New ads highlight critical care, neurosurgical implants

Steven Wilkinson, MD, prepares for neurological implant surgery in this scene from one of the new 30-second TV spots.

People across the metro area will soon get a look at KU Medical Center's expertise in critical care and Parkinson's disease therapy, as the medical center launches its new advertising campaign.
As in last fall's popular campaign, the new round begins with TV commercials using actual KUMC physicians in a fast-action, documentary style. One spot featuring Susan Pingleton, MD, professor and division director of pulmonary medicine, spotlights the experience and professionalism of KUMC's critical care team. Another features Steven Wilkinson, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery, and the implant procedure which provides Parkinson's disease patients with increased mobility and relief from massive tremors.

The new commercials are designed to highlight the advantages and value KUMC can provide to patients as the area's only academic medical center. By focusing on our rich, long-standing tradition of education, research and patient care, the commercials show how KU Medical Center is differentiated from other hospitals and medical centers in the region.
The new advertising campaign will begin in early April, with the TV spots appearing on all local stations. Additional information will be available next week and during the employee "preview" outside the Main Cafeteria. TV messages will appear during weekday morning, evening and night news broadcasts, and during weekend news and sports and targeted network programs. Radio spots produced from the TV ads will begin airing on metro stations in mid April. In early May, print ads, which provide more in-depth information, will be placed in area newspapers.

Amy Wulff, a patient in the KU Children's Center, is happily surrounded by Beanie Babies following last week's March of Dimes Garage Sale at KUMC. Additional sales are set for April 1 in the Support Services Building, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and April 2 outside both cafeterias, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dykes adds 139 titles to e-journal holdings

Dykes Library is enhancing faculty, staff and researchers' access to on-line publications by adding 139 electronic journals to its existing collection of 55 titles. Orders for the e-journals have been submitted and are coming on-line daily. The publications, which succeed the former Current Contents, will be available through the Pulse on-line journals page, http://www.kumc.edu/dykes/journals/display.html.
The journals also will be available from the new Dykes Library on-line catalog system, Endeavor Voyager, when the system goes live in July. Those who use Pub Med, the free Medline service from the National Library of Medicine, also will have direct access to e-journals received by Dykes Library.
All new titles can be reached through work stations anywhere on campus, and will provide content in PDF, HTML or both formats. Some will require a password and others will be IP address restricted, depending on publishers' stipulations.

May I have the envelope please?

Emotions ran high during Match Day, March 18, as each of 115 graduating medical students opened an envelope revealing where he or she would spend the next three to five years as residents. The annual ceremony is the culmination of the nationwide computerized residency-matching program.

Eleven Allied Health, Nursing students honored

Six undergraduate and five graduate students in the Schools of Allied Health and Nursing will be honored April 3 during the Sixth Annual Black Faculty and Staff Council Student Awards Banquet. Honorees must maintain a 3.0 grade point as undergraduates or a 3.5 grade point as graduate students to qualify for the annual academic award. Undergraduates to be recognized are Tara Alexander, School of Allied Health, and Rachel Adeyanju, Tiffiney Finney, Aster Gari, Nichele Nash, and Emmanuel Uloko, School of Nursing. Graduate students are Myra Harbin, School of Allied Health, and Vanessa Fuller, Diane Sims, Phyllis Sims and Marquetta Sims-Berry, School of Nursing.

Let us hear from you

In The Center is designed to report the news and happenings around KUMC, to give you information you need to do your job, and to bring you updates on people, programs and events from every corner of the medical center.
Perhaps more than anything else, however, our new weekly employee publication is designed to be "interactive," a two-way communication that reflects your needs, your interests and your concerns.
If you have a comment or suggestion on how to improve the publication-or a story lead, news item or just a fun idea-please contact Ken Arnold, editor, ext. 1298, or e-mail <karnold>. Remember, In The Center is your publication. Let us hear from you.

Betty Dawson ensures that new parents are prepared to care for babies' needs

After 40 years as a mother-baby health nurse, Betty Dawson, RN, MLA, has picked up a few bits of knowledge that every parent should have. There are the basics-bathing and feeding. There are the skills-diapering and dressing. And there are the essentials-mother and baby emotional well-being, nurturing, and safety.
Dawson teaches them all.
"Being a parent is forever," she said. "It is the most important job in the world, and the most difficult. And we need a lot of education."
Unlike some medical centers, which make post-partum education classes available to new mothers after they leave the hospital, KU Hospital provides training before mothers go home. Dawson begins with a one-hour Infant Care and Safety Class, which is designed to meet Association of Women's Health, OB and Neonatal Nurses (AWOHNN) standards. During the class, she helps mothers understand the importance of building a strong relationship with their babies from the first day. This includes cuddling, rocking, hugging and patting infants up to 100 times a day. It also means putting all poisons beyond reach, covering electrical outlets and developing a nurturing environment in which the child can thrive.
Because most new mothers and their babies are in the hospital only 48 hours, Dawson has also developed a self-help handbook for parents to take home. In addition to information about physical care, the book offers tips about emotional health, appropriate social, behavioral and intellectual development, and abuse and violence prevention. It also reinforces parents' needs to care for themselves as well as their babies.
A second handbook developed by the Mother-Baby Unit staff provides information about the mother's physical recovery from childbirth, and caring for the newborn's physical needs. In addition, new parents receive a packet of information about poison control, car seats, infant and toddler development and several other topics.
The program is designed to tell parents, "Treat your children as if they were worth a million dollars, even though they are priceless," said Dawson. "You'd never leave a million dollars sitting in your car or in a grocery cart. We help parents understand they shouldn't do that kind of thing with their children, either."

'The Key To Our Success'
KUMC honors physicians
March 29 and 30,

KUMC will show its appreciation for physicians with several activities to celebrate Doctors’ Day, March 30. On Monday, March 29, the Medical Staff Office will hold its annual meeting for members of the KU Medical Center staff, as well as physicians from affiliated medical practices. Using the theme "You Are The Key To Our Success," the meeting will include the introduction of new staff members, proposed bylaws revisions, and reports from Irene Cumming, KU Hospital president and CEO, and H. William Barkman, MD, MSPH, associate professor of medicine and chief of staff. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in Wahl Hall East.
Following the meeting, a reception will be held in Hixson Atrium to honor physicians. During the reception, physicians will have the opportunity to review and update their professional profiles and current photos, which are used for the Physician Referral Service listings. A photographer will also be on hand for those needing new photos.
On March 30, all KUMC physicians will be honored in a full-page ad in The Kansas City Star.

Physicians’ Update
Keeping you up-to-date on
physician services, education, research

By Susan Pingleton, MD

Without a doubt, KUMC has the most outstanding physicians in the region. Their diagnostic and treatment plans are based upon "cutting edge" knowledge, research and practice. In addition, our physicians provide services and procedures that aren't available at community hospitals.
Many times here at KUMC, however, we don't know about the innovations, new services and procedures that our newer medical staff members provide. That's why physicians will be featured on a regular basis in "Physicians' Update," a new department that will appear periodically in In The Center.
"Physicians' Update" will also discuss the progress of medical staff partnerships, and physician achievements in education and research. When departments add services or procedures, this information will also be communicated in "Physicians’ Update."
In this first issue, we feature recent additions to the KUMC medical staff. After all, KUMC is "Where Innovation Is Academic."


Carol S. Connor, MD, assistant professor, brings expertise in the diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, of breast problems and breast cancer. Dr. Connor is a graduate of KU Medical School, and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.


Michael Moncure, MD, assistant professor, joined KU Medical Center to direct the KU Medical Center Trauma Center as it moves toward Level I status. Dr. Moncure graduated from the University of Washington Medical School. He completed both an internship and a residency in medicine at Howard University, and a fellowship in trauma at the University of Maryland. He is board certified in surgery, critical care surgery and traumatology.

Daniel Murillo, MD, assistant professor, expands the transplant program with his expertise in pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplants. Dr. Murillo earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Indiana University and a fellowship in transplant surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.


Roberta E. Sonnino, MD, professor and chief of pediatric surgery, is working to establish a center of excellence for perinatal care. She completed medical school and internship at the University of Padova. She completed an internship at Children's Hospital of Cincinnati, and a surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital. She completed fellowships in research at Columbus Children's Hospital and in pediatric surgery at Montreal Children's Hospital. Dr. Sonnino is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in surgery and pediatric surgery.


J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, VALK professor, chief of urology, brings innovative treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to KU Medical Center. KU is one of the few medical centers in the region to offer the procedure, called TransUrethral Needle Ablation. Dr. Thrasher completed medical school at Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a surgery internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and a urology residency at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in urologic oncology at Duke University. Dr. Thrasher is board certified by the American Board of Urology.

J. David Kriet, MD, assistant professor, brings expertise in all aspects of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery to KU Medical Center. Dr. Kriet completed medical school at the University of Oklahoma, and completed preliminary general surgery training and his otolaryngology residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He then completed a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at Oregon Health Sciences University. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.


Albert Merati, MD, assistant professor, provides expertise in diagnosis and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders. Dr. Merati completed medical school at the University of Washington, and a residency in otolaryngology and an internship in surgery at the University of California. He completed a fellowship in laryngology and care of the professional voice at the Vanderbilt Voice Center. Dr. Merati is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.


Pamela Nicklaus, MD, associate professor, has been named medical director of KU MedWest. Dr. Nicklaus graduated from KU Medical School, and completed a residency in otolaryngology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. Nicklaus was on staff at the University of New Mexico for seven years as associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Otolaryngology. She is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Executive Forum

Our physicians are unequaled
By Irene Cumming
KU Hospital President and CEO

The KU physicians are vital to the health care of our community and our patients. And, their role is particularly complex as they serve as members of the medical staff, as Kansas University faculty and as KUPI members. The multiple roles, responsibilities and expertise distinguish the KU physicians from all others.
As an academic medical center, we provide a level of care, a specialized knowledge and the latest technology that can't be duplicated by community hospitals. And, our physicians make this possible. Referring physicians, patients and families tell us they use KUMC because of the medical care provided by our physicians. KU physicians demonstrate cutting-edge medicine, including diagnosis, treatment and technical expertise. Often, however, we are told it is the "unexpected" care and concern our physicians give their patients that also make the difference.
As university faculty members, our physicians are teachers and researchers. They are "role-models" for medical students and residents, demonstrating, even in today's complex health care environment, that quality medical care can be given. Our physicians show how it is possible to provide outstanding patient care with increasing demands and case management from managed care payors.
As we approach "Doctors’ Day," we recognize the KU physicians for their unequaled medicine and patient care.

April student events show energy, teamwork
By Dorothy Knoll, PhD
Dean, Student Services

Last week I had the pleasure of observing Match Day for graduating medical students. As I watched the students being assigned to their residencies, two things dawned on me. One is that the close to another school year is quickly approaching. The other is that we have many reasons to be proud of our students.
Even as the students are entering the busiest part of the semester, they are going stronger than ever. Among the activities planned for the next few weeks are:
The student "Change for Change" program will benefit three elementary schools in Wyandotte County. The fund-raising campaign will continue until April 9.
On April 7, students from all four schools will participate in the Student Research Forum. This event, organized by representatives from all four schools, will include a featured speaker, student presentations, workshops and more. This is followed by an awards banquet on April 8.
There is one day of rest before the all-school Third Annual Spring Fling Carnival on April 10. Again, our energetic students from all four schools work together on this fun event. You can even throw pies at the person of your choice: our own EVC Dr. Donald Hagen, faculty, other administrators-even me!
Finally, on April 15 we acknowledge the leadership of our students with a reception and the first KUMC Student Leadership Awards.
As these events clearly show, we have students who make our institution proud.

Allied Health Alumni host April Fools' Day Sale
The KU Allied Health Alumni Association's annual April Fools' Day Sale will be Thursday, April 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Baked goods will be on sale in Stoland Lounge in Orr-Major, and T-shirts and gift items will be sold outside the Main Cafeteria. Proceeds will help support the KU Allied Health Alumni Scholarship Fund.

April discounted bus passes now on sale
Discounted Metro Monthly Bus Passes and Reduced Fare Bus Passes for the month of April are on sale to KU Hospital employees March 25 -31. Passes are available in both Hospital Human Resources locations, 5021 Delp Pavilion and G415 KU Hospital by the Main Lobby. Monthly passes are available at an $8 discount. Reduced Fare passes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities are offered at a $4 discount.

Ahluwalia at World Health Organization-Mayo Clinic symposium
Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, vice-chair and director of research for the Department of Preventive Medicine, participated on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) in a joint WHO-Mayo Clinic sponsored meeting on tobacco cessation. The meeting, held in Rochester, Minn., March 22-23, included approximately 30 international experts on tobacco control and cessation.

Bradley receives Field Instruction award
Mary Bradley, LSCSW, recently received an Excellence in Field Instruction Award for 1998-99. The award is given annually by KU to recognize field instructors for their contributions to social work education. Bradley is a supervisor of students seeking a master's degree in social work, and a social worker and family therapist in the Outpatient Child Psychiatry Department.

Center for Health in Aging bonds offered
As part of the financing of the new Center for Health in Aging, KU Medical Center will issue approximately $3.3 million in tax-exempt bonds. The bonds will help finance the $8 million project, which will be a unique complex of office, clinical and research facilities dedicated to programs related to aging. The remainder of funds will come from federal grants and private bequests.
"This is the first bond issue for the medical center since 1988," said Michael Keeble, associate vice chancellor for administration. "Although many bonds will be sold to major investment firms and other parties, we specifically required that some portion be reserved for individuals because we want to make them available to KUMC staff and faculty who may be interested."
The Center for Health in Aging bonds are issued in denominations of $5,000, are exempt from federal and Kansas state taxes, and have maturity dates ranging from 1 to 20 years. Bonds are offered through the Kansas Development Finance Authority and local investment banker George K. Baum & Co.
The bonds will go on sale following the determination of final pricing (the actual interest rate), sometime between April 10-21. Please note that this notice does not constitute an offer to sell. Interested parties are urged to review the official prospectus, available through George K. Baum & Co.

For Sale:
Maui vacation, April 24-May 1, luxury condo, Sands of Kahana, 2BD, 2BA, sleeps six, cost $1,400/week, asking $900 OBO. Call 461-1901.
Precious Moments, Time-Life, Civil War books and set of china (blue flower pattern). Call 361-0630.
Windsor-Newton Fine Arts Acrylics, eight 2-oz. tubes, assorted colors, barely used, $12. Call 531-6183
Adult violin w/case, made in Kansas City by KC String, for intermediate level, $700. Call 913-338-5639.
Queen-size water bed with six-drawer base. Call 492-1140 and leave message.

Automotive:
1993 Buick Regal Custom coupe, white, 87K miles, fully auto., single hand driven w/no previous accidents, $5,000. Call 913-338-5639.
1995 Honda Civic DX, blk, 2-dr., 5-spd., 32K actual miles, A/C, AM/FM Stereo w\CD adapter. Call 444-7229.
1992 Dodge Shadow, for more information call 492-1140 and leave message.

Housing:
For Rent: 7524 Sagamore (just west of 75th & State Line), 3 BR, 1 BA ranch, includes refrig., stove, washer/dryer & dishwasher, C/A, fenced, garage opener, pets negotiable, avail. April 15, $750/mo. with one-year lease, $600 deposit. Call 236-6415 evenings.
For sale: 3 BR, 2 ½ BA, eight-year-old house, $119,950. Open Sun. noon-5 p.m., 9915 W. 51st. Call 262-7257.
Homeshare for non-smoking person, $265/mo., incl. fully furnished room, all utilities and kitchen and laundry. Call 333-4921.

Wanted:
Used wheelchair in good condition. Call 444-9366.

Studies and Clinical Trials:
Infant cognition study
Infants 3 months to 3 years with and without Downs syndrome to participate in research study of early cognitive development and reaching. Session includes recording brainwaves (EEG) and behavior. Lasts about one hour. Contact Jennifer Hill Karrer, ext. 5956.
Metal allergy study
Department of Dermatology seeking healthy males 18-40 years of age. Body piercings preferred, but not required. Financial compensation included. For more information, contact Alison Ehrlich at ext. 6028.

coming up

Friday, March 26:
•    Multidisciplinary Tumor Conference, KU Cancer Center & Kansas Cancer Institute, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Wahl Hall West Auditorium.
•    Oncology Journal Club, KU Cancer Center, 8:15-9:15 a.m., 6th floor Conference Room, Wescoe.
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "An Atypical Look at a Typical Antipsychotic," 10:30 a.m.-noon, Clendening Amphitheater.
•    National Institutes of Health Roundtable, "Arthritis of Recent Onset: Studies in Pathogenesis and Prognosis," CenterNet Broadcast, 11 a.m.-noon, 1015 Orr-Major.

Tuesday, March 30
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m. Family Medicine Office, KU Hospital.
•    Center on Aging Research Seminar, "The Use of Telemedicine for Outpatient Case Management of High Risk Patients," Earl Rooney, MD, 4-5 p.m., Clendening Ampitheater.

Wednesday, March 31
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Hospital.
•    KUMC Interfaith meeting, "Philosophy of Huston Smith" video, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
•    Multidisciplinary Breast Conference, KU Cancer Center, 3-4 p.m., Autopsy Conference Room.

Thursday, April 1
•    Panic Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Office, 1320 KU Hospital.
•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.

IN THE CENTER
Donald Hagen, MD - Executive Vice Chancellor KUMC
Irene Cumming - CEO and President KU Hospital
Ken Arnold - Editor
Leslie Champlin - Writer
Jim Burton - Graphic Designer

IN THE CENTER is the employee and student 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 is noon on the Thursday before they are to appear. Send story ideas to Ken Arnold, editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: <karnold> or call ext. 1298.

Ad Policy
Send or bring your ad to G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: <karnold> by noon Thursday 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 held a week of space is limited.

Prepared by Printing Service Imaging