Cat12 20final2013

December 20, 2013

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 32, No. 19

trailblazing treatMent

Inside

Patient part of pioneering innovative treatment for epilepsy, getting life back is a whole new “ This territory now. We’re

MUSC iS firSt

2 Site

MUSC is SC’s only medical center and first in the U.S. involved in hypertension trial.

finally having a conversation with the human brain.

”

Dr. Jonathan Edwards, describing how the first closed-loop responsive brain stimulation system works.

eMplOyeeS rally

3

fOr viCtiMS

NeuroPace, Inc.

By Dawn Brazell Public Relations

E

rick Gordon can crack a joke now.

Most wouldn’t think much of that except his family and friends who watched the young adult’s personality and sense of humor disappear after a diagnosis of epilepsy in March 2007. Gordon, who had never had a seizure up until that time, began to have 30 grand mal seizures a month.

It meant he couldn’t drive. He had to drop out of school. He lost his social life and felt his personality and everything important to him slipping away.

Gordon can smile about it now that he’s getting his life back.

He has tried six medications to find out what works and volunteered to be in the NeuroPace RNS System Pivotal Clinical Investigation that was completed May 2011.

The responsive neurostimulation device received Federal Drug Administration pre-market approval last month. Gordon,

photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations

Dr. Jonathan Edwards and patient Erick Gordon celebrate how the new technology is helping Gordon.

25, now has a girlfriend and plans to start back to school. He was one of the first to celebrate approval of the technology, as was

his physician Jonathan Edwards, M.D., who is director of MUSC’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.

The new technology is part of the rapidly evolving field of neurostimulation, said Edwards, explaining that there are many different forms being used for a wide range of conditions from Parkinson’s disease to certain psychiatric conditions. What is different about this newly approved therapy is that it is responsive. Other forms have been used mostly one-directional, where a stimulus is used in the brain on and off throughout the day to either prevent a symptom or improve a symptom, but they don’t actually respond to neurological activity.

“This responsive neurostimulator is a very clever device. It’s essentially a small microprocessor that’s placed in the patient’s skull and a couple of small electrodes about the size of spaghetti are placed in a person’s brain at the source of the seizures.”

See Treatment on page 12

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

Filipino employees host fundraiser supporting typhoon victims 5

Meet Kay

6

Year in Review

11 Classifieds t h e C ata ly S t Online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst

2 The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013

Dental researcher honored with award

MUSC is first site in U.S. in hypertenson trial

Staff Report

Staff Report

Carlos F. Salinas, DMD, director of the MUSC division of Craniofacial Genetics, was selected as the 2013 recipient of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Outstanding Career Research Award by the Friends of the NIDCR. This prestigious award is presented to an individual in appreciation of their lifetime achievements in pioneering research efforts leading to significant inroads in oral health.

The award was presented to Salinas by Mary Fete, director of research for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, at the 2013 Annual Conference & Awards on Nov. 21, in Washington, D.C. The Friends of the NIDCR, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the institute. The Friends is a broad-based coalition of individuals, institutions and corporations who understand the critical importance of dental, oral and craniofacial research to the health and well-being of people in the U.S. and globally.

In addition to serving as the director of the Division of Craniofacial Genetics in the College of Dental Medicine, he also serves as director of the MUSC Craniofacial Anomalies and Cleft Palate Team and codirector of the Clinical Resource Core for the MUSC Center for Oral Health Research.

Salinas graduated from the University of Chile. In 1972, he was awarded the NIH–Fogarty International

Holiday Break The Catalyst will not be published Dec. 27 or Jan. 3 and will resume publication Jan. 10.

For information, call Cindy Abole at 792-4107 or e-mail catalyst@musc.edu.

For advertising information, call Island Publications at 849-1778 or e-mail sales@ moultrienews.com.

Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425.

843-792-2795 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu

photo provided

MUSC’s Dr. Carlos Salinas receives the award from presenter Mary Fete, at the Nov. 21 event. fellowship in Medical Genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1974, he joined MUSC where he has developed most of his academic pursuits including clinical service, research, teaching and outreach activities.

Salinas has a wide scope of research interests, including the study of craniofacial anomalies; ectodermal dysplasias; the relationship between oral dental disease and systemic disorders; and special care dentistry. Salinas was responsible for organizing several national and international symposia in the area of birth defects affecting craniofacial and oral-dental structures.

Salinas is a board member of the Special Care Dentistry Association and a member of numerous respected organizations. Salinas has enjoyed a distinguished career and was elected a fellow of the American College of Dentists, fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and Distinguished Scholar of the National Academy of Practices, Academy of Dentistry.

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.

MUSC is the only medical center in South Carolina and the first site in the country to randomize a patient in the Symplicity HTN4 clinical trial intended to treat uncontrolled hypertension.

The trial investigates the efficacy and safety of the investigational Symplicity® renal denervation system in volunteers who have blood pressure between 140 and 160 mmHg and are unable to control their hypertension (high blood pressure) even when taking maximum tolerated doses of three or more blood pressure medications.

“This investigational interventional treatment represents an innovative approach to treating the growing number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the U.S.,” said Thomas M. Todoran, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Vascular Medicine at MUSC. “Renal denervation, along with ongoing treatment with antihypertensive medications, has the potential to help patients achieve their target blood pressure levels.”

Hypertension is an especially dangerous chronic disease because of its association with increased cardiovascular risk, including stroke and heart attack, as well as heart failure and kidney disease.

Renal denervation is an investigational catheterbased procedure that deactivates the nerves that line the walls of the arteries leading to the kidneys.

These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is one of the ways the body regulates blood pressure.

In people with hypertension, the renal nerves are typically hyperactive, raising blood pressure and contributing to heart, kidney and blood vessel damage.

For more information regarding this clinical trial please visit www.symplifyBPtrial.com.

MUSC Humanitas 2014 call for submissions

It is the time of the year to show your colors, your words, your thoughts, and your creations. MUSC’s Humanitas invites MUSC employees, students and staff to submit their work to the 18th edition.

Each year, Humanitas publishes a journal of prose, poetry, and visual arts from the ranks of MUSC. See past issues at: http://academicdepartments.musc. edu/humanities/humanitas.htm A $100 prize is offered to the top

submission in each category: Prose, Poetry, Visual Art, and the newest category, Music.

Submit any and all of your work via the following submission form by January 24, 2014 to: https://redcap. musc.edu/surveys/?s=dUhSv289Jj. Please include the title of your work in the description box. For information, contact muschumanitas@gmail.com, Benson Langdon, langdonb@musc.edu, or David Young, youngdl@musc.

The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013 3

MUSC comes together for Typhoon Haiyan victims

By CinDy aBole Public Relations

C

ommunities around the world reacted and responded in various ways to the devastation left behind in the Central Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on Nov. 8. To date more than 6,000 people were reported dead and almost 2,000 are still missing.

Almost 9,000 miles away, a team of Filipino clinical workers and employees rallied support from the MUSC community to raise money through a fundraiser to help typhoon victims and support organized disaster relief. The result was a collection of donations of more than $4,548.

MUSC’s Filipino community rallied together to quickly plan and organize a lunch fundraiser on Dec. 5 in the University hospital lobby. The group, led by 9 East nurse manager Leah Ramos, R.N., pulled together their time and culinary talents to prepare a Filipino menu including pansit, fried rice, lumpia

Photo by Cindy Abole, Public Relations

Nine East nurse manager Leah Ramos, center, is joined by other MUSC nurses and employees in presenting a check for $4,548 to Philippine Nurses Association (SC Chapter) president Jeanette Muchauelas, fourth from right, to support the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. (egg rolls) and an assortment of Filipino desserts. Donations were $5 a plate.

The group also managed to arrange pre-orders of meals that included delivery to all areas of campus. Pathology and Lab Medicine’s Frank Bautista was among

several volunteers who successfully sold and delivered meals for this effort.

Bautista sold more than 200 pre-ordered meals to his department colleagues and nearby departments. The group also accepted donations.

“The response from this fundraiser was extraordinary,” said Ramos, who was joined by dozens of Filipino employee– volunteers who served up plates of food, brought prepared items and delivered meals to employees during the lunch fundraiser. “The success of this effort is the result of the generous hearts and compassion of the people at MUSC. In the Philippines, we have a word in Tagolog, “bayanihan,” which translates to the spirit of community and cooperation.

And MUSC truly has the “bayanihan” spirit.”

On Dec. 13, Ramos and MUSC Filipino nurses and colleagues joined her in presenting their check to Jeanette Muchuelas, president of the South Carolina Chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. Ramos and the group decided to send donations from the fundraiser to the National PNAA which has partnered directly with other non-profit organizations in the Philippines to provide food, water, medicines, shelter and other relief to the Typhoon Haiyan victims.

4 The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013

Director infused division with passion for 30 years

By Mikie hayes Public Relations “Where do you start when a man gave 30 years of his career to MUSC? He came to take the reins of a fledgling division and built our current program into one of national and international recognition,” said Patrick Flume, M.D., the Powers-Huggins Endowed Chair for Cystic Fibrosis.

Flume is speaking of Steven Sahn, Distinguished University Professor of Medicine and professor emeritus, who served as director of the Division of Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine for 28 years, from 1983-2011.

With tremendous sadness, MUSC bid a fond farewell to Sahn, a legend and friend, when he officially retired on Oct. 30, after caring for patients, mentoring fellows, teaching students and conducting research for 30 years.

A man who took little credit, but always looked for opportunities to help others be great, Sahn is described as a softspoken, dedicated and selfless leader. While he still comes to the office once a week to work with his pleural research group, the division misses his vast knowledge, heartfelt counsel and Sahn sense of humor on a daily basis.

Patients adored him and never failed to let him know how much. Sahn receives letters from patients thanking him for saving their lives and allowing them to live fuller lives. An avid fitness buff himself, he practices what he preached to patients and they appreciated him for it.

“One only needs to speak with a few of his patients to know how much he is loved and admired. He has always been deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives the best care available. He leaves behind a very long list of grateful patients,” said Lisa Montgomery, executive vice president, Finance and Operations.

Colleagues can’t speak highly enough of his dedication to excellence and his purpose-driven leadership.

“Dr. Steve Sahn is the prototypical academician— exceptional physician, outstanding clinician scientist, superb medical educator and sought–after mentor! Dr. Sahn is one of MUSC’s most distinguished faculty, and during his years leading pulmonary medicine here, he created one of the premiere pulmonary divisions in the country. With his indefatigable leadership and tenacity, he resurrected our lung transplantation program,” said Jack Feussner, M.D., executive senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs, College of Medicine.

“Every now and then, if we’re lucky we’ll encounter

a great person, someone who is a cut above the rest. Steve Sahn is one of those people. He is a giant in American medicine.

He has contributed an enormous amount to our understanding of lung diseases. He is recognized as one of the premiere international experts in this area. The fact that he was here for so long has been a big factor in MUSC achieving national photos provided prominence. When Steve Colleagues honor Dr. Steve Sahn for his service as director of the Sahn came here, he had Division of Pulmonology, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine. to build the division from scratch. He started spoke a great deal about his expertise and reputation,” with nothing and over the years, he built one of the most respected pulmonary–critical care programs in the Terrill Huggins, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine. nation. Steve is especially proud of the more than 75 To know Steve Sahn is to know he is passionate about fellows he has personally trained over the years; many have gone on to distinguished careers in their own. This three things: the fellowship program, family and sports.

“One of Steve’s greatest passions was the fellowship is a an extraordinary legacy achieved by very few, said program. He built the program, grew it, nurtured it and Larry Mohr, M.D., professor of medicine and longtime friend.

See Sahn on page 12 During his 28 years as division director, Sahn believed building a strong team was foundational to creating a nationally recognized program and has been praised for his strategic vision.

“Steve was the kind of leader that quietly grew the program, bringing on people who fit in with the team.

He looked for outstanding clinicians or researchers and there was always something unique about everyone he recruited. He just seemed to know who was going to have a promising career and as a result, he built a worldclass team. Steve always pulled the team together. Like a family. Steve built a high quality program with people with unique skill sets who achieved the highest standard of care,” said Flume.

Those impeccably high standards led to numerous high-profile awards and recognition from pulmonary medicine’s most respected academic societies. Sahn was twice awarded the Alfred Soffer Award for Editorial Excellence. A co-recipient of the inaugural award, he was named in 1993 and again in 2008.

In 2011, Sahn was awarded the American Thoracic Society’s Trudeau Medal, a prestigious lifetime– achievement award recognizing his major contributions to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung disease throughout his career.

“Dr. Sahn made his mark on the modern day understanding of pleural disease and achieved international prominence. Under his direction, MUSC became the mecca of pleural disease in the world.

When specialists from top pulmonary hospitals around the nation referred challenging cases to Dr. Sahn that

The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013 5

Meet Kay

Kay Burke Department and job OCIO-IS, manager for Epic Inpatient Clinical Systems (Clindoc, Stork, Orders, Radiant, Beacon, Willow) How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC I spend all my time coordinating, planning, communicating and strategizing so that clinicians across MUSC can deliver the safest, most effective health care to our patients.

What is your idea of a dream job Providing access to quality health care to those less fortunate What will you do July 1 to help users with MUSC’s new electronic health record system (Epic Enterprise Project) Work side–by–side with end users and my analysts to facilitate as smooth a transition to Epic as possible.

Greatest moment in your life Finishing the New York City Marathon in November 2011.

Words of advice You cannot change people; you can only change your reaction to them.

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2013 year in review

expanding ServiCeS: Changing what’S pOSSible

C OMMitMent

tO

p atientS

Health Info Exchange In fall 2011, MUSC Health became one of 28 partners to connect nationally to the eHealthExchange. Jan. 11 World–changing research

Pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Frank McGowan is known for his compassionate care with patients.

McGowan was recognized, along with colleagues, for developing new clinical applications.

available. Hollings Cancer Center was a clinical trial site researching the effectiveness of T–DM1. March 29

critical care areas: neurosurgical ICU, cardiothoracic ICU, pediatric ICU and pediatric cardiothoracic ICU. June 14

New treatment for emphysema MUSC pulmonary professor Charlie Strange, M.D., treated the first patient in the U.S. under the RENEW study with a new lung volume reduction coil device.

April 5

Hospital Prevention Excellence MUSC was awarded a Hospital Prevention Excellence Award by NC Prevention Partners for making the institution a healthier place to live, work and learn. June 28

Copper surfaces A study involving MUSC, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center found that the placement of copper surfaces in ICU hospital rooms reduced the amount of health care– acquired infections reducing patient deaths and health care costs. April 26

Teen gets HeartWare device

Serving special–needs patients

Cawley set to lead hospital On April 1, Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., was named to replace retiring medical center leader Stuart Smith as vice president for clinical operations and MUHA executive director. Feb. 15

Smoke-free medical district Charleston City Council passed an ordinance Jan. 8 to create a smoke–free medical district around MUSC and Roper Hospital. March 1 First in state hearing implant MUSC Otolaryngology chair Paul R. Lambert, M.D., performs the state’s first Sophono Alpha implant on a patient with inner ear hearing loss. March 8 New drug for breast cancer A new drug, T–DM1, which has fewer side effects and is more effective than prior standard treatments for patients with metastatic breast cancer, was made

Residents in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry clinic use a lift to accommodate Centry Prince, 69, into position so he can receive care.

Hand, microsurgery program When it comes to receiving specialized treatment of all urgent and non–urgent needs of the hand, wrist and elbow, patients can look to the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s hand and microsurgery program. April 26 Infection prevention excellence MUSC won national recognition for eliminating central–line associated bloodstream infections in four

Jake Paul, 16, was the first recipient of the FDA–approved HeartWare device. The device allows the Pelion teen to fish and enjoy outdoor activities and improve his quality of life.

MUSC is No. 1 hospital MUSC was named one of the country’s best hospitals in the treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders, nephrology and rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report. July 19

d ediCated

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Best Doctors MUSC physicians were among 279 Charleston area doctors named to the 2012-2013 Best Doctors list. March 8

Research Nexus launched The SC Clinical and Translational Research Institute launched the SCTR Research Nexus, a comprehensive clinical research service line for MUSC investigators. May 3 Palmetto Gold Eight MUSC nurses involved in clinical and acute care and nursing education were among 100 nurses in South Carolina to be recognized for their excellence and commitment. May 10 Employee, cancer survivor fights Children’s Hospital administrator and lung cancer patient John Sanders advocated to statewide politicians for support of lung cancer research funding that can lead new discoveries. July 5 Excellence in action Institute of Psychiatry nurses Stanisha Vick and Damian Millet used their quick response and skills to save a patient’s life.

July 5 Security change for devices MUSC is following the lead of other academic institutions by providing a higher level of security for managing health care data and accessing servers and networks. July 26

Pavillion named for oncologist Hollings Cancer Center dedicated its pavillion on Jan. 9 in memory of cardiothoracic surgeon, oncologist and former center director Carolyn E. Reed, M.D. Jan. 18

Global health research grant MUSC Center for Global Health awarded five students and one resident with $2,000 each to support global health research and fieldwork projects in four countries. Aug. 9

Medicine leader Department of Medicine chair Don C. Rockey, M.D., has settled into the Department of Medicine leadership role and his research focus. Feb. 8

Surgery nurse returns Ambulatory Surgery and Navy Reserve nurse Dottie Aimar returned from an eight and a half month deployment in Afghanistan. Aug. 23

The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013 7

Former MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg was integral in the constuction of MUSC’s Ashley River Tower dedicated Oct. 12, 2007. The new hospital added 650,000 square feet of clinical space to campus. Dr. Greenberg departed from MUSC Aug. 31 to become the executive vice chancellor for health affairs at The University of Texas System.

Weight Management is online MUSC Weight Management Center unveiled a variety of Lunchtime Losers programs featuring a new virtual class option. Aug. 30 Commitment to Professionalism

the only SC nurse named an American Academy of Nursing fellow. Nov. 8

A decade of Angel Tree joy Hundreds of MUSC employees, patients and visitors came out to watch a parade and celebrate the arrival of Santa with gifts donated by students and staff. The effort marks MUSC’s 10th anniversary supporting the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Dec. 13

d evOted Medical center nurses, employees and leaders sign a banner committing them to MUHA’s Professionalism initiative.

New Pilot Health Plan Starting Jan. 1, MUHA and University employees will participate in the new state health plan which is based on the patient–centered medical home.

Oct. 25 Nurse researcher honored Lynne S, Nemmeth, Ph.D., R.N., was

tO

Physical therapy student and MUSC CARES Clinic volunteer Nathan Mansell helped Mikell Felder put on his prosthetic leg. Felder’s right leg was amputated Sept. 6, 2007.

Hagan, a graduating James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine student.

April 26

Students devote to Global Health

S tUdentS

Nursing school earns Top 20 The College of Nursing’s online graduate program was ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News &World Report. Feb. 8 Claflin teams with SCCP Claflin University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Carolina College of Pharmacy to establish a new degree program. Feb. 8 Medicine dean, student honored The 2013 Earl B. Higgins Achievement in Diversity Awards were presented to College of Medicine Dean Etta Pisano, M.D., and student award to Brandon

Medical student Caroline West is among many students who have joined the Center for Global Health’s Global Health and Tropical Medicine group.

Teaching Excellence Four MUSC faculty (Sara V. Kraft, DPT, Carrie Cormack, R.N., Shakaib Rehman and Dorothea Jenkins, M.D.) were honored for teaching excellence by the MUSC Foundation. May 17 They, along with 10 other faculty were praised for highest achievements at the Aug. 20 Convocation ceremony. Aug. 30

Pharmacy residency match South Carolina College of Pharmacy students continue to excel in residency placements. Eighty–eight percent of the college’s residency candidates successfully matched as compared to the national average of 55 percent. May 24 Student leadership MUSC’s best students were inducted into the MUSC Student Leadership Society April 17. Students were chosen for their character, service and commitment to MUSC and the Tricounty community. May 31 Dental students share research Dental students demonstrated their research prowess with SC dentists and statewide practitioners at the SC Dental Association annual meeting. May 31 Miracles happen Former patient and nursing student Leah Adkins is filled with thanksgiving.

Adkins suffered a saddle pulmonary embolism that nearly claimed her life.

She received a specialized team approach to care at MUSC. Nov. 29

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10 The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013

in MeMOry Dur wood Bach, DMD, professor and chairman in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, died Jan. 1. Jan. 18 Lauren Elyse Baldwin Baccari, a fourth-year College of Medicine student, died in a multi-car accident on Interstate 526 on Jan. 28. Feb. 8 John E. Mahaffey, M.D., former professor and chairman of anesthesiology, died April 5. April 12 Gil Bradham, M.D., a surgeon, clinical leader, educator and sportsman, died at home May 21 following a long illness. May 31 Bobby Wilson, R.N., a Institute of Psychiatry nurse and long–serving nurse at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center died April 14. Aug. 23 Willette Gault Smith, an employee with the Department of Business Development & Marketing, died Sept. 1. Sept. 6 Keith Richard Bennis, a retired statistical analyst and researcher with the Transplant Center, died Oct. 17. Nov. 22 Olen Hardwick, a university–hospital maintenance worker, died Oct. 13 following a long illness. Nov. 29

The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013 11

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12 The CaTalysT, December 20, 2013

TreaTMenT Continued from Page One Neurosurgeons place the electrodes into the brain using stereotactic surgery where imaging data is correlated to a three-dimensional space so the electrodes can be placed with pinpoint accuracy at the site of the seizure activity. The NeuroPace device records electrical activity from the brain, and the patient has a laptop computer with a wand that can wirelessly download information from the device.

Physicians can program it to detect the patient’s seizures, adjusting the methods of delivery and settings over time that best help the patient.

“Then we can take it a step further and have the device interfere with a seizure at its onset, often before a patient feels anything. As that electrical signal of a seizure starts, the device will give a little electrical stimulus and that basically interferes with the progress of the seizure and disrupts it. It sort of hits it on the way out of the gate and neutralizes it before it can actually become a seizure.”

Photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations Edwards is excited about the new treatment Erick Gordon gives his mother, Karen St. Marie, a because it helps a small, but critical subgroup hug. She started the South Carolina Advocates for of epilepsy patients who are unresponsive to Epilepspy group to help her son and others. medications and ineligible for surgery given the improvement has been more than just his seizure area of the brain that’s affected or the number of counts. He is much more alert. His sense of humor is epileptogenic areas. Edwards said the device allows coming out. His personality is coming out - his ability them to help patients who had run out of options. to converse with others and plan for the future. Those In one out of three patients, the medication doesn’t were things not on his radar just a few years ago.” control their seizures so this offers hope for them. The The other exciting development is the new device also may allow patients to need less medicine to door that the technology opens. control their seizure, which is a win, he said.

“This is a whole new territory now. We’re Although Gordon is not seizure-free, his quality of finally having a conversation with the human life has dramatically improved, Edwards said. “His

sahn

Continued from Page Four

the program has doubled in the last 20 years. He helped the fellows with their careers. He loved to watch them grow, and his favorite part was teaching.

He had a very fatherly approach with them. I can say that our fellows, as a result, can go deeper in the diagnosis process than most which is a huge testament to Steve,” said Flume.

Huggins credits Sahn for bringing out the best in him and others.

“Dr. Sahn taught fellows how to think critically. He expected excellence, so we all did our best. He was an example to us all. He modeled excellence and everyone looked up to him,” said Huggins. He mastered the ‘art’ of medicine. He literally is one of the masters,” Huggins said.

While the division was family to Sahn, his wife, seven children and eight grandchildren are the driving force in his life.

Though it was hardly easy, Sahn worked hard to balance medicine and family. Even though it was difficult on most occasions to hang up his stethoscope at the end of the work day, he would often make it home for dinner or to coach one of the kid’s teams and then head back to the hospital to pick up where he had left off.

Instilling that same priority in his team was important to him, said Claire Hoefer–Sahn, Sahn’s wife.

“He constantly told his team that physicians needed to balance their work with quality family time and that

family meals in particular were critically important. Steve believes that home is a safe place after a tough day at the hospital,” said Claire. “He couldn’t stress balance and quality of life enough.”

Balance was important except when it came to sports. An avid sports enthusiast, the Blue Devils, Cardinals and Green Bay Packers made for lively discussion and even friendly rivalries.

“Dr. Sahn is known for his open–door policy and his call me anytime you need me policy, but if you do either, you had better know when Duke is playing!” said Huggins laughing.

Colleague, mentor, physician, friend… Sahn leaves a rich legacy and a pain in the hearts of many.

brain.”

This is just the first generation of the device, so Edwards is looking forward to future versions with more sophisticated microprocessors. “If you think about what is moving forward quickly, it’s microprocessors. Think about what your phone can do now compared to what it could do 10 years ago.”

Edwards praises patients, such as Gordon, who enter the clinical trials to get this technology approved.

“He made it clear to me that he wanted to be part of something that could help others,” he said of Gordon’s participation. “Yes, the people who developed this technology in Silicon Valley are real pioneers here, but if you think about it the patients are the real trailblazers. Because of Erick and other patients like him who participated in this trial, this new treatment opportunity is there now for patients he’s never going to meet.”

Edwards said he wants to get the word out to patients whose seizures aren’t adequately being controlled to not give up hope because new options are always coming out.

“If they haven’t seen an epilepsy specialist, than they should go see one. With this kind of device, it’s an exciting time to be in neurosciences. We’re doing things that 10 or 15 years ago seemed like something from Star Trek, and we’re doing it now in 2013, and we’re just getting it started.”