Colbert Education Center and Library, Nov. 12 to Nov. 13.

Each fall, MUSC Research Day is open to all students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows and research specialists on campus, as well as other statewide and national institutions, who participated over the past year in research programs at MUSC. The 50th anniversary of the event was kicked off by the keynote address The winners are: Undergraduate Poster I — First place: Josh Mifflin; second place: Connor Templeton; Clinical/Professional/Masters Poster I — First place: Sara Atkinson; second place: Avery Acuff; Clinical/Professional/Masters Poster II — First place: Elisabeth Obert; second place: Jessica Dinh; Clinical/Professional/Masters Poster III — First place: Brittany Cureton; second place: Claire Murphy; Clinical/Professional/Masters Poster IV — First place: Ross Hansen; second place: Christopher Austelle; Poster participant Lutfiyya Muhammad, right, explains her research to a poster session guest.

presented by Perry V Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished university professor and Dean emeritus of the College of Graduate Studies. Halushka shared his “lessons learned” throughout his tenure as a student, postdoctoral fellow, clinical resident and through his 41-year career as a faculty member of the MUSC family.

“It is very gratifying to see the Research Day grow from a very few abstracts to a new all time high of 284,” said Halushka.

“The increase in the number of abstracts is also accompanied by extraordinary high quality. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the presentations that I listened to. I look forward to next year’s Research Day.” PhD Poster I — First place: Carly Bess Williams; second place: Alexandra Rogers; PhD Poster II — First place: David Hartman; second place: Jesse Breedlove; PhD Poster III — First place: Jamie Mills (Kinard Gadsden Award); second place: Bethany Herbert; Postdocs/Residents/Fellow/Staff Scientist Poster I — First place: Heidi Steinkamp; second place: Masaaki Ishii; Research Specialist/Technician I — First place: Lourdes Nogueria;; second place: Elisabeth Nadeau; Undergraduate Oral II — First place: Lauren Adams; second place: Jenny Yao;

photos provided

The 2015 winners of the 50th annual Perry V. Halushka Research Day. Clinical-Professional-Masters Oral V — First place: Lindsey Shehee; second place: Stephen Miller; Clinical/Professional/Masters Oral VI — First place: Vikram Samant; second place: Catherine Dong; Clinical/Professional/Masters Oral VII — First place: Lex Hanna; second place: Brooke King; PhD Oral IV — First place: Youming Guo; second place: Joelle Zambrano; PhD Oral V — First place: Ali Alawieh; second place: Mohammed Dany; PhD Oral VI —First place: Carolyn Wallace Fugle (Eric James Award); second place: Adam Akerman; PhD Oral VII —First place: Robert Cameron (Willard and Betty Peterson Award); second place: Corrin Garr; Postdoc/Residents/Fellow/Staff Scientist Oral II — First place: Tonisha Kearney-Ramos; second place: Jennifer Rinker; Postdoc/Residents/Fellow/Staff

Special Awards CRI-VA Medical Center Oral — First place: Aarti Narang; second place: Adam Akerman; CRI-VA Medical Center Poster — First place: Elizabeth Nadeau; second place: Emilie Rossett; Innovation Award — First place: Jonathan Turner; second place: Bashar Badran;

Dr. Perry V. Halushka presents the Eric James Award to Carolyn Wallace Fugle.

Scientist Oral III — First place: Michelle Nelson; second place: Wei Chen; Clinical Ethics — First place: Trinh Chu; Sigma Xi — First place oral: Abby Wenzel; first place poster: Heidi Steinkamp; Interprofessional — First place: Melanie Davis; first place poster: Jordan Tillman; Health Disparities Oral — First place: Abby Wenzel; Health Disparities Poster — First place: Delia Voronca; second place: April Dawson; third place: Christopher Asuzu

10 The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015

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Continued from Page Six

community as strong and robust. She said, “Last year was our best year in extramural funding in the history of the university. Our IP portfolio was ranked among the top 10 in the nation, and that’s due to the people in this room — it’s your contributions and your hard work and willingness to collaborate. This is a wonderfully collaborative campus — that is what’s making us win. We are the little engine that could.”

Brady told the award recipients that as strong as MUSC is, she is even more optimistic about the future. “I truly see more and more interface and opportunities for interfacing in the clinical, research and education missions.

I think the more we can synergize across those missions, the higher this university can soar.”

She concluded by offering congratulations and referring to the scholars and junior investigators as the lifeblood of the university. “You inspire us,” she said.

Kelechi, scientific discoveries co– chair, introduced keynote speaker Marc Chimowitz, MBChB, university eminent

Dogs

photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations

At the scientific discoveries event, Dr. Teresa Kelechi, left, joins Dr. Marc Chimowitz, far right, as they applaud President Cole’s remarks. remarkable job at program development. scholar, professor of neurology and We are seeing the fruits of our success.” associate dean of faculty development, He challenged them to take the torch and thanked him for the impact he had and continue MUSC’s tradition of on her when she was a young faculty bringing up the ranks. “Remember,” he member, applying for her first R01. told them, “you are our next generation Chimowitz said, “We are here to honor the long list of our talented junior of mentors.”

After the event, Brian Heckman, researchers. One of the hallmarks of an Ph.D., an assistant professor in the institution’s support of research is the addiction sciences division in the recruitment and development of junior Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral faculty. This institution really does a

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each visit,” Field said. “This is so true for all the MUSC adult and Children’s Hospital therapy dogs. His comments have been with me each day we volunteer and drive me to continue with both Scamp and Bentley in pet therapy.”

BristOl and Maddie sykes Kathy Sykes and Bristol are regulars at MUSC, seen on hallways throughout MUSC and in every holiday parade. “Bristol is just a user–friendly dog,” she said laughing. “She has a calming presence. She’s so chill.”

Her daughter got Bristol from a high–kill shelter just before she was scheduled to be euthanized. Sykes is so grateful that they got her out in time as she most certainly had a special purpose to fulfill.

The part Spaniel, part long–haired Dachshund mix is about as loving and accepting as a dog can be. She’s the type of dog that the kids feel safe cradling like a doll and rocking, and if a child happens to pet her too hard, she doesn’t flinch. She also has an amazing way of getting children to focus on something other than pain or fear. “She’s able to get the kids to stop crying, go for a walk, even take their medicine. I sometimes tell them, ‘Bristol will come up on your bed if you take your medicine, and you can have her all to yourself for 30 minutes.’ Nearly always, the kids get totally on board.”

photo provided

Maddie is joined by her friend, Hannah.

Bristol isn’t Sykes only therapy dog. Maddie, a long-haired Chihuahua, forges special bonds with older children and adult patients. She’s a little more particular and doesn’t much care for hard pats, being rocked or too much noise.

Recently at one of the clinics they visit, a woman with sickle cell disease had been suffering in pain all morning. The nurses said she was in a particularly bad mood and could really benefit from a visit from Maddie. “Maddie spent about a half an hour with her, and the patient got up for the very first time, walked around and started singing. In fact, she was singing joyfully. The nurses were amazed.

Sciences, named an MUSC Career Development Award Scholar, took a moment to share his pride about the tobacco cessation team.

“Simply put, I couldn’t be anywhere better than MUSC and fully embrace the spirit of Imagine 2020. I am fortunate to be inspired daily by the most brilliant minds in tobacco control. It is exciting to see our technology–driven precision medicine team science approach translate into treatments that can truly impact the lives of our patients.”

Frank Cuoco, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Cardiology, was pleased to be named among the MUSC Junior Investigator Research Innovators. “Receiving this honor is exciting and invigorating to me as I accelerate as a clinical faculty member in the Department of Medicine. The field of cardiac electrophysiology is dynamic, with rapidly evolving procedures and technologies. As a young investigator I have had the opportunity to be “first–in– man” and bring these technologies from the bench to the bedside. MUSC has helped me draw in multiple grants and projects and has given me the research support and amazing clinical facilities to do this exciting and novel work.”

haPPy Happy’s owner, Mike Winship, knew the 5–year–old, 4–foot tall, 155–pound Great Dane was special from the day he chose him from the litter. He could just tell he had the perfect temperament to make a difference in the lives of others. Happy and his dad, as Winship refers to himself, lead a very social life and that, too, has prepared Happy to interact with adults and kids. “From the day he was 9 weeks old, we would frequent the beach for daily works, parks, concerts and many other activities to make him comfortable in all situations and environments.”

Winship’s positive experiences helping Happy make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients he visits drive his dedication and enthusiasm. He believes that every day at the hospital is filled with unique possibilities. He also offers words of encouragement to anyone thinking about getting involved in pet therapy.

“What I've learned is you do not have to wait till you’re retired to do volunteer work. For all interested in having their dogs be a part of the program at MUSC, y'all will be welcomed with open arms and hearts.”

To read the complete story, visit http://www.musc. edu/catalyst.

For more about MUSC’s Pet Therapy program, visit: http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/catalyst/ archives/2015/11-6PetTherapy.html.

The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015 11

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systems on this penninsula are incredibly complex tasks,” said Lisa Montgomery, MUSC executive vice president for finance and operations. “Melinda Anderson, John Runyon, and Steve Mengler have done a wonderful job of balancing MUSC’s needs, the City’s needs and the parking challenges of downtown Charleston to come up with a workable solution. I am particularly thankful for their dedication to the details and look forward, although I doubt as much as they do, to the completion of the overall project and the addition of new parking spaces for the MUSC campus.”

2015 Kids Helping Kids Holiday Card Project Purchase your holiday cards from MUSC Children’s Hospital’s talented patient-artists. $15 Each pack contains 14 unique cards.

100 percent of all proceeds come back to children of MUSC.

Visit http://www.musckids.org/holidaycards/or email Emma Blitch at Blitch@musc.edu.

Anesthesia technician remembered for commitment to care, public service Staff Report

M

arshall Vincent Kearney IV, a certified anesthesia technician in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, died unexpectedly on Nov. 30.

He was 38 years old.

Linda Bertucci, a colleague who worked with Kearney in the University Hospital operating room, praised him for his professionalism and commitment to being a lifelong learner.

“Marshall was very dependable. He was an incredible team player, responding to any need within the hospital. He was personable, professional and had the ability to give of himself in a dynamic, ever-changing work environment. His knowledge base was extensive and diverse. What he didn't know, he would look up and educate himself and us, more often than not.”

Bertucci went on to comment about Kearney’s compassion for others.

“It was evident he had a very kind heart,” she said.

“Marshall entertained us with stories of his personal encounters, often stumbling upon something that was ‘uniquely Marshall.’ He is missed by many, but we, ‘his group,’ can't even come close to expressing the void that’s been created.”

Co–worker Katie Smith echoed similar sentiments of her coworker.

“Marshall was warm, loving, generous, compassionate and very intelligent,” Smith said. “He left a mark on every life he touched. Many people come and go in our lives, but very few make a worthwhile, memorable impression. Marshall will be greatly missed by the entire MUSC family.”

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Diane L. Kamen M.D., associate professor in the Department of Medicine, plans to study the impact of pathogenic and protective environmental exposures on autoimmune disease, specifically lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating disease primarily affecting young African–American women. The cause of SLE is unknown but believed to be due to environmental exposures in someone with a genetic predisposition for autoimmunity.

Identification of gut microbial factors capable of modulating autoimmunity, either as triggers or regulators of the autoimmune response, is

Marshall Kearney in China.

photo provided

Kearney was born March 22, 1977 and grew up in Northfield, Illinois. He was the son of Marshall V. Kearney III and Denise Kearney, also of Northfield.

Prior to working as an anesthesia technician at MUSC, Kearney was a paramedic and a firefighter in Illinois. In recent years, he was a devoted member of a 40–person medical mission team sponsored by the Children of China Pediatric Foundation and traveled annually to care for dozens of orphaned children.

Kearney is survived by his parents; his brother, Emmett Kearney; and other family.

Memorials can be made to Loyola Academy, 1100 N. Laramie Road, Wilmette, IL 60091 or the Children of China Pediatrics Foundation, Rockefeller Center Station, P.O. Box 5594, New York, NY 10185.

crucial in contributing to our understanding as to why autoimmunity arises and progresses and, very importantly, create opportunities for interventions that could lessen disease incidence and severity.

The overall hypothesis of this project is that there is gut microbial variation at both the structural and functional level between individuals that influences development of autoimmunity and autoimmune disease.

The Research Impact column showcases the research community’s grant activities. For information about awards, visit the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs’ Monthly Reports at http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/research/orsp/ reporting/ or email stories to research@musc.edu.

12 The CaTalysT, Dec. 11, 2015

angel

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to team up and donate over 500 pairs of shoes to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree project,� Gardner said. “My wife and I enjoy calling the Lowcountry home so it’s fun for us to take part in something like this and give back to the community. There are a lot of kids here in the Lowcountry who are in need, so this is definitely something special to be a part of. Many kids on the Angel Tree are going to be getting a brand new pair of tennis shoes this Christmas. Hopefully, they’ll get some use out of them. Hopefully, they’ll get out and run around, be more active and engage in a healthy lifestyle.�

This year’s Angel Tree parade saw a record number of donations, said Elizabeth Williams, quality and outcomes manager of MUSC’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, who helped organize the parade.

All told, Christmas and holiday gifts for more than 1,800 children were collected in MUSC’s horseshoe by the end of the parade. “Without a doubt, this was our biggest year yet,�

Williams said. “We had the most participation ever from across our downtown campus as well as our satellite offices in East Cooper, West Ashley and North Charleston.�

In addition to the gift donations, Williams said MUSC raised more than $1,200 in cash to buy presents for children whose angels weren’t adopted. “This is purely a volunteer event,� she explained.

photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations

photo by J. Ryne Danielson Public Relations

Left photo: New York Yankee Brett Gardner, and wife, Jessica, ride on a parade float. Above: Volunteers unload donated toys in the Horseshoe at the end of the parade.

More than 1,800 toys were donated this year, a record.

“There is no budget, no staff, no yearlong planning committee — just a lot of volunteers with big hearts.�

Williams said she is extremely thankful for the support and involvement of MUSC employees, patients and visitors, without whom the parade would

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not be possible. “MUSC makes a huge impact in the community. I’m not sure at this point how they would do the Angel Tree program without MUSC or what those children’s Christmases would look like without us.�

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