December 2, 1998  Vol. 20, No. 48

CMN Radiothon exceeds fund-raising goal

Kathy Davis, pediatric school teacher in the KUMC Department of Nursing Services, goes "live" with MIX 93's Dillon during the recent Children's Miracle Network radiothon. Photo by Danielle Wolfe.

People throughout Kansas City opened their hearts-and pocketbooks-to children in need during the first ever radiothon in the area to benefit Children's Miracle Network (CMN). The event, held Nov. 20 and 21, exceeded its goal of $50,000, raising $60,539 to benefit the inpatient and outpatient pediatric efforts at KUMCand CMH.
The radiothon was hosted by MIX 93 radio (93.3 FM). The Nov. 20 event was broadcast live from the Independence Center from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MIX 93 disc jockeys emceed the day's events, which included interviews with special guests, and a silent auction. Throughout the broadcast, KUMC volunteers were on hand to accept phone-in pledges from listeners.
"It was fantastic," said Karen Carlin, executive director of CMN in the Kansas City area. "We are thrilled that MIX 93 and Kansas City supported us to such an extent. This was our first radiothon, but it certainly won't be our last."

Patients are always first

Over the past few weeks, some patients and visitors to KUMC have been unable to find parking spaces in the Cambridge Parking Facility. The reason? Some KUMC employees are parking in the garage without valid parking stickers.
"It is absolutely crucial that we ensure enough parking spaces in the Cambridge facility for patients and visitors," said Irene Cumming, hospital president and CEO. "Making it difficult for people to access services at KU Medical Center is not simply inconsiderate, it is damaging to our entire purpose. If patients and others cannot find convenient parking, they may eventually choose to go to another health care facility."
Rick Johnson, director major division for the KU Medical Center Police, said some temporary employees are parking in Cambridge without stickers. He notes that temporary employees, just as any other KUMC employee, must purchase a sticker. He adds that plenty of parking is available in yellow parking zones, which is less expensive than day rates at Cambridge. In the next month, campus police will also begin a shuttle service for yellow zones to address employee concerns about distance and weather.
Campus police are targeting enforcement of Cambridge and Olathe permits by stationing officers at entrances and exits. Officers monitor traffic and log tag numbers of vehicles that park in the garages on a regular basis. Tag numbers are then cross-checked with employee records. Any violators receive a $50 fine. Johnson adds that some employees are using departmental parking stamps to validate their parking.
"That is not acceptable under any circumstances," he said. "I urge supervisors and department heads to keep parking validation stamps in a secure place to guard against misuse."
For complete information on parking regulations, see the Parking Rules and Policies pamphlet. Copies are available at the Support Services Facility, 2100 W. 36th Ave. For parking questions, call ext. 5175.

'Winter Wonderland' holiday party set for Dec. 16

The holiday season is upon us. So get ready to celebrate by attending the "Winter Wonderland" Holiday Party for KUMC employees and students.
The party will be in Hixson Atrium Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. Festivities will include live entertainment, food provided by Michael Anthony's, free pictures with Santa and exciting prizes.
Employees and students can also participate in a gingerbread house contest. Each entry must be edible and made by a KUMC employee or student. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative/original, the most unique, and the most calories. All entries will be displayed during both sessions of the party. Entries may be picked up Dec. 17 from Mary Jo Williams in the Endowment Office, G013 Wahl Hall East.
If you are unable to attend as a department, please contact Jennifer Rodvelt, ext. 1498, or e-mail <jrodvelt>.

Donald Hagen, EVC

This is one of the best times of the year for me and my family. As third generation Americans, we often think of the early years when our grandparents arrived here from Norway and from Canada. The holiday rituals which they brought here continue, including the lavish traditional meals, although my wife will not tolerate lutefisk in the house. My ancestors were fiercely proud to be Americans and never gave up the opportunity to vote.
We all have many things to be thankful for at KUMC. First and foremost, we should be thankful that we have the opportunity to educate the next generation of physicians, nurses, scientists and health care professionals of all types. I hope you will all see the latest edition of KU MED magazine. The personal touches in our magazine are very well done, and they give us all a quick picture of the professionalism in our institution.
I am grateful to the people of Kansas for supporting our mission throughout the years. It is remarkable that they have such an intense dedication to and interest in education, and in particular to medical education. We cannot take them for granted. They demand excellence, and we provide it in education, patient care, and research.
I am grateful to the students. Clearly, they are excelling amid the massive changes in our institutions.
I am impressed with the faculty. We need to constantly work with the faculty and the department chairs to make certain that Kansas medical education is leading the country. We have much to do, but the opportunities have never been better.
I am grateful to the deans and vice chancellors and the leaders of the Hospital Authority. They make things happen, both here and throughout the nation. They are totally involved and committed to excellence.
Lastly, I am grateful to the chancellor. He has worked harder than anyone could possibly expect to ensure the success of the medical center. He worked tirelessly on the hospital governance issue, and succeeded where others would certainly have failed. Most importantly, he has set up the environment in which we all can succeed.

What’s New

Breast cancer support group meets Dec. 3

The University of Kansas Cancer Center and Schering/Biotech will host a Breast Cancer Support Group Thursday, Dec. 3, at Wahl West Auditorium. This session of the support group will feature the program "Look Good, Feel Better," sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Social time and snacks begin at 5 p.m. The program is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call ext. 7750.

Free prostate cancer screening Dec. 7

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is offering free PSA blood testing and digital (rectal) exams on Monday, Dec. 7. To make an appointment, call ext. 4780.

Dykes Library considers canceling database

Dykes Library is considering whether or not to cancel its subscription to the Current Contents database, which expires Jan. 15, 1999. The renewal fee is $34,133.
The library is considering canceling the subscription because of high cost and low use. Statistics indicate the average number of users per day (including library staff) is four. Some users prefer to search the pre-MEDLINE subset of PubMed rather than Current Contents for their current awareness needs. PubMed is available free at http://
www4.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/.
If cancellation of the Current Contents database would adversely affect your work, please reply to Dykes Reference, <dykesref>.

Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-A-Child programs reflect the holiday spirit of giving

The Office of Alumni and Community Relations is sponsoring the Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-A-Child Programs for the holidays.
The Adopt-A-Family program involves adopting low-income families and individuals in need. Families range in size from one to seven children. Participants in the program purchase Christmas gifts for families such as new clothes, new toys and/or household items.
The Adopt-A-Child program is co-sponsored by KU Medical Center and Project Eagle, an early Head Start Program that works in partnership with families in Wyandotte County. Participants may adopt one child or several.
"These programs are a perfect way to show that KU Medical Center cares and is able to help with the needs of children and families in our community," said Jennifer Rodvelt, senior coordinator, community relations and special events for the Alumni Relations Office. "We have more than 300 children and families who are waiting to be adopted, and I encourage all KUMC employees and students to help."
Wish lists for the families and children are available. Departments, groups or individuals who are interested in participating can contact Rodvelt in the Alumni Relations Office, ext. 1498.

Former KUMC vice chancellor now heads FDA

Jane Henney, MD, a former vice chancellor for health programs and policy at KUMC, has recently been confirmed as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. She is the first woman to head the federal agency.
Dr. Henney came to KUMC in 1985 and was a member of the faculty until 1994. In 1992, she took a leave of absence to become FDA deputy commissioner of operations. Most recently, she has served as vice president for health services at the University of New Mexico. A cancer specialist, Dr. Henney previously served in a number of senior management positions at various academic and research institutions, including a five-year tenure as deputy director of the National Cancer Institute.
"Jane Henney is a seasoned professional who brings substantial management skills and a depth of experience to the agency," said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala in a statement immediately following Dr. Henney's confirmation.

Volunteers needed for Foster Family Conference

Volunteers are needed to help watch more than 300 children during the first ever Foster Family Conference, hosted by the Kaw Valley Center Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Overland Park Doubletree Hotel.
Children will be divided into manageable groups by age for Kaw Valley Staff and volunteers to supervise. Activities have been arranged, including bowling for older children, trips to the Children's Museum, swimming, movies and entertainment.
Volunteers are asked to participate all day. Orientation begins at 7:30 a.m. and the day will conclude at 4 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To participate or if you have questions, contact Jennifer Rodvelt, ext. 1498, or e-mail <jrodvelt>.

    Medical professionals can get a taste of patients' conditions when "Insight to Cancer Related Anemia; A Virtual Reality Experience" comes to KU Medical Center Dec. 17-18.
    The program, designed to increase understanding of cancer patients' fatigue, combines a tour of a virtual reality van and a lecture by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Steven Soignet, MD.
    The van will be outside the KU Cancer Center. It will be open for 30-minute tours from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 17, as well as from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Dr. Soignet's lecture, "Treatment of Cancer and Associated Fatigue," will be noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 in Wahl Hall East. Lunch will be served during the lecture. Those who attend either the lunch or a tour will receive special gifts.
    The tour centers on a virtual reality experience called "In My Steps." Developed with the cooperation of cancer patients, the program uses interactive computer technology to simulate the debilitating effects of cancer-related anemia and its resulting fatigue.
    Space is limited and registration for tours and the lecture are needed. To register for a tour, call Nathalie Crew, ext. 7728. Those wishing to attend the lunch and lecture must register by Dec. 11 by calling Melanie Simpson, ext. 7767.

Information Services desk is important resource for patients, families, employees

Wanda Jackson, information desk ambassador, keeps busy helping the many visitors to the medical center. Photo by Jim Burton.

    Need a notary public? How about a voter registration card? Or maybe a map to help friends or family navigate KU Medical Center?
    All of these and more are available at the Information Services Desk in the main lobby of the hospital.
    The information desk is staffed 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Desk employees validate parking for patients and visitors, help arrange parking passes for members of the clergy, and direct hundreds of KU Medical Center visitors to their desired destinations each day.
    Desk staff members also provide information to visitors about the hospital's six overnight accommodation rooms. These rooms are available for $15 per night to patients or their families who live more than 50 miles away from the medical center.
"The desk is an important resource for patients and visitors, and a vital service provided by the hospital," said Marilyn Coup, senior coordinator of Volunteer Services. "In most cases, we're the first stop for visitors needing information about patients, doctors, departments, clinical offices, meetings-just about anything."

Classifieds

Automotive
1994 T-bird, black with gray interior, V8, 38k miles, $1,000 alarm with remote control start included, new tires, extra snow tires, sunroof, fully loaded, CD player, car is like new, $10,500. Call 287-3674.

1994 Nissan Quest, leather, moon roof, new tires, rear A/C, excellent condition. $12,500. Call 373-1838

For Sale
Matching washer/gas dryer. Good condition, $100 for both. You haul. Call Paul at 362-8983.

Nice, beige couch. $75 or best offer. Call 299-4135 after 6 p.m.

Authentic Wool Peacoat, size 52, $30. SWB telephone w/caller ID, $20. Kodak APS (panoramic) camera $35 (used only once). 19" color TV, older but works great, $25. Several computer games (CD-ROM), $10 ea. Call Heather 236-7817.

Wanted
Looking for a Little Tykes doll house. Contact Nancy Olson, MD, at 752-0890.

Housing
Roommate wanted: Non-smoking, female roommate to share roomy 3br, 2ba duplex within 1 mile of KUMC. Includes large kitchen, two living rooms and garage space for two cars. Rent is $325 + utilities. Available as early as Dec. 6, as late as Jan. 15. Call Kimberly, 340-7876 (day).

Topics Information
Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.
Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.
Only home phone numbers --- no pager numbers or KUMC extensions --- will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.
Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.

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