August 12, 1998, Vol. 20, No. 28
August 12, 1998, Vol. 20, No. 28
Sections of this page:
Patient travels from South Africa for care at KU Medical Center
KU Medical Records is "best performer," says University Health Consortium study
"A lifetime of
learning"--
Students enter medical profession at White Coat Ceremony Aug. 7
Facilities operations staff construct and place scaffolding in preparation for
installing ceiling-mounted projector, brighter and more efficient lighting, and wiring for
a new audio system in Battenfeld Auditorium. The work in Battenfeld and the recently
completed Reicke Auditorium was done simultaneously. The work is part of the $20 million
in ‘Crumbling Classrooms’ campus-wide improvements.
Family and friends of the KU School of
Medicine class of 2002 filled Battenfeld Auditorium Aug. 7 to watch 175 first-year
students enter the medical profession. The event, KUMC's first White Coat Ceremony, will
be an annual observance, said Deborah E. Powell, MD, executive dean of the KU School of
Medicine.
"Today in reality, you enter the medical profession and you start
your education in medicine which will last you all your professional lifetimes," Dr.
Powell said during her keynote address. "When you enter the profession of medicine,
you enter not only a profession that is dedicated to health and wellness of people and
populations, but you enter a profession of teaching and learning.”
Though much of their studies will concentrate on science, students also
will learn the art of medicine here, she said. The art of medicine is the foundation for
physician-patient relationships. Those relationships, in turn, grow from clear
communication. As they apply their continually growing knowledge in diagnoses and
treatments, physicians also must teach patients and their families.
"You will come to see yourselves while in medical school and later
in your careers, not only as learners, but also as teachers; for all physicians are
teachers," said Dr. Powell.
David Calkins, senior associate dean for education, opened the ceremony
with welcoming remarks. Dr. Powell cloaked students with their white coats, then led them
in the Oath of Commitment. Joe Meek, dean of the School of Medicine, Wichita, presented
the book, On Doctoring, a gift from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to each student.
Dwayne Ollerich, associate dean of student affairs, made closing remarks. The ceremony
ended with a song written and sung by Elwanda Richardson, administrative assistant in
Health Careers Pathways.
Patient travels from South Africa for care at KU Medical Center
Stamatis Mortakis, Cape Town, South Africa, discusses the radioactive seed implant
surgery for which he traveled 33 hours to undergo with Eashwar Reddy, MD, who has
pioneered the cutting edge procedure here at KU Medical Center.
For Stamatis Mortakis, it was simply a
matter of trust. The 65-year-old architect from Cape Town, South Africa, learned in
January that he had prostate cancer. His trust in Eashwer K. Reddy, MD of the Department
of Radiation Oncology took him on a 33-hour journey from Cape Town to Kansas City,
specifically to receive treatment at KU Medical Center.
Mortakis’ South African doctor recommended prostate removal.
Rather than subject himself to that invasive surgery and the side effects, Mortakis began
researching alternatives. He discovered he might be a candidate for a procedure called
radioactive seed implant. He and his family discovered through an Internet search that
it’s performed at KU Medical Center. His daughter, Marianna Kursten of Leawood,
contacted Dr. Reddy, and was so impressed that she asked Dr. Reddy to contact her father
by phone in South Africa. Mortakis had been leaning toward having the procedure done in
Michigan, but changed his mind after speaking with Dr. Reddy. “He’s a person I
can trust,” said Mortakis.
Mortakis and his wife, Helen arrived in late June to stay with his
daughter and two grandchildren while waiting for the procedure. Since his private
insurance does not cover anything out of the country, Mortakis is paying all travel and
medical costs out of his own pocket.
KU Medical Records is
"best performer," says University Health Consortium study
KU Medical Center's Medical Record Department is a "best
performer" in meeting and exceeding national standards in cost, quality and cycle
time, according to the University Health System Consortium (UHC). The recognition stems
from a UHC bench-marking study of 41 medical record departments across the country.
The study looked at numerous areas, including the timeliness and
accuracy with which medical codes are assigned for patients' discharge diagnoses and
procedures.
"I was delighted that we are one of the best performers,"
said Rich Sahlfeld, director of medical records. Areas in which KUMC ranked above the 90th
percentile were accuracy and completeness of medical codes, the response time in
delivering records to requesting physicians and departments, and the speed at which
medical reports were filed in patients' individual files.
Sahlfeld emphasized the high ranking reflected “a lot of effort by
a lot of people in this department over the years. I'm very proud of the employees.”
"And without the cooperation of the physicians, nurses and
ancillary health staff; without the support from the Executive Team, we couldn't have done
this."
Around KUMC....
What’s New
Sign up for KUMC Golf Tourney
Each year the University of Kansas Medical Center hosts a golf
tournament for KUMC employees, students and alumni. The 1997 tournament was a huge
success.
The 1998 golf tournament will be a four-person scramble at Leawood
South Country Club, beginning at noon, Monday, Sept. 14 . The cost for an individual is
$50 for faculty/staff and $40 for students. You can put together your own team or be
placed on a team. Lunch is included, as well as many giveaways. Come and enjoy a great day
of golfing with co-workers and friends.
For more information contact Lynette Henkel, marketing coordinator,
Kirmayer Fitness Center at ext. 7706.
School of Nursing alumna, author to autograph book
The KUMC Bookstore and Alumni Office are sponsoring an evening
reception with Linda Sebastian, MN’83, ARNP, author of “Overcoming Postpartum
Depression and Anxiety” from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18. Following the reception
in the bookstore, a short program will be presented and Sebastian will autograph her new
book.
KU Children’s Center Book Fair this week
Have the kids already finished all their summer books? Or maybe
you’d like to pick up a few bargains that will get the youngsters excited about
starting the new school year! If so, you’re in luck. The Children’s Miracle
Network is sponsoring a back-to-school book fair 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 and
Friday, Aug. 14, in the Wyandotte Room of the main cafeteria. You’ll find not only
great, fun reading for everyone, but also wonderful personal and office accessories that
help you keep track of activities, meetings and appointments. Proceeds from the sale
benefit the KUMC Children’s Miracle Network, which supports the clinical, research
and patient and family education programs here at KU Medical Center. So stop by, browse
and get some great stuff!
Book Store holds drawing for two Chiefs tickets
Welcome back students, faculty, and staff! The KUMC Bookstore will
conduct a drawing Aug. 12 to. The winner of the drawing will receive two tickets to the KC
Chiefs game against the Jacksonville Jaguars 7 p.m. on Aug. 22. Stop in at the Bookstore
to sign up. The Bookstore also will conduct a drawing for the Sunday, Sept. 6,
game between the KC Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. Watch for details!
Oct. 10 is Christmas in October
Christmas will come before Halloween this year, but you still have time
to join in the festivities! That’s because KU Medical Center employees and students
have the chance to join this year’s Oct. 10 Christmas in October! This is the 15th
year for Christmas in October, a community project that provides housing maintenance help
to those in need in the Kansas City area. And you can volunteer to make this the best year
ever!
Our areas of focus this year are the Argentine and Rosedale
neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kan. KU Medical Center has committed to working on eight
homes in this area this year. If you can hammer, saw, paint, or have some other hidden
talent, we need your help! So reserve Oct. 10 on your calendar now! And more information
will be coming out soon!
Dolores Furtado elected to AAUP Executive Committee
Dolores Furtado, PhD, Professor of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics
& Immunology, was elected July 10 to the executive committee of the American
Association of University Professors, a national organization with more than 45,000
members. Dr. Furtado has been a member of AAUP since 1972, two years after she joined the
KU School of Medicine faculty. She has served as president of the University of Kansas
AAUP Chapter, president of the Kansas Conference and has been elected twice by AAUP
members residing in District II (six mid-western states) to the National Council of AAUP.
She has completed the first year of her second term on the council. Following the annual
meeting in June 1998, the 40-member council and nationally elected officers of AAUP
elected the council representatives to the executive committee.
Jasjit Ahluwalia, MD, speaks at conference
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, vice chair and associate professor of
preventive medicine and internal medicine was an invited speaker on July 29 at the Natcher
Conference Center on the National Institutes for Health campus. The conference, titled
“Addicted to Nicotine,” was sponsored by National Cancer Institue, National
Institue for Drug Addiction, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Center for
Disease Control. Plenary speakers included Vice-President Al Gore and NIH Director, Harold
Varmus.
Last Friday, our first year medical students went through
an initiation. Unlike many initiations, there is absolutely no hazing. At the first annual
"White Coat" ceremony in Battenfeld Auditorium, Dean Powell and our faculty
welcomed our students into the medical profession. Our students joined our faculty as
colleagues and partners in a life-long educational experience. The ceremony was designed
to begin instilling a value system and relationship built on trust and respect that will
extend many years into the future. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our
newest colleagues and their family members as they enjoy today's celebration.
Not long ago I was asked, "Who is responsible to attract more patients to us?"
At first, I was somewhat surprised because this has been a regular message over the last
three years. But then I recognized that we always have new people joining us, so the
answer bears repeating. The legislature enabled our hospital to become more competitive by
establishing the Hospital Authority. Our staff has done a superb job securing contracts
with almost every insurance company in the region. Now the job of attracting and keeping
patients is up to all of us.
Patients choose our physicians and hospital for their health care needs. So, it is up to
you to do everything that you can to help our patients choose KU. If you're responsible
for the buildings and grounds, do your best to make them sparkle. If you schedule
patients, treat each patient as though they are the only patient in the world. Make them
feel special. If you are part of the health care team, carefully listen to your patients.
Answer their questions. Help them understand how important their concerns are to you. If
you conduct laboratory tests, make sure you do them promptly and accurately. Remember, our
patients are anxious to know their health status. Please, don't make them wait longer than
necessary. If you see someone who appears lost, help them find their way.
Our success is in your hands. In just a few months, the old excuses and barriers to
success will be gone. We will have the ability to reinvest in our hospital building and
grounds. We'll be able to advertise more for patients. We'll be able to purchase equipment
and do remodeling faster and easier. We have excellent physicians, nurses, therapists and
staff. Attracting and keeping patients is not someone else's job. It is your
responsibility. It is our responsibility. We must build a new KU.
Speaking of building something good and new, I'd like to toast our Facilities Management
construction team. They completed the lighting improvements to Battenfeld and Rieke
Auditoriums in time for the beginning of classes. To meet this time line, they had to work
long and hard. I understand the restroom modifications are coming right along also. On
behalf of everyone at KUMC, thanks for a job well done. Keep up the good work!
Automotive
For sale: 1995 Honda Civic EX, two-door CPE, automatic
transmission, 66,000 highway miles, sunroof, spoiler, tinted windows, loaded and super
clean, Must sell $11,250 or best offer. Call 346-6096.
For sale: 1996 Chevy Cavalier, white, clean, $8,400. Also 1990 Oldsmobile Regency, power,
white, clean, $6,000. Call Levette at 816-763-8659.
For Sale: 1997 Grand Prix GT. Black coupe, 15,000 miles. $17,750. Also, 1992 Explorer
Eddie Bauer. Four-door, 94,000 miles. $8,500. Call Rich, 616-4900.
For Sale: 1990 Lebaron sedan, AC, power everything, 107,000 miles, runs well, very clean.
$3,500. Call Joey at 681-1479 after 5:00.
For Sale
For Sale: men’s 10-speed bicycle, used one year. $60 or best offer; dog house, $25;
desk, $20. Call 561-1984, after 5 p.m.
For Sale: Leather Franklin planner. Classic size, black with zipper and pocket on the
outside. Includes remainder of 98 calender and many extras. Less than six months old.
Perfect condition. $90. Call 537-5755.
For Sale: Dining table with one leaf and four chairs. Light color, $100. Yamaha
synthesizer keyboard with stand, $320. Keyboard amplifier, $80. Yamaha electrical drum,
$80. Call 492-7659 evenings or leave a message.
FOR SALE: Chiefs vs. Jaguars tickets, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Two Club-Level seats,
Section 206, Row 4, Seats 14 and 15. Asking face value of $49.50 each. Call Gary at
469-6412.
Housing
For rent: Two-bedroom apartment within walking distance of KUMC. Available on Sept. 1.
Call 362-9492.
Roommate wanted: KUMC employee has house within walking distance to KUMC. Wants to share
house with non-smoker. Call 772-0226.
Pets
Free to good home: Two cats need loving home because our child is very allergic to them.
One male (neutered), one female (spayed),both declawed front and back. One is shy and one
very friendly. Call 962-5858 evenings.
Free: Siamese female cat, declawed and spayed, 4 years old, good personalty. Calico female
cat, 10 months old, very loving and affectionate, not spayed or declawed, shots are
updated. Free to a good home. Call Kevin at 318-0428.
Free to good home: Recently found part-shepherd male puppy, around six-months old, very
playful and affectionate. Cannot keep due to having three other dogs. Call Joe at
287-2344.
Receptions
Arnette Elmore
KUMC faculty and staff are invited to attend the retirement reception
for Arnette Elmore, who has dedicated 40 years of excellent service to the nursing
services, operating room. The reception will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in the Prairie
Room in the Delp Cafeteria.
Study Subjects
Adults and children
with developmental disabilities
Individuals between the ages of 6 and 65 years, who are diagnosed with mental retardation
and/or autism are needed for a study that will look at the effects of the medication
risperidone on reducing behavior problems (aggression, self-injury, and disruption).
Caregivers must be willing to complete questionnaires on a weekly basis and come in for a
30 minute appointment every other week. All evaluations, appointments, lab tests, and
medications are free of charge. For families living outside the Kansas City area, $25 will
be provided to cover travel and parking costs. To receive more information about this
study please contact Jennifer Zarcone at the KU Medical Center (913) 588-6473 or
jzarcone@dole.lsi.ukans.edu.
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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