December 9, 2011
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 30, No. 17
Holiday Lights
MUSC’s Nov. 30 tree lighting ceremony featured a visit from Santa, songs, and a special flashmob dance (pictured above) by Children’s Hospital employees.
MUSC doctor takes strong advocacy stance in D.C.
Hoping to shed more light on the causes behind drug shortages that are having a critical impact on the delivery of quality health care, an MUSC physician delivered testimony in Washingon, D.C., to prompt legislative action. Between 2005 and 2010, the number of prescription drug shortages nearly tripled in the United States, according to the written testimony of Michelle Hudspeth, M.D., the division director of pediatric hematology and oncology. “The current situation is nothing short of a Dr. Michelle Hudspeth testifies at a hearing Nov. 30 in massive national emergency,” she said. To read Washington, D.C. more of her testimony that was highlighted by the
American Society of Clinical Oncology, visit http:// tinyurl.com/7xta8rv. To see a video on the hearing and the “Drug Shortage Crisis: Lives are in the Balance,” visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9MQhUBkG80. Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) sent out his weekly email to his constituents Dec. 1. He focused on the hearing and Hudspeth’s testimony. To see the House committee documents: http://tinyurl. com/7rkeqnr. Hudspeth said she believes in being proactive. “Let's hope we can be part of turning this terrible situation around.”