MUSC Catalyst

February 8, 2013

Vol. 31, No. 24

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Inside Wear red: Support healthy hearts MeMoranduM agreeMent

3

The S.C. College of Pharmacy and Claflin University provide students with more opportunities.

nursing PrograM

10

The College of Nursing’s online graduate program is ranked in the top 20 according to U.S. News & World Report.

2

Around Campus

5

Meet Deanna

9

Charity Ball

t h e C ata ly s t online

http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst

T

o help kick off the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign, MUSC employees and members of the community gathered to form a heart Feb. 1.

Go Red Day featured free blood pressure readings, fitness demonstrations, heart-health information and hands-free CPR demonstrations.

Throughout February Sodexo is sponsoring a contest to help people 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. When the item is purchased, fill out a heart health contest entry card and drop it in the box. A drawing will be held for prizes, which include meals cards, ranging from $25 to $50.

Dr. Philip Saul, director of pediatric cardiology, tends to one of the babies Feb. 1 in the Labor & Delivery area of MUSC. All the newborn babies wore red hats.

Left photo: Kevin Robinson puts a red hat on his daughter, Vistred, as his wife, May Frazier-Robinson, holds her. Vistred was born Jan. 29 and is wearing a red hat for the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease in women.

2 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

PeoPle

Around Campus

evenTs

Joan Macpherson

Tools for Mentors, Mentees

Joan Macpherson, R.N., has been selected as the new assistant nurse manager of neonatal nurseries.

Macpherson has been in the NICU since 1988, serving in various roles including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation coordinator and clinical nurse leader.

She is the chair of the neonatal nurseries patient satisfaction committee, which has developed a plan to increase family centered care and increase family satisfaction with the nursery visit.

MUSC faculty and staff are invited to the third in a series of “Tools for Mentors and Mentees.” The session will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 13 in Room 405, Colbert Education Center & Library.

Session leaders for the seminar titled, “Understanding Economic and Fiscal Realitites of Academic Careers,” will be Rita Ryan, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, and Don Rockey, M.D., Department of Medicine. The series is sponsored by the Apple Tree Society and the Mentor Leadership Council.

Jim Oates Jim Oates, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, was appointed to IT medical director for research and reporting. Oates will be working with the chief analytics officer of the MUSC Epic Research and Reporting Project to help in the development, implantation and monitoring of prioritization of research

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

843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723

Dr. Willette Burnham, second from right, Student Diversity director, recognized the participants at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Essay Contest Jan. 18. From left: Sara M. Garrett, graduate studies, participant; Brittany Watson, medicine, third place (tie); Sherlonda Adkins, health professions, second place; Stephen Thompson, medicine, first place; and Gregory Franklin, medicine, third place (tie). data request proposals, as well as the governance of access and use of the data warehouse.

their families and community through financial assistance, education and social change.

Alyssa Rheingold

Tiffany Williams

Alyssa Rheingold, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of clinical operations for the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, was named Person of the Year

by Liza’s Lifeline.

Liza’s Lifeline is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting domestic violence victims,

Tiffany Williams, DNP, College of Nursing, received the Southeastern Virtual Institute for Health Equity and Wellness Junior Faculty Development Award. The program is designed to accelerate and enhance the professional development of underrepresented minorities in the area of health disparities and health research.

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.

Hoops for Hope Hoops for Hope, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and free-throw competition, will be held March 2 at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena, 301 Meeting St. The tournament will support the treatment and research for mental health disorders in children, adults and families. Visit www. muschoopsforhope.org.

Aging Research Day MUSC’s Center on Aging will be hosting the S.C. Aging on Research Network’s Annual Aging Research Day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 8 at Charles Towne Landing. Register at www.scarn.org.

Black History Month 2013 Noon Day Lecture Series “At the Crossroads of Health, Freedom and Equality: Celebrating our Past and Shaping our Future.”

All events are from 12 to 1 p.m., Room 302, Basic Science Building

Feb. 13: “A Candid Dialogue on Health, Freedom and Medical Equality,” featuring Kenosha Gleaton, M.D., an MUSC alumnus at Harborside OB/GYN

Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu

Feb. 20: “Cervical Cancer: A Global Movement for Prevention and Awareness” with Tamika L. Felder, CEO/Founder Tamika & Friends Inc. National Cervical Cancer &HPV Awareness Organization/U.S. lead partner, Pearl of Wisdom

Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Ashley Barker, barkera@musc.edu

Sponsored by the Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Student Advisory Board. For information, call the Office of Diversity at 792-2146 or visit www.musc.edu/diversity.

The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013 3

Claflin president establishes program with SCCP C laflin University officials signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Carolina College of Pharmacy (SCCP) to establish a three-plus-one degree program that would eventually end with graduating students receiving a doctor of pharmacy degree.

“This is consistent with our mission to build partnerships and provide Claflin students with opportunities,” said Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale, Ph.D. “It is important when students arrive at Claflin that they understand there is a clear path to success.

This partnership with the South Carolina College of Pharmacy helps to accomplish that endeavor.”

Under the agreement, Claflin students would attend the university for three years and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. They can then transfer to SCCP with the goal of obtaining a doctorate of pharmacy.

SCCP Executive Dean Joseph DiPiro, PharmD, noted several Claflin students have either graduated or are currently enrolled from the institution. “We want more Claflin students in our program,” said DiPiro.

During the signing of the agreement, DiPiro was joined by Alfred Moore, the director of student services at the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Pharmacy.

Claflin Department of Chemistry Chair Angela

Claflin President Dr. Henry Tisdale, center, signs an articulation agreement with the S.C. College of Pharmacy.

He is joined by Alfred Moore, University of South Carolina, left, and Dr. Joseph DiPiro, right. In the back row from left are School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Dr. Verlie Tisdale, Department of Chemistry Chair Dr. Angela Peters, and Provost Dr. Karl S. Wright. Claflin University is located in Orangeburg.

Peters, Ph.D., said this arrangement was truly exciting and could forge a path for future collaborations between the two institutions.

SCCP was formed in 2004 by integrating the

pharmacy departments at USC and MUSC. It partners with the Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center to form a statewide approach to pharmacy education and research.

4 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

Medical student dies in tragic I-526 accident

By Cindy aBole Public Relations The MUSC community was saddened by the sudden loss of student Lauren Elyse Baldwin Baccari, 27, who was killed Jan. 28 in a multi-car accident on Interstate 526.

Baccari was a fourthyear College of Medicine (COM) student who was planning to specialize in family medicine. She was born Feb. 5, 1985, in Erie, Pa., to John and Cheryl Baccari McCormack Baldwin and grew up with her sister, Chelsey, who also is a COM student at MUSC, in Little River. Baccari went on to attend the College of Charleston and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minor in chemistry in 2007. Prior to starting medical school in 2009, Baccari worked as a grossing technologist for a dermapathology center, legal assistant and research assistant in the Department of Neurosciences.

She was actively involved in serving the community and volunteering with the Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support (CARES) free clinic, Crisis Ministries, MUSC Women’s Heart Health Month program, Brain Tumor Action Week and MUSC Children’s Hospital.

Baccari was a member of the Surgical Training Awareness & Residency Interest Group and the Student Medical History Club. She was a recipient of the Palmira Snape Endowed Scholarship, an award presented to a medical student who plans to pursue a career in family medicine Baccari’s funeral service was held Feb. 2 at MUSC’s St. Luke’s Chapel. She is survived by her husband, Gregory Baccari, her parents, sister, grandparents and other family.

Memorials may be made to the Lauren Baccari FamTrack Fund, established by fellow students in Baccari’s memory. The fund will support activities of the FamTrack Interest Group and students interested in family medicine as a specialty. Donations may be sent to the Lauren Baccari FamTrack Fund, c/o MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, S.C., 29425 or via http://www.musc.edu/giving/com.

As we reflect on the tragic loss of our colleague, Lauren Baccari, we know that she would have served her

community as a specialist in people. Never without a smile, she inspired each of us to see the best in our communities and in ourselves.

—Drew Philipp, COM It warmed my heart to see so many of my classmates in attendance at Lauren's memorial on Saturday. She was truly an amazing person with a bright future who will be missed deeply. It was a moving service that paid tribute to her years of service and her heart for others.

—Ted James, COM, Class of 2013 Lauren was just a few months away from embarking on her chosen career path of family medicine. She was a treasured friend to many here at MUSC and was known for being a passionate learner who always exhibited a positive attitude and devotion to others.

She consistently embraced opportunities to expand her medical skillset so that she would be ready and able to provide great care to her patients. While we struggle with the loss of such a bright, talented and selfless young woman, we realize we were privileged to have known her.

—Etta D. Pisano, M.D., Vice President for Medical Affairs & Dean, College of Medicine Lauren’s love for medicine and her patients was obvious. In a world that can be cynical and difficult, my heart breaks knowing that there are so many patients out there that won’t get to be cared for by her as a physician. She would have changed so many lives and been a light to those around her. My prayers are with her husband, family and friends as they carry this burden on a level the rest of us cannot truly understand.

—Deborah J. DeWaay, M.D., Associate Vice Chair for Medical Education I first knew Lauren as my chemistry tutor at the College of Charleston. She inspired me to become a tutor myself, helping me to discover my passion for teaching.

As I transitioned to life at MUSC and befriended her sister, Chelsey, Lauren became both a trusted mentor and a beloved friend. I find it unbearably cruel that she was taken from us. My heart aches for my dear friends, Greg Baccari and the Baldwin family. I hope they can find some small solace in knowing that Lauren touched and inspired so many during her short time with us.

—Tracy Tholanikunnel, COM, Class of 2015 Lauren was such a compassionate young woman poised on the threshold of a lifetime of service to others. No words can fully express all the emotions surrounding the loss of Lauren, but may there be peace knowing that: “What is once loved is always yours from that day.

Take it home in your heart and nothing ever can take it away.”

—Rhonda Ferris, R.N., MUSC Student Health Services Lauren was beautiful, brilliant, hip and old-fashioned at the same time. She loved her family so much and spoke of them often. She was a force to be reckoned with in this world, and I’m sure she will be in the next. My sincerest condolences.

—Angel Orechovesky, MUSC I did not know Lauren but after listening and hearing the remarkable story from Dr. Hoy and her determination to join our specialty in otolaryngology, she has touched us all. God needed another angel in his house.

—Elena Williams, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery In the three years that I got to know Lauren, I quickly learned that she was a born doctor – always caring about others first. She was so full of life and spunk, and I always knew that she had my back when I needed her.

While I know her family knows how special Lauren truly was, I want them to know that this sentiment was shared by many. She made her mark in this life, and I will never forget her.

—Alicia Latham Schwark, COM, Class of 2013 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lauren completed her family medicine rotation with us last year. She was a complete joy.

Praying for God’s peace to surround her family and friends.

—Kim Cameron and Waccamaw Family Medicine Staff, Pawleys Island

The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013 5

Meet Deanna

Deanna Fanning Department Study Coordinator in Neonatology How long at MUSC More than 20 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC I’m improving the future care of infants one day at a time.

Family Husband, Mark, and sons, Avery and Todd Music in your player right now Lights by Aer Dream job Working with animals A must-have in the fridge Mountain Dew and chocolate Favorite place in the world Walking on the beach with my dogs, Koko and Shadow (Australian shepherds) Dream vacation Sailing around the world Favorite restaurant Long Point Grill Favorite quote “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”— Josh Billings

6 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

Department of Medicine chair settling into position Don C. Rockey, M.D., joined MUSC on Sept. 1, 2012, as the chair of the Department of Medicine.

Prior to moving to Charleston, Rockey served as professor of internal medicine and chief of the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern. He also served on the faculty at the University of California San Francisco and Duke University Medical Center after earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1984.

Rockey’s wife, Kathy, is a medical consultant. They have three children: Kelsey, Nicole and Daniel, who are all currently enrolled in different Texas universities.

Recently, Catalyst writer Ashley Barker sat down with Rockey to discuss his role and department’s mission at MUSC. You’re in your sixth month at MUSC now. Are you settling in nicely?

We’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been impressed by the people here and, in particular, by how collaborative and collegial everyone has been. People want to do the right thing and push programs forward. I’m an avid supporter of that and change for the better.

What do you think about the Department of Medicine so far?

The department is very strong. I’d like to see us take the next step and go from good to great. My impression is that is what you’d hear from other people too. There are many opportunities at MUSC. So far, I’ve tried to spend time trying to understand exactly what different people are doing and what the opportunities are going to be. This has helped me focus on a vision for the department, and I hope that we’ll start implementing some of the vision soon.

Are you planning to change anything within the department?

I don’t believe we will make any dramatic changes.

We’ll improve upon what we’re doing well and look for opportunities to improve in other areas. We’ve done a couple of things already. For example, we’ve had one research retreat, and we’re going to have another one. We’re renovating the ninth floor, our space in the Clinical Science Building. That’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s an industrious and ambitious undertaking, and it’s been a true team effort.

Why did you move to MUSC? I think the key was about opportunity. I recognized that the institution was heading in a very positive direction, and I thought it would be fun to help further develop that. I would say that this prediction has come to fruition. Of course, there will be plenty of hurdles, but in the end, the opportunities will outweigh these.

spending time in the lab – working with our research team. For now, I’ve been spending a lot of nights and weekends writing papers and grants.

What does your research focus on?

Our laboratory focuses on the cell and molecular biology of liver fibrosis. When you get a liver injury, whether it is chronic hepatitis or from a few too many alcoholic drinks, it leads to a fibrogenic or scarring process. We study the molecular mechanisms of the scarring process in the liver.

Dr. Don Rockey with wife, Kathy, and children Daniel, Nicole and Kelsey.

My wife has always liked the Carolinas, and she likes the Charleston area. I haven’t seen much of it, but at least she’s been making up for my poor performance.

What’s the main difference between MUSC and the University of Texas Southwestern where you worked from 2005 to 2012?

Southwestern is a wonderful institution with a rich tradition in research. MUSC also has a rich tradition, although I would say it is more in the clinical arena. I think that it is fair to say that for me personally, there is more of an opportunity to make a difference here.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?

Believe it or not, I always loved the water, and wanted to be a marine biologist. I was always curious about the water and the ocean.

How did you end up in the medical field?

As I recall, I was in a couple of microbiology classes in undergraduate school. I remember one day I was in an advanced microbiology class that was mechanisms of disease. It was a great class, and the teacher was fantastic. I’ll also never forget the nerdy guys that sat in the front, and I remember thinking, “well I can do this better than they can.” So I went and volunteered in an emergency room. I enjoyed this a great deal, and the rest is history. I was not one of those kids that always wanted to be a doctor.

What is your day-to-day schedule like at MUSC? I think it is fair to say that we haven’t been letting much moss grow in the office. I enjoy spending time meeting people, helping to develop programs, and encouraging others to do the same. I also still enjoy

What advice would you give young people?

Be curious. I’m a firm believer that the curious folks are the ones who ask the questions that lead to new discoveries. I think the people who are curious and push to understand why are generally going to do well.

You can always ask another question. The key for us is to ask a question and, if there’s not an answer, to develop a study or process to answer it. That’s one of the challenges I’ll be putting out to our young people.

Staying enthusiastic about asking questions is going to be an important part of us developing as a department.

Be curious and pursue your questions.

What qualities do you think a good boss or leader should have?

I think that leaders should set a good example for others in all arenas. I think they should have a vision and be able to articulate it to others. I think they should have the highest level of integrity. It’s always a plus to have some charisma and effective communication skills, although I’m not sure they’re absolutely essential. I think the most important thing is people should set a good example for others.

Do you think you’re a good boss?

Well, I would say that it is early, but I would like to try to set a good example. We’ll see how it plays out. I’m open to suggestions. I would like to see the department invest in developing as many of our faculty members as leaders as possible.

When you get sick, are you a good patient?

No. Unfortunately, I’m not. I have this especially bad habit of trying to work through illness, which doesn’t always work. I’m afraid that most physicians try to take care of ourselves and that makes us less than ideal patients.

Where is your favorite place to visit?

I enjoy pretty much everywhere I’ve been. I do enjoy Europe. There’s a lot of history, culture and art. The people are generally kind, well educated, progressive,

See Chair on page 7

The Catalyst, February 8, 2013 7

Pressure ulcer prevention initiative kicks off Feb. 19 By ashley Barker Public Relations A group of 100 nurses and patient care technicians at MUSC known as the SKIN team is launching an initiative to prevent pressure ulcers, commonly referred to as bedsores.

During the past year, the team has worked to reduce the number of hospital-acquired adult pressure ulcer cases from 16 percent in the first quarter of 2012 to 13 percent in the second quarter, 8 percent in the third quarter and 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter, according to data compiled from surveys by the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI).

A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue usually caused by constant pressure. A report from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services said 2.5 million patients per year are affected by pressure ulcers and about 60,000 of those patients die as a direct result. In 2007, Medicare estimated that each pressure ulcer added an average of $43,180 to the cost of a hospital stay.

One of the goals of the SKIN (surface, keep moving, incontinence and nutrition) team is to educate staff members about risk identification, staging, and prevention of pressure ulcers. The SKIN bundle that is being introduced by the team is an effort to assure best practices become standard at MUSC. The bundle includes the following guidelines: q A comprehensive skin and risk assessment should be completed on all patients at admission and each shift.

Members of the SKIN team meet to discuss an initiative to prevent pressure ulcers, known as bedsores. q Surface: Patients should be on the optimal surface to meet their needs and manage pressure. Appropriate mattresses, beds, cushions and heel off-loading devices should be in use. q Keep moving: Patient mobility should be encouraged with appropriate therapy modalities initiated early — repositioning patients and encouraging out-of-bed status when appropriate. q Incontinence: Prompt attention to incontinence, use of incontinence products, toileting assistance and proper moisture management should be the standard of practice. q Nutrition: Assess and address nutrition and hydration needs on

admission and each shift for all patients. Consult nutrition services when appropriate and provide supplementation as needed.

In addition to the SKIN bundle, patients who already have or are at risk of developing pressure ulcers will be easily identified. A blue iceberg symbol encased in a black circle will be on patient wrist bands and on the front of charts. The iceberg symbolizes that although there is visible damage on the surface, what is below may be more serious.

Pressure ulcers, which commonly occur in the posterior pelvic region and the heel or ankle region, are associated with a longer length of hospital stay, sepsis, increased pain and suffering, and mortality, according to Phill Botham, R.N., Department of Specialty Nursing.

“Great progress has been noted in reducing our pressure ulcer incidence over the past year, and a dedicated group of professionals from the bedside, ER, OR, dialysis and ancillary areas of the hospital are working hard to change the culture here at MUSC,” he stated.

“In MUSC’s drive toward changing what is possible, we are committed to eliminating all avoidable pressure ulcers.”

Chair Continued from Page Six and quite open. If we didn’t already live here, I’d say that the United States has some wonderful places to visit – especially on both of the coasts.

often spend weekend afternoons walking on the beach.

She loves it all, running and rolling around in the sand.

I also enjoy spending time with my patient wife, Kathy.

What do you do to relax?

We have a little dog, Maddie. She’s half poodle and half Shih Tzu. The story of how she landed in our house is too long to tell, but essentially, we wound up with her as a result of our girls’ persistence in raising a dog, and I will say they did a great job. She turns out to really like the beach. We have to laugh now as she has learned the word “beach.” Now, even when we say “beach” inadvertently, she gets very excited. So, we

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Charleston?

I would say it’s a bit early to make a choice. I think there’s only one place that I’ve been to more than once so far. It’s too early to pick a favorite, though. There seems to be a lot of great restaurants around.

Do you have a nickname?

Well, that’s not a tough one – my wife calls me Rockey most of the time.

Do you live by a specific quote or motto?

Probably very simply “do good.” I would say that I often think of our children when people ask about life philosophy. Our kids are all now in college. They’re in various stages. Some are a little more mature than others. At this point, Kathy and I agree that about all we can ask is that they make a positive contribution to society. So we just hope that they will do the best they can and, if they do this, then there is a good chance it will be good.

So, my motto is do the very best you can, and if you really do this, most of the time things will work out fine.

8 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

Currents Feb. 5 People – Fostering employee pride and loyalty Wins Deborah O’Donnell, director of Risk Management, shared wins from patients and their families for services from Storm Eye Institute, 10West, 9East, Mood Disorders Clinic, 1West-Adult ED, 5West, 5East, Ambulatory Surgery, MUSC Health East Cooper Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pathology, and 6East Ashley River Tower.

March town hall meetings A MUHA town hall meeting review will occur in the March 5 hospital communications meeting.

The town hall meetings will occur throughout March. The medical center and department schedule for these meetings will be communicated with staff soon.

Benefit of the Month – February Kelly Crowley, PharmD, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services manager, spoke to managers about the benefits of using MUSC’s Outpatient Pharmacies as an easy, convenient and cost-saving option for employees and their families to fill prescriptions. To date, the Outpatient Pharmacy revenues are up 8.6 percent compared to 2012 thanks to employee and patient referrals.

Outpatient pharmacies are located in Rutledge Tower, Ashley River Tower, university hospital and Hollings Cancer Center. Special discounts are available for employees and their families enrolled in the State Health Plan.

A 90-day supply can also be refilled at the retail pharmacies, including the mail order pharmacy at a slightly reduced copay than Medco. For health information, users can access Ask a Pharmacist via https://www.muschealth. com/askapharmacist/index.htm. For information about services, visit http:// www.muschealth.com/prescrtionrefill.

Service – Serving the public with compassion, respect and excellence

Joe Logan, medical center purchasing

services, shared details in the medical center’s policy for managing vendor representatives who visit the medical center. Logan spoke about the use of a new online tool, the Vendormate Vendor Program that is available to managers that credentials, rates and provides greater awareness and security relating to vendor representatives. According to Logan, this tool is both CMS and Joint Commission compliant. Users use an interactive dashboard. Logan invited employees to the Feb. 6 Vendormate onsite in-service training held in various hospital locations. For information, contact loganj@musc.edu or visit http:// www.vendormate.com/support/clients. html.

Announcements q MUHA HR is finalizing the revised position vacancy review process. A modified form with a more descriptive procedure will be emailed to managers. q Answers to Frequently Asked Questions relating to MUHA’s cost savings action plans are now available online via the MUHA intranet under MUSC Excellence, communications meetings and cost savings communications. MNA login is required. q United Network for Organ Sharing will be on campus to survey Feb. 19 and 20. q The next meeting is Feb.19.

To Medical Center Employees: Last month MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg issued a letter to medical center employees concerning financial challenges we are facing. He emphasized the impact of $30 million in annual Medicaid reductions that we have already experienced, and with the outlook of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement reductions in the range of $60 million in the future. These changes require us to analyze how we do business and what we need to do to ensure our organization’s success as we move forward.

In early January, the medical center leadership team sought assistance from the Huron Consulting Group to formulate an action plan to improve operational and financial performance while delivering high quality care. We are not looking for “business as usual” and we have to turn every stone to determine ways to improve organizational performance. We will be taking advantage of Huron’s expertise while continuing to focus on the cost savings initiatives (often referred to as “5 and 5”) that have been under way for some time. We will be referring to this organizationwide effort as “MUSC Performance Excellence.” As progress is made, details will be widely communicated.

Our action plan will include assessments of all aspects of our work including human resources, labor (staffing), pharmacy programs, supply chain, physician services, revenue cycle and other functions as needed, such as shared services opportunities. We will assess all functional areas including most cost centers to focus on opportunities to improve productivity.

The MUSC Performance Excellence initiative does not focus solely on the medical center (MUHA). Everyone throughout the MUSC organization who interacts with the medical center in some fashion will need to examine behaviors and practices which have a bearing on costs.

Some limited cost savings involving human resources practices (such as leave and premium pay) have already been implemented or implementation is underway. Details concerning these human resources matters can be found on the MUSC Excellence website (http://mcintranet.musc.edu/muscexcellence/ communications/index.htm). Plans are being made to disseminate additional details on this website and through other venues as progress is made.

On a related matter, a series of town hall meetings will be held throughout March. The town hall meeting times and locations will be posted soon and will include department-based sessions and open sessions. Agenda topics are being finalized and are expected to include: introduction of the current Executive Medical Director Dr. Pat Cawley as the new medical center executive director; progress with MUSC Performance Excellence; discussion of the state Medicaid Expansion issue; explanation of “meaningful use;” recognition of high performers and other topics of interest.

In my role as interim executive director, it has been a pleasure to work with the leadership team and others these past five weeks and I will remain on the job until the end of March. I am confident that MUSC is taking the right steps to address the challenges we face. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Kester Freeman Interim Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center

The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013 9

Annual Charity Ball supports community work

By Cindy aBole Public Relations One of the Lowcountry and MUSC’s most festive winter events is just around the corner.

The 26th annual Charity Ball and Silent Auction will be held Feb. 16 at Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston. The event, which was first established by College of Medicine (COM) students, faculty, alumni and staff, was created to support local charities and involve medical students in the community.

The ball is co-sponsored by students with the COM Student Council and the Medical Student Alumni Council (MSAC). Student council members are responsible for organizing and promoting the event through ad sales. A team of 40 students, representing each of the college’s four medical school classes, worked with assigned area businesses and community contacts seeking donations for the silent auction.

John Freedy, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for student affairs, is a great supporter of this year’s event. “More than a fun night out, the Charity Ball gives our medical students the opportunity to work together raising money for deserving community organizations."

For inForMation For ticket sales and donations, contact 792-5862 or visit the Charity Ball website at www.musc.edu/charityball.

In addition to live entertainment, the Feb. 16 Charity Ball offers a silent auction.

Each year, the silent auction brings forth a variety of items, services and activities that participants can bid on. Money raised from this year’s event will benefit five Lowcountry charities and three student initiatives: Crisis Ministries, Operation Home, The Charleston Area Children’s Garden Project, Lowcountry Pregnancy

Center, the Junior Girls Day Out Community Project, Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support, Crisis Ministries Wednesday Night Clinic and Fight for Sight.

Crisis Ministries is a perpetual recipient of Charity Ball funds since the program’s inception. The charities were selected through a subjective review process from an applicant pool of non-profit community organizations working with the MUSC Gives Back Program.

One organization new to the Charity Ball recipient charities is the Junior Girls Day Out Community Project. Founded in 2007 by Kathy L. Jackson, the volunteer-led organization celebrates girl power for Lowcountry girls, ages 7-12. The project’s mission is to provide personal, social, educational, career and

See Ball on page 10

10 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

CON earns top-20 spot

T

he MUSC College of Nursing (CON) online graduate program has been ranked in the top 20 in the country

by U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.

In 2012, U.S. News & World Report scored the college among the top 50 graduate nursing schools out of more than 450 schools surveyed.

The methods used by the U.S. News in 2013 were based on additional comprehensive data from the 2012 surveys in order to give applicants a better understanding of program strengths. MUSC’s CON online graduate program includes both master’s and doctoral degree tracks.

The college offers online programs that award a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing degree.

More than 250 individuals enrolled for fall 2012 courses in the MSN, DNP and Ph.D. programs.

An upcoming application deadline for the college’s online DNP program is

March 15. Learn more about the DNP program at www.musc.edu/nursing/ academic/DNP. CON advances in research funding In addition, the College of Nursing placed 21st among more than 700 U.S. nursing schools on the National Institutes of Health’s research funding list. This is the third time the college has achieved a national ranking, coming in at 30th in 2011 and 48th in 2010.

With a number of large NIH grants awarded in 2012, the nursing faculty researchers brought in about $3.5 million in research funding. With this funding, the college continues to make a difference in improving the quality of health care in the advancement of nursing research.

According to College of Nursing Dean Gail Stuart, Ph.D., R.N., these national rankings attest to the outcomes of the nursing program at MUSC. “Our innovative and dynamic faculty, staff and students are clear leaders, not only in the region but nationally.”

Ball Continued from Page Nine cultural development to girls through mentorship and activities. Volunteers teach girls how to cook, sew, learn to budget and save, shop, learn etiquette, physical fitness and a variety of other real-life activities.

“Girls are challenged all the time with violence, drugs, gangs, etc. We want to provide positive outlets that help enrich, nurture and encourage girls to move forward in their life goals,” said Jackson.

Lauren Benner, a second-year medical student, has been busy since the summer of 2012 working with businesses to solicit a donation for the silent auction. Lately, Benner and MSAC members have been challenged in soliciting for items due to the economy.

“These are tough times, especially for some area business owners. But this has taught me and others to be more creative and inventive in what we can do.” Benner wasn’t afraid to contact family, friends and referrals for donations. One item that she was

proud to collect for the auction is a donated Moo Roo purse by Charleston designer Mary Norton.

Other items that will be offered in this year’s auction include gift certificates to restaurants, sailing classes, and trips to destinations including four African safari vacations.

“The charities that we work with are all so deserving. They’re counting on the money we raise to help others who are in need in the community.

Their everyday work is inspiring and encouraging. All of us have worked hard in this effort, and I feel this year’s ball will be a great event,” Benner said.

The event is open to anyone. In addition to hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar will serve beer and wine, and live entertainment will be on hand.

Tickets are $50 per person and available in Room 601, Clinical Sciences Building. Alumni may purchase two tickets for $45 each.

Students may purchase two tickets for $20 each.

For ticket sales and donations, contact 792-5862 or visit www.musc. edu/charityball.

The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013 11

Items for Sale

Rental Properties

Short Ivory Wedding Dress (size 16), Matching jacket. New. $125/OBO. 843-261-3590.

Charming 2 bdr, 1 ½ bath furnished home. Parking for 2 cars. Within walking distance to campus. Short term rental available. $2500/mo contact: wfreeman@sbcglobal.net

Misc. Services Basic Lawn Care Reasonable Rates Greg 843 303-2615

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CATALYST CALL 849-1778

12 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

YES Family Fund 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, call the Office of Development, at 7921973, email mcluen@ musc.edu or visit www. musc.edu/catalyst/ archive/2013/co28familyfund.html.

Applications are due no later than March 29.