December 16, 1998 Vol. 20, No. 50

Joan Shearer

Director sees bright future for KU MedWest

Plans to bring high-quality, easily accessible health care to residents of Shawnee and surrounding areas took a significant step forward recently, with the appointment of Joan Shearer as executive director of KU MedWest. Shearer, who assumed duties Nov. 30, will oversee all administrative functions and day-to-day operations for the new multispecialty, outpatient facility under development by KUMC and Kansas University Physicians, Inc.
Shearer brings extensive experience to her job. For the past 10 years she worked for Saint Luke's-Shawnee Mission Health System, where she specialized in the areas of physician relations, primary physician development, practice acquisitions, physician contracting and facility start-ups. Most recently, she was senior operating officer for Saint Luke's-Shawnee Mission Medical Group, with responsibility for 25 physician practices and 110 network providers.
"I look forward to working with the fine medical and executive staff at KU Medical Center, and to the many opportunities ahead for KU MedWest," Shearer said. "KU MedWest will provide services that are very unique to health care facilities in Kansas City. By offering multidisciplinary services and ambulatory care all at one site, KU MedWest is a model of how health care will be delivered in the future."
Shearer added that residents of Shawnee and other communities in the area will benefit from the facility's after-hours urgent care, and from the full range of services offered by KUMC physicians.
In the past few weeks, Shearer has concentrated her efforts on hiring administrative and non-physician staff for the facility, meeting with physicians, arranging tours for medical staff and planning for the opening this winter.

KU Medical Center Auxiliary shared the holiday spirit recently by decking the hospital lobby for the season. Decorating the tree were Helen Stechschulte, chair, Auxiliary Holiday Committee, left, and Eleanore Johnson. Funds donated by the Auxiliary made the lobby decorations possible. Photo by Marilyn Coup.

KUMC recognizes winter celebrations at Dec. 21 festival

Virtually every culture in every part of the world has a winter celebration. Many have religious significance, while others recognize important cultural traditions. This year, several of the world's winter celebrations occur or begin in December.
In recognition of the many winter festivals and celebrations, KUMC has set aside Monday, Dec. 21 for a celebration of music, information and cultural foods. The observance, which acknowledges Chanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Boxing Day and the Winter Solstice, will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Cafeteria. Stop by to enjoy the festivities and learn more about these winter holidays and celebrations.
    Some major winter celebrations include:
Dec. 8-Enlightenment Day or Bodhi Day, the culmination of a week-long meditation for Buddhists, commemorates Buddha's attaining understanding and perfect happiness.
Dec. 13 - 21-Chanukkah or Hanukkah, the annual Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem to God. Lighting candles on the eight-branched menorah represents the miracle of a day's worth of olive oil burning for eight days during the rededication.
Dec. 19, 1998-Jan. 19, 1999-Ramadan, the holiest period in the Islamic year, honors the lunar month in 1418 when the Holy Qura'n was revealed to humanity.
Dec. 25-Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ
in Bethlehem.
Dec. 26, 1998-Jan. 1, 1999-Kwanzaa celebrates the oneness and goodness of life and emphasizes a strong self-concept, honoring the past, evaluating the present and committing to a successful future. Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga designed Kwanzaa on Dec. 26, 1966.

Donald Hagen, EVC

One of the best things that comes with being executive vice chancellor is wishing you all a happy holiday season. We had a wonderful holiday reception in Wichita the week before last, and now I'm looking forward to our campus-wide holiday party this afternoon and evening. This event is for everyone in every organization of the medical center. All are welcome! I'm particularly looking forward to the Gingerbread Village. You'll even be able to have your picture taken with Santa! Finally, every employee from each of our units-our schools, the hospital, KUEA, KUPI, the KU Bookstore, the Research Institute and KCCI-has been automatically entered into the door prize drawings. Don't worry, you don't have to be present to win one of the great prizes.
I'm especially pleased that staff members in our Dietetics and Nutrition Department will be able to celebrate as full guests this time. In previous years they've worked very hard for each event preparing the food, keeping the serving areas replenished and finally supervising the clean up. They went well beyond the call of duty, and this year they will be among our guests of honor enjoying the party with the rest of us.
The air will be filled with the music of Holy Name Children's Choir for the afternoon session. The evening shift's party will enjoy the Sweet Adelines.
Best of all is the way everyone has worked together to make this celebration a highlight of our year. Employees from everywhere combined their creativity and enthusiasm to create a special time of joy and celebration. This event is a great example of how we can come together as a true family and team regardless of where we work, to celebrate our friendship and the season. I hope this will be the first of many activities that models supportive, collective work.
Have you considered attending the non-denom-inational candlelight caroling service in Spencer Chapel this evening? The service begins at 11:15 p.m. Come and enjoy the season with your friends and co-workers.
There is still time to engage in a random act of kindness to make the holidays special for family or child. Donations of food, clothing and toys are still possible through our student organizations. Additionally, many community charitable organizations that help those in need with temporary shelter, food and clothing could use a little extra help now with a gift.
Hanukkah began at sundown December 13 and continues for a wonderful week. I wish you all joy and peace as you light candles, exchange gifts and recall your blessings and victories with your families and friends.
I'll see you all later today! Let's celebrate!

What’s New

Payroll needs updated addresses by Dec. 18
If you moved in 1998 the Payroll Department needs your correct address no later than Dec. 18 for mailing W-2 information for the 1998 calendar year. If you receive paychecks from the state, e-mail Venita Turner at <vturn> or fax the correct address to ext. 5228. If you receive paychecks from the Hospital Authority, correct your address in Human Resources, 5021 Delp.

Donations requested for pediatrics holiday dinner
Members of the pediatric unit will serve a holiday dinner to all pediatrics patients and family members Dec. 25 in the KU Children's Center Family Room. Both monetary and food donations are needed. Checks made out to KUCC Family Room can be sent to 3032 Delp, or contact Kathy Davis, ext. 6305.

Credit Union December 'Lucky Numbers'
The KUMC Credit Union lucky numbers for December are: 19563; 6312; 30035; 16393, and 30720. The lucky birthday is Dec. 13. Prizes may be claimed at the Credit Union, 1037 Delp.

On-line employee training wins recognition
The KUMC computer-based fire and chemical safety employee training program was recognized in a recent edition of Environment of Care Leader, a national publication which provides information on safety, security, and environmental compliance to health care facilities. The article noted that the on-line program, developed and maintained by the Safety Administration Department, has been used to train more than 2,500 KUMC employees.



Christmas Eve communion service planned
A non-denominational communion service will take place in Spencer Chapel Thursday, Dec. 24 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The service is open to staff, students, patients, and loved ones. For more information, call the Rev. Jennie Malewski, ext. 5033.

Tour spots still available for virtual reality van
There is still time for KU Medical Center oncologists, nurses and caregivers to sign up for “In My Steps,” a new virtual reality experience that simulates the profound fatigue cancer patients experience during chemotherapy. A virtual reality van from Ortho Biotech, Inc., will be at the KU Cancer Center front entrance Dec. 17 and 18 to give medical professionals an opportunity to "walk in the footsteps" of a cancer patient.
Dr. Steven Soignet from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will also give a lecture, "Treatment of Cancer and Associated Fatigue," noon to 1 p.m., Dec. 17 in Wahl Hall East. Ortho Biotech will provide lunch prior to the program from 11:30 a.m. to noon. For lunch reservations call Melanie Simpson, ext. 7767. For tour reservations, call Nathalie Crew, ext. 7728.

Obesity lecture set for Dec. 21
The Department of Preventive Medicine will present a lecture entitled "Public Health Aspects Of Obesity," from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at Clendening Amphitheatre. The lecture is presented by Dr. W.S. Carlos Poston of the Behavior Medicine Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Dr. Poston is a candidate for a faculty position in the Department of Preventive Medicine.

Channel 5 health reporter Anne Peterson interviews J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, about the TUNA procedure. The story will air later this week. Photo by Leslie Champlin.

Brantley Thrasher, MD, introduces non-surgical prostate treatment

Men who suffer from enlarged prostate now have a new, effective, non-surgical treatment option, thanks to an advanced procedure offered by J. Brantley Thrasher, MD, chairman and program director of adult urology and urologic oncology at KUMC.
Dr. Thrasher has brought a procedure known as TransUrethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) to the Kansas City area. The procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that restricts flow of urine from the bladder.
The procedure involves inserting a TUNA catheter through the urethra and into the prostate. When in position, two small needles extend at a right angle from the catheter to deliver low-level radio frequency energy that increases tissue temperature. This increase causes slow ablation-a kind of vaporization of the cells. Dead cells are then absorbed by the body over the following eight weeks.
In most cases, patients do not experience discomfort from the heat and begin noticing improvement three weeks after the procedure. The TUNA treatment can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in less than an hour. Men can usually return to their normal lifestyles within one day.
"TUNA is a great improvement over other techniques," said Dr. Thrasher. "Patients suffer few, if any, post-operative complications common to other procedures. Also, it's quick, it's simple, and it's much less invasive."

Karen Miller selected for regional panel

Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, dean of the Schools of Nursing and Allied Health and professor of the School of Nursing, was one of three health care professionals who participated in the regional "Panel on Nursing and the Media," Dec. 4 in Oklahoma City. The panel included Dr. Miller, two Oklahoma City nursing school administrators, and three Oklahoma City print and broadcast journalists. It was part of the 1998 Regional Conference Series of Sigma Theta Tau International, a nursing honor society currently presided over by former KU School of Nursing Dean Eleanor Sullivan.
Panelists reviewed a study sponsored by Sigma Theta Tau which examined the under-representation of nurses in health care media coverage. Panelists also discussed strategies for improving the presence of nurses in the media. The panel was mediated by Jean Gaddy Wilson, executive director of a journalism think tank at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Employees, departments urged to 'adopt' the Family Room

Each week, departments and individuals across the medical center volunteer to "adopt" the KUMC Family Room. The room, located on the fifth floor of Delp, provides lodging in a homelike atmosphere for families who must travel long distances to be with children receiving treatment at KU Medical Center.
For the past 14 months, the Family Room has been supported by employees and students, who donate money to purchase supplies or volunteer their time after work hours to maintain the facility.
"The response by employees, students and departments has been overwhelming," said Kathy Davis, pediatric school teacher in the Department of Nursing Services. "The Family Room is totally supported by their generosity. We want to thank everyone for their efforts."
Employees and departments interested in adopting the room for a week can call Davis at ext. 6305.
Departments that adopted the room from October through December are:

October
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Patient Financial Services
Child Development Unit
Physiology

November
Preventive Medicine
Financial Reporting
Pediatric Nursing Unit - 5F
Physical Therapy Students - Class of 2000
Switchboard

December
Respiratory Therapy
Orthopedic Surgery
Hospital Information Systems
KU Cancer Center
Silver City Health Center

On Dec. 7 Jim Grow, manufacturing manager for the Ford Motor Co. Kansas City plant, presented a $5,000 check on behalf of Ford to Mary Buford, director of the Kansas City area Pets for Life program. The non-profit organization provides therapeutic touch of pets for people of all ages who are confined to Kansas City institutions. Pets for Life visits the KUMC physical rehabilitation and pediatrics units each Monday. On hand at the ceremony was Clayton McCool, 14, of Galena, a patient in the pediatrics unit.

Hundreds of KUMC employees gathered outside the Main Cafeteria Dec. 8 for an autograph by Chiefs quarterback Rich Gannon. In addition to signing 200 photos, Gannon autographed personal items from about 30 employees participating in the Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-A-Child programs, as well as those who brought non-perishable food or household items for Harvesters. Photo by Ken Arnold.

Classifieds

For Sale

Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 4000 printer, only five months old, 24 ppm, 14400 dpi, have original box, documentation, cost $1,200 new, $700 OBO. Call 649-8867.

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

African crafts and African attire available. If interested call 432-7155.

Brand new futon sofa w/coffee table and two end tables, top-quality mattress, $400. Health rider, like new, $250. Call 816-279-2343.

Black metal futon, full size, less than one year old, $90. Queen-size bed, $100. Call 432-7155.

Hallmark Christmas ornaments, Star Trek Voyager ('96) and "It's a Wonderful Life" ('96), mint condition in box, both are box price. Call 532-3085.

Solid wood bunk beds with like-new mattresses, $100. Call 246-8468 after 6 p.m.

Little Tykes adjustable table and chair set, adjusts to four heights, two chairs, new, in box, $50. Call Julie, 537-5755.

Samsung Sprint PCS phone, $50 OBO. Call 492-1201.

Automotive

1964 Ford Falcon, turquoise, good shape, well cared for, $1,995. Call 753-7671.

1994 T-bird, black w/gray interior, V8, 38K miles, $1,000 alarm with remote control start included, new tires, extra snow tires, sunroof, fully loaded, CD player, car is like new, $10,500. Call 287-3674.

1984 Buick Century Limited, body damage on rear driver's side door, needs new brakes and distributor cap, well maintained, good starter car, $350 firm. Call 321-6944.

1988 Ford Ranger XLT long-bed, four-cylinder, automatic, A/C, AM-FM cassette, 130K miles, nice condition. Call 241-2328 after 5 p.m.

1998 Chevy S10 LS, four-cylinder extended cab, five-speed, red and gray, cruise control, cassette, cargo window, bed liner, 11K miles, $13,950. Call 856-5780 or 246-8468 after 6 p.m.
Room wanted: For student, near KUMC, w/bath, under $200/mo, need by Jan 1. Call Dennis, 362-4556.

Housing

Room wanted: Professional female seeks room to rent, new employee to KU Medical Center, non-smoker, responsible. Leave message at 438-7078.

For rent: 2-3BR house, big, safe area, yet only five blocks from KUMC, fenced yard, washer, dryer, dishwasher, $590 a month. Call 789-8642.

For sale: Large older home w/upstairs 1BR efficiency apartment. Rent out upstairs and make no payments. Double car, detached garage, two-story detached workshop, $48,900. Merriam Lane and Southwest Boulevard, 5 minutes from KUMC. Call 816-293-5468.

For sale: 3BR, 2BA Overland Park home, large family room, large fenced yard, close to schools, between Metcalf and Antioch off 87th Street, four-foot graveled crawl space, detached storage barn, no garage, no basement. $89,900 firm. Call 816-293-5468.

Study Subjects

Volunteers needed for ulcer study
The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is seeking volunteers for a research study testing an investigational ulcer treatment, designed to eliminate the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori that is commonly associated with peptic ulcers. Participation in this study requires three to five visits over a period of five weeks. Qualified participants will receive study-related exams (endoscopies, lab work, etc.) and study medication at no charge, with stipend for those who qualify for treatment. To qualify for this study, you must be at least 18 years of age and have peptic ulcer (gastric or duodenal) symptoms or a history of peptic ulcer within the past five years. For more information call Irene, ext. 3852.

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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