MUSC Catalyst 4-1-2016

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Communications Survey Results

April 1, 2016

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

College of Nursing’s Dr. Catherine Durham, MSN-DNP program director, right, says MUSC graduates more doctors of nursing practice than any other program in South Carolina. photo by Josh Goodwin

MUSC graduate programs rank in top 30 Staff Report MUSC has five degree programs ranked in the “top 30” spots in the U.S. News Media Group's 2017 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, published online.

One of the five programs ranked, the MUSC Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate program, landed a 14th spot finish among 149 programs evaluated for this ranking.

Gail Stuart, Ph.D., RN, MUSC College of Nursing dean, said the DNP program has once again distinguished itself nationally for its quality, faculty engagement and innovation. “This accomplishment is a testament to the remarkable hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students.

“This recognition underscores MUSC’s commitment to increasing the number of nurses holding advanced degrees and providing an innovative learning experience for our nursing students,” Stuart said. “We also continue to demonstrate our expertise with a consistent showing in one of the top two spots in the U.S. News and World Report annual rankings for online nursing programs.”

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A tribute to Dr. iDA spruill Beloved nursing researcher remembered.

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The director of the MSN–DNP program, Catherine Durham, who has a doctorate in nursing practice, said the program graduates more DNPs than any other program in the state. “We’ll have over 40 DNP graduates this May, many of whom will continue to work in the rural communities of South Carolina where they live, meeting our mission to fuel the pipeline of advanced care providers and taking nursing higher.”

The MUSC College of Health Professions received four rankings in the top 30 spots. Lisa Saladin, Ph.D., PT, CHP dean, has predicted in years past that the health care disciplines represented in her college will be assuming an even more significant role in the provision of health care.

She remains committed to maintaining the high quality that people have come to expect from CHP’s programs.

“We have seen significant gains in our national reputation over the past few years, and these national rankings are directly related to the outstanding faculty,

See Rankings on page 11

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Vol. 34, No. 29

MUSC named a leader in LGBT health equality

Staff Report

MUSC Health has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization.

The findings were part of theHRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, an annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

MUSC Health earned top marks in meeting non–discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in receiving the quality health care and respect they deserve. In addition, MUSC is making progress on inclusivity and awareness of the LGBT community via a “Safe Zone” organization on campus.

“We are honored to receive this recognition of our efforts to build a diverse and inclusive organization that understands the unique needs of the many communities we serve,” said Anton Gunn, MUSC Health chief diversity officer and executive director of community health innovation. “This is an important first step in our journey to advance equity and inclusion throughout our health system. We are committed to creating a culturally competent clinical environment, training and educating inclusive

See Equalityon page 11

Women’s History montH

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Nursing alumna

Researcher honored for contributions to innovative learning.

5

Meet Korri

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Celebrating Doctors’ Day

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2 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

Pharmacy educator honored with national leadership award Staff Report Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society recently presented MUSC faculty member John Bosso, PharmD, with the 2016 Phi Lambda Sigma Procter & Gamble National Leadership Award in recognition of a long and distinguished career.

Bosso, a professor of clinical pharmacy and outcomes sciences at MUSC since 1992, is a well–known expert in infectious disease and has provided leadership in pharmacy research and education nationally and internationally, as well as to MUSC and South Carolina.

“John Bosso has been one of the pillars of pharmacy education at MUSC for nearly 25 years,” said Philip D. Hall, PharmD, dean of the MUSC campus of the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. “He’s been a critical resource as a scientist, teacher and administrator and an important contributor to our reputation in the pharmacy community.”

Bosso recieved the award at the PLS Awards Ceremony in Baltimore on March 5, during the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting.

The Phi Lambda Sigma–Procter & Gamble National Leadership Award is given to one individual a year who has exemplified leadership qualities in support of the pharmacy profession.

MUSC pharmacy faculty Jean Nappi, PharmD, and Wayne Weart, PharmD, have also won the prestigious award.

After earning his bachelor’s and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the

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

843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu

Dr. John A. Bosso, professor of clinical pharmacy in the South Carolina College of Pharmacy, was recently presented wtih the 2016 Phi Lambda Sigma–Proctor & Gamble National Leadership Award. photo provided

State University of New York at Buffalo, Bosso spent 16 years as a clinical pharmacy (pediatrics) faculty member at the University of Utah where he became a full professor. In 1989, he assumed a vice chair of pharmacy practice position as professor of pharmacy at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy and Baylor College of Medicine. He came to MUSC in 1992.

At MUSC, he served as head of the Division of Clinical Pharmacy Sciences in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and then chairman of the Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Sciences from 2003 to 2007. When

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the SCCP was formed between the colleges of pharmacy at MUSC and the University of South Carolina, Bosso was appointed chairman of the SCCP Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences department, which included campuses at MUSC, USC and Greenville Health System, serving from 2007 to 2013.

Bosso’s work has created an international reputation, particularly in his research on infectious diseases in both pediatric and adult patients as well as the nature of the relationship between antibiotic use and resistance development. National pharmacy

associations have turned to him often as a leader for the profession and lauded him for his service.

For the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), he has served on many committees and was chair of the Council of Faculties, the Section of Teachers of Pharmacy Practice and the Faculty Practice Model Task Force. He is a past president of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), chairman of the ACCP Infectious Diseases Practice & Research Network, Research Institute Board of Trustees and a member of the ACCP Blue Ribbon Task Force on Pharmacometrics. Bosso was a founding member and served as president of Making a Difference in Infectious Diseases and served as president of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists. In addition to serving on numerous editorial boards, he was editor of The Journal of Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy from 1993 to 1999.

His national recognitions include such honors as Distinguished Practitioner, National Academies of Practice, fellow, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Merck Pharmacist Achievement Award, Fellow, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and he has regularly been honored throughout his career with university and college awards for his teaching, practice and scholarship.

Author of more than 130 articles in refereed journals, as well as textbook contributor, Bosso has often been sought after as a speaker at national and international conferences.

The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016 3

Nursing alumna steps into top health care policy role

By J. Ryne Danielson daniejer@musc.edu

R

afat Jan, Ph.D., RN, who graduated from MUSC’s College of Nursing in 1994, was selected to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award for her work in reforming health care policy in the country of Pakistan. She returned to MUSC this March to accept the award in person. It was her first time back to MUSC in more than two decades, and a lot has changed, she said, both for her and the university.

Jan is from Pakistan and now serves as president of the Pakistan Nursing Council, the organization responsible for licensing nurses, setting national standards of practice and establishing curriculum guidelines for that country.

Because of the organization’s important role in shaping health care policy, a physician has traditionally been picked to head the nursing council. Jan is the first nurse to attain this high honor.

While studying nursing at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan,

Jan decided to go abroad to pursue a master’s degree, which was not offered in her country at the time. “America provides nursing education at a higher level,” she said. “I idolized American nurses when they visited, and so I had to go get my degree in America.”

Jan said two graduates from her university studied at MUSC before her, and talking to them helped her make her decision. “They said the weather was just like that of Karachi, the people were very hospitable, and the teachers were friendly. They were absolutely right.

When I first came, one of the faculty members came herself to pick me up from the airport and made sure I never felt lost. I think this was truly what they call ‘Southern hospitality.’”

After graduating from MUSC, Jan returned to Pakistan to work as a staff nurse and teach. Soon, she found herself working with the government to design and refine curricula for nursing programs at the federal level. Today, as president of the PNC, she is able to make even bigger changes to how nursing is taught and

musC reCeives pr neWs AWArD MUSC EEO coordinator Michael Vanderhurst recieves the 2016 PR News Diversity Award for MUSC at the March 15 awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. MUSC was recognized nationally among 19 organizations and 11 individuals for their diversity efforts and communicating diversity achievements. photo provided

photo provided

President of the Pakistan Nursing Council Dr. Rafat Jan, right, with College of Nursing Dean Dr. Gail Stuart. Jan, a graduate of MUSC, accepted a Distinguished Alumni Award for her work in reforming nursing in her home country of Pakistan March 11. practiced in Pakistan.

“In Pakistan, nursing has been a very stigmatized profession,” she said. “When I first started, its image was very low.”

That has been changing, but career stagnation is still a major challenge. “There are not many career opportunities available for nurses,” she explained. “Health care in Pakistan is highly medical doctor oriented. Doctors are administrators and policy makers; they serve as directors, as deans of nursing schools. Although we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go.”

Unlike in the Unites States, where nursing is a female–dominated profession, Jan said many men are becoming nurses in Pakistan. This is both a blessing and a curse, she explained. Because of traditional gender dynamics, many male nurses avoid clinical work because it is seen as not being particularly masculine. Women, however, who traditionally work in the home and care for the sick in Pakistani culture do not have the requisite science education to go into the profession.

“We are losing many women,” she said. “As a country, we need to look into that.”

Jan believes health care is progressing rapidly, in Pakistan and throughout the world. But, she added, Pakistani nurses

must be ready to respond to changes within health care or the profession.

“In many ways, Pakistani nurses are still struggling with the same problems they faced 25 years ago,” Jan said. “There are a lot of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available, but nurses must have the education and training to make use of them.”

One promising technology is telemedicine. “It is a very powerful tool,” she said. Not only does the field of telecommunications hold the power to revolutionize the way patients are treated in very rural areas, Jan hopes it can expand educational options as well.

College of Nursing Dean Gail Stuart, Ph.D., RN, said she is thrilled with Jan’s work. “This is the first time the College of Nursing has awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize one of our graduates who has excelled in moving the profession forward,” she said. “Dr. Rafat Jan exemplifies all that we strive to instill in our graduates in her professionalism, scholarship and stellar leadership. It is even more exciting in that she has taken these traits outside of our borders to set policy and standards in Pakistan. She has truly made us proud."

Jan said she is honored by the award.

“I was very surprised,” she said. “I’m very glad they remember me, and I’m very happy to come back to Charleston.”

4 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

Community nursing educator remembered by colleagues

By Mikie hayes hayesmi@musc.edu

I

da Latisha Johnson Spruill, Ph.D., RN, associate professor emerita in the MUSC College of Nursing, passed away on the morning of March 16.

Dr. Spruill was a shining example of kindness, compassion and determination, and she lived her life in service to others, believing at her core that all people deserved respect, justice and access to quality health care.

People often asked her what fueled that passion, her steadfast commitment to her research, and especially the deep and abiding love she had for the people involved in her research. Her answer was: “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same,” a quote by spiritual author Marianne Williamson, Dr. Spruill’s favorite.

Her career was on a steep trajectory, but in many ways the accolades were less important to her than the measure of her work. However, on Dec. 23, 2013, when President Barack Obama presented her with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, she was understandably excited. The PECASE awards are the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early Colleagues and friends share their sadness over the loss of Dr. Spruill and the impact she had in their lives.

Ida was a truly caring person. She never lost sight of the humanity of the participants in her research projects. She remained committed to disseminating her research results, using easy–to–understand language, to research participants to inform them of the data generated by their study participation. Ida was fully engaged in life. She was a joyous person with an infectious laugh. She was filled with a light that drew others to her and warmed their souls. One of my favorite memories of Ida is from last July, when we spent a day together at an Edisto Island beach. I will treasure the time we spent that day

stages of their independent research careers.

Rather than talking about her award, she spoke of how meaningful her work was to her and how blessed she was to work with such special people. “I’m humbled to be recognized by such esteemed experts for this honor and thankful to be able to work with Sea Islanders, a population I truly respect and love,” she said in an interview. “To be honored for doing something I love, with people who put their trust in me, is an emotionally–charged experience. I am elated to bring positive recognition to MUSC, especially the College of Nursing, and to South Carolina.”

A native of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, she had a long history of interacting with Sea Island populations in the state. Prior to her most recent research efforts, she had been the nurse manager for Project SuGar – Sea Island Genetic African–American Registry – a community-based genetic research study aimed at identifying the genes responsible causing for Type 2 diabetes and obesity among Sea Islanders.

Over the years, in tribute to her pioneering work, she received many awards, including the MUSC Developing Scholar Award, S.C. Nursing Palmetto Gold Award, Trailblazer Award from the National Black Nurses Association, with our feet in the water, talking about our families, our hopes, and our dreams, with the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. Ida inspired me to become a better person: a better researcher, a better teacher, a better friend, a better sister, a better aunt, a better godmother, a better church member, just better.

Marvella Ford, Ph.D. Hollings Cancer Center I remember on the very first day of my Ph.D. summer intensive on campus being scared and nervous. Dr. Spruill was the first person with whom I interacted. She was warm, welcoming and extremely genuine. As I progressed through the program, she took time to send me emails, checking in on me.

When we saw each other over the next several years, she always took the time

photo provided

Dr. Ida Spruill held the David and Margaret Clare endowed chair and was a professor in the College of Nursing.

James Clyburn Health Disparities Leadership Award and Sister Summit Legacy Award.

Dr. Spruill was driven by the good in the people she served and was highly regarded for her work in the health literacy of vulnerable populations, most

especially the elderly, uninsured, undereducated and minorities.

She was a highly–sought–after presenter, moderator and panel participant and published frequently.

to chat. I admired her knowledge and scholarship. Although she was not on my committee, she always sought me out to getand an update on my Her publishing, Dr.research.

Spruill taught ongoing encouragement and passion for undergraduate and doctoral nursing science was contagious.

I know that I amto students and was a respected mentor a better nurse scientist because of her many. She also served on the MUSC involvement in my education.

Dru Riddle, Ph.D., DNP Texas Christian University School of Nurse Anesthesia

MUSC family and the community at large. She will be remembered for her gentle touch, unyielding determination to be a change agent, and her commitment to the service of humanity. While we will miss her dearly, I am certain that her spirit will be with us prodding and pushing us to serve humanity.

Deborah Deas, M.D. Professor, College of Medicine

She certainly set a wonderful example of how to encourage Ph.D. students to be the best they could be.

Patricia Conley, RN, Ph.D (c), student, College of Nursing

Dr. Ida Spruill was a local, regional and national activist who fought diligently for social justice and health equity. Through her leadership, she raised the level of consciousness for many of us on the importance on not only raising the awareness of social

Ida touched the lives of so many people, and she made a positive impact on members of her faith (Baha’i), the

See Remember on page 9

See Spruill on page 10

The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016 5

Meet Korri

Korri Locke Department and how long at MUSC Carolina Family Care, Mount Pleasant; One year

Family and pets Husband, Kevin; daughter, Mikayla; parents, Gary and Linda Frank; and our Australian Labradoodle, Murphy Favorite place in the world Kaanapali, Hawaii on the island of Maui Favorite Charleston restaurant Slightly North of Broad or SNOB Words of advice Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.

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How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC I love being able to help people while they are going through health issues. Prior to MUSC, I managed a dental office.

During that time, I was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine paraganglioma, and MUSC and Hollings Cancer Center saved my life.

I wanted to work for MUSC in order to pay this wonderful gift forward to others.

6 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

A ‘Window of Hope’ opened a researcher’s eyes

By Mikie hayes hayesmi@musc.edu “I still can’t believe it,” said Lillianne Harris Wright, Ph.D., when congratulated by a colleague for being honored by MUSC during Women’s History Month for her special contributions to Innovative Learning, a goal of the Imagine MUSC 2020 strategic plan. But in reality, she was the only one who was surprised, as her hands–on work with students is well known and highly regarded.

Wright conducts research in the lab of Donald R. Menick, Ph.D., professor of medicine and cardiology and the director of both the Gazes Cardiac Research Institute and the Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program.

Menick has the highest praise for Wright.

“Lilli has a love for science and a passion to pass it on to others. This is clearly evident in the lab where last summer she did a great job mentoring a summer student. She is always looking for the best way to present ideas, techniques and concepts to others. Her outstanding research presentations have won her awards from Student Research

As a Christmas gift from her family, Dr. Wright attended the TedX Columbia SC event.

Day, Department of Medicine Research Day and from the American Heart Association. In addition, Lilli has taken the time to be a part of the Charleston STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Festival and talk to elementary school students about science and medicine and pass her enthusiasm for science to the next generation.”

Wright is currently a post-doctoral fellow who conducts cardiology research in the study of angiogenesis — the development of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. “I love, love, love angiogenesis,” she said, “trying to restore and control that process after a patient has had a heart attack and trying to restore some of the vasculature that is often lost when those vessels are blocked — it’s very exciting.”

While she was trained as a cancer biologist — even having discovered a pathway in breast cancer that promotes angiogenesis — she was eager to see the other side of the coin. “I was so attracted to cardiology because many of our chemotherapies are so toxic to the heart; there seems to be a huge disconnect between cancer research and cardiovascular research. I like to synergize

photos provided

At the 2014 American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Awards dinner, women in Dr. Donald Menick’s lab were recognized as award recipients. Dr. Lillian Wright, far right, won an outreach award for enhancing the inclusion of women and minorities in cardiovascular research. things, so I like to see what other people Although she was born in Mobile, are doing. That’s what’s so beautiful Alabama, where many of her relatives about cancer biology and cardiovascular resided, her family moved to the biology — I saw within the first week of Charleston area when she was 3 years being in the cardiology field, that what’s old. They settled in Summerville and great for cancer treatment is typically have been there since. When it was time the opposite for cardiovascular disease to look for post–doctoral fellowships, she and vice versa. It’s quite fascinating to received offers from coast to coast. “But I explore.” just kind of wanted to come home,” she Wright has big dreams for her career said. MUSC, it seemed, was the perfect in research, a field she knew she loved program. from the time she was in college. While While her angiogenesis research is all– attending Clark Atlanta University in consuming, she makes time to mentor Atlanta, Georgia, she was able to do students who want to gain experience undergraduate research all four years. in the lab, as well as for those who just “It was a phenomenal experience, and need her help. She was assigned an it cemented my passion for biomedical undergraduate student from Winthrop research,” she said. Her first two years University last summer who worked with doing research were spent at Clark her for 10 weeks. The student thrived.

Atlanta, studying microbes and how “I gave her a small project in the lab — I they are impacted by the environment asked her to help me answer the question and also exploring the ways that of what a particular protein is doing to pollutants get into liver cells to cause cells that we get out of the heart. It was cancer. The next two years offered her amazing. She helped me determine that the opportunity to do research at the the protein does support angiogenesis in Morehouse School of Medicine, also in heart cells.”

Atlanta. “That’s where I really fell in love One of the things Wright asked with research because I got to do sickle her student to do was to ask another cell anemia studies. That’s where I first got my name on a paper.”

See Innovative on page 7

The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016 7

innovaTive

Continued from Page Six

photos provided

Left photo: Dr. Wright in her lab space in the Gazes Cardiac Research Institute.

Top photo: Dr. Wright, second right, and her family on Mother’s Day at Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree. Joining her is brother, Paul Harris Jr.; sister, Angel Harris, mother, Rene Harris; and father, Paul Harris Sr. No matter how frustrated I may get with an experiment, I try to reset my compass to the thought, ‘This is so much bigger than me – the work we do is so much bigger than a moment.’”

Colleagues describe her as intelligent, humble, supportive and spiritual. The kindness and consideration she shows to others comes from a place of deep spirituality for Wright. “God is my anchor — and that’s interesting to have that and be a scientist,” she said. “Quite a few scientists let science drive their logic — ‘evidence-based’ is what we’re taught. But then I look at the magnificence of a cell under a microscope, and I think, ‘Oh gosh, how can you not think that a higher power organized all that brilliance?’ I am grateful to my God for permanent job security because it’s so amazing to me.”

Giving back has never been reserved for only those she knows, and she credits her parents for raising her that way. Her father, a former NFL player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now heads up safety for a shipping company. “He is devoted to making sure all the men and women who are working on the ships and docks get home safely. He’s so serious about safety, but he’s such a gentle giant.” Her mother is a principal at a local elementary school. “It’s so funny,” she said, “I tell people I literally have thousands of sisters and brothers because my mom’s students are her children. Just like she treated my sister and brother and me, she wants that kind of quality of love and care and support for

See Innovative on page 11

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scientific question, “because that’s how science builds,” Wright explained. “I told her, ‘Teach me something about this molecule, now that we’ve discovered x, y and z.’”

She let her student do an experiment to see if one protein was changed by another protein, and it was.

“I told her it was an awesome observation. Although I don’t know, quite yet, in terms of mandates, what I can do with that information right now, we’re going to keep thinking about what that can mean in the greater context of the disease.”

Working with such a driven and committed student was invigorating for Wright. “She taught me as much as I taught her,” she said. “When we publish, her name will be on the paper. She worked so hard. She deserves it.”

That type of commitment to supporting those coming behind her in the sciences is not unusual for Wright. She tends to be the go-to person when the Ph.D. students need help, guidance or even a friendly face or word of encouragement. “I need to put a 5-cent sign over my door — like Lucy’s,”she said with a laugh.

“Every day, two or three times a day, a trainee from the department comes in to see me: ‘Can you help me with my experiment?’ ‘How would you do this?’ ‘Can I ask you a quick question?’ But as much as it’s about science, it can also be something personal. I talk to them about all sorts of things. They’ve even asked me if I will pray with them, when they’re having a rough patch. So we take a walk and pray. I take that very seriously,” she said, tearing up. “It’s very humbling. ‘Why me,’ I think?

8 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

Celebrating MUSC physicians on National Doctors’ Day

photos by Sarah Pack

N

ational Doctors’ Day, recognized each year on March 30, celebrates the contribution of physicians who serve the country by caring for its citizens.

U.S. News & World Report ranked MUSC the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina, as well as ranking tops in other clinical specialty programs.

The following are some of the comments sent to MUSC physicians from patients:

I love MUSC doctors they are the best. Dr. Philip Rainwater, Dr. David Cole, (who is now president), Dr. Frank Brescia, Dr. Bracken–Lewis, Dr. Buck, Dr. James Abernathy, Dr. Harry Demos, Dr. Ryan, Dr. Andrea Christensen, Dr. Katie Weldon; I can go on and on. I just want to say thank you to all of my brilliant doctors for the exceptional care they have given me and my family through the years dating back to 1971. Thank you all.

Vivian Freeman The outstanding care from Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce

— she saved my life. There are no words to express our gratitude for all you have done. We love and trust and respect you for taking such good care of our wife, daughter, mother, grandmother.

Pat Harrington and family Our thanks to Dr. Chad Denlinger for outstanding care and attention in the course of my husband's surgery and treatments for cancer as well as his follow–up to ensure a complete recovery and return to good health.

Mar Davis Thanks to Dr. Paul O'Brien, Dr. Terry Day, Dr. Elizabeth Nicolli, Dr. Greg Buck, Dr. Ted Meyer, Dr. Anemarie Lutas and Dr. Anand Sharma for the care given to Ira (Jim) Howell over the years.

Wadene Howell Dr. James Oates is the best rheumatologist and Dr. Jacob Drew is the best orthopaedist. MUSC docs — Dr. Ryan Nobles, Dr. Andrew Schreiner and Dr. Robert Miller — are the best medical team anyone could ask for.

Thank you all for taking such good care of me.

Sabrina S. Jenkins Thank you Dr. Michael Gold and Dr. John Ikonamidis for your very special care and for saving my life seven years ago. Every day is a real gift, and I thank you Dr. Harry Demos for keeping me in one piece along with Dr. Richard Gross for hips, knees and feet. It took glue, braces, etc., but I feel the best in my life. I smell the roses every day.

Alexandra Edwards Thanks MUSC docs for saving my little boy six years ago when he was only three weeks old. I’ll always be thankful.

“Charleston Brian” Dr. Andre Hebra taught me so much while I shadowed him. He’s the best of the best.

Lindsey Simon

See Doctors on page 9

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Letters of Gratitude MUSC President Dr. David J. Cole receives heartfelt letters from patients and patient families commenting on the excellent care and experiences they’ve shared while at MUSC. Periodically, The Catalyst will reprint these letters (or excerpts from these letters) recognizing employees and their continuing commitment to putting patients first.

Dear Dr. Cole, I wanted to share with you our deepest appreciation for a “life changing” experience received from some of your wonderful doctors and surgeons there at MUSC. My daughter, Allison, had experienced epileptic seizures since an early age, and as a young school teacher at the age of 25, she had to quit driving and rely on my wife and me to transport her back and forth to work. Living alone posed a great problem for her; she was unable to make a simple trip to the grocery store or drive to see family or friends.

We were referred to Dr. Jonathan Edwards at the MUSC Epilepsy Center who started Allison on a path to becoming a normal young woman. After examinations and testing; Dr. Edwards sent us to see Dr. David Greg who discovered that her heart was actually stopping for short periods of time. He guided our daughter and us with having a pacemaker placed in our daughter’s chest to maintain her heart rhythm properly.

It worked very well. Then Dr. Edwards sent us to see Dr. Alex Vandergrift, where a great many tests were done to reveal that she was a good candidate for a new procedure of brain surgery called laser ablation for epilepsy. Dr. Vandergrift preformed this surgery in July 2015, and Allison has regained her life again, and so have I and my wife of 38 years.

I have shortened the story and details because I know how very busy you are, but the emotion of what has happened in our lives has been tremendous (life changing). Dr. Edwards started us down the road of a “great life” that we will never be able to repay. I know from reading about you, that you are a caring and loving father and husband. Please do me a “great favor” by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Edwards for what he has done for my daughter and our family. Drs. Vandergrift and Greg are amazing men and physicians and our prayers include them every night. God bless our MUSC family.

Warmest Regards, Billy Sanders

ReMeMBeR

Continued from Page Four

In addition to her well–funded research projects and publishing, Dr. Spruill taught undergraduate and doctoral nursing students and was a respected mentor to many. She also served on the MUSC Diversity and Inclusion Committee Communication and Community Engagement Working Group and concentrated heavily on the development of recruitment strategies to increase enrollment of African– Americans into genetic research, a project known as CPR (community, plan, reward). Her research included a project funded by the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Institute for engaging the community in the planning process for establishing a biobank and a Diversity Supplement Grant: Genetic contributors to diabetes and dyslipemia in African– Americans.

Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from North Carolina Central University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University, she also earned a master’s in social work from Atlanta University

DoCToRs Continued from Page Eight Thank you Dr. Sarah Stapleton for being with my family through thick and thin.

Thanks to all the MUSC doctors who have taken care of us. You are the best.

Jodell U. Johnson So thankful for Dr. Brenda Hoffman.

She is wonderful. She has done my husband’s colonoscopies since 1993. I thank God for these two great doctors and for MUSC. I’m a 23–year cancer survivor. Thank you.

Connie Shelley I love the Medical University.

Jessine Dew Thank you Dr. David Soper and MUSC high–risk OB. I woudn’t be here or have these children if it weren’t for you. Ten years have gone by, but every day with my children is a gift. Thank you for saving my life and my baby. God bless you all.

Rachel Burns I would like to thank Dr. Adrian Van Bakel and the entire heart failure clinic.

You are amazing and saved my husband David’s life. Thank you for always taking

School of Social Work and a Master of Science in Nursing from MUSC. Subsequently, she earned her doctorate in nursing from Hampton University in Virginia and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical genetics at the University of Iowa.

Dr. Spruill was one of 15 children and close to her large and loving family.

She embraced the Baha’i faith and was involved in church leadership, participating extensively in teaching efforts throughout South Carolina.

A celebration of her life was held on March 18 at St. Luke’s Chapel on the MUSC campus and her interment at the Adams Run Baha’i Cemetery in Adams Run, South Carolina.

Dr. Spruill is survived by her beloved son Jabari Saeed Fitzpatrick Spruill; Jabari’s wife, Denise; her grandson, Jabari Saeed Fitzpatrick Spruill Jr.; other family and a host of dear and treasured friends.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ida J. Spruill Scholarship Fund at the Tri–County Black Nurses Association, Post Office Box 20816, Charleston, SC 29413.

the time to make sure we understood what was happening and for always listening when we had questions. We only chose MUSC. Elizabeth Harrelson I am thankful for Dr. Soon ho Kwon, Dr. Boyd Gillespie, Dr. Barton Sachs, Dr. John Peterson and Dr. Megann Helton–Rieter. My five–year anniversary was last October. I’m also thankful for the MUSC clerical staff who keep me informed of my referrals so that I can continue to receive my medical care from the best people.

Sandra Anne Darling Thank you Dr. Deborah Bowlby, Dr. Remberto Paulo and the entire Pediatric Endocrinology staff for all that you do to care for not only my son, but all of the other endocrinology patients. We cannot thank you enough.

Amanda Clouse Dr. Ashlyn Savage has been my provider since I moved to the state. I had my very first surgery with her. She is amazing. and excellent Stefanie L. Kinney

10 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

Sign up for new Miles to Change program Miles to Change is an MUSC Wellness–supported program including a running, walking and biking group aimed at improving employee wellness and support and the overall culture of health at MUSC. This group will lead to personal transformation and powerful change, which support MUSC’s motto, “Changing What’s Possible.”

Consistent training for runs, walks, biking as well as participation in local races will provide not only a sense of accomplishment but will also show a collective MUSC presence of wellness within our community. Given our emerging efforts to take on the risk for our own employees’ health as part of the larger population health strategy, “Miles to Change” will also benefit MUSC financially in the long run, and it’s collaborative and fun.

MUSC Miles to Change is giving away free MUSC athletic shirts (while supplies last) to MUSC students and employees registered for the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 2 or to register for the Run Forrest Run 5K on May 21. Use MUSC

spRuill Continued from Page Four inequalities but doing something about it. She was also my friend for more than 16 years. As a trusted friend, we laughed together, shared cocktails together, and had heartfelt conservations together. I loved and respected her for making me think deeper and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone. When Ida was proud of friends, colleagues, students, or community, she would raise her hand and shake her fist in support, smile, and say, “I know that’s right.”

This is the Ida Spruill I loved and the friend I will miss.

Debbie Chatman Bryant, DNP, RN Hollings Cancer Center Dr. Ida Spruill built bridges between the Medical University and the community. Not only did she build bridges, she also crossed them, along with university colleagues and community partners, moving in both directions to higher, more respectful, mutually beneficial outcomes. Rarely

upcoming events and promo code RFRGROUP16 free giveaways. For more for $5 off registration for the information, visit http:// Run Forrest Run 5K. Stop by academicdepartments.musc. our lobby displays at the dates edu/ohp/musc-moves/milesand times below with your for-change.html. race registration and MUSC badge for a free MUSC Employee Wellness athletic shirt to wear at the Center run.

Bring your badge and race q The MUSC Office of registration to: Health Promotion and the q Tuesday, March 5: noon to MUSC Health Innovation Susan Johnson 1 p.m. — University hospital Center are offering a series lobby of free yogic breathing q Thursday April 7, 11:30 classes lead by Dr. Sundar a.m. to 1 p.m. — Children’s Hospital Balasubramanian, 11:30 to 11:45 a.m., lobby on Tuesdays. Attend any or all sessions.

Want to champion a race? Email •April 5 — BE110: Bioengineering milestochange@musc.edu to volunteer •April 12 — BS502: Basic Science to champion a race by coordinating the •April 19 — BE110: Bioengineering activities on race day. This may include •April 26 — H282: University Hospital, selecting a group meeting place, setting 2 West Amphitheatre up a table, and handing out shirts on •May 3 — BS349: Basic Science race day.

•May 10 — H282: University Hospital, 2 Email milestochange@musc.edu West Amphitheatre or join the MUSC Miles to Change q Worksite Screening — Thursday, Facebook group for updates on April 28, Colbert Education Center

Health at work

have I encountered such a remarkable scholar and devoted community servant.

Sabra C. Slaughter, Ph.D. Office of the President Ida Spruill loved people. Ida loved her family. Ida loved nursing. During her lifetime she touched the lives of so many people – those in the wide-ranging communities of our state, our region and our country. She touched the hearts of her family and especially treasured the time she spent with Jabari, Denise, and Jabari Jr. And she touched the minds of her colleagues here at MUSC and especially in our College of Nursing.

Dean Gail Stuart, Ph.D., RN College of Nursing Dr. Ida Spruill was a most special person whose wisdom and strength will be always remembered. Wishing her family the most sincere condolences and peace at this difficult time of loss. Please be comforted by knowing how much she impacted her community and was loved by her colleagues and students at the MUSC College of Nursing. I will greatly

and Library. This screening, valued at about $350, is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) at no charge for the basic test (2016). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $47. For information or to register online, visit musc.edu/ohp/employeewellness/worksite-screening.html q MUSC Employee Fitness Series Class: Pilates, 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 20 at the Wellness Center. Try this free class — a non–impact workout that stretches, strengthens and lengthens the entire body with emphasis on the core muscles.

Class led by trainer Katie Blaylock from the Human Performance Lab. Free day pass to the Wellness Center for all participants. Sign up at musc.edu/ohp/ musc-moves/employee-fitness-signup. html. q Worksite Chair massages: Free massages are offered to employees midday Wednesdays. Check broadcast messages for new locations and times.

I got to know Ida in 2002, working in the Division of Endocrinology.

Ida was a firm believer and one of the pioneers in supporting the concept of community–engaged I am grateful for the strength Dr. Spruill In addition to her well-funded research research. Ida recognized very early shared with me during and after my time projects and publishing, Dr. Spruill on that meaningful improvement at MUSC in the Ph.D. program.

She taught undergraduate and doctoral in the health of the community talked me off the ledge and out of the nursing students and was a respected and eliminating disparities can be corner in ato fetal position countless mentor many.

She also servedtimes. on achieved only if the community and Shethe wasMUSC a calming force,and a mentor and a Diversity Inclusion true friend to me. Thank you for sharing academic researchers work together.

When Ida spoke, people listened; her with the world, which is a much she spoke with so much passion better place because of this spirit. and conviction that it was hard to Toshua Kennedy, Ph.D., RN ignore her. I am so grateful I had the Former student opportunity to work closely with her in my formative years and learned Dr. Spruill led by example and a lot from her. Over the years we demonstrated the essence of caring collaborated on several projects, and for all people, impacting communities I respected her input. I will miss Ida in meaningful ways, and embracing as a researcher and colleague, but diversity. I am privileged to have been most of all, as a dear friend who loved her colleague, mentee and friend. Dr. what she did. Her beautiful smile that Spruill was well–respected in this lit up her face brightened everybody community and nationally. Her legacy leaves generations to follow the challenge around her. Rest in peace, dear Ida. You will be missed. of standing on the shoulders of a giant.

Jyotika Fernades, M.D. Tiffany H. Williams, DNP, RN College of Medicine College of Nursing miss dear Ida. Lynne Nemeth, Ph.D., RN College of Nursing

The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016 11

innovaTive

Continued from Page Seven

her students. As a family, we are people–oriented and service–oriented.”

As the youngest of three children, she wasn’t sure where she would end up professionally. “I was all over the place,” she admitted. “My sister is a fantastic artist and my brother is an expert at computer science. I wanted a niche for myself. When I was little, I thought I wanted to be a veterinary psychiatrist. I loved animals, and psychiatrists help people feel better. It seemed like a perfect job,” she said laughing.

But once she reached high school, she became very service–oriented. “I was very involved,” she said. “I was in a thousand clubs — French, math, National Honor Society. Friends and family teased me, asking, ‘When is it you sleep?’”

In college she was invited to be a part of the RISE program: Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement, and she knew research was her calling.

“I was hooked. I can remember in my senior year being in the research lab up until the last minute on homecoming. My friends were calling and texting me, but I was trying to finish an experiment. It was amazing.”

But with classes and lab work, she didn’t have time to volunteer or do service work, and that bothered her.

“I knew research is what I would do. I would always go back to research, but I felt really bad about not being able to serve. Volunteerism is huge for me. So I took an academic break and worked with AmeriCorps.”

After college, she joined AmeriCorps and became a team leader. They were supposed to travel all over the Southeast, but when Hurricane Katrina hit in ’05, they were deployed to the Gulf to rebuild. It was meaningful work. Her team did shelter operations, FEMA trailer inspections and taught displaced people how to use propane tanks safely in their FEMA trailers. She threw herself into the work, making sure people were safe.

“Once I was down there, I thought to myself, ‘These are my neighbors now, even though I’m not from Mississippi or Louisiana.’ They needed us. They needed our help.”

One of the longest and most rewarding projects was rebuilding one of the wards that was completely destroyed “We worked on the Musicians Village in New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity. It was so much fun, not only to build the house, but it was humbling to be part of the restoration of a national treasure.”

After being involved in the hurricane aftermath for two years, she headed to the city of her birth to get her Ph.D. She attended the University of South Alabama and worked in the Mitchell Cancer Institute. One of the highlights of being there was that every Sunday she got to visit both sets of grandparents. Being with family meant the world to her. She was even able to be with family members during their last days of life. “While I was on one hospital wing, my aunt and grandfather were receiving treatment there as well. In between my research experiments, I’d go sit with them.”

She explained that during that time, she had a constant reminder of why her work was so important.

“Mitchell Cancer was a really beautiful concept — the researchers worked behind a ‘Window of Hope’ — a window that was totally open and transparent. It was located in the lobby where the patients were waiting for their different treatments — starting chemo or seeing their doctors. I actually befriended hundreds of people.

I may never have known their names, but they were sitting on the other side of that window from me.”

She recounted the story of one man, who every day he was there for his chemo treatment, would hold up a piece a paper, showing her how many days of chemo he had left. On the last day, his paper read zero.

“I remember throwing off my lab coat and running to the lobby and hugging him. It’s why I always try to see the bigger picture — because it’s bigger than us. You think you’re having a bad day. You sometimes get in a space, and you forget what others are going through.

We can’t forget that. Patients are the reason we do what we do.”

She has found that to be especially true at MUSC, as in her experience, everyone strives to put patients first.

“I love the people here — faculty and staff and students.

The people here are what I really, really love, and I really appreciate the opportunities that are available — sometimes you have to search for them. Sometimes you have to fight for them. But they are here.”

In the middle of professional pursuits: research, students, presentations and mentoring, Wright found

time to get married in December 2015 to Byron Wright, a computer engineer who hails from Georgia. Her dreams are all falling into place.

Still, she dreams of starting an onco-cardiology consortium — a hybrid program where researchers are concerned with both areas of study, which Wright believes is critical for the effective care of heart and cancer patients, as virtually all chemotherapy agents are associated with cardiotoxicity. “That’s my pie-in-the-sky dream,” she shared. “I would love to see it at MUSC, but at least somewhere in the Southeast. I’d love to be involved in pioneering it or helping in some way.”

She said there are a few labs and a few niche programs around the country working on the cytotoxic effects of certain chemotherapies. “From what I’ve found, there is huge void,” she said. “There is so much talent here at MUSC, we would be the perfect place to start this. I just hope it comes to fruition.”

She can hardly express how excited she is to be recognized for her work in Innovative Learning as it seems to have come full circle. “One of the philosophies my parents really instilled in me was be open to lifelong learning. We have so much brilliance in so many of the faulty members here. I invite people to remember that lifelong learning is a great opportunity. Your patients have things to teach you. Your students have something to teach you. Experience has something to teach you. So, never stop learning. Never stop growing or imparting what you know to help future generations.”

Rankings Continued from Page One

equaliTy

staff and students who represent these programs and their commitment to excellence in education, research and service,” Saladin said.

The following are all the top 30 MUSC programs and their 2017 rankings: q Health Professions — Health Care Management, 17th (17/71) q Health Professions — Nursing Anesthesia, 29th (29/112) q Health Professions — Occupational Therapy, 17th (17/164) q Health Professions — Physical Therapy, 28th (28/217) q Nursing — DNP, 14th (14/149) MUSC had additional rankings for programs in pharmacy, nursing, research, statistics, chemistry, biological sciences, clinical medicine and psychiatry.

The 2017 edition of the rankings includes admissions information for those aspiring to study law, business, medicine, education, engineering and nursing.

For the first time, U.S. News had two separate rankings of nursing schools for Master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. For more information about the rankings methodology or to view additional MUSC rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report page at http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/ best-graduate-schools.

LGBT community.”

MUSC Health is one of a select group of 496 health care facilities nationwide to be named leaders in LGBT health care equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee nondiscrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same–sex partners and parents and LGBT health education for key staff members.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming health care. Leaders in LGBT health care equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates MUSC for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long–overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high–quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

Continued from Page One

12 The CaTalysT, April 1, 2016

Controversies in research ethics focus of Pitts lecture This year’s annual Thomas A. Pitts Memorial Lectureship in Medical Ethics, titled “Controversies in Clinical Research� will be held April 7 and April 8 at MUSC. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. April 7. All sessions will be held in Room 125, MUSC Strom Thurmond– Gazes Research Building, 114 Doughtey Street.

For 22 years, the lectureship has explored a range of bioethical issues. “There are several issues involving research ethics that have been controversial,� said Robert Sade, M.D., Pitts lectureship director. The conference will explore some of the most recent controversies through debates led by speakers who are among the top leaders of ethics, according to Sade. q Session I: Adolescents’ Consent for Research — Sally Webb M.D.; Adolescents: Consent, Not Assent, for Research; Adolescents Lack Maturity to Consent for Research; panel q Session II: Moral Obiligations to Participate in Research — David Schneck, Ph.D.; When is Participation in Clinical Research a Moral Obligation; Why Participation in Clinical Research is Never a Moral Obligation; panel q Session III: Report of Incidental Findings — Walter Jones, M.D.; Certain Incidental Findings from Exome Sequencing should Be Reported to Clinicians and Patients without Specific Consent; Autonomy and Choice Are

Crucial, Even in Genomics; panel q Session IV: Central vs. Local IRBs for Multi–site Studies — Kathryn Magruder, Ph.D.; Local IRBs Are Best Suited to Review Multi–site Studies; panel q Session V: Informed Consent for Comparative Effectiveness Research — Daniel Lackland, DrPh; Informed Consent for CER Should Include Risks of Standard Care; Risks of Standard Care Merely Complicate Consent for CER; panel q Session VI: RCTS to Determine Treatments for Catastrophic Illnesses (Ebola, HIV/Aids) — Andrea Boan, Ph.D., Studying Treatments for Catastrophic Illnesses: RCTs are the Way to Go; The Gold Standard is Sometimes Dross; panel To register online, visit www. values. musc.edu or call (843) 876-4843.

Thomas Antley Pitts II, M.D., (1893 – 1991) was as a member of MUSC’s Board of Trustees for 36 years and was chairman for 25 of those years. He left a bequest to Pitts endow a series of lectures on medical ethics known today as the Thomas Pitts Memorial Lectureship, which has been held since 1993.

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