25 March 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 2
Formerly “Topics”

Volunteers honored at April 13 luncheon   

KU Medical Center set aside a few hours Tuesday, April 13 to recognize an important segment of its vast population: the 450 volunteers who work year 'round to create a positive environment for patients and staff alike.
More than 130 volunteers and guests gathered in the Francisco Lounge for the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, an afternoon of fun, food and praise for a job well done. The event included an invocation by the Rev. Jennie Malewski, lunch, and entertainment by the Arthur Murray Dancers. Mary Ball, vice president of Public Relations and Marketing, introduced Irene Cumming, KU Hospital president and CEO, who expressed her gratitude for the level of commitment each volunteer has shown.
Cumming noted that volunteers donated a total of more than 50,000 hours of service in 1998, resulting in a cost savings to the hospital of $684,000. She added that volunteers perform an estimated 16,000 patient transports, and deliver 75,000 pieces of mail and 8,000 floral bouquets per year.
Jeanne Drisko, MD, clinical assistant professor of OB/GYN, also spoke on how volunteers reach out to patients. Several volunteers then presented short programs about their areas of focus, including medical student Georgina Peacock, who spoke about the Care for Kids program, and volunteer Carolyn Warren, who spoke about the Hospital Auxiliary. Jean Harty, MD, program director of KC Reads, also shared several success stories of the program. KC Reads has been recognized by many education and social service organizations, and was recently named the 1999 recipient of the Community Service Award by the Colgate-Palmolive "Bright Smiles, Bright Future" program in Kansas City.
Susan Mong and Marilyn Coup, senior coordinators of Volunteer and Ambassador Services, then presented pins to volunteers to commemorate their hours of service to KU Hospital. Volunteers who have completed 8,000 or more hours were given special recognition. Bernice Wigglesworth, with 15,500 hours, received top honors.
"This luncheon is just a small gesture of appreciation for the hard work of all our volunteers," Coup said. "There is not one part of the hospital that is not touched by the work of these people. We can never thank them enough."

O.K. Who ordered coconut cream?

Photo by Katy Ferrarini


Medical student government officers Gopal Bajaj, left, Gloria Cheng and Allison Mann were among the victims in the pie throw contest, one of many activities at Spring Fling '99. The April 10 all-school event, coordinated by the Student Governing Council, drew hundreds of people to Kirmayer Fitness Center for food, music, prizes and fun. Spring Fling raised close to $3,000 to benefit The Duchesne Clinic, a United Way agency, and research at the KU Cancer Institute.

Photo by Jim Burton

More than 130 people gathered in Francisco Lounge April 13 for the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Among the volunteers receiving honors for more than 8,000 hours of service were, left to right: Helen Copeland; Betty Grayson; Jim Bushfield; Selma Smith, and Clarence Oldfield.

Student Research Forum winners announced

Twelve students from the Schools of Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine and Graduate Studies were selected for top honors from the more than 60 participants in the April 7 Student Research Forum. The annual forum provides an opportunity for students from all schools to organize and present their research.
Award winners were:

School of Allied Health
First Place: Shari Sokol
Second Place: Kerry Proctor-Williams
School of Nursing
First Place (Taunton Medal): Monica Scheibmeir
Second Place: Twila Brown
School of Medicine-Medical Student
First Place: Archie Heddings
Second Place: Ramona Warren
Third Place: Matthew Byrnes
Honorable Mention: Ryan DeHaan
School of Medicine-Graduate Student
First Place: Stephen Parnell
Second Place: Amy Mize
Third Place: Shihyun You
Honorable Mention: Peter Opdam Shihyun

You also received the Kimmel Award for the best presentation related to biochemistry.

Six to be honored at upcoming alumni association celebrations
KU Medical Center Alumni Association has selected the 1999 Distinguished and Honorary Alumni. The honorees will be recognized during each school's alumni reception.
Named School of Allied Health Distinguished Alumnus is David Yoder, PhD, 1965, chair of the Department of Medical Allied Health Professions at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Named Honorary Alumnus is Barbara Lukert, MD, 1960, professor in the Department of Medicine at KU Medical Center, and director of KUMC's osteoporosis clinic and metabolic laboratory.
Named School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus is Marc A. Asher, MD, 1962, professor of orthopedic surgery. Paul R. Schloerb, MD, professor of surgery, has been named Honorary Alumnus.
Named School of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus is Ann K. Cobb, RN, 1967, professor of nursing. Helen B. Connors, RN, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs, was named Honorary Alumnus.
The School of Allied Health alumni reception will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, in Hixson Atrium. The School of Medicine alumni banquet will be 6 p.m. Friday, May 7, at the Ritz-Carlton. The School of Nursing alumni banquet will be 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Ritz-Carlton.

New device relieves chemotherapy-induced nausea
People undergoing chemotherapy at KU Cancer Center have a new ally to help ease the burden of their treatment. The ally, called the Reliefband, dramatically helps control therapy-induced nausea and enables patients to enjoy life despite the hard-hitting medications necessary to kill their cancer.
Placed on the wrist much like a watch, the Reliefband stimulates the median nerve in the wrist by sending electrical pulses through two electrodes on the back of the device. The pulses cause the nerve to trigger signals to the brain. Scientists think the signals overpower those from the stomach. As a result, feelings of nausea or the need to vomit are diminished, often to the point that they disappear. Patients decide when to use the band and at what strength to set the pulses.
KU Cancer Center's use of the device, which was developed by Woodside Biomedical, Inc., San Diego, has attracted TV, radio and newspaper attention. More important, the Reliefband is a boon for patients, said Melanie Simpson, RN, oncology nurse at KU Cancer Center.
"Usually, once patients get nauseated, they become afraid and develop anticipatory nausea," she said. "But here, they can strap the band on before treatment begins and prevent nausea."
In addition to cancer patients, pregnant women who suffer severe morning sickness and people who have motion sickness also can take advantage of the Reliefband, said Simpson.

Love of children, reading spurs volunteer Denise Brashley

Denise Brashley fully understands the importance of books. As a former early childhood educator, she has watched as children master the art of reading and develop a love of learning.
These days, she's on sabbatical from her job. As a volunteer with KC Reads at the KUMC Department of Pediatrics, however, she watches that fire take hold in the eyes of children waiting for their doctor appointments.
Each Wednesday and Friday, Brashley offers to read with youngsters as they and their parents come into the waiting room. Most of the time, the children nod shyly when asked if they'd like to share a book with her. When they open the pages, the children-and their parents-become enthralled.
"It is amazing to show a book to babies and watch them respond," said Brashley. "Parents see that reaction too, and they are thrilled."
Many adults think babies and toddlers are too young to enjoy books, but research shows that even newborns respond to the pictures and the spoken words when parents read to them. Such early reading fosters language development, the foundation for strong reading and academic skills later in life.

Photo by Leslie Champlin

KC Reads volunteer Denise Brashley spends time each week reading to children at the KUMC Department of Pediatrics.

Brashley chooses to volunteer at KUMC because she lives in Kansas City, Kan., and wants to contribute to her hometown. She loves working with children and, in talking with KC Reads co-founder and KU pediatrician Jean Harty, MD, learned of the need for reading volunteers.
"I thought it would be fun," said Brashley. "And it really has been rewarding, seeing these children getting interested in what I'm doing with books."

Photo by Bob Hallinan

KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway appeared with Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, in Rieke Auditorium April 13 for the All Campus Update, a view of KU in the 21st century. A story on the Update will appear in next week's edition of In The Center.

Physicians’ Update
Partnerships improve patient care in today's rapidly changing world
By Susan Pingleton, MD

Professor and Division Director, Pulmonary Medicine
Patient care is best provided in a partnership environment. Here at KU Medical Center, a medical-hospital director partnership program was started in 1997, which includes a physician and other health care professionals (for example, a nurse manager may serve as hospital director). The goals of the partnership program were to maintain and improve patient care in a cost-effective, managed-care driven environment.
This past October, the partnerships were reorganized into two groups. One group focuses on operational issues centered around nursing unit services. The second group focuses upon utilization issues, which are services utilized across multiple nursing units. Through this grouping, projects are focused and make a stronger, more immediate difference.
Each medical director has developed one to three projects for the partnership to accomplish during 1998-99. Thus far, the progress has been impressive. For example, partnerships have begun to implement projects such as patient satisfaction surveys, reorganization of the OR pharmacy, pain management projects and rehabilitation medicine follow-up data. In addition, four presentations have been made at medical directors' meetings. Each partnership will present project reports, orally or written, by July 1, 1999.
Future partnership involvement with the KU Hospital Authority is expected to be significant. The medical-hospital directors represent a significant management force with great potential to positively impact daily patient care, improve quality and increase patient satisfaction. Future editions of Physicians' Update will feature specific projects and outcomes.

Editor's Note: KU Medical Center has a long tradition of serving patients through Family Medicine. Family Medicine uses a multidisciplinary approach in the evaluation and management of patients, and provides comprehensive, continuing medical care for people of all ages.

Charles E. Gessert, MD, instructor, practices at KUMC. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas and completed a residency in pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center, New York. Dr. Gessert is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is currently serving a fellowship in primary care at KUMC. Dr. Gessert specializes in relationships of both pediatric patients and Alzheimer's disease patients.


Ralph J. Mann, MD, assistant professor, sees patients at KUMC. He completed medical school at the University of Arkansas and a residency in family practice at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. Mann is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Practice interests include the treatment of hypertension and hepatitis C.

Donald B. Milligan, MD, assistant professor, practices at KUMC. He completed medical school at Johns Hopkins University and a residency at KU Medical Center. Dr. Milligan is certified by the American Board of Family Practice, and has a clinical interest in the regulation of medication usage.


Philip L. Rumbaoa, MD, assistant professor, practices at KU MedWest. Dr. Rumbaoa completed medical school and a family practice residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Rumbaoa has practice interests in sports medicine, obstetrics and asthma.

School of Medicine graduates favor primary care for residency programs

Following a trend that has been established for several years, the majority of 1999 KU School of Medicine graduates-a full 61 percent-chose primary care for their residency programs, according to the recent Match Day results. Family medicine was the most popular specialty selected, with 48 students accepting residencies. Internal medicine was second with 31 residencies, and pediatrics was third with 17. Surgery came in fourth, with 12 residencies.

Sixty-two of the 174 KU School of Medicine graduates decided to make KU Medical Center their residency program.

Sixty-two of the 174 KU School of Medicine graduates decided to make KU Medical Center their residency program. Another 16 selected residencies in Kansas, including those at the Smokey Hill Family Practice in Salina, and Via Christi Regional Medical Center and Wesley Regional Medical Center, both in Wichita. A total of 15 new physicians from KUMC will complete residency programs at Kansas City's Baptist Medical Center, and St. Luke's, Trinity Lutheran and Children's Mercy Hospitals.
Other students accepted residencies at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other university affiliated hospitals throughout the nation.

Executive Forum

Excellence rests with each of us
By Irene Cumming
KU Hospital President and CEO

The excellence of our patient care rests with each of us. It's our professional "best," our expertise, experience and skills. And, this makes it possible to deliver the highest quality care in a patient-centered environment.
Last year KU Hospital began the competency fairs, testing and educational process. This program has made considerable progress. It has increased our patient care quality, advanced JCAHO preparations and increased the efficiency and effectiveness of our daily work.
Competency comes in many forms. However, basically it means doing your job as well as it can be done. All KU Hospital job descriptions now have competencies included. Competencies include technical skills, critical thinking and interpersonal relations.
Competency testing can examine how individuals perform their roles. Testing shows how individuals recognize problems, assess risks and set priorities. Testing can even show how individuals work with others to reduce or minimize conflicts. Testing can tell us whether people know the material … but not whether they put their heart and soul into applying that knowledge.
A person doesn't necessarily stay competent. Times change, technologies change and sometimes we don't have the opportunity to practice our skills. Learning must be continuous, lifelong, to ensure that we remain competent in our work.
We have taken major strides this past year through our competency programs. However, competency must be lived and that's the way we ensure quality patient care.

Formal event will recognize KUMC
By Donald Hagen, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor

Across the country, communities recognize their great institutions with an annual formal event. Here in the Kansas City region, there has never been a formal event recognizing the contributions of KU Medical Center.
That will change on Oct. 30, 1999, with the inauguration of the first annual KUMC Key Gala.
The Key Gala will be a memorable event . . . with a meaning. The Gala will benefit medical research in support of the strategic research plan of KU Medical Center. Already, the community response has been one of great enthusiasm.
A committee was formed last spring to develop the event. The committee, composed of volunteers from throughout the organization including the KUMC Auxiliary and KUEA, has already reserved the Hyatt Hotel and completed many details. The well-known "Capital Steps" group will entertain, and they always bring a good time. We anticipate the KUMC Key Gala as being a "kick-off" event for the 150th Anniversary celebration for Kansas City.
I am also pleased to announce that former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, MD, will be honored during this historic occasion with the first Distinguished Service in Healthcare Award. We are excited about Dr. Koop's acceptance of this honor, as he is recognized around the world as "America's Doctor."
The KUMC Key Gala is a way to enhance the academic and research image of KUMC. This major, formal event will raise additional funding for medical research. Invitations to the gala will go to KUMC alumni, friends and major community leaders in Kansas and Missouri. We are excited about the event, and its potential for positioning KUMC as a major medical research institution.

Advisory Council recognizes National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week
Increasing awareness of how organ donation enhances lives will be the focus of National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, April 19-23. Planned events at KUMC include a display outside the Main Cafeteria throughout the week, as well as appearances by organ recipients and donor family members. The events are sponsored by the Donor Advisory Council, a multidisciplinary group working to ensure that families of patients who die are given the option to donate organs, tissues and eyes as medically suitable to those in need.

Linen Awareness Day winners announced
Three KUMC employees will have additions to their own linen closets as a result of their answers to the recent Linen Awareness Day contest. The three winners, who will each receive a bath towel set, are: Lisa Russell, Hospital Information Systems, who correctly answered the question, "What does it cost KUMC to launder linen annually?" ($424,800); Jody Ballenger, KU Cancer Institute, who answered "How many dollars are spent annually on drawsheets?" ($5,592); and Ida Clark, Outpatient Lab, for "How many dollars would be saved if an additional sheet were used in place of a thermal blanket when a patient is cold?" ($1.08 per event). Winners should contact Alan Waters, ext. 6903, to claim their prizes.

Pager maintenance set for April 15, 22
AirTouch has scheduled pager system maintenance for Thursday, April 15, between 9 and 11 p.m., and Thursday, April 22, between 9 and 11 p.m. There is a possibility of as much as a one hour outage total between 9 and 11 p.m. on each date. This maintenance will affect only alpha pages sent via GroupWise or the AirTouch website. During this time alpha pages cannot be sent or received. Numeric paging will continue to function as usual. Code blue and trauma pagers will not be affected. Overhead paging will be available.

Tuition assistance applications due May 5
The application deadline for tuition assistance for the summer semester is May 5. All full-time KUMC employees who have worked at the medical center at least six months are eligible to apply for tuition assistance. Application forms are available at Human Resources, 1044 Delp, or by calling ext. 5099. You may also use the form on the Human Resources Pulse site: http://www2.kumc.edu/hr/training/tuition.html.

April 22 lecture features humanitarian relief in Kosovo
KU Medical School graduate Jeffrey Colyer, MD, M. Phil., will discuss his recent humanitarian efforts in Kosovo at the April 22 International Lecture Series presentation, "Kosovo, Responding in 48 Hours: Emergency Relief Teams and War… Terrorism… Disaster…" Dr. Colyer, who is now in private practice in Kansas City, has been involved in several relief operations. He previously worked with the International Medical Corps and was instrumental in identifying KUMC's programs in Hungary and Kyrgyzstan. The lecture, sponsored by the Office of International Programs, will be at 5 p.m. in Rieke Auditorium.

Outcomes Management and Research Seminar set for April 21
The next installment of the KU 1998-99 Outcomes Management and Research Seminar Series will be Wednesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lied Auditorium. The seminar, "Overview of AHCPR's Current Programs to Develop Evidenced Based Practice," will feature Carolyn Clancy, MD, director of the Center of Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and acting director of the Center for Primary Care Research, AHCPR, Rockville, Md. The series was developed by the KU Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Medicine to help prepare students and health care providers to evaluate the outcomes of medical and health services in an era of cost-containment.
Service learning was focus of panel

Service learning-an education technique which includes real-world, community service projects-was the topic of discussion April 7 during a panel presentation at the KU campus in Lawrence. The discussion brought together professors who have been nationally recognized for their service learning programs in a variety of disciplines. Panelists discussed the programs in their areas of expertise, including architecture, English and engineering. Service learning is increasingly embraced by KU Medical Center students and faculty. Several KUMC medical students participate in the Community Health project, in which they work with social service agencies throughout the area to learn about real-world health problems. Last summer, 29 medical students participated in the student-operated, service learning program.

KUMC staff at diabetes conference
Several KUMC staff members participated in the "What's New in Diabetes; Signs of the Times Conference," April 9 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. The conference is an annual event presented by the KUMC Department of Internal Medicine and the Cray Diabetes Management Center, in conjunction with Research Medical Center. KUMC staffers presenting or serving as moderators were: Jim Backes, PharmD; Dennis Diederich, MD; Jeanne Drisko, MD; Ervin Eaker, MD; George Ann Eaks, RN, MN, ARNP, CDE; Joseph L. Kyner, MD; Patrick Moriarty, MD; Shadrach Smith, MD, and Wanita Walker, RN, CS, ARNP.


Fazzone featured in nationwide teleconference
Patricia Fazonne, RN, MPH, DNSc, was one of four presenters in the April 13 "Domestic Violence/Criminal Justice; National ATTC Research to Practice Teleconference." The teleconference, presented by the National Addiction Technology Transfer Center, included research findings in the fields of domestic violence and criminal justice, and discussion of the impact research can have on professionals working with those affected by substance abuse. The conference also included two interactive sessions, where participants from across the country posed questions to presenters via an 800 number. Fazonne, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, has conducted extensive research and practice in the areas of violence prevention and trauma treatment.

Auxiliary Plant Sale set for May 4
If you're looking for plants and flowers, stop by the Auxiliary Courtyard next to the link Tuesday, May 4, for the annual Auxiliary Plant Sale. The sale will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

FOR SALE:
Old toys and original/repro. pop & beer adv., incl. neons; Seller's (Hoosier style) kitchen cabinet, beautiful wood w/ornate glass doors, $875; LawnBoy mower, exc. cond., used only about eight times, $150. Call 333-5440.
Compaq Presario 4550, 233 MhZ, AMD-K6-MMX, CD-ROM, 32 MB memory, 3.2 Gig hard drive, 56K modem, 15" SVGA monitor, exc. system, $750 OBO. Call Daniel, 473-4727 or 384-1599.
SEA-DOO GTI 97', three-seater, low hours, kept in garage at all times, great for pulling skiers. Call 393-3669 for more info.
1997 Ski Nautique, exc. boat, must sell. Call 897-1681.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1990 Pontiac Le Mans, blue hatchback, approx. 100K miles, needs lots of work, $700, will consider reasonable offers. Call 677-3769.
1994 Nissan Quest GXE, exc. cond., leather package w/four captain's chairs, power windows and doors, elec. sunroof, rear A/C and premium sound system w/CD player, roof rack and more. Call 465-8981.
1993 Mazda MX6, V6, AC, CD player, 87K miles. Call 444-7229.
1990 Dodge Daytona ES, 2-dr., auto, white, sporty and beautiful, runs well, clean, 112K miles, $2,650 OBO. Call 831-4204.
HOUSING:
For Sale: 1997 16 x 80 American Estates mobile home, 2BR, 2BA, cathedral ceiling, glamour bath w/huge tub, picket fence, 8 x 16 deck, 8 x 10 shed, thermal windows, D/W, in a clean new park w/ pool & off-street parking. More details & photos at www.geocities.com/picketfence/garden/6767, or call 788-5421.
For Rent: 1BR or 2BR luxury condo, w/jacuzzi, full kitchen, W/D, in Branson, Mo., May through October, special $300-350/week. Call 246-0572.
WANTED:
Wanted: Commuter wants to rent room near KUMC one or two nights/week, I'm quiet, work late at the office, eat out & shower at Kirmayer, rent negotiable. Call Kari in Columbia, 573-447-3082.
Wanted: 3BR house to rent with option to buy. Call 913-281-5706 and leave message.
Roommate needed: By 5-1-99 for beautiful two-story Cape Cod house, eight min. from KUMC, private room, office, fenced yard, furnished if necessary, cats or outside only dogs welcome, $375/month + ½ utilities and deposit. Call 236-7845.

coming up

Friday, April 16:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Practitioner, Heal Thyself: Coping with Stress in Clinical Practice," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    CenterNet Broadcast, NIH Roundtable, "Sexually Transmitted Diseases," 11 a.m.-noon, 1025 Orr-Major.
Monday, April 19:
•    Back Pain Management Options, 7-8 p.m., Community Room, KU MedWest.
Tuesday, April 20:
•    Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round Table, "The National Cancer Institute's Clinical Trials Training and Education Program," noon, Lied Auditorium.
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine Office.
•    Center on Aging Research Seminar, 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
Wednesday, April 21:
•    Prostate Cancer Awareness, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Community Room, KU MedWest.
•    KUMC Interfaith, "The World's Religions," noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
•    Multidisciplinary Breast Conference, KU Cancer Center, 4-5 p.m., Autopsy Conference Room.
•    Anxiety Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, $10 fee. Call Edward Hunter, MD, at 588-1300 before attending your first meeting.
Thursday, April 22:
•    Osteoporosis Support Group, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Kansas City Physical Therapy, 5800 Outlook.
•    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.

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