September 4, 2015
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 34, No. 2
Simulation Center offers unique training model BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations
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s the five patients lay in their beds, several guests walked up to each, checking their pulses, compressing their chests, even watching one give birth. They were surrounded by multiple large-screen TVs, computers, and cameras connected to doctors and nurses across the state, who were also interested in their conditions and outcomes. But this seeming invasion of privacy didn’t faze these patients one bit, as in reality, they were the latest model manikins used to train health care providers from long distances. These simulated patients were the guests of honor at the launch of MUSC’s Telehealth Simulation Center in Harborview Office Tower on Aug. 21. The state–of–the– art equipment and innovative program model represent a collaborative effort between MUSC and HealthCare Simulation South Carolina, which was funded by a grant from the Duke Endowment. Ragan DuBose-Morris, Ph.D., director of telehealth education, explained the genesis of the center. “The joint telehealth and simulation center was conceived as a space where telehealth technologies could be demonstrated and expert simulations could be offered to health care providers and organizations across the state. The center is a unique staging area where two innovative types of technologies are co–mingling to create an environment suited for 21st century education.” Deploying telemedicine throughout the state continues to be a major MUSC priority and this new simulation center adds the piece that heretofore had yet to be incorporated into the overall strategy: training. While technically a separate entity from the MUSC Center for Telehealth, both centers work synergistically toward the same goal: ensuring MUSC is connecting patients and providers across South Carolina with its expert health care team through the use of the most advanced equipment and highest–caliber providers and training. David McSwain, M.D., medical director for inpatient and emergency teleconsultation services, elaborated,
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NEW PRIMARY CARE New MUSC practice opening in Goose Creek in 2016.
LIKE US
photo by Mikie Hayes, Public Relations
Department of Pediatrics’ Dr. David McSwain, left, demonstrates the level of detail possible through the new telehealth equipment with MUSC President Dr. David Cole and Dr. Ragan Dubose-Morris, director of telehealth education. “The collaboration between the Center for Telehealth and HealthCare Simulation South Carolina is unique amongst telehealth programs in many other states. Both are ahead of the curve nationally. This collaboration strengthens that position as a national leader in the field for each. This center allows MUSC to provide the highest level service, training, simulation, and education with no geographic restrictions on how far we can reach.”
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The new Telehealth Simulation Center will be used for training, but also to help advance the conversation about the types of technologies and education methods that are available. The beauty of training in this convenient and cost-effective way lies in the ability for remote hospitals across the state to dial in to be trained on the various types of equipment MUSC is utilizing for
See Telehealth on page 9
FACULTY CONVOCATION
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Employee Wellness
Faculty members are recognized for excellence for their clinical and research contributions and service.
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Meet Cephus
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Forty Under 40 Awards
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2 THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015
Rape Agression Defense Class at MUSC The Department of Public Safety will be holding a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) class for students, faculty, staff and community members in September and October. RAD is a series of self-defense classes for women. The class will be held at MUSC in room 125 of Thurmond-Gazes. RAD training dates and times are as follows: q Sept. 29, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. q Oct. 1, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. q Oct. 6, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rape Aggression Defense is a selfdefense class specifically designed for women to provide them with various tools to utilize if ever involved in a self–defense scenario. RAD focuses on a woman’s natural instinct to defend
herself with incorporating easy, yet effective, defensive techniques. RAD is not a martial arts class. Therefore the techniques do not require repetitiveness or excessive hours of training. The first meeting will consist of a PowerPoint presentation regarding the RAD class and is essential for the class as it paves a strong foundation for the rest of the class.Later, the class will focus on defensive stances and a techniques practice session where participants can practice their skills in a “realistic” scenario. For information, visit raddefense@ musc.edu or contact Department of Public Safety Officers Bridget Hinkelbein or Leslie Moore, 792-4196.
The annual Perry V. Halushka 2015 MUSC Research Day will be held Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12-13, 2015 50th Anniversary Recognition
Abstract Deadline is Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 @ Midnight
PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE
Public Safety officer Leslie Moore right, accepts the top departmental award for Employee of the Year from Lisa Montgomery, vice president for Finance and Administration. Moore was praised for her job professionalism, friendliness and responsiveness. She was also recognized for improving the Department of Public Safety’s headquarters. Moore was selected from 12 Finance and Administration 2015 Employee of the Quarter winners and also by vote.
Links to submit an abstract, as well as information about poster and oral presentations, can be found at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/grad/students/curr_students/research_day MUSC Research Day 2015 is open to all students, postdocs, residents, fellows and research specialists at MUSC, as well as students, postdocs, residents, fellows and research specialists at other institutions, who have participated in programs of research at MUSC within the past year. One abstract per presenter is allowed. Oral and poster formats are available. Please direct any questions regarding MUSC Research Day 2015 to Dr. Steven Kubalak at srday@musc.edu
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
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.
Engineering and Facilities’ Jerome Brown, right, won the Cindy Garmon PEER of the Year award for his customer service, resourcefulness, reliability and problemsolving skills. Brown received the award from Lisa Montgomery at the Aug. 19 rewards and recognition event celebration. photos by J. Ryne Danielson, Public Relations
THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015 3
Be proactive and avoid the fourth quarter overload the road and timely with the while there are still upcoming Lowcountry Heart opportunities for convenient Walk coming up on Oct. 3. times. And take advantage Join the Office of Health of the worksite screening Promotion team today. at no charge for the first Whatever needs to be done basic screening in 2015 for before the end of the year, those covered by the state now is the time. health plans. (Optional tests are available for an added cost. See http:// Employee Wellness academicdepartments.musc. q September Monthly edu/ohp/employee-wellness/ Mindful Challenge — Make worksite-screening.html for a plan to prevent what ails Susan Johnson details and registration.) you. Begin by taking the q Create a gift list and set challenge’s first survey at a budget to prevent maxing http://tinyurl.com/o3yjgc6. out those credit cards with last–minute A link to the final survey will be sent at shopping. Keep an eye out for sales month’s end to those who take the first or opportunities for unique presents survey. throughout the last quarter. q Employee Fitness Series: 12:15 to q Decide now how to avoid the common 12:45 p.m.,Wednesday, Sept. 16 — Spin holiday weight gain. Check magazines with Katie Blaylock as she will guide for lower calorie options to substitute participants through workout phases for some of those familiar dishes. Start from warm–up to sprints and climbs. a flexible exercise program that can be You control the resistance on your maintained while traveling. Walking is bike to make pedaling easy or difficult. a great low–impact option to take on Free day pass to the MUSC Wellness
Health at work
Center for all participants. Participants should check in at the Wellness Center membership desk for directions to the free class and receive their pass. Online signup at www.musc.edu/ohp/muscmoves/employee-fitness-signup.html. q Worksite Screening — Thursday, Sept. 24, Harborview Office Tower, Room 803. This screening, valued at $350, is available to employees on the State Health Plan (including MUSC Health Plan) at no charge for the basic test. Employees, spouses without insurance can participate for $46. Register online at www.musc.edu/ohp/employee-wellness/ worksite-screening.html. q Farmers Markets: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers on Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Horseshoe.
MUSC Urban Farm
q Early Bird Maintenance — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday q Saturday Work and Learns — 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 5 and Sept. 19.
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The months between Labor Day and year–end holidays go by in the blink of an eye. While there always seems to be ample time to do holiday shopping, plan time off and get a mammogram or colonoscopy scheduled when the calendar is on September, that time quickly evaporates, leaving stress and overload in its wake. This year ,why not be proactive? Take the September Monthly Mindful Challenge and make a prevention plan. Take the initial September Monthly survey at http://tinyurl.com/o3yjgc6. Then follow these tips for a stress–free fall. q Make a list of what needs to be completed before year–end and create deadlines for each key action step. Need to take vacation days before 2015 ends? Schedule it now after reviewing family members’ potential time off. Determine where and when you’ll spend time with friends or family and book early. q Check health plan coverage and schedule screenings and appointments
4 THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015
Groundbreaking of MUSC primary care in Goose Creek New $2.5 million facility will provide primary care services to Berkeley County residents BY J. RYNE DANIELSON Public Relations
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USC Health Primary Care broke ground on a new facility Aug. 21. Carnes Primary Care, which is expected to open in spring 2016, will be located at 2000 First Ave., in Goose Creek’s new Carnes Crossroads development. The $2.5 million facility will offer primary care to Goose Creek residents who currently do not have convenient access to these health services, providing a one–stop–shop that includes imaging, laboratory and OB-GYN services — which previously patients would have had to drive to the peninsula to receive. “This is a very important day for MUSC Health,” said Howard Evert, M.D., medical director of MUSC Health Primary Care. “This represents the first significant investment by MUSC, or any of its affiliated groups, in Berkley County. We’re really excited to be up here. This is going to be a critical area for growth in the Charleston area over the next five to 10 years, and we’re happy to be a part of it.” He continued: “When it’s completed, this building will have 9,000 square
feet of clinical space, with facilities for eight primary care providers, including obstetrics and family medicine. There will also be standard imaging and ultrasound available, plus full laboratory services. So this will be a very big and very busy primary care office.” Carnes Primary Care is the first facility MUSC has constructed with the sole purpose of providing primary care and represents a changing focus for MUSC Health. “As health care evolves from a hospital–centric model to a patient– centered model over the next decade, the need for this sort of comprehensive, neighborhood facility will only grow,” Evert said. “And when it’s supported by the best specialty care in the state, patients can only benefit.” Bruce Elliot, M.D., physician executive for MUSC Physicians and interim vice president for medical affairs for the Medical University, said the project emphasizes the goals of the new strategic plan, “Imagine 2020,” which highlights community engagement and putting patients first. “We need to be patient centered,” he said. “And that means, we’ve got to come to you. We can’t insist on you coming
photos by J. Ryne Danielson, Public Relations
Goose Creek council members Jerry Tekac, from left, and Debra GreenFletcher; MUSC physician Dr. Bruce Elliot; Berekely County supervisor William Peagler; and Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler break ground on MUSC’s newest primary care facility. Also present are Carolina Family Care’s Christopher Cochran, second row from left, MUSC Health Primary Care’s Dr. Howard Evert and Medical Center CEO Dr. Patrick Cawley.
“We need to be patientcentered...We intend to bring not only our primary care, but our specialty care to the community and to our patients.” Bruce Elliott, M.D.
Located off Hwy. 17-A in Goose Creek, the Carnes Primary Care Facility will be part of the new Carnes Crossroads development, a planned neighborhood built to resemble a small town and containing homes, parks, schools and doctors’ offices.
to the farthest end of the peninsula for medical care. When we fully map out our strategic plan, what we anticipate is the only reason patients would be coming to the peninsula is for inpatient, tertiary quaternary care. We intend to bring not only our primary care, but our specialty care out to the community and to our patients.” Berkley County Supervisor William Peagler; Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler; and Goose Creek council members Debra Green–Fletcher and Jerry Tekac attended the groundbreaking, donning construction hard hats to turn the first shovelfuls of earth. “When I started my foray into county
government,” Peagler recalled, “I said Berkley County means business. Well, MUSC Health means health care, and they are the best health care. They come here not with a great deal of financial incentives. The only thing they really care about is the patients themselves. I think they need to be applauded for that.” “We’re excited to be a part of this,” Heitzler said of MUSC’s development at the western frontier of his city. “You’re going to bring marvelous services closer to the homes of the people of Goose Creek, and we’re going to protect you with our firefighters and our inspectors and our police officers to make it easy for you to be successful.” The new facility was designed by Poole & Poole Architecture and is being built by Trident Construction. For more information on this and other MUSC Primary Care facilities, visit muschealth. org/primary-care or call 792-7000.
THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015 5
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6 THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015
Convocation event praises faculty for achievements Staff Report
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rom long–time veterans to relative newcomers, MUSC’s faculty paid tribute to several peers during the annual Faculty Convocation on Tuesday, kicking off the new academic year. Marc Chimowitz, M.D., University Eminent Scholar, professor of neurology and associate dean of faculty development, gave the keynote address, elaborating on the challenges of working in a 21st Century academic medical center. “In order to balance the books,” Chimowitz said, “faculty faces enormous pressure to generate more revenue by seeing increasing numbers of patients and writing multiple grants, while administrative demands and regulatory requirements keep increasing. This has made it increasingly difficult for faculty to find time to teach and maintain their scholarly productivity, let alone balance work and family life.” Chimowitz explained that MUSC is addressing those challenges by supporting programs to mentor junior faculty and called on colleagues to take part in that effort and carve out time to participate in the mentoring programs. “There is an expensive war for talent taking place amongst academic medical centers,” he said. “In order for MUSC to be on the winning side of this war, it is imperative that we make mentoring and career development of our junior faculty a major priority.” Following Chimowitz’s keynote address, awards were presented in five categories: Teaching Excellence, Developing Scholar, Peggy Schachte Research Mentor, Outstanding Clinician and Distinguished Faculty Service. Following are brief summaries about the awardees.
Developing Scholar
Julie Kanter, M.D. Kanter, MUSC’s director of Sickle Cell Disease Research, came to Charleston in 2013 from Tulane University, where she was director of the Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana, to build upon the success she experienced there. She, like her colleagues nationwide dealing with sickle cell disease, is tireless in her efforts to see more being done for sickle cell
research. “It’s a disease that we’ve known about since 1910,” she said in a 2013 newspaper interview, “and yet despite the fact that it’s been around for 103 years, we only have one FDA–approved drug that actually helps the disease.” Kanter, however, is making substantial contributions to the study and treatment of this disease. She currently is the principal investigator in 12 separate clinical studies involving pediatric and adult sickle cell patients. One study, in particular, shows great promise: evaluating gene therapy through the transplantation of treated autologous CD34+ stem cells. Even in the early stages of her career, Kanter has established a national reputation for her diligence, scholarship and passion for her patients. She plays an integral role in the eight–state South East Regional Genetics Collaborative, seeking to improve health services and care for patients with genetic disorders. Another ambitious venture, a seven–state collaborative specifically targeting sickle cell disease, which she orchestrated, is awaiting federal approval. Wei Jiang, M.D. Jiang, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, is exploring the gender differences at the cellular level in disease development, specifically autoimmune diseases. What she ultimately discovers could have a tremendous impact on public health in South Carolina, which ranks seventh in the nation in new HIV diagnoses among women, and in the top four for other sexually transmitted diseases. Jiang’s primary efforts are aimed at the study of B cell dysfunction in HIV disease, and collaborating with MUSC colleague Gary Gilkeson, M.D., studying the mechanisms of gender difference in systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE disease, of which Gilkeson is a leading authority. “Among the more than two dozen students and post-doctoral fellows whom I have trained, Wei was the hardest working and among the most effective and productive,” stated Michael M. Lederman, M.D., the Scott R. Inkley Professor of Medicine and co-director of the Center for AIDS Research at
photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
2015 MUSC Faculty honorees include first row: Wei Jiang, from left, Catherine O’Connor Durham, Katherine Twombley, Julie Kanter, Deborah Williamson and Carol Wagner, second row: Joseph Jenrette III, from left, William T. Creasman, Dennis Watson, Michael Zile, Stephen Schabel, Saurabh Chhabra and Donald Wiest. accreditation by the American Society Case Western Reserve University, in of Health–System Pharmacists the his nomination letter. Yiming Shao, same year. In fact, his five–year tenure Ph.D., M.D., Chief Expert on AIDS at as residency program director laid the the Chinese Center for Disease Control foundation for protocols and procedures and Prevention in Beijing, China, added that remained in place long after he in his nomination, “Dr. Jiang is a very passionate and knowledgeable researcher, stepped down from that position. “He challenges conventional wisdom,” said with an exceptional critical thinking an attending physician who has worked skill;” which allows her to successfully with Wiest for more than 20 years. “He attract substantial funding.” is a warehouse of old literature forgotten Outstanding Clinician but that retains clinical relevance to this Donald B. Wiest, Pharm.D. day.” Those who have learned from or worked with Wiest over the years know Katherine E. Twombley, M.D. that, if he is anything, he is a model of As medical director of the Pediatric consistency. And that consistency in his Kidney Transplant Program and chief chosen endeavor of pharmacy means of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, putting the patient and the patient’s Twombley encounters dire situations family above other factors. In his role as on a recurring basis. “Although she is a clinical pharmacist, he provided direct team of one, Katherine does not wear care for almost all patient care services her stress on her sleeve and … does an amazing job of making you feel as though in the Children’s Hospital. Operating your child is her only patient,” stated a the pediatric on–call clinical pharmacist mother whose daughter was born with service, he took calls from every patient end stage renal disease, in her letter care service with the exception of nominating Twombley. pediatric surgery, which had its own That Twombley is a “team of one” dedicated clinician. is not by choice: When she was In 1988, Wiest became director of the pharmacy residency See Faculty on page 7 program and led it to its first
THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015 7 Continued from Page Six
recruited from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2012, she was one of three pediatric nephrologists on staff. Her two partners left in 2014, leaving her to shoulder the entire patient load alone. “Despite this burden, she remained engaged with her service and patients, sometimes spending hours in the NICU in consultation and follow–up,” stated David Annibale, M.D., chief of Neonatology, in a letter for her nomination. “She remained immediately available when clinical circumstances in the NICU demanded. I can honestly say she went well beyond what would be reasonably expected of a clinician in such circumstances. She is clearly a role model for professional behavior and dedication.” Saurabh Chhabra, M.D. In an academic health center that prides itself on pursuing heroic levels of patient care and biomedical research and providing a comprehensive academic environment, Chhabra truly stands out as a superb physician, possessing the skills, acumen and compassion that patients seek in their caregiver. He was recruited from Stanford University, where he’d completed a fellowship in blood and marrow transplantation, and accepted a position at MUSC as an assistant professor in the Division of Hematology–Oncology in August 2012. Chhabra’s arrival brought the number of malignant hematology–bone marrow transplant physicians to five. Within a year, however, that situation dramatically changed, as two physicians left to pursue other opportunities. Chhabra took on the extra patients by expanding his clinics. “Patients transitioning into his clinics were made to feel a priority, as he had thoroughly reviewed each medical record and was well versed on each patient's diagnosis and treatment history,” stated Amanda Littleton, R.N., blood and marrow transplant coordinator, nominating Chhabra. “He is MUSC Excellence.”
Peggy Schachte Research Mentor
Dennis K. Watson, Ph.D. There can be a fine line sometimes between being tough and encouraging, demanding and nurturing, all the while yielding successful results. For more than 20 years, Watson has
been doing that as a mentor since joining the MUSC faculty in 1993. He already had a successful career prior to coming to the Hollings Cancer Center, having received his doctorate in cell biology and biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 1980 and spending the following 12 years at the National Cancer Institute. During his tenure there he played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking discovery and subsequent scientific revelations of the ETS gene family. In varying capacities, he has worked with countless students and junior investigators, including more than 25 predoctoral students, 25 postdoctoral researchers and 10 junior faculty members. In addition, he has served on thesis committees for 52 graduate students. Many of his trainees have gone on to prominent careers in academia and industry. Working with Marvella Ford, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Hollings’ associate director of cancer disparities, Watson has supported the training of underrepresented students, including students from historically black colleges and universities. Many of these students have entered graduate or professional schools or are in the application process. Michael R. Zile, M.D. MUSC has made great strides in attracting federal research funding in recent years due in large part to faculty members like Zile, “a true physician/ scientist,” according to a colleague, and one of the world’s leading authorities on diabetic cardiomyopathy. In a stellar career dating back to 1982, Zile has established himself as an experienced and honored investigator, clinician and teacher. He currently holds several prominent positions, including the Charles Ezra Daniel Professor of Medicine at MUSC, chief of cardiology at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center and director of the South Carolina Molecular Proteomics for Cardiovascular Disease and Prevention SmartState Center. Zile has been a prolific contributor to the body of knowledge for cardiology, serving as a co–author of approximately 248 peer–reviewed manuscripts and 45 book chapters and reviews. In addition, he also has busy clinic and academic obligations. Despite the demands on his time and knowledge, however,
Zile not only finds time, he makes it a point to seek out junior faculty to encourage them. He has mentored more than 30 graduate students and post–doctoral fellows and served on, if not supervised, many doctoral thesis committees throughout his tenure. Many of his mentees have gone on to become successful independent investigators in their own right.
Distinguished Faculty Service
Joseph M. “Buddy” Jenrette, III, M.D. Jenrette has been a part of MUSC — and vice versa — since 1975, when he entered the College of Medicine as a student. He has never left, completing an internship and a residency, including an appointment as chief resident in radiation therapy, before joining the faculty as an instructor in 1983. Since then he has assumed many roles within the university, including several key leadership positions. Currently, he is the chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology. The Hollings Cancer Center, now one of the elite centers so designated by the National Cancer Institute, did not exist when Jenrette joined MUSC, but he became one of the driving forces behind
it. In fact, he has dedicated his entire career to improving MUSC’s Radiation Oncology program and the lives of the patients who come through it. He also recognized the need to spread the development of radiation oncology to surrounding hospitals, serving through the years as consulting staff for hospitals throughout the Lowcountry. And he is as generous with his experience and time as he is with his knowledge. “Dr. Jenrette always finds a way to accommodate any treatment schedule, no matter how challenging, in order to make the right thing happen for each patient,” stated Michelle Hudspeth, M.D., director of pediatric blood and marrow transplantation and division chief of Pediatric Hematology–Oncology, in her nominating letter. “He has led his staff to provide weekend total body irradiation when needed for our patients. When I mention that we can provide weekend total body irradiation at national and international bone marrow transplant meetings, my colleagues are astounded. It simply is not provided, even at the ‘big name’ cancer centers throughout the United States and beyond.”
See Faculty on page 10
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8 THE CATALYST, Sept.4, 2015
Three MUSC employees selected with Forty Under 40 honor BY SHARON FOWLER Public Relations “I feel like I’ve accomplished way more than I ever thought was possible at this point in my career. If nothing else, I hope I’m giving young people who are starting their own careers hope and promise that they can do the same thing,� said Meredith Holcomb, Au.D., a clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology. Holcomb is one of three winners from MUSC who received the 2015 Forty Under 40 award from the Charleston Regional Business Journal. Joining Holcomb on the prestigious list were Meredith Strehle, manager of children’s outreach operations for the Children’s Hospital, and Satish Nadig, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor in the departments of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology The Forty Under 40 is an annual award given to 40 Charleston professionals under the age of 40 who are nominated for their achievements and community involvement. The honorees represent a diverse variety of industries from information technology to hospitality to health care. Medical Center CEO Patrick Cawley, M.D., is proud of the impact these three have made and how positively their accomplishments have represented MUSC as a whole. "Meredith, Satish, and Meredith join a long history of young exceptional leaders at MUSC. Their innovative mindset, hard work and enthusiastic approach define them as ‘up and comers’ and they are well deserving
Lowcountry Women’s Specialists’ Kecia Love presents MUSC’s Meredith Strehle, children’s outreach operations manager for MUSC Children’s Hospital with the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2015 Forty Under 40 Award. Others from MUSC recognized with the award include Meredith Holcomb, Department of Otolaryngolgy and Dr. Satish Nadig, departments of Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology.
of this award." When speaking about their professional successes, passion seemed to be a recurring theme among the three winners from MUSC. MEREDITH STREHLE Strehle had known for a long time that she wanted to pursue a career in health care. While in the fourth grade, she learned she had a congenital heart defect, which resulted in frequent visits to emergency centers. Fast forward 15 years, and upon graduating from the MUSC Masters in Health Administration program in 2005, Strehle completed a one-year administrative residency at MUSC. Since that time, she has excelled in her current position as manager of children’s outreach operations, as evidenced by the opening of three after–hours clinics in the Charleston area. Strehle’s personal experience as a pediatric patient has made her more sensitive and passionate about children’s needs. That perspective has also been instrumental in the success of the Children’s Hospital After Hours Care clinics. In 2009, Strehle first noticed a gap in the availability of after–hours pediatric care in Charleston and led the effort to fill this gap by opening centers that addressed the need in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and most recently, Summerville. “Health care is my passion,� said Strehle. “My goal for the next five years is to continue in health care strategy and
photos by Kim McManus
See FORTY on page 11
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Members of the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2015 Forty Under 40 award winners were recognized at an Aug. 20 ceremony.
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THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015 9
TELEHEALTH
Continued from Page One
telehealth and receive live assistance with technology questions. According to McSwain, another catalyst for the development of this center was the need to make telehealth technology more accessible and understandable to health care providers throughout South Carolina. “Provider comfort with the use of this technology is a huge factor in adoption,” he said, “and this center will allow us to greatly enhance that comfort level.” DuBose-Morris added, “Through this center, the opportunities for collaboration are increased and the barriers to access are lowered. Previously, large amounts of travel for training would have been required or the training would not have been provided at all.” Mac Houck, program manager at HealthCare Simulation South Carolina, said the goal was to create a simulation area where remote trainings and opportunities were available for people across the state and beyond who otherwise would not have access to hands–on personal training. Houck also pointed to the superiority of the equipment, most especially the super–high–definition cameras that allow for detailed observation and manikins that are much more lifelike than previous models. These simulators come in various ethnicities, genders and ages and can be used to perform a wide range of functions ranging from the basics — like taking vital signs — to highly complex procedures such as moderate sedation or childbirth. Eerily lifelike, not only can they cry, some models are able to simulate heart, lung and bowel sounds and utter basic words and phrases. High– fidelity manikins are also able to bleed, sweat, blink and dilate eyes. To be able to utilize equipment of this quality provides the best learning environment and dramatically improves the realism of the interactive health care scenarios in which trainees are likely to participate. “Our most advanced manikins have eyes that dilate and skin that enables IVs to be placed in it,” he explained. “They can be programmed to do a number of things. We are able to create complicated scenarios where nurses, doctors, or health care providers of any type can learn — anyone treating patients can benefit. We work with EMS professionals, nursing assistants, EKG
photo by Mikie Hayes, Public Relations
Department of Pediatrics’ Dr. David McSwain demonstrates the new telehealth equipment with a high-fidelity training manekin. technicians, we even have birthing suites and an entire family of manikins — each one is a simulator.” He explained that trainers use real-time checklists so when a scenario is being run — for instance, taking a patient’s vital signs — the person facilitating checks off each requirement. At the end of the training, they conduct a debriefing. “Our goal is to utilize the cameras in such a way that people not in the physical space can be active in the learning process and replicate what the facilitators have taught them. Critical thinking is a large part of the training. Each facilitator has different content expertise — which makes the program that much more effective.” The training benefits a large swath of health care professionals: from administrators, technologists and researchers to residents, medical and nursing students, first responders, as well as physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. “Essentially any health care provider, any clinician, is a good candidate for this type of training,” said Houck. “Bottom line, our goal for the Telehealth–HCSSC simulation space is to utilize its capabilities to provide distant training opportunities to our partners located throughout the Southeast. The training that will be provided will include course-specific trainings, such as basic emergency airway management or medication
administration, but also operational support trainings involving manikin functionality, effective utilization and curriculum integration. The equipment will allow our team to efficiently provide training and support services by enabling remote connectivity that previously required face–to–face interactions.” Houck feels this approach is all– inclusive, allowing the involvement of all health care providers across South Carolina and beyond. McSwain added, “We want to make our telehealth programs more accessible and understandable. We want providers to understand that this center is not a demonstration of the future of telemedicine — it’s what we’re doing right now.” While the center has been open two weeks, plans for ongoing initiatives continue to develop. DuBose–Morris said, “I will be working with Dr. David French in the development of a new EMT training program utilizing both the telehealth and simulation components of the center. Although only in the pilot stage, this is an example of a program that can positively affect the pre-hospital care patients receive while strengthening the network of providers tasked with providing care in communities large and small.” MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, who toured the center and took part in live demonstrations of
its capabilities, touted the importance of telehealth, noting that it was of tremendous benefit to South Carolinians and has been strongly supported by the South Carolina legislature. “The SC General Assembly has asked us to take a leadership position and help enact a comprehensive telehealth program across the state. Working with large, small, rural and urban hospitals, we have embraced this opportunity and received tremendous support for our telehealth activities,” he said. “Telemedicine is an innovation that is transforming how we provide health care. Our efforts allow us to bring world–class care concentrating on the rural, underserved areas of our state while connecting patients and providers to our team of experts, using cuttingedge technologies. This center is a prime example of MUSC innovation and our continued commitment to expanding our telemedicine programs to benefit the citizens of our great state.” He added, “As just one example of its potential impact, when you consider the fact that greater than 96 percent of the population of South Carolina is now within an hour drive of life-saving stroke care because of the success of telehealth — that is something to be extremely proud of .” According to McSwain, the long-term outlook for MUSC telehealth is bright. “Thanks to the immense support that our telehealth activities have received in South Carolina, as well as collaborations with forward-thinking organizations like HealthCare Simulation South Carolina, the potential for telehealth in South Carolina is nearly limitless. Our ultimate goal is to completely remove distance from the equation in the provision of health care services and education, and this center is a huge step toward that goal.”
Dental Faculty Practice Hours Looking for a convenient dentist? MUSC’s Dental Faculty Practice is a private dental practice conveniently located on campus and staffed by faculty of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. Practice hours are Mondays to Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to Noon. To schedule an appointment, call 7923444.
10 THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015
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Stephen I. Schabel, M.D. During the past three decades, MUSC has transformed from a state academic health sciences center with limited recognition to an institution with national — even international — appeal. This was done with the vision and tireless effort of many people, with Schabel being among the more notable. His contributions to MUSC are many and varied, but his involvement with the state and national licensing boards and other nationwide organizations has provided ample support in this institution’s rise to widespread prominence. One student refers to him as a “university ambassador for his work on the national level.� Schabel’s work with medical licensing organizations dates back to 1988, when he first served on the State Board of Medical Examiners, including a term as president. He has served with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) on many levels since 1994. His service, both locally and nationally, has helped to ensure that this nation trains physicians of the highest caliber. His commitment to this endeavor was such that, in order for him to fully understand the experience of those being tested, he requested to take the test with the students. “He was granted permission to register and sit for the sequence of USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) tests with students; he is the only person involved with the USMLE program who has ever done this,� stated Donald Melnick, M.D.,
president of the NBME, in support of Schabel for the award. Schabel has taught generations of medical students the principles of radiology, and his Thursday afternoon case conferences attract students from across the health care spectrum. He also is deeply committed to the governance of the university, freely giving his time and knowledge to the faculty senate and administrative committees. William T. Creasman, M.D. Looking on a career spanning half a century, it would be far simpler — and faster — to count spots on the globe where William T. Creasman has not made an impact, as opposed to places he has. Through lectures, teaching sessions, publications and speaking engagements around the globe, Creasman, a world–renowned expert on gynecologic oncology, and especially endometrial cancer, has been involved in most of the leading research on surgical and postoperative management of this disease. Add to that his abundant contributions to research and the countless number of women he has helped over the years in his clinical service, and his service to the people of South Carolina, the nation and the world is beyond measure. Creasman has had a prolific research career, publishing more than 300 peer–reviewed articles and numerous editorials, opinions, books, chapters and electronic publications. Foremost among these publications is the textbook he co–authored with Dr.
Philip DiSaia, Clinical Gynecologic Oncology, first published in 1981 and still regarded as the definitive authority in its field. The book currently is in its eighth edition and has been translated into Spanish, Italian and Chinese, among other languages. Creasman is one of the founding members of the National Cancer Institute’s Gynecology Oncology Group and has led or collaborated on many clinical trials resulting in significant advances in clinical practice. During his tenure at MUSC, he has received more than $5 million in grant funding. “We treat endometrial cancers completely differently than we did prior to 1980 because of his notion that lymph nodes might be important in the treatment of this disease,� stated David G. Mutch, M.D., the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. Teaching Excellence The four honorees, Shannon Drayton, Pharm.D., Catherine O’Connor Durham, DNP, Carol L. Wagner, M.D., and Deborah Williamson, DHA, were featured in the May 22 Catalyst, found online at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/catalyst/ archives/2015/5-22TeachingExcellence.html. To read more informaton about MUSC’s 2015 Faculty Convocation event, visit http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/provost/faculty/2015_ Convo_program.pdf.
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FORTY
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operations. I hope to have a long career at MUSC.” MEREDITH HOLCOMB Holcomb describes how she found her passion for audiology and cochlear implants. “It sort of found me, actually. I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, and I wanted to help children in some way. My path in college took me to one course in audiology, and I loved it, and it seemed like a good fit. In graduate school, I was able to witness an initial activation of a cochlear implant where a mother heard her children say ‘I love you’ for the first time. I fell in love with cochlear implants that day.” Holcomb is the clinical director for the MUSC Cochlear Implant Program. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that can help improve hearing in someone who has severe to profound hearing loss. Holcomb finds many things in her career of which to be proud, none more so than the tangible effects the procedure has on patients. “The thing I am most proud of would have to be every time I turn on a cochlear implant for a child or adult and welcome them to the world of sound.” In addition to carrying a full caseload of patients, since 2006 Holcomb has served as a board member for Beginnings SC, a nonprofit organization that works across the state with parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. “It’s this wonderful group that acts almost as an extension of the medical centers that diagnose children with hearing loss,” Holcomb said. “They go into the homes and educate the families and strive to make sure these families have access to good care, which is exactly what our state needs more of: education and access. They also educate professionals and education systems in the state to better serve these children. We are seeing a big change through this organization, so I’m really proud to be involved with it.” SATISH NADIG Nadig has been with MUSC’s Department of Surgery for 18 months. Hailing from South Carolina, deciding to work for MUSC was an easy choice, especially since Nadig completed his medical degree at the university. “I always kept in touch with folks at MUSC. This is a very robust, well–recognized transplant center. They, from the get–go, were very supportive of me, so I knew this would be a good environment to start my career.” Prior to starting his position at MUSC, Nadig specialized in adult and pediatric transplant surgery at the University of Michigan and completed his surgical training at Harvard University’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. While at Harvard, Nadig took time off to pursue his Ph.D. at Oxford University in England. Nadig, in January 2014, co-founded ToleRaM Nanotech LLC with partners Carl Atkinson, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Ann-Marie Broome, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science. Nadig currently serves as the chief medical officer
Forty Under 40 Class of 2015 Jessica Amaro, Laura Ball, Amy Barch, Christian Chamblee, Jennifer Charzewski, Brian Collie, David Crowley, Ben Davis, Andrew Dennis, Shawn Edwards, Adam Fetsch, Lauren Fox, Noah Garret, Andrew Hagood, Meredith Holcomb, Noel Kade, Wesley Linker, Christina Lock, Hunter Louis, Michael Mansson, Derek Mathis, Jamin McCallum, Satish Nadig, Ryan Neville, Karalee Nielsen Fallert, Edward O’Bryan III, Sarah Parker, Gavin Phillipp, Michelle Reid, Ashley Richardson, Lee-Anne Scalley, Barbie Schreiner, Meredith Siemens, Meredith Strehle, Hunter Stunzi, Annie Summey, Justin VanBogart, Dorie Wallace, Erica Wright and Caleb Yaryan
for the company, which has pioneered a way to use nanoparticles to carry anti–rejection medications to transplanted organs. These medications help prevent harmful and sometimes fatal side effects that can result from these necessary medical treatments. Within the last year, Nadig and his partners have filed five different patent applications for ToleRaM. Recognized nationally and internationally for its advances, ToleRaM was the 2014 recipient of the International Bioprocesses Emerging Company Award. PAYING IT FORWARD It was the numerous accomplishments of MUSC’s three winners that placed them among Charleston’s Forty Under 40. Proud to have been chosen to receive this distinction, each shared advice for the next generation of young professionals who will follow. “I think one of the most important things about having youth on your side, as far as starting out your career, is that you maintain an open mind and you’re not set in any sort of standardized methodology,” Nadig said. “I think it’s really important to use that to your advantage, to think outside the box and to combine energy and enthusiasm to a broader mindset in order to improve the standard way we do things.” Holcomb attributes her success to “selfdetermination” and having had a “good group of people” around her. She advised, “Stay on your path. Don’t take no for an answer. Definitely when one door closes, another one is going to open. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes what you may want is not what you get, but typically what you get is what’s going to be best for you in the long run.” Strehle also values the relationships and connections she has made over the years. “I firmly believe in mentorship and developing relationships.” Strehle’s leadership role has given her the opportunity to act as a mentor for students. She says some of her proudest accomplishments are through them. “Truly the connections with the students have been some of my most valued relationships. There isn’t much that is more rewarding than to hear from one of them to ask career advice.” Strehle’s advice to future generations? “Think, lead, and follow your heart and do something you are passionate about.”
12 THE CATALYST, Sept. 4, 2015
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