December 9, 1998 Vol. 20, No. 49

KUMC receives Award for Excellence

    KU Medical Center takes pride in its effective leadership, focus on learning, and system-wide commitment to improvement. Recently, those qualities earned the medical center the Level I "Commitment to Excellence" Award, part of the State of Kansas Award for Excellence program.
    The program was launched in 1995 to promote performance excellence and a philosophy of continuous improvement among organizations of all kinds throughout Kansas. Organizations are assessed in seven areas: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; information and analysis; human resource focus; process management, and organizational performance results.
    The award was determined by a panel of business experts, which evaluated the Medical Center’s performance in each of the seven assessment areas. KUMC was cited for several strengths: a system-wide commitment to continuous improvement; strong leadership including the participation of physicians; systematic data collection; effective performance measurement systems, and a strong focus on doing what is right for its patients.

Hearing tests offered to all newborns

Teresa Kilkenny, RN, administers the otoacoustic emissions test to newborns in the Mother Baby Unit. Photo by Leslie Champlin.

All new parents at KU Medical Center will have the chance to test their newborns' hearing before leaving the hospital under a new program offered through the newborn nursery and the Hearing and Speech Department.
Called otoacoustic emissions, the brief, painless procedure determines whether a baby's cochlea-the seashell-shaped bundle of nerves and fluid inside the ear-is properly sending sound signals to the brain. The test grew from research showing that the ear's cochlea sends a tiny echo back out the ear canal when it picks up sound. When no echo can be detected, the test indicates a possible hearing loss. KU Medical Center was among the first academic health centers in the nation to test the technology for clinical use.    
During the test, audiologists place a tiny device in the baby's ear canal. The device makes clicking noises and a microphone records echoes from the cochlea. If no echoes occur, follow-up testing is recommended, said Susan Trouba, KUMC audiologist.
"If we identify a hearing problem, the babies will be seen by their own physicians or an ear-nose-and-throat specialist to rule out anything that can be medically or surgically treated,” said Trouba. “Then, a series of diagnostic tests will be performed to learn more about the hearing loss. We also want to get hearing aids on the children and get them into an intervention program as soon as possible."   
The immediacy of such treatment stems from studies indicating speech and language development begins at birth. Without the ability to hear and differentiate the sounds of language, a child quickly falls behind, not only in speech and language, but also in emotional and social development and later in academic performance.

Don’t miss the ‘Winter Wonderland’ holiday party Dec. 16

    The "Winter Wonderland" Holiday Party for employees and students will be 2 to 4:30 p.m and 10 p.m. to midnight in Hixson Atrium Dec. 16. The party will feature entertainment, food, pictures with Santa, prizes and a gingerbread house contest. Greeting guests will be Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, and KU Hospital CEO and President Irene Cumming.
    "I'm excited about this opportunity for everyone at the university and the hospital to gather together and celebrate the holidays," Dr. Hagen said. "This year, we have some exciting events and prizes, so I urge everyone to attend."
    "The holiday party is one way we can say 'Thank you' to everyone for their hard work over the past year, especially during the transition to the Hospital Authority," Cumming added.
    To enter the gingerbread house contest, contact Mary Jo Williams, ext. 5248, by Dec. 11. Department managers whose entire departments can’t attend should contact Jennifer Rodvelt, ext. 1498, or e-mail <jrodvelt> by Dec. 11.

Donald Hagen, EVC

It must be the full moon! My first hint that last week would be an interesting one was the power outage Tuesday when the construction crew hit a high voltage wire. I want to commend our nursing faculty for their dedication as they worked in the semi-light to archive their office files. This extra effort will make your move easier, believe me. I'm really proud of your commitment.
The rumors last week have also been interesting. Let me assure you that they are absolutely false! The missions and goals of the university and the hospital are intricately tied to serving our students and caring for our patients. The hospital staff has a profound challenge to develop a new, multi-million dollar operation almost from the ground up, and they are making progress. In our new relationship, there will be times when specific implementation of our common goals may vary. That is okay and to be expected. Members of the hospital staff are our close partners, and we will continue to work together. Once the final affiliation agreements are completed, much of the ambiguity will be clarified.
Last week five of our educators, researchers and clinicians were honored by the Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Carol Fabian, MD; Grace Holmes, MD; Norge Jerome, PhD; Lillian Pardo, MD, and Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, were nominated by their co-workers, family and community supporters for the outstanding work they do each and every day. These health care professionals are dedicated to improving the quality of life of their patients and our community.
As the holiday moves into full swing, I find how dependent I am on our campus-wide event calendar on PULSE. I encourage each of you to add your events to our campus calendar. Soon, this handy tool will become invaluable to our planning. Take a look at your home pages on PULSE. Are they up-to-date? Are all of you listed in the directory? The PULSE Directory is our official source for phone calls and other information. Make it easy on our co-workers and our general public to contact you.
Thanks for supporting the brave folks who joined me for our first KU HOP Talk Show. We had a lot of fun bringing you information about the many wonderful programs that serve the citizens of Kansas.
Finally, this is that special time in our academic calendar when it all comes together for our students. Yes, it's time for final exams. I know you all have worked hard this semester. Good luck and best wishes!

What’s New

Santa to visit Kirmayer Center Dec. 9
    Santa will ride his sleigh into the Kirmayer Fitness Center Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. to hear requests from all good boys and girls. Those who wish to have their photo taken with Santa will receive a complimentary picture in a holiday photo jacket. All KUMC families are invited to attend.

Film Series presents movie on Alzheimer's Disease Dec. 10
    The Intercultural Film Series will present "Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter" Thursday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. in Sudler Auditorium. The award-winning film portrays how Alzheimer's Disease affects the daily life of a woman and the impact the disease has on her family. Refreshments will be served at 4:30 p.m. An open discussion will follow the film.

Alzheimer's Disease Center offers support groups
    The Alzheimer's Disease Center offers a free caregiver's workshop on the second Thursday of each month. The next workshop will be Thursday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood Room of Delp Cafeteria. The Center also conducts a support group for family and friends of Alzheimer's sufferers. The group meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Cottonwood Room. The next meeting will be Dec. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring a brown bag lunch.

Student groups host 'Toy-Land' Formal
    The Latino Midwest Medical Student Association and the Student National Medical Association will stage the Winter "Toy-Land" Formal Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., in the Grinter Heritage Center, 1420 S. 78th Street. All KUMC students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Interested parties are asked to bring a toy for a deserving child. Dinner and musical entertainment will be provided. Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to make a toy donation can do so at boxes located near the main and Delp cafeterias, and in Wahl Hall East, Rieke, KU Bookstore and the Murphy Building. Tickets are $10 with a toy or $15 without a toy, and are on sale during the lunch hour outside the ERC.

Cancer Institute research round table set for Dec. 15
    The next Kansas Cancer Institute research round table is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15, noon to 1 p.m., in Lied Auditorium. William R. Jewell, MD, professor of surgery and director of the institute will present "What We Have Learned from Clinical Trials."

Clendening Library exhibit features vintage Chinese health posters
    An exhibit of Chinese public health posters from the 1930s, '40s and '50s will be on display beginning Dec. 14 in the foyer of the Clendening Library/History of Medicine Department. The exhibit is presented by the History and Philosophy of Medicine Department's Clendening History of Medicine Museum. It will run through March.

Fitness Center offers 'Holiday S.O.S.' massages
    The Kirmayer Fitness Center is offering a "Holiday Stressed Out Special" on massages. Kirmayer members can help relieve holiday anxieties with three one-hour massages for $90; non-members receive the three-massage package for $100. The special also includes three half-hour massages for $45 to members, or $55 for non-members. Gift certificates are available. The offer runs through Dec. 30. Massages must be completed by Jan. 29.

Parking Lot shuttle ervice to begin in early 1999

KUMC employees who park in yellow lots will soon have an alternative to long wintertime treks to and from the medical center, thanks to a regularly scheduled shuttle service set to begin early next year.
The Parking and Landscape Services Department has recently ordered a 15 passenger airport-style shuttle van, which will provide free, dedicated shuttle service between parking lots and the KUMC campus throughout the morning and afternoon hours, said Rick Johnson, director major division for the KU Medical Center Police. Service will begin when the van, which was purchased through employee parking permit revenues, is delivered shortly after the first of the year.
As a convenience to employees waiting for the van, KU Hospital has purchased a shelter for each of the three yellow lots. The shelters are expected to be delivered and placed in lots within the next four to six weeks.
Johnson added that the shuttle service will make it easier for employees to park away from the complex, and should address recent problems with employee parking in the Cambridge and Olathe parking facilities. As a reminder, it is crucial to ensure adequate, convenient parking for patients and visitors to the medical center. All KUMC employees-including temporary employees-must have a permit to park in Cambridge or Olathe. Permits are available from the parking office, Support Services Facility, 2100 W. 36th Ave. Employee parking in garages is limited to upper levels. Campus police are continuing to monitor traffic and stamped time tickets at both facilities. Violators receive a $50 fine.
Exact shuttle service hours of operation will be determined soon and published in a future edition of Topics.

KU HOP Talk Show combines humor, information

"Johnny Carson," a.k.a. Executive Vice Chancellor Don Hagen, chats with KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway during the KU HOP Talk Show. Hemenway described Initiative 2001 and his vision
for the university. Photo by Leslie Champlin.

    Laughter and camaraderie filled Battenfeld Auditorium Dec. 3 when KU Medical Center leadership staged a unique version of "The Johnny Carson Show" to highlight the activities of the KU Health Outreach Programs.
    The program, the KU HOP Talk Show, featured information about the medical center's numerous education, research and service outreach programs. Among the areas highlighted were the Area Health Education Centers, the Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, and the Rural Health Education and Services programs.
    Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, and Joseph Meek, MD, dean of the School of Medicine, Wichita, teamed up as Johnny and sidekick Ed McMahon, respectively. Together, they introduced a cast of characters who combined humor and information to tout KUMC's many interdisciplinary programs.

School of Nursing to offer on-line degree Program for Registered Nurses

A nationally recognized leader in web-based education, the University of Kansas School of Nursing is putting registered nurses on the fast track toward their bachelor's degrees with a new on-line degree completion program.
The on-line RN-to-BSN program will eliminate distance as a barrier to advanced nursing education by enabling registered nurses with associate degrees to pursue bachelor's degrees in nursing without leaving their communities.
"For many nurses in rural areas, the traditional classroom is not an option because of the long distances they must travel to attend class," said Helen Connors, RN, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at the KU School of Nursing and the driving force behind the program.    
With 64 of 105 counties in Kansas designated as medically underserved, Connors hopes this program will improve access to health care for citizens in Kansas City and across Kansas and the nation.
The program is another effort by the School of Nursing to address predicted national shortages and imbalances in the nursing workforce. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Nursing, predicts that demand will outpace the supply of registered nurses by 2010. The School’s new online program and existing programs will prepare registered nurses that can help fill the expected void, said Connors.
Funded through a three-year, $595,000 grant from the DHHS Division of Nursing, the program stems from area registered nurses who requested a degree completion program to fit their personal and professional lives. While the program is still under development, the KU School of Nursing currently has several RN-to-BSN program required courses on-line. The rest will be ready by June 2000. The School's Student Affairs Office is currently accepting applications for the web-based program.

Classifieds

For Sale

Table, 3 x 5 ft., beveled plate glass, with four upholstered dining chairs. Excellent condition, elegant looking. Call 362-1860.

White and oak kitchen table with four chairs, $100 OBO. Call 780-3391.

Canon PC-14 copier, tabletop size, needs new paper rollers, repair estimate $50. Sell for $35. Solid oak coffee table, 27 x 60 in., excellent condition, $20. New black designer ladies suit, 3 pc. w/holiday blouse, size 12 petite, $50. New aqua party dress, rhinestone trim, size 12 petite, $30. Call 438-5043.

HP Color Deskjet 660CSE printer, all manuals and disks, nearly new cartridges. $100 OBO. Call Tammison 498-1156.

Computer. PC, monitor (three years old) and brand new printer that has never been used. $600 OBO. Call Erin, 432-9291. Please leave message if not home.

Chain-link dog kennel, 12 ½ ft. long x 7 ft. wide x 7 ft. tall, only eight months old, $140 OBO. Call 390-9329.

Queen size wave-reduction waterbed, includes everything. Call Kathy, 764-7657.

Skutt kiln, approx. four years old, 9 in. deep x 13 in. diam., runs on 110 household current, kiln sitter w/auto shut-off, excellent condition, $300 firm. Call 453-6111.

Hide-a-bed, loveseat size, Simmons mattress, beige, $100 firm. Call 453-6111.

Baby-changing table, white wood, very clean and in good condition, $30. Call 453-6111.

Automotive

1991 Ford Escort, two-door, dark blue with pinstripe, 84K miles, new brakes and tires, tinted windows, AM/FM cassette, excellent on gas, clean dependable car, must sell, make offer. Call 385-2814.

1987 Plymouth Voyager mini-van, Mitsubishi engine, high miles, needs some parts, good tires, $1,600. Call 531-6183.

1986 Ford XLT 4 x 4 truck, automatic, tilt steering, A/C, P/B, some rust, asking $3,500. Call 257-2139.

1994 Nissan Pathfinder SE, 4X4, auto, sunroof, alarm package, fully loaded, 86K miles, sharp and exc. condition, $13,000. Call 585-9807 after 7 p.m.

Wanted

Ride from Strawberry Hill, to arrive at KUMC from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. Call 281-1078.

Used drum set for young drummer. Contact Jane Vogl at 831-0942 between 8 and 10 p.m.

For Rent: Townhouse, 2br, 1 ½ ba, new carpet and paint. Within walking distance of KU Hospital, $575/mo. Call 989-7876.

Roommate wanted: Non-smoking, female roommate to share roomy 3br, 2ba duplex within 1 mile of KUMC. Includes large kitchen, two living rooms and garage space for two cars. Rent is $325 + utilities. Available as late as Jan. 15. Call Kimberly, 340-7876 (day).

Pets

Two cats need new home. Owner moving. Both cats female, one long-haired calico, one short-haired black, both spayed. Call 822-0592.

School of Nursing students to begin clinical practicums

Beginning in January, more than 100 KU School of Nursing seniors will gain valuable real-world experience as they take to area hospitals, schools and community health departments to complete the clinical experience portion of their training.
During the semester-long clinical practicum, students supplement their studies by working 24 hours a week with registered nurses who serve as preceptors. In making the assignments to clinical settings, School of Nursing faculty focused on meeting students' professional goals and personal interests. Students were placed in major health care facilities in the Kansas City area, as well as schools and community health care settings across northeast Kansas.

Kirmayer Fitness Center offers 'Zest For Life' program

The Kirmayer Fitness Center will introduce a new program called Zest For Life beginning Jan. 7. The weekly program is designed to help increase awareness of important health and fitness issues, and to provide participants with a wide variety of activities, educational seminars, video and audio tapes and special events that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The program is available to the entire KUMC community.
Zest For Life kicks off with Weight Watchers At Work. The program will be offered at a nominal fee.
A free informational meeting will be held at Kirmayer Dec. 17 at 11:45 a.m. The meeting will include program registration and payment, and an opportunity to meet the weekly meetings leader. For program costs and additional details, contact Lynette Henkel at ext. 7706, or e-mail <lhenkel>.

Topics Information
Topics is the employee 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 for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday 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 a held a week if space is limited.

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