MUSC Catalyst 5-13-2016

May 13, 2016

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 34, No. 35

MUSC Health celebrates its top nurses For Nurses Week 2016, seven nurses were selected as MUSC Organizational Nurse of the Year winners.

Winners were joined by event speakers, including speaker Bret Johnson, left to right, Sethe Wetter (Expertise), Denise Hubert (Leadership), Katrina Rogers (Collaboration), master of ceremony Dr. Marilyn Schaffner, Jennifer Fox (Advocacy), Shawn Taylor (Diversity), Chris Collette (Innovation), Elizabeth Lucey Boyle (Integrity) and speaker Stephanie Sargent.

By Cindy ABole aboleca@musc.edu

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howing compassion to their patients and their families, being collaborative and providing the highest quality of patient care: These are just some of the characteristics that describe the seven nurses who were selected as 2016 MUSC Nurse of the Year–Nursing Excellence winners.

At MUSC, a weeklong celebration — May 6 to May 12 — recognizes the compassion, care and commitment of its 2,800 nurses. Just last September, MUSC achieved Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, making it one of only three hospitals in South Carolina and among 420 of 6,000 health care organizations to earn this designation.

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EMPOWERR Volunteer experience leads to Botswana, Africa.

LIKE US

Nurses selected for this award were chosen for their demonstration of excellence, using nursing characteristics as defined by MUSC’s nursing professional practice model, the Gate. They include integrity, motivation, collaboration, expertise, advocacy, leadership and diversity.

See Nurses on page 8

2016 MUSC Organizational Nurse of the Year Winners Integrity — Elizabeth Lucey Boyle, Children’s Services Innovation — Chris Collette, Musculoskeletal Collaboration — Katrina Rogers, Surgical Acute Critical Care Diversity — Charnell “Shawn” Taylor, Meduflex Expertise — Sethe Wetter, MICU Advocacy — Jennifer Fox, Transitions Care Leadership — Desiree Hubert, Hollings Cancer Center

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Former Mayor Joe Riley to deliver address at May 20 commencement Staff Report Approximately 625 graduates will receive degrees from MUSC’s six colleges during commencement exercises scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, May 20, at the Horseshoe on the MUSC campus.

Former 10–term Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. will deliver the commencement address to the graduates.

Riley retired from public office Jan. 11 after serving 40 years as mayor, the city’s longest–serving top executive and one of the longest such tenures in the nation. He is largely credited with revitalizing the city’s urban district through such major projects as Charleston Place, the South Carolina

See Graduation on page 11

Investment In Hope

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Making IT Great Column

A generous gift brings hope for sarcoidosis research and treatment.

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Meet Tarsha

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Employee Wellness

Medical University of South Carolina — FOLLOW US

@ Catalyst_MUSC

2 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016

Using technology to weave organizational change Change isn’t a new concept, but moving it from hypothetical to measurable is no small task for large organizations such as MUSC. So how can we build, protect and transform our culture while growing the organization?

The answer lies with information technology.

Build it MUSC is continuing to construct a culture of integration and transparency for its patients and employees. Whether it’s coordinated care through the electronic medical record or analytics dashboards to share performance data with leaders, IT is laying the foundation for change. One important change designed to improve integration, performance and transparency is the restructuried and broadened purview of a project management office (PMO) to include IT, informatics and analytics projects. The PMO within the Office of the CIO will better define and fulfill requirements across project lifecycles.

password for multiple accounts and have not changed that password in years. In a digital world with hackers attempting to steal private information on a daily basis, we must work and interact with each other in the most secure way possible. One way to protect yourself, MUSC and your patients is to keep your password fresh by changing it twice a year. Starting this June, all MUSC employees will be required to change their password Megan Fink (if they haven’t recently done so). This is part of OCIO’s “New Password Every 180 Days” campaign, so stay tuned for more Protect it information or go to netid180.musc.edu Sometimes change is abrupt when a new process or workflow is implemented, in any Internet browser. such as the OCIO PMO, and other times transform it it’s asking people to slightly alter their Changes to the way we work not only behavior. These small changes to one’s can improve business operations, but routine aren’t always easy either. An can be beneficial to our patients. A huge example of this is our NetID (username) patient satisfier is our patient portal password. Most people use the same This integrated, collaborative and more standardized approach for managing projects through a centralized office will better facilitate the adoption of quality standards and project management best practices. Historically, IT projects have been managed in separate functional areas, with little crossover from other teams. While the current scope of this initiative is for OCIO only, the approach may be scalable and portable for other areas.

Making IT Great

May 20 Commencement Day parking guidelines On Friday, May 20, MUSC will hold its 187th Commencement at the Horseshoe beginning at 9 a.m. A total of 625 students from all six colleges will receive their diplomas at the morning ceremony.

Valet parking services for patients will operate as usual at Rutledge Tower, Hollings Cancer Center and Ashley River Tower.

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

Because of extra traffic on campus during this time, the Office of Parking Management reminds employees to park in their assigned personal parking locations to accommodate patients, visitors and Commencement guests.

For information, call 792-3665 or visit www.musc.edu/parking.

The Catalyst is published once a week.

Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-958-7480 or 843-937-4803. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.

called MUSC MyChart. Within MUSC MyChart, patients can securely view their medical records and interact with their care team. They can even schedule an online appointment and video consultation called an “e–visit.” MUSC MyChart users, who are 18 or older and have been seen by a MUSC Health provider in the past 36 months, can be treated for a select group of conditions using the MyChart E–visit service at mychart.muschealth.com. Treating, scheduling and communicating with patients electronically are replacing the traditional phone call for these services; something new for many clinics. A new way of doing business takes time to stick, but can have lasting positive results.

MUSC MyChart recently signed up its 100,000 patient and continues to thrive.

The Making IT Great series is a monthly addition to The Catalyst highlighting new technology and services offered at MUSC. For information or to share comments, email finkm@musc.edu.

Masters in Biomedical Sciences program offered The MUSC Masters in Biomedical Sciences program is accepting applications for fall semester. This program is an interdisciplinary, research–intensive master’s program offering training in biochemistry and molecular biology (includes bioinformatics); band epidemiology; cell and molecular pharmacology and experimental therapeutics; microbiology and immunology; neurosciences; pathology and laboratory medicine and regenerative medicine and cell biology.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday, June 1. For information, contact Laura Kasman at 792-8117 or email kasmanl@musc.edu

Construction Update:

Courtenay Drive Closing until June Courtenay Drive, between Calhoun Street and Charleston Center Drive, will be closed the following weekends — May 14 to May 15 and May 21 to May 22. This will allow safe demolition of Charleston Memorial Hospital.

Charleston Center Drive will continue to be closed to all vehicular traffic until Saturday, June 11.

A pedestrian tunnel opened on April 25 along the south side of Ashley River Tower (ART) to allow pedestrians to use this pathway to

ART, Roper Hospital and other destinations.

All vehicles that are authorized to park on the ground level of ART share a single entrance and exit on the Ralph H. Johnson Drive side of ART. Visitors and patients will not be allowed to self–park in the handicap parking area of ART. Please direct patients to park in the Courtenay Garage. Valet–parked vehicles and service vehicles will continue to have access to ART’s ground level.

The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 3

MUSC volunteer Sarah Bald fights HIV around the world

By J. Ryne dAnielson daniejer@musc.edu

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s a volunteer facilitator for MUSC’s EMPOWERR program, Sarah Bald has touched the lives of many teens throughout the Lowcountry. Soon, she’ll take what she’s learned and apply it globally as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, Africa, working to stanch an HIV and AIDS pandemic that has threatened to cripple that country.

Her experience will translate well. The two regions bear an uncomfortable resemblance when it comes to sexually–transmitted infections. According to a United Nations report, more than a fifth of adults in the southern African nation are infected. Likewise, South Carolina now leads the United States in heterosexual transmission rates and ranks eighth in new cases overall. In South Carolina, African–American men and women suffer disproportionately from the disease, both in terms of infection rates and access to care. South Carolina ranks alongside Louisiana and Mississippi for the worst five–year survival rates in the country, with many cases of HIV going undiagnosed and untreated.

Bald believes programs like EMPOWERR — which stands for Ethnic Minority Preventative Outreach and Web–based Education for Risk Reduction — can change that. Founded by Carla Kmett Danielson, Ph.D., in 2008, through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, EMPOWERR differs from traditional sex education and HIV– prevention initiatives by using near-peer volunteers like Bald to connect with teens on a more personal level.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bald, along with other

Bald facilitates after-school HIV prevention and sex education classes at Daniel Jenkins Creative Learning Center, an alternative school in North Charleston.

photos provided

Sarah Bald, far left, and other EMPOWERR volunteers hold a community outreach event at the College of Charleston for National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, April 10. South Carolina leads the nation in heterosexual transmission rates and ranks eighth in new cases of HIV overall. Minority communities have been hit especially hard by the epidemic. fantastic curriculum. It’s direct, gets them engaged in volunteers and health educators, facilitates an hourdiscussions, and dispels a lot of myths.” long after–school program for girls at Daniel Jenkins Bald said that public policy has largely forgotten Creative Learning Center in North Charleston. As an the populations most affected by diseases like HIV. alternative school for students with behavioral issues or Social stigma complicates prevention efforts, while the special educational requirements, Daniel Jenkins is just politics of race and poverty complicate access to care. the type of environment where she is needed most. The Of the nine states with the highest rates of new HIV school’s students, disproportionately African–American infections, none chose to expand Medicaid coverage and poor, are at risk for behaviors such as abusing drugs under the Affordable Care Act. That’s why she believes or having unsafe sex that can lead to HIV transmission. educational volunteer programs like EMPOWERR are Over an eight–week program, Bald gets to know her so important. girls well, developing relationships that go far beyond The HIV epidemic extends far beyond South that of teacher and student. “They’re excited to be Carolina, however, and Bald is excited to for the chance there, and we’re excited to be there with them. They to tackle this issue on another continent. “I couldn’t don’t typically have after–school programs at Daniel be more ecstatic,” she said. “I’ve always really wanted to Jenkins, so it’s a real treat for the girls to be involved in work internationally.” the group with us. You can tell they want to be there.”

She’s already taken several opportunities to make a Bald said a real treat for her is driving students home difference on a global level. “Following high school, I after the program ends each day — EMPOWERR took a gap year and volunteered in East Africa, working provides transportation for students who would not be with at–risk youth and HIV patients. My interest in able to participate otherwise. “I really enjoy the car rides HIV was really sparked during those three months.” and getting to know everyone a little bit better. It’s a More recently, Bald studied abroad in Thailand, great time to just talk to the girls. It’s a lot more casual volunteering at a shelter for victims of human than the class, and we’re able to talk about life.” trafficking. “I loved it so much I stayed for the EMPOWERR’s evidence–based curriculum, summer,” she said. “I was devastated I had to come “Making Proud Choices,” focuses on HIV and other home.”

STI prevention, as well as the development of positive It was in Thailand that Bald decided she wanted to communication skills. “It emphasizes an abstinencededicate her life to serving vulnerable populations, first approach, but also teaches safer–sex practices such at home and abroad. Now she’s taking her next step as condom–use for teens and adolescents who choose to engage in sexual behavior,” Bald explained. “It’s a See Empowerr on page 11

4 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 Letter from the Office of the

President

Dear MUSC Family, I’m writing to share some of the primary results from the recent Press Ganey Employee Engagement survey. As you may know, this is the first year we are able to review results for the enterprise as a whole — with both MUSC Health and the University completing the survey.

We were pleased to learn that our employee engagement score — a score that reflects overall satisfaction and intent to stay at MUSC — is well above the national average for other health care organizations, which includes several academic health centers. MUSC performed in the 71st percentile, which means we scored higher than 71percent of other organizations that participate in this survey on this Cole important outcome.

Another insight the results revealed is that employee engagement at MUSC is predicted by how an employee rates how well his/her unit works together. That is, employees who agree that their unit works well together are more likely to want to continue working at MUSC. More good news: compared to the national average, we score especially high on the following items, reflecting that our employees are deeply committed to those we serve: q This organization provides high-quality care and service. q I like the work I do. q This organization cares about its customers/clients/patients.

The survey also identified areas where we can improve. Specific units will have different points to focus on, but for the organization as a whole, MUSC scores lower than the national average on agreement to “mistakes have led to positive changes here.” I am committed to fostering an environment where our units work well together, and where employees can be assured that mistakes do lead to learning and positive changes.

Over the coming weeks, leaders will be reviewing the results for their units and communicating survey outcomes to employees. This leadership team thanks you for providing feedback on the survey, which helps us move MUSC toward achieving our shared strategic goals. Together we all make MUSC a great place to work, and a great place to be — for our patients, our students, and all the lives we touch.

Yours in service,

David J. Cole, M.D., FACS MUSC President

Heart Health Fun Run/Walk set for May 21 MUSC Heart Health will host its second annual 5K Fun Run/Walk to help fight childhood obesity. The event will take place at Hampton Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21.

This family–friendly event is a great way to get active while supporting a wonderful program. Registration is $20 and includes a T–shirt, healthy

snacks and participation in a fun group warm up. All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal. A prize drawing will immediately follow the run/walk.

To register for the event or make a contribution through the Heart Health website, visit www.musckids.org/heart/ health/.

From wards to words: Nurse-writers visit campus, read at Piccolo Spoleto Four nationally–acclaimed nurse– writers will visit MUSC on May 31 to talk about the role the arts and humanities have played in their professional and personal lives.

These nurses, who visited MUSC in February 2014 during the Narrative Bridge: Connecting through the Health Humanities conference, have collectively published numerous books and edited various anthologies, including “Between the Hearbeats: Poetry and Prose by Nurses.” Their work often touches upon the work of clinicians and their relationships to patients. In her most recent book, “When the Nurse Becomes a Patient,” Cortney Davis explores her experience of illness from the other side of the bed through prose and visual arts.

The University Humanities Committee and The Writing Center at MUSC invite all students, staff, and faculty to a brown– bag panel discussion in BSB 100 from 12 to 12:45p.m. on May 31.The MUSC bookstore will have a selection of books for sale, and the nurse–writers will be available to sign the books right after the discussion.

Later that evening, the nurse-writers will give a reading from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. in the Dock Street Theater courtyard as part of the Sundown Poetry series. This event will be followed by a reception at a yet–to–be–determined art gallery, where books will also be available for purchase.

For more information about the Sundown Poetry Reading, please visit the Piccolo Spoleto website: http:// www.piccolospoleto.com/literary-ideassundown-poetry-from-the-ward-to-theword/.

The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 5

Meet tarsha

Tarsha A. Smalls Department; How long at MUSC University Human Resources; 13 years How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By treating everyone with respect Family and pets Daughter Ceasia, 21; son, Wendell, 16; and Cowboy, our half–Chihuahua, half–Jack Russell terrier dog

How Can YOU Receive Cash Rebates?

Make the

What you do for wellness I walk Brittlebank Park three days a week

Something people don’t know about you I’m a 41-year heart defect survivor. I was born at MUSC in 1974 (NICU baby).

Now I’m working to write a grant as a way to give back to MUSC Children’s Hospital. For information, email me at hugs40lifetime@gmail.com Greatest moments in your life The births of my daughter and son

The RightMove Benefits Program is now a member of the MUSC Employee Perks & Discounts program. Visit www. musc.edu/medcenter for details!

www.RightMoveBenefits.com Receive Cash Rebates And Mortgage Closing Cost Credits When you Buy or Sell Your Home!

Click or Call Today! (843)725-1040 www.RightMoveBenefits.com *In order to qualify for this Buyer and/or Seller rebate program you must inquire through this website by sending an email request or calling directly. **Buyer’s lender must approve any payment of rebates to buyers.

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Work colleague you admire and why Katherine Whitaker, my mentor, who leads by example and integrity

6 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016

Former MUSC candy striper makes an investment in hope

By Mikie hAyes hayesmi@musc.edu

T

he Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence was dedicated on May 5, and the ninth floor of the Clinical Sciences Building was teeming with people eager to celebrate Pearlstine’s vision and generosity. Her $5 million gift advances cutting–edge research.

Rick Silver, M.D., distinguished university professor and director of the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, was instrumental in bringing the center to fruition, working closely with Pearlstine. "Susan's magnanimous gift to establish a Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence serves to establish MUSC as the go–to place for patients, students and researchers focused on this disease. The research to be conducted will complement ongoing skin, lung and liver fibrosis in the Department of Medicine's Research and Discovery Center, where several new and promising molecules are being developed and tested to treat fibrosing conditions."

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs including the skin, eyes, joints, lungs and heart.

Because sarcoidosis, which is particularly prevalent in South Carolina, shares many of the same underlying basic mechanisms with a number of different inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, Pearlstine’s gift allows scientists to study the diseases as a group, share new discoveries and develop new and effective drugs for treatment.

“Everyone is in there together,” Pearlstine said, “working on fibrosis and inflammatory diseases. It’s a new world now, and researchers are tackling this problem cooperatively, knowing South Carolina has such disproportionately high rates of these diseases — of sarcoidosis. This bench–to–bedside research will offer novel therapies to patients here and throughout the world.

If a discovery doesn’t advance one disease, it might help another. I really got excited about doing something this transformational.”

President David Cole, M.D., FACS, mirrored her enthusiasm. "Susan Pearlstine is a pillar of the Charleston community, as is her entire family. Her transformational gift to establish the

Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence is a testament to her vision, leadership and generosity. This type of collaborative research approach will not only greatly advance science but will put MUSC on the map as a leader in the study and treatment of inflammatory and fibrosing diseases like sarcoidosis.

We are extraordinarily grateful for the confidence Susan has placed in us." a little-understood disease A disease of contradictions, sarcoidosis can manifest anywhere from the lungs to the heart to the eyes, or nowhere at all. Various symptoms, including reddish bumps or patches on the skin, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, night sweats, blurred vision and swollen and painful joints are common — as are no symptoms at all. With treatment, many people recover or go into remission, while others may suffer even greater organ damage. In some cases, sarcoidosis can be fatal. Researchers don't know what causes sarcoidosis, and as of today, there is no cure. Pearlstine hopes through her new center of excellence that will not be the case for long.

For Pearlstine, living with sarcoidosis meant engaging in the day–to–day battle for normalcy and relief, her waking hours plagued with a host of disjointed symptoms and physical complaints. She experienced so many unrelated physical ailments, she started to think she was crazy. “Let me just say, I understand why they call it, ‘psycho–dosis,’ she said with a laugh to her guests at the opening of the eponymous center. Determined to live her life on her own terms, no matter how painful, she faced the rare and tricky disease head on and pushed forward.

A Charleston native, in 2001, she and her family moved to Park City, Utah — a quaint mining town that in the mid-80s became a hot spot for skiing enthusiasts.

With fewer than 7,000 full–time residents, and the ability to stay clear from the tourist hustle and bustle, Park City proved a great place to raise a family — especially one that loves to snowshoe and ski.

By nature, Pearlstine is mentally and physically active. Quickly she became involved in the schools and activities of her three children, Amy Foster Bower and Dana and Michael Foster, as well as

photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging

Division of Rheumatology and Immunology director Dr. Rick Silver presents Susan Pearlstine with her own lab coat to celebrate her accomplishments and the opening of the Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence at MUSC. After one look at her, the physician in the community — serving on boards, working with charities and Jewish causes. prescribed immediate dilation of her eyes every two hours, and booked an Still integral to Pearlstine Distributors, appointment with an ophthalmologist the family business, she traveled back the next day. The ophthalmologist and forth from Park City to Charleston for the next 12 years; the five-generation, explained that inflammation had caused Pearlstine’s lenses to adhere to her irises.

147–year old company she owned with With that, the doctor scheduled her for her sister, Jan Pearlstine Lipov, was a spine and chest X–ray and pelvic exam. thriving and moving in exciting new Pearlstine was puzzled — what did any of directions.

In December 2007, she noticed a slight that have to do with her eyes? “I honestly had no idea ophthalmologists could map cough and particularly bloodshot eyes.

She’d felt run–down before, so she wrote out so much in the rest of the body,” Pearlstine remarked. it off as a sinus infection. Besides, she Her chest X–ray revealed granulomas, was the picture of health — in the prime small clusters of cells that form when of her life, but the next day, she woke lung tissue becomes inflamed — also up to eyes that were no longer simply bloodshot, and she could barely see. “My considered to be the signature of sarcoidosis. The next step was a eyes looked like strawberries,” she said. bronchoscopy to confirm the sarcoidosis “They weren’t just red, they were devil diagnosis. red.”

For six weeks, her eyes stayed dilated.

A friend took one look at her and knew no sinus infection could cause this She couldn’t drive, watch TV or read — and she was raising three children. problem. He quickly called a contact Pearlstine had no idea what this at the top eye center in Park City and disease was. “All I knew was that if you beseeched his way into a same–day appointment. The practice was closed for get sarcoidosis, it could possibly go away.

That was my first exposure to any of it.” a Christmas party, but the doctor agreed to see Pearlstine based on the dramatic See Hope on page 7 description of her eyes.

The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 7 Susan Pearlstine is presented with a candy striper uniform to commemorate her time as a volunteer at MUSC in her teens. Father, Edwin Pearlstine, and sister, Jan Pearlstine Lipov, look on. photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging

The Pearlstine, Bower and Lipov families celebrate Susan Pearlstine at the dedication of her new center May 5. needed to see a rheumatologist. She hope Continued from Page Six knew Silver personally and flew home to She began to educate herself and learned Charleston to see him. As he suspected, that sarcoidosis is a multi–system disease it was not RA, and he referred her to a sarcoidosis specialist, Marc Judson, M.D., that can cause inflammation in many organs of the body. She also learned that a preeminent physician and researcher too little is known about it, and it can be then at MUSC. debilitating. a Partner with a similar vision In very short order, this disease she’d In Judson, she not only found never heard of had taken control of her someone who understood the schedule, not to mention her life. For idiosyncrasies of sarcoidosis, she found a fast–paced, ever in–charge executive, a compatriot in her mission to make whose passion is trekking mountains all clinical care more about the patient. over the world, that did not sit well.

Through her own experience, she found “From there — every single ache and it disjointed, frustrating and exhausting. pain meant another MRI or CT scan With the assistance of his nurse at the or being sent to another specialist at time, Heidi Grund Graham, who helped another hospital or in another state. I her and other sarcoid patients navigate saw a lung specialist for my cough. A the system, coordination was greatly cardiac specialist for my heart issues. A enhanced. “Originally, I had a clinical dermatologist for rashes. An orthopedic dream for my gift of helping patients surgeon for my foot and knee issues, have a better experience — one where largely due to soft tissue inflammation.” they wouldn’t be treated like cattle — She continued, “I was the most active going from one sickness to the other, person you know, and all of a sudden, from one doctor to the other, sitting I couldn’t even go skiing? I tried to countless hours in waiting rooms, feeling walk to the top of the stairs while at a so helpless. ski resort with a group of friends and “My intention,” she continued, literally couldn’t catch a breath. For a “was that clinical care would be nonsmoking, moderate drinking, inpatient-centered and try to mitigate shape person, it was insane.” the medical wild goose chase. I was The bronchoscopy showed sent around to so many doctors. ‘Go granulomatous inflammation in her to the best heart doctor,’ I was told. lung tissue. They soon had their answer.

‘Go to the best eye doctor. Go to this Not long after, she tested positive for hospital. Go to this town.’ But when I rheumatoid arthritis and was told she

came to MUSC and realized that Dr. Judson made a connection with all the different divisions — heart, eyes, skin, rheumatology — I wasn’t going anywhere else. Your doctor isn’t going to look at something as an isolated case if you are receiving all your care there.

Patients most certainly benefit from this approach.”

But with all she personally experiences, she can’t help thinking about other patients who also suffer with her disease. She’s especially worried about the vulnerable populations who suffer and don’t have the resources to get the help they need. It troubles her that South Carolina has the fourth-highest sarcoidosis–related mortality rate in the United States and African–Americans suffer at an even greater rate than Caucasians. “It’s the underserved who have so few ways to deal with this,” she said. “I have a friend whose daughter has sarcoidosis, and they have a very difficult time. Through this center, I want them to get answers.”

Today, she is better able to manage her disease. She works diligently at keeping her stamina up, making time for walking, paddle boarding, cycling and working out. She receives an injection of Humira every two weeks — and each and every prescription cycle, they have to fight the insurance company to receive it. At this time, there are no FDA–approved drugs to treat sarcoidosis. She knows how

fortunate she is and that she really can’t complain, “I really do get to live my life mostly on my own terms now.”

That realization hit home. Pearlstine paused to collect her thoughts, her eyes welling up. “This is my legacy,” she said, “to repair the world. Having walked in the shoes of the sarcoidosis patient — my mission is to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Let’s face it — the whole family deals with the consequences when somebody is sick, or if they’re on disability, or running around to doctors’ appointments or being hospitalized. Even though I’m sick, I’m one of the lucky ones. MUSC is the best hospital in the state. I really trust the people here and feel confident that MUSC is the right place for this center to be housed. I know we will be a difference maker.” a PalPaBle affinity for musc Pearlstine has a 46–year connection with MUSC. When she was 13, she was a volunteer candy striper. Later, she served on the board of the Children’s Hospital and today is a director on the MUSC Foundation Board. Her family, too, has a long and distinguished history with the institution, and the bond is only growing stronger.

Pearlstine’s youngest daughter, Dana, will graduate from MUSC in December with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

See hope on page 12

8 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 nuRses

Continued from Page One

The awards process was initiated in January and led by members of the 2016 Nurses Week Planning Committee using a multi–tiered selection process.

It began with peer nominations and voting, resulting in the selection of 52 unit nurses. It was then narrowed down to 17 service line-divisional nurse nominees. Next, the organizational nurse of the year winners were chosen by a subcommittee of the Nurses Week Planning Committee led by Janet Byrne, R.N., MICU nurse manager. “Our team worked very hard to create an easy, inclusive process,� said Byrne. “It was also important that we got the support of clinical managers, administrative managers and senior leadership in the medical center to ensure a successful process.�

At the May 6 ceremony, Chris Hairfield, RN, Nurse Alliance chairman and 2016 Nurses Week Committee chairman, introduced Marilyn Schaffner, Ph.D., RN, MUSC chief nursing officer and clinical services administrator, who served as the event’s master of ceremony.

The timing of the event also was personal for Schaffner, who celebrates 43 years in nursing during Nurses Week. “This week is an opportunity to celebrate the values of nursing and a chance to educate the public about the roles nurses provide in meeting the health care needs of Tri–county residents and South Carolinians and beyond,� said Schaffner.

Schaffner spoke about a national, transparent focus on quality of care and patient satisfaction in health care today and how patients want to be better informed and knowledgeable as it relates to their care.

photo by J. Ryne Danielson

MUSC Health Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Marilyn Schaffner, left, and Chief Operating Officer Matt Wain, right, congratulate Charnell “Shawn�

Taylor for being selected 2016 Nurse of the Year for Diversity.

Schaffner urged people in the Culture, which holds staff accountable, audience to thank a nurse and express supports reporting and coaches risky their gratitude throughout Nurses Week. behavior. “Today, we take the time to say thank Sargent challenged the audience to you for your compassionate and caring speak up and “stop the line� when things advocacy, your creative imagination, happen, report errors and near misses your sensitive spirit and your intelligent in terms of patient safety and empower understanding,� she said. staff to share and provide solutions to For this year’s Nurses Week theme, problems. the American Nurses Association chose “We need to adopt a workplace that “Culture of Safety: It Starts with You.� embraces a collective mindfulness,� said The guest speaker at this year’s event Sargent. “We can always do better with was Stephanie Sargent, RN, MUSC everyone’s help.�

Health Patient Safety program manager.

She emphasized the need for MUSC 2016 nurses of the year and other health care organizations to q Elizabeth Lucey Boyle, Children’s improve their own culture of safety by Services (Integrity) eliminating a punitive management “Elizabeth demonstrates integrity approach to reporting safety errors and through her passion for professional developing tools like Lean Six Sigma excellence and delivering amazingly to manage system processes and a Just thoughtful care to everyone. She is

worthy of the trust of her patients. She has co-led the charge for eliminating hospital acquired infections within our unit by working with staff and leadership to promote and implement the innovative Safety Starts bedside check initiative. The Safety Starts program was designed as a bedside guidepost to remind nurses to complete routine checks each shift. Her efforts have produced reliable and sustainable results in the unit. Elizabeth promotes collaboration within our unit, our staff and our patients through her hard work, easy rapport with people, fierce loyalty and generosity of spirit that knows no bounds. As a unit RNIII, she embodies the tenets of professional nursing expertise and leadership as an exemplary clinician, approachable and personallyinvested charge nurse and educational resource for new staff as preceptor.� q Chris Collette, Musculoskeletal Service Line (Innovation) “Chris is highly accountable to his work schedule and to his commitment in “extra–curricular activities.� His attendance for work, staff and committee meetings is impeccable. His leadership roles on 10W include charge nurse

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The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 9 nuRses

Children’s Hospital nurse Elizabeth Lucey Boyle, left, is presented a plaque, gift and flowers as one of seven MUSC Nurse of the Year honorees at the Nurses Week ceremony.

Boyle was chosen for Integrity, one of seven characteristics and criteria used for these awards, defined

by MUSC’s nursing professional practice model, the Gate.

Continued from Page Eight

duties and serving as chairperson for the 10W Shared Governance Council. His positive approach and preparedness each day facilitates unit operations and collaboration among all team members. He exemplifies teamwork in his communication style and by demonstrating compassion with deliberation and calm.

Chris has the ability to approach patients and family members when they are disgruntled or frustrated about their care and within minutes has everything under control. Chris’ compassion has diffused numerous volatile patient and family situations, while acting as a role model for his peers.” q Katrina Rogers, Surgical Acute Critical Care Service Line (Collaboration) “Katrina has graciously taken over as charge nurse when others are not there, and she always does it with a smile and helpful attitude. She has grown in her knowledge of caring for our population, and she also handles our sometimes difficult population with grace and positivity. She doesn’t hesitate to go above and beyond for her patients, and she truly cares about the success of our unit. She always comes to work with a positive attitude. She is a positive influence on many of

Patient Safety Program manager Stephanie Sargent served as guest speaker for the May 6 Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony.

photos by J. Ryne Danielson

our new nurses, and she is a pleasure to work with.” q Charnell “Shawn” Taylor, Meduflex (Diversity) “Shawn embodies the concept of diversity in everything she does. During her seven–year career at MUSC, she has worked in the lab, as a PCT and is now a registered nurse II. This diversity of experience has granted Shawn the ability to bond with colleagues in all roles, showing the same level of respect for everyone including: RNs, PCTs, EVS and physicians.

Shawn’s infectious love for nursing elevates the mood of all of those around her. She demonstrates an impressive ability to win the trust and respect of patients and families who are considered “challenging,” to the extent that she is often requested by patients and families to return as their nurse the next day. Shawn is known as the nurse who is always smiling and always welcoming to everyone around her.” q Sethe Wetter, MICU (Expertise) “Sethe demonstrates a high level of compassion, empathy and dedication to our patients, families and staff every single day. He is the go-to person for questions and concerns in the unit. He is resourceful and knowledgeable in working with others and finding solutions to issues. Sethe continuously goes above and beyond to help his coworkers. His ability to lead in stressful situations is admirable. He communicates effectively, inspires others, exhibits trustworthiness and engages his team. Furthermore, this nurse has another important skill — an amazing sense of humor. He has the ability to make anybody laugh, and we all know how good laughter is for the soul. Team members trust this nurse to make wise decisions in the charge nurse role and to be there for back up when needed. He can be depended upon to ensure that the entire team is set up for success and the assignments are as manageable as possible. What stands out about Sethe is that he is selfless and humble. He stepped up to the plate and

became our newest CUL and representative on the CNO Advisory Council.” q Jennifer Fox, Transitions Care (Advocacy) “Jennifer Fox has been a case manager for six years and a lead case manager for four years. She and her case management team have been recognized by the 8th floor staff recently for improved teamwork and leadership. In June 2015, Jennifer was named the Case Management and Care Transitions Department employee of the quarter. She has been a preceptor to many new staff and students, while continuing to case manage an average of 25 patients a day.

As a team leader who emphasizes critical thinking skills to best meet the patient needs, Jennifer makes lasting impacts on patient satisfaction and outcomes.” q Desiree Hubert, Hollings Cancer Center (Leadership) “Desiree is a great role model, leader and mentor to a unit that has doubled in size and acquired a lot of new staff. Every shift, you can guarantee she will teach others something new about a disease process or a medication. She doesn’t just give the answer to their questions — she walks them through the thought process so the staff can come to the answer on their own. If staff can’t come to the answer on their own, she helps them research and find the answer. As charge nurse, she is always the first to volunteer her time and assistance. She has taught the younger nurses that sometimes a patient just needs to feel loved, whether it’s by giving them popsicles, taking them for walks or playing puzzles with them. She has modeled to the staff that when you’re a nurse, you are never too busy to put the well–being of your patient first. She is the unsung hero of the night shift, and we are thankful we get to call one of the best nurses at MUSC our teammate.

She shows high integrity and leadership every time she works, making it a pleasure to come to work.”

10 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016

This May, why not try a fun run for fitness chart on the refrigerator or break room so everyone can track their progress and see the countdown to the big day. On race day, try to stay together and support each other across the finish line. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun, so enjoy every moment and celebrate accomplishments together.

Health at work

start of the race. Stay away from rich, fatty or high–fiber foods, as they may cause gastrointestinal distress and don’t try anything new. q Get there early — Expect traffic delays as participants begin to arrive at the same time and parking might be limited. Spend some time warming up before the start of the race.

Race Day Tips: Susan Johnson q Pick up race packet early Once Race Starts — save time the morning of q Use water stops — take the race by picking up packet advantage of the water stations on the early if available. Packets include bib course to stay hydrated. number, computer timing chip and event q Pace yourself — Adrenaline might kick information and often include a race in at the start of the race but make sure T–shirt, coupons and other offers from you don’t burn out early. Pick a pace that event sponsors. will get you over the finish line. q Don’t overdress — a good rule of q Bring support team — Invite your thumb is to dress as if the weather is friends and family members for support 15 degrees warmer than it is to avoid or better yet, invite them to train and becoming overheated during the race. run too. q Choose pre–race food wisely — Eat a meal at least one hour prior to the “Miles to Change” is an MUSC

t

running/walking group aimed at improving employee wellness and supporting a culture of health.

Consistent training for runs/walks and participation in local races will provide not only a sense of accomplishment, but would also show a collective MUSC presence of wellness within our community. Upcoming races include Run Forrest Run (discount code RFRGroup16), MUSC Heart Health Fun Run (discount code MUSCHH) and the Floppin’ Flounder (discount code MUSCM2C). Once registered, stop by lobby displays from 12 to 1 p.m. on the days/locations listed below with race registration and MUSC badge for a free MUSC athletic shirt to wear at the run.

•May13 — Ashley River Tower (ART) lobby •May 16 — Main Hospital lobby •May 17 — Parkshore ECR - 3rd Floor •May 19— Harborview lobby For details on upcoming events and joining the group, email milestochange@ musc.edu, visit http://tinyurl.com/ zx58y4v.

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Looking for a great way to get active with family, friends or coworkers? Why not combine the benefits of exercise and giving back to the community by teaming up for a fundraising race?

Running is a sport that brings people together differently compared to others.

Most running can be done anywhere, and there is little equipment needed.

When training as a family, try running at an even pace to enjoy time together, motivate each other to push harder or talk about each other’s day. Find a “fun run” and sign up together — these events are usually family–friendly with a mix of walkers and runners, some even let you bring your dog. They take traditional running in 5K, 10K or marathon races and add a unique environment that gives it a festival feel and helps create connections among runners. By definition, a fun run is a friendly race, usually geared towards raising money and awareness for a cause. Physical benefits can include toning up, losing weight and ultimately improving health and fitness.

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The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016 11

eMpoweRR

Bald believes community outreach events are important for raising awareness of and encouraging testing for HIV and other sexuallytransmitted infections. Bald will take this lesson with her to Botswana in August.

Continued from Page Three

dedicate her life to serving vulnerable populations, at home and abroad. Now she’s taking her next step in that journey.

Beginning with intensive language and cultural training this fall, August will mark her start of a 27–month tour of service in Botswana. She credits the EMPOWERR program for paving the way for her work overseas.

“Without EMPOWERR, I don’t think that I would have this position with the Peace Corps,” she said. “EMPOWERR has really set me up for success. I’ve learned so much from my volunteer work: from knowledge of the basic epidemiology of HIV and AIDS to an understanding of public policy to the skills necessary to work with vulnerable populations.”

This knowledge and skillset is just as applicable in sub–Saharan Africa as it is in Charleston, South Carolina, she said. In fact, the regions share many similarities.

Like South Carolina, Botswana is predominantly Christian, and, like Charleston, its economy is fueled by tourism. Likewise, the natural beauty and friendliness of the people in both locales can hide serious public health challenges.

“The world is so big,” Bald said, “but we have the potential to be so connected with each other.”

She hopes to deepen those connections by collaborating with guidance counselors at schools in Botswana to teach life skills and promote

GRAduATion

photo provided

positive youth development. Fostering positive identities, communication, decision–making, goal–setting and leadership skills, while promoting HIV prevention and gender education, will make it possible.

While in recent years, LGBT rights have made great strides in the United States and other Western countries, nontraditional couples have no legal recognition in Botswana, and samesex relationships are prohibited by law. According to former Botswanan President Festus Mogae, the taboo against homosexuality has severely hindered the fight against HIV. Nonetheless, Bald remains hopeful that proper education can overcome these and other challenges.

“We’ve come so far in treating HIV, but education is still the key

to prevention.” That’s something she learned from her time with EMPOWERR, she said.

“I’ve been so inspired by the individuals I’ve worked with at EMPOWERR. They’re scholars — people who are constantly researching and questioning the world we live in and finding solutions. They’ve taught me so much.”

April Borkman, EMPOWERR’s director of operations, said she was grateful for Bald’s contributions to the program. “We are going to miss Sarah very much. She is kind, generous and caring, and she displays a unique way of connecting with our teens. Nevertheless, we are very excited for her to have this opportunity with the Peace Corps. She is incredibly passionate about education and providing opportunities to others

Continued from Page One

Aquarium and Waterfront Park. He also received much praise for his leadership following the city’s devastation from Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and the racially–motivated slayings of nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015.

He remains actively involved in plans for an African– American museum on Charleston Harbor, the port of entry for an estimated 40 percent of captive Africans during the slave trade.

Honors he has received during his tenure as mayor include: •President of the National Association of Democratic Mayors •Municipal Leader of the Year by American City & County •Thomas Jefferson Award from the American Institute of Architects for Public Architecture •One of the 25 most dynamic mayors in America, Newsweek magazine

A breakdown of 2016 graduates by college and demographics (totals include August and December graduates in addition to May).

who might not have them otherwise. I have no doubt that she will have a huge impact while serving in Botswana.”

Carla Kmett Danielson, Ph.D., professor of Psychiatry in the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center and founding program director of EMPOWERR, echoed Borkman’s sentiments. “We are so grateful for and inspired by Sarah and the spirit of altruism she has shared with EMPOWERR over the last several months. Unsung heroes like Sarah are the cornerstone of our program — young people who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to helping make our community and the world, in Sarah’s case — a better place.”

Bald said she is honored to be teaching the things she’s learned to young people in Charleston and all over the world.

“In second grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I couldn’t read for the longest time. I think that’s what motivates me so much to help those who are discriminated against. I can’t stand it, because I was discriminated against and judged for who I was. Everyone is valuable, regardless of their HIV status, race, gender or anything else.”

In her struggle to overcome her learning disability, Bald said she came to know herself well. “That’s a luxury few get to enjoy. Many 40–, 50–, 60–year– olds don’t know their purpose in life, but I do. My purpose in life is to be the change I wish to see in the world.”

That mantra, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, is one Bald tries to live by.

•Recipient of The National Medal of Arts.

In the event of inclement weather, commencement exercises will move to McAlister Field House on the campus of The Citadel, beginning at 11 a.m.

MUSC also will confer honorary degrees on: q Pamela Lackey, president of AT&T South Carolina; Doctor of Humane Letters q Susan Pearlstine, former owner and director of Pearlstine Distributors Inc. and member of the MUSC Foundation board of directors, who established the Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence at MUSC; Doctor of Humane Letters q State Rep. W. Brian White, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2001 and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; Doctor of Humane Letters q State Rep. Kenneth A. “Kenny” Bingham, a member of the House of Representatives since 2001 and chairman of the House Ethics Committee; Doctor of Humane Letters.

12 The CATAlysT, May 13, 2016

photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging

Susan Pearlstine, center, and daughters Amy Foster Bower, left, and Dana Foster. Dana will graduate from the College of Nursing in December.

Continued from Page Seven

A natural leader like her mother, Dana is president of the College of Nursing student government and on the Dean’s list. She beamed at the opening of the center. "I am so proud of my mother for all of her personal accomplishments and the philanthropic work she does for the Charleston community and especially MUSC,” she said. “My mother has been a long-time supporter of MUSC and strongly believes in its vision and mission for improving the lives of patients and their families through innovative health care. She continues to inspire and motivate me on a daily basis, and I am extremely grateful to call her my mom."

College of Medicine Dean Ray Dubois, M.D., Ph.D., spoke of the Pearlstine legacy. “Susan and her family have had a tremendous impact on the whole Charleston community for years.

‘Giving back’ is something that the Pearlstine family has done for several generations. The gift for sarcoidosis research and clinical care at MUSC will have a tremendous impact in accelerating our progress in understanding the molecular basis for this disease and in the development of new, more effective treatments.”

The reception following the event was held in the Pearlstine Healing Garden at the Hollings Cancer Center. That was particularly meaningful. Pearlstine said, “I could never do something so special at MUSC and not have my mom with me, by my side. I know she’s here

with us,” she told guests. The Healing Garden was made possible by her entire family: Susan and her three children; father Edwin; and sister Jan and husband Larry Lipov, and their two children, Win and Halle Lipov. The gift was made in memory of Susan and Jan’s mother, Barbara Langer Pearlstine, who died of cancer in 1997. Family and friends took in the beauty and serenity of the garden, while Pearlstine’s friend, Wendy Nielsen Politzer, launched her new book, “Salt and Iron,” which included an essay by Pearlstine. Politzer made a donation to the center with proceeds from her book.

When asked what moved her to give so large a gift to support this type of translational research, Pearlstine answered, “My family has always had a tradition of giving back. The unexpected sale of our family business made it possible for me to do this. I realized I wanted to make a transformational $5 million gift, and at the end of the day, I could still take a ski vacation,” she said with a hearty laugh.

If it sounds like life couldn’t get any better, Pearlstine recently learned she’s about to be a grandmother; her daughter, Amy, is pregnant with a girl. “Life is good. I am truly blessed. I could not be any more excited,” she said.

For more information on sarcoidosis and the Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence visit: http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ medicine/divisions/pulmonary/patient_ care/sarcoidosis.htm.

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