March 7, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
RESEARCH COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR ERNEST E. JUST SYMPOSIUM Guest speakers and hosts for the 14th annual Ernest E. Just Symposium gather outside the Drug Discovery Building during the Feb. 28 event at MUSC. They are Dr. Titus Reaves, event director; back row from left, Dr. James Jackson, University of Michigan; Dr. Stephon H.S. Alexander, Dartmouth College; Dr. Boris Hinz, University of Toronto; Dr. Perry V. Halushka, College of Graduate Studies; Front row: Sybil Prince-Nelson, MUSC; Dr. Jacqueline McGinty, College of Graduate Studies dean; Dr. Jennifer West, Duke University; and Dr. Joan Siefert Brugge, Harvard Medical School. Speakers were invited to present based on this year’s event theme: obesity. More than 300 people attended this year’s symposium event. photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Vol. 32, No. 29
Inside MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENINGS
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Radiologist and breast imaging specialist weighs in on latest studies.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
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SC needs to keep strong perinatal system In medicine, teamwork is absolutely essential. Good multidisciplinary teamwork results in better communication, fewer complications, and is, in some circumstances, the difference between life and death. Caring for the smallest babies (about three pounds or less) is one of those situations. Effective care for these patients improves outcomes in all NICU patients. This teamwork is not easy to come by for the smallest babies. One simply needs to visit our own neonatal ICU and you quickly understand the complexity of care, staff and physicians involved. Studies show that medical centers must care for more than 100 of these babies a year to have the best results. This means fewer deaths, fewer complications and also less costly care. Simply put, the outcomes for the smallest are best in medical centers that see enough of them. South Carolina currently has a robust perinatal regionalization system that has fostered improved neonatal and infant survival. This is a comprehensive, coordinated and geographically structured approach to assuring risk-appropriate care for all mothers and infants. The system is built around five high–level regional perinatal centers (RPCs) strategically located across the state. The RPCs coordinate and communicate with other medical centers licensed to provide lower levels of care to ensure access to perinatal services. The goal is for all of these babies to be delivered in a Level III
center or an RPC. In 2012, of the 942 babies born weighing approximately three pounds or less, 759 of these babies were born in Level III centers or an RPC. If you evaluate the geographic distribution, you quickly come to the conclusion that the regional perinatal system in South Carolina ensures that each of the Level III neonatal centers has sufficient volume to get the best outcomes. What would happen if that system was eliminated or modified for lower volume below the critical threshold? In Texas after the certificate of need process was eliminated, “de-regionalization” occurred. Neonatal ICU beds in the highest acuity units (“Level III”) proliferated, increasing 74 percent, yet no more tiny babies were being born in the state. Health care costs for Level III babies increased about 10 percent every year. Despite this, mortality increased for these babies. An unintended consequence of de–regionalization was a three-fold increase in the deaths of mothers. Texas is now reinstating its regionalization program. The evidence is clear. There is no hyperbole in MUSC’s stance, nor that of the March of Dimes, the SC Children’s Hospital Collaborative and multiple professional societies that care for these babies and their mothers. We all support continuation of a strong perinatal system that is focused on what is best for patients–teams of dedicated individuals with the volume required for excellence. Editor’s note: This column was written by Patrick Cawley, M.D., CEO, MUSC Medical Center; Rita Ryan, M.D., Department of Pediatrics and David Annibale, M.D., Chief, Division of Neonatology
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
Medical alumna still hitting her stride.
2 President Letter 5
Meet Michael
9 Overheard T H E C ATA LY S T ONLINE http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014
A letter from the interim president: current merger legislation would harm MUSC Dear Colleagues: I write to you today for two reasons: First, I want to introduce you to a new video segment titled “The Corner,” that will be emailed to you periodically, discussing timely issues facing the Medical University of South Carolina. The topic of the inaugural video is the current discussion about legislation that would merge MUSC and the College of Charleston. To watch the video, please visit http://academicdepartments.musc. edu/esl/the_corner.htm. My second reason for writing is to reaffirm what I’m sure many of you have gathered from the news media, that the MUSC Board of Trustees’ recent vote in opposition to a forced merger of CofC and MUSC was unanimous (with one abstention). Board members were in agreement that the submitted legislation defining a merger would harm MUSC and that a formal collaboration was an alternative in addressing the needs of the Lowcountry business community. The Board’s decision was based in large part on the findings of a study committee comprised of MUSC and CofC board members, administrators and faculty who spent nearly a year studying mergers and collaborations nationally. To read the committee’s report, and issues raised, please visit: http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/pr/ news_you_can_use/pdf/whitepaper.pdf. As part of its report, the committee also highlighted the need for a delegation to visit national sites where university mergers and collaborations have occurred before legislatively
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Interim editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu
finalizing a structure to meet the economic development needs of the Charleston region. To my knowledge, no such arrangements have been made. In ongoing meetings with MUSC constituencies, I am repeatedly asked for further clarification regarding MUSC’s perspective that led to the opposing vote. I Sothmann feel compelled to respond given the consistency with which this question is asked. I hope you appreciate that these issues are complex and cannot be fully captured in a short update. However, in addition to the committee report previously indicated, to partially address this issue, I have attached a link to a FAQ defining key considerations to date. They include the lack of synergies to build a comprehensive research university, the currently undocumented cost that would likely amount to hundreds of millions of dollars to implement the necessary advanced degree programs, and the potential damage to the institutions’ well-deserved brand names, among many others. To review the FAQ document, please visit: http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/ pr/news_you_can_use/pdf/faq.htm To date of this letter, the merger talks in the legislature and the community remain highly fluid and we must continue to advocate for ongoing 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.
dialogue among the principals. It is my opinion that the essential role of MUSC as a research university in the Lowcountry’s advancement of economic development is a given. The delicate balance has to do with the optimal organizational structure to continue advancing MUSC’s national stature in the highly competitive health care and biomedical arenas while supporting the business interests of the Charleston region. With respect to the latter, it is important to remember that MUSC, with over 12,000 employees, is the region’s largest employer and has a fiscal impact of billions contributed to the economy. Any decisions made regarding merger or collaboration is a delicate matter for the entire Lowcountry, as they may impact MUSC’s future. I also have been asked by dozens of MUSC constituent organizations what they can do to contribute to this ongoing dialogue. We are a representative government, so I encourage all parties to
be contemplative and exercise your rights as a citizen regarding your position, whether for or against the merger legislation as it continues to emerge. If you are an employee, please indicate in your communications that you represent yourself, and do not use MUSC computers, email, or stationary. As always, I am grateful for the dedicated spirit and hard work you all demonstrate each day to better the lives of those we serve, and I will continue to update you as this process develops. Sincerely,
Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., Interim President Vice President for Academici Affairs & Provost
THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014 3
Study misleading: Mammography does save lives National Breast Screening Study.” It goes on to state that the “results of this BMJ study . . . should not be used to create breast In February, a study was published in the British cancer screening policy as Medical Journal (BMJ) that spawned a number of this would place a great headlines around the U.S. including “Vast Study Casts many women at increased Doubts on Value of Mammograms” (New York Times), risk of dying unnecessarily “Mammogram screenings don’t reduce cancer death from breast cancer.” Specific rates, study finds” (Los Angeles Times), and “Study issues identified by the ACR disputes value of routine mammograms” (Washington include poor mammography Post). quality (attributed to use of The study in question was presented in a BMJ article second-hand mammography titled “Twenty–five year follow–up for breast cancer machines which were not incidence and mortality of the Canadian National state–of–the art at the Breast Screening Study: randomized screening trial.” time of the trial, poorly trained technologists, and I have been asked by many colleagues and friends to radiologists with no specific training in mammographic weigh in on this study’s findings given my own expertise interpretation) and significant problems with and research interests related to mammography and randomization of study subjects. breast cancer. Dr. Daniel Kopans, professor of radiology and senior There are many opinions being voiced by those in the radiologist in the Breast Imaging Division at Harvard/ field that are critical of the findings of the Canadian Massachusetts General Hospital, stated, “The analysis National Breast Screening Study (CNBSS). The of the results from the CNBSS have been suspect American College of Radiology (ACR) issued a release from the beginning” and that the “compromise of the on Feb. 12, stating that the British Medical Journal CNBSS trial is indisputable.” article “is an incredibly misleading analysis based on Dr. Laszlo Tabar, professor emeritus of radiology the deeply flawed and widely discredited Canadian at the University of Uppsala School of Medicine and
BY ETTA D. PISANO, M.D. Vice President for Medical Affairs, College of Medicine Dean and Professor of Radiology
“As a woman, a radiologist, a breast imager and a researcher, it is my belief that screening mammography saves lives.” Dr. Etta Pisano
former medical director of the Department of Mammography at Falun Central Hospital, stated that the “Canadian trials stand apart as the only ones among the published screening trials that failed to show any effect on mortality from breast cancer.” He goes on to state that “the Canadian trials are uniquely poorly designed and carried out and therefore have been much
criticized for decades.” There have been seven other large randomized trials of screening mammography that showed a mortality benefit from screening. Why should we believe this one that failed to show benefit when the other seven showed the opposite result? I am in agreement with the statements issued by ACR, Kopans and Tabar. It is my opinion that the Canadian study randomization schema was flawed. Nurses randomized women by entering their names
See Mammography on page 8
4 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014
MUSC medical center communications corner Culture of Safety Survey MUSC is currently midway through our annual Culture of Safety Survey. This validated survey (http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient- safety/patientsafetyculture/index.html), which consists of 42 questions and was designed in 2004 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), has been administered to millions of health care providers in the U.S. and abroad; over 560,000 last year alone. Our 2013 results are shown below, comparing ourselves with other teaching hospitals.
For valid results, adequate response rates are essential. Last year, our overall response was 44 percent; nationally, the response rate last year was 53 percent. If you are a front–line caregiver and haven’t taken the survey yet, please visit the Patient Safety website for instructions: http://mcintranet.musc.edu/quality/departments/patientsafetyrisk/ PatientSafety/PSW/instructions.pdf The Medical Center Communications Corner is put together by the medical center communications team and appears in The Catalyst every two weeks. If you’d like to submit a story idea or contact the writers, email MUHAinfo@musc.edu.
THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014 5
MEET MICHAEL
Michael Andaya Department Volunteer & Guest Services How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC I try to be a goodwill patient ambassador by creating a personalized experience with the patient and their family. How long at MUSC 12 years A unique talent you have I like to clean. Who in history would you most like to meet and why Ferdinand Porsche — he’s my hero. Favorite summer activity Cooking steaks on the grill and swimming in my pool with friends and family Your idea of a dream vacation Travel on the Orient Express through Europe First thing you notice about a person I can tell if a person is nice by the way they smile. Favorite words of advice Never burn your bridges.
6 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014
She traveled the world, but heart remained in Lowcountry BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations By the time Delores Gibbs was 7 years old, she knew she wanted to be a doctor. But even at that early age, she was more familiar with medicine than many girls her age – she had been diagnosed with a heart murmur a year earlier. Labeled a sickly little girl, she would sit in her room day after day reading books while the other kids played outside. She didn’t completely mind, though: she developed valuable study habits that would later help her in medical school, and no one asked her to do chores around the house. Growing up on the family’s 24–acre farm in Moncks Corner played a large role in shaping the woman Gibbs is today. While they no longer farm the land, they still own and maintain it and identify with the experiences and values farming provided. “I am very much an outdoor person. I love flowers. I’m still a farmer, really. I feel that farming is something that is in your heart and in your nature, not necessarily what you’re doing.” Gibbs credits her mother and her love of that property for instilling in them many of the qualities she possesses today. “I have five siblings,” she
explained. “The first four were born and then came the last two of us. My sister and I played together and I can recall Mom giving each of us a plot of land. Those were our gardens. It was our responsibility to keep our gardens in tip-top shape. I still remember how I took so much pride in my plot – not a weed or a footprint could be in it.” Her inspiration for a medical career came from Walter Evans, M.D., an African–American doctor in Moncks Corner. Like the small–town doctor of bygone days, Evans treated everyone in the community. He made house calls and knew every patient by name. “Dr. Evans had been in practice since the ‘40s,” Gibbs said. “He was a real family doctor. Mom had a very large flower garden. Whenever he could come to take care of the six children or mom or dad, he would spend time visiting and out in the garden. I admired him a lot, especially the work he did. He was my role model.” Her family was supportive of her aspirations, but it wasn’t something they discussed at the dinner table. Gibbs was smart and determined and though her sisters called her lazy when she didn’t help with the chores, all knew she would one day become a physician. Her parents enrolled her in Mather Academy, a boarding school in Camden, to ensure she received the best high school education possible. After graduating from Fisk University in Nashville, Gibbs retuned to the Lowcountry to attend the MUSC College of Medicine. Gibbs was a serious student and concentrated on the workload in front of her. “There was so much material, most of my time was spent studying. I really didn’t have time for socializing. I had two close friends whom I
Her parents lived long enough to see her graduate from the College of Medicine, go through her residency and into practice. That is one of her greatest joys. The other treasures in her life are her daughter and granddaughter. Family is everything to Gibbs. Gibbs is described by colleagues and friends as a very giving person who generously shares her time, talent and treasure in myriad ways. March 10 marks the fourth anniversary of the free clinic she opened in Moncks Corner. Twice a month, from 6 p.m. until everyone has been seen, Gibbs provides health care services to people without health insurance at no charge. As the only Dr. Delores Gibbs doctor involved, it’s not unusual would go to movies with, but medicine at the Walter Reed for her to see upward of 20 basically I studied. Plus, living Army Institute of Research people a night. She does this in so close to Charleston, I would also in D.C., a prestigious addition to her full-time work in go home and spend Saturday Department of Defense her practice. with my family and go to church biomedical research laboratory. Friend and colleague Thad on Sunday and drive back.” With this preparation and Bell, M.D., said, “Delores is Her family took great a desire to help those less an excellent role model for all pride in the fact that she was fortunate, Gibbs joined the women and particularly for attending the Medical College. Peace Corps and became African–American women. She “When I came home on the a medical officer. She was was the first woman to graduate weekends, the older men in stationed in Sierra Leone, West from the College of Medicine the community would always Africa for two years and when and that in its own right says tell me how proud my dad was later appointed chief of Medical a lot about her perseverance. of me for being in med school Operations for the U.S. Peace She’s had a very interesting in Charleston,” she said. That Corps, she returned to work professional career as it’s been meant the world to her. and live in Washington, D.C. a global one. She’s touched When she earned her M.D. in She traveled the world during people not only here in the 1973, she was the first African– this time as the Peace Corps was Lowcountry, but also in Africa. American woman to graduate active in 55 countries. She has a profound interest in from the program. Her humility She spent four years in that delivering health care to those pervades every aspect of what position and was offered the who really have need of her she has accomplished. “I was directorship of the Office of expertise.” no one particularly special. International Health at Charles Throughout her life, Gibbs Anyone could have done what Drew Post Graduate Medical has had a soft spot for children I did. Certainly many women School in Los Angeles. Soon and was responsible for from South Carolina could have however, the Lowcountry organizing many community achieved what I did,” she said. beckoned her home, and in activities. For several years, Her life became a whirlwind 1986 she established a private she helped sponsor a theater of travel and interesting practice in Moncks Corner. camp in Berkeley County for opportunities after graduating “When I moved back to children 7 to 9 years old. She from MUSC. Once she Moncks Corner, my family was felt the skills they would develop completed her residency in so happy to have me back home. by acting and working on set internal medicine at Howard They didn’t like my being in University in Washington, D.C., Africa too much. It was too far See Doctor on page 8 she became certified in tropical away,” she said.
THE  CATALYST, March  7,  2014  7
DENTAL SCHOLARS DAY 2014 Junior Category First  Place  —  Rikki  Winslow  and  Jessica  Tabb Second  Place  —  Logan  Barnes Honorable  Mentions  —  Courtney  Holmes,Krista  Anderson  and  Alison  Foster;  Kevin  Jett;  Kathryn  Bowers  and  Jason  Latham;  Spencer  Coomb  and  Matt  Keckeisen;  Courtney  Peterson;  Rick  Furman  and  Dallas  Kunkel;  Chris  Farish  and  Andrew  Ponton;  Lauren  Kight  and  Haley  Lindner;  Danielle  Guerrino  and  Karen  Wolf        Senior Category First  Place  —  Xiaoyi  Zhang Second  Place  —  Jessica  Trombetta-ÂeSilva Third  Place  —  David  Sentelle Postdoc Category First  Place  —  Michael  Valerio Second  Place  —  Heidi  Steinkamp Third  Place  —  Harinarayanan  Janakiraman Acknowledgements Junior  Category  —  Monica  Cayouette,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Robert  Draughn,  Oral  Health  Sciences;  Max  Gaston,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Theresa  Gonzales,  Stomatology;  Lindsey  Hamil,  Stomatology;  Gabriel  Ingraham,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Peter  Kobes,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Joe  Krayer,  Stomatology; Â
  photos  by  Anne  Thompson,  Digital  Imaging
Judges Dr. Michael Schmidt, from left, and Dr. Gabriel Ingraham listen as students Jordan Hood and Jared Earl present their research during the poster presentations. Their work was featured as part of the Feb. 20 fourth annual James B. Edwards College of Medicine Dental Scholars Day. Renata  Leite,  Stomatology;  Stephen  Malley,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Robert  Neuner,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Jon  Rampton,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  Susan  Reed,  Pediatrics;  William  Ries,  Stomatology;  Carlos  Salinas,  Pediatric  Dentistry  &  Orthodontics;  Michael  Schmidt,  Microbiology  and  Immunology;  Elizabeth  Schuler,  Oral  Rehabilitation;  and Caroline  Westwater,  Oral  Health  Sciences Senior/Postdoc/Junior  Faculty  Categories  — Amy  Bradshaw,  Cardiology;  Courtney  J.  Haycraft,  Oral  Health  Sciences;  Viswanathan  Palanisamy,  Oral  Health  Sciences;  Dennis  Watson,  Pathology  &  Laboratory  Medicine;  Natalie  Sutkowski,  Microbiology  &  Immunology
Dental Medicine Dean Dr. John Sanders, left, joins Dental Associate Dean for Research Dr. Keith Kirkwood, right, in welcoming the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. David T.W. Wong.
Above, Postdoc Dr. Mrinmoyee Majumder explains details about her research to event judges Dr. Dennis Watson and Dr. Amy Bradshaw. Below, Dr. Joe Vuthiganon congratulates the event’s junior category ÀUVW SODFH ZLQQHUV 5LNNL 5DOVWRQ OHIW DQG -HVVLFD 7DEE
8 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014
DOCTOR Continued from Page Six design would serve them in all areas of their lives. She also started a tennis camp for children in rural areas of St. Stephen. “Rural kids don’t get an opportunity to learn or play tennis,” she said. ”Tennis builds teamwork and encourages responsibility. It’s more than just a game. We were able to use the game to teach them life skills they may ordinarily not be exposed to.” She sponsored that camp for eight years and is proud of the fact that the children were provided a healthy lunch and snacks every day and taught about nutrition. Her love of children and desire to help them stems from treating children who had few advantages in life. “I think my experience working oversees in the early 80s solidified my concern for children, seeing the physical handicaps of the children and the illnesses like Terry Stanley polio, measles, mumps from one country to the next. I decided that I would not spend my entire career in a developing country, but I would try to do for children whatever I could when I got back home.” Gibbs says it’s her inner spirit that keeps her going, and she stays busy constantly. She is a member of social sororities and involved in work with several organizations. Recently, she learned that there were students who weren’t able to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor at MUSC because of finances and decided to establish the Rose Delores Gibbs, M.D. Endowed Scholarship to create a permanent endowment for under–represented minority students. Terry Stanley, associate dean for development at the College of Medicine, said, “Delores has an enormous heart. The establishment of this scholarship is but one example of her selflessness and how much she does for others.” While medicine has played a significant role in her life, much more than health care makes her tick. Gibbs is currently learning to speak Spanish and always has CDs and small books placed within reach. She traveled to Cuba last fall and loved it. She especially enjoyed listening to people speak, but wasn’t quite ready to try her Spanish out on them. She takes courses at Trident Technical College, plays the piano and longs to paint. An avid collector of eclectic art, her home is filled with paintings, carvings and textiles. She refers to her collection as the gallery. From a little girl with a heart murmur to a beloved physician with a giving heart, Delores Gibbs uses her great capacity for love to make life better for others. Editor’s note: In honor of National Women’s History Month, The Catalyst will feature women who make a difference at MUSC.
“Delores has an enormous heart. The establishment of this scholarship is but one example of her selflessness and how much she does for others.”
MAMMOGRAPHY Continued from Page Three on alternative lines in a local notebook, which means they could assign women with suspicious physical exam findings to the mammography arm over the control group. That appears to be what happened since there were many (30 percent) more large (probably palpable) cancers in the screened group. That means the population studied was not a pure screening (asymptomatic) population. Given that fact, the all–cause mortality differences between the women who had mammography and those who did not is understandably small. The fact remains that the Canadian screening trial is the only one of eight large randomized trials of screening mammography that failed to show a benefit for women from mammography screening. It was also the only one with this non–centralized randomization methodology. All the other studies showed a significant reduction in mortality in the group that was screened with mammography and physical examination over the control group. The benefit is larger in women over 50 than for women in their 40s, but still significant for both age cohorts. Practically speaking, every woman should discuss her own personal health risks and choices with her physician and should make her own decision as to whether to undergo a regular mammogram. As a woman, a radiologist, a breast imager and a researcher, it is my belief that screening mammography saves lives.
Surgeon General Report on Smoking Exhibit A new exhibit depicting the history of the Office of the Surgeon General’s landmark 1964 report on smoking and health is on display at MUSC until March 14. The exhibit, titled “Smoking nd Health: Report of the Advisory
Committee to the Surgeon General of the United States, is located near the Healing Garden of the Hollings Cancer Center. For information, visit http:// tobaccotimeline.org.
THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014 9
Employees invited to try mindful wellness challenge because she recently been MUSC’s Office of Health dealing with some health Promotion and Employee Wellness issues and thought that Program is offering a year of mindful by participating in the wellness challenges to support challenge, it would give healthy behaviors at work. Each her a sense of control over month a health behavior will be her health and recovery. featured and employees will be asked She also liked the idea to engage in that activity throughout of focusing on one specific the month. Employees who choose behavior and thought that to participate in the challenge will it was easy and she could be eligible for prizes by completing be successful. a short survey at the beginning and After signing up for end of the month. Susan Johnson the challenge, Debbie The February challenge in began making changes conjunction with Heart Health to her normal workday month was Exercising Your Heart: routine. Instead of taking the elevator Employees were asked to take the to her office or to other locations stairs or the long way round to their workplace, and during the day be sure to around campus, she took the stairs. She also walked to and from her car get up from the desk hourly to decrease and began walking 30 minutes a day at the risk of heart disease. Sixty–two home. When asked whether she would employees took the challenge and were continue to add steps and activity to her mindful all month to move more while day, Debbie replied, “I will continue at work. Many cited a desire to get it even though I definitely felt every healthy as their reason for taking the muscle I haven’t been using - which challenge and all were appreciative of is a good thing I think.” Debbie is this reminder to looking forward to participating in each move more at monthly challenge and to the rewards work. of better health. Join Debbie and The spotlight other MUSC Employees this month, winner for “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” by February is survey at https://redcap.musc.edu/ Debora Zerba. surveys/?s=EY3dmemJpR. Zerba is an Congratulations to Debbie and all the administrative other employees who took the February coordinator with Mindful Challenge for better heart the Department health. Zerba of Engineering and Facilities and Wellness Events has been with MUSC for 16 years, T March Monthly Mindful Challenge: working with contract administration. She decided to sign up for this challenge (National Nutrition Month) March’s
Health at work
challenge is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” — expand your taste horizons by trying a new fruit, veggie, grain and/ or lean protein each week. Employees who participate in the challenge will be eligible for prizes by completing a short survey at the beginning and end of the month. One employee will be featured monthly in our “spotlight on wellness” feature in The Catalyst. Take the first March Monthly Mindful Challenge survey at https://redcap.musc.edu/ surveys/?s=EY3dmemJpR. The final survey will be sent via email at the end of the month to those who take the first survey. T Worksite screening: The next screening will be held March 21, Gazes Building Auditorium, room 125; Valued at $350, is available to employees of the State Health Plan (including the MUSC Health Plan) for only $15 (covered spouses also can participate for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. Register at www.musc.edu/ employeewellness. T Employee Fitness Series: Physio–ball
Workout from 2:15 to 12:45 p.m., March 19. This class will deliver an overall body workout that will challenge and improve muscular endurance and strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, increase core strength and control, and improve body efficiency and function. Participants will receive a free day pass to the Wellness Center. Email musc- empwell@musc.edu to register for this free class.
MUSC Urban Farm T Lunch & Learn – Thursday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. This week’s focus is on food culture and common ingrediants used in Hispanic cuisine presented by the dietetic interns. Rain location will be at the Colbert Library building. T Saturday, March 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Urban Farm hosts the Charleston Urban Garden Coalition for a Saturday Work & Learn session. This event will explore the herbs and spices used in Hispanic foods. For information on MUSC wellness events, contact johnssa@musc.edu or whela@musc.edu.
10 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014
OVERHEARD AT MUSC WHO
both myself and the profession," Yeager said in a
Brooke Yeager, M.Sc., R.R.T., an MUSC exercise physiologist and respiratory therapist who has
recent interview with advance. While working in pulmonary rehabilitation, Yeager instituted the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Education Program which teaches patients about their COPD.
been working at The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Center Research Nexus since April 2013.
Yeager also helped create a mentoring program
WHAT Yeager has been awarded the best practitioner in the 2013 National Respiratory Achievement
that is supported by the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care. The curriculum consists
Awards.
of classes and research in several essential areas
PERFORMING, TEACHING AND LEADING Yeager obtained an advanced degree in her field in 2013. Her education and know-how are responsible for her success at both the Research Nexus and with the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care, where she was recently named president-elect. Yeager’s colleagues speak of her in the highest terms. “Brooke Yeager has been instrumental in establishing the pulmonary function testing services for the Research Nexus. She has established excellent rapport with investigators and study teams that utilize the service. She came into the department as the only respiratory therapist and has worked diligently to set up the program, establishing standard operating procedures and working with investigators to provide the needed services as well as being an outstanding professional with the study participants. Utilization of the service continues to grow. She is an outstanding member of the Research Nexus Team,” said Karen E. Packard, R.N., Clinical Nurse Manager for the team. Not one to rest on her laurels, Yeager continues to push herself. "I wanted to continue to challenge myself
Exercise physiologist Brooke Yeager was honored as best practitioner in the 2013 National Respiratory Achievement Awards.
to ensure R.T.s remain up to speed on basic research and continued education.
professionally, and since I'd only been an R.T. for a short period of time, I thought pursuing my Master's was sort of the natural way to learn
practitioners and demonstrating that MUSC is dedicated to improving the lives of patients.
more about my chosen field and to advance
Yeager is setting a great example for future
THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014 11 CDAP recuiting bridge run volunteers
Transportation
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Looking for ride share to & from work at MUSC, live in Mt Pleasant. Flex shifts. Work schedule is Mon-Fri 12-8P, 1-9P, or 2-10P. 843-267-8637
Roommate Wanted for Brickyard Plantation, Mt Pleasant
Family Fund accepting grant 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. For information, email mcluen@musc. edu or visit http:// academicdepartments. musc.edu/development/
Perfect for a MUSC visiting physician or physician/nursing student! Professional, mature, nonsmoking roommate sought for 3200 sq. ft. 3 BR home. House amenities include LR, DR, Kitchen, TV room, wireless internet, laundry area & patio yard w/ grill. Roommate would be located in downstairs furnished wing with BR, private full BA & adjacent den. 20 min. to D’twn. Plantation amenities include tennis courts, walking/bike trails, boat ramp, club house w/good workout facilities & pool. Minutes from Town Center Shopping & the Isle of Palm Connector and beach. $1000.00 per month. Utilities shared. 3 or 6 month lease available & security deposit. No pets. Contact info: 843.216.0847 mtproommate@gmail.com
MUSC Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs has been designated a Charity Connection and is seeking 100 volunteers to help during the 37th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run on April 5. Volunteers will assist with activities at the race start line from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m. on race day. Volunteers will receive a free CRBR T-shirt. Contact Paige Montgomery, montgomeryp@musc. edu to register. For CRBR information, visit http://www. bridgerun.com. For information on MUSC’s CDAP visit http://www. alcoholanddrugabuse. org.
12 THE CATALYST, March 7, 2014