
5 AUGUST 1999 Volume 1 Number 21
Bartholome remembered as advocate for childrens rights,
palliative care
For more than three decades, William Bartholome, MD, MTS, was a pediatrician, medical
ethicist, teacher, and nationally known spokesman on a variety of health care issues. When
he was diagnosed with metastatic esophageal cancer in 1994, he used his personal
experience with a terminal disease to educate students, health care providers and the
public about the issues surrounding dying and how to live life fullyeven in the
light of death.

William Bartholome 1944-1999
Among his publications were a series of three articles in Bulletin (later named KU Med)
the KUMC alumni magazine. In one article, Living in the Light of Death, he
characterized his diagnosis as a gift that has had a powerful effect on
me, my perspective on the world and my priorities.
On Aug. 2, 1999, Dr. Bartholome died at his home. He was 55.
Bill had an overwhelming sense of honesty and a profound interest in the patient as
opposed to the disease, said Jameson Forster, MD, associate professor of surgery.
I counted him as a friend, and Im saddened at his passing.
Born in Helena, Mont., in 1944, Dr. Bartholome grew up in Kansas City, Mo. He earned his
undergraduate degree from Rockhurst College in 1965 and his medical degree from the KU
School of Medicine in 1969. After completing a pediatrics residency at Johns Hopkins
Hospital in 1972, he was awarded a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Fellowship from Harvard
University where, in 1976, he completed his Masters of Theological Studies in Ethics.
After practicing pediatrics and teaching ethics at the University of Texas Medical School,
Houston, and Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Ill., he returned to KU Medical Center
in 1986 to become professor of pediatrics in the Department of History and Philosophy
of Medicine.
His early clinical experiences in pediatrics led Dr. Bartholome to become committed to
childrens rights, and he became a leader in establishing ethical guidelines that
respect and protect children. He was one of the founding members of the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Bioethics. As the primary author and champion for the AAP
policy statement on informed consent, parental permission, and assent in pediatric
practice, he worked to make medicine and medical research safer and friendlier for
children.
Dr. Bartholome will long be remembered as an advocate for childrens
rights, said Noreen Thompson, RN, MSN, CS, psychiatric clinical nurse specialist.
Any of us who have children, or work with children, are in his debt.
While at KUMC, Dr. Bartholome also became interested in how physicians care for dying
patients. He helped develop many programs in clinical ethics, and pioneered the idea of
palliative care, in which dying patients are made as comfortable as possible. He led the
development of KU Hospitals ethics handbook, now in its fifth edition. He also
chaired the Hospital/Medical Staff Ethics Committee and the Pediatric Ethics Committee,
and served a 10-year stint as chairman of the Human Subjects Committee.
Outside KUMC, he was active with community organizations that promote ethically informed
health care decision-making. He served on the board of Midwest Bioethics Center in Kansas
City since it was created in 1985, and received their Founders Award in 1995.
In honor of his achievements, the KU School of Medicine has established the William G.
Bartholome Distinguished Professorship in Ethics and Childrens Health. Gifts to
support the professorship may be sent to the Endowment Association.
Dr. Bartholome is survived by his wife, Pam Roffol-Dobies, three daughters and a stepson.

Dr. Bartholomes concern for young people showed in his practice and his
trademark children-themed neckties. A collection of his ties will be displayed in the new
Pediatrics Pavilion.
Executive Forum
Following nursings leadership
For a long time, we will continue to discover the contributions Ann Babb has made
during her 18-year tenure at KU. As Vice President for Patient Care and Chief Nurse
Executive, Ann has established practices which have improved patient care and increased
efficiency. Most of us recognize that she led the recent, successful JCAHO survey. She
convinced all of us that we were going to Shine in 99 and we did.

By Jon Jackson
Senior Vice President and COO, KU Hospital
In May, as we began developing a hospital-wide customer service campaign,
Ann established a nursing committee to specifically address and improve patient
satisfaction with nursing care. As a result, there has been a concerted effort to improve
the patient satisfaction of nursing care. As part of the strategy, nursing communicated
its goal, raised the awareness level and discussed how to improve . . .
individually, by unit and by division.
And, its working. The patient satisfaction for nursing has been improving. In the
survey, there are nine criteria for nursing. Nursing is rated by patients based upon its
nursing care skills, friendliness, courtesy, promptness in answering the call light,
attitude, attention provided patients, keeping patients informed, and overall care on each
shift. In July, there was improvement made in every category.
Thats tremendous progress in a short period of time, and an example that should
motivate the rest of us to work and improve the care we provide our patients, visitors and
other customers.
Next month, the hospital will be starting a significant customer service education program
that will prepare us for the future and position us to be recognized as a premier
health care organization. It is not enough to deliver the highest quality of
technical care; we must also attend to the service we provide our patients. With this
initiative, which has the Hospital Authority Boards support, all employees will
participate. It will be an educational process to identify, train and develop skills to
provide excellent customer service.

Ann Babb
As the hospital begins the customer service program, we should look to the progress
made by nursing. We need to notice how they raised awareness, changed processes and
motivated staff to be friendlier, more attentive and helpful. And, no doubt, we will be
recognizing the contributions of Ann Babb. Her spirit, knowledge, management and
leadership will be missed in the future. However, Anns contributions to KU Hospital
will be lasting.
Dr. Bartholomes enduring legacy
Even though we have been prepared, the words and reality have been difficult. Dr. Bill
Bartholome died on Tuesday and was buried Friday. We are saddened and grieve our loss.

By Donald Hagen, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor, KUMC
Dr. Bartholome has established a great legacy at KUMC. He was passionately dedicated to
ethical issues relating to health care. He gained national recognition for his work in
medical ethics and was one of the founders of the Midwest Bioethics Center. In June 1994,
Bill learned he had cancer of the esophagus. Through his journey, he eloquently wrote
about the angel of death and chronicled his five-year course with a
terminal illness. In the summer issue of KU Med magazine, there is a copy of his
Hixon Hour lecture on April 15, More lessons of the Angel of Death. It is
inspiring and emotional reading, for all of us.
When I asked him how he would like to be remembered, he stated he would like to have an
endowed professorship at KUMC, which would focus on childrens ethics. We have
established a fund in the KU Endowment Association to develop such a professorship.
He shared moments and wisdom about his terminal illness and his dying. Bill said, I
began to wonder what is the relationship between being terminal and being mortal? What I
figured out was that the only difference between being terminal and being mortal was the
time frame. Existentially they are the same damn situation.
Bill related how knowing one is dying can be extremely valuable information. He said,
Yes it involves major stress and will precipitate radical change in the
patients world . . . but that doesnt mean its not an incredibly valuable
thing for them to come to know.
We will miss Bill, but he has prepared us to meet many of the challenges in the future.
Now we must move forward.
Holcomb wins Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare award
Susan Holcomb, a nurse practitioner in the KU School of Medicine, has been chosen one
of 10 winners of a Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare award.
Holcomb was among the 477 registered nurses from throughout the metropolitan area and
across Kansas nominated for the 10th annual awards. Thirty-seven of the nominees were from
KU Medical Center.

Susan Holcomb
Established as a public service of the KU School of Nursing in 1989, the program
recognizes the contributions of outstanding RNs to their patients, communities and
profession.
A selection committee composed of previous winners and civic, health care, and business
leaders selected this years winners, who will be honored during a banquet Sept. 18
at the Marriott Muehlebach Towers, Kansas City, Mo. Every nominee will receive a
certificate of recognition.
This years program is sponsored by Hoechst Marion Roussel and the Kansas City
Regional Home Care Association. For tickets, call Kari Ziblut, ext. 1616.
Front & Center

School of Allied Health students Kim Traub, left, Jackie Kerscher and Rebekah Scholl
take a break after anatomy class July 30.

Keeping the elevators running smoothly every day are Dan Schorr, left, and Bill
Sawyer. Both work for Montgomery KONE, but are regularly assigned to KUMC to service
elevators and maintain operations.

Ann Babb, vice president of patient care services and chief nurse executive, talks
with Tammy Peterman, RN, BSN, at Babbs farewell celebration Aug. 2 at Californos.

Jon Jackson, senior vice president and COO, presented Babb with a gift in recognition
of her dedicated service at KUMC over the years.

Dan Hightower, facilities management director, and his wife Jennifer, far right, join
DeeDee Attebery, left, and Rhonda Bailey of University Human Resources for some fun and
fellowship at Hightowers welcome reception Aug. 2.

Mary Anne Rizzolo, EdD, RN, of Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, left, was one of the
distinguished speakers at the Second Annual Developing Web-Based Courses Summer Institute
July 29-30. With Rizzolo are Carol Smith, PhD, RN, center, and Helen Connors, PhD, RN, of
the School of Nursing, a co-sponsor of the event.

Jeff Henning and Robbie OBrien, were among the scores of incoming medical
students taking part in a welcome luncheon Aug. 2.

Matt Foster, Darren Farley and Jolene Moore enjoyed the festivities and got to know
fellow students.

Among those attending the July 27 School of Allied Health Achievement Celebration,
which recognized departmental accomplishments for the 1998-99 academic year, were:
Joan McDowd, PhD, left, Daofen Chen, PhD, PT, and
Patricia Pohl, PhD, PT.
On-demand, closed-circuit TV system will enhance KUMC patient
education

Ruth Mehring, unit educator, shows Kristine Cooper
of Odessa, Mo., how to select a video.

Rachel Pepin, RN, left, Jane Perkins, RN, and Diane Todd, RN, received staff training
on the new system last week.
Ongoing changes in health care delivery continue to challenge practitioners to help
patients learn more about their health and health care decisions. KU Hospital recently
responded to this growing need for patient education by installing the first digital
video-on-demand system in the metro area.
The new closed-circuit TV system, which debuted Aug. 2, delivers educational video
programming to patients through the hospitals TV and telephone systems. The system
was developed after the Interdisciplinary Patient Education Team identified a need for
visual learning resources that would serve all patients, especially non-English speakers
and those with low literacy.
In todays society, the need to know among patients is really growing,
said Noella McCray, MN, assistant director of nursing and project team leader. When
youve been diagnosed with something new, people want to learn everything they can to
understand it.
The videotapes are digitized and stored on the system from a central control room.
Patients may access the video library 24 hours a day by dialing ext. 8735.
Family members can also watch the tapes at any time, McCray said.
Its even possible to reserve a tape if you have someone scheduled for a
visit.
McCray added that she can track video usage and interest, and generate weekly, monthly and
yearly reports to help determine preference and frequency.
Future plans include using the system for chaplain services, spiritual guidance and staff
education. Although the video library will continually expand, tapes are now available on
diabetes, general topics, kidney conditions and lung conditions. If you would like to
recommend a topic or a specific video, contact McCray, ext. 3036.
Korentagers successful scalp replantation surgery brings hope
for Air Force worker
Thanks to an uncommon scalp replantation procedure performed by Richard Korentager, MD,
assistant professor of plastic surgery, 36-year-old Kristi Wheeler has hope for the
future.
Wheeler, an Air Force base worker from Haysville, Kan., caught her hair in a hangar door
June 28 and lost more than one-third of her scalp and forehead. Dr. Korentager performed a
four-hour surgery to reattach the tissue. The case was unusual because Wheeler had no
veins available, only two arterioles .5 mm in diameter.
In the past 10 years, there have been only 13 cases of successful scalp replantation
reported, said Dr. Korentager. And no one has ever used the same blood vessels
we reconnected here.

Dr. Korentager examined Kristi Wheelers progress during a July 29 follow-up visit.
Dr. Korentager said more than half the replanted scalp survived with the remaining
areas being skin grafted. Wheelers prognosis is very good, and she plans to return
to work soon.

KUMC beats the heat
During the past week, KUMC has dimmed corridor lighting and turned up thermostats
in all parts of the campus, except patient care areas, to conserve energy during the
recent heat wave. Although this week has been cooler, the forecast is calling for hotter
weather, in which case KUMC would need to continue energy conservation measures through
the end of next week. KUMC administrators are in daily contact with Board of Public
Utilities (BPU) officials to determine the electrical system loads for the upcoming days
and weeks. BPU may have partial use of its Nearman Power Plant by mid-August, putting an
end to these extraordinary measures.
Ventilation symposium
The Respiratory Therapy Services Department will present Issues In Critical
Care Ventilation Friday, Sept. 3 in Battenfeld Auditorium. Registration for the
annual symposium is $35 if received by Aug. 25, or $50 at the door. The fee includes
course materials, refreshments, lunch and record of attendance. For advance registration,
contact Dan Conyers, ext. 3335.
Chinese poster exhibit

Chinese public health posters dating from 1937-1950 are on display on the second floor of
the Robinson Building, next to Clendening Amphitheater, through the end of September. The
posters portray in both language and illustration the life cycle of common infectious
diseases, advise how to avoid becoming infected and show what to do if you do become ill.
The first in a series to be displayed on the second floor of Robinson, the exhibit was
produced by the Clendening History of Medicine Museum, KUMC Archives and the Department of
History and Philosophy of Medicine.
New fire alarm testing
Although the new fire alarm system for KU Hospital is now operational, the
Facilities Management staff will continue testing it through August. Employees are asked
to be patient during this transition as both systems are operating in parallel. For now,
the old system is still active. If you are unsure whether its just a test or an
actual fire alarm, call the operator.
Weight Watchers At Work
The Weight Watchers At Work Program will be offered Aug. 5-Oct. 14 in the
Kirmayer Fitness Center Auxiliary Room. Held every Thursday 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. or
12:30-1 p.m. , the program costs $89.50 for a 10-week session plus one free week ($10
additional charge for non-members). For more information, call Lynette Henkel, ext. 7706.
Volunteers needed
The new Childrens Center Family Room is open, and volunteers are needed
afternoons or evenings to help support the families of pediatric patients. If interested,
call Susan Mong, ext. 6528.

FOR SALE:
Queen mattress & box, 2 years old, w/metal frame, box never used, 15-year
warranty, $260. Call 671-7930.
Small dining room table, great for breakfast nook, hunter green base w/dark wood top,
comes with 2 chairs, just need a little touch up, $125,. Call Jennifer, 753-2084, leave
message.
Heavy-duty KitchenAid mixer, dough hook, exc. cond., new $267, sale $75; antique trunk,
wood strip sides and flat top, refinished, $150; vintage black curly lamb fur coat, 1939,
exc. cond., $40; other vintage clothes. Call 438-5043.
Hogan Edge irons, 3-PW, never used, retail $350, $80; Tour Model II irons, 3-PW, Ping look
alikes, used 1 season, $50. Call 362-1029.
Sony WebTV, 1 mo. old, w/cordless remote and keyboard, $60 OBO. Call Kevin, 444-3953.
Large rolltop desk, cherry finish w/locking rolltop and filing drawers, $350. Call
Todd/Becky after 5 p.m., 422-5756.
TV stand w/revolving top, computer desk w/bookshelf, chair and floor mat, dining table
w/chairs, solid oak. Call 814-7384.
Church rummage sale, 6101 Nall Ave., Mission, Aug. 4-6, Wed. and Thurs. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.,
Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call Linotte, 362-5966.
Sale of the century, anything you may want or need, weve got, Aug. 7, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.,
4214 Thompson.
Call Porshia, 384-3487.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1976 CJ5 Jeep, 2nd owner,130K orig. mi., runs great, needs body work, $1,500
negotiable. Call Todd/Becky after 5 p.m., 422-5756.
1988 Dodge custom minivan, power steering, brakes, windows, locks, 4 flexsteel captains
chairs, rear folding seat, tow package, 71K orig. mi., must see to believe, $8,500. Call
Todd/Becky after 5 pm, 422-5756.
1998 Ford Tempo, off-white, 96K mi, new trans., auto. locks, tilt whl, AM/FM, exc. heater,
rear defroster, interior in mint condition, $1,450. Call Larry, 342-5356.
HOUSING:
For Sale: 3BD, 1BA house, 2-car garage, exc. cond., PV location, 6 mi. from KUMC,
$119,800. Call 648-6155.
Roommate Wanted: To share quiet 3BD, 2BA Mission home, just 8 min. from KUMC, $350/mo.,
includes utilities, cable, use of laundry and garage, furnished or unfurnished bedroom, no
deposit, must love animals. Call 236-7407, leave message.
Homeshare: Education professional looking to share home w/medical or graduate student,
exc. loc. (63rd
& Main) in Brookside, perfect for quiet study w/fully furnished bedroom, priv. bath,
kitch. and ldry, walk around the corner to restaurants, shops and bars, looking for
someone who is non-smoking, neat, and must like my dog, $450/mo., utilities included.
Call 444-4644.
PARKING:
Off-street parking for 2 cars, $15/mo., 7 min. walk from KUMC off 42nd Ave. Call
384-1629 after 5:30 p.m.
PETS:
Free: Min pin pups, two red females. Call Amy,
980-2923.
coming
UP
Monday, August 9:
Alzheimers Disease Support Group,
noon-1:30 p.m., Cottonwood Room,
Delp Cafeteria.
Body and Soul Weight Management Program, 6:30-8 p.m.
Community Room, KU MedWest.
National Stuttering Project (NSP) Support Group, 7-9
p.m., 1018 Orr-Major.
Tuesday, August 10:
Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment,
1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine.
Burn Survivor Support Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Hurlbut Recovery
Pavilion.
Wednesday, August 11:
Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., 1107 KU
Hospital.
KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
Free Breast Cancer Awareness Program, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Creekwood
Family Care.
Hepatitis Support Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria, Prairie
Room.
Boning Up On Osteoporosis, 7-8 p.m. Community Room,
KU MedWest.
Thursday, August 12:
Research Seminar, How Well Are We Caring For Our
Dying Patients,
noon-1 p.m., G567 KU Hospital.
Alzheimers Disease Caregivers Information Workshop,
4:30-7:30 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.
Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30-7 p.m., Radiation Oncology
Conference Room.
Burn Patient Family Support Group,
6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.
Teen Scene: Good Nutrition, 7-8 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
Leslie Champlin - Writer
Jim Burton - Graphic Designer
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
advertisers name and work extension (or medical student box number) for
verification. Only home phone numbersno pager numbers or KUMC extensionswill
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.
Prepared by Printing
Service Imaging |