28 OCTOBER 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 33

United Way campaign draws on ‘personal best’ to aid area youth

The campus-wide United Way campaign prepared to wrap up Friday, Oct. 29, following a week of activities highlighted by employees pledging their “personal best” to help area children and youth.

Heather Loftiss, Pediatrics, left, and Amy Howle, Kirmayer Fitness Center,
earned smiles from 10-month-old Kaleb McDaniel in the Pediatric Pavilion
Oct. 26. Howle and other United Way Committee members gave treats and
stickers to children in the unit as part of the United Way campaign week festivities.

The week’s events included drawings for prizes and appearances by representatives from local agencies that benefit from United Way. Proceeds from this year’s campaign will help support such agencies as the Kaw Valley Center, Associated Youth Services of Kansas City, Kan., and the Kansas Children’s League. These agencies, and others in the area designated by Community Care, receive funds because they have a proven track record for producing results.
“We’re very grateful to every-one who participated in this year’s campaign,” said Shelley Bratton, senior coordinator, Alumni and Community Relations. “Their support is the promise of a better future for area children in need.”

Susan Pingleton to head prestigious physician group

Susan K. Pingleton, MD, FCCP, professor of medicine, director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division and medical director of MICU, has been named president of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).

Susan K. Pingleton, MD

Dr. Pingleton will be inaugurated at “CHEST 1999,” the 65th anniversary of the ACCP, to be held in Chicago Oct. 31 through Nov. 4.
The ACCP is comprised of nearly 15,000 members in over 100 countries worldwide, who specialize in various multidisciplinary areas of chest medicine. The ACCP provides physicians, researchers, and health-care practitioners such resources as continuing education, consensus statements, clinical practice guidelines and representation in government public affairs.
Dr. Pingleton has held many ACCP leadership positions. In addition to being a member of the ACCP Board of Regents from 1991 to 1998, she has served as ACCP governor for Kansas, director of the Critical Care Board Review Course, chair of the Council of Governors, chair of the Marketing Committee, and chair of the Manpower and Training Committee.
“The ACCP is on the cutting edge of where medical organizations should be,” Dr. Pingleton said. “The College is absolutely poised for the challenges of the 21st century—expanding its membership opportunities, enhancing its educational resources, and ultimately ensuring that patients with chest diseases are well-served.”

Executive Forum

For KU Med, it has truly
been ‘A Remarkable Year’

Irene Cumming
President and CEO
KU Med

It has been a remarkable first year for KU Med.
As the region’s premier academic medical center, KU Med serves the greater Kansas City community and the citizens of the State of Kansas with unparalleled patient care.
Historically, the hospital was founded in 1905. Yet in many ways, KU Med celebrated its first anniversary on Oct. 1, 1999. That is the date this new organization was created by the State of Kansas to give the hospital the flexibility to compete in the health care marketplace. Today, the hospital is entirely self-supporting and receives no direct state funding.
As noted at this week’s first anniversary celebration, we have worked hard during this first year to achieve excellence in three fundamental areas of hospital operation: quality, cost (financial strength) and service.
The high quality of health care services provided by KU Med is substantiated by the recent “Accreditation with Commendation” designation awarded by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), placing KU Med among the top hospitals in the nation. Our financial strength is evidenced by the “AAA” rating given to our recent issue of revenue bonds. And our service is demonstrated every day by our commitment to developing and maintaining a patient-centered culture. Everything we do here is for the patient.
With thanks to our outstanding board of directors, physician partners, professional staff and employees and our many constituents throughout the state, I am pleased to have presided over this first, truly remarkable year. With your help, we look forward to many more successes and achievements in the years
to come.

This weekend’s Gala will
highlight medical research

Donald Hagen, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor
University of Kansas Health Science Schools

Often when I meet with community groups and organizations, people want to know more about our medical research and our educational programs. They want to know more about what is going on here. About a year ago, we decided we should have an event in Kansas City, which would highlight medical research and would honor a national figure during the event. This is how this weekend’s KU Medical Center Gala was “born.”
Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, MD, has agreed to be our guest of honor, and we are planning a weekend celebration around his visit. He will be meeting with students in Battenfeld Auditorium at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 30. Then, he will attend and visit with our medical school faculty at a noon luncheon meeting, which will conclude the annual faculty retreat.
That evening, Dr. Koop will be honored at the Gala, being held at the Hyatt Regency. Anne Peterson, from KCTV-5, is the event’s master of ceremonies, and the “Capital Steps” from Washington D.C., will be the entertainment.
Gala sponsors are community leaders and leading area organizations. The Gala has received support from throughout the area. Everyone has been positive and excited about our first annual event. Virtually all of the tables are sold for the event, which is an incredible feat for a first-time event.
Now, we need to be sure the Saturday morning student event is well attended. I hope all the students will turn out to meet this important and recognized national physician leader, Dr. Koop. This truly will be a weekend of fun.

student NEWS

Learning Resources Office
The Learning Resources Office, in the Student Counseling Center (Room G116 in the Student Center), offers free educational support services to all enrolled KU medical, nursing, allied health, and graduate students. Services include alternative study strategies, reading comprehension, time management/organizational skills, test-taking skills, managing test anxiety, assistance in reviewing APA style research papers, and screening assessment of reading skills. In addition, students may participate in individual or group preparation for licensure or registry exams. The office is open 8 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Phyllis Budin, ext. 4688, or e-mail <pbudin>.

Health service grants
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) is accepting applications for Health Services Dissertation Research Grants. Students must be enrolled in an accredited doctoral degree program that requires a dissertation based on original research. The dissertation must be part of the program and in an area of interest to AHCPR. Total direct costs for the project must not exceed $30,000. The application deadline is Nov. 15. For more information, contact
301-594-1449, or e-mail <training@ahcpr.gov>.

Block joins KU Med executive team

Margaret Block has joined the KU Med executive team
as vice president of human resources.

Margaret Block

Block has 19 years of human resources experience in both health care and industry settings. Most recently, she was vice president for human resource operations-metropolitan division for Texas Health Resources in Dallas, a 12-hospital not-for-profit health system. Block previously served as director, human resources for Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and as vice president, human resources for Touro Infirmary, New Orleans. She earned a BS in psychology and an MS in organizational psychology from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas.
Block officially began her duties Oct. 25. Her office is in 5021 Delp.

Halling, Henry to lead Dietetics and Nutrition

James Halling, MS, RD, LD, chair of the Dietetics
and Nutrition Department in the School of Allied Health (SAH) and director of the KU Med Dietetics and Nutrition Department, has been appointed full time chair of Dietetics and Nutrition in the SAH.

James Halling

Halling held both the SAH and KU Med positions for the past 10 years. He has been instrumental in developing programs to increase awareness of the importance of nutrition, and in integrating the educational and clinical components of the dietetics and nutrition program. The recent appointment will allow Halling to devote 100 percent of his time to the teaching, research and service mission of the SAH.

Pam Henry

Pam Henry has been appointed director of Dietetics and Nutrition for KU Med. Henry holds a BS in dietetics and an MS in institutional management. She joined KU in 1980 and has served as a generalist dietitian, Information Systems dietitian, assistant director and associate director with oversight responsibilities for all department functions. Henry has held several elected positions in the American Dietetic Association and is currently serving a three-year appointment as a management delegate on the Council of Professional Issues. In addition to her role as director, Henry will be a courtesy instructor for the SAH.

Front & Center

Eugene Descoteaux, Rehab Services, was a participant
in the wheelchair obstacle course Oct. 27, one of several
activities sponsored by the Physical Therapy Department
to recognize Physical Therapy Month.

David Robinson, MD, for whom Robinson Building is named, was among the 35 former rehabilitation patients and their relatives who attended a Sept. 16 reunion with the health care professionals who cared for them. As a result of a fall, Dr. Robinson suffered a sub-dural hematoma for which surgery and then rehab was required. With him are some of his care givers, Diana Moser, CTRS, left; Abna Ogle, MD; Sonja Pittrich, PT; Terri Foley, OTR, and Jill Georges, SLP.

KU Med Auxiliary members Carolyn Warren, left, Celia Arnold and Rebekah Mani
presided over the opening of the annual Auxiliary Bazaar, Oct. 27 in the Main Lobby
of KU Med. Warren is Auxiliary co-president. Mani served as Bazaar coordinator.

Del Rey, KU School of Medicine Class of 2003, left, met with
Ron Lawson, director of physician services, Hertzler Clinic,
Halstead Hospital, Halstead, Kan., one of 21 exhibitors at the
recent Kansas Practice Opportunities Conference.

S.J. Enna, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Pharmacology,
Toxicology and Therapeutics, was a speaker at a recent Mini Medical School
session. The school, which features KU health professionals discussing
medical topics for a general audience, is sponsored by the KU School of Medicine.

Senior Respiratory Care students Davia Jewett, left, and Charity Clark
offered a variety of yummy treats to passersby at the Respiratory Care
Education bake sale in Orr-Major Oct. 26. The sale was held to raise
money for the senior class composite photo.

Deborah Powell, MD, KU School of Medicine executive dean, hosted an Oct. 19 reception to introduce the School of Medicine Academic Societies. Each medical student will be assigned to one of the six societies, which are sponsored by faculty members who act as mentors. The societies are designed to enhance student and faculty interaction on both the academic and social levels. With Dean Powell is John Calkins, MD, professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, an Academic Society director. Inset: Robert Hudson, MD, professor emeritus, Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine, provided a brief history of former School of Medicine leaders for whom the societies are named.

The Jaystork Transport Team gathered for training last week on transporting
critical neonatal patients. The team specializes in critical care transport for
neonates and children.

READY FOR Y2K
Y2K planning continues

With only 64 days left until Jan. 1, 2000, the Y2K Team is continuing to move forward on Y2K readiness issues.
Biomedical testing of patient care equipment, which totals 8,012 items, is largely complete. KU Med personnel should no longer use patient care equipment with yellow stickers.
Of the 211 active software applications used within the hospital, 95 percent have been tested, and the remaining 5 percent will be tested by mid-November. All hospital personal computers have been upgraded with compliant operating systems and patches.
All critical vendors have been contacted to make sure utilities and supplies will continue to be available.
Most departments have completed detail level contingency plans. These plans are now being finalized.
In coming weeks, the Y2K Team will finish contingency planning and build upon the Zero Day planning effort, to ensure that KU Med is as prepared as possible for any sort of Y2K event. If you have any concerns, questions or ideas, call the Help Desk, ext. 4894.
Be Aware: Last week, U.S. Navy personnel warned users worldwide that an e-mail attachment made to look as if it were from Microsoft actually contained “malicious routines designed to corrupt or delete data in a user’s computer.” The attachment was made to appear like a utility to check a system’s readiness for Y2K. Never open or download attachments received from parties you do not know.

November survey will gauge employee satisfaction

KU Med employees will have a chance to voice their opinions when the hospital conducts its second Employee Opinion Survey, Nov. 8 through 18.
“Employee satisfaction is directly linked to patient satisfaction,” said Vice President of Organizational Improvement Bob Page-Adams. “To create our service culture at KU Med, we need to retain those people who share a passion for service.”
The survey is designed to find out how employees feel about a variety of topics. It will include questions about benefits, the environment, communication, trust, recognition, teamwork, flexibility and how well people understand the mission and goals of KU Med. Survey sessions will be offered at various times and places across campus so that employees from all shifts can participate. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. To ensure confidentiality, no names will be listed on the survey.
“We urge all employees to participate,” Page-Adams said. “Many decisions are made and priorities set based on the results of the survey, so it’s important to gather input from as many people as possible.”
He added that many improvements to the hospital, such as updating décor and revising outdated policies, resulted from issues raised by employees in last year’s survey.
“If issues of importance to employees are not surfaced, things cannot be improved,” Page-Adams said. “This hospital belongs to all of us, and we all need to help identify issues that will make it a better place to work.”

KU Med Employee Opinion Survey
Monday, Nov. 8   
10 a.m.-noon    Rieke Auditorium
3-5 p.m.    Rieke Auditorium
Tuesday, Nov. 9   
1-3 p.m.    Rieke Auditorium
7-9 p.m.    Wyandotte Room
Wednesday, Nov. 10   
9:30-11:30 a.m.    Sudler Auditorium
Friday, Nov. 12   
1-3 p.m.    Sudler Auditorium
Monday, Nov. 15   
10 a.m.-noon    Wahl Hall East
2-4 p.m.    Wahl Hall East
Tuesday, Nov. 16   
6-9 a.m.    Wahl Hall East
3-5 p.m.    Wahl Hall East
Wednesday, Nov. 17   
7-9 p.m.    Wyandotte Room
Thursday, Nov. 18   
6-9 a.m.    Rieke Auditorium
2-4 p.m.    Rieke Auditorium

Busted!
Nearly 100 KU Medical Center employees will be jailed following a mass arrest on Nov. 4, 1999. The reason? To help raise money for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 1999 campaign, “Crimes of the Heart.” Arrestees will be detained in the “KU Jailhouse,” located in the Prairie Room of Delp Cafeteria, under the watchful eye of Judge Heartless (a.k.a. Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, professor and chair, Occupational Therapy Education.) Those arrested can be released only by raising “bail,” which will go to the AHA to continue the fight against cardiovascular disease. To participate in the event, or for more information, contact Schontell Banks, ext. 5907.
Encore Customer Service
All employees are invited to participate in Encore Customer Service, the customer relations program offered by University Human Resources. The program focuses
on communication and positive public impressions, and gives participants a chance to share their ideas regarding customer service in the medical center. Two sessions will be offered, Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. KU Med (hospital) employees may attend with permission from their department heads. To enroll, call University Human Resources, ext. 5099.

Freaky Friday
On Friday, Oct. 29, Halloween will make an early appearance at KU Med. The annual Halloween party for pediatric patients will take place at 1 p.m. in the Pediatric Classroom, 5559 KU Hospital. Treats will be collected for children who are unable to attend the party, such as those in the Burnett Burn Unit or Pediatric ICU. If you wish to participate or donate treats, call Kathy Davis, ext. 6305 or e-mail <kdavis2>.
Tobacco intervention
The University of Kansas Continuing Education Department, the KU School of Medicine’s Department of Preventive Medicine and the Kansas Cancer Institute invite faculty, staff and students to the “Effective Tobacco Interventions for Patients and Communities” conference Nov. 19 and 20 at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. To register or for more information, contact Continuing Education, ext. 4488, or email <ceinfo>.
Cancer Information Service
The National Cancer Institute has again chosen the University of Kansas Medical Center to operate its Cancer Information Service (CIS). The CIS is a toll-free cancer hotline for the American public. One of 14 organizations nationwide selected to operate the service, KU will provide up-to-date information on cancer research, treatment, diagnosis and prevention in simple terms that callers can understand. The hotline, which serves callers in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Illinois, can be accessed by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.
Annual safety training
All KU Med and University of Kansas employees who have not completed mandatory safety training within the past year must do so by Dec. 15. The Safety Office offers on-line training at the Safety homepage, www2.kumc.edu/safety/. Simply click on “Training,” select the appropriate job category and complete the nine modules and quizzes. Classroom sessions will also be offered, which consist of the modules followed by a quiz. Sessions will be held Nov. 3, noon-2 p.m., in Rieke Auditorium, Nov. 4, 6-8 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., in Wahl East Auditorium, and Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Wahl East Auditorium. If you have questions or for more information, call ext. 6126.

FOR SALE:
Need to sell ASAP, just in time for the holidays, oak dining room furniture and hutch, only 2 yrs. old and few uses, includes dining room table (120” total w/2 leaves), 6 chairs, 2 arm chairs & hutch w/3 glass cabinet doors & lots of storage space, $1,500. Call 438-7338.
Sprint PCS Sony digital phone w/current upgrades, $60. Call 226-7046.
Beautiful 0.6 carat weight heart-shaped diamond solitaire set in 14 kt gold, appraised at $2,500, asking $1,300. Call 648-3218 after 6 p.m.
Extra large capacity washer/elec. dryer, one owner, runs perfect, almond, $350. Call 816-279-2343.
Patio table & 4 chairs, green & white aluminum, $150. Call 763-9550.
Sofa, full-sized, tan striped, wood trim, $55. Call 897-5541.
King-size waterbed, oak, headboard has mirror, 2 lights & cabinets. Call Debbie, 444-0779.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1997 Mercury Tracer LS, 4-dr., auto., A/C, new brakes, CD player, like new, 48K miles, $7,700.
Call 432-4928.
1946 Ford pickup truck, all orig., great restoration project, $1,000; also new Rainbow vacuum cleaner, less than 1 yr. old, $1,000, or will trade both items for a 1995 or newer good running vehicle. Call Angie,
816-836-8333.
WANTED:
Ride from the vicinity of 40 Highway and Blue Ridge Cutoff. Call Larry, 353-2751, after 6 p.m.

KU Med to recognize employees on Nov. 5

KU Med will honor all hospital employees with service of five years or more at two Hospital Employee Recognition Ceremonies, Thursday, Nov. 5 in the Fountain Courtyard.
At a brunch from 9-11 a.m., KU Med President and CEO Irene Cumming and other medical center leaders will recognize employees with 25 or more years of service. During a reception from 2-5 p.m., all employees with five to 25 years of service will be honored. Employees eligible to attend will receive an invitation. Those honored will receive a service pin and a T-shirt during the festivities.

KC READS benefit

KC READS will benefit from the Will Shields’ Sixth Annual Celebrity Waiter Night, an opening event for the new Pierpont’s Restaurant at Union Station, Monday, Nov. 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Mary Witt, 842-8718.

coming
UP

Friday, October 29:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, “Cardiovascular Effects of Antidepressants,” 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    KU HOP quarterly meeting, 10 a.m.-noon, 2004 Orr Major.
Monday, November 1:
•    Free prostate cancer screenings, KU Cancer Center, call ext. 4780 for an appointment.
•    Preventive Medicine Seminar, “Evaluation of AHCPR Guidelines and Recommendations for Pregnant Smokers in Medicare Maternity Care,” noon-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
•    KUMC Student Wellness Program, “Discovering Balance: Making Quick, Healthy Meals on a Student Budget,” noon-1 p.m., Rieke Auditorium.
•    Grief-Loss Support Group, 3-4 p.m., Radiation Oncology Conference Room.
Tuesday, November 2:
•    Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round Table, “Controversies in the Treatment of Malignant Melanomas,” noon-1 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
•    Center On Aging Research Seminar, “Treatment of Geriatric Depression In Long Term Care,” 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
Wednesday, November 3:
•    KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
•    Community Health Seminar, “Laboratory Methods in the Diagnosis of STD’s,” noon-1 p.m., 1023 Orr-Major.
•    Liver Transplant Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Prairie Room, Delp Cafeteria.
Thursday, November 4:
•    Healthy Steps, Classics Story Time, 10-11 a.m., Community Room, KU MedWest.
•    Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30-7 p.m., Radiation Oncology Conference 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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