December 30, 1998 Vol. 20, No. 52
December 30, 1998 Vol. 20, No. 52
Siegel offers non-surgical uterine fibroids procedure
A painful, often chronic condition that afflicts as many as 30 percent of women over
the age of 35 has met its match at KU Medical Center, thanks to a procedure performed by
Edward L. Siegel, MD, director of vascular and interventional radiology and associate
professor of radiology and surgery.
The procedure, called uterine artery embolization, can provide dramatic
results in treating tumors of the uterus called uterine fibroids. Although the fibroids
are not cancerous, they can cause bleeding that leads to anemia, and extreme pain. They
can also terminate or prevent pregnancy.
Historically, uterine fibroids have been treated with hormonal therapy
or surgery. Each has its drawbacks, said Dr. Siegel. Hormone therapy can be used for only
a short time, because it contributes to menopausal symptoms and weakening of the bones. In
addition, fibroids rebound when hormone therapy ends. Surgery to remove fibroids treats
only identifiable tumors, but does not prevent future growth of undetected fibroids.
Hysterectomy successfully treats uterine fibroids for more than 200,000 women nationally
each year. However, hysterectomy permanently prevents pregnancy.
Uterine artery embolization appears to
effectively treat tumors without the hazards of major surgery or complications of hormone
therapy. Studies indicate that 85 percent of women who undergo the procedure dramatically
improve or completely recover. In addition, many physicians have reported successful
post-embolization pregnancies.
To perform the procedure, Dr. Siegel introduces a catheter into an
artery, with the patient under local anesthesia. Once the catheter is in position, he
releases tiny pellets of polyvinyl alcohol, which block the small arteries of the
fibroids. Without blood supply, the fibroids die and are removed by the body.
Uterine artery embolization is not a cure-all. It doesn't treat
cancerous tumors, and might not permanently end fibroid problems for younger women whose
reproductive system will produce estrogen and, therefore, continue to be at risk for new
fibroid growth over the years. However, uterine artery embolization can offer an effective
alternative to traditional treatments.
KU Hospital sets new nursing staff goal
The departments of Nursing and Human Resources have set a goal of retaining the medical
center's current nursing staff while significantly reducing the use of agency nurses over
the coming months. For this reason, the hospital is working toward filling positions
currently occupied by temporary nurses with regular full-time and part-time nursing staff.
"Agency nurses have been invaluable in assisting with staffing needs at the hospital,
particularly during the transition to the Hospital Authority," said Deborah Hays,
vice president of hospital human resources. "While we appreciate the efforts of those
individuals during this time, we need to more fully develop our regular staff."
To help ensure consistent patient care in the interim, agency nurses will now undergo a
complete orientation to KUMC before being placed on the units.
Hays added that agency nurses are welcome to apply for staff positions at KU Hospital by
contacting Hospital Human Resources, 588-5627, or applying at the employment office, G415,
KU Hospital. She also urged employees to help the organization’s recruitment and
retention efforts by welcoming, training and assisting new employees.
"We want to make new employees aware of the many positive aspects of KUMC," Hays
said. "By emphasizing our many strengths and making new co-workers feel welcome, you
can help build a better organization and help KU Hospital fulfill its mission."
A sign of things to come: With interior renovations nearly complete, the recent
installation of exterior signs heralds the upcoming opening of KU MedWest. The new
multispecialty health care facility in Shawnee will open Feb. 15.
Discounted bus passes now available
The Hospital Human Resources Department is now offering discounted Metro Monthly Bus
Passes to employees of KU Hospital. The monthly passes will be available at an $8
discount. The department will also offer Reduced Fare Passes for employees who qualify for
this special senior citizen and persons with disabilities fare at a $4 discount.
As part of the hospital's Employee Bus Pass Program, the Metro will provide a free
emergency ride home for employees who must leave work when bus service is not available.
To qualify, employees must have purchased a bus pass for the month, and be ill, have a
child who is ill, or a family emergency that requires leaving work during a scheduled
shift. The program also allows employees to make one stop on the way home to pick up an
ill child, obtain medication from a pharmacy, or for similar reasons. Transportation
arrangements are made through the Hospital Human Resources Department. Employees must
provide documentation of the emergency, their current month's bus pass and their
destination, including the complete address of the one permitted stop. The entire trip
cost, including tip, will be paid by The Metro.
The deadline for purchasing January bus passes is Wednesday, Jan. 6. Hereafter, monthly
passes will be sold during the last full week of each preceding month (for example,
February passes will be sold the last full week of January).
Tickets will be available in both Human Resources locations, 5021 Delp Pavilion and G415
by the Main Lobby. All bus passes must be purchased through payroll deduction, and may be
deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employees must present their hospital ID badge to purchase a
bus pass. Purchases are limited to one per month. If you have any questions, contact Human
Resources, ext. 4500.
What’s New
Faculty, students can check spring textbook orders on line
Faculty members who want to see if their spring semester textbook orders have been placed
or verify that the information is correct can do so at the KUMC Bookstore website.
Students can also visit the site to see what books are required or recommended for
specific classes, and the approximate costs. The website is located at http://www.kumc.
edu/bookstore/html/textbooks_online.html.
Pediatric patients receive 'Toys From The Heart'
Children in the KUMC pediatric unit received a bundle of Christmas goodies Dec. 23 from
"Toys From The Heart," an organization that raises money to buy toys for
children confined to Kansas City area hospitals during the holidays. The organization,
which purchases toys at cost from sponsoring retailers Discovery Toys, Toys R Us, Best Buy
and others, presented each child with the toys he or she had designated on a "wish
list" previously provided to the organization. Toys From The Heart also provided
games and videos to the pediatric classroom.
Free prostate cancer screenings Jan. 4
The KU Cancer Center will offer free PSA blood testing and digital (rectal) exams Monday,
Jan. 4, 1999. To make an appointment, call ext. 4780.
Cancer Institute Round Table is Jan. 5
The next Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round Table will be Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1999, noon
to 1 p.m., in Lied Auditorium. H. William Barkman, MD, hospital chief of staff, associate
professor, medicine, and director, Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, will
present "Environmental Problems in the State of Kansas Related to Cancer."
Fitness Center offers winter promotions
Kirmayer Fitness Center is offering two January specials to all KUMC employees looking to
shed those extra holiday pounds. The first option includes a free golf shirt embroidered
with the Kirmayer Fitness Center logo (valued at $35.95) for anyone renewing an existing
membership, or for any new member who joins on the payroll deduction plan.
The second option includes an additional one month free membership for anyone who pays for
a 12 month annual membership in full. This package includes a free full fitness assessment
and personal training appointment, valued at $25. The promotion will run through January
only.
Hospital establishes human resources policies
During the transition to the KU Hospital Authority, much attention was focused on
becoming free of "bureaucratic processes." While it is true the Hospital
Authority offers a less cumbersome operating system in many respects, certain human
resources policies and procedures must necessarily exist to provide guidance and to
promote internal equity, says Vice President of Hospital Human Resources Deborah Hays.
To this end, new human resources policies have now been drafted and are currently in
place. While there may be times when exceptions to these policies are appropriate, Hays
said in most situations they should be used to govern human resource-related decisions.
The policies will be in final form in January, and an employee handbook for convenient
reference will be developed and distributed thereafter.
Hospital employees can now pay parking costs with pre-tax dollars
Effective Jan. 1, 1999, employees of KU Hospital can have parking costs deducted from
their paychecks on a pre-tax basis. This new benefit means employees will no longer be
required to pay federal, state or Social Security taxes on the dollars spent on parking
expenses at KUMC.
In order for the hospital to administer this new tax-savings benefit, employees must pay
parking costs by payroll deduction. Pre-tax savings are only available for deductions made
directly from gross earnings. Employees who are currently paying for parking expenses by
check or cash will need to stop by Parking Services to arrange payroll deduction.
The payroll deduction for parking will automatically become pre-tax on the first check
received in January. Employees who do not wish to take advantage of this pre-tax savings
will need to stop by Hospital Human Resources, 5021 Delp Pavilion, to sign an
authorization for parking deductions to be taken on a post-tax basis. There are no tax
savings for a post-tax deduction.
If the cost for parking expenses changes, employees do not need to complete any forms. The
new amount will automatically be taken on a pre-tax basis, unless employees have elected
in writing to have parking as a post-tax deduction. Employees who stop using KUMC parking
facilities or decide to discontinue payments through payroll deduction will lose the
pre-tax deduction benefit. Payroll deduction for parking expenses may begin, change or end
at any time. There is no requirement that employees participate for a specific period of
time. If you have any questions, contact Human Resources, ext. 4500.
Volunteer JoAnn Kendall feels blessed to give back
JoAnn Kendall volunteers two days a week at KUMC. Photo by Leslie Champlin.
Each Tuesday and Thursday, KU Medical Center volunteer JoAnn Kendall helps people deal
with the triumphs and challenges of life. As one of many volunteers who work at the
Information Services Desk, Kendall sees people celebrating a newborn's life, helping a
family recuperate from injury or illness, or preparing for a loved one's discharge to
hospice care.
Each situation makes Kendall count her blessings. It also reinforces her resolve to help
people in any way she can. In fact, it was that motivation which brought her to KU Medical
Center in 1996 as a volunteer.
A native of Kansas City, Kan., Kendall came to KUMC after she retired from 32 years in
government service. She now works two days a week answering telephones, responding to
visitors' questions and providing directions to clinical areas.
"I love it," she said. "I love meeting people and helping with transporting
people wherever they need to be. I always liked helping people, and KU Medical Center is
so big, there's always something to do. I feel really blessed that I can give back.”
Topics survey produces results, prize winners
The staff of Topics sends a big "Thank You" to the more than 70 employees
from throughout the KUMC campus who responded to the communications survey in the Dec. 2
issue. Information from the survey will be used to improve internal medical center
communications.
Congratulations also go to seven KUMC employees, who sent in every 10th survey received
and therefore qualify to receive prizes from the KUMC Bookstore. The prize winners, listed
below, may call Gina Harris at ext. 1291 or come by G114 Hospital to claim their awards.
Vince Hayes, MD, runs marathon against diabetes
As a physician, KU Assistant Clinical Professor Vincent Hayes, MD, knew much about
diabetes. As an emergency room resident, he also saw firsthand the effects of the
disease's complications.
But it was only recently that Dr. Hayes, whose father was diagnosed with diabetes,
understand the toll the disease can take on a loved one. That was when he decided to do
something about it.
In March, after a decade-long hiatus from systematic exercise, Dr. Hayes will run the
American Diabetes Association Maui Marathon. The race will raise money for research,
clinical care and patient education. All the money he raises will stay in Kansas City for
research, treatment, and to support a camp for children with diabetes.
"I hate running, I really do," said Dr. Hayes with a smile. "But when I
found out my dad had diabetes, I wanted to do something to help."
To be eligible to enter the marathon, Dr. Hayes must raise $3,000 in pledges by Feb. 1. He
pays his own registration fee, travel costs and other expenses.
The last time Dr. Hayes seriously ran was 1989, when he completed a 10-kilometer race. Dr.
Hayes now runs at least four miles a day, three times a week, and is building up to
seven-mile weekday runs, with longer jaunts on weekends. By early March, he will be
running 22 miles. His goal: to complete the Maui Marathon in five to six hours.
Anyone interested in making a pledge can contact Dr. Hayes at ext. 6504.
Classifieds
For Sale
Casio 10A digital camera with viewscreen, AC adapter and all software, $100. Also have
Iomega Zip drive with eight discs and all software, $100. Both for $175. Call 596-1230.
New Sony Playstation and President Evil game disk, $100. Queen size sleeper sofa and
loveseat, cream color, $200 OBO. Double size extra firm futon mattress with two designer
covers, like new, must sell, $150 OBO. Call 753-3138.
Pastel paintbrush sectional, $500. Kitchen table w/tile top and four upholstered chairs
w/rollers, $150. Full size mattress & box springs w/frame, $75. Call 351-6397 after
6 p.m. or leave message.
Three crates of record albums, approx. 1,000 count, lots from the early '70s, '80s, and a
few from the early '90s. Moving so would like to not have to move these. Asking $.75
apiece or make reasonable offer for all. Call Dave,
362-9010.
Entire baseball & football card collection, includes Nolan Ryan rookie card, $600.
Canon AE-1 program camera w/60-300 mm lens, $200. Yamaha acoustic guitar w/case, $200. All
items in good condition. Call 299-9406 and leave message.
Automotive
1971 Chevelle Malibu two-door, original, needs engine work, $950 OBO. 12 bolt 410 positrac
rear end from 68-72 Chevelle, $300 OBO. 1986 Chevy S-10, good shape, $1,000 OBO. Must
sell, moving. Call 722-5863.
1987 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, dark blue w/light blue interior, full power options, good
condition. Call 831-4944 after 5:30 p.m.
1986 Chevy 4 x 4 ½ ton, $1,500 firm. Call 722-3631.
1994 Oldsmobile Achieva, four door, V6, dark green, w/spoiler, good condition, $5,400.
Call 453-9834.
1992 Pontiac Grand Am, 93K miles, AM/FM cassette, great condition, asking $5,000. Call
390-9329.
For Rent: 2BR townhouse, within one mile of KUMC. Call 989-7876.
Housing
For rent: 1+BR Plaza condo, vaulted ceiling, F/P, loft, pool, jacuzzi bathtub, exotic
carpet, secured/covered parking, $650/mo. Call
753-3138.
Pets
Free to good home: Small male dog, 8 mo. old, German Shepherd-Shar-pei mix, sweet
temperament, good w/other pets and loves children. Call 1-800-218-8833.
One-year-old Shepherd mix, neutered male, great with people and other dogs. Call
390-9329.
Study Subjects
Adults for Bronchitis Study
Adults aged 18 and older with a history of chronic bronchitis who are having worsening of
their symptoms and require antibiotics are sought to participate in an antibiotic study.
Free physician visits, free antibiotic and $25 per visit for four visits if you can
participate. Call Marilyn, ext. 4022.
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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