27 May 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 11
Formerly “Topics”

Newest members of 25-year club praised for
‘leading by example’

Judy Godwin, MS, assistant professor, clinical laboratory sciences, teaches those who will work in the lab, where she first began as a clinical microbiologist.	Bennie Gibbs began working in the mailroom and today is assistant director for human resources administration. She specializes in facilities management personnel.	Carol Elliott, CRNA, ARNP, MPA, chairperson, nurse anesthesia, started working at KUMC in 1973, but first arrived on campus as a nursing student in 1968.
My favorite memories are all the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to work with. KUMC is truly a good place to work. – Bennie Gibbs

They began their careers in an era when a loaf of bread sold for a quarter and the most celebrated drama on TV was “The Waltons.” Twenty-five years later, their careers at KUMC are still going strong.
On May 24, all those who have been employed at the Medical Center by the University of Kansas since 1974 were inducted into the 25-Year Club. They, along with those who have served 30, 35 and 40 years, were feted at a sunny brunch in the Courtyard to kick off the University Employee Recognition Celebration.
The employees were honored for what University Human Resources Director Rick Robards cited as “their mentoring, their leading by example and the wonderful legacy that each brings to
this institution.”
Donald Hagen, MD, executive vice chancellor, commended the group for its teamwork and commitment. “Your loyalty and outstanding service continues to be a major factor in making it so exciting to come to work each day,”
he said.
Another 900 State of Kansas employees were recognized at a reception that afternoon for those who have completed 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service.

STAR cancer study is a research breakthrough

Researchers at KU Medical Center will play an important role in what may be a breakthrough in breast cancer prevention.
KUMC is one of only 193 institutions nationwide participating in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR). The Kansas Cancer Institute began recruiting more than 600 research volunteers for the study throughout Kansas and the Kansas City area earlier this week. Nationwide, researchers plan to include 22,000 postmenopausal women in the study.
According to William Jewell, MD, director of the Kansas Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the KUMC research, STAR will examine whether raloxifene is as effective as tamoxifen in the prevention of breast cancer in women at high risk for developing the disease. Earlier studies indicate tamoxifen may reduce breast cancer by 49 percent in high-risk women. If the study proves that raloxifene is equally effective, it may become an alternative medication for women who experience side effects from tamoxifen.
“The tamoxifen study represents a monumental breakthrough for breast cancer research,” said Dr. Jewell. “We are pleased to have been selected to participate in the new STAR trial.”
Beginning July 1, volunteers will receive daily oral doses of tamoxifen (20 mg) or raloxifene (60 mg) for five years.

Executive Forum

Join me for a ‘Progress Report’
“It seems like yesterday that we signed the documents that
‘re-created’ our organization. However, it has been nearly eight months since the Hospital Authority began,” said Irene Cumming, KU Hospital president and CEO.
“There have been so many changes made and systems introduced—it’s amazing what we all have accomplished in eight months. It’s been some time since I shared with the staff and employees both the accomplishments and the challenges we have met and those we still face.” she explained.
“Over the next three weeks, there will be six ‘Progress Report’ sessions, to answer your questions about ‘What’s Happening.’
This will be a balanced picture. The ‘Progress Report’ will review why changes have been made, provide our strategic direction, discuss our challenges, our accomplishments, the financial status and what is ahead over the next six months and the next year,” she continued.
“It is important to me to spend time with you, to hear your concerns and to answer your questions. There will be further ‘Progress Reports’ in July and August and a first anniversary celebration in October,” Cumming added.
“Please be sure to attend one of the six sessions of this first ‘Progress Report.’ Please see the flyers, e-mail and In The Center which provide schedule information. I look forward to having the chance to meet with all of you,” concluded Cumming.

Supporting growth
“Organizations thrive when there is strategic planning, established operational systems and teamwork,” said Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD. “Our organization is complex and requires a systematic approach and teamwork.”
Dr. Hagen continues, “Over the next weeks, I will be addressing various organizational issues and the role of vice chancellors.
“There are so many excellent programs, projects, research and education taking place here and each needs to be extended and expanded. Growth will be supported by providing a strategic planning emphasis, systemizing our organization and a focus on teamwork,” he stressed.
“With the strategic direction focusing on medical research and
Dr. Chapman’s retirement this summer, it is an opportune time to designate two vice chancellors, one for research and one for academic affairs. This will be discussed further over the next weeks,” continued Dr. Hagen.
“H. Edward Phillips has been appointed as vice chancellor for administration to replace Roger Lambson, PhD, who is retiring in December. Ed Phillips is a systems thinker and a master at win-win perspectives. He has successfully utilized both when working in complex organizations,” concluded Dr. Hagen.

Progress Report schedule May 27-June 10
KU Hospital President and CEO Irene Cumming will present
“What’s Happening” on the following dates:
Thursday, May 27    11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.    Lied Auditorium
Wednesday, June 2    3:45-5 p.m.    Lied Auditorium
Thursday, June 3    7:45-9 a.m.    Wahl Hall East
Monday, June 7    7-7:30 a.m.    Lied Auditorium
Tuesday, June 8    3:30-4:30 p.m.    Support Services
        Building (cafeteria)
Wednesday, June 9    12:15-1:30 p.m.    Wahl Hall East

Irene Cumming, left, president and CEO, KU Hospital, and Anne Peterson, news anchor, KCTV 5, prepared for the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, June 5 and 6.	Front & Center
Leo Galland, MD, was welcomed to Clendening Ampitheater May 18 by Jeanne Drisko, MD, clinical assistant professor, alternative medicine. Dr. Galland is considered the leading authority on complementary medicine.	From left: Garron Reeves, Phillip Hawkins, John Stephens and Rick McGrew were among the 1,500 employees treated to breakfast by KU Hospital May 12 during National Hospital Week.
With a winning time of 33.63 seconds in last week’s gurney race, emergency medical technicians from Leavenworth County Local 64 were the KUMC EMS Week Champions. From left: Garrett Belden, Brian Bailey, Darren Price and Kansas City, Kan., Fireman Dave Doherty.	Ximena Aguilera and Eric Eskioglu, graduates of the School of Medicine, were among the 2,500 guests at the Executive Vice Chancellor’s luncheon for graduating KUMC students and their families, May 22.

FOR SALE:
Full-size gas stove, brand new, never used, $200 OBO. Call 451-3817.
African crafts: hand-made doily bedspreads, chair bags, batik wall hangings, wooden artifacts, musical instruments, masks and more. Call 432-7155
after 5 p.m.
Two car garage doors w/accompanying attachments, nearly new, exc. cond., price negotiable. Call Jinna or Jon, 888-7318, after 6 p.m.
Window A/C unit, Kenmore, 13,500 BTU, used only five seasons, works great. Call 432-5251.
Double bed mattress, box springs and frame, $40; posture chair, S-shape, good for working at computer, $10. Call 753-0300.
Beautiful black oversized leather sofa, loveseat, chair and ottoman, includes ivory slipcovers for seasonal change, $500 OBO. Call 236-7845.
GE late-model washer and gas dryer, both large capacity machines, $250; Kenmore frost free refrigerator, large capacity crosstop, 22 cu. ft., off white color, works excellent, $175. Call 432-2602
after 5 p.m.
Simplicity Coronet riding mower, 8.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine, 30” mower deck, elec. start, above average cond., easy to operate and maneuver, $800 OBO. Call 362-4208, after 6 p.m.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1988 Buick Regal Limited, 2-dr, 78K miles, A/C, automatic, power locks, steering, windows, tilt steering, leather, AM/FM cassette. Call
362-9003 evenings.
1988 BMW 325i, conv., blk/blk w/leather, 105K miles, looks and runs great, perfect midlife crisis car, $9,250. Call 753-1989.
1995 Mercury Mystique (like Ford Contour), 24-valve V6, 5-spd., low miles (44K), maint. records, pampered, power windows, locks, mirrors, antenna, cruise control, special light package, stereo cassette, ABS, 4-wheel discs, alloy wheels, extra nice cond., champagne in color, $8,395 (below market). Call 362-3493.
1995 Plymouth Neon Highline, 52K miles, exc. cond., $6,500. Call Ken or Sara, 453-8570.
1994 Geo Metro, 5-spd., hatchback, A/C, 35 mpg, well maintained, $2,850 negotiable. Call 248-9282.
HOUSING:
For Sale: Shawnee townhome, 3BD, 1 1/2BA, large fenced yard, 2 car garage, newer paint, subdiv. pool, great Shawnee Mission schools, 7120 Flint, reduced, $113,500. Call 962-1588.
For Rent: 4BD, 2BA house, 1 car garage, walk to KUMC, perfect for students, $1,000/mo. Call 932-5539.
WANTED:
Sewing machine in good working condition. Call
248-1477 after 5 p.m.
STUDY SUBJECTS:
Healthy males aged 18-40 wanted for metal allergy study. Financial compensation. Call ext. 6028.
Persons with short bowel syndrome (removal of a significant portion of small intestine, with or without removal of portions of the colon). The intent of the study is to determine the amount and nature of foods consumed, number of food aversions and the Body Mass Index (height and weight relationship) of the subjects. Call Peter L. Beyer MS, RD, Dietetics
and Nutrition, 588-5355.

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