February 15, 2013
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Inside Medical center leadership
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Dr. Pat Cawley’s goal is not a complicated one: Working together for the good of MUSC.
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The annual conference celebrates the life and achievements of a prominent marine biologist. 2
Patient access
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Mr. MUSC
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Meet Katie
t h e c ata ly s t Online
http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
Filling baskets with lOve Medical students Andrea Shipp, from left, Amy Brown and Stefanie Robinson pack bags of pretzels and other snacks into care baskets. The trio joined other members of MUSC’s Paul B. Underwood Jr. Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society as they assembled 16 baskets in recognition of Valentine’s Day and Solidarity Day for Compassionate Patient Care. The baskets were delivered Feb. 14 to university hospital intensive
care areas. In addition to snacks, the baskets included magazines and reading materials, stuffed animals, beverage cups with lids, and handmade cards created by students at Whitesville Elementary School in Moncks Corner. The event was initiated in 2011 following the shootings in Arizona and response by medical personnel. The effort focuses on providing compassionate patient care and meeting the needs of supportive family and friends.
Vol. 31, No. 25
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Employee Wellness q Throughout February, Sodexo is sponsoring a contest to help employees and students make the right food choices for a healthier heart. One item in the Ashley River Tower and university hospital cafeterias will be marked with a heart to show it is the Heart Health food of the day. Purchase the item, write your name on the back of the receipt and place in the contest box. Prizes include two first place winners: $50 meal card and two second place prizes: $25 meal card (one first place and one second place winner will be chosen from each cafeteria). q Zumba: Join licensed Zumba instructor Felecia Curry for a Wednesday night Zumba class held from 5 to 6 p.m., in Room 302, Harborview Office Tower. To register, email curryf@musc.edu. q Farmers markets: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday at the Horseshoe and the area
next to Ashley River Tower. q MUSC Employee Fitness Series: Join Katie Blaylock for a free Cardio Power class from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., Feb. 20 in the MUSC Wellness Center. To register, email musc-empwell@musc.edu. MUSC Urban Farm q Work and Learn: Child-friendly activities will be available at the farm from 9 to 11 a.m., Feb. 16. Bring a plastic bag and take some produce in return for work efforts on the farm or help gather for donations on certain days. Closed toe shoes are required. No experience necessary. q Early bird maintenance: The farm is in need of maintenance. Employees and students are asked to help from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Feb. 20. Email johnsusa@musc.edu for information on the Office of Health Promotion and whela@musc.edu for information on Employee Wellness.
Public Safety website provides university security policies, discloses crime statistics The MUSC Department of Public Safety is committed to providing the safest environment possible for work and study. Part of that commitment involves providing information about campus security to current as well as prospective students and employees. This report, prepared in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus
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
be My valentine
Crime Statistics Act, outlines the university's security policies and discloses campus crime statistics. This report may be accessed on the Department of Public Safety website at www.musc.edu/publicsafety. A hard copy of this document may be obtained upon request by contacting MUSC’s Department of Public Safety, 101 Doughty St., Charleston, S.C., 29425 or by calling 792-2261.
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.
United States Sen. Tim Scott holds out several Valentine’s Day cards so Zyann Mayes can pick her favorite. Scott visited the Children’s Hospital Feb. 11. “I am proud of the work that MUSC Children’s Hospital does with hearts 365 days of the year,” Scott said. The Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Program ranks in the top 20 in the United States.
Name selected for new patient access initiative through contest The MUSC Health community was asked to select a name for the new access initiative. Patient Access to Health Care (PATH), created by Kimberly Denton, won the competition. “I thought it needed to be simple – guided just like a PATH to lead the way,” Denton said. PATH will focus on creating better patient care through accessibility and improved appointment availability. Third-place winner Deborah Reynolds said, “Part of our success and what differentiates us from other health-care organizations in the region is our toptier providers and our commitment to research and novel procedures. The other
part of our success will be in our ability to deliver these advances in a timely way to all who seek them out.” PATH includes the development of a patient access center and multiple working teams that will focus on areas such as communication, finance, facilities and metrics. It stresses a clear plan that supports MUSC’s most important care policies and helps encourage a uniform global referral process. Along those lines, PATH also focuses on clinical efficiencies and schedule utilization. PATH tactics will support the goal of becoming a top 25 academic medical center by 2015.
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Men of medicine to vie for Mr. MUSC crown By ashley Barker Public Relations The annual Mr. MUSC male beauty pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Footlight Players Theatre on Queen Street in downtown Charleston. All proceeds from the event go to the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic (BIFMC), a non-profit organization that provides health care to uninsured adults living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level on Johns, Wadmalaw and James islands. The volunteer-run facility has seen nearly 3,000 patients free of charge. The Mr. MUSC pageant began four years ago as the Mr. CHP pageant, allowing only students in the College of Health Professions to participate. Its success prompted the college to expand the pageant to the entire university the following year. Last year’s event raised a total of $1,250 and included five contestants from various parts of the university. The goal of this year’s pageant is to raise $2,400. David Astaphan, president of the physician assistant’s class of 2014 in the College of Health Professions, was tasked with planning the 2013 pageant. He enlisted the help of his fellow students to determine where the proceeds should be donated. A student who volunteered at the clinic suggested it. Astaphan finalized his decision after reading the story of Mrs. Johnson, the clinic’s 1,000th patient, who first visited BIFMC after losing her health insurance in 2008. “A woman, who had severely
uncontrolled diabetes that had become so bad she went blind, went to the clinic and was seen,” Astaphan said. “They managed to reverse it, get her diabetes under control and her vision came back.” Astaphan said there will be anywhere from five to seven beauty pageant participants – from medicine, physical therapy, anesthesia for nurses, physician assisting, graduate studies and hospital administration programs. Judging those contestants will be professors from MUSC and a volunteer from BIFMC. They’ll tally the scores from the swimwear, talent and formalwear categories to determine the winner. “I’ve confirmed a really popular anatomy teacher to judge. Dr. Jack Thomas teaches the physician assistants, the physical therapists and the occupational therapists. He was also the 2012 teacher of the year for the College of Health Professions,” Astaphan said. “I’m trying to get a judge from medicine and nursing so we can have about five total judges representing the different programs.” Each contestant will also be able to earn points through the “penny wars” contest, which will take place Monday, Feb. 18 through Friday, Feb. 22 in the first floor lobby of the Colbert Education Center & Library from noon until 1 p.m. daily. Visitors will be asked to put pennies in the jar of their favorite contestant in order to boost their total points. Tickets for the pageant may be purchased at the door for $10 each. For more information about the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, visit http:// www.bifmc.org/Home.aspx.
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Cawley selected to lead medical center into new era By Cindy aBole Public Relations
“What I see as key to MUSC’s future is everyone working together in all efforts.”
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USC leadership didn’t have to look far when it came to finding a qualified, energetic and visionary leader to take the helm of the medical center and the Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA). They found the right fit with Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., executive medical director and chief medical officer. Cawley was named vice president for clinical operations and MUHA executive director in late January. He will assume this role officially April 1. In a Jan. 22 letter announcing Cawley to the medical center’s top leadership position, MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., said that Cawley brings a deep understanding and appreciation to the hospital. He emphasized that Cawley will continue to serve as a champion for quality, patient safety and high standards set through MUSC Excellence. Cawley replaces MUHA executive director Stuart Smith who served more than a dozen years leading the medical center and retiring after 40 years on Dec. 31, 2012. The search to find Smith’s replacement began in 2012 with the establishment of a MUHA Executive Director Search Committee headed by Etta D. Pisano, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and College of Medicine dean. Cawley assumes this role at a time
Dr. Pat Cawley where the medical center faces multiple challenges. MUSC’s mission is threatened by continued cuts to education funding, decreased federal funding in medical research, reductions in clinical income and South Carolina’s rejection of expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Health Care Act. The institution is committed to supporting education, conducting research, delivering quality patient care and improving the health of the people of South Carolina. During this transition period, Cawley, as executive director designate, will work with Kester Freeman, interim vice president for clinical operations and MUHA executive director. Freeman, who was the former CEO of Palmetto Health in Columbia, serves as executive director of the South Carolina Institute of
Medicine and has been active in the state’s health care industry for several decades. Primarily, Cawley and Freeman will work on several financial improvement and short-term plans for the medical center. Cawley wants to improve integration and the relationship between the hospital’s 6,800plus nurses, clinical care staff and employees; MUSC Physicians, the physician’s group that consists of almost 950 doctors; the College of Medicine; as well as MUSC’s five other colleges. He looks forward to working closely with the MUHA Clinical Leadership Council to align goals and efforts for further development. “What I see as key to MUSC’s future is everyone working together in all efforts. We can’t afford to operate separately any more. Everyone’s got to work closer to achieve synergism in a coming era of tighter resources,” said Cawley. According to Cawley, Freeman knows South Carolina and continues to be an advocate for health care throughout the state. He’s an experienced CEO and possesses great vision, perspectives and viewpoints. “Kester understands MUSC’s place and role in South Carolina and health care. It’s good to work with someone that I know I’ll continue working with through the S.C. Institute of Medicine and other key areas in the future,” he said.
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Clinical Connections’ anniversary brings changes
Nominations being accepted for 2013 clinician awards
By kerry Burke Medical Director’s Office
The vice president for academic affairs and provost invites nominations for the 2013 MUSC Foundation Outstanding Clinician Awards. The Outstanding Clinician Award honors full-time faculty of any duration of service who have made outstanding contributions to patient care at MUSC. The nomination packet should consist of the full curriculum vitae of the nominee with an expanded description of the section of clinical activity; three letters of support, with at least one from a peer; and a statement from the nominator (not to exceed 1,000 words) outlining the candidate's qualifications for the award. Deadline for nominations is April 22. Nominations may be submitted to Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., 179 Ashley Ave., Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.
Clinical Connections is a regularly published internal newsletter distributed from the Medical Director’s Office to all physicians within the MUSC organization, including attendings, residents, medical students and credentialed providers. Sponsored by Chief Medical Officer and Executive Medical DirectorDesignate Patrick Cawley, M.D., the publication serves as a central source for internal communication to educate MUSC Health medical staff with valuable, top-line information, news, announcements, initiatives and positive outcomes. Recently, Clinical Connections transitioned its schedule from bi-weekly to weekly, and will be sent to medical staff every Thursday at 4 a.m. The new
To access Clinical Connections, visit mcintranet.musc.edu/cceps/ ClinicalConnections production schedule allows issues to be more concise and to include more timely items of high importance. “We have been pleased with the response to the current twice a month version,” said Cawley. “We are confident that the switch to a weekly version will result in a higher satisfaction rating amongst the core audience.” Regular columns include a letter from Cawley and an article from Chief Quality Officer Danielle Scheurer, M.D. Each issue also features short articles about patient safety, critical policy changes, and systemwide projects and initiatives such as Epic and MUSC Excellence. As we approach March 3, Clinical
Connections’ one year anniversary, we remain dedicated to maintaining the high quality standards of MUSC. To continue to provide timely communication of important issues across our clinical enterprise, we will soon expand our audience to all staff. We welcome feedback on ways to improve communication dissemination as well as invite you to contribute a story for an upcoming installment. The deadline to submit a story is one week before the release date. The deadline dates through the end of the fiscal year are: Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, and 27. To submit your story or provide improvement suggestions, call 792-4424 or email burkk@musc.edu. To access the Clinical Connections, visit mcintranet.musc.edu/cceps/ ClinicalConnections.
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Meet Katie
Katie Smith Department Volunteer Services How long at MUSC 4 years. I have logged more than 1,500 hours of volunteer service. Greatest moment in your life Receiving my medals and ribbon for Alpine skiing in PyeongChang, South Korea, at the 2013 Special Olympics World Games (Jan. 29 through Feb. 5) Pets I adopted a cat named Amazon. Favorite food I love Chick-fil-A. Favorite music I like all kinds of music. What books do you enjoy reading I like Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Unique talent I have been skiing for 25 years. Support system at MUSC The staff at Volunteer Services: Katie Kuder, Robert Watson, Contrenia Haynes and Cassandra Poole have been a huge support to me. They are like family, and I love them all.
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Chase After a Cure gala raises $125k for research M ore than 400 people attended the fifth annual Chase After a Cure gala Feb. 2. Proceeds totaled approximately $125,000, which surpassed the $72,000 raised in 2012. Donors stepped up to support the Fund the Need effort, giving $56,000 toward specific equipment for research at the MUSC Children’s Hospital. Of that, $30,000 will be used to purchase a machine that will allow for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. According to Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., an MUSC pediatric oncologist, detection of gene expression by real-time PCR testing is one of the most valuable tools in biological research today. Real-time PCR is performed using a thermocycler. MUSC A thermocycler researchers will use the thermocycler to examine differences in gene expression in tumor samples, thereby identifying new targets for neuroblastoma treatment. They also
More than 400 people attended the annual gala Feb. 2. Morgan Pierce, 9, of Florida, talks about her experience with cancer as Whitney Ringler, founder of Chase After a Cure, listens. will detect changes in gene expression in response to drug treatments, which allows for a better understanding of how the medicines are working and ultimately help develop better treatments.
Nominees sought for faculty service award The vice president for academic affairs and provost is accepting nominations for the MUSC Foundation Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Nominations from faculty, staff and students will be accepted. This annual award was enacted by the board of trustees to recognize and honor faculty members of MUSC who, during a substantial portion of their careers, have provided exceptional service and contributions in teaching, research, health care or public service to the university and the citizens of South Carolina. Up to three awards may be made each year and each honoree will receive a $3,000 contribution from the MUSC Foundation.
In order to nominate someone, provide a written justification to include a typed or printed narrative of no more than two single-spaced pages directly addressing the contributions made to MUSC and those the institution serves. A copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or professional resumé should be enclosed. Additional letters of endorsement are encouraged in order to demonstrate the breadth of the nominee’s contributions. This year’s deadline for receipt of all nominations is Monday, April 22. Nominations should be submitted to the attention of Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and provost, 179 Ashley Avenue, Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.
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Just symposium to be held Feb. 22
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he annual Ernest E. Just Symposium will begin at 8 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22 in the James E. Clyburn Research Center Auditorium. The symposium celebrates the life and scientific achievements of Ernest E. Just, Ph.D., a prominent black marine biologist and Charleston native. The format includes a morning session with invited speaker, William McDade, M.D., Ph.D., deputy provost for research and minority issues, Office of the Provost, University of Chicago, who will introduce the life of Just. McDade’s talk is titled, “The Creativity of Ernest Everett Just.” Part two of the symposium will include Samantha Kaplan, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, assistant dean for diversity and multicultural affairs, director, Early Medical School Selection Program, Boston University School of Medicine. Her talk is titled, “Finding it in All Academic Medicine.” The keynote speaker, Griffin P. Rogers, M.D., director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, will present following Kaplan’s session. Rodgers’ talk is titled, “Science: A Powerful Tool for Justice.” Graduate presenter, Denise Kimbrough, Ph.D. candidate, will
discuss “What’s Wrong With My Heart? Improving Left Ventricular Function Following Myocardial Infarction.” Kimbrough is in the Department of Cardiology. Visiting undergraduate students will then tour the campus and meet with MUSC college admissions officers. During the afternoon session, talks will be given by Carl Blobel, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the departments of Medicine and Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Vascular Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College; Jennifer Elisseeff, Ph.D., professor, Wilmer Eye Institute and Department of Biomedical Engineering, departments of Materials Science and Engineering Chemical and Biological Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, director of Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins Universisty; and Kapil Mehta, Ph.D., professor of cancer medicine, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Anderson Medical Center. The full program can be found at http://www.musc.edu/grad/just/index. html. For additional information, email Perry Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., at halushpv@musc.edu, Titus Reaves, Ph.D., at reaves@musc.edu or call 792-1282.
lead Continued from Page Four High on Cawley’s priorities is managing the medical center’s financial tightening. Cawley set a goal to improve the financial performance through further development of MUHA’s cost savings plan, the hospital’s fiscal improvement plan and other activities. “This is going to be tough on everyone, but we need to financially improve the enterprise in the next six months and be prepared to continuously do this again and again. MUSC has to learn how to do more with less.” Other goals include: prepare for health care reform, focus on population health, employee satisfaction, improve communications, explore ways to work closely with the physician group and leadership development. At a recent meeting with MUHA leadership, Cawley emphasized that there’s no time like tough times to ensure that MUSC’s leadership is at its best. In leadership moments, he expects managers to be ready to step in and help out in any situation. Cawley also will continue to support current projects, such as improvements in the hospital’s
health information technology (IT) efforts through the expansion of Epic, the hospital’s electronic medical record system, with full implementation by 2014. MUHA’s Access Initiative to improve medical services and the delivery of health care using standardized metrics to quickly refer patients also will be priorities. He’s dedicated to improving quality and patient safety. Cawley worked closely with former MUSC medical director John Heffner, M.D. in building the medical center’s Quality & Patient Safety department into a reputable program. In 2012, MUSC was one of four academic medical centers across the country to be awarded the Rising Star Award for patient safety and health care quality through the University Healthsystem Consortium. “The time is never better for us to be focused on the same goals in health care. We need to ensure that we can continue to do this. We’re linking better through health IT, making improvements in quality and patient safety and other activities through the hospital’s practice plan. It’s important that we continue to move
aggressively on this path,” Cawley said. Working with Huron Healthcare and the institution’s senior leadership, it’s Cawley’s goal to improve the organizational performance through a new MUSC Performance Excellence plan to standardize efforts, improve efficiency and reduce waste in the system. Originally from Scranton, Pa., Cawley was recruited to MUSC in 2003 as director of MUSC’s hospitalist services. Cawley is an associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine. Cawley received his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry-business from the University of Scranton in 1988. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University in 1992 and conducted his internal medicine residency at Duke University Medical Center. Cawley is board certified in internal medicine and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. In 2012, he was named a Master of Hospital Medicine by the Society of Hospital Medicine, where he also was past president of this organization.
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Free film screening tells story of soul food, tradition Food nourishes us and keeps us alive. It signifies home and family. And soul food, which occupies a special place in African-American culture, enjoys all of those positive attributes. But can too much of it make you sick and even kill you? “Soul Food Susan Johnson Junkies” asks this question and others as it explores the history of soul food and its effects on the health of African-Americans. Framing the film around his father’s love of eating and subsequent illness and death, filmmaker Byron Hurt tells the story of soul food, from its origins during the days of slavery to present day modifications in traditional cooking. Many of the items that are considered soul food staples, such as yams, corn, and pork, were once the sustenance of slaves. Through time, dishes made with these items morphed into Southern cuisine, as survival food became a delicacy. Soul foods prepared in the traditional manner are generally high in starch, fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories. In fact, traditional-style soul foods have been blamed for the abnormally high rates of high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack suffered by African-Americans, especially those living in the southern and central U.S. In “Soul Food Junkies,” Hurt sets out
Health at work
on a historical and culinary journey to learn more about the soul food tradition and its relevance to black cultural identity. Through interviews with cooks, historians, and scholars, as well as with doctors, family members, and every day people, the film puts this culinary tradition under the microscope to examine its consequences. Hurt explores the socioeconomic conditions in predominantly black neighborhoods, where it can be difficult to find healthy options. He also meets some pioneers in the emerging food justice movement who are challenging the food industry, encouraging communities to “go back to the land” by creating sustainable and eco-friendly gardens, advocating for healthier options in supermarkets, supporting local farmers' markets, avoiding highly processed fast foods, and cooking healthier versions of traditional soul food. In recognition of Black History Month, the MUSC Urban Farm and the Office of Student Diversity are hosting a free screening of this documentary at 6 p.m., Feb. 21 in the auditorium of the Basic Science Building. The documentary, which is 64 minutes long, will be followed by a panel discussion. A tour of the Urban Farm will be from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served 5:30 to 6 p.m. in the Basic Science Building lobby. Space is limited. Reservations may be made at http://paperless.ly/UQ0l9m/. For more information, email johnsusa@musc.edu or call 792-1245.
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10 The CaTalysT, February 15, 2013 Volunteers needed for bike rodeo Help is needed for the MUSC Children’s Hospital Bike Rodeo March 1. The rodeo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. for fourth and fifth grade students at Pinehurst Elementary School in North Charleston. Students will learn about bike safety. Each child will be fit for a helmet as well as taught proper hand signals and how to control a bicycle while going through a course. In addition, the Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids bike trailer will be unveiled. Donated by CSX Railroad, the trailer was painted by Limelight Custom Sign Company and filled with bikes by Charleston Bicycle Company and bike helmets by MUSC’s pediatric medical residents. Call 792-5327 to volunteer.
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Homes For Sale 2 bdrm/1 bath for sale in West Ashley. Great location, close to shopping, I526, and downtown. Totally remodeled and ready to move in. Please call Carol Newman for an appointment or other information 843-2004022.
Misc. Services Basic Lawn Care Reasonable Rates Greg 843 303-2615
Family Fund accepting applications The MUSC Family Fund, sponsored by the Yearly Employee Support Campaign, is accepting grant applications. The application should include name, department phone, name of project and amount of funding requested. The grant application also should include a brief summary
explaining the project or program and how the funding will benefit MUSC’s mission, not to exceed one paragraph. For information, email mcluen@musc.edu or visit www.musc.edu/ catalyst/archive/2013/ co2-8familyfund.html. Applications are due no later than March 29.
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