MUSC Catalyst

March 23, 2012

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 30, No. 30

FOrging FrOntiers

Inside First CHP Dean

2

Dr. Benjamin Lawson, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, remembered as a visionary.

JOining FOrCes

Dr. Lisa Saladin, dean of MUSC’s College of Health Professions, enjoys the view during a backpacking trip in Switzerland.

Saladin is being recognized as part of MUSC’s National Women’s History Month.

By Dawn Brazell Public Relations

L

isa Saladin, dean of the College of Health Professions, almost died last year.

She says it matter of fact, a tight smile playing at the corners of her mouth. As one of three female deans at MUSC, she hasn’t gotten to where she is by being afraid of risks.

Saladin, Ph.D., who is trained as a physical therapist, enjoys backpacking jaunts to decompress. It’ll be a long time before she’ll forget her latest trip. She was hauling her 50-pound backpack from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland on a hiking trip with her husband Michael Saladin, Ph.D., Health Sciences and Research.

About 1,500 feet up, they looked down on a glacier from their 8-inch wide ledge on the trail. Saladin faced a vertical wall with two ascending ladders. Hikers have to make a short jump from one to the other.

Despite the knowledge that a fall from this height would likely result in death, she reminded herself that she’d been told even grandmothers had made the climb.

“I looked at it and thought maybe Swiss ones.”

Saladin made the climb, did the jump and found herself dangerously dangling by a hand. “I misjudged the weight of my pack and how much it would cause me to sway in the opposite direction. I had my closest neardeath experience where I really thought this

was it. I was hanging with one arm, and I had to use every bit of strength I had to get my feet grounded and get my other arm on.”

Though she has had flashbacks about the moment, she doesn’t let it stop her. She just returned from South America where she explored Patagonia. “It’s about the challenge.

I want to prove that I can do something different every year.”

That mantra plays out in her career as well.

She became dean of the college in August 2011 after serving a year in an interim position, so she knew what to expect.

“It’s a challenge every day. It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m very much enjoying it. The environment is changing around us as

See Saladin on page 8

3

MUSC College of Medicine is committed to supporting American veterans.

5 Meet Tabitha 6 Match Day 11 Classifieds

t H e C ata ly s t Online http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst

2 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012

First College of Health Professions dean passes away

By JaCk Thomas, PT, eD.D. College of Health Professions Benjamin F. Lawson, DDS, professor emeritus of oral and maxillofacial surgery and founding dean emeritus of the College of Health Professions (CHP), passed away Feb. 15.

Lawson was born in rural Montgomery County, Ala., in 1931. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Auburn University in 1953, and then trained as a pilot in the United States Air Force, serving as a first lieutenant and squadron commander with the 406th Fighter-Bomber Wing in England. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Lawson attended Emory University in Atlanta and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1961. He then enrolled at Indiana University in Indianapolis, specializing in oral diagnosis and medicine. He was also given a certificate for training in periodontology by the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1968.

Before coming to MUSC, Lawson served on the faculties at Emory University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During these years, he reorganized the Department of Oral Diagnosis at Emory and assisted with undergraduate teaching at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He joined the faculty at MUSC July 1, 1968, as an associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, where he organized the Department of Oral Medicine and assumed both administrative and academic responsibilities for

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

Dr. Benjamin Lawson was the first dean of the College of Health Professions, previously the College of Allied Health Sciences. Lawson passed away Feb. 15. periodontology–a professional discipline of becoming the founding dean of that in most institutions at the time had the newly created College of Allied several faculty members serving under Health Sciences (presently the College the direction of a chairman. of Health Professions). He relished the Also under Lawson’s direction were prospects of having a chance to build all services and activities having to do an educational body from the ground with dental radiography, which again up and led the college in developing a was unusual, as most dental schools diverse number of health professions were structured in such a way as to have programs. During his time as CHP dean, radiography as a separate department.

Lawson also served as a consultant to the In a letter to Dr. James W. Colbert Jr. S.C. Commission on Higher Education. commending Lawson’s exemplary work In his capacity as a consultant, he was at MUSC, School of Dentistry Dean instrumental in laying the framework John E. Buhler noted that Lawson was throughout South Carolina for satellite carrying out the responsibilities of not educational programs for students in just one, but what were commonly three various disciplines of the health sciences. departments in typical dentistry schools.

When Lawson retired as dean, he had In 1970, Lawson was promoted to helped CHP achieve the distinction of full professor of oral and maxillofacial having the highest student enrollment surgery, a position and rank he held of any of the colleges at MUSC, and until his retirement in 1990. In 1972, programs such as physical therapy and however, he was given the opportunity occupational therapy were being noticed and recognized by national publications.

The Catalyst is published once a week.

The deans who came after him have Paid adver tisements, which do not capitalized on the base that he built, represent an endorsement by MUSC encouraging growth of the various or the State of South Carolina, are clinical and health care administrative handled by Island Publications Inc., programs, along with the completion Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., of the CHP complex on Rutledge Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.

Avenue in 2005 and the addition of the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions at the original CHP building at the corner of President and Bee streets.

Lawson was an avid walker and during his time at MUSC routinely walked to

and from work each day from his home in West Ashley. Lawson was also known for his fondness for animals, especially his dog and walking companion, Henry.

In his youth, he worked for the welfare of animals, and often repaired and treated broken bones of birds that were presented to him by others.

Lawson will be missed by all that knew him, and especially his wife, Joy Marsh Lawson and sons Benjamin, David, and Mark. Other relatives include a granddaughter, sisters and a stepson.

Two senior faculty members who worked with Lawson during his deanship had these perspectives to offer: “Dr. Lawson recruited me from the Medical College of Georgia in 1984 to chair the Department of Occupational Therapy as he was keen to build a strong faculty and program. He offered me opportunities for leadership within the college and across the university. His interest in rehabilitation was strong and he was always looking for ways to innovate. He supported the development of post–professional programs in our fields and was very interested in the prospects for career laddering. He was proud of faculty and student success and encouraged professional growth and development. Working with him as dean, I learned a great deal that has stood me in good stead these many years since. As founding dean, Dr. Lawson developed a college that has stood the test of time, grown with the times, and over time has always been responsive to the health needs of the citizens of South Carolina and beyond.”

—Maralynne D. Mitcham, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health Professions “His vision and leadership guided the growth and development of the College of Health Professions, laying the groundwork for the success it now enjoys. He gave me my first leadership opportunity at MUSC and guided my early career with wisdom, high expectations, and a warm heart. He was larger than life in many ways and made an enormous contribution to MUSC.” —Valerie T. West, Ed.D., professor emeritus and former associate provost for education and student life

The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012 3

MUSC committed to veterans who have served

MUSC College of Medicine has committed to enhance its mission to support Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative to support America’s veterans when they return home from duty.

In addition to the MUSC College of Medicine, 129 medical schools answered the call of first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, Ed.D., to unite with other institutions, employers, and government agencies and create partnerships to meet the health needs of America’s veterans.

The stress of war, multiple deployments, and frequent moves can affect the wellness of military families.

Military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may carry visible and invisible wounds such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children and spouses can experience anxiety, changes in relationships with family and friends, isolation or emotional challenges in dealing with relocation, deployments, illness or injury. These issues are known well by the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Ralph A. Johnson Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center, two entities that have collaborated on military personnel studies and treatments.

“It was quite inspiring to meet with the First Lady and representatives of the other groups that have joined this effort,” said Etta Pisano, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and College of Medicine dean. “We

Dr. Etta Pisano, at first lady Michelle Obama’s left, commits MUSC’s support to America’s veterans. and TBI to better care for those conditions; had the opportunity to hear first-hand from several q Share information and best practices through a veterans about the challenges they face when returning collaborative web forum; home from duty. MUSC is already a leader in PTSD q Continue to work with the VA and the Department and TBI research and treatment, and we are committed of Defense to provide the best care available. to working with the VA to advance evidence-based According to Mark Lyles, M.D., MUSC chief strategic treatment in these and other areas that affect our officer, MUSC already has studies and programs in veterans.” place for veterans through the Department of Psychiatry In 2012, MUSC has pledged to: and the VA. q Train medical students, faculty and staff to better diagnose and treat veterans and military families; For information about this national initiative, visit q Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD http://www.JoiningForces.gov.

Buy or Sell with the agents

who are doing business in today’s market

6 closed sales and

11 under contract Call today to list your home!

Visual Tour of the Week.

Randall Sandin at 209-9667to learn more

IP02-720532

Call Matt Poole at 830-0027 or

CM07-713098a

HAFA Short Sale Certified REALTORS Call us to see if you qualify for this Short Sale Program

4 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012

Currents MarCh 20 People – Fostering employee pride and loyalty

Wins The Transplant Center and Lifepoint-South Carolina achieved a 92 percent donation rate for 2012 among medically-suitable patients with tissue and organ donation. Thanks also go to the nursing staff who provide support to patients and families who make the choice to participate in organ recovery services.

HR update Helena Bastian, MUHA HR director, and Kim Duncan, HRIS manager, provided the following information: Employee Commitment Survey update q Survey dates: April 16 to April 27 q Mapping update will be completed by March 23 q Manager Overview Meeting: March 27 following the Special Communications Meeting q Ambassador Program—Each area will have an employee designated to assist and answer questions during the survey period.

Registered nurses are reminded to renew their licenses by April 30

CATTS q The due date for CATTS mandatory lessons will now correspond with the universal review period of July 1 to June 30. q Mandatory lessons are due by June 30

SuccessFactors update q 360 Staff Peer Reviews should be completed by April (do clean up from prior years first) q HR is available to speak at staff meetings about peer reviews or annual review process (for March or April) q Self review: May 1 to May 31 q Annual Reviews are due Aug. 31 q Planning forms are due Sept. 30 q Use Transitional Planning Form for employees who transfer from April to June q New hires on or after April 1 will not receive a review for this fiscal year

q Use “Send Back Employee Self Review” button q Annual review presentation is located on the MUHA intranet under SuccessFactors, Annual Performance Review, Employees 2011 q Jeopardy Game is located on the MUHA intranet under SuccessFactors, Jeopardy Annual Review q Online tutorial is available on the MUHA intranet under Annual Performance Review-Tutorial Employees q User guide is located on the MUHA intranet under SuccessFactors, Complete Self Review For information about SuccessFactors, contact Michelle Foreman, 792-6192, foreman@musc.edu; Kim Duncan, 792-1962, duncanki@musc.edu; Latonia Allen, 792-2805, allenla@musc.edu March for Babies The 2012 MUSC and March of Dimes March for Babies will take place at 9 a.m., April 28 at Cannon Park.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. MUSC employees are encouraged to walk and join the MUSC team. Visit http://www. marchforbabies.org/team/teammusc.

Contact Debbie Browning at brownind@ musc.edu or Sarah deBarros at debarros@musc.edu.

Quality – Providing quality patient care in a safe environment

Cassandra Salgado, M.D., medical center epidemiologist, and Linda Formby, Infection Prevention and Control manager, recognized excellence in 2011 for reduced infection rates with the medical center’s annual infection prevention awards.

Units were evaluated for reductions in four measures: central line associated blood stream infection rates (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonizations. A total of 37 CLABSI, 19 VAP and 88

To Medical Center Employees Plans are being made to conduct our annual employee commitment survey soon. We anticipate the survey will be conducted during April 16 – 27. Your participation and input is extremely important to help in making MUSC a great place to work. The College of Medicine and MUSC Physicians are also planning to conduct their employee commitment survey in the months ahead and will be announcing details later.

Recently we selected a new vendor, Morehead, for the survey system, analysis and coaching. The Morehead product provides a more relevant database for benchmarking, including a significant Smith number of academic medical centers and regional hospitals.

Morehead’s clients include over 70 Magnet-designated facilities and 45 percent of the U. S. News & World Report’s “Honor Roll Hospitals.”

Morehead prefers the term “employee commitment” which is often used synonymously with “employee engagement.” The survey will focus on three broad domains including organization, manager, and employee with a number of “themes” within each domain.

One of the strengths of the Morehead product is the action planning system, which will enhance our ability to prepare action plans, track and report progress. The survey will include some patient safety questions which will complement, but not replace, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety survey. The action planning system should help considerably with combining employee commitment and patient safety action plans.

Managers will be asked to designate “ambassadors” who will serve to educate others in their respective areas concerning the survey and promote participation. As in the past, the survey will be conducted through the use of Web technology. Work unit or departmental representatives will be provided training to access the results and reports for their areas.

I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the survey. Last year 72 percent of staff participated in the survey. We’re hoping for at least 80 percent this year. Individual responses will be anonymous. Organizationwide survey results will be widely communicated and used to develop action plans for continued improvement. Additional details will be issued soon.

W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center colonizations with MRSA or VRE were prevented, resulting in a cost savings of $1.4 million to $2.2 million and more importantly, 13 patient lives. Award recipients included: q Adult ICUs — 4STN, 6West, MICU and 9NSI; Adult General – 10West, 2JRU, 7West, TCU, 6East, 5East, 5West, 9East, 9West, A5W, A3WX, A6WX, A6EX, and A4EX. Additionally, CTICU achieved two years without CLABSI. q Pediatrics – 4PCU, NICU, PICU, 7E, 7A, 7B and 8D q Therapeutic Services– Venous Access Committee, VAIN team, 5&5 Teams for CLABSI and VAP reduction and VAP Improve team q Surgical Services (Surgical Site Infections) – CABG (chest), CABG (chest and leg), knees replacements,

spinal fusions and laminectomies.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology recognized Beth Rhoton, R.N., as one of 12 individuals honored as a 2012 International Hero of Infection Prevention. The award recognizes an individual who has reduced infection rates, raised awareness and improved the health of patients, coworkers and the public.

Announcements q There will be a special MUHA Communications meeting from 1 – 2 p.m., March 27. The main topic discussed will be the strategic plan. q MUSC Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 12, MUSC horseshoe.

The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012 5

Meet tabitha There’s a lot of talk these days about Montessori-style education.

We offer the only internationally-accredited Montessori program in South Carolina.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LAST PENTHOUSE LOFTS AT BEE STREET! Beautiful views of the Ashley River from soaring 20 foot ceilings! Now is the time to buy real estate in Charleston.

PAYMENT STARTING AS LOW AS $1,295 PER MONTH. 100% FINANCING FOR RESIDENTS, PHYSICIANS 90% FINANCING, NO PMI. You can’t afford to NOT take advantage of this great buying opportunity! Buy a Loft at Bee Street Today, You will thank me tomorrow.

Tabitha Polite

When you buy or sell a home, I donate a portion of the sale to the charity of your choice in your name.www.myheavenlyreward.com can be yours too!

How long at MUSC 3 years How are you changing what’s possible at MUSC I’m a cashier in the cafeteria. I’m doing my best by giving them a smile or brief conversation to let them know that there are people who care.

CM07-687942

Department Dietetic Services

Josephine Traina, Broker Associate c 843.793.4023 • Josephine@CarolinaOne.com WWW.BEESTREETLOFTS.COM www.charlestonwelcomehome.com www.myheavenlyreward.com 49 Broad Street • Charleston, SC 29401

CM02-706244

Children Ja’Mari Alson. Everything I do is to prepare for his future and mine.

Unique talent Acting First thing you notice about a person Their smile

Best thing about working at MUSC I love my customers. I love seeing them on a day-to-day basis and hearing about their lives. Everyone at MUSC is important.

They are the reason why this place is growing and helping people all around the world.

CM07-713104 1

CM02-724378

Words of advice Life is what you make it. These words of advice were pounded in my head by my father, Clayton Polite.

6 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012

MatCH Day 2012

photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging

With emotions running high,College of Medicine students learned the next step of their journey March 16 during the March Madness-themed celebration of Match Day held at Charleston Music Hall. Top right photo: Drs. Etta Pisano, center, Christopher Pelic and Deborah Deas officiate the selection.

G I H H G C AFE N I S IR OWN for less than RENT!

BR

EAK

FA ST

|

LUNCH

LI V FR E E D E

|

ER

Approximately $1,000 month-including mortgage, insurance, taxes and HOA dues**

Y

Prices are fully-loaded townhomes from the mid $150’s CLOSE proximity to MUSC. Granite countertops, hardwood floors, crown moulding, 42" cabinets. 2-car, drive-under garages. Private baths with every bedroom.

Free washer and dryer to MUSC buyers with ad*

The purest, richest coffee combined with the freshest salads, sandwiches and sweets

LOW HOA Dues ($54/month) and no-maintenance

Monday - Friday: 7 am – 4 pm 480 E. Bay St.

|

Charleston, SC

|

|

Saturday: 8 am – 2 pm

843-958-8596

|

risinghighcafe.com CM02-723411

843.793.4223 www.AshleyParkTownhomes.com *With advertised price. ** Rates are Subject to change without notice. Based on an FHA loan with a 4% interest rate and 3.5% down. Programs available for down-payment assistance. See mortgage counselor for more details.

CM02-722761

(or your next visit is FREE!)

The Catalyst, March 23, 2012 7

Social workers recognized for empathy, compassion By hollen DoDDs Public Relations

takes time to develop the skills and proficiency necessary for this field of work.

March is National Social Work Month, a time to celebrate the more than 600,000 social workers throughout the nation.

Social workers at MUSC include Mary Catherine Dubois, Kelly Finke, Polly McCann, Crysta Schaff, Patricia Roberts, Sarah Bishop, Neomi Brown, Kesha Graham, Eanna Aaron, Sherrell Nelson, Rena Bligen, Joyce Rivers-Miller, Peggy Willis, Tiombe Plair, Elena Bell, Cinnamon Kera, Mary Elizabeth Gunter, Mela Khedouri, Erin Courtney and Jessica Metz.

Social workers help people in all stages of life, from children to the elderly, and provide assistance to families dealing with multiple issues. Social workers are in schools, courtrooms, drug clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes and other areas.

Of the many social workers on MUSC’s campus, The Catalyst has highlighted some thoughts of health care social workers in their profession.

q Kelly Finke — Inpatient Maternity What is your hope for social work in the future?

My hope is that we can continue to provide people with the tools to access community resources for assistance.

q Elena Bell — Hollings Cancer Center What is something people probably don’t know about social workers?

We each go through extensive training programs based on the age group and type of people we work with. It

q Mary Catherine Dubois — Ashley River Tower Digestive Disease Center What do you think people would be surprised to know about your job?

How often I am thanked for my efforts as a social worker. Many people think that our job goes unnoticed, but I feel so appreciated. q Rena Bligen — Continuative Care Why do you feel people need social work the most after being discharged?

Sometimes people’s lives are more difficult at home. Many people don’t know where they will be going after discharge. It is my job to follow up with them after they have been discharged and I want to make sure they are being taken care of properly.

CM07-721683

q Patricia Roberts — Rutledge Tower Adults Clinic (geriatrics) What are some new projects going on in social work at MUSC? The university internal medicine is doing a weekly multidisciplinary meeting to examine more effective ways of serving our patients. I am excited to be a part of a team that is in keeping with MUSC Excellence.

q Kesha Graham — University Hospital Adult Intensive Care Unit What is the most difficult part about working in trauma?

You can’t prepare for a trauma. I am the first person making the call to a patient’s family informing them of a terrible situation, and that’s never easy to do.

8 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012

salaDin

Continued from Page One

because we were the right person, in the right time at the right place.”

far as funding goes.”

The dean selection committee praised her especially for her collaborative approach to decision making. When asked what she wants most for the college, she’s quick to answer that it is the goals that have been collectively set up and fall into seven different areas ranging from research to faculty and staff recruitment and mentoring.

Being trained in a team concept kind of care, she has seen how that approach in management can get the best results.

She encourages people to challenge her on a regular basis. That’s how the best ideas get born, she said.

Coming Full CirCle

Blazing Trails

An area that needs to be strengthened in the college is mentorship, which now occurs as a kind of hit-or-miss practice that she would like more structured.

Some people complain that mentorship just enhances skills for personnel to then leave. She disagrees. “I would rather grow and develop a faculty member who leaves than ignore someone here who stays and is miserable. My advice across the board is to look for people who strive to do things well and promote them in every way possible.”

One of her proudest accomplishments, other than her numerous teaching awards, is becoming dean. Five years ago it wasn’t even a goal, but Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., became dean of the college in 2007, and she was given opportunities to have more input and influence in the college.

“I hadn’t thought of it as an opportunity until Mark came. I guess he saw something in me. I do have a head for budgets and figures and looking at big pictures and analyzing data. He mentored me and offered some opportunities to test the water in administration in higher levels than I had been allowed before.”

Saladin said it was an incredibly rewarding experience, one she tries to pay forward. She feels that women especially need mentorship.

“Competition among females is so intense and so hurtful that we often don’t build each other up and help each other move through. Most of my ability

Dr. Saladin in her office to move forward has been from male administrators.”

Her advice to managers is to build everyone up and look for potential leaders.

“Look to help women because I think we are disadvantaged. We as women have been part of the system that disadvantages other women to move through the system. So can we remove some of that competition? Can we remove some of the harsh criticism that seems to be leveled at females who try to move into leadership positions? It’s can we level the playing field because I don’t think we have a level playing field now.”

Having more diversity, whether gender or ethnicity, makes for a better administration. She likes that three of the six MUSC’s college deans are female and feels it will have a good impact on campus.

“We all have different styles, and I like that. It’s demonstrating that females can be good leaders and accepted leaders with very different styles. People need to be open to exploring that sometimes one leadership style might be good in a setting, in one college, in one time frame. I don’t think we were put in these positions because we are all females. I think we were put in these positions

Raised to enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors, Saladin relishes her Canadian and Lithuanian roots.

Both of her parents were born in Lithuania. Her mother’s family left their belongings and escaped during World War II with just an ox cart. Many of her relatives still live there in very poor conditions. “In some ways, I feel very blessed. If not for an ox cart, I could be living in Lithuania and not had the advantages that I have had. At the same time, I have gained a lot from that background and perspective seeing how they live and what they appreciate.”

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, Saladin remembers her grandmother coming to enjoy summers with her. They’d pick mushrooms or go fishing. It’s where she realized her love of the outdoors.

She also loved science and art and thought she wanted to go into architecture, but when she enrolled she found out that it wasn’t what she expected. An accidental visit to a career fair with a friend led to her fascination with physical therapy. She liked how it seemed to combine art and science and working with people.

She received her bachelor’s degree in medical rehabilitation physical therapy and a Master of Science degree in anatomy from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Her Doctor of Philosophy degree in physical therapy was earned from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Following her husband to MUSC in 1990, Saladin began moving up within the ranks of the College of Health Professions. When she became dean last year, she was asked whether she wanted to keep teaching or not. Loving the challenge of motivating her 120 students to learn the intricacies of neurotherapy, Saladin chose to keep teaching.

“Not all deans choose to do it, but I’m going to keep doing it because I love to do it and it keeps me connected with students and faculty. It’s a way to stay connected. I love the nurturing part — watching someone grow and seeing the

lights come on when you teach a very difficult topic. I teach neuroscience. It’s not the easiest topic. I like to find all kinds of creative ways to teach it and reach students with different learning styles.”

Saladin has been awarded three University Teaching Excellence awards, been designated a Master Teacher by the MUSC board of trustees and is the recipient of the national Dorothy E. Baethke-Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching.

She likes to see students get as excited as she is about the whole concept of neuroplasticity and how therapy can change someone’s brain.

“I love to hear someone saying that they want to be a neurotherapist after having had the class. Motivating them, exciting them, challenging them and watching them grow are the components I love about teaching.”

She also tries to impart to students that they will have to take risks to win battles personally and professionally.

She recalls being involved in a legislative battle that was important to her professionally, but that pitted different health care providers against each other. It would have been safer to not take a vocal stand. “I learned ‘stick to your guns.’ I basically told the dean at the time that I’m not stopping. This is incredibly important to our profession.

There are risks. When you take a stand, you take risks. You have to assume the risks that go with it.”

What keeps her going are the rewards.

She loves being in a profession that allows people to have less pain, more function and a better quality of life. She starts off each course she teaches with a real story about a patient.

“It’s a patient who against all odds and maybe against all the knowledge at the time not only survived but to watch them for the first time take that first step and to feel what they feel for you and their appreciation for what you did to change their life,” she said. “When you talk about our theme changing what’s possible, that’s what we do, particularly as a neurotherapist. You take people who are paralyzed, comatose and some of them walk out the door. To watch that in progress – to be part of that – to me that is what makes me tick.”

The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012 9

Nurses celebrate accomplishments, high standards By lisa langDale, R.N., Carla PasCoe, r.n.

Magnet Structural Empowerment Committee

More than 280 nurses were recognized for their accomplishments at the National Certified Nurses’ Day event March 19.

Nurses have attained certifications in the following areas: nurse practitioner, ambulatory care, case management, oncology, critical care, trauma, emergency, wound care, nurse executive, lactation, operating room, neonatal, gastroenterology, diabetes education, professional development, transplant coordinator and neuroscience.

The MUSC medical center has embarked on a journey to achieve the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet designation. As the nurses strive for excellence, a goal has been established to increase the number of certified registered nurses by 5 percent each year for the next two years.

To support this goal, the medical center is providing a certification incentive with monetary assistance for the initial and recertification expenses of any staff member seeking certification. The incentive covers review courses and examination fees. The recertification process requires continuing education hours and, in some instances, adequate practice hours.

The hospital also provides free or discounted hours

In honor of National Certified Nurses Day, MUSC celebrated the event with cupcakes and credentialing information March 19. through the Lowcountry Area Health Education Center Consortium membership.

Elizabeth Grannell, R.N., has held a national certification in neuroscience nursing since 2008.

“I feel proud to have a formal recognition of my knowledge in my specialty. Certification to me means that the time, energy and passion that I put into my career as a neuroscience nurse is not only recognized by my patients and peers, it is also recognized on a national level as well,” she said.

Statistics from ANCC show that hospitals with Magnet designation and an increased percentage of certified nursing staff experience fewer hospitalacquired infections, such as central line associated blood stream infections or ventilator associated pneumonia, and have fewer falls with harm or hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. These hospitals also have higher patient and staff nurse satisfaction and engagement scores.

Sylvia Holmes, R.N., believes a certified nurse with specialized knowledge and understanding exhibits a confidence that translates into a more effective environment with better patient care outcomes.

“A CNRN [certified neuroscience registered nurse] certification will give me a higher level of job satisfaction and greater success in the field of neuroscience nursing. Although this will broaden my understanding of neuro nursing, the certification will also improve my skills and enable me to give quality care to my patients, thereby placing all my patient care first for the neurological impaired patient," she said.

eMployee Wellness

q Wellness Wednesday: March is National Nutrition Month and the focus is to “Get Your Plate in Shape.” Join MUSC dietetic interns from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 28, in the Children’s Hospital lobby to take the pledge to make vegetables the star of your plate.

There will be music, food, and games along with a photo opportunity.

q MUSC Garden Project: Lunchtime Work & Learn — Edible Roots. Learn through working with the soil and seeds while sowing edible roots

in the MUSC Urban Farm on from noon to 1 p.m. March 28. Email muscempwell@musc.edu to register. q MUSC Garden Project: Afternoon Work & Learn — Edible Flowers. Learn through working with soil and seeds while planting edible flowers in the MUSC Urban Farm from 4:30 to 6 p.m., March 28. Open to all MUSC employees, students and their families, email musc-empwell@musc.edu for more information. q Worksite Screening: April 3 in Room 102, Colbert Education Center & Library. This screening, valued at $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. Visit http://www. musc.edu/medcenter/health1st and click “Worksite Screening.”

CM07-713310 1

q “Pitch The Pack” Smoking Cessation Clinics: Free, weekly cessation clinics for MUSC employees, students and family members. The next clinic will be held at 5:30 p.m., March 26. Visit http:// mcintranet.musc.edu/health1st and click on “Smoking Cessation Enrollment Form” to register or email muscempwell@musc.edu.

10 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012

5 YEAR WARRANTY 5 YEAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 5 YEAR WEAR & TEAR

2012 VOLVO S60 ORMSRP0.9% * $32,175 $299 /MO LEASE 2012 VOLVO XC60 ORMSRP2.9% * $34,175 $399 /MO LEASE 2012 VOLVO S80 ORMSRP0.9% * $41,270 $469 /MO LEASE 2012 VOLVO C70 ORMSRP0.9% * $41,325 $469 /MO LEASE 1518 Savannah Hwy • 843-571-2727

For Complete Inventory www.VolvoOfCharleston.com Sales Hours Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm. Closed Sunday.

Tax, tags, and fees included. **Safe & Secure Coverage plan excludes tires. * 36 MONTHS - $3,000 TOTAL OUT OF POCKET- 10,000 MILES A YEAR. No Security deposit required. Offers expire 3/31/2012

Visit Our Site For Other Makes and Models:

WWW.VOLVOOFCHARLESTON.COM

C01-715118 1

The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012 11

CLASSIFIED P AGE • Household Personal Items for MUSC employees are free.

All other classifieds are charged at rate below. Ads considered venture-making ads (puppy breeder, coffee business, home for sale, etc.) will be charged as PAID ADS •• PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED * NO MORE THAN 3 LINES * FREE ADS RUN 2 WEEKS ONLY!

PAID ADS are $3 per line ( 1 line = 35 characters) DEADLINE: TUESDAY – 10:00 AM * CLASSIFIED ADS CAN BE E-MAILED TO sales@moultrienews.com, OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call 849-1778 with questions. *Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students.

IP01-681634

Rental Properties James Is 2BR mobile home, W/D, $675/mo. 843-795-8458

Mt. Pleasant Exec. home in Enclave section of Long Point.

4 BR/2.5BA, granite, spa tub, upgraded appliances plus many extras. Tennis couts, comm. pool. $1895/mo + prorated HOA fee. One month security dep. req. No pets, no smoking. 843-556-5652

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CATALYST CALL 849-1778

Training For A New Career

The Academy Of Health Sciences

Where Knowledge is Success

CERTIFICATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER

CM07-724742

AHS provides P.A.C.E. approved modules for CEUs to Healthcare Professionals.

Customized, on or off site training includes: Phlebotomy Basic or Refresher for Nurses • Certified Nurse Aide • EKG • Patient Care Technician• Point of Care Testing Receive P.A.C.E. Certificate after completion of modules.

D AY A N D N I G H T C L A S S E S

843-767-2467 • www.academyofhealthsciences.biz

Visit www.EdHunnicutt.com

843-270-0292

IP02-710953 1

CM07-713318

C07-718752

12 The CaTalysT, March 23, 2012