MUSC Catalyst

March 2, 2012

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 30, No. 27

Inside MUSC’s trauma program first Customized therapy

6

MUSC’s Rehabilitation Research Center works with patients individually to treat injury disorders.

CanCer GenomiCs

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Dr. Stephen Ethier will co-lead the Hollings Cancer Center’s genetics program.

2 Scholars fund 5 Meet Tom 11 Classifieds

t h e C ata ly s t online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst

in state to receive confirmation A

fter an extensive review by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), MUSC’s trauma program was verified as a Level 1 Trauma Center. This verification is the highest level any trauma program in the country can achieve.

“In fact, our Level 1 Trauma Program is the only one in the state to have received national trauma verification at any level,” said Bruce Crookes, M.D., associate professor and trauma medical director.

“Achieving this recognition required total commitment from the entire hospital, and it means our patients can expect the highest level of care available at any time, day or night.”

The ACS Level 1 verification differs from the status designated by the state of South Carolina.

The actual establishment and designation of trauma centers is the function of local, photo by Tyrone Walker and the Post and Courier regional or state agencies. ACS verification Trauma medical director Dr. Bruce A. Crookes and his team prepare for emergency provides confirmation that a hospital has surgery at 1:20 a.m. demonstrated the ability to provide the provide trauma patients with instant access highest quality trauma care. The process to the most advanced technology, surgical requires an on-site review by ACS surgeons suites and critical care services, which can and a verification committee review. make all the difference in saving lives and Only after meeting hundreds of decreasing disabilities.” demanding criteria is a hospital awarded A study in the New England Journal of this distinction. ACS surveyors found no Medicine showed that patients treated at deficiencies in MUSC’s trauma program Level 1 trauma centers fare significantly when visiting in November 2011. better than those with comparable injuries MUSC’s trauma team is staffed around who are treated at non-trauma centers. the clock, led by a trauma surgeon with Findings showed Level 1 trauma centers can board certification in both surgery and —Dr. Bruce Crookes lower the risk of death for severely injured surgical critical care, and a team of highly patients by 25 percent. trained personnel from the emergency room, “The closest hospital with an emergency operating room, intensive care, radiology, room may not be the best place to take blood bank and respiratory therapy. community outreach and education, and a trauma patient. For a seriously injured Physicians from more than 10 specialties injury prevention activities. patient, transport to a Level 1 center such are all immediately available. MUSC treats “MUSC is prepared 24 hours a day, 365 approximately 2,100 trauma patients each year days a year to offer immediate care for life and as MUSC can increase his or her chances at and participates in trauma-related research, limb-threatening injuries,” said Crookes. “We survival,” said Crookes.

“For a seriously injured patient, transport to a Level 1 center such as MUSC can increase his or her chances at survival.”

2 The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012

Dental Scholars Day

College of Dental Medicine students, residents, post doctoral staff and junior faculty gathered Feb. 23 to learn more about dental education. The event was part of the dental school’s annual scholars day which featured table clinics, a poster competition and vendor show held at the James E. Clyburn Research Center. Participants also heard from keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Fox, International Association for Dental Research, who spoke about valuing oral health and the outlook for dental and craniofacial research. To see the winners, visit http://tinyurl.com/7gdehhe and to watch the Dental Scholars Day video, visit http://bit.ly/DentalMedicineScholarsDay.

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 Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu

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.

Medical Society of SC creates MUSC scholarship The physician organization that is the majority owner of Roper St. Francis Healthcare System has established a new scholarship fund to benefit doctors-intraining at MUSC. The Medical Society of South Carolina established the Roper St. Francis Physicians Scholars Fund with a gift to the MUSC Foundation. It is the first scholarship at MUSC to be established by the society, which was founded in 1789 and whose membership today consists exclusively of physicians affiliated with Roper St. Francis.

Although the society’s gift was charitable in nature, it was pragmatic in intent, said the group’s president, Stan Wilson, M.D. “In our view, the high cost of a medical education is preventing too many gifted students from pursuing a career in medicine,” said Wilson. “We see this as a way to ensure that Roper St. Francis and every other hospital in South Carolina can continue to recruit talent from a well trained pool of physicians.”

The Office for Healthcare Workforce Analysis and Planning published a report in October 2011 suggesting that South Carolina’s rapidly growing and aging population would place a serious burden on its health care system in the years to come. The report concluded that the state would need to recruit, train and retain more physicians in order to meet anticipated demand.

Unfortunately, the job of recruiting these students has become increasingly

difficult in South Carolina, where scholarship support is in short supply and tuition has been driven upward by several consecutive years of state budget cuts, said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. “The cost of medical education is becoming a real barrier to many students entering the field, and it affects career choices beyond graduation,” said Greenberg. “The Medical Society wisely saw this as a challenge to the long-term viability of the Lowcountry’s medical delivery system and came to us with a tangible and practical solution.”

For each of the next four years, the Roper St. Francis Physicians Scholars program will offer one full scholarship and two half scholarships to in-state students from each entering class.

Scholarship recipients will continue to receive financial support throughout their four-year training period, provided they maintain sufficiently high grades.

When fully implemented, the program will provide four full scholarships and eight half scholarships on an ongoing basis.

College of Medicine Dean Etta Pisano, M.D., said MUSC is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Medical Society of South Carolina at this level.

“This is an inspiring commitment to help the next generation of medical practitioners, and it is a great example of how community physicians and MUSC can partner together for the benefit of the entire community.”

Family Fund accepting 2012 grant applications The YES (Yearly Employee Support) Family Fund is accepting applications for 2012 grants.

The submission form must include name and title, department phone, work address, name of project or program and the total amount requested (not to exceed $2,500).

On a separate sheet of paper, provide a brief summary explaining the project (not to exceed one page).

All grants must be in compliance

with the MUSC Foundation guidelines and cannot be made for any requests of unallowable expenses as defined by the foundation.

For information, call 792-1973 or email mcluen@musc.edu. Applications are due March 31. Send via campus mail to: Office of Development, YES Campaign, 261 Calhoun St., MSC 182.

To download the application, visit http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/ archive/2012/co1-27familyfund.html.

The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012 3

Employee of the Year remembered for compassion D

onna Odessa Jenkins, a social worker in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Youth Division, died Tuesday, Feb. 21. She was 54.

Jenkins worked for more than 15 years at MUSC and was known for her work with the Innovative Model for Parent and Child Treatment program (IMPACT) and the Stabilization Treatment Assessment and Reintegration (STAR) Ladson Children’s Day Treatment program, helping at-risk children who are diagnosed with severe psychiatric and developmental disorders.

Jenkins was recognized for her compassion and dedication when she received the medical center’s 2008 Employee of the Year award.

She is the mother of Dexter Allen Jenkins, the daughter of Vernell Evans Jenkins and the late Elix Jenkins Jr., the sister of Arvernell Jenkins-Shivers, Marilyn Yvonne Jenkins and the late Elix Jenkins III, the sister-in-law of Anita Jenkins, the granddaughter of Geneva

“She was a remarkable woman. I have worked with Donna for the majority of the past 20 years. She was the most energetic, dedicated, and compassionate person with whom I have had the good fortune to work.

She will be dearly missed.”

—Owen Shoemaker, Ph.D., Director of IMPACT Program

Donna Jenkins was awarded the medical center’s 2008 Employee of the Year on Aug. 13.

E. Evans and the late Emily C. Jenkins.

Jenkins is the niece of 11 aunts, five uncles, the aunt of six nieces and one nephew.

“Ms. Donna would make us kick up our heels and shout with joy and laughter. She brought love and happiness to children who were in need of it.”

—Silvie Counts, Clinical Counselor, Institute of Psychiatry “I was most fortunate to work with Donna Jenkins for many years within the Youth Division at the Institute of Psychiatry. She truly epitomized all that a superb clinician and a wonderful human being could be

and will be greatly missed by patients, families and colleagues. She gave unselfishly to other staff by sharing her tremendous knowledge base and being an excellent role model, as well as being conscientious and reliable as any human being that I have ever known. Because of the person Donna was, I believe that we can only guess regarding the extent of her service to others, as she never talked about herself and her commitment to her organization, MUSC, her church members and her family and friends. I feel my life has been enriched in many ways just by knowing Donna. I will cherish my memories of her, especially how she connected with the IMPACT and STAR program children in a manner that blended unconditional caring and love with structure and support.”

—Meredith Lyons-Crews, Assistant Professor, Institute of Psychiatry

4 The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012

Pharmacy student is awarded for community service By hollen DoDDs Public Relations Pharmacy student Liz O’Hara is more than just an ordinary student. A humanitarian with a passion for helping others, she works to make a difference in the lives of the Charleston homeless.

O’Hara is being recognized as part of the MUSC's National Women's History Month program in March celebrating its 2012 theme of “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment.”

Fourth-year student O’Hara, who graduates in May, spends much of her free time working with local non-profit

organizations in the Charleston area. She has volunteered as a student pharmacist since 2008, working to better serve the homeless with the CARES clinic and Crisis O’Hara Ministries.

Her efforts began a few years ago when she attended the Humanitarian Conference, a trip that was funded by President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. O’Hara was exposed to an

organization called Operation Safety Net. This organization offers health care to the homeless, which is her passion.

O’Hara was inspired by Operation Safety Net and decided she wanted to try to bring some of the group’s ideas to Charleston. “In my opinion, there is a huge gap in Charleston as far as homeless outreach goes. The health clinics for the homeless often reach only a handful of people at a time. This needs to change so that more people can have access to treatment, and MUSC has the personnel and the resources to institute exactly that change,” she said.

It’s O’Hara’s compassion and

leadership that won her the admiration of her fellow students and colleagues.

She earned the Charles H. Banov, M.D. Humanitarian Award in 2011, receiving a $1,000 check. She also received the Walmart/Pharmacy Times Respect, Excellence, and Service in Pharmacy Award for the 2011-2012 school year.

O’Hara takes a humble approach to receiving awards. “It feels a little strange receiving an award for my service work, because through service to others, I believe we have the honor of fulfilling our highest purpose in health care, and through that action are supported and nurtured in our practice,” she said.

EmployEE WEllnEss q “Pitch The Pack” Smoking Cessation Clinics: Monthly three-session cessation clinics facilitated by a multi-disciplinary team, including physicians, psychologists and trained staff free of charge for MUSC employees, students and family members. The Susan Johnson next clinic will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 5, Room 102, Colbert Eduation Center & Library. Visit http://mcintranet.musc. edu/health1st and click on “Smoking Cessation Enrollment Form” to register or email musc-empwell@musc.edu for information. q Non-Smoking Section: Offered by MUSC’s Institute of Psychiatry, one-hour Quit Smoking class from noon - 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday at the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, 4-North.

The class is conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist and offers tips and suggestions to help achieve a smoke-free lifestyle. The next class is scheduled for March 7, anyone is welcome to attend; no pre-registration needed. q Wellness Wednesday: March is National Nutrition Month and the focus is to “Get Your Plate in Shape.” Join

Health at work

MUSC dietetic interns from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside the cafeteria at Ashley River Tower as they provide nutrition tips, interactive games, prizes and free food. q Lunch & Learn: “Snack Time not Guilt Time.” Join Lisa Hanhauser, registered dietitian, to learn about the benefits of healthy snacking, including examples of healthy snacks and how they can fit into a calorie-controlled diet from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. March 8, Room 102, Colbert Education Center & Library. Space is limited, register at musc-empwell@musc.edu. Participants will receive a 10 percent off coupon for the Wellness & You item featured in the main hospital cafeteria. q Worksite Screening: March 14 in Room 803, Harborview Office Tower.

This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan for $15 (covered spouses can also participate for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. The screening includes: height, weight, blood pressure and a blood draw for a blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and a blood lipid profile. To register, visit http://www. musc.edu/medcenter/health1st and click “Worksite Screening.”

Email johnsusa@musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC or for a listing of additional events.

The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012 5

mEEt tom

Thomas Hamm III Department Education and Student Life How long at MUSC 5 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC I strive to make use of existing and sometimes overlooked campus resources.

Why go outside when MUSC can provide top-quality media in house? With each new project, I try to push the edge of what’s possible and produce an end product that no one thought we were capable of.

Favorite sport Football. I used to always watch pro-ball, but now I enjoy college football more.

Favorite artist I have always been drawn to the Renaissance masters. My favorite of those would be Vermeer. After that, probably whoever drew Mad Magazine’s Spy vs.

Spy. Favorite holiday I have always been partial to the Fourth of July. Come on barbecues and fireworks.

Favorite genre Being a child of the 80s, I’ve damaged my hearing with everything from Aerosmith to Howard Jones. Now, I listen to classic rock.

6 The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012

Rehabilitation research center extends far reach

By Dawn Brazell Public Relations

A

aron E. Embry, DPT, makes his final calculations, adjusts an investigative stimulation device he’s using to treat Alaskan Lisa Von Bargen, and then helps get her walker set.

“OK. Make magic,” he said, following closely behind as he assesses her response to a targeted intervention to reduce foot drop. “Let’s go down this way.”

Von Bargen nods as she heads down the hallway on the second floor of MUSC’s Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions. That’s why she traveled all the way from Alaska to participate in research studies currently being conducted. It was past time for some magic in her life.

Five years ago, a car accident injured her spinal cord. She had to have one vertebrae removed and two others fused.

With a diagnosis of incomplete tetraplegia, the former long distance runner found at first that she was unable to move from the neck down.

“They gave me less than a 5 percent chance that I would ever be able to walk again, so it was a huge change. To quote James Bond, ‘I do not play the odds.’ I was very assertive with my rehab. I was lucky that the accident happened at work, so I had insurance coverage, and I’ve had friends and family who have worked with me until I could do it on my own.”

When she was in Seattle recently consulting with her physical therapist, she was handed a magazine article that described the research and vision of MUSC’s center to develop a toolbox of best measurements and

Drs. Aaron E. Embry and Mark Bowden (center) adjust a stimulation device to assess Alaskan Lisa Von Bargen’s response to a targeted intervention to reduce foot drop. interventions to allow therapists to provide the best patient treatments. Her therapist told her that the approach MUSC was developing was what she needed.

solD aT hello Von Bargen, the community and economic development director for Valdez, ended up talking to researcher Mark Bowden, Ph.D. Bowden explained how the center customizes research into experimental interventions aimed at retraining the body to maximize a person’s rehabilitative capacity.

“I was sold in an instant. He had me at ‘hello’ at that point.

It’s all I could have imagined and more because it’s state-ofthe-art technology and people working on the cutting edge of research.”

Researchers at the center, which celebrated its grand opening last May, focus on behavioral measurement techniques, detailed engineering analyses and novel explorations into nervous system function and plasticity to help individuals

with neurological injury and disorders. They don’t believe in one therapy fits all.

An advantage of the center is its high-tech equipment that includes an instrumented splitbelt treadmill that can measure 3-D ground reaction forces, a motion-capture system that allows movement data to be collected at a speed of up to 242 frames a second, a perturbation system for investigating balance during walking and a $150,000, Zero G computer-controlled, bodyweight support system that assists someone walking on a treadmill or on the ground.

Bowden, who’s an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Research and the Division of Physical Therapy, said the ‘permissive’ environment created by the bodyweight support system allows researchers to challenge Von Bargen in a new way. They can remove her walker and challenge her balance to get her to activate trunk muscles she needs to strengthen. This environment also allows researchers to challenge an individual’s speed

and endurance more than a traditional rehabilitation laboratory. Detailed biomechanical analyses allow the therapists to understand her specific deficits, which is critical for choosing the most effective interventions, he said.

CusTomizeD Therapy Her schedule kept her from being able to participate in an intensive experimental intervention, so they decided to do several days of crosssectional research experiments, assessing her immediate responses to a variety of theorybased interventions. At the end of the week the researchers discussed what they had found and synthesized those findings into a description of her underlying deficits and her responses to various theoretical interventions, he said.

While the researchers will use this information to suggest what they believe to be the most promising experimental interventions, Von Bargen will coordinate the research findings with her clinical team in Alaska with the end goal of developing

a program that she could independently follow at home.

She hopes to return for two weeks in September to enroll in a mobility training program.

Von Bargen said she could tell a difference in her walking just in her brief visit here. It’s given her hope that she can continue to make mobility gains in the future. “They told me, ‘you now have a partner in life as you go through this,’ and that was incredible.”

To her, life is about moving and being able to function independently.

“I still have what I call ‘blow my head off’ kind of days where I get so frustrated not being able to do a task or be independent.

It’s a struggle. Every day is a struggle. Having a spinal cord injury is like killing someone without taking their life away.

You go from being an active person and a normal regular life to being absolutely trapped, and I’m more fortunate than most.”

She encourages other people with spinal cord injuries to realize it is the hardest work they’ll face in life, and that they will have to push themselves.

She’s glad to see a shift in rehabilitation to customize treatment programs and hopes insurance will be able to offer more coverage for that type of treatment to others in the future. There are people with her type of injury who haven’t had access to the therapy she’s gotten and have not shown the same improvement, she said.

Bowden agrees.“We don’t do a good job in our current medical model for spinal cord injury rehabilitation in determining what that capacity can be,” he said. “In doing so, we can help patients reach their potential rather than settling for some externally defined capacity that may or may not be true.”

The Catalyst, March 2, 2012 7

leap year baby arrives early MUSC 5East mother Syreeta A. Richardson and newborn daughter, Arionna Yasmin Nesbitt, celebrate her birth Feb. 29.

Helping Richardson with her baby is registered nurse Mary Beth Parks. Arionna, who arrived two weeks early, was born at 3:21 a.m. and is a rare leap day baby. Leap year occurs every four years. Each year is a bit longer than 365 days; therefore to keep the calendar aligned with the seasons, an extra day is added to the shortest month — February. Mom and family plan to celebrate Arionna's birthdays Feb. 28 during the alternative years.

‘Progress Notes’ covers clinical innovations, research A

s a Southerner by birth but a recent transplant from Minnesota, I welcomed trading blizzards for palm trees when I accepted the position of managing editor of “Progress Notes.” I think it only fitting that the February issue, the first issue I have written, features an alligator on the cover — a tribute to my new Lowcountry home.

This column will cover highlights Kimberly McGhee from “Progress Notes,” a bimonthly publication for doctors that covers the clinical innovations and exciting research under way here that could revolutionize the medicine of tomorrow. It’s why there’s an alligator on the cover as a tribute to the work of Louis Guillette Jr., Ph.D., who studies how environmental pollutants affect human reproductive health by monitoring changes caused by them in wildlife, such as the alligator.

Alligators, like canaries in a mine, alert us to a danger in the local environment. Guillette has documented underdevelopment or malformation of alligator reproductive organs that can be traced back to exposure to environmental toxins, such as those that can be traced to pesticides, plastics, industrial solvents, and personal care products like lotions and shampoos.

His findings have led him to believe that many diseases or disorders found in adult women, such as

Frontiers

endometriosis or uterine fibroids, can be traced back to environmental exposure to toxins as well.

Also covered in this issue is the research being done at the new Bioengineering Building. The work of these researchers is quickly blurring the lines between science fiction and scientific fact.

Take, for example, the tissue-based pacemaker being developed by Martin Morad, Ph.D. When I think of a pacemaker, I see a battery-operated device that is put in a patient, must be replaced every so often, and sets off airport scanners.

The pacemaker Morad hopes to develop, on the other hand, would never need replacing. It could change the heart rate to meet the body’s changing needs (for example, speeding it up for jogging). One of the best features is that it would introduce nothing foreign into the body. A patient’s own skin cells would be transformed into cells known as induced pluripotent stem cells and then developed into cardiac cells that could be injected into the heart to naturally control its pacing.

Another fascinating area is the regrowth of brain or spinal tissue after serious injury, a feat once thought impossible. Celebrities like Superman actor Christopher Reeve have drawn attention to the need to encourage cutting-edge research into tissue regeneration. The number of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries makes that need more pressing than ever.

Xuejun Wen, M.D., Ph.D., and Ning Zhang, Ph.D., of the Clemson-MUSC Bioengineering Program, have found a way to promote the regrowth of brain tissue.

Wen and Zhang have developed a hydrogel — a liquid that becomes gelatinous after being administered — that can be injected into the empty cavity in the brain left by a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The hydrogel provides a base on which blood vessels can regrow, the first step in regrowing brain tissue. Such hydrogels may one day restore function to those with brain and spinal cord injury.

Another area of research offering hope is the work being done by the Center for Biomedical Imaging, headed by Joseph A. Helpern, Ph.D. Many fear one day developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but right now there is no way to know who is more likely to do so. Helpern’s group uses new imaging techniques to search for early, tiny changes in brain tissue that predict who will develop such diseases. Early detection could one day mean earlier, more effective treatment.

To read more about the work of bioengineers as well as other clinical and research innovations at MUSC, visit the February issue of “Progress Notes,” available at MUSChealth.com/progressnotes.

Editor’s note: “Progress Notes” is a bimonthly publication produced by Business Development & Marketing Services and sent to all physicians licensed in South Carolina to inform them about clinical and research innovations at MUSC.

8 The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012

Backscatter X-ray detection systems a risk or hype?

The backscatter X-ray scanner is being used by many U.S. airports by the Transportation Security Administration. to be debated. Reasons for the ongoing debate about radiation risks at low doses point to the lack of convincing evidence and the fact that such risks, if any, are likely to be small, he said.

In 2010, about 60 backscatter X-ray scanners were installed in airports across the country. Today, more than 500 body scanners (backscatter and millimeterwave) are in use at airports. The Transportation Security Administration plans to roll out additional scanners to airport security checkpoints by 2014.

At European Union airports, backscatter X-ray scanners have been prohibited for use “in order not to risk jeopardizing citizens’ health and safety.”

Instead, EU airports use millimeter-wave scanners that use radio frequency waves

versus low levels of ionizing radiation.

To put the radiation doses from airport scanners into perspective, people receive about 1,000 uSV every year from background sources and many also will receive about two to three times this amount from Radon exposure.

Air crew, such as pilots and flight attendants, who spend about 1,000 hours in the air flying at 30,000 feet, also receive an additional annual exposure of about 5,000 uSV. According to Huda, it is evident that the additional radiation dose from an airport X-ray scanner is trivial and irrespective of how often they fly.

Huda believes that these backscatter systems do not pose any hazard to any exposed individuals.

When it comes to radiation risks, organizations such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRPM), the National Academy of Sciences in the United States’ Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation committee support that whole body doses of more than 100 mSv may be harmful.

“It clearly makes no sense to attempt to make use of any quantitative radiation risks at doses of the order of 0.0001 mSv, because these doses are six orders of magnitude lower than the carcinogenic risks of radiation exposure that are generally accepted by most of the scientific community.” Huda said.

Huda reports that other scientific bodies and organizations regard any radiation concerns from backscatter X-ray machines to be of no practical importance. The NCRPM, the Healthy Physics Society and American College of Radiology have stated that there is no specific evidence that full-body scan are unsafe. The UK Health Protection Agency has written that the dose is extremely low and the European Commission reports that the backscatter X-ray system poses no known health risk.

“Whether backscatter X-ray machines should be introduced to screen passengers is a political decision that will need to be addressed along with other issues including an analysis of costs and benefits as well as considering other alternative technologies,” Huda said.

To read the story, visit http://www. arrs.org/Templates/TemplateIP_1col. aspx?id=2167.

CM02-653313

The growing use of backscatter X-ray detection systems at airports to identify weapons and concealed objects on travelers and its long-term health effects from radiation continues to be debated.

MUSC radiologist Walter Huda, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, examined international research and radiology studies and wrote about it in the February issue of InPractice Insight, a monthly journal published by the American Roentgen Ray Society. Huda found no evidence that full-body scans, which emit small amounts of radiation when used at airports, are unsafe.

Backscatter X-ray imaging technology features body imaging machines that perform full body scans of airline passengers to detect objects such as concealed weapons, explosives, tools, narcotics and other contraband. This technology is a big improvement to metal detectors, which cannot detect explosives or nonmetallic weapons.

This type of X-ray imaging system uses ionizing radiation instead of highenergy light photons used in standard X-rays. The backscatter system picks up images produced when materials scatter X-ray photons and are better at imaging organic material and therefore have the potential to damage chemical bonds. The effective dose from a single scan from a backscatter X-ray machine delivers about 0.1 micro-Siervert (uSV).

According to Huda, ionizing radiation is accepted as being carcinogenic at high doses, but the existence of radiation risks at doses below 50 to 100 mSV continues

The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012 9

‘Get Your Plate in Shape’ for nutrition month

I

n March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly the American Dietetic Association encourages Americans to “get your plate in shape” in observance of National Nutrition Month.

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and Molly Jones information campaign that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and creating healthy eating and physical activity habits.

The awareness effort started in March 1973 as a week-long event and grew to a month-long observance in the

Nutrition matters

1980s with increasing public interest in nutrition. In 1977 the mascot of good nutrition, Nutribird, a body shaped like a head of lettuce and a carrot beak, first appeared. Many dietitians and dietetic interns dressed in Nutribird costumes in the late’70s and early’80s to promote National Nutrition Week and share healthy eating messages with children and adults. However, the mascot quickly disappeared and is no longer used today because dietitians did not believe this was an appropriate image for them as professionals.

As National Nutrition Month continues to grow in popularity, food and nutrition professionals become more creative in finding ways to promote each year’s theme. This year’s theme “Get Your Plate in Shape” encourages consumers to make sure they are eating the recommended amounts of fruits,

vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy each day by thinking about what they put on their plate.

Throughout the month of March at MUSC, we have many events and opportunities for you to get involved with National Nutrition Month and learn how to get your plate in shape. Be sure to participate in the events (listed at the right) for a chance to win prizes such as cookbooks, restaurant gift certificates, local stone ground grits and even money to use in the MUSC cafeteria.

Registered Dietitian Day is also celebrated in March and is designed to recognize registered dietitians for their hard work and commitment to helping people enjoy healthier lives.

On March 14, be sure to express your appreciation to any of the MUSC registered dietitians, easily identified by their brown scrubs.

What’s happening at MUSC q March 1: Kickoff featuring “MUSC Good Eats” from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. at the library portico q March 7: Wellness Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside Ashley River Towers cafeteria q March 8, 15, 22, 29: “Lunch & Learn” from 12:15 – 12:45 p.m., Room 103, Colbert Education Center & Library. q March 14, 21, 28: Wellness Wednesday, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Children’s Hospital lobby. q March 14: Registered Dietitian Day q March 1 - 30: Wellness & You Competition q March 1 - 30: Color My Plate Visit http://www.muschealth.com/ nutrition/ for a detailed list of events and rules for the Wellness & You Competition.

10 The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012

Genetics researcher joins HCC to co-lead program

Stephen P. Ethier, Ph.D., a noted researcher in breast cancer biology and cancer genomics, will co-lead the Hollings Cancer Center’s Cancer Genetics and Molecular Regulation Program.

Ethier, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, holds the Spaulding-Paolozzi Chair in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research.

Ethier Ethier’s research explores the genetic drivers of cancer, specifically which few genetic alterations among the thousands found in cancer cells drive a tumor’s growth. While his work has largely

focused on breast cancer, Ethier said that causal genetic drivers for one type of cancer likely play a role in others.

“This is one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer research. The genetic focus on cancer means that we’ll be able to develop more drugs that target tumors based on their genetic signatures rather than where they originate in the body,” he said. “This is going to make a dramatic impact in cancer treatment.”

Ethier said that all National Cancer Institutedesignated centers such as Hollings are ramping up their genetics research programs by investing in scientists and sophisticated DNA sequencing technology that will help revolutionize how cancer is diagnosed and treated. The work he and his team do will have scientific applications across MUSC’s campus.

Nominations for clinician, faculty awards being accepted outstandinG CliniCian awards Nominations for the Outstanding Clinician Award are being accepted by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

The Outstanding Clinician Award honors full-time faculty who have made contributions to patient care at MUSC. Currently active clinicians that commit a significant proportion of their time caring for patients in ambulatory or inpatient settings are eligible for this award.

Awardees will have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, integrity, and devotion to patient care.

Their clinical excellence and service

commitment identify them as role models for residents, students and their faculty colleagues.

An additional consideration will be their abilities to collaborate in an effective interprofessional manner.

The monetary reward of $3,000 will be used at the discretion of the awardees.

The nomination packet should consist of the 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.

distinGuished FaCulty serviCe award

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Faculty Service Award.

This award was enacted by the university board of trustees to honor MUSC faculty members who have provided exceptional 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. The deadline for both nominations is April 23 and should be submitted to Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 179 Ashley Avenue, Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.

Steve Lanier, Ph.D., associate provost for research, said MUSC is fortunate to have recruited Ethier to Hollings. “His work will clearly help accelerate our programs in cancer genomics and in our push to have the latest in genome-based technologies on campus for our research and clinical teams. He is highly regarded in the field and will have an immediate impact on our research programs across campus.”

Nigel Redden, president of the Spaulding Paolozzi Foundation, said the foundations’ board of directors is honored to have someone of his caliber serving as the Spaulding-Paolozzi chair. “Dr. Ethier brings with him very impressive credentials. His expertise and leadership exemplify the kind of excellence people have come to expect from MUSC.”

Applause Program The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile:

Medical Center

Jacqueline Smith, Women’s Services; Kristine Miles, 6W; Ashley Sevier, 6W; Michael Donovan, 2 CCV; Ruth Peterson, Family Medicine; Susan Tilley, Family Medicine; Brenda Campbell, Family Medicine; Barry Williams, Radiology; Katherine Shelton, 6E; Vicki Shelton, 6E; Joann Inchliffe, 6E; Terrie Hopkins, 6E; Carnice French, 6E; Joy Singleton, 6E; Sarah Mathes, Oncology & Medical/ Surgical Services; Phillip Botham, Physical Therapy; Farrah Rivera, 6E; Ashli Fender, 6W; Catina Williams,4E; Katherine Morgan, Surgery; Cindy Locklair, Human Resources; Melissa Youngblood, GI Clinic; Nathalee Nelson, PAS; Shirley Jones, Radiology; Reginald Harney, Pa-

tient Transport Services; Pamela Polite, MedSurg Registration; LaCrystal Bartelle, Business Operations; Doris Simmons, Children’s Services; Kate Miccichi, MedSurg Registration; Ruther Pinckney, MedSurg Registration; Irene Smith, Cardiology; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Wendy Williams, 10W; LaTosha Boyd, Meduflex; Courtney Nettles, 10W; John Carson, 10W; Christine Strange, Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery; Iris Hamilton, Dietetic Services; Doris Thomas, Medical Records; Adrian Gadsden, Medical Records; and Lori McCall, Medical Records.

University

Anne Hawes, Cardiology; Angela Stevens, Dental Clinical Affairs; Annette Stoney, Radiology; Ty Taylor, Endocrinology; and Debra Wood, Dental Clinical Affairs.

Annual photo exhibit accepting student, staff artwork The Annual MUSC Student, Staff and Faculty Art and Photo Exhibit is accepting artwork through March 16.

The items may also be sold during the event.

All 2-D forms of artwork and crafts are welcomed (paintings, photography, sketches, etc.). Drop off one or two pieces, prepared with adequate hardware and ready to be displayed, to the Office of Student Programs (9 a.m. to

5 p.m. Monday through Friday), at 45 Courtenay Drive, Suite 213) from March 1-16. Artwork will be displayed in the Harper Student Wellness Center from April 2-30.

The exhibit is sponsored by MUSC Student Governement Association, Office of Student Programs, and MUSC Cultural Projects Council.

For information, visit http://www. musc.edu/cpc or call 792-2693.

The CaTalysT, March 2, 2012 11

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