2 SEPTEMBER 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 25

Research, awards will be the focus of Sept. 9 University staff meeting

 

Faculty members James Fishback, MD, above left, Anita Wingate, RN, PhD,
above right, and Vincent Gattone II, PhD, Below, recently learned of their
Kemper Fellowship awards during surprise classroom visits by
KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway, far right.

The role KUMC plays in making KU Kansas City’s major research university, an update on Initiative 2001 and the recognition of faculty award winners will be the focus of next week’s University update for KUMC faculty and staff.
The meeting, set for Thursday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. in Battenfeld Auditorium, will feature KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD.
One of the highlights will be the recognition of three KUMC faculty who recently won Kemper Fellowships: Anita Wingate, RN, PhD, associate professor, School of Nursing; Vincent Gattone II, PhD, professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology; and James Fishback, MD, associate professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The three were recently notified of their awards during surprise classroom visits by Hemenway and Dr. Hagen.
“I was not expecting it,” said Dr. Fishback. ”It’s great that the Kemper Foundation is willing to contribute the money for this award, and it’s nice to be recognized by your colleagues.”
The Kemper Fellowships honor KU faculty who have demonstrated outstanding teaching and advising. The one-year fellowships include an award of $5,000.
The meeting will also include the announcement of a KUMC faculty member chosen to receive a 1999 Higuchi Research Achievement Award. This program recognizes research achievements of faculty of Kansas Regents institutions. Awards are made in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, Basic Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Applied Sciences. Each recipient receives a $10,000 award.
The event is open to all KUMC faculty and staff. A reception will follow in Francisco Lounge.

Storyboard fair will showcase hospital’s improvement initiatives

You’ve heard the news: KU Hospital recently received accreditation with commendation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Now, it’s time to celebrate the accomplishment, with a fair showcasing the more than 60 storyboards created by departments across the hospital.

Assistant Director of Nursing Noella McCray with one of the more than
60 storyboards that will be on display in the Hixson Atrium Sept. 7.

During the fair, set for Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Hixson Atrium and Lied Auditorium, employees can see how storyboards outlining a variety of performance initiatives helped KU Hospital “Shine in ’99.” Four departments will share their improvement stories from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Lied Auditorium. Topics will include improvements in finance and admitting, enhancements to the education and communication of food/drug interactions, improvements to the pediatric discharge process, and improved delivery of service through a partnership between the Emergency and Radiology Departments.
“This will be a festive event that continues our ‘Shine in ‘99’ theme,” said Noella McCray, MN, assistant director of nursing, Nursing Services. “It will also celebrate the staff’s efforts for continuous performance improvement. Everyone should come through the gallery and see how we shine.”
The fair will not only recognize the hard work and improvement that has taken place to meet the service, quality and cost goals of KU Hospital, but will also help departments share best practices so improvement ideas from one area can be implemented in others.
“The JCAHO surveyors were overwhelmed by the ability of staff and physicians across the hospital to talk about how we continually improve our levels of care and service,” said Organizational Development Director Terry Rusconi, who led the Performance Improvement team. “This reception allows all employees to share in what the surveyors saw. We must continue to be a highly creative and improvement-oriented organization. This is the first of many opportunities employees will have to celebrate our successes.”

Executive Forum

Making service part of everything we do

By Irene Cumming
President and CEO, KU Hospital

We have succeeded in so many ways . . . in the quality of care we provide and in our financial strength. And now, our focus must be SERVICE.
Service must become part of us. Service isn’t just using the words. It must be in what we do and how we do it. Starting in September, we are beginning a journey that will enable all of us to BE service-focused. That means when we are doing our jobs, when we interact with co-workers, visitors and families, we have service-focused skills, mind-set, approach, follow-up and personality. The Hospital Authority Board is committed for our organization to have a service culture.
We are beginning the process that will enable us to have service throughout our patient-centered environment. It isn’t just a quick program. It is developing and establishing service as how we provide diagnostic procedures, patient billing, patient meals, treatment plans, patient care, communications and phone service. Service is who we are and how we provide “excellence” in all we do.
I am committed and the Executive Team is committed. We will be part of the service culture and the training, and we will provide the support and resources to eliminate service “barriers.” The service training is not “canned” . . . it is being developed specifically for us and you will also have input in the development. The executive group is aligning the systems to make this possible. Our compensation, benefits, rewards and recognition will become part of our service culture.
We all know the patient is the reason we are here. And, we have been successful in providing excellent, quality patient care. At the same time our hospital has achieved financial strength. Now we will make service part of everything we do.
(Note: Throughout September and October, Executive Forum will provide a series about establishing our service culture.)

Irene Cumming begins second round of ‘Progress Reports’

KU Hospital President and CEO Irene Cumming launched the second series of Progress Reports Sept. 1. These sessions explore the hospital’s financial outlook and the organization’s development. Sessions will be presented at various times to accommodate employees from the day, evening and night shifts. Video tapes and printed materials for departments with staff unable to attend may be requested by calling ext. 1227.

The remaining schedule is as follows:
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

Banquet will recognize KUMC Heart of Healthcare nominees

Thirty-seven nurses from KUMC will be recognized Sept. 18 at the 10th annual Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Awards banquet at the Marriot Muehlebach Towers. Ten winners from across Kansas will be honored, and all nominees will receive a certificate of recognition.

Janet Forge                                     Thomas Campbell

The program was established by the KU School of Nursing in 1989 to recognize outstanding nurses. KUMC nurses nominated for the award are: Connie Bejan; Margaret Braum; Thomas Campbell; Janet Chapman; Nadine Colbert; Greg Crawford; George Ann Eaks; Diane Ebbert; Janet Forge; Kirsten Fredrick; Carrie Gallagher; Ann Gardner; Kathy Griff; Roena Henderson; Jeanne Henning; Judy Hershberger; Susan Holcomb (award winner); Carol Anne Huddleston; Colleen Johnson; Barb Katz; Michelle Loftiss; Sara Love; Carina Lynch; Debbie May; Dana Meyers; Debra Michalek; Tim Mulloy; Lisa Parsons; Brad Peck; Lori Ranallo; Louise Redford; Lavonne Ridder; Faye Salter; Melanie Simpson; Diana Smith; Deborah Jo Teasdale, and Debby West.

Front & Center

At the KU Hospital Auxiliary Hearty Mum Sale Aug. 26,
Louise Schloerb, Dorothy Ebner, Ann Nelson, Eleanor Johnson
and Louise Redford take a minute to enjoy the
Auxiliary Memorial Garden they maintain.

Senior Wellness Coordinator Amy Metcalf, Marketing, shares
health and fitness information with Evelyn Gordon, Fairway, Kan.,
who visited KUMC’s booth during the “Celebrate Age” fair at
Mission Center Mall Aug. 27.

Medical students Heather Anderson, Tracy Alderson, Mary McDonald,
Travis Scott, Christine Boutwell, MD, and Steve Young helped
Mike Welch, MD, celebrate his recent promotion at a reception
Aug. 26 in Hixson Atrium.

Dr. Welch, is the new vice chancellor for research, KUMC,
president of the University of Kansas Research Institute,
and interim chair of the Department of Neurology.

Leonna Edwards, a 4th grade student at Hawthorne Elementary,
was the first recipient of the monthly Pediatricians Recognizing
Individuals Demonstrating Excellence (PRIDE) award.
Sponsored by the KU Children’s Center and administered by a
volunteer group of pediatric residents, PRIDE recognizes
Kansas City schoolchildren who have demonstrated
scholastic achievement and community service.

Leonna, who received free Royals tickets, a limo ride and
other gifts, is shown during the Aug. 26 presentation with her
grandmother, Aldonna Daniels, above, and parents Leon Sr.
and Joy Edwards.

School of Nursing Professor Kathleen O’Connell, RN, PhD, FAAN, left,
was greeted by Clinical Assistant Professor Karen Wambach, RN, MS, PhD,
and other well-wishers at an Aug. 26 reception. Dr. O’Connell leaves
KUMC after 19 years to become the Isabel Maitland Stewart Chair in
Nursing Education at Columbia University.

Jennifer Kirse, left, visited the KU Children’s Center Aug. 26
to present the proceeds from the Third Annual Molly and
Matthew Kirse Memorial Golf Tournament to Carol Lindsley, MD,
professor and chair of Pediatrics. This year’s tournament raised
$20,446 to purchase medical equipment for the Children’s Center.

Jay-Care Center offers KU employees quality child care

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac lined with trees at 3020 S. 7th St. in Kansas City, Kan., you’ll find one of KUMC’s best kept secrets: the Jay-Care Learning Center.
Available to all KUMC employees, the child care center offers a year-round developmentally appropriate program for children aged 2 weeks to 5 years. A day camp for elementary school age children is also offered in the summer. Currently, about half of the 56 enrolled are children of KUMC employees.
Since Jay-Care staff members believe all children are natural learners, they provide a nurturing environment that promotes logical thinking, creative expression, careful decision-making and personal responsibility. Every class has a structured lesson plan, explains Director Sarah Jo Hansen.

Albert Chapman Goodall, grandson of former
Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs A.L. Chapman, PhD,
persuades Lead Teacher Bridget Callahan to keep the
bubbles coming in the 18-month-old area.

Harrison Ricci-Weller, son of Nursing Care Coordinator
Johanna Ricci-Weller, RN, takes a break from his
activity table in the infant room.

In the 2-year-old room, Dakota Boyd, left, takes his dinosaur on an adventure.

“For example, with infants, we introduce a new toy every 15 minutes,” she said. “With the 18- to 24-month olds, we structure our activities according to themes, whether it be reading, games, music or arts and crafts.”
This approach helps children build a positive self-image. “It just takes a lot of love,” said Hansen. “You’ve got to love them, or they won’t respect you. Depending on the child and what he or she needs, we do everything from hugging and kissing to a simple thumbs up or high five—whatever that particular child is comfortable with.”
Selected on the basis of education, experience and the ability to work effectively with children, the staff includes degreed lead teachers, assistant teachers and aides. A non-profit organization, Jay-Care is licensed with the State of Kansas; accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs is pending.
Open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, costs for a 2-week period are: $300 for children 2 weeks to 18 months; $250 for 18 months to 3 years; $200 for over 3 years and potty trained. The center includes a full-service kitchen, and offers breakfast, a hot lunch and a morning and afternoon snack.
Hansen encourages parents to visit the center at any time or call with questions at 588-1295.
“The days are long and it is a lot of work, between the paperwork, activities, scheduling and accreditation standards,” said Hansen. “But it’s all worth it at the end of the day. I love what I’m doing, and I love the kids.”

Dennis Allin, MD

JoCo Impact Committee
Dennis Allin, MD, Emergency Department, and Ruth Schukman-Dakotas, Safety Administration, have been appointed to the Johnson County Project Impact Executive Committee. Project Impact is designed to make Johnson County a disaster-resistant community. The committee will examine how to help the county be more prepared for flash floods, high winds and winter storms.

New Biology of Aging
Nationally and internationally recognized researchers on aging will gather Sept. 26-29 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center Hotel for The New Biology of Aging symposium. The symposium brings researchers, faculty, students and scientists together to share recent advances in research into the molecular biology of aging. Sessions will be offered on genetics and the aging process, the immunology of aging, systems of repair and plasticity in aging and other topics. The symposium is the fourth such gathering presented by the Scientific Education Partnership, a research and training partnership between the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the Hoechst Marion Roussel Foundation. For more information, call Marvin Hunt, 785-864-4790, or e-mail mhunt@ukans.edu.

Cancer symposium set
The KU Cancer Center in conjunction with the Kansas Cancer Institute and the Division of Continuing Education will present a Prostate Cancer Symposium, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 25 at the Marriott/Muehlebach Hotel. The symposium will cover such topics as genetics, risk factors, contemporary treatment, quality of life and end-of-life issues. Presenters include KUMC faculty and staff members J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, FACS, course director of the symposium, Marge Barnett, RN, CNS, and Eashwer Reddy, MD, FACR. Reduced fees are available to those who register by Sept. 13. Breakfast will be provided to those who register by Sept. 17. For more information, call ext. 4488.

Fire Chiefs Convention
Rosie Thompson, RN, clinical nurse specialist, Nursing Services, attended the National Fire Chiefs Association Convention Aug. 28. Thompson discussed the Burnett Burn Center, which is the association’s community service project. Richard A. Korentager, MD, assistant professor, Surgery, also attended the convention Aug. 30 to discuss cosmetic surgery.

Kirmayer fitness classes
Registration for Finding Fitness and Living Fit classes will be Sept. 8-17. The six-week classes will run Sept. 20-Oct. 29. Classes are open to both Kirmayer Fitness Center members and non-members. Spots are also still available in the Tai Chi, Yoga I & II and aerobics classes. These classes are open only to Kirmayer members. For costs or additional information on all classes, call Lynette Henkel, ext. 7706, or e-mail <lhenkel>.

Memorial service
A memorial service for Betty Martinez, long-time employee of the Sunflower Gift Shop, will be held Monday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. in Spencer Chapel.

FOR SALE:
Gas stove, fair cond., $75 OBO. Call 361-6412.
Queen-size waterbed w/headboard & 6 drawers, waveless mattress, exc. cond., $1,500 new, will sell for $500 OBO. Call 362-6486 after 4 p.m.
Panasonic Omnivision digital quartz VCR w/remote, 9 yrs. old, works very well, will program network but not cable, $50; Exer-slide w/booties and instruction sheet, like new, $10. Call Barbara, 531-6183, and leave message.
Complete home gym, 4-station weight training machine, rarely used, moving, must sell, purchased for $795, asking $275. Call Liz, 962-4372, and leave message.
Large taupe sofa sectional, selling for best offer. Call Toby, 451-7282, after 4:30 p.m.
Window A/C unit: Kenmore, 12,000 BTU power, enough to easily cool 1BR apartment, only used for 2 mo., still under warranty, will deliver, paid $550 new, asking $250 cash. Call Kathleen, 931-4689.

AUTOMOTIVE:
1995 Plymouth Neon Highline, 4-dr., auto., A/C, cruise, AM/FM cassette, good cond., newer tires, 61K mi., includes ext. warranty, $4,800. Call Brian, 677-5687.
1974 red Mustang, classic, 25 yrs. old, good body, needs some work, $250 cash OBO. Call Angela, 362-8129, after 5 p.m.
1997 Honda Civic LX, 4-dr., auto., CD, cruise, 41K mi., very clean, $11,900 OBO. Call Cyndy, 422-5010.
1996 Eagle Vision TSi, black, gray leather, every option except moonroof, 3.5L 24V V6 w/Autostick, Infinity CD/Cassette Spatial Imaging Sound System + 10 CD changer in trunk, exc. cond., only 54K mi., transferable warranty to 60K mi., $14,000 OBO. Call Michael, 816-941-4767.
1992 Mercury Topaz, 4-cyl., 4-dr. w/alarm, keyless entry, tape player, new starter & battery, needs body work, $1,000 OBO. Call Lorie, 816-587-4817, after 6 p.m.

HOUSING:
Timeshare luxury condo in Orlando, 1BR, full kitchen and laundry, 1 mi. from Disney, 10-15 min. from Universal/Sea World, 4 day/3 nights for $129, extra days available. Call 461-1901.

WANTED:
Child’s pink ballet slippers, sizes 12, 12½, or 13, split or full soles. Call Valerie, 561-3145.

Student meetings set

The following student organization meetings are planned for September:
Sept. 11: Retreat for Leaders of Student Organizations, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Delp Cafeteria. Open only to leaders of student organizations.
Sept. 13: Kansas City Area Attractions program, co-sponsored by KUMC Student Wellness Program and American Medical Women Association, noon-1 p.m., Wahl Hall East. Open to all students.
Sept. 14: President’s Roundtable Meeting, noon-1 p.m., 1016 Student Center. Lunch provided. Open to presidents of all registered student organizations.
Sept. 16: Student Governing Council meeting, 5:30 p.m., 1016 Student Center. Dinner provided. Open to all students.

coming
UP

Friday, September 3:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Grand Rounds, “New Research in Atypical Antipsychotics,” 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

Tuesday, September 7:
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine.

Wednesday, September 8:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Hospital.
•    Outcomes Management Seminar, “Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study,” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
•    KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
•    “Data Quality in Air Pollution,” noon-1 p.m., 1023 Orr-Major.
•    Hepatitis Support Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Prairie Room, Delp Cafeteria.

Thursday, September 9:
•    “Residents & Faculty Prescribing Habits for Hypertension,” noon-1 p.m., G567 KU Hospital, RSVP to Ellen Hamilton, ext. 7202.
•    Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver’s Workshop, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.
•    Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Radiation Oncology Conference Room.
•    Burn Patient Family Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

Friday, September 10:
•    Richard G. Evans Memorial Lecture, “Combined Modality Treatment in Hodgkin’s Disease,” 7:30 a.m., Sudler Auditorium.
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, “Special Issues in Management of Depression,” 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

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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