21 OCTOBER 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 32

Kidney research grant supports
climate of excellence at KU Med

Hope is available for those who suffer from polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the most common of all life-threatening genetic diseases, thanks to major funding recently awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to researchers at the University of Kansas.
The NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in collaboration with the Polycystic Kidney Research (PKR) Foundation of Kansas City, awarded KU Medical Center researchers a grant totaling more than $5 million over five years to study several aspects of the disease.
Jared J. Grantham, MD, distinguished professor of medicine, is program director and principal investigator for the grants.
“We’ve had a focus on polycystic kidney disease for many years,” said Dr. Grantham, who first began writing individual kidney research grants when he arrived at KU in 1969. “This latest grant seeks to answer how the cysts form in the kidney. It will lead us to new therapies for PKD.”
The grants, which will help develop a PKD Magnet Center of Excellence at KU, contribute to the climate of excellence at both the medical and surgical levels, Grantham observed. “We have a leading kidney center here. In this region—Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa—the hospital with the best record for kidney survival and kidney patient survival is KU Med.”
Dr. Grantham credits this climate to “a whole cast who make up the comprehensive kidney center,” including Drs. Dennis Diederich; Dale Abramson; Glen Andrews; James Calvet; Arnold Chonko; Benjamin Cowley; Vincent Gattone; George Helmkamp; Billy Hudson; Robin Maser; Dan Murillo; Jill Pelling; Kenneth Peterson; George Pierce; Lawrence Sullivan, and Franz Winklhofer, and other staff physicians and scientists who partner with the kidney group.

Jared Grantham, MD, will oversee a five-year,
total costs grant of $5 million.

A pioneer in PKD research, Dr. Grantham has made significant discoveries as to the cause of the disease. He is a recipient of the Homer W. Smith Award, the highest honor presented by the American Society of Nephrology, and the David M. Hume Award, the National Kidney Foundation’s top award.
“This project is my last hurrah,” he said. “It’s been a dream and a plan for a long, long time.”

KU Med anniversary reception will be Oct. 27
KU Med will celebrate the first anniversary of the KU Hospital Authority with a reception Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 2-4 p.m. in the Francisco Lounge. All KU Med employees will receive first anniversary gifts at the reception. Invitations will soon be distributed to each department.
“We urge all KU Med employees to come help us celebrate a remarkable first year of achievements,” said KU Med President and CEO Irene Cumming.

Emeritus faculty honored at dinner

On Oct. 14, the University of Kansas honored former distinguished faculty members at the annual Emeritus Faculty Dinner. The dinner, held in the Hixson Atrium, included an update by Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, on changes that have occurred at the University in recent years, and a look at future plans. Among those inducted as new emeritus faculty members were A.L. (Al) Chapman, PhD (at left with Tom Noffsinger, PhD, Research Institute executive director, and Mike Welch, MD, vice chancellor for research); Martin Mainster, MD, PhD; Charley W. Norris, MD; James Bergin, MD, and Errol Levine, MD.
The dinner was sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor.

Faculty hone teaching skills with Medical Education 101 workshops

Dozens of University faculty members are enhancing their teaching skills by participating in Medical Education 101, a series of eight workshops covering the basic concepts and skills necessary for effective medical education.
“Traditionally, medical school faculty were given very little encouragement or preparation for teaching,” said Anne Walling, MD, associate dean of faculty development. “We’re trying to change that by offering our faculty some opportunities to improve their teaching skills. We want teaching to be effective and efficient. Teaching takes a lot of time and emotional energy. It should be something you do very well so it’s worth all the energy.”
The workshops cover topics ranging from how to give good lectures to improving written examinations.
“Most of our workshops are taught by local faculty,” Dr. Walling said. “We also have three distinguished external faculty coming in for this series of workshops.”
Sponsored by the Office of Faculty Development and the Office of Medical Education, Medical Education 101 workshops are held on the first Thursday of every month. There is no workshop in December. The workshops are open to all faculty members. For more information, contact Julie McCollum, ext. 7201.

Giulia Bonaminio now assistant dean

Giulia Bonaminio, PhD, director of medical education, KU School of Medicine, has recently been named assistant dean for medical education.
As assistant dean, Dr. Bonaminio will continue to direct the Office of Medical Education. The Office supports the Education Council, faculty and relevant administrative units of the School of Medicine in the development, implementation and evaluation of educational programs. The Office also conducts and assists faculty engaged in research pertaining to medical education.

Grant opportunities

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has announced that applications are being accepted for the ENA Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International Research Grant. Priority will be given to studies relating to the ENA and ENA Foundation research initiatives. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1. For more information, visit the ENA web site at <www.ena.org>.
The Woodrow Wilson-Johnson & Johnson Dissertation Grants are available for original research on issues related to women’s and children’s health. Winners receive grants of $2,000, to be used for expenses connected with the dissertation. Fifteen awards will be made. The application deadline is Nov. 8. For more information, visit the web site at <www.woodrow.org>.

KU Med receives Level 2 Kansas Award for Excellence

KU Med (hospital) was among 18 Kansas businesses and organizations honored at the fourth annual Kansas Award for Excellence banquet Oct. 19. KU Med received a Level 2 Performance in Quality Award, the second of three levels of recognition under the statewide program.
The Level 2 Performance in Quality Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate significant progress in building sound, systematic processes and management practices through a commitment to and practice of quality principles. It is the highest level an organization can receive without a site visit, and one level higher than KU Med received last year.
“We were very pleased to receive this honor,” said Vice President for Organizational Improvement Bob Page-Adams. “This simply reinforces what we already demonstrated with the JCAHO Accreditation with Commendation. It’s great to be recognized by another independent body for the success of our performance improvement initiatives.”
The Kansas Award for Excellence program annually recognizes Kansas companies that utilize the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Criteria for Business Excellence. The Baldrige standards are used by many large U.S. firms for self-improvement and enhanced business performance. In Kansas, the award program is operated by the Kansas Award for Excellence Foundation, the state affiliate of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Your Personal Best = Their Best Hope
Campus United Way campaign events set for Oct. 25-29

Get set for a week of good times in the courtyard and hope for youth in the community, as KU Med (hospital) and the University of Kansas Medical Center host the 1999 United Way campaign Oct. 25 through 29.
The campaign week includes a variety of activities for all KU Med and University employees. Events are designed to celebrate and build enthusiasm for the campaign, which will benefit local children and youth organizations. As an incentive to giving, Ivy’s Restaurant will provide a $10 gift certificate to each employee who donates $10 or more to United Way.
The week-long festivities include appearances by representatives of local organizations that benefit from United Way, as well as music, food and plenty of fun.
Schedule of Events
Monday, Oct. 25    Campaign Kick Off
7:30-8:30 a.m.    Hosted by KU Med
4:15-5:15 p.m.    and University leaders
Tuesday, Oct. 26    KU Pep Rally
11 a.m.-1 p.m.    Includes visit by the KU Spirit Squad
Wednesday, Oct. 27    Tailgate Party
11 a.m.-1 p.m.    Everything but the beer!
Thursday, Oct. 28    Ice Cream Social
11 a.m.-1 p.m.    Good old-fashioned fun
Friday, Oct. 29    Wrap-up & Celebration
11 a.m.-noon    Music by the Schlagle High School Band
All events will be held in the Fountain Courtyard. In case of bad weather, the location will be Murphy Lobby.

Front & Center

Deb Brogden, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, left, Richard Rounds, Facilities Management, and Barbara Amick, HIS, were among the KU Med and University employees who volunteered to rehabilitate homes for the elderly as part of the national Christmas in October effort Oct. 9.

Approximately 2,100 people turned out Oct. 16 to receive free immunizations
at the KU Medical Center Drive-Thru Flu Shot Event. Shots were administered
by 56 KU School of Nursing students.

Students Educating and Advocating for Diversity (SEAD) sponsored the Oct. 6 program
“Race and Healthcare” in support of the President’s Initiative for One America. Panelists
at the forum included Sue Clausen, Equal Opportunity Office, left; Sandra Torrente, fourth-year
medical student; Phoebe Williams, RN, PhD, FAAN, and Kathleen Fuller, PhD.

At Clendening Amphitheater last week, Lenora Taylor, left, Psychiatry Grand
Rounds coordinator, and Sajid Hafeez, MD, right, resident, Department of Psychiatry,
welcomed Jack M. Gorman, MD, professor of psychiatry, Columbia University.
Dr. Gorman discussed causes and treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Jayhawk Primary Care staff members and their families met at
Santa Fe Sports Center Oct. 2 for a Fall Fun Fest and picnic.
Shown with JayNurse are Chris Downs, Jani Rothermel, Karen Packard,
Diane Yager and Deena Hugenan.

Members of the KU Med Auxiliary joined forces Oct. 7 to prepare
150 pies for the upcoming Auxiliary Bazaar, Oct. 27 and 28 in the
hospital lobby. Peeling apples were Ann Nelson, bake sale chairman,
and husband Stan.

Dean of Student Services Dorothy Knoll, fourth from left, hosted a groundbreaking
ceremony Oct. 12 for a 2,400 sq. ft. addition to the Kirmayer Fitness Center.
The addition will ultimately house two racquetball/ squash courts and facilities for
massage therapy and fitness testing.

Heather McFarlin, RN, SICU, left, and Stacy Smith, RN, SICU/Neuro,
were among the 300 KU Med nurses who participated in the Nurse
Competency Fair Oct. 5 and 8. The semi-annual event, sponsored by the
Department of Nursing, tests the technical and critical thinking skills of
RNs and LPNs.

SHINE ON! Last Wednesday, the KU Med Executive Team and JCAHO Steering Team sponsored three JCAHO “Accreditation with Commendation” picnics to thank all KU Med employees. Enjoying the festivities were: Tammy Peterman, RN, BSN, interim chief nurse executive; Susan Nielsen, RNC, ARPN, CNS LRDP Jaystork support; Teresa Kilkenny, BSN, nurse practitioner; Irene Cumming, KU Med president and CEO; Connie Williams, administrative assistant, Medical Staff Office; Lois Clendening, BSN, Director of Nursing Services, and Noella McCray, MN, assistant director of nursing.

Physicians’ Update
Recognizing physicians who have recently affiliated with KU Med

Charles F. DeTorres, MD, clinical assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics. Dr. DeTorres attended American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine located in the British West Indies. His internship and residency were at Creighton University/ University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, where he served as chief resident for one year. Dr. DeTorres practices at KU Med and KU Children’s Center in Overland Park, specializing in pediatrics with an emphasis on adolescents.

Natalie Key, MD, assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Key completed medical school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Key is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She practices at KU Med specializing in primary care.

Gayln V. Perry, MD, assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Dr. Perry attended Texas A&M University College of Medicine. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Perry is board certified in internal medicine, pediatrics and pulmonary medicine. She practices at KU Med specializing in cystic fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

Jon I. Scheinman, MD, professor, Department of Pediatrics, chief, Division
of Pediatric Nephrology. Dr. Scheinman completed medical school at the University of Illinois, an internship in pediatrics at the University of Colorado, and residencies in pediatrics at the University of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin. After completing a fellowship in pediatric nephrology at the University of Minnesota Hospital, he joined the faculty. He was chief of pediatric nephrology at Duke University and faculty pediatric nephrologist at the Medical College of Virginia. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. Dr. Scheinman practices at KU Med specializing in pediatric nephrology.

Ravindra K. Vegunta, MD, assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics, Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Vegunta completed medical school at Kilpauk Medical College, Madras, India. He completed a residency in general surgery at the Ohio State University Hospital and a fellowship in pediatric surgery at The Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Earlier, he spent six years in the United Kingdom training in surgery and pediatric surgery. Dr. Vegunta practices at KU Med specializing in pediatric surgery with an interest in minimally invasive pediatric surgery.

Employee recognition
KU Med (hospital) will honor its employees at a Hospital Employee Recognition Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 5 in the fountain courtyard. Employees with 25 or more years of service will be honored at a brunch from 9-11 a.m., and five- to 25-year veterans will be recognized at a reception from 2-5 p.m. Employees eligible to attend will receive an invitation.
Obesity conference
The University of Kansas Weight Management Program addresses the
social, psychological and physical concerns about obesity in “The Emerging Epidemic: Strategies for Treating the Overweight and Obese Individual.” The conference takes place at the Embassy Suites Hotel on the Country Club Plaza, Saturday Oct. 23, from 1-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
To register, or for information about costs and continuing education credits, call Barbara Miles at 913-897-8528.
Information can also be obtained by visiting the conference website at <www.kumc.edu/kuce/kumcce>.

Physical therapy month
In recognition of Physical Therapy Month, KU Med’s Physical Therapy Department invites all employees to participate in a wheelchair obstacle course Wednesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the link hallway by the Main Cafeteria. Physical therapists will also staff an information booth and award prizes to those who test their knowledge on a variety of subjects.
Financial seminar
KU Med Books will sponsor the seminar “How Do You Know When You’re Financially Healthy?” at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 in Rieke Auditorium. The bookstore will subsidize $5 of the normal $10 fee. The remaining $5 is due at the door. To attend, RSVP to the bookstore by Oct. 27.
Breast cancer prevention
The Kansas Cancer Institute and the Kansas City Clinical Oncology Program will sponsor “Breast Cancer Prevention: Incorporating New Data into Clinical Practice” on Friday, Nov. 5 at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park. There is no registration fee for the symposium, although pre-registration is recommended by Oct. 29. Continuing education credits are available. For more information or to register, call ext. 4716.
Long term care symposium
The Center on Aging and KU Continuing Education will host the Sixth Annual Heartland Long Term Care Symposium, “Improving the Quality of Care in the Long Term Care Continuum,” Nov. 12 in Battenfeld Auditorium. Daniel L. Swagerty Jr., MD, MPH, CMD, associate director of the Center on Aging, will act as moderator. Fees range from $30 for residents and students to $175 for physicians. Those who register by Oct. 29 will receive a $10 discount. Continuing education credits are available. For more information or to register, call ext. 4488.

FOR SALE:
Red enamel toddler bed in great cond., $20. Call Ruth, 381-1612, after 5 p.m.
Recliner w/matching sofa-recliner, overstuffed style w/taupe & neutral tones, very good cond., $350. Call 432-5712 during the day.
Whirlpool large capacity washer & electric dryer, 14 yrs. old but in exc. cond., both run great, $200 for pair. Call 648-8364.
Bridal gown, size 6, never worn, beaded satin bodice, long sleeves, sweetheart opening in back w/beads cascading down into opening, skirt has 4 layers of Tulle on top of satin slip, paid $700, will sacrifice for $200 firm. Call 334-1117 or e-mail iceskter@unicom.net.
Childcraft infant/convertible toddler crib, slightly used, new mattress, paid $350 new, will sell for $150, negotiable. Call Edith, 816-356-2647 evenings.
Sofa, full-sized, tan striped, wood trim, $55.
Call 897-5541.
Queen-size foam and waterbed, w/free-flow bladder, heater, liner, $200 OBO. Call 321-6755.
Fashion ring, 14K gold, size 5, 23 tapered baguettes, appraised at $660, will sell for $500; bridal ring set, size 5, 14K gold band w/marquis & 6 tapered baguettes,
16-point diamonds, appraised at $2,695, will sell for $1,500; white wedding gown w/bustled train, size 10, cleaned & preserved, veil & shoes size 8M, will sell for $1,000. Call 362-2349.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1990 Nissan Sentra, 4-dr., 5-spd., A/C, new tires, great car, $2,650. Call 441-8560.
1991 Mitsubishi Galant deluxe, 50K mi., first owner, new auto trans.& brakes. Call 6498477 or 388-0415.
1991 Volvo 240, 110K mi., runs well, needs minor body repair, great safe student or second car, $3,000 OBO.
Call 523-8536.
1989 Mercury Cougar LS, runs great, looks good, exc. interior, power windows, locks and seats, A/C, high mileage but mostly highway, great school car, must sell, $2,500. Call Jim, 438-9769.
1986 Pontiac 6000 STE, 127K mi., loaded, $1,500; new BF Goodrich tires, all-terrain T/A, 33/12.5-15, $400.
Call 342-6758.
PETS:
Free gerbils, all black w/white stripe on front feet, born 9-19-99. Call Frank, 454-1034, before 9 p.m.
Free to a loving home, beautiful Australian shepherd, neutered, 3 yrs. old. Call 913-339-6395.
WANTED:
Ride from the vicinity 40 Highway and Blue Ridge Cutoff. Call Larry, 353-2751, after 6 p.m.
HELP WANTED:
Student needed in Department of Information Resources-Administrative Office. Duties include filing, data entry, and assisting with training and travel. PC and word processing experience needed. Must be enrolled in at least one credit hour of school and be at least 16 years of age. Flexible hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Salary $7-$7.50 depending on experience. If interested, drop off resume and application at G031 Sudler. Specify Admin. Student Position on application.
STUDY SUBJECTS:
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers with Fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome, one-month through five years of age, to participate in non-invasive study of neurocognitive development. Involves 1-2 hour visit to the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab for the recording of event-related brain potentials (ERPs or “brain waves”) and brief parental interview on telephone. For more information contact Jennifer Hill Karrer, PhD, 588-5956.

coming
UP

Friday, October 22:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Grand Rounds, “Predicting Alcoholism in Males: Results of a 30-Year Prospective Study,” 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
Monday, October 25:
•    Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group,
noon-1:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.
•    Grief-Loss Support Group, 3-4 p.m., Radiation Oncology Conference Room.
Tuesday, October 26:
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment,
1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine.
•    Center on Aging Research Seminar, “Research Programs for Elders:
Technology in the Home,” 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
Wednesday October 27:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series,
9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Med.
•    KU Med Auxiliary Luncheon,
11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria
•    Community Health Seminar, “Analysis of Various Media for Organic Compounds,” noon-1 p.m., 1023 Orr-Major.
•    KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m.,
3041 Wescoe.
•    Stroke Support Group, 2-3 p.m.,
Westwood City Hall, 47th & Rainbow.
•    National Stuttering Project (NSP) Support Group, 7-9 p.m., 1018 Orr-Major.
Thursday, October 28:
•    Research Seminar, “Polypharmacy:
So Who’s Counting?” noon-1 p.m.,
G576 KU Med.
•    Lung Transplant Support Group,
noon-2 p.m., Westwood City Hall,
47th & Rainbow.
•    Burn Patient Family Support Group,
6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.
•    Halloween Dress-Up party, 6-7 p.m., Community Room, KU MedWest.

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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