Aug. 21, 2015
Inside Loss of a BeLoved ReseaRcheR
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His presence and impact will be sorely missed.
ResidenT PRogRam
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Orthopaedic residency benefits two countries. 2 Around Campus 5 Meet Stuart 11 President’s Letter
T h e c aTa Ly s T onLine http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 33, No. 50
New student portal streamlines online experience By J. Ryne Danielson Public Relations The Office of the Chief Information Officer, under direction of the Office of Enrollment Management and the Student Government Association, will release a new student portal this fall to streamline the online experience for new and current students at the Medical University. The portal, located at life.musc.edu, will be live and ready for students in time for their return. “It’s a technology we’ve been working on for a while,” said John Dell, interim deputy CIO. “It integrates functionality across disparate systems that students used to need to access individually. “We worked closely with the SGA and asked what functions they needed as students,” he continued. “Students take courses on Moodle and pay tuition though Webadvisor; get notes from their professor through email; access academic and personal calendars, as well as campus information. Now, they can do all that in one spot. This opens up a lot of possibilities in terms of online education.” “Students can even see the weather,” said Michelle Hagar, systems analyst with OCIO. “There’s a whole number of things they can do with this system, not only pay bills, but sign up for direct deposit; contact their advisers; access tax forms, grades and transcripts.” One of the most useful features, she said, is Shibboleth, a single sign–on system that allows students to access a host of features with one password. The only feature that cannot be accessed from within the web application via single sign–on is the Exchange email service, though an unread email count does appear with the app, as well as a link to the Outlook web app. Students can customize bookmarks and campus feeds to receive the latest
LIKE US
photo by J. Ryne Danielson, Public Relations
New College of Medicine students pack the Bioengineering Building Aug. 12 on the first day of student orientations at MUSC.
The new student portal will provide students the ability to pay tuition, view grades, get class assignments and more all in one place. student broadcast messages and Catalyst stories in real time, as well as add their own RSS feeds. “The old version of this portal was never really rolled out. It was just used by whoever found it. It had limited functionality; didn’t have single sign-on. The new portal is built on the latest version of Microsoft
SharePoint and is much more useful,” Hagar said. “There is a lot of flexibility in this platform, so as needs arise and feedback and suggestions come in, the content can evolve to become even more useful for students.” George Ohlandt, executive director of the Office of Enrollment Management, agreed. “We strongly encourage students to provide feedback on the site so we have an idea of what features we could add or improve upon,” he said. There will be a comment box and short survey near the bottom of the landing page for students to provide feedback about which functions of the site they find most useful and to request additional features. Ohlandt, who is the executive sponsor of the portal, is excited about the rollout and believes students will be pleased with its functionality. “Life.musc.edu is the best way for students to access all of the academic and administrative tools they need on a regular basis.” Visit the new student portal at life.musc.edu. For questions about the site, email lifesupport@musc. edu or call the OCIO help desk at 792-9700.
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2 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
PeoPle
Around Campus
Kevin L. Boyd Kevin L. Boyd was named as Security Manager for the Medical University Hospital Authority on June 15. Boyd was former deputy director of security and emergency management for the Charleston County School District. Boyd retired in 2012 as a captain with the City of Charleston Police Department where he worked in security, administration operations and emergency management. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service.
Stephen Ethier Stephen Ethier, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and interim director of the Center for Genomic Medicine, was named permanent director as of Aug. 1. Ethier joined MUSC in Februrary 2012. He holds the Spaulding-Paolozzi Chair in
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 Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu J. Ryne Danielson, daniejer@musc.edu Helen Adams, adamshel@musc.edu Sarah Pack, packsa@musc.edu Jeff Watkins, watkinsj@musc.edu
evenTs Relay for Life A fundraiser and back–to–school benefit supporting the MUSC Relay for Life Team will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight at Mynt, 135 Calhoun Street. The event will feature live music, DJ at 10 p.m. and drawing. Admission with a $5 wrist band. Proceeds from this event will benefit the American Cancer Society. For information, email kennell@musc. edu or layj@musc.edu.
Lunch at Halo photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
First-year students from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy gather to pick up a cool King of Pops treat during the Aug. 17 new student orientation session for the college. A total of 87 students were welcomed. Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Research in the Hollings Cancer Center’s Cancer Genetics and Molecular Regulation Program.
Cynthia L. Hipp Cynthia L. Hipp, DDS, associate professor and director of the Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Program in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, was inducted as president of the The Catalyst is published once a week. Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Hipp has held numerous positions on the board during these past years in addition to serving as chair of the ABPD Qualifying Examination.
Lisa Ihnkin Lisa Ihnkin, R.N., has accepted the position of director of Informatics and Systems Education with MUHA. Ihnkin was previously with the Clinical Informatics team and inpatient Clinical Instructional Design team with the Epic Enterprise project since 2013. Ihnkin came to MUSC from New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.
Enjoy lunch at Halo (across from the MUSC Horseshoe) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and 10 percent of the bill will be donated to the MUSC Health Transplant Center. Pick up a flyer at the Transplant Center, located at 162 Ashley Avenue, and present it to the cashier when ordering. All proceeds will benefit the MUSC Health Transplant Center’s annual education fair/picnic for organ donors and transplant recipients. Call Lena Curry, 876-1170.
Cancer’s a Beach
The S.C. Chapter of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance is hosting the Cancer’s A Beach 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Folly Beach. Race begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $25 per person. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/cancersabeach.
New resource to share research successes Attention all research faculty, students and staff: Do you have exciting research news or findings that you would like to see shared with the MUSC community, other scientific institutions and/or the general public? To help increase awareness about the research successes found here at MUSC, we have created a dedicated email address through which that information can be collected and appropriately disseminated.
Send an email to research-comm@ musc.edu with some basic information about what you would like to have shared, and you will be contacted by a communications expert who will help deliver your message to the appropriate audience(s). Share this address with everyone in your research cohort and encourage its use whenever appropriate. Help spread the word out about the amazing work being done here at MUSC.
The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015 3
Audiovisual specialist remembered for his quiet commitment By CinDy aBole
professionalism, keen problem solving skills, quiet demeanor and courteous manner. Stanley was a member of Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant and on the church’s technical arts team. Stanley is survived by two brothers, a sister and several nephews and nieces.
Public Relations Kenneth Wayne Stanley, an audiovisual specialist in the Office of Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources, died July 29. He was 57 years old. A South Carolina native and resident of Hanahan, Stanley began working at MUSC in March 1981 as an audiovisual technician. In his job, Stanley provided AV support to various areas of the institution including meetings and seminars, college award events and hooding ceremonies. He retired after 34 years of service on June 30. To many, Stanley was the voice and presence of audiovisual support on campus. “Everyone who worked with Wayne trusted his presence and knew everything would operate smoothly,� said Kyle R. Connelly, a co-worker in Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources. “Wayne had a way of keeping his cool in stressful situations. He loved his job, which originally stemmed from his passion for radio, which he worked in prior to coming to MUSC.� Stanley continued to stay involved in radio up until his retirement, working with South Carolina Health Focus at MUSC, which is broadcast on South Carolina ETV radio. MUSC Board of Trustees chairman Don Johnson, M.D., praised Stanley for his professionalism and
photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources’ employee Wayne Stanley died July 29. expertise as Stanley provided AV support at scheduled meetings. “Wayne was a true professional and a valuable asset to our board of trustees and MUSC. His loyalty and expertise that counted over three decades of service to this institution will be truly missed.� During his career at MUSC, Stanley was recognized with several Applause Awards and a Golden Apple Award from the College of Medicine. Colleagues say he will be remembered for his dependability,
Take the Lead
It was an honor to work and travel with Wayne Stanley for the past 24 years. He will be greatly missed both here and at all of the events we attended. We were looking forward to hiking, rafting and eating with our friends in his retirement. John W. Richardson Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources I had the great pleasure of working with Wayne for 10 of his 30–plus years at MUSC. He was always a joy to be around.What I will miss most about him is that after a bad day you could stop by his office for a talk and a laugh with him and you’d always walk away with a smile on your face and good feeling in your heart. He will truly be missed. His favorite sayings were: "Big things, big things are coming" and "Remember, we are on the move." Justin Muir Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources
See Stanley on page 11
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4 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
Summer research undergrads gain key research experiences By shaRon FowleR Public Relations Relaxing and recharging are how many undergraduate college students prefer to spend their summer breaks. But for the 412 students who applied to MUSC’s Summer Undergraduate Research program (SURP), spending 40 hours a week engaged in biomedical research was more appealing. Of the 412 applicants, 70 students were selected to spend nine weeks at MUSC conducting research experiments under the guidance of MUSC mentors. This hands-on experience allowed students to work closely with their mentors in a laboratory where they will learn valuable research skills and techniques. Stephanie Brown-Guion, director of summer programs for the College of Graduate Studies, said that apart from gaining experience on a graduate level, the purpose of the program is to “spark a flame within the student to consider coming to graduate school for a career in research.” Prior to starting the program, students are given the opportunity to choose their desired area of research based on their academic or professional interests and goals. Their experience is supplemented by a seminar series with tracks in cardiovascular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience and marine biomedical environmental health. Sheldon Carpenter, a rising sophomore at Boston University, is no stranger to the MUSC campus. In 2013, between his junior and senior years at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, he participated in the Summer Program
University of Maryland student Olanike Awontunde, center, worked with Drs. Titus Reaves, left, and Samar Hammad, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology.
for Research Interns (SPRI). While SURP and SPRI both offer students a chance to practice biomedical research, SPRI is a shorter program, only lasting six weeks, and it does not include the seminar series: something Carpenter has really enjoyed. “The cancer biology track was really specific to what I was doing and how it all related. And it just helped me. I could come in and discuss different questions or theories I had for possible ways to treat cancer, and they would basically tell me, ‘No someone else thought of that already.’” Carpenter laughed, adding, “But it was still a good way to explore the field and explore different topics outside of the one area that I’m researching.” Carpenter has been working with Elizabeth Yeh, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, to investigate the effects and roles of the hormonally up-regulated Neu-associated kinase, or HUNK for short, in the progression of breast cancer. Katrina Buyze, a recent graduate of Central Michigan University, was also back at MUSC for her second time, having participated in SURP in 2014. She returned this summer to continue her research, feeling that doing so gave her a distinct advantage. “I already had my confidence built up, and I didn’t have to spend time learning a lot of the procedures, so that was really nice. I feel like we talked more about big picture things; it was valuable to see a project from start to finish.” Buyze worked in the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) under her mentor Lawrence Chandler, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Neuroscience. In addition to Chandler, she also worked with Elizabeth Burnett, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar. Their research examined the role of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), a part of the brain that signals a response to aversion-related stimuli, in the negative properties of alcohol. Burnett explained the significance of the project and Buyze’s research of the prefrontal inputs to the RMTg, “The data she has been collecting is basically showing that this prefrontal input to the RMTg is activated during exposure to these aversive stimuli.” The results of Burnett and Buyze’s research could possibly help in understanding why some people are at risk for developing or have a history of alcohol use disorders. Rosamond Goodson, who attends Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, also worked in a laboratory at the IOP with Chandler, Burnett and two other postdoctoral scholars. Jacqueline Barker, Ph.D., and Bailey Glen, Ph.D. Goodson’s project examined multielectrode array recordings of brain activity in laboratory mice. Burnett
photos by Sharon Fowler, Public Relations
Boston University student Sheldon Carpenter worked in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Yeh in the Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology. Carpenter previously conducted research at MUSC as a Summer Program for Research Interns high school student. said pilot studies like Goodson’s are critical because “they can really serve to guide the rest of the future work.” Goodson was extremely enthusiastic about her first research experience at MUSC. “All in all it was really fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and I learned a ton. It was really neat to take concepts that I’d learned in the classroom and apply them to all of the wet lab techniques. And I definitely think that I’ve become a better neuroscientist as a result of being in this program.” Less than three weeks into the program, the fatal shooting of nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME Church devastated Charleston. The visiting students were understandably affected by the tragedy. Olanike Awotunde, a rising sophomore from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was one such student. “The incident with the AME church shooting really shook me up,” said Awotunde. Her summer housing was close to the church on Calhoun Street. “It was like being part of history almost, being down here for the first time. It was tragic, but I feel like most people took something away from that. It ended up being a big part of this experience.”
See Research on page 10
The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015 5
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6 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
Globe-trotting scientist lived a remarkable life By Dawn BRazell Public Relations
S
till reeling from the news of the passing of Louis “Lou” J. Guillette, Ph.D. colleagues mourned the loss of an internationally-renowned scientist described as "larger than life" and "a force of nature." MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, called Guillette a rare individual and talented scientist. "It’s a testament to his character how well loved he was by his students," Cole said. "As an investigator, he was highly accomplished and had prestigious global connections working at the frontiers of multiple disciplines of science, including biomedicine and the environment. His model of team science was ahead of its time and helped set MUSC in a direction in which we want to continue." Guillette, the endowed chair in marine genomics and director of the Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center at MUSC, was an expert in comparative reproductive biology and developmental endocrinology. His research explored how to prevent and treat health problems caused by environmental factors. Conducting research with MUSC’s departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, he focused on how various environmental factors might lead to birth defects or other reproductive abnormalities in wildlife and humans. Guillette’s work often took him out in the field, whether doing research on crocodiles in South Africa or alligators in local refuges. In his wildlife biology research over the past 20 years, Guillette found links between environmental contaminants and infertility and reproductive issues in alligator populations from Florida to South Carolina. Guillette held dual appointments, which allowed him to work closely with MUSC physicians and researchers as well as scientists at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML). The HML is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administered facility, with activities governed by the five partner organizations that include MUSC, the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) and the College of Charleston. MUSC researcher Demetri Spyropoulos, Ph.D., said he and Guillette had a webinar presentation last Wednesday, but his friend and colleague was not feeling well from a fever related to what he called his “3-year-old” immune system, which was weakened by the effects of chemotherapy. Guillette told him not to worry, and Spyropoulos didn’t, since his friend always bounced back to 10 times the energy level of anyone around him. “He assured me that I knew my stuff, and he had all the confidence in me going it alone. He said, ‘Demetri, remember the power of positive thinking!’ I told him the difference was that the web viewers would be jumping up and down applauding in front of their computer screens if he did it. I said, ‘Rest up, and I’ll let you know how it went.’” Unfortunately, Spyropoulos didn’t get that chance. Guillette, 62, passed away Aug. 6. In his passing, though, he left a wake of colleagues he had touched and many of whom he had mentored, a cause near and dear to his heart. Team science Roger Newman, M.D., professor and Maas Chair for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was instrumental in recruiting Guillette from the University of Florida, where he had made an international name for himself in reproductive biology using the alligator model as a sentinel species. Despite his distinction and standing in that academic community, Guillette embraced the opportunity at a late stage in his career to make a change and collaborate with researchers in the medical field, he said. “He embraced it so enthusiastically that it was invigorating,” Newman said of the groundbreaking move. “He was larger than life. What impressed me the most was his contagious enthusiasm and vigorous belief in the importance of environmental exposure on human health.” Guillette had top–tier, international connections and brought a new level
photo by Sarah Pack, Public Relations
Dr. Louis Guillette battled cancer for years, but that didn’t keep him from directing the Marine Biomedicine & Environmental Sciences Center at MUSC or serving as an inspiration for fellow scientists and students. of collaborative enterprise to MUSC. He opened doors to intramural and extramural research collaborations that were previously closed, and his leadership contributed to significant research opportunities, including his involvement with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. “He was an extremely prestigious person to have in our department. In just a few years after coming here, he was the recipient of the Heinz Award for his career achievement in environmental research, which is equivalent to the environmental Nobel Prize and one of the top awards a scientist can receive,” Newman said. Guillette was a talented teacher and mentor, Newman said. He was always looking for ways to train, protect and support his students. “He had a Pied Piper relationship with students. Lou was a tremendous teacher. They loved him and were inspired by him.” One legacy Guillette leaves is that he sparked interest among animalbased researchers who took note of his interdisciplinary collaborations with clinical researchers and physicians. Newman said he blazed a trail in crossing traditional boundaries of how science can be performed. Though Guillette’s loss is a setback, his legacy will continue not only in the students he influenced, but also in how he worked at the
frontiers of multiple scientific disciplines building bridges across those gaps. Guillette recently discussed with Newman his dream of establishing a graduate-level marine biomedicine environmental program among MUSC, the Hollings Marine Laboratory and the College of Charleston, an idea Newman describes as “brilliant.” The program would be far-reaching, exploring how environmental contaminants may be impacting not only reproductive disorders but also a wide range of chronic diseases including obesity, cancer, diabetes, autism and immunological diseases. Some people fear his loss will disrupt those plans. “My hope is that his passing might serve as a catalyst to make that dream become a reality. What he has done will not be lost or forgotten,” Newman said. In the future, Newman predicts, Guillette and his colleagues will be recognized for one very important paradigm shift they accomplished. This shift already is starting to affect federal and environmental regulatory agencies, where scientists are beginning to acknowledge that the danger of certain chemicals is not just related to the exposure dosage, but also the timing of exposure, particularly if it occurs during
See Guillette on page 7
The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015 7
photo provided
Above photo: Dr. Louis Guillette, center, and his team with a crocodile in South Africa. Right photo: Dr. Guillette was an accomplished wildlife and nature photographer. He shot a photo of an Amazon kingfisher bird at sunset. critical windows of fetal development. “When you lose someone of his dominating personality, it leaves a void,” Newman said. After all, there aren’t many researchers as comfortable talking with physicians and basic scientists as they are “wrangling alligators” in the field. An incredible wildlife and nature photographer, Guillette used that talent in slide shows he tirelessly shared with community groups to raise awareness of the interactions between the environment and human health. He particularly liked a photo he shot at night, showing hundreds of glowing alligator eyes. No one left one of his lectures without being changed, better understanding the interaction between human health and the environment, Newman said. “More and more, I wake up feeling like I’m getting old. But when you were around Lou, you didn’t feel old. There were so many ideas, so much enthusiasm, all of a sudden there was just so much to do, and you were enveloped by his zest and zeal,” Newman said. ReLaTionshiP WeB That’s the experience Kathleen Ellis, director of operations for MUSC’s Center for Global Health, had as well. She described Guillette as the consummate storyteller. “Listening to Lou could transport you on a journey from his work in the remote village of Botswana, where he lived with
his wife, Buzzy, an anthropologist, to his environmental research on the crocodiles and fish wildlife of Kruger Park, South Africa, to his early roots in global health which went all the way back to his Ph.D. days when he was in Mexico trying to understand high altitude pregnancy and the evolution of the placenta,” she said. “It was impossible to walk away from Lou without feeling a little in awe, a little more curious, inspired by his science to make the world a better, healthier place. How could you not?” Ellis said Guillette’s global health research took him to every corner of the world — every continent except Lou was an incredible scientist with extraordinary enthusiasm and passion for his work. He was a generous and valued collaborator and mentor. He will be missed tremendously. Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D. MUSC Interim Associate Provost for Research On behalf of my colleagues at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, please accept our deepest condolences regarding the recent loss of Lou Guillette. Lou was a dear friend, colleague and mentor to many of us at NIST. He was the embodiment of a great scientist – a superb mentor, lover of nature and communicator. He had a brilliant mind and an infectious enthusiasm and thirst for new knowledge. Lou believed in integrative research
photo by Lou Guillette
Antarctica. He worked to mentor and support students and scientists in developing countries who didn’t have the technology and resources some other researchers have. “He believed that we are all part of a global environment and that while individuals can make a difference, you can’t build a community with one person. ‘The minute that person is gone, the community collapses’ — which is why he worked tirelessly to provide mentorship and build networks around the world for his students and colleagues,” Ellis said. In a conversation she had with him – that there are few problems facing our society that one person or group alone can answer. We are grateful to him for his promotion of NIST and his role in defining human and wildlife exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds. Lou leaves an enduring legacy with NIST and the Hollings Marine Laboratory through the people he touched and the societal issues and scientific questions he challenged us to address. He will be truly missed. Willie E. May Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Dr. Lou Guillette was one of the first scientists I met upon my arrival at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML). Instantly, I knew Lou was a force for making great things happen, and he did just that during his tenure at HML.
just weeks ago, he told her: “My legacy to science is not just the work I did — that’s just bricks and walls. Your true legacy is the people you leave behind.” Ellis said Guillette had an impact on almost everyone he met. “Lou’s legacy will forever be imprinted in the hearts and minds of all those lives he touched — students, colleagues, friends and family.” Spyropoulos said his friend, who always was traveling to some exotic place or other, was supposed to go to Africa this week for more field work. “He was such a force of nature, his passing just wasn’t a possibility. He was always on the move, always motivating, pushing quality science and public awareness,” he said. Known for a witty sense of humor and relentless optimism, Guillette’s words of encouragement will always resonate with Spyropoulos. “Our Gulf grant meetings were always electrifying — we fed off of each other's excitement and energy, eagerly refining our thoughts and course of action. The scientific endeavor was paramount. What is the big question? How do we break this up into testable hypotheses? What are the priorities?” Spyropoulos said. “Ideas and words were his domain. He would say ‘a good idea instilled into the minds of others will never die.’ “But I find myself at a loss for words now — you can’t hug or shake hands with or get a hearty pat on the back from a word. It is the man who will be missed.” Guillette is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Arnold Guillette, two sons and two daughters. His research was groundbreaking with respect to our understanding of stressors on human health. I am so grateful to Lou for all of his numerous contributions to HML and the Fort Johnson Campus. He was an inspirational leader who was able to unite so many people with a common vision and purpose. I will forever remember Lou as an inspirational colleague, trusted mentor and dear friend. Jeffrey King, Ph.D., P.E. Hollings Marine Laboratory National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and NOAA, National Ocean Service Editor’s note: To read all tributes for Dr. Louis Guillette, visit http://tinyurl. com/phrngzj.
8 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
Haiti ortho surgical residency, exchange opens up possibilities Center for Global Health
O
ne need not look beyond the Western hemisphere for stories of national resiliency in the developing world. Rudolph Richeme, M.D. provided an appropriately timed overview of the state of health care in Haiti and the unwavering resilience of its people during a lecture as part of a residency rotation and exchange program directed by the South Carolina Orthopedic Association, MUSC’s Department of Orthopaedics and Hopital de la Paix, one of two teaching hospitals in Port-auPrince. Richeme was accompanied by Dr. Thony Gillaume as they presented at an event co-sponsored by MUSC’s Center for Global Health, Department of Orthopaedics, Charleston County Medical Society and the Charleston Orthopaedic Society. Richeme is a Haitian-born orthopaedic surgery resident at Hopital de la Paix. He has received medical and surgical
training in Haiti and abroad from renowned health care professionals. He served as medical director at Hopital Lumiere in Bonne Fin, Haiti for several years after the 2010 earthquake. Now he is pursuing his dream of orthopaedics. Working with U.S. physicians, such as Shane Woolf, M.D., associate professor of Orthopaedics and chief of Sports Medicine, Richeme has been afforded opportunities to see health care from two very different worlds. Richeme’s skills and training are applicable across borders and highly valuable. He chooses to remain in Haiti where health care conditions can worsen to epidemic proportions overnight, compensation is uncertain and corruption constrains resources. “A lot of health professionals have left Haiti for better pay and conditions,� explained Richeme. “My belief is that more hands make a lighter burden. This is the only way to solve issues weighing down Haiti’s health care system.� While Richeme has just cause to tire of the health care system in his home country—he doesn’t. Prior to the 2010
Richeme treated patients with only meager resources at his disposal. The workload was not only laborious but he could not sufficiently treat minor conditions due to a lack of supplies.
Even compensation was hard to come by. His employer could not pay health care workers for six months.
See Residency on page 9
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The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015 9
ResiDenCy
Continued from Page Eight
“After six months, we did not think we were going to be paid,” Richeme remarked. “We were unsure if vital staff would stay around since they were not paid either.” Richeme was notified a year later about receiving a paltry two months’ worth of income. Overcome with delight, Richeme and his wife were en route to Port–au–Prince to pick up his pay when the earthquake hit, registering a 5 on the Richter scale near Bonne Fin. In Port– au–Prince, the quake registered as high as 7.3. Nonpayment no longer consumed Richeme’s thoughts—it was the safety of his son back in Bonne Fin. Health care facilities were expectedly overcrowded: More than 1,500 patients waited to be seen in a 120–bed hospital. And without the quake Richeme’s employers were to soon close their doors. Medical disaster response teams the world over deployed to Haiti in an effort to assist with the damage. Among them were Woolf and a team from MUSC. “Without these teams responding and seemingly running the hospitals, most of them would have had to close their doors,” said Richeme. From that point, a group of orthopaedic surgeons and state partners, including Woolf, committed a substantial portion of their time to sustainably developing a program that trains surgeons like Richeme and his colleagues. The South Carolina Orthopedic Association created a mechanism in the Haiti Global Orthopedic Resident Education Initiative to provide rigorous, bidirectional training for American and Haitian surgery residents. “This unique collaboration among MUSC, USC, Greenville and the Hopital de la Paix orthopaedic departments allows for cross–cultural orthopedic education, experience with complex pathology and injury patterns, exposure of the visiting Haitian residents to ACGME accredited training programs and their structure, as well as alternative surgical and non-operative treatment experiences for our trainees,” explained Woolf. Woolf thought it important to, at the very least, preserve the balance of well-trained Haitian–born orthopedic specialists, considering the ratio of surgeons and patients in the country. His
photo provided
An orthopaedics resident performs surgery at Hospital Lumiere in Haiti. hopes are to increase that number and provide trainees from both the U.S. and Haiti with exposure and training in vastly different health care systems. “The other important benefit is continuity of care for patients treated in Bonne Fin by the visiting teams, with a visiting group from South Carolina in country every two months,” Woolf said. “The education of future Haitian medical professionals, continuity of orthopedic care and elevating the standard of medical and orthopedic care in the very same hospital our six teams visited after the earthquake five years ago is the result of a large group effort among the Lumiere staff and administration, the South Carolina Orthopedic Association and residency programs and several very dedicated individuals, including Dr. Robert and Anne Belding.” facing humaniTy On the tiny island of Hispanola lie the two nations: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The world does not need convincing of the conditions in Haiti— mostly due to anthropogenic influences that have manifested off and on for decades. Interestingly, the two countries have substantially different economies as classified by the World Bank. The Dominican Republic is considered an upper-middle-income economy with a gross national income (GNI) between $4,126 and $12,735. Haiti, having a slightly smaller portion of the shared land mass, is a low-income economy having a GNI of $1,045 or less. Accurate data are not available to
detail the ratio of physicians to patients, which is telling. Richeme explained that there are 11 orthopedic specialists for 3 million Haitians who seek their services. Non-Haitians have historically provided needed care across the countryside. Given the confluence of problems that led to the medical and security risks plaguing Haiti, Richeme remains optimistic that the era of malfeasance and government ineptitude is winding down. “We have an opportunity now to open people’s minds,” said Richeme. “It is less about existing problems and more about actionable solutions through programs like the rotation and personnel exchange.” Richeme has seen systems fail needlessly. When his brother was completing medical school, he was denied what would have been life-saving care due to visa processing backlogs and increasingly exorbitant fees. He later died of liver cirrhosis. Richeme came face–to–face with humanity again when he later witnessed the devastation the earthquake would cause in the immediate aftermath. Death and destruction were and remains widespread. Now, explained Richeme, cholera and chikungunya ravage areas where rain, and subsequently mosquitoes have come earlier than usual. The compounding of public health problems is difficult to juggle for any nation, even those with GNIs orders of magnitude larger than Haiti’s. Still, Richeme finds strength to continue working for his people. “Life is not a piece of cake,” said
Richeme. “We are going to have a lot of language barriers; we will have ethnic, cultural and economic barriers. But you have to see the humanity in what we do as health care professionals. We all are different, and we should get over it to best serve our patients.” Richeme once again faced humanity on his trip to present in front of a group of orthopedic surgeons at MUSC. He is a man anchored by faith in the choppy, white-capped seas of his existence: faith in the good of man and his God. In all of Richeme’s travels, the cases of rare diseases — and common, treatable ones— left untreated; the abject poverty in his country; and the adversity he has seen his own family rebound from, he was struck by the response Charleston had in recent months to its own embracing of humanity. What he observed during his visit to Mother Emanuel AME Church reinforced his belief that good triumphs. Contrary to the assumed callousness and indifference seen in higher–income countries, Richeme saw redeeming resilience and compassion of people from all backgrounds during his visit. This, he said, is the unity we are supposed to live in every day — not just during a natural disaster or act of inhumanity. “We are living in a broken world,” said Richeme. “And as a surgeon, we look for those broken ends to touch; we try to adjust the malalignment; we recalibrate an off rotation. It is the same with situations we face. In order to remain stable, we must embrace our similarities.” Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission from MUSC Center for Global Health at http//globalhealth.musc.edu.
Annual parking renewal due Renewal of annually expiring employee parking decals and hang tags will begin Monday, Aug. 17 and continue through Sept. 30. Renewal may be completed online (through Sept. 18) or in the Office of Parking Management, 91 President Street (through Sept. 30). For information and to renew online, visit http://tinyurl.com/ pr6n5bg
10 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
Make time for sufficient sleep or suffer from low energy Fitting in adequate sleep is a common struggle. Given the ever–growing number of tasks and priorities most employees face, versus the fixed number of hours in a day, many choose to postpone their bedtime in order to fit it all in. The July Monthly Mindful Challenge was to make sleep a daily priority, in an effort to overcome this tendency. Challenge winner, Megan Scallion, used the opportunity offered by participating to “reestablish healthy routines” when transitioning from graduate school to working full time. “I’m very task–oriented, and when I have a lot to do, or a lot of things on my mind, sleep becomes a lower priority. I figured that participating in this month’s challenge would motivate me to keep track of my sleep behaviors and be more mindful of ways to improve my habits and of the things that I need to cut out before Scallion bed,” Scallion said. Technology is becoming an increasingly big factor in poor sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 95 percent of
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Unity, too, was a big part of Awotunde’s experience. While staying at a College of Charleston residence hall, Awotunde met several SURP participants, all of whom became close friends. “We bonded on a cultural basis because there were two of us who are Nigerian and two of us who are Colombian.” Awotunde remarked how amazing it was that her new friends’ families came from the same tribes and cities as hers. “It’s a small world,” she said. On July 29, Awotunde presented her research involving the presence and role of scleraxis, a transcriptional regulator that was originally shown to be involved in tendon formation, but more recently has been shown to have a large role in the activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Awotunde utilized PMN adhesion and migration experiments in her research, with the help of her two mentors from the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Samar Hammad, Ph.D. and Titus Reaves, Ph.D.,
people surveyed admitted to using electronic device prior to sleeping. Researchers have found that the artificial light emitted from some devices’ screens may decrease the hormone melatonin when used within an hour of sleep. This can lead to sleep disturbances, low energy, drowsy driving and poor retention. Scallion agrees that at times the Internet, television, texting and talking on the phone are all Susan Johnson great distractions that tend to delay her bedtime.” New parents learn that a sleep routine is imperative for their newborn and quickly try to create a predictable bedtime pattern. Yet as adults, though we realize the importance of getting enough sleep, we frequently fail to have a set bedtime to ensure that happens. To counteract these distractions, Scallion, a program coordinator in Hollings who works with head and neck cancer patients, tries to have a more consistent sleep and wake time, even on the weekends. “When I have trouble unwinding before bed, I drink chamomile tea and use lavender essential oil. I also set my thermostat to automatically lower a few degrees close to bedtime.”
Health at work
Each SURP participant had the opportunity to share his or her research during the final three days of the program. The students did not show any signs of being nervous while presenting to MUSC faculty and fellow SURP students. In fact, they radiated confidence and proudly described the work they did at MUSC this summer. And the students are not the only ones who benefit from the program. Mentors have echoed the benefits of having an undergraduate presence in their labs. Yeh had two students working in her lab this summer: Carpenter, as well as Kendall Phelps-Polirer of Clemson University. “Sheldon is very inquisitive, as is Kendall; they asked really good questions,” said Yeh. “They kind of kept me on the ball, so I have to know why they are doing each step, and if I can’t explain it, well, then it emphasizes that I need to be able to do that.” Burnett, who mentored Buyze and Goodson this summer, spoke very highly of her students and the SURP program. “We really enjoy having SURP students in the lab each summer. Besides the obvious help they provide in getting
The result: “I generally feel better and have a more positive outlook on life when I am well rested, and I’ve noticed that my productivity and concentration greatly improve when I get enough sleep.”
Employee Wellness
q August Monthly Mindful Challenge — Do a gut check, and try foods that promote a healthy gut flora. Begin by taking the challenge’s first survey at http:// tinyurl.com/nrswyzx. A link to the final survey will be sent at month’s end to those who take the first survey. q Sodexo Cafeteria Promotion — through Aug. 31; Buy a PACT, Aquafina or zero calorie Pepsi bottled beverage with either a Mindful entree salad or a whole fruit and enter a drawing for a chance to win an iPad. One winner will be selected from combined entries from both cafeterias Aug. 1 to Aug. 31. q Worksite Screening: Friday, Aug. 28, Wellness Center Auditorium. This screening is available to employees with the State Health Plan (including the MUSC Health Plan). Employees and spouses can participate for $46. Register at musc.edu/ employeewellness/2015Worksite Screening. q Chair massages: Free massages are offered to employees midday Wednesdays. Check Broadcast Messages for new locations and times.
our day-to-day research obligations accomplished, their enthusiasm and curiosity bring great energy into the lab,” she said. “Teaching these students is actually very rewarding, and I often find it reinforces my love for science.” The results of the research studies to which the SURP students contribute can yield important findings for the scientific community. For example, Buyze’s work with Burnett this summer has proved to be the first ever characterization of a novel pathway targeting the RMTg. The extensive research experience that MUSC offers is well beyond the typical body of work to which undergraduate students are exposed. Upon successfully completing SURP, students receive 15 college credit hours from MUSC and some even have their names featured in research publications. The tradeoff for sacrificing a summer of leisure and committing to a full-time research position may seem high, but it paid off for these 70 students who devoted their time to a greater purpose. For information about the SURP program, visit the College of Graduate Studies at http://academicdepartments.
musc.edu/grad/summer_research_ program/undergraduate/general_info. htm.
MUWC Scholarship deadline is Sept. 4
The Medical University Women’s Club is seeking deserving students for its annual scholarships. The MUWC will award $14,000 in total scholarships this year. All full-time students in their second or subsequent years from an of MUSC’s six colleges are eligible and encouraged to apply.. Previous applicants may reapply. Deadline for submissions is 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 4. Applications may be submitted online via email to muwcschaolarship@gmail.com. The link to apply is http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ womensclub/scholarship.htm. Scholarship recipients will be notified by Friday, Sept. 11 and recognized at the group’s annual coffee event on Sept. 15.
The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015 11
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Household Personal Items for MUSC employees are free.
All other classifieds are charged at rate below. Ads considered venture-making ads (puppy breeder, coffee business, home for sale, etc.) will be charged as PAID ADS •• PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED * NO MORE THAN 3 LINES * FREE ADS RUN 2 WEEKS ONLY! PAID ADS are $3 per line ( 1 line = 35 characters) DEADLINE: TUESDAY – 10:00 AM * CLASSIFIED ADS CAN BE E-MAILED TO Chilton@postandcourier.com OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call Crystal Hilton with questions at (843)937-4803 Office; (843)937-5410 Fax *Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students.
Furniture
Rental Property
Burgundy sectional sofa for sale, Good condition $125 Call 843-830-1112 Dining Table- 6 chairs w/leaf. $400 OBO Can send pics. Cindy (843)906-4750
Mt. Pleasant TH off 17N in Bay Tree. 2Br, 2 & 1/2 Bath, W-D in unit, FP, New Paint & Carpet. $1400/M + $1400 Sec. Dep. Pets considered on individual basis w/fee & dep. Email elainetaylor47@gmail.com for more info.
Solid Oak Dining Table, 48X70 w/leaves 102 in. 10 Windsor chairs. $400. Can email pics. (843)860-2634
King Size Euro Pillow Top Set New, will sacrifice for $275 Call 843-270-4283 Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set, Brand New in Plastic, Must Sell!! $150 Call Chris (843)270-4283
Rooms For Rent Private, fully-furnished accommodations available for MUSC resident/student. Call: (843)329-2733
sTanley
MISC. Services Extra Respite Care Needed: Mount Pleasant Client is 35 years old, uses wheelchair, requires grooming, bathing, meal prep, standing, wheelchair transfers, driving and accompaniment in public. Hours will be occasional weekday and weekend mornings,afternoons,evenings and some overnights. Applicant must have own transportation and drivers license, ability to drive a wheelchair lift van, strong back, CNA license or experience preferred. Background check may be done. Salary is negotiable and will have income taxes filed. Please do not respond if qualifications are not met. No agencies or groups please. Leave name and phone number, I will respond as quickly as possible. (843)849-0151
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Wayne Stanley was an exceptional person. He was always friendly and happy, and had a calmness about him that made everyone around him feel confident that he would take care of whatever AV problem they may be having. Wayne was always smiling and joking with his co–workers and had many stories about the “good ole days” at MUSC. He was knowledgeable and professional and really enjoyed the people he worked with. I will remember him as a kind and funny co-worker and friend and will always think of him when I hear the song “Winchester Cathedral,” which he whistled almost daily. Anne Thompson Digital Imaging—Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources Wayne Stanley was truly one of the most kind–hearted and gentle–natured people I have ever worked with. He seemed to be not cut out for this time period and really was born 20 years too late as he enjoyed the idea of life when it was simpler. The irony was that he worked in AV technology which is ever–expanding and growing, as he was
a person who thought basic storytelling was a lost art and the telephone was plenty of technology when one needed to communicate. He will be sorely missed and everyone adored the man. Damon Amella Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources Wayne provided technical support for MUSC’s classrooms and in that role, he was a great source of reassurance and calm for faculty and staff. Talk about stress, but think about having 100 students in a classroom and the technology you are depending on fails just as the class is starting. Wayne was the person who was called to fix the problem. His calm and easy–going manner, not to mention his ability to fix a technical glitch, was so well–known and appreciated that he was given the Golden Apple Award for his support. We will miss Wayne, and his passing taught us a valuable lesson — enjoy the moment, it’s all we’ve got. Mary Mauldin, Ed.D. Office of Instructional Technology and Faculty Resources
Letter from the Office of the
President
August 18, 2015 To the MUSC Family: We have an exciting development that will strengthen MUSC, and I’d like a few minutes of your time to explain why this is important for our future. I’m talking about the creation of a structured, integrated health system that will allow us to reduce redundancies and costs across the enterprise. What does it mean to structure an “integrated health system?” By implementing this new organizational model, we become more nimble and enhance our ability to decrease the cost of care and increase the level of convenience our patients expect and deserve. Additionally, we vastly improve the alignment of our research innovations with our clinical Cole expertise. As you can imagine, this is a complex and evidence–based process, and it demonstrates how MUSC is embracing the changes in the health care industry. Academic medical centers currently operate with high costs per unit of service and with low levels of convenience for our patients. This is unacceptable, and those we serve deserve better from us. Rest assured that we are looking nationally to health systems such as the Cleveland Clinic, Emory Healthcare and other academic medical center peers for their best ideas and lessons learned. As guiding principles for developing this new integrated health system we are going to: q embrace partnership/collaboration q pursue education innovation and discovery as an integral part of our leading–edge care q continue our commitment to quality and value q develop integrated leadership q work to align common goals/incentives q drive accountability We have assembled a leadership team and work groups that are outlining our next steps, and as more information becomes available, it will be shared in upcoming months in a variety of channels. What is the potential impact of this new way of doing things? Operating as an integrated health system will enable our clinical providers to increase opportunities for outreach partnerships and affiliations, further enhance our strategic alignment and the reduction of silos across the enterprise, and allow for integrated management of certain functions. This system doesn’t “own” the hospital or existing MUSC Physicians clinics, nor will it “provide” clinical services. In essence it is a legal structure that makes us more flexible in dealing with an ever–evolving health care delivery system. In the interest of brevity, I encourage you to visit this new website: mcintranet.musc. edu/mgtco, where you can get more information about what this new system is and is not. Why does MUSC need to do this right now? The vision is simple. We must change what’s possible through innovation and forward–thinking that transforms our expertise, learning and discovery into unrivaled, patient–centered care. I firmly believe that our collective dedication to teamwork, coordination and accountability through this new health system will provide the integrated breadth and depth we need to improve the health of those we serve. Yours in service, David J. Cole, M.D., FACS MUSC President
12 The CaTalysT, Aug. 21, 2015
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