26 AUGUST 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 24

Planning, team effort earns hospital ‘accreditation with commendation’

when KU Hospital employees began preparations early this year for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) survey, they knew they had the stuff to truly “Shine in ’99.” Now, JCAHO has officially confirmed it.

KU Hospital President and CEO Irene Cumming and Chief Operating Officer Jon Jackson expressed jubilation upon receiving the letter announcing the official JCAHO survey results.

In a letter received by KU Hospital President and CEO Irene Cumming early this week, JCAHO Executive Vice President Russell P. Massaro, MD, announced, “The Joint Commission is pleased to award accreditation with commendation to your organization as a result of your most recent survey. This accreditation status applies to all services offered by your organization that have been surveyed by the Joint Commission.”
“We are extremely pleased to have achieved this designation,” Cumming said. “Everyone here goes the extra mile on a day-to-day basis to provide the best possible health care to our patients. To receive accreditation with commendation is just the icing on the cake.”
“Receiving accreditation with commendation is a significant achievement, one that recognizes exemplary performance by KU Hospital,” said JCAHO President Dennis S. O’Leary, MD. “The organization should be commended for its commitment to providing quality care to the people in its community.”
JCAHO surveyors noted a number of highlights during the June survey, including a strong commitment to continuous improvement as evidenced by the many performance improvement initiatives throughout the hospital. Surveyors were also impressed with the Medical Director-Hospital Director Partnership program, which has created strong bonds between physicians and hospital staff and spurred a number of programs to improve patient care.

In an upcoming TV commercial, Assistant Professor of Medicine Patrick Moriarty, MD, will discuss JCAHO and the commendation. The TV spots will appear in mid-September along with print ads.

“Our efforts to improve performance throughout the hospital through the FOCUS-PDCA process really paid off,” said Jon Jackson, chief operating officer. “Everyone should be commended for their efforts, both within individual departments and across multiple areas and disciplines.”
Dr. Massaro agreed. “This outstanding level of achievement reflects the successful efforts of your organization to provide high quality care for those you serve.”

September ‘Progress Report’ locations announced

KU Hospital President and CEO Irene Cumming will present the second series of “Progress Reports” beginning Sept. 1. These sessions will cover the hospital’s financial outlook and the organization’s development. Progress Reports will be presented at various times to make it possible for employees from the day, evening and night shifts to attend. Video tapes and printed materials for departments with staff unable to attend may be requested by calling ext. 1227.
Wednesday, Sept. 1    10-11:30 a.m.    Lied Auditorium
Thursday, Sept. 2    7:30-9 a.m.    Wahl Hall East Auditorium
Wednesday, Sept. 8    5:30-7 p.m.    Wyandotte Room
Thursday, Sept. 9    12:30-2 p.m.    Wahl Hall East Auditorium
Wednesday, Sept. 15    7:30-9 a.m.    Lied Auditorium
Wednesday, Sept. 22    6-7:30 p.m.    Wahl Hall East Auditorium
Thursday, Sept. 23    10-11:30 a.m.    Wahl Hall East Auditorium

Executive Forum
Preparing our students for their life’s work

It is a great privilege to welcome this year’s new and returning students to the KU School of Medicine. You come to us with high expectations and you are part of a proud and long-standing tradition.

Deborah E. Powell, MD
Executive Dean, School of Medicine

To fully appreciate the core mission of the University of Kansas, just walk down the first floor corridors of Delp, Wescoe, Murphy and Sudler to view the neatly framed photos of KU’s medical and nursing school graduates.
One of these medical alumni was present at the recent White Coat Ceremony for the incoming class of 2003. William McEachen, MD, class of 1959, a retired pediatrician from Shawnee Mission, attended not as a father or grandfather but as a proud mentor of Michael Howard, a former patient who wanted Dr. McEachen to be there for him. Over the past 16 years, several of Dr. McEachen’s patients have entered medical school at KU, and Dr. McEachen is understandably proud of his proteges. He said, “I always told them that no matter what changes may occur in health care, there’ll always be a need for doctors with strong clinical skills who care deeply about people.”
We have a huge responsibility to prepare our students for their life’s work. At the KU School of Medicine, we not only promise a diploma and medical degree but also a warranty. That’s right. When our students graduate, we will guarantee their competency to practice medicine. To do this, the faculty is continuing to improve the curriculum to emphasize competency in several areas of knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Just how will we accomplish this? “Standardized” patients—actually, trained volunteers acting as patients—are becoming one of the important evaluation tools. These “patients” evaluate the student on areas such as the physical exam, communication and other clinical skills, but also on moral reasoning and clinical ethics—how well the students explain side-effect information and treatment plans. Students are also reviewed for their effectiveness in gaining consent and respecting the patient’s values.
Our new competency-based curriculum is a work-in-progress. It is our responsibility to continually enhance the educational process, assuring that our students will be prepared for the practice of medicine in an ever-changing world. Yet, no sophisticated evaluation tools will ever be as effective a measure as real-life examples like Dr. McEachen.

COP encourages lifelong volunteering

After balancing class, homework, presentations and clinicals with a job to help pay the rent, most students simply don’t have time to volunteer. But with the help of KUMC’s Community Outreach Project (COP), that is all changing.
Since 1996, the COP program, under the guidance of Dean of Student Services Dorothy Knoll, has allowed students in Allied Health, Nursing and Graduate Studies to receive a $1,000 state stipend for 135 hours of volunteer work at Wyandotte County social service agencies.

Jennifer Day

“Many students want to volunteer but they have limited time and resources while in school,” said Anne Flaherty, COP advisor. “This allows students to apply their educational experiences in the community and receive a stipend.”
Student Director Jennifer Day adds that COP takes a personal approach. “It really helps you see the community. When you only work at the Med Center, you don’t see what these peoples’ home lives are like,” she said. “It changes your perspective. When you see that early, you’ll more likely become a lifelong volunteer.”
For information, call ext. 6681.

Team effort brings KUMC to Kansas State Fair

With the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kan., quickly approaching, the final pieces of the KUMC exhibit are falling into place.
The exhibit will be open throughout the fair, Sept. 10-19, and is coordinated through the KU Health Outreach Program (HOP) State Fair Committee, chaired by Barbara Strain, Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine. Strain says the exhibit has come together thanks to the team effort of several departments, including Pediatrics, Marketing, Urology and the KU Cancer Center, and the Schools of Nursing, Allied Health and Medicine.

Using the mobile medical unit, KUMC volunteers will offer the following free health screenings: cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure (daily); hearing and body assessments (Sept. 11); pediatric arthritis and asthma (Sept. 14-15); hearing and vision (Sept. 16); breast cancer risk assessment (Sept. 16-17), and prostate cancer (Sept. 18). All screenings will be offered 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis.
Employee volunteers are still needed to work in the booth. If interested, call Amy Metcalf, ext. 1233, or e-mail <ametcalf>.

READY FOR Y2K

A “Zero Day” approach
The most obvious difference between planning for Y2K and preparing for other emergencies is you know exactly when Y2K will happen. Unlike assignments where delays can be acceptable, this one cannot be put off. In 127 days, it will be the Year 2000.
Each department has been developing detailed contingency plans, usable any time, but with an emphasis on Y2K. Because we know when the event will occur, this process requires an additional step called

Zero-Day Planning.
In coming weeks, departments will be asked to review contingency plans. The question to be answered is, “What should I be doing prior to Y2K to prepare for Y2K?”
Looking at such areas as supplies, staffing and training, each department should determine what must be done 60 days, 30 days, one day and one hour before the date change. The goal is to create a checklist. Tasks can be crossed off the list as completed, but as we come closer to Jan. 1, the list is likely to have more tasks.

How can you help?
Think about what you and your department must do to prepare for Y2K. Will you require certain supplies or training to put your contingency plan into effect if patient care equipment or a utility failure should happen? Share your thoughts with your director or the people in charge of contingency planning in your area. Your ideas could make all the difference.

Front & Center

Kirmayer Fitness Center Associate Director Jan Schmidt displays the trophies awarded to KUMC for this year’s Kansas City Corporate Challenge. KUMC scored eighth overall. Also on hand at the Aug. 18 wrap-up pizza party were, below, Gail Sahlfeld, Organizational Improvement, and Theresa Jackson, Medical Records, who both participated in the 5K run.

Mary Gensler, Medical Records, a volunteer at Corporate Challenge; Ike Murphy, Facilities Management, who set records in and won gold medals for both the 100 meter and 400 meter dash; Nathalie Crew, KU Cancer Center, one-mile walk, and Bobbie Jinske, Child Development Unit, bike race.

A familiar face to many diners at KUMC is Mehrdad Kalantare, manager of Georgia’s Greek Restaurant in the Main Cafeteria. The KUMC concession is the only off-site venture of the original Georgia’s, located at 103rd and State Line.

Trevis Ickler, a junior in the School of Nursing BSN program, won two free tickets to the Aug. 21 Chiefs game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a drawing sponsored by the KUMC Bookstore.
The Bookstore will stage a drawing for alternating Chiefs home games. To sign up for the next drawing, visit the Bookstore.

Chrissy Gutierrez serves KUMC employees as office supervisor of the KUMC Credit Union, 1037 Delp.

Cytotechnology majors
Shonda Dietz, Linda Snyder and Natalie Thavisackd attended a reception for new School of Allied Health students Aug. 18 in the
Lied Auditorium atrium.

Also new to the School of Allied Health are students Julia Bok, Lisa Suellentrop, Susie Sharp, Emily Barger, Mary Colgan and Abby Parish.

As part of the Jayhawk Angel Network’s fundraising efforts,
the Student Governing Council’s (SGC) “Change for Change” campaign raised more than $500 for local elementary schools. On Aug. 19, SGC Advisor Anne Flaherty, above left, second-year medical student Moneera Haque and Dean of Student Services Dorothy Knoll presented the funds to Principals Bev Hodges, Banneker Elementary Science and Technology Magnet, Stephanie Bland, Grant Elementary, and Linnie McCluney, Quindaro Elementary.

Kirsten McGuire, ARPN, of Student Health administers an (almost) painless immunization to first-year School of Nursing student Jonathan Burge during orientation activities last week.

Physicians’ Update

In this issue, we continue to recognize physicians who have recently affiliated with KU Medical Center. The following five physicians represent varied departments and offer services to patients at KUMC or KU MedWest.

Dr. Dudgeon                                 Dr. Udobi

Dr. Pohar                                         Dr. Cotton

Dr. Freeman

Maureen Dudgeon, MD, is assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Dudgeon practices at KUMC and KU MedWest. She graduated from KU School of Medicine where she also completed an internship and residency in internal medicine. Dr. Dudgeon is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine.

Kahdi F. Udobi, MD, is assistant professor, Department of General Surgery. Dr. Udobi practices at KUMC. He graduated from the University of Ibadan medical school. He completed a rotating internship at St. Thomas Hospital Medical Center, and a surgery internship at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center. He then completed surgical residencies at the University of Pennsylvania, Morehouse College, and State University of New York, Buffalo. Dr. Udobi completed a fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Systems in trauma and critical care. He practices general surgery, specializing in critical care and trauma surgery.

Surj S. Pohar, MD, is assistant professor, Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Pohar practices at KUMC. He completed medical school at the University of Alberta, Canada, and completed an internship at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Canada. He completed residencies in general surgery and radiation oncology at the University of Alberta. He then completed a brachytherapy fellowship at the Institute Henri Mondor, France. Dr. Pohar is board certified by the American Board of Radiology in radiation oncology. He specializes in the treatment of cancer and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Thomas R. Cotton, MD, is clinical assistant professor, Department of Otolaryngology. He practices at KU MedWest. Dr. Cotton completed medical school at the University of Illinois, then completed an internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and a surgery residency at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center. He completed an otolaryngology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and practices general otolaryngology.

Jerry C. Freeman, MD, is clinical assistant professor, Department of Otolaryngology. Dr. Freeman practices at KU MedWest. He is a graduate of the KU School of Medicine. He completed a rotating internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and a surgery internship at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center. He completed an otolaryngology residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Freeman is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He practices general otolaryngology.

Rosedale parade
Volunteers are needed to build the KUMC float for the 1999 Rosedale Parade. The theme for this year’s Parade and Festival is “A Rosedale Homecoming.” The theme for the KUMC float is “Rosedale ...Our Home for Generations.” Float construction will be Sept. 1 and 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Support Services building dock area. Fliers regarding this event are posted throughout campus. If interested, contact Shelley Bratton, ext. 1252, or e-mail <sbratton>. Volunteers are also needed to ride on and walk with the float on the day of the parade, Sept. 11, beginning at 10 a.m. at 14th and Merriam Lane. If interested, contact Tamela Loos, ext. 1252, or e-mail <tloos>.

KC READS book drive
Local Starbucks Coffee shops are sponsoring a book drive for KC READS, the KU Hospital literacy program, through Sept. 6. Drop off used children’s books when you stop for coffee at any Kansas City Starbucks location and support KU Hospital’s literacy efforts.

Med staff dinner & dance
KU Hospital will host the first Medical Staff Dinner and Dance Sept. 24, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Harris House, Linwood, Kan. The invitation-only event for members of the KU Hospital medical staff is designed to celebrate the first anniversary of the KU Hospital Authority. The evening will feature lawn games, cocktails, music, dinner and dancing. Invited guests are asked to RSVP by Sept. 10 by calling 588-1227.

Lucky numbers
The KUMC Credit Union Lucky Numbers for September are: 16109; 16482; 17154; 19731, and 30886. The Lucky Birthday is Sept. 8. Prizes may be claimed at the Credit Union, 1037 Delp.

KU Teaching Summit
Approximately 350 faculty members from the Lawrence, Wichita, Edwards and Kansas City campuses attended the first all-university KU Summit on Teaching Excellence, Aug. 17 in Lawrence. The summit, sponsored by the Provost’s Office, KUMC and the Center for Teaching Excellence at Lawrence, was designed to allow faculty from all areas of KU to discuss ways to improve student learning. The conference featured a welcome by Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, a Town Hall Meeting by Chancellor Robert Hemenway, and break-out sessions for specific disciplines. The KUMC session was led by Deborah Powell, MD, dean of the School of Medicine, who discussed the strengths of the curriculum and educational approach of schools at KUMC, which includes the clinical skills assessment during students’ fourth year of study. Dean Powell also discussed current educational goals such as increasing the focus on student outcomes, improving faculty-student communication about the curriculum and better evaluation of the curriculum.

FOR SALE:
Sears Craftsman 8-in. table saw and Ryobi Planer w/stand, exc. cond., $600/both. Call 321-6944.
Matching sofa and chair (wooden arms and legs), coffee table and 2 end tables, $100. Call 722-5735.
White tubular metal bunk bed frame, $40. Call 381-8452.
Sound Blaster Live Value Edition, in unopened retail box w/mfgr.’s 1-yr warranty, received as gift and can’t use, $75. Call 299-3372.
Limed oak 6-drawer dresser, good cond., $50. Call and leave message, 913-962-1913.
Sears 20-in. color TV w/remote control, 14 yrs. old but works fine (replaced by larger TV), $40. Call Steve, 451-9223.
Antique trunk, wood strips sides and top, flat top, refinished, very old, exc. cond., $150; Ladies hunter green all-weather coat, zip-out liner, size 8, like new, $30. Call 438-5043.
Brand new Kitchen Aid refrigerator, never out of box, white, $450; two desks: one solid wood w/secretary arm and filing drawers, $300, other is nice w/black finish, $75. Call 897-6905.
Kenmore gas dryer, heavy-duty, 5 cycles, fabric dryness and heat controls, wrinkle guard, almond color, exc. cond., moving, can’t use, $350 new, $100. Call 383-9357.
Casio QV-10A Plus digital camera, $125.
Call 262-0485.
Violin w/bow and case, 4/4, great cond., appraised at $500, will sell for $350; snare drum w/stand, case and bell set, perfect for beginners, great deal at $200. Call evenings and weekends, 362-1912.
Large garage sale, estate items, old jewelry, antique trunk, Sat. Aug. 28, 9719 Lee Blvd., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

AUTOMOTIVE:
1992 Jeep Comanche, 5-spd., 4.0L, cold A/C, alloy wheels, new tires, tinted windows, well-maintained, red w/graphics package, sharp truck, first $4,200 takes. Call 560-2933.
1994 Toyota Corolla, great cond., $7,000. Call 432-7196.
1988 Ford Escort GL, auto., power steering/brakes, A/C, AM/FM stereo, 106K mi., runs great, $1,200. Call after 5 p.m., 816-942-5644.
1990 Geo Prism, auto., 2-dr., hatchback, 100K mi., exc. cond., white color, $3,000. Call 663-4717.
1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager LE, 3.8L V-6, power locks/windows, rear air, quad captain’s chairs, remote keyless entry, cassette/CD stacker/changer, 66K mi., priced $2,000 under book value. Call Marilyn, 441-2794.
1988 Ford Festiva LX, 5-spd., 90K mi., new tires, steel wheels, A/C needs work, $1300 OBO. Call evenings, 722-6481.

HOUSING:
Homeshare: 3BD, 2BA house within walking distance to KUMC, fully furnished, 4138 Springfield, $300/mo. + 1/3 utilities. Call 468-5411.
Rommate Wanted: 2BR apt., only 3 mi. from KUMC, C/A, share with female grad student, 3902 Booth St., $225/mo. + utilities. Call Qu, 236-9185.

PETS:
Free: Black gerbils, born Aug. 10, 1999. Call and ask for Frank, 454-1034.
Real good dog needs home and room to run, good w/children, very gentle golden retriever/collie mix, recent vet checkup and all shots current. Call Randy, 432-7859.

coming
UP

Friday, August 27:
•    “Celebrate Age,” 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mission Center Mall.

Monday, August 30:
•    “Stress Free September” Student Wellness Program (open to all KUMC students), noon-1 p.m., lunch provided to first 30 attendees, Auxiliary Room, Kirmayer Fitness Center.

Tuesday, August 31:
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine.

Wednesday, September 1:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Hospital.
•    KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
•    “Analysis of Water Quality,” Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities, noon-1 p.m., 1023 Orr-Major.
•    Anxiety Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, Room 1320.
•    Liver Transplant Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Prairie Room, Delp Cafeteria.

Thursday, September 2:
•    Primary Care Grand Rounds, “Suspected Cancer in a Family Context,” lunch
11:30 a.m.-noon to first 50 attendees, presentation noon-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
•    Burn Patient Family Support Group,
6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

IN THE CENTER
Donald Hagen, MD - Executive Vice Chancellor KUMC
Irene Cumming - CEO and President KU Hospital
Ken Arnold - Editor

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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