April 26, 2013
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 31, No. 35
2AK%(*Y K= =#( QF!?# _!F(
MUSC dietitian survives Boston Marathon terror, credits strained Achilles tendon BY ASHLEY BARKER Public Relations
J
anet Carter described the running injury she incurred five weeks ago during a 10K as her “saving grace.” If the MUSC/Sodexo dietitian and manager of the Heart Health program had not strained her left Achilles tendon, she would have been on track to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15 around the same time two bombs exploded, killing three people and injuring more than 250. Instead of running the marathon, she limped her way through the race. Around the mile22 mark, she remembered seeing a flurry of emergency vehicles zoom through the path she was on, completely unaware that the first bomb had already exploded four miles away. “There were five to seven police cars and motorcycles that had raced down the route, which is very rare during a race for them to be dodging runners. So I knew something Photo by Dan Lampariello/Reuters Carter was going on,” Carter said. “I saw 7KA=!,!DKF=? A;F =E]KA*? =#( QF!?# _!F( E' =#( >E?=EF SKAK=#EF EF @DA!_ -& K? KF ([D_E?!EF (A;D=?M people on their phones and heard a girl crying.” Eventually marathon officials barricaded the half of the runners had phones. Everybody was willing of Boston and was waiting around mile nine, to tell her course and escorted the remaining participants to a to share so we could all get in touch with our families, father that she was fine. nearby church on the Boston College campus. which was tough because they shut down the cell Glenn was waiting for his daughter to finish the race Carter, whose father, Glenn, had her cell phone, service so we could only text.” approximately 200 feet away from the second bomb spent nearly three hours waiting in the church. Administrators at Boston College eventually catered when it exploded. He was not injured in the blast. “It was pretty impressive how they were taking care hot food to the runners in the church, and a student “We had big hugs and were so glad that we were both of us. They were giving us blankets, because we were brought a handful of various cell phone chargers. OK,” said Carter about seeing her dad for the first time sweaty, and it was cold. They had tons of food and went Carter used another person’s phone to send a text after the explosions. across the street to buy snacks,” she said. “Probably only message to her brother, who lives about an hour outside See Tragedy on page 2
7
Hand and Microsurgery Team of MUSC plastic surgeons save a construction worker’s sliced-off thumb.
10
Care in Uganda
2
Students become heroes
Trip teaches students the importance of medical sustainability and prayer.
5
Meet Rebekah
11
Classifieds
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013
S13< ?=;*(F=? I(,EG( #(AE(? K= _E,K_ ?,#EE_ BY ANNALISE BAKER-WHITCOMB Public Relations
M
eeting Street Academy, a private preschool and elementary school for under-resourced families, wanted to have a relationship with MUSC even before it opened its doors in 2008. Seeking to provide exemplary health services to their students through a partnership with MUSC, school nurse Jennifer Robinson, R.N., said that academy administrators “went around MUSC knocking on doors trying to find interest, and they found it.” Since then, the partnership has become a multifaceted, multidisciplinary program that benefits both students at MSA and at MUSC. MSA originally S13< *!(=(=!, !F=(AF @F%(_K \!?# A(K*? K IEEa approached MUSC about doing a medical clinic, an =E S((=!F% 3=A((= @,K*(GY QA?=O%AK*( ?=;*(F=?M idea that evolved to include preventative health and also conducted an evaluation of the program through nutrition classes, exercise programs and health services the University of South Carolina and has determined for students, parents and teachers. that more exposure to the program creates a positive Youth sessions and workshops are taught by students impact on health. MSA has made JDOH a priority in from all disciplines on campus including pharmacy, its school, allowing higher involvement and more access medicine, physician assistants and dietetic interns for its students. involved with Junior Doctors of Health. This initiative “Having the support of the school is so important to teaches children about healthy eating, exercise and our success in being able to serve the youth, the parents health care professions while also educating teachers and teachers,” said Wells. and parents to support them as role models. JDOH Improvements in students’ medical care are another programs are run throughout the state but MSA is by benefit of this partnership. Robinson has been able to far its most involved school, with each of MSA’s 107 students being reached by the program. MUSC students increase their services and effectiveness by providing access to MUSC resources. Telemedicine allows MUSC volunteer their own time, participate in a servicepediatrician James McElligot, M.D., to use electronic learning project or participate in JDOH through a course, and get interprofessional, real-world experience. stethoscopes, examination cameras and other devices to replicate an in-person visit from MSA’s nurse’s office. “The youth and the MUSC students become really This allows for easier follow-up appointments with connected with each other,” said Elana Wells, a students who have had medical issues and allows new program coordinator for JDOH. “The youth run up problems to be assessed, diagnosed and treated with and hug the MUSC students when they arrive, and the child missing fewer days of school and avoiding an they’re sad when they leave.” emergency room visit. JDOH officials often receive feedback from parents, Jean McDowell, the director of community relations according to Wells, who talk about their children at MSA, said that someone in the building is in contact asking them to buy Brussels sprouts or kale because with MUSC every day. The partnership includes a of something they did in school that day. JDOH has
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Ashley Barker, barkera@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.
TRAGEDY
diverse amount of activities, including swimming lessons and community events. McDowell said that both the MSA and MUSC students look forward to their time together, and that the junior doctors are heroes as soon as they step in the door. “I asked one student what her favorite part of the day was, and she said it was getting to try different kinds of peppers with the junior doctors,” said McDowell. “She said the worst part of the day was not getting to have seconds.” Another example of collaboration between the two institutions is MSA’s running club. JDOH and researchers at the USC Arnold School of Public Health expressed interest in evaluating how this exercise affects classroom behavior and academic success. They donated pedometers to be worn by the children, and they are tracking the results with help from MSA officials. During the application process, MSA stresses family commitment and involvement, which is a huge advantage when trying to determine the effects of a program, through all-inclusive surveys and feedback. This policy also ensures high attendance for all events. In addition to learning about healthy lifestyles, children at MSA also are taught about different health care careers. Each MUSC student from the JDOH program introduces their discipline and explains what they do. Parents are counseled on how to prepare children for the health profession and biomedical science careers by encouraging things such as exploration in nature. Robinson said that on a recent dress-up day, many students chose to wear scrubs. The partnership between MSA and MUSC can also act as a guiding light for schools that may not have the same opportunities and resources. “Our partnership with MUSC is mutually beneficial - all constituents do what they do best, which positively impacts those directly involved and serves as a model of what is possible in our community,” said McDowell. For more information, visit www.musc.edu/jdoh.
Continued from Page One
Carter, a Boston University graduate who has completed nine marathons and two IRONMAN races, isn’t going to let the bombings keep her from racing. “I feel like this kind of stuff could happen anywhere and anytime when you’re in a large group of people like that. I was happy to be there, and I definitely want to do it again. I want to experience it the way it was supposed to be,” she said. “I’m really sad that this event is going to change the face of all these racing events.”
Carter said living in fear is what allows terrorists to win. “It’s so hard to qualify for Boston, and I never thought I would. When I did, I was so excited that I thought, ‘I’m going to do this no matter what,’” she said. “Who knows what could have happened? Who really knows? These sick people that plan these things are thinking, ‘Where can we get the most people in one place?’ It’s pretty unbelievable.” Just five days after the Boston Marathon, Carter said she finished first in her age group in a half-IRONMAN race. The injury was not a problem.
THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013 3
\K,;_=Y G(GI(AP ?=;*(F= #EFEA(* 'EA ]EAa !F *!9(A?!=Y BY ANNALISE BAKER-WHITCOMB Public Relations
T
he Earl B. Higgins Achievement in Diversity Awards were established to honor the late Earl B. Higgins, called a “warrior for diversity,” by his sister, Deborah Higgins, who presented the awards. These awards honor MUSC students, faculty and employees who enrich the diversity of the institution and encourage others to do the same. “Institutions need to encourage the preparation of medical professionals despite race, gender and orientation,” said Deborah Higgins. “We need to reach out and cast our nets wide to manage our future problems in health care.” Etta Pisano, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine, was the faculty recipient this year. Pisano joined MUSC in 2010. “We make better decisions when we consult with people with different types of backgrounds and ethnicities,” she said. “Organizations that are more diverse tend to be more successful
“Organizations that are more diverse tend to be more successful organizations.” :AM ^==K 7!?KFE organizations.” During Pisano’s tenure, the percentage of women in leadership positions has increased from 26 to 32 percent. Pisano helped to provide funding for many female faculty members to attend the Association of American Medical Colleges’ professional development programs as well as the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program. She requires College of Medicine search committees to provide a diverse applicant pool, and she has appointed two female department chairs and the first African-American department chair in the history of the College of Medicine.
Pisano expanded the College of Medicine’s diversity program at all levels for the college’s students, resident physicians, staff and faculty, working towards greater cultural understanding. In addition, she worked with the College of Medicine’s diversity committee to expand the recruitment of students who are underrepresented in medicine. Brandon Hagan, president of the Student Government Association as well as of the Student National Dental Association MUSC chapter, was the student recipient for the Higgins Diversity Award. Hagan has worked extensively with the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine’s Diversity office, traveling across the state to talk to prospective students, with a focus on underrepresented populations. Hagan serves as a student ambassador for MUSC, as well as for the American Dental Association. He has volunteered for multiple health fairs to inform communities about oral hygiene and organized the
<E__(%( E' S(*!,!F( :(KF :AM ^==K 7!?KFE KF* 3Z@ 7A(?!*(F= >AKF*EF XK%KF ]EF =#( ^KA_ >M X!%%!F? @,#!(9(G(F= !F :!9(A?!=Y @]KA*?M involvement of the SNDA within a health fair in Ravenel. Hagan also started the Impressions program, which exposes students to dentistry careers. Hagan’s research, “Healthcare Disparities Amongst Minorities: Challenges, Successes and Opportunities” was presented during an MUSC Black History month event in 2011.
4 THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013
S13< S(*!,K_ <(F=(A <EGG;F!,K=!EF? <EAF(A
M
USC staff members may have noticed an increase in communications over the past several months. The purpose for this increase is to ensure that medical center employees and medical staff receive relevant and critical information in a timely manner so they can deliver the highest quality care possible. A newly formed communications
team has been developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen and better align communications throughout the MUSC clinical enterprise. Below is an overview of the various communication methods in place. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for the communications team, email MUHAinfo@musc.edu.
Methods of Communication Print & Electronic Weekly message from executive director and VP of clinical operations
! Weekly email sent from Pat Cawley, M.D., executive director and vice president of clinical operations, to all medical center employees ! Purpose: To communicate and update all staff on important issues of the week.
Clinical Connections
! Weekly e-newsletter sent from Pat Cawley, M.D., executive director/ CEO, to physicians and medical center staff ! Purpose: To serve as a central source for internal communication to educate MUSC Health medical staff with valuable, top-line information, news, announcements, initiatives and positive outcomes.
The Catalyst
! “MUSC Medical Center Communications Corner” weekly section ! Purpose: To inform employees and medical staff of announcements, upcoming events and recognition.
Medical Center employee newsletter
! Monthly e-newsletter sent from the MUSC Excellence Communication Team to all medical center employees ! Purpose: To serve as a source of interesting, useful and timely information, including current and future direction and plans, people and achievements to celebrate, best practices and announcements about upcoming events and opportunities.
Safely Speaking
! Daily patient safety tips sent from Danielle Scheurer, M.D., chief quality officer, to all medical center staff and physicians ! Purpose: To promote a culture of safety at MUSC.
WHY DO WE SEND OUT “SAFELY SPEAKING” TIPS EVERY DAY? As an organization, we view the safety of our patients, visitors and employees as top priority, and we believe that safety should be the first thing we think of every day. This is why we send the “Safely Speaking” daily patient tips to our staff each morning. We hope that as MUSC medical center employees and providers, you will join us in recognizing the importance of building a culture of safety. To provide feedback about “Safely Speaking,” email patientsafety@musc.edu.
2#( 'E__E]!F% 7!__KA @]KA* ]!FF(A? ](A( KFFE;F,(* K= =#( @DA!_ -& T:V G((=!F%` SKA, Z(AI(AP \!FKF,(L6;K_!=YH U(FF!'(A S!F!,aP 3(A9!,(H 2A!?# <EF*EFP 6;K_!=YH KF* U(FF!'(A /A!%#=P \!FKF,(L6;K_!=YM 7!,=;A(* !? /A!%#= ]!=# UE#F 3KF*(A?P <#!_*A(F5? XE?D!=K_ K*G!F!?=AK=EAP KF* :AM 7K= <K]_(YP G(*!,K_ ,(F=(A ([(,;=!9( *!A(,=EA KF* 07 E' ,_!F!,K_ ED(AK=!EF?M
Meetings & Leader Updates Communications Meetings (first and third Tuesday of each month) ! Attendees: Medical center management team ! Purpose: To communicate important, timely information to the management team to disseminate to its staff.
All Leader Meetings (monthly)
! Attendees: Medical center administrators, directors and managers ! Purpose: To update MUSC’s leaders on organizational initiatives.
All Physician Leader Meetings (monthly)
! Attendees: Medical directors, College of Medicine department leaders, service line medical directors and GME directors ! Purpose: To update MUSC’s physician leaders on organizational initiatives.
Leadership Development Institute (LDI -- quarterly)
! Attendees: Medical center leadership team ! Purpose: To develop leaders’ skills to enable the achievement of organizational goals, as well as to improve individual leadership performance and organizational consistency.
Town Halls (quarterly)
! Attendees: All medical center employees ! Purpose: To keep staff informed of the medical center’s current performance; new opportunities, challenges and action plans; and how employees can help acheive success.
Strategic Plan Leader Meeting (SAS -- semi-annually)
! Attendees: Leadership from MUSC medical center, College of Medicine and MUSC Physicians ! Purpose: To update leaders and staff on the progress being made within the MUSC Health (clinical enterprise) strategic plan.
THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013 5
MEET REBEKAH
4(I(aK# /A!%#= :(DKA=G(F= South Carolina Clinical & Translational Research Institute XE] _EF% K= S13< Four months XE] KA( YE; ,#KF%!F% ]#K=5? DE??!I_( K= S13< By marketing the SCTR’s services for +15* <>:>0<#9><: 8" >$90$#> 89> >=,#7>$#% and quality of clinical and translational research 1F!C;( =K_(F= 2(& ="<437=8 #><87,>!' /#E !F #!?=EAY ]E;_* YE; _!a( =E G((= Cleopatra, to learn the art of persuasion \K9EA!=( #EII!(? Tennis and yoga /#(A( KA( YE; 'AEG ->>:.6<;) /0' >(?= =#!F% KIE;= _!9!F% !F <#KA_(?=EF The architecture \K9EA!=( AK*!E ?=K=!EF NPR \K9EA!=( A(?=K;AKF= Cru Cafe S(K_ YE; _E9( =E ,EEa +% 96:.0$! 7: "6< <>:7!>$8 #9>='
6 THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013
^F9!AEFG(F=K_ ?=;*!(? DK9( ]KY =E #(K_=#!(A I!A=#? BY DAWN BRAZELL Public Relations
S
ometimes problems with environmental contaminants start early – even before birth. That’s why researchers are pairing with expectant mothers at MUSC and patients at a fertility clinic to examine what effects environmental contaminants may have on reproductive health. The two studies are led by Louis Guillette, Ph.D., who was recruited to MUSC in 2010 by Roger Newman, M.D., director of obstetrics and gynecology. Newman said these studies and others are transforming MUSC into a nationally recognized research center for environmental health, specifically in identifying the impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health and development. “We have very exciting ongoing studies looking at the effects of selected contaminants on fetal genital development and the impact of environmental contaminants on fertility and the outcome of assisted reproductive interventions,” Newman said. This new area of research is opening up because of the unique collaboration between an obstetrics-gynecology department and a reproductive biologist and scientist such as Guillette, reinforced by the resources available through the collaborations at Hollings Marine Laboratory, he said. Those collaborations include the expertise from scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It also includes fertility physicians at Coastal Fertility Specialists. Guillette, in conjunction with MUSC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is working with that group to examine how exposure to common contaminants from household products, such as plastic water bottles, makeup, hairspray and deodorant affect female egg quality and quantity. Guillette said this has been a dream project, and he’s excited to be able to collaborate on a study that will be
2E #(KA :AM TE;!? Z;!__(==(5? =!D? EF ]KY? =E A(*;,( YE;A ([DE?;A( =E (F9!AEFG(F=K_ ,EF=KG!FKF=? KF* ]#K= (''(,=? != ,KF #K9( EF A(DAE*;,=!EFP %E =E #==D`LL K,K*(G!,*(DKA=G(F=?MG;?,M (*;LDALG;_=!G(*!KL9!*(EM 2E ?(( GEA( *(=K!_? KIE;= =#( ?=;*!(?P 9!?!= #==D`LL=!FY;A_M,EGL(F9?=;*YM examining the follicular fluid and cells that surround the developing egg that generally would be thrown away during the in-vitro fertilization process. “We’re not modifying the medical practice in any way, but we’re going to take those tissues and fluids that would be thrown away during the process and be able to analyze them for gene expression and contaminants and hormones in the plasma. We’ll be able to link that back to outcomes in the pregnancy,” Guillette said. Another study within MUSC’s OB-GYN department examines if an expectant mother’s exposure to certain environmental contaminants affects fetal genital development. In this study the anogenital distance, or distance from the anus to the genitalia, is measured during an ultrasound and at birth. The area is longer in males, but environmental contaminants may affect that distance and have a feminizing effect on embryonic development, Guillette said. “What we find in little boys who
come from moms with the highest level of phthalates is that their anogenital distance has in fact been reduced or feminized. We know that a number of phthalates are anti-androgens – they block the function of testosterone, which we know is important in embryonic development and in genital development,” he said. A third study is evaluating the effectiveness of an educational intervention to decrease both short and long-term exposure to Bisphenol A, known as BPA, which is an environmental contaminant found primarily in plastics. “We have a number of things we hope we can take directly to the physician community and say we can actually improve upon pregnancy. If we can limit or minimize exposure to these factors that can have a health impact, we can have healthier pregnancies,” Guillette said. Newman said that’s what they are hoping to gain. He’s glad to see research interest
growing in this area from other departments, including neonatology, pediatrics, neurosciences and the Department of Medicine’s Division of Biometry and Epidemiology. Research is showing that various contaminants can impact the reproductive, endocrine, neurological and inflammatory system development. The contaminants also serve as endocrine disruptors known as obesogens that can cause weight gain. “Where I think these studies are going is only in a positive direction. The emerging evidence is that maternal and fetal exposures to even low concentrations of environmental contaminants can induce developmental changes that have life-long consequences. Many of the ‘epidemics’ that we are facing in this country and worldwide, such as obesity, reduced fertility rates, lower sperm counts, asthma, autism and depression to name a few, may all have a fetal developmental origin,” Newman said. “The challenge is to nurture research opportunities and keep moving forward.”
THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013 7
S13< XKF* KF* S!,AE?;A%(AY DAE%AKG EF =#( A!?( BY CINDY ABOLE Public Relations
W
hen it comes to receiving specialized treatment in all urgent and non-urgent needs of the hand, wrist and elbow, patients can look to a new program for a specialized level of care. MUSC’s Hand and Microsurgery program, in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, offers a comprehensive and experienced team approach. Lake City native Leverne Feagins knows it well and is one of dozens of local and statewide patients who’ve counted on that expertise, especially during one day in January 2012. Winter months are typically a slow time for the 46-year old construction worker. Feagins, a bricklayer by trade, was working on a home project when the circular saw he was using suddenly kicked back on him and cleanly sliced off his left thumb between the joint and base. Startled but reacting quickly, Feagins picked up his thumb, wrapped a cloth tight around his hand and was quickly rushed by family to Carolinas Urgent Care in Lake City. After stabilizing their patient, physicians consulted with Milton B. Armstrong, M.D., a hand surgeon and chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery. Armstrong made arrangements to transfer the patient to MUSC.
“I didn’t think they could do anything for my situation. I thought, ‘Go ahead; let’s give them a chance.’ What they did to save my thumb was pretty amazing,” said Feagins, who underwent an almost six-hour finger replantation procedure with Armstrong and his team. He stayed at MUSC for a week before being discharged to recover at home. Armstrong evaluated Feagins to recheck his thumb’s blood circulation and sensibility in the months that followed. By August of that year, he was working with occupational therapists in Florence on his range of motion. Accidents like Feagin’s happen more often than people think. South Carolina is home to farming and manufacturing where people work daily with machines. According to Armstrong, accidents with table saws and similar home tools occur regularly and can happen at any time of the day and week. Armstrong and his team are on call to respond and consult on emergency hand cases or treatment of a variety of hand disorders and conditions. These include fractures and dislocations of the hand, wrist and elbow; nerve, blood vessel or tendon injuries; carpal tunnel syndrome; trigger finger; rheumatoid and osteoarthritis; congenital hand conditions; replantation of amputations and many other diagnoses. Armstrong, who joined MUSC in 2009, is quick to point out that plastic
3![ GEF=#? K'=(A ?_!,!F% #!? _('= =#;GI E'' *;A!F% K ,!A,;_KA ?K] K,,!*(F= KF* #K9!F% K ? (9(F= ]!__ =Ka( D_K,( SKY "M In order for the nine-month study to be successful, Kelechi needs 50-60 volunteers to use one of two different cold cuffs, a special wrap for their legs to help with swelling, and a thermometer that measures the temperature of each leg before and after the cuff is applied. “We believe that inflammation can have an effect on leg ulcers. Some people don’t have inflammation, and some people never get leg ulcers. But there
is this inflammation that accompanies some of these types of leg circulation problems with the veins,” Kelechi said. “For those patients, we’re seeing if this cooling approach can make their legs feel better, if nothing else. But in the long run, we hope it prevents them from getting leg ulcers or further skin damage.” As the director of recruitment for SCTR, Kelechi has recruited patients at all three expo events. She said the investigators’ approach is not invasive, doesn’t require much on the patient’s part and is not too expensive. “Each year the expo gets a little bigger and better. It’s a great opportunity for all of us who are reaching out to patients to invite them to participate,” Kelechi said. “To me, it’s an honor to have people in the study because they are making a commitment beyond. Even though we compensate them for being in the study, for the most part, they’re so grateful that someone is doing something to help them.” In addition to learning about clinical trials, guests can win prizes, have their blood pressure checked, receive a free massage, enjoy a myriad of food vendors, and listen to speakers throughout the expo. Carolyn Murray, of WCBD-TV, is expected to emcee the event and introduce the speakers.
Sally Massagee, a cured patient of the National Institutes of Health Undiagnosed Disease Program, who was featured on 60 Minutes and Anderson 360, will be the keynote speaker. Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D., director of SCTR, and Mathew Gregoski, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Nursing, are scheduled to speak. SCTR Institute’s newest full-service offering for MUSC researchers, the SCTR Research Nexus, will have a tent at the event to showcase its clinical funds matching, research coordination and management, biorepository and fully equipped research facility. Approximately 125 active studies are being conducted in this research center currently, and most of them are in need of participants for clinical trials ranging from cocaine use and diabetes to modulating the brain and adolescent smoking. “There is a study for every single person here,” said Brady. “As someone who has been conducting clinical research for 20 plus years, I can’t tell you how important it is to have people willing to give their time and effort to volunteer for research or how grateful I am personally for anyone who has participated in mine or any other study.” For more information, visit https:// sctr.musc.edu/index.php/sc-researchexpo-2013 or call 792-8300.
<EDD(A ?;A'K,(? !F #E?D!=K_? =Ka( E;= ?;D(AI;%? I
n the United States, health care-acquired infections result in 100,000 deaths annually, adding an estimated $45 billion to health care costs. Placement of copper surfaces in intensive care unit hospital rooms reduced the amount of HAIs in patients by more than half, according to a new study published in the May issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The journal is supported by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. “Patients who suffer HAIs often stay in the hospital longer, incur greater costs and, unfortunately, suffer a greater likelihood of dying while hospitalized,” said Cassandra D. Salgado, M.D., associate professor of infectious disease at MUSC and lead author of the study. “Our study found that placement of items with copper surfaces into ICU rooms as an additional measure to routine infection control practices could reduce the risk of HAI as well as colonization with
multidrug resistant microbes.” In this study, funded by an appropriation from the U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Department of Defense, the proportion of patients who developed HAIs or colonization with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or VRE was significantly lower among patients in rooms with copper surfaces. These patients also had about half the number of infections, compared to patients in traditional ICU rooms. Researchers tested the capability of copper surfaces to reduce environmental contamination of these germs because copper has an inherent ability to continuously kill environmental microbes. Performed from July 12, 2010 to June 14, 2011, the study operated out of three medical centers including MUSC, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center. SCRA’s Applied R&D division managed the
study for its duration. Patients who were admitted to the ICU of these hospitals were randomly assigned to receive care in a traditional patient room or in a room where items such as bed rails, tables, IV poles and nurse call buttons had copper surfaces. Both types of rooms at each institution were cleaned using the same practices. Previous attempts to reduce HAIs have required health care worker engagement or use of systems such as ultraviolet light, which may be limited because of regrowth of organisms after the intervention. HAIs often contaminate items within hospital rooms, allowing bacteria to transfer from patient to patient. Common microbes include MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. While several strategies exist to decrease HAIs, no methods have been clinically proven to reduce the spread of these infections.
THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013 9
7!( :KY D_KFF(* 'EA SKY $ T he eleventh annual Rheumatology Pie Day will be held from noon until 2 p.m., May 6 in room 816 (endocrinology conference room) of the Clinical Sciences Building.
SKYEA =E ED(F >AK!F 2;GEA \K!A
T
he Brain Tumor Action Fair will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., April 29 in the MUSC Horseshoe. May is nationally recognized as Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The MUSC Brain & Spine Tumor program takes action to raise awareness in the community about brain tumors and the need for research funding. The fair begins with the opening ceremony led by guest speaker Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. The free event will include music, vendors and a chance to dunk Dr. Sunil Patel, clinical chair of neurosciences, for $5.
The event is not a sale or a fundraiser, it’s just a celebration of pie. Drinks, plates, napkins and forks will be provided. Guests just need to bring a pie. Remember, pies don’t have to be limited to
just sweet fruit fillings. They can be savory pies of meats, vegetables and cheeses. The more creative, the better. For more information, call 792-2003 or email bonnerjm@musc.edu.
10 THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013
3=;*(F=? _(KAF !GDEA=KF,( E' G(*!,K_ ?;?=K!FKI!_!=YP DAKY(A !F 1%KF*K T('= D#E=E` \!A?=OY(KA 7@ ?=;*(F= <KA=(A /!__!KG?P _('=P KF* <#A!?=!FK >K%](__P K ?=;*(F= !F =#( F;A?( DAK,=!EF(A DAE%AKG K= S13<P !F=(AK,= ]!=# K DK=!(F= !F 1%KF*KM 4!%#= D#E=E` @?#_(Y R!,E_( 3K;_?P _('=P KF* /!__!KG? ]EAa(* ]!=# K =AKF?_K=EA FKG(* S;?=K'K =E =K_a =E K DK=!(F= K= =#( ,_!F!,M
BY ASHLEY BARKER Public Relations
C
arter Williams, a first-year MUSC physician assistant studies student, traveled to Uganda, March 8-18, with a team from Palmetto Medical Initiative. The volunteers treated malaria, fungal infections, muscle aches, high blood pressure, epilepsy, back pain, STDs and dehydration, but Williams found that being able to train the locals to care for their own residents and pray with them were the keys to the trip’s success. “We had the opportunity to put into practice what we have been learning in the classroom for the past 10 months. We gained confidence in our ability to take a thorough history and perform a comprehensive physical exam,” Williams said. “We saw patients with everything from common conditions such as hypertension to rare diseases that you only read about in textbooks in America. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience from both an education and a life perspective.” PMI, a Charleston-based nonprofit organization committed to providing sustainable, quality health care to those in need while increasing accessibility to global medical missions, built a medical clinic in Masindi, Uganda. Groups of 25-60 volunteers spend a week setting up mobile clinics in various nearby villages. “It was incredibly humbling to pull up to the clinic site with our team and be welcomed by a line of hundreds of cheering Ugandans who had walked miles to be there and undoubtedly slept at their place in line the night before,” Williams said.
They also trained Ugandans to fill carries a 20-pound jug of water every day roles in the clinic and provide follow-up for work,” Williams said. “It broke my care to the patients after the teams left. heart because she’s doing that work to “Focusing on education and teaching survive. I would normally tell her to put others to help themselves is the best way the jug down because her muscles can’t to serve an under-developed country,” support that weight. But to her, it’s her she said. “Empowering the Ugandan living. It was hard for me to tell her to people in Masindi through education take a break.” is something that will last much longer In addition to providing care and than the medical care we provided education, many of the team members during the 10 days we were there.” also prayed with the patients through the Williams’ medical team of MUSC translators. PA students Ashley Nicole Sauls, “My belief in medicine is that God Danielle Kym, Jessica Pionk and Colby is the ultimate physician, and He’s Carter joined occupational therapists, just using me to work through Him in pharmacists, the lives of other physicians and people,” Williams dentists. said. “These old “PMI has changed ladies would show my idea of health up with arthritis care and given me in every single perspective on school joint from years of and the luxury of digging in fields <KA=(A /!__!KG? and education, especially headaches from in doing medicine being massively with my classmates while sharing my dehydrated. I would tell them, ‘I’m giving faith,” Sauls said. “It’s the life I hope to you some Tylenol for your pain and oral lead practicing as a PA in the United rehydration salts because drinking half a States. It gives me hope and courage cup of tea each day is not quite enough to pursue education while being God’s water, and that may be why you have hands and feet to those who have not headaches.’ They would just stare back been given the opportunities that I at me. Then I would say, ‘And I’m going have.” to pray for you.’ They’d just light up as if The team served approximately 250 that was the real reason they had waited patients each day in five different villages in line all night.” and joined Ugandan nurses from the Williams, who grew up going on Masindi Kitara Medical Center to medical trips to Haiti, Belize and educate Ugandans about family planning Honduras with her father, a cataract and the causes of some of their pain. surgeon, said the trip with PMI refocused “I had a girl who came in with neck her education to be more service-based. and back pain. It takes a while to get the “The trip to Uganda allowed me to story out of them because you’re going regain my perspective and remember through a translator. But I found out she why I am in PA school,” Williams said.
“My belief in medicine is that God is the ultimate physician...”
“When you’re in school, it is easy to become self centered with countless hours of studying and test taking. That will never satisfy me. It has to be about serving others.” Money raised for PMI helps keep the clinic in Masindi affordable for the residents. Patients pay what they can, and 98 percent are able to afford their services in full. “Because PMI provides quality care to the Ugandan people at a reasonable price, they also depend on donations in order to maintain their sustainability model,” Williams said. “A little bit really does go a long way. It costs eight U.S. dollars to treat a patient who has malaria, a common killer in Uganda, only $8 to save someone’s life.” Fundraisers are held in the United States and donations are always accepted. The Needtobreathe Classic, a golf tournament held in March at the Daniel Island Club, presented by Commonwealth Cares Foundation, had 180 golfers and raised $80,000 for PMI’s medical mission trips and clinics in Uganda and Nicaragua. “We are so grateful for our partnership with MUSC, as multiple students across all medical disciplines have joined us on many of our short-term medical teams,” said Katie McKenzie, a PMI spokesperson. “We focus on making these trips a unique, educational opportunity for students as they encounter new things and are challenged to think outside of the box.” Applications are being accepted now for PMI’s August trips to Uganda and Nicaragua. To apply for a trip, donate or find out more about Palmetto Medical Initiative, visit palmettomedical.org.
THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013 11
Transportation
Furniture
Merchandise W anted
:2007 Ford Ex-plorer Eddie Bauer 63K mi, Black, Tan Leather Int. $14,200 OBO
Mission style entertainment center. 4 Doors, two w/ventilation. Measures 82"L, 20"D, 30"T $500.00 OBO Call Cindy 843-906-4750
Donate $20 to Chas Audubon for Hurricane-hurt refuges, get free signed Ltd Ed. Art Lamay bird print (pelicans, egrets, herons). 22"x30". Lovely! 7921370
Misc. Services Basic Lawn Care Reasonable Rates Greg 843 303-2615 B & V Covers Ulphostery, slipcovers, curtains, cushions, alterations, etc. FREE ESTIMATE Vicky/Martha 814-1727 or 5534900 bvcovers@gmail.com
Rental Properties Downtown 3BR/2BA apt. avail. 6/1/13. W/D, D/W incl. HW flrs, central heat/air. No pets. $2100/mo+dep. 843-723-6581
\E__E] ;? EF 2]!==(A` B<K=K_Y?=N S13<
12 THE CATALYST, April 26, 2013