22 April 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 6
Formerly “Topics”

Team effort, quick action creates O.R. Pharmacy

KU Hospital staff is now able to move quickly when the need arises. That benefit was aptly demonstrated recently with the creation of a dedicated Operating Room Pharmacy.
Within less than 100 days, a cross-functional team of physicians, clinicians, O.R. personnel and pharmacists identified the need for an O.R. Pharmacy, developed a plan, set the plan in motion and made it a reality. Thanks to their teamwork and the ability of the hospital to react swiftly, the pharmacy officially began operating Monday, April 19.

L - R: Melissa Bantner, RPh, Rick Couldry, RPh, James Kindscher, MD, Karen Post, RPh, and Richard Bergmann, MS, review contents of O.R. Pharmacy tray.

The new O.R. Pharmacy offers many benefits to the hospital, health care professionals and patients. Pharmacists add an additional check in the medication use process, helping ensure that patients receive high quality care through optimal medication therapy. Having a pharmacy satellite also reduces the time physicians and nurses spend procuring medications, and helps limit medication waste by centralizing the storage, preparation, dispensation and charging for medication in the O.R.
"Better tracking of medications also allows us to better track costs and accurately charge for use of medications during surgery," said Rick Couldry, MS, RPh, assistant director, pharmacy. "Currently, the O.R. uses about 10 percent of all drugs purchased by the hospital-about $1 million a year. We thought it prudent to have pharmacists manage the use of those medications."
In addition to Couldry, key members of the O.R. Pharmacy project team included James Kindscher, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology and medical director of the O.R., who chaired the O.R. Pharmacy committee; Steve Tarver, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology; Bob Page-Adams, vice president, organizational improvement; Dean Crist, anesthesiology equipment manager; Richard Bergmann, MS, operating room business manager; Judy Ecton, director of perioperative services, and the entire O.R. Pharmacy staff. Kirsten Tharp, human resources recruiter, also played an important role by recruiting qualified personnel for the center, as did Mike Wood, associate director, Facilities Management, who oversaw construction.
The pharmacy is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Two pharmacists, Karen Post, RPh and Melissa Bantner, Pharm. D. and another technician will assist in drug selection and drug therapy management. Couldry said their efforts will improve patient care resulting in better patient outcomes.
"To think we went from nothing to an operational O.R. Pharmacy in less than 100 days is no small feat," added Dr. Kindscher. "I honestly believe that our O.R. will have the preeminent O.R. Pharmacy in the Midwest."
Future plans call for expanded patient and staff education, drug standardization and monitoring, Kindscher said.

Research, growth focus of All Campus Update

Kansas City should consider KU as its major research university," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway during the All Campus Update during which he and Executive Vice Chancellor Don Hagen, MD, shared their visions of KU.
Hemenway cited a community report that said Kansas City needs a nationally recognized research university to become a major city. "There is one," Hemenway said. "It's KU."
Hemenway said, "In the Kansas City region, there's more collaboration between KU and UMKC. A Chamber committee is investigating how Kansas City could become a nationally recognized ‘center for life sciences’. KU Medical Center will be a part of that project.
Dr. Hagen reviewed the major changes accomplished since 1995 such as the creation of KUPI, the independence of KU Hospital, and the opening of KU MedWest. He discussed the new Center on Health in Aging building and other building plans for KUMC.
Hemenway discussed challenges for KUMC including maintaining a unified image and working together in joint planning. "The mission of the hospital is to support the University mission. There must be recognition of this joint mission." Hemenway stressed strengthening clinical practices and supporting a strong Dean structure.
"I am confident we can meet these challenges because of what we have already accomplished," he said.

Executive Forum

Take time -
notice the changes!

By Irene Cumming
KU Hospital President and CEO
Take time to pause and notice all the changes and improvements that we've made in the past six months. These improvements continue to increase. As we establish a more convenient, more comfortable and appealing environment, we are patient-focused and service centered.
The hospital environment is already changing to be much more appealing. Signs of progress include new furnishings, bedspreads, drapes, gallons of paint and totally new units. The new Burnett Burn Center has opened, a new pediatric unit is being built, and work is about to begin on a new skilled nursing unit. New landscaping and signage has also improved the appearance of the entire area and has made access easier for patients and visitors.
Other areas of progress include the Call Center, a newly established service which has had tremendous growth. The Center allows hospital and medical staff to reach out to consumers, patients and referring physicians. The Center, which started seven months ago, is now handling more than 1,000 calls a month. Plans are also underway for a new Senior Resource Center, which will make it more convenient for older adults to see our physicians and use our services.
One project that especially embodies our cultural changes and improvements is the Operating Room Pharmacy, which establishes a new quality and service concept. The O.R. Pharmacy was made possible through an effective team effort, which focused on how we could do our work even better. In this issue of In the Center, you can read about the team and how they identified a problem and creatively solved it.
So much has been accomplished in a short period of time. We all need to recognize our progress, changes and improvements during our first six months.

Endings and beginnings

By Donald Hagen, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor
At this time of year we begin to focus on endings and beginnings. Soon we'll be graduating another class of qualified health professionals, who will practice their profession within a community. You've heard Chancellor Hemenway and me speak of our commitment to serve our communities. It has been a unifying theme during our leadership. No doubt, you'll continue to recognize this theme in the years to come, because community is central to health care and central to the mission of higher education.
Most of us begin our lives in caring communities. Our first awareness of ourselves occurs within our family community. As we grow, our community encompasses more people and ideas. Some are compatible with our experience and provide reinforcement of and assurance in our beliefs. Other times, people and ideas challenge our very being and belief system. This testing time comes to all of us and can be most unsettling.
At the heart of community is the concept of commonality or unity of thought or purpose. The healing professions, whether they be in clinical medicine, nursing, allied health or at the fundamental molecular level, all have caring as a unifying theme. As health professionals, we care about human development and welfare. We strive to provide the best in cutting-edge research and patient care because we care about our community-our families, cities, state, nation and world.
Health care professionals practice and refine their skills within communities. So, the pull to community is an unrelenting and unifying cause. New knowledge must be tested and refined. We must reach out to our community to share and test our knowledge. When we connect in meaningful ways with our community, the university achieves it highest calling and fulfills its mission.

Hospital Human Resources names staff, implements automated jobline

Hospital leadership has named an interim human resources management staff that brings years of expertise to the executive team. The five-member staff will be led by Judy Gareis, who will serve as interim vice president for human resources, according to Jon Jackson, chief operating officer. Gareis' extension is 1278.
The human resources staff comprises Jan White, interim employee relations and employment coordinator, ext. 4522 or 5657; Nancy Hill, interim compensation coordinator, ext. 5665; Sandy Kwiatkowski, interim benefits coordinator, ext. 4526, and Jackie Leach, interim employee communications coordinator, ext. 2507. The Hospital Human Resources offices are at 5021 Delp.
Hospital Human Resources has also implemented a jobline, at ext. 4400, that is accessible to all employees. The automated jobline will be updated weekly with new job vacancies.

KU Medical Center leadership
is focus of governor's
public health conference

KU Medical Center's leadership and responsibility for building healthy communities in Kansas are the focus of the two-day conference, "Public Health & Academic Medicine in Kansas: Opportunities Amidst Change." The conference, which is open to all KUMC faculty, clinicians, staff and students, is Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 220 W. 43rd St.
The first of a series co-sponsored by KUMC and the Governor's Public Health Improvement Commission, the conference will feature speakers from across the country. Among presentation highlights are "The Changing Role of the Academic Medical Center in Influencing Community Health," "How Collaboration Can Help the Academic Medical Center Achieve its Service, Education and Research Missions," and "Building Health Communities in Kansas." Sessions on April 24 will feature Donald Hagen, MD, KUMC executive vice chancellor, and members of the Governor's Public Health Improvement Commission. The conference will end with discussion about actions to be taken to build healthy Kansas communities.
"This conference demonstrates the vital role that academic medicine plays in improving the health of all Kansans," said Deborah Powell, MD, executive dean of the KU School of Medicine and a conference keynote speaker. "By bringing together the expertise of medicine, education, and the public health community, we can foster effective collaboration among all the professionals involved in ensuring a healthy future for the people of our state."
The conference provides 10 continuing education contact hours for nurses and nine hours of Category 1 credit toward the American Medical Associations Physician's Recognition Award. For more information and registration, call ext. 4488.

47 KUMC physicians among Best Doctors
in America

Forty-seven University of Kansas Medical Center physicians have been selected for inclusion in The Best Doctors in America, 1999, published by Woodward/White of Aiken, S.C.
The 47 KUMC physicians were selected as a result of the fourth annual survey by Woodward/White, Inc., which provides information about high-quality medical care in the United States. The survey asked 30,000 physicians across the nation to rate the clinical abilities of doctors in their areas of specialization. Only those physicians who earned the consensus support of their peers were included.
"Selection for this list is a singular honor, because it is based on the recognition of expertise by peers," said Irene Cumming, president and CEO of KU Hospital. "We're extremely proud of these individuals and their accomplishments."

KUMC’s Best Doctors

Medical students present Rainbow, Student Voice Awards

Linda Campbell, MD, right, received the Rainbow Award at the Medical Students Assembly spring formal. Presenting the award is Deborah Powell, MD, executive dean and vice chancellor for clinical affairs.

In a world with all too few heroes, it's nice to know that KU medical students have found one-Linda Campbell, MD, clinical instructor in the Division of Clinical Oncology, who received the first "heroes in medicine" Rainbow Award at the KU Medical Students Assembly April 16 spring formal, "A Grande Affair."
The new Rainbow Award is for those faculty, residents, and volunteer physicians who teach through example not only the science but the art of medicine. The award also recognizes those who exemplify the time-honored traits of professionalism: the patient's interest above self-interest; altruism; accountability; excellence; duty and service; honor and integrity, and respect for others.
Dr. Campbell was cited for her sincere interest in and dedication to her patients and students, and her excellent teaching abilities.
Medical students also announced the Student Voice Awards, their selections for the most outstanding educators and departments in the basic sciences and clinical clerkships. Student Voice Award winners included:

Year One Basic Sciences:
Most Outstanding Department:    Gross Anatomy
Most Outstanding Educator:    Charles R. Thomas, PhD
Year Two Basic Sciences:
Most Outstanding Department:    Pharmacology
Most Outstanding Educator:    Jim Fishback, MD
Clinical Clerkship Year One:
Most Outstanding Clinical Department:    Pediatrics

Charisse Sparks
receives first
Student Leadership Award

Dorothy Knoll, dean of Student Services, left, presented the first Student Leadership Award to Charisse Yvette Sparks during the Student Leadership Reception April 15.

Fourth-year medical student Charisse Yvette Sparks was honored April 15 by KUMC faculty, students and staff with the first Student Leadership Award. Sparks received the award during the Student Leadership Awards Reception.
The award was founded to recognize a student for his or her exceptional leadership, community involvement and ability to work with a variety of students and student organizations, according to Katy Ferrarini, interim director for student resources. The award is open to all students. This year, 32 students were nominated.
"It has been my dream since coming to KUMC to have this kind of award to symbolically acknowledge all students and the leadership roles they play," said Dorothy Knoll, PhD, dean of Student Services, who presented the award. "Our students are involved in a number of projects, not only here on campus but in the community. To have Charisse win this first year speaks well of the kind of students we have.”
Sparks will receive $300 and will be recognized at KU Commencement May 23.

Yoder, Lukert honored at Allied Health alumni reception
KU Medical Center Alumni Association bestowed top honors on two former students during the School of Allied Health Alumni Reception Wednesday, April 21, in Hixson Atrium.

David Yoder, PhD, 1965, was named the 1999 distinguished alumnus. Dr. Yoder is chair of the Department of Medical Allied Health Professions at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is renowned for his work related to language development of children with mental retardation, and for developing communication systems for people who cannot use speech. Accepting the award for Dr. Yoder, who is on a teaching assignment in New Zealand, was Charles Wilhelm, PhD, CCC-SLP, professor in the Department of Communication Disorders, Fort Hays State University.
"Dr. Yoder’s number one concern for the 30 years of his professional life has always been his patients," said Dr. Wilhelm, who studied under Dr. Yoder at KUMC and nominated him for the award. "He has won many national awards, but he hasn't let those honors and the powers of office get in the way of what he calls the 'joy of clinical work.' He has remained a clinician at heart."

Also recognized as honorary alumnus was Barbara Lukert, MD, 1960, professor in the KUMC Department of Medicine, and director of KUMC's osteoporosis clinic and metabolic laboratory. Dr. Lukert is highly repsected by her peers for her interdisciplinary treatment approach and her advocacy in the areas of dietetics and nutrition.
"Her practice always recognizes the importance of allied health professionals in the prevention and treatment of disease," said James Halling, MS, RD, LD, associate professor, director and chair of the Dietetics and Nutrition Department in the School of Allied Health, who nominated Dr. Lukert for the award. “It was through Dr. Lukert's effort that the first nutrition component was built into the medical school curriculum at KUMC."

Info '99 highlights faculty, staff computer innovations

Ruth Schukman-Dakotas, director major division, Safety Administration, was among those exhibiting computer programs at Info ‘99.

Computer programs that teach the elderly in their own community, facilitate worldwide communication, or enable clinicians to assess heart murmurs in children were among the highlights of the April 16 Info 99 in the Instructional Technology Center and the Educational Resource Center.
Sponsored by the Information Resources Department, Info '99 is an annual open house of educational or administrative computer applications programs and projects created or used by KUMC faculty, staff, students and departments. Among the 39 presentations at this year's event was a redesigned Web site for Dykes Library. The new site, designed by Reference Librarian David King, features a shorter address, http://library.kumc.edu, and a redesigned home page with breaking news/announcements and hot buttons for easier access to various areas of interest.
KU Bookstore's Pulse site presentation featured enhanced on-line reviews. The Pulse site now offers access to reviews of most textbooks within a month of publication. More than 65,000 titles are available for order on-line.
Several exhibits showcased KUMC's focus on community and professional service. Among them was the Seniors Community Development Series, which are two-hour classes for people age 50 and older who want to learn about operating personal computers. Also highlighted was the Kansas Continuous Learning Project, a site at http://www2.kumc.edu/kclp/ for nurse practitioners. In addition to providing a web site for discussion about issues of interest to nurse practitioners, the site lists upcoming continuing nursing education courses to be offered this summer.

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 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May discounted bus passes now on sale
Discounted Metro Monthly Bus Passes and Reduced Fare Bus Passes for the month of May are on sale to KU Hospital employees April 26-30. 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.

Wellness Programs announced
During the next few months, KUMC and KU MedWest will collectively host more than 50 wellness classes, support groups and special presentations dedicated to improving the community's health and well being. The programs are listed in the Spring 1999 Wellness Programs brochure, which was recently sent to homes throughout the metro area. Copies are also available at the KU Hospital Information Desk and in the Main Cafeteria.

Patch Adams to speak at KUMC
Hunter "Patch" Adams, MD, whose life and medical philosophy were featured in the movie starring Robin Williams, will bring his unique approach to medicine to KU Medical Center Tuesday, April 27, during a noon presentation in Battenfeld Audtiorium. Open to anyone on campus, Dr. Adams' presentation promises to mix innovative, holistic perspectives about health care with humor as he discusses his belief that health care must take advantage of "all the healing techniques" available today. The program, which is Dr. Adams' second appearance at KUMC, is sponsored by the Integrative Medicine Interest Group.
Dismuke named Kansas Health Foundation distinguished professor
S. Edwards Dismuke, MD, MSPH, professor and chair of preventive medicine at the KU School of Medicine, Wichita and Kansas City, has been named the first Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor in Public Health. In the position, Dr. Dismuke will assess primary care providers' knowledge about population-based approaches to medicine. Using the information, he will develop KUMC programs and research projects that integrate public health and preventive medicine throughout primary care education and across all specialties.
To allow Dr. Dismuke time to develop the program, the School of Medicine has named Jasjit Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, associate professor and director of research, to be vice chair of the KUMC - Kansas City, Department of Preventive Medicine. Craig Molgaard, PhD, MPH, professor of preventive medicine and director of the master of public health degree program, will be vice chair of the KUMC - Wichita, Department of Preventive Medicine.

Health and Safety Fair set for April 23, 24
The Medical Center Safety Office in conjunction with the Wyandotte County Coalition will present the Community Health and Safety Fair, April 23 and 24 in Francisco Lounge. The Fair is open to anyone who lives or works in Wyandotte County, and will include information on health and safety risks, particularly chemical safety risks in the home and community. Health screenings and a puppet show for kids will be offered both days. On April 24, the Fair will include presentations on various topics by the KU Alzheimer's Disease Center, the American Red Cross, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations. The Fair will be 2:30-5 p.m. on April 23 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 24. For more information, contact Jenelle Thelen, ext. 6126.

FOR SALE:
Above-ground pool, approx. 24', needs minor repair, good cond., you remove from property, $200 OBO. Call Stacia, 880-0255.
Kenmore gas dryer, two years old, $250. Call 829-6764 or 458-9172.
Interested in sailing? Windmill sailboat, wood hull, sails and trailer, $570. Call 491-9287 after 7 p.m. or leave message.
Heavy-duty Kenmore portable clothes washer, hooks up to kitchen sink, must sell soon, $100. Call 468-4037 day or eve.
Three-piece bedroom set, headboard, dresser and chest, white w/gray marble trim, $350 OBO. Call Trana, 421-8155.
Queen-size mattress and box springs, three years old, good cond., $150. Call 677-1446 after 5 p.m.
Dining room table w/four chairs in exc. cond., top is wood and light gray tile, two years old, $50. Call 831-6108.
1968 Stedham two-horse trailer, good cond., $1,200. Call 1-888-820-1262.
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.

AUTOMOTIVE:
1995 Dodge Van Mark III, good cond., $9,000. Call 1-888-820-1262.
1993 Bonneville, full power, 3.8 litre V-6, Michelin X-1 tires, $5,500, bluebook value is $6,125 to $8,800. Call Earl, 884-8841.
1993 Saturn, blue-green, auto, A/C, power sunroof, new AM/FM cassette, good running car, good gas mileage, 92K, one owner, $4,500. Call 361-9230 after 4 p.m.
1991 Chevrolet Cavalier RS, great car, runs great, new tires, one owner, never had problems, 100K miles, $1,500. Call 318-8528.
1983 Chevy ¾-ton 4x4, 350, 4-spd., western plow, 5th wheel hitch, Toro commercial snow blower, $1,500 for all. Call 671-7005.

PETS:
Free to loving home, male kitten, approx. 8 mos. old, very loving and sweet, kitten was found in the neighborhood and I already have two pets. Call 221-9389.
Free to good home, chocolate lab dog, 1 ½ years old, female, all shots current, spayed, excellent w/children and other pets. Call 371-2546 and leave message.

coming
up

Friday, April 23:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Psychiatry Residents' Forum," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    KUMC Pain Resource Committee Lecture Series, "Managing Chronic Pain," lunch provided to the first 50 attendees at 11:45 a.m., program at noon, Sudler Auditorium.

Saturday, April 24:
•    Head and Neck Cancer and Skin Cancer Screening, 9 a.m.-noon, Otolaryngology Clinic, 3rd Floor Sudler.

Monday, April 26:
•    Alzheimer's Disease Support Group, noon-1:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.

Tuesday, April 27:
•    Center on Aging Lecture, "Home Care-Based Services: Evaluation of Medication Management for High-Risk Elderly," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention, 7-8 p.m., KU MedWest Community Room.
•    Cancer Treatment & Managing Side Effects, Telemedicine program, 7:30-8:30 p.m., G567 KU Hospital.

Wednesday, April 28:
•    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology lecture, "Structure and Interactions of TIMP, Angiogenesis Inhibitor and a Metalloproteinase," 11 a.m.-noon, 1023 Orr-Major.
•    Center on Aging Visiting Professor Lecture, "Communication and Aging," noon-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.

Thursday, April 29:
•    Men's Health-Sexual Dysfunction, a Quality of Life Issue, 7-8 p.m., KU MedWest Community Room.
•    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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