musc catalyst

February 8, 2013 MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA Vol. 31, No. 24

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3MeMoranduM

agreeMent

The College ofNursing’s online

graduate program isranked in the top

20 accordingto U.S. News &World Report.

The S.C. Collegeof Pharmacy andClaflin Universityprovide students

with moreopportunities.

Inside

the Catalystonline

http://www.musc.edu/

catalyst

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Around Campus

Meet Deanna

Charity Ball

Wear red: Support healthy heartsT o help kick off the

American HeartAssociation’s Go Red ForWomen Campaign, MUSCemployees and members of thecommunity gathered to form aheart Feb. 1.

Go Red Day featured freeblood pressure readings, fitnessdemonstrations, heart-healthinformation and hands-freeCPR demonstrations.

Throughout February Sodexois sponsoring a contest to helppeople make the right foodchoices for a healthier heart.

One item in the Ashley RiverTower and university hospitalcafeterias will be marked witha heart to show it is the hearthealth food of the day. Whenthe item is purchased, fill outa heart health contest entrycard and drop it in the box. Adrawing will be held for prizes,which include meals cards,ranging from $25 to $50.

Left photo: Kevin Robinson puts a red hat on his daughter,Vistred, as his wife, May Frazier-Robinson, holds her. Vistredwas born Jan. 29 and is wearing a red hat for the AmericanHeart Association’s National Wear Red Day to raise awarenessabout heart disease in women.

Dr. PhilipSaul, directorof pediatriccardiology, tendsto one of thebabies Feb. 1in the Labor &Delivery area ofMUSC. All thenewborn babieswore red hats.

2 The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013

The Catalyst is published once a week.Paid adver tisements, which do notrepresent an endorsement by MUSCor the State of South Carolina, arehandled by Island Publications Inc. ,Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St. ,Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or843-958-7490. E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial of ficeMUSC Office of Public Relations135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C,Charleston, SC 29425.843-792-4107Fax: 843-792-6723

Editor: Kim [email protected]

Catalyst staff:Cindy Abole, [email protected] Barker, [email protected]

Black History Month 2013 Noon Day Lecture Series“At the Crossroads of Health, Freedom and Equality:

Celebrating our Past and Shaping our Future.”All events are from 12 to 1 p.m., Room 302, Basic Science Building

Feb. 13: “A Candid Dialogue on Health, Freedom and Medical Equality,”featuring Kenosha Gleaton, M.D., an MUSC alumnus at Harborside OB/GYN

Feb. 20: “Cervical Cancer: A Global Movement for Prevention and Awareness”with Tamika L. Felder, CEO/Founder Tamika & Friends Inc. National CervicalCancer &HPV Awareness Organization/U.S. lead partner, Pearl of Wisdom

Sponsored by the Office of Student Diversity & Multicultural Student Advisory Board. For information,call the Office of Diversity at 792-2146 or visit www.musc.edu/diversity.

Around CampusevenTsPeoPle

Hoops for HopeHoops for Hope, a 3-on-3 basketballtournament and free-throwcompetition, will be held March 2 atthe College of Charleston’s TD Arena,301 Meeting St. The tournament willsupport the treatment and research formental health disorders in children,adults and families. Visit www.muschoopsforhope.org.

Aging Research DayMUSC’s Center on Aging will behosting the S.C. Aging on ResearchNetwork’s Annual Aging Research Dayfrom 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 8 atCharles Towne Landing. Register atwww.scarn.org.

Tools for Mentors, MenteesMUSC faculty and staff are invitedto the third in a series of “Toolsfor Mentors and Mentees.” Thesession will be held from noonto 1 p.m., Feb. 13 in Room 405,Colbert Education Center & Library.Session leaders for the seminar titled,“Understanding Economic and FiscalRealitites of Academic Careers,” willbe Rita Ryan, M.D., Department ofPediatrics, and Don Rockey, M.D.,Department of Medicine. The seriesis sponsored by the Apple TreeSociety and the Mentor LeadershipCouncil.

Joan MacphersonJoan Macpherson, R.N., has beenselected as the new assistant nurse

manager ofneonatal nurseries.Macphersonhas been in theNICU since 1988,serving in variousroles includingextracorporealmembraneoxygenation

coordinator and clinical nurse leader.She is the chair of the neonatal nurseriespatient satisfaction committee, whichhas developed a plan to increase familycentered care and increase familysatisfaction with the nursery visit.

Jim OatesJim Oates, M.D., associate professorin the Division of Rheumatology and

Immunology, wasappointed to ITmedical directorfor research andreporting. Oateswill be workingwith the chiefanalytics officerof the MUSCEpic Research

and Reporting Project to help inthe development, implantation andmonitoring of prioritization of research

Dr. Willette Burnham, second from right, Student Diversity director,recognized the participants at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. StudentEssay Contest Jan. 18. From left: Sara M. Garrett, graduate studies,participant; Brittany Watson, medicine, third place (tie); SherlondaAdkins, health professions, second place; Stephen Thompson, medicine,first place; and Gregory Franklin, medicine, third place (tie).data request proposals, as well as thegovernance of access and use of the datawarehouse.

Alyssa RheingoldAlyssa Rheingold, Ph.D., associateprofessor of psychiatry and behavioral

sciences anddirector of clinicaloperations for theNational CrimeVictims Researchand TreatmentCenter, was namedPerson of the Yearby Liza’s Lifeline.Liza’s Lifeline is

a non-profit organization dedicatedto assisting domestic violence victims,

their families and community throughfinancial assistance, education and socialchange.

Tiffany WilliamsTiffany Williams, DNP, College of

Nursing, receivedthe SoutheasternVirtual Institutefor Health Equityand WellnessJunior FacultyDevelopmentAward. Theprogram is designedto accelerate and

enhance the professional development ofunderrepresented minorities in the areaof health disparities and health research.

The CaTalysT, February 8, 2013 3

Claflin President Dr.Henry Tisdale, center,signs an articulationagreement with the S.C.College of Pharmacy.He is joined by AlfredMoore, University ofSouth Carolina, left,and Dr. Joseph DiPiro,right. In the back rowfrom left are Schoolof Natural Sciencesand MathematicsDean Dr. VerlieTisdale, Departmentof Chemistry ChairDr. Angela Peters,and Provost Dr. KarlS. Wright. ClaflinUniversity is located inOrangeburg.

C laflin University officials signed a memorandumof understanding with the South Carolina College

of Pharmacy (SCCP) to establish a three-plus-one degreeprogram that would eventually end with graduatingstudents receiving a doctor of pharmacy degree.

“This is consistent with our mission to buildpartnerships and provide Claflin students withopportunities,” said Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale,Ph.D. “It is important when students arrive at Claflinthat they understand there is a clear path to success.This partnership with the South Carolina College ofPharmacy helps to accomplish that endeavor.”

Under the agreement, Claflin students would attendthe university for three years and pursue a Bachelor ofScience degree in biochemistry. They can then transferto SCCP with the goal of obtaining a doctorate ofpharmacy.

SCCP Executive Dean Joseph DiPiro, PharmD, notedseveral Claflin students have either graduated or arecurrently enrolled from the institution. “We want moreClaflin students in our program,” said DiPiro.

During the signing of the agreement, DiPiro wasjoined by Alfred Moore, the director of student servicesat the University of South Carolina (USC) School ofPharmacy.

Claflin Department of Chemistry Chair Angela

Claflin president establishes program with SCCP

Peters, Ph.D., said this arrangement was truly excitingand could forge a path for future collaborationsbetween the two institutions.

SCCP was formed in 2004 by integrating the

pharmacy departments at USC and MUSC. It partnerswith the Greenville Hospital System University MedicalCenter to form a statewide approach to pharmacyeducation and research.


By Cindy aBole

Public RelationsThe MUSC community

was saddened by thesudden loss of studentLauren Elyse BaldwinBaccari, 27, who was killedJan. 28 in a multi-caraccident on Interstate 526.

Baccari was a fourth-year College of Medicine(COM) student who wasplanning to specialize infamily medicine. She wasborn Feb. 5, 1985, in Erie,Pa., to John and CherylMcCormack Baldwin andgrew up with her sister,Chelsey, who also is aCOM student at MUSC, in Little River. Baccari wenton to attend the College of Charleston and graduatedwith a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minorin chemistry in 2007. Prior to starting medical schoolin 2009, Baccari worked as a grossing technologist fora dermapathology center, legal assistant and researchassistant in the Department of Neurosciences.

She was actively involved in serving the communityand volunteering with the Community Aid, Relief,Education and Support (CARES) free clinic, CrisisMinistries, MUSC Women’s Heart Health Monthprogram, Brain Tumor Action Week and MUSCChildren’s Hospital.

Baccari was a member of the Surgical TrainingAwareness & Residency Interest Group and theStudent Medical History Club. She was a recipient ofthe Palmira Snape Endowed Scholarship, an awardpresented to a medical student who plans to pursue acareer in family medicine

Baccari’s funeral service was held Feb. 2 at MUSC’sSt. Luke’s Chapel. She is survived by her husband,Gregory Baccari, her parents, sister, grandparents andother family.

Memorials may be made to the Lauren BaccariFamTrack Fund, established by fellow students inBaccari’s memory. The fund will support activities ofthe FamTrack Interest Group and students interestedin family medicine as a specialty. Donations may besent to the Lauren Baccari FamTrack Fund, c/o MUSCFoundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, Charleston, S.C.,29425 or via http://www.musc.edu/giving/com.

As we reflect on the tragic loss of our colleague, LaurenBaccari, we know that she would have served her

community as a specialist in people. Never withouta smile, she inspired each of us to see the best in ourcommunities and in ourselves.—Drew Philipp, COM

It warmed my heart to see so many of my classmates inattendance at Lauren's memorial on Saturday. She wastruly an amazing person with a bright future who will bemissed deeply. It was a moving service that paid tributeto her years of service and her heart for others.—Ted James, COM, Class of 2013

Lauren was just a few months away from embarkingon her chosen career path of family medicine. Shewas a treasured friend to many here at MUSC andwas known for being a passionate learner who alwaysexhibited a positive attitude and devotion to others.She consistently embraced opportunities to expand hermedical skillset so that she would be ready and able toprovide great care to her patients. While we strugglewith the loss of such a bright, talented and selflessyoung woman, we realize we were privileged to haveknown her.—Etta D. Pisano, M.D., Vice President for Medical Affairs &Dean, College of Medicine

Lauren’s love for medicine and her patients wasobvious. In a world that can be cynical and difficult,my heart breaks knowing that there are so manypatients out there that won’t get to be cared for byher as a physician. She would have changed so manylives and been a light to those around her. My prayersare with her husband, family and friends as theycarry this burden on a level the rest of us cannot trulyunderstand.—Deborah J. DeWaay, M.D., Associate Vice Chair forMedical Education

I first knew Lauren as my chemistry tutor at the Collegeof Charleston. She inspired me to become a tutormyself, helping me to discover my passion for teaching.As I transitioned to life at MUSC and befriended hersister, Chelsey, Lauren became both a trusted mentorand a beloved friend. I find it unbearably cruel that shewas taken from us. My heart aches for my dear friends,Greg Baccari and the Baldwin family. I hope they canfind some small solace in knowing that Lauren touchedand inspired so many during her short time with us.—Tracy Tholanikunnel, COM, Class of 2015

Lauren was such a compassionate young woman poisedon the threshold of a lifetime of service to others. Nowords can fully express all the emotions surroundingthe loss of Lauren, but may there be peace knowingthat: “What is once loved is always yours from that day.

Take it home in your heart and nothing ever can take itaway.”—Rhonda Ferris, R.N., MUSC Student Health Services

Lauren was beautiful, brilliant, hip and old-fashioned atthe same time. She loved her family so much and spokeof them often. She was a force to be reckoned with inthis world, and I’m sure she will be in the next. Mysincerest condolences.—Angel Orechovesky, MUSC

I did not know Lauren but after listening andhearing the remarkable story from Dr. Hoy and herdetermination to join our specialty in otolaryngology,she has touched us all. God needed another angel in hishouse.—Elena Williams, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & NeckSurgery

In the three years that I got to know Lauren, I quicklylearned that she was a born doctor – always caringabout others first. She was so full of life and spunk, andI always knew that she had my back when I needed her.While I know her family knows how special Laurentruly was, I want them to know that this sentiment wasshared by many. She made her mark in this life, and Iwill never forget her.—Alicia Latham Schwark, COM, Class of 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during thisdifficult time. Lauren completed her family medicinerotation with us last year. She was a complete joy.Praying for God’s peace to surround her family andfriends.—Kim Cameron and Waccamaw Family Medicine Staff,Pawleys Island

Medical student dies in tragic I-526 accident

Baccari


Meet Deanna

Deanna FanningDepartmentStudy Coordinator in NeonatologyHow long at MUSCMore than 20 yearsHow are you changing what’s possibleat MUSCI’m improving the future care of infants oneday at a time.FamilyHusband, Mark, and sons, Avery and ToddMusic in your player right nowLights by AerDream jobWorking with animalsA must-have in the fridgeMountain Dew and chocolateFavorite place in the worldWalking on the beach with my dogs, Kokoand Shadow (Australian shepherds)Dream vacationSailing around the worldFavorite restaurantLong Point GrillFavorite quote“A dog is the only thing on earth that lovesyou more than he loves himself.”— JoshBillings


Don C. Rockey, M.D., joined MUSC on Sept. 1,2012, as the chair of the Department of Medicine.

Prior to moving to Charleston, Rockey served asprofessor of internal medicine and chief of the Divisionof Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University ofTexas Southwestern. He also served on the faculty atthe University of California San Francisco and DukeUniversity Medical Center after earning his medicaldegree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1984.

Rockey’s wife, Kathy, is a medical consultant. Theyhave three children: Kelsey, Nicole and Daniel, who areall currently enrolled in different Texas universities.

Recently, Catalyst writer Ashley Barker sat down withRockey to discuss his role and department’s mission atMUSC.

You’re in your sixth month at MUSC now. Are yousettling in nicely?

We’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been impressed by the peoplehere and, in particular, by how collaborative andcollegial everyone has been. People want to do theright thing and push programs forward. I’m an avidsupporter of that and change for the better.

What do you think about the Department ofMedicine so far?

The department is very strong. I’d like to see us takethe next step and go from good to great. My impressionis that is what you’d hear from other people too. Thereare many opportunities at MUSC. So far, I’ve tried tospend time trying to understand exactly what differentpeople are doing and what the opportunities are goingto be. This has helped me focus on a vision for thedepartment, and I hope that we’ll start implementingsome of the vision soon.

Are you planning to change anything within thedepartment?

I don’t believe we will make any dramatic changes.We’ll improve upon what we’re doing well and look foropportunities to improve in other areas. We’ve donea couple of things already. For example, we’ve hadone research retreat, and we’re going to have anotherone. We’re renovating the ninth floor, our space inthe Clinical Science Building. That’s a wonderfulopportunity. It’s an industrious and ambitiousundertaking, and it’s been a true team effort.

Why did you move to MUSC?I think the key was about opportunity. I recognized

that the institution was heading in a very positivedirection, and I thought it would be fun to help furtherdevelop that. I would say that this prediction has cometo fruition. Of course, there will be plenty of hurdles,but in the end, the opportunities will outweigh these.

My wife has always liked the Carolinas, and she likesthe Charleston area. I haven’t seen much of it, but atleast she’s been making up for my poor performance.

What’s the main difference between MUSC and theUniversity of Texas Southwestern where you workedfrom 2005 to 2012?

Southwestern is a wonderful institution with a richtradition in research. MUSC also has a rich tradition,although I would say it is more in the clinical arena. Ithink that it is fair to say that for me personally, there ismore of an opportunity to make a difference here.

What did you want to do when you were growing up?Believe it or not, I always loved the water, and wanted

to be a marine biologist. I was always curious about thewater and the ocean.

How did you end up in the medical field?As I recall, I was in a couple of microbiology classes

in undergraduate school. I remember one day I was inan advanced microbiology class that was mechanismsof disease. It was a great class, and the teacher wasfantastic. I’ll also never forget the nerdy guys that sat inthe front, and I remember thinking, “well I can do thisbetter than they can.” So I went and volunteered in anemergency room. I enjoyed this a great deal, and therest is history. I was not one of those kids that alwayswanted to be a doctor.

What is your day-to-day schedule like at MUSC?I think it is fair to say that we haven’t been letting

much moss grow in the office. I enjoy spending timemeeting people, helping to develop programs, andencouraging others to do the same. I also still enjoy

spending time in the lab – working with our researchteam. For now, I’ve been spending a lot of nights andweekends writing papers and grants.

What does your research focus on?Our laboratory focuses on the cell and molecular

biology of liver fibrosis. When you get a liver injury,whether it is chronic hepatitis or from a few too manyalcoholic drinks, it leads to a fibrogenic or scarringprocess. We study the molecular mechanisms of thescarring process in the liver.

What advice would you give young people?Be curious. I’m a firm believer that the curious folks

are the ones who ask the questions that lead to newdiscoveries. I think the people who are curious andpush to understand why are generally going to do well.You can always ask another question. The key for usis to ask a question and, if there’s not an answer, todevelop a study or process to answer it. That’s one ofthe challenges I’ll be putting out to our young people.Staying enthusiastic about asking questions is going tobe an important part of us developing as a department.Be curious and pursue your questions.

What qualities do you think a good boss or leadershould have?

I think that leaders should set a good example forothers in all arenas. I think they should have a visionand be able to articulate it to others. I think they shouldhave the highest level of integrity. It’s always a plus tohave some charisma and effective communication skills,although I’m not sure they’re absolutely essential. Ithink the most important thing is people should set agood example for others.

Do you think you’re a good boss?Well, I would say that it is early, but I would like to

try to set a good example. We’ll see how it plays out. I’mopen to suggestions. I would like to see the departmentinvest in developing as many of our faculty members asleaders as possible.

When you get sick, are you a good patient?No. Unfortunately, I’m not. I have this especially bad

habit of trying to work through illness, which doesn’talways work. I’m afraid that most physicians try totake care of ourselves and that makes us less than idealpatients.

Where is your favorite place to visit?I enjoy pretty much everywhere I’ve been. I do enjoy

Europe. There’s a lot of history, culture and art. Thepeople are generally kind, well educated, progressive,

Department of Medicine chair settling into position

See Chair on page 7

Dr. Don Rockey with wife, Kathy, and childrenDaniel, Nicole and Kelsey.

The Catalyst, February 8, 2013 7

and quite open. If we didn’t already live here, I’d saythat the United States has some wonderful places tovisit – especially on both of the coasts.

What do you do to relax?We have a little dog, Maddie. She’s half poodle and

half Shih Tzu. The story of how she landed in ourhouse is too long to tell, but essentially, we wound upwith her as a result of our girls’ persistence in raising adog, and I will say they did a great job. She turns outto really like the beach. We have to laugh now as shehas learned the word “beach.” Now, even when we say“beach” inadvertently, she gets very excited. So, we

often spend weekend afternoons walking on the beach.She loves it all, running and rolling around in the sand.I also enjoy spending time with my patient wife, Kathy.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Charleston?I would say it’s a bit early to make a choice. I think

there’s only one place that I’ve been to more than onceso far. It’s too early to pick a favorite, though. Thereseems to be a lot of great restaurants around.

Do you have a nickname?Well, that’s not a tough one – my wife calls me

Rockey most of the time.

Do you live by a specific quote or motto?Probably very simply “do good.” I would say that I

often think of our children when people ask about lifephilosophy. Our kids are all now in college. They’rein various stages. Some are a little more mature thanothers. At this point, Kathy and I agree that about allwe can ask is that they make a positive contribution tosociety. So we just hope that they will do the best theycan and, if they do this, then there is a good chance itwill be good.

So, my motto is do the very best you can, and if youreally do this, most of the time things will work outfine.

A group of 100 nurses and patientcare technicians at MUSC known as theSKIN team is launching an initiativeto prevent pressure ulcers, commonlyreferred to as bedsores.

During the past year, the teamhas worked to reduce the number ofhospital-acquired adult pressure ulcercases from 16 percent in the first quarterof 2012 to 13 percent in the secondquarter, 8 percent in the third quarterand 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter,according to data compiled from surveysby the National Database of NursingQuality Indicators (NDNQI).

A pressure ulcer is an injury to theskin and underlying tissue usually causedby constant pressure. A report from theU.S. Department of Health & HumanServices said 2.5 million patients per yearare affected by pressure ulcers and about60,000 of those patients die as a directresult. In 2007, Medicare estimated thateach pressure ulcer added an average of$43,180 to the cost of a hospital stay.

One of the goals of the SKIN(surface, keep moving, incontinenceand nutrition) team is to educate staffmembers about risk identification,staging, and prevention of pressureulcers. The SKIN bundle that is beingintroduced by the team is an effort toassure best practices become standardat MUSC. The bundle includes thefollowing guidelines:q A comprehensive skin and risk

assessment should be completed on allpatients at admission and each shift.

q Surface: Patients should be on theoptimal surface to meet their needs andmanage pressure. Appropriate mattresses,beds, cushions and heel off-loadingdevices should be in use.q Keep moving: Patient mobility

should be encouraged with appropriatetherapy modalities initiated early —repositioning patients and encouragingout-of-bed status when appropriate.q Incontinence: Prompt attention

to incontinence, use of incontinenceproducts, toileting assistance and propermoisture management should be thestandard of practice.q Nutrition: Assess and address

nutrition and hydration needs on

admission and each shift for allpatients. Consult nutrition serviceswhen appropriate and providesupplementation as needed.

In addition to the SKIN bundle,patients who already have or are at riskof developing pressureulcers will be easilyidentified. A blueiceberg symbol encasedin a black circle willbe on patient wristbands and on the frontof charts. The iceberg symbolizes thatalthough there is visible damage onthe surface, what is below may be moreserious.

Pressure ulcers, which commonlyoccur in the posterior pelvic region andthe heel or ankle region, are associatedwith a longer length of hospital stay,sepsis, increased pain and suffering, andmortality, according to Phill Botham,R.N., Department of Specialty Nursing.

“Great progress has been noted inreducing our pressure ulcer incidenceover the past year, and a dedicated groupof professionals from the bedside, ER,OR, dialysis and ancillary areas of thehospital are working hard to changethe culture here at MUSC,” he stated.“In MUSC’s drive toward changingwhat is possible, we are committed toeliminating all avoidable pressure ulcers.”

Pressure ulcer prevention initiative kicks off Feb. 19By ashley Barker

Public Relations

Members of the SKIN team meet to discuss an initiative to prevent pressure ulcers, known as bedsores.

Chair Continued from Page Six


Currents Feb. 5People – Fostering employeepride and loyalty

To Medical Center Employees:Last month MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg issued a letter to medical

center employees concerning financial challenges we are facing. He emphasizedthe impact of $30 million in annual Medicaid reductions that we have alreadyexperienced, and with the outlook of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursementreductions in the range of $60 million in the future. These changes require us toanalyze how we do business and what we need to do to ensure our organization’ssuccess as we move forward.

In early January, the medical center leadership team sought assistancefrom the Huron Consulting Group to formulate an action plan to improveoperational and financial performance while delivering high quality care. We arenot looking for “business as usual” and we have to turn every stone to determineways to improve organizational performance. We will be taking advantage ofHuron’s expertise while continuing to focus on the cost savings initiatives (oftenreferred to as “5 and 5”) that have been under way for some time. We will bereferring to this organizationwide effort as “MUSC Performance Excellence.” Asprogress is made, details will be widely communicated.

Our action plan will include assessments of all aspects of our work includinghuman resources, labor (staffing), pharmacy programs, supply chain, physicianservices, revenue cycle and other functions as needed, such as shared servicesopportunities. We will assess all functional areas including most cost centers tofocus on opportunities to improve productivity.

The MUSC Performance Excellence initiative does not focus solely on themedical center (MUHA). Everyone throughout the MUSC organization whointeracts with the medical center in some fashion will need to examine behaviorsand practices which have a bearing on costs.

Some limited cost savings involving human resources practices (such asleave and premium pay) have already been implemented or implementation isunderway. Details concerning these human resources matters can be found onthe MUSC Excellence website (http://mcintranet.musc.edu/muscexcellence/communications/index.htm). Plans are being made to disseminate additionaldetails on this website and through other venues as progress is made.

On a related matter, a series of town hall meetings will be held throughoutMarch. The town hall meeting times and locations will be posted soon and willinclude department-based sessions and open sessions. Agenda topics are beingfinalized and are expected to include: introduction of the current ExecutiveMedical Director Dr. Pat Cawley as the new medical center executive director;progress with MUSC Performance Excellence; discussion of the state MedicaidExpansion issue; explanation of “meaningful use;” recognition of high performersand other topics of interest.

In my role as interim executive director, it has been a pleasure to work withthe leadership team and others these past five weeks and I will remain on the jobuntil the end of March. I am confident that MUSC is taking the right steps toaddress the challenges we face. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Kester FreemanInterim Vice President for Clinical Operationsand Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center

WinsDeborah O’Donnell,

director of RiskManagement, shared winsfrom patients and theirfamilies for services fromStorm Eye Institute, 10West, 9East,Mood Disorders Clinic, 1West-AdultED, 5West, 5East, Ambulatory Surgery,MUSC Health East Cooper Neurology,Orthopaedics, Pathology, and 6EastAshley River Tower.

March town hall meetingsA MUHA town hall meeting review

will occur in the March 5 hospitalcommunications meeting.

The town hall meetings will occurthroughout March. The medical centerand department schedule for thesemeetings will be communicated withstaff soon.

Benefit of the Month – FebruaryKelly Crowley, PharmD, Ambulatory

Pharmacy Services manager, spoke tomanagers about the benefits of usingMUSC’s Outpatient Pharmacies as aneasy, convenient and cost-saving optionfor employees and their families to fillprescriptions. To date, the OutpatientPharmacy revenues are up 8.6 percentcompared to 2012 thanks to employeeand patient referrals.

Outpatient pharmacies are locatedin Rutledge Tower, Ashley River Tower,university hospital and Hollings CancerCenter. Special discounts are availablefor employees and their familiesenrolled in the State Health Plan.A 90-day supply can also be refilledat the retail pharmacies, includingthe mail order pharmacy at a slightlyreduced copay than Medco. For healthinformation, users can access Ask aPharmacist via https://www.muschealth.com/askapharmacist/index.htm. Forinformation about services, visit http://www.muschealth.com/prescrtionrefill.

Service – Serving the publicwith compassion, respect andexcellence

Joe Logan, medical center purchasing

services, shared details in the medicalcenter’s policy for managing vendorrepresentatives who visit the medicalcenter. Logan spoke about the use of anew online tool, the Vendormate VendorProgram that is available to managersthat credentials, rates and providesgreater awareness and security relatingto vendor representatives. According toLogan, this tool is both CMS and JointCommission compliant. Users use aninteractive dashboard. Logan invitedemployees to the Feb. 6 Vendormateonsite in-service training held in varioushospital locations. For information,contact [email protected] or visit http://www.vendormate.com/support/clients.html.

Announcementsq MUHA HR is finalizing the revised

position vacancy review process. Amodified form with a more descriptiveprocedure will be emailed to managers.q Answers to Frequently Asked

Questions relating to MUHA’scost savings action plans are nowavailable online via the MUHAintranet under MUSC Excellence,communications meetings and costsavings communications. MNA login isrequired.q United Network for Organ Sharing

will be on campus to survey Feb. 19 and20.q The next meeting is Feb.19.


One of the Lowcountry and MUSC’s most festivewinter events is just around the corner.

The 26th annual Charity Ball and Silent Auctionwill be held Feb. 16 at Memminger Auditorium indowntown Charleston. The event, which was firstestablished by College of Medicine (COM) students,faculty, alumni and staff, was created to supportlocal charities and involve medical students in thecommunity.

The ball is co-sponsored by students with the COMStudent Council and the Medical Student AlumniCouncil (MSAC). Student council members areresponsible for organizing and promoting the eventthrough ad sales. A team of 40 students, representingeach of the college’s four medical school classes, workedwith assigned area businesses and community contactsseeking donations for the silent auction.

John Freedy, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for studentaffairs, is a great supporter of this year’s event. “Morethan a fun night out, the Charity Ball gives our medicalstudents the opportunity to work together raisingmoney for deserving community organizations."

Each year, the silent auction brings forth a variety ofitems, services and activities that participants can bidon. Money raised from this year’s event will benefitfive Lowcountry charities and three student initiatives:Crisis Ministries, Operation Home, The CharlestonArea Children’s Garden Project, Lowcountry Pregnancy

Center, the Junior Girls Day Out Community Project,Community Aid, Relief, Education and Support, CrisisMinistries Wednesday Night Clinic and Fight for Sight.Crisis Ministries is a perpetual recipient of Charity Ballfunds since the program’s inception. The charities wereselected through a subjective review process from anapplicant pool of non-profit community organizationsworking with the MUSC Gives Back Program.

One organization new to the Charity Ball recipientcharities is the Junior Girls Day Out CommunityProject. Founded in 2007 by Kathy L. Jackson, thevolunteer-led organization celebrates girl power forLowcountry girls, ages 7-12. The project’s mission isto provide personal, social, educational, career and

Annual Charity Ball supports community workBy Cindy aBole

Public Relations

In addition to live entertainment, the Feb. 16Charity Ball offers a silent auction.

See Ball on page 10

For inForMationFor ticket sales and donations,contact 792-5862 or visit the

Charity Ball website atwww.musc.edu/charityball.


CON earns top-20 spotT he MUSC College of Nursing

(CON) online graduate program hasbeen ranked in the top 20 in the countryby U.S. News & World Report’s 2013Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.

In 2012, U.S. News & World Reportscored the college among the top 50graduate nursing schools out of morethan 450 schools surveyed.

The methods used by the U.S. Newsin 2013 were based on additionalcomprehensive data from the 2012surveys in order to give applicantsa better understanding of programstrengths. MUSC’s CON onlinegraduate program includes both master’sand doctoral degree tracks.

The college offers online programsthat award a master of science in nursing(MSN) degree, a doctor of nursingpractice (DNP) degree, and a doctor ofphilosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing degree.More than 250 individuals enrolled forfall 2012 courses in the MSN, DNP andPh.D. programs.

An upcoming application deadlinefor the college’s online DNP program is

March 15. Learn more about the DNPprogram at www.musc.edu/nursing/academic/DNP.

CON advances in research fundingIn addition, the College of Nursing

placed 21st among more than 700U.S. nursing schools on the NationalInstitutes of Health’s research fundinglist. This is the third time the college hasachieved a national ranking, coming inat 30th in 2011 and 48th in 2010.

With a number of large NIH grantsawarded in 2012, the nursing facultyresearchers brought in about $3.5million in research funding. With thisfunding, the college continues to makea difference in improving the qualityof health care in the advancement ofnursing research.

According to College of NursingDean Gail Stuart, Ph.D., R.N., thesenational rankings attest to the outcomesof the nursing program at MUSC. “Ourinnovative and dynamic faculty, staff andstudents are clear leaders, not only in theregion but nationally.”

cultural development to girls throughmentorship and activities. Volunteersteach girls how to cook, sew, learn tobudget and save, shop, learn etiquette,physical fitness and a variety of otherreal-life activities.

“Girls are challenged all the timewith violence, drugs, gangs, etc. Wewant to provide positive outlets thathelp enrich, nurture and encouragegirls to move forward in their lifegoals,” said Jackson.

Lauren Benner, a second-yearmedical student, has been busy sincethe summer of 2012 working withbusinesses to solicit a donation forthe silent auction. Lately, Benner andMSAC members have been challengedin soliciting for items due to theeconomy.

“These are tough times, especiallyfor some area business owners. Butthis has taught me and others to bemore creative and inventive in whatwe can do.” Benner wasn’t afraid tocontact family, friends and referralsfor donations. One item that she was

proud to collect for the auction is adonated Moo Roo purse by Charlestondesigner Mary Norton.

Other items that will be offeredin this year’s auction include giftcertificates to restaurants, sailingclasses, and trips to destinationsincluding four African safari vacations.

“The charities that we work withare all so deserving. They’re countingon the money we raise to help otherswho are in need in the community.Their everyday work is inspiring andencouraging. All of us have workedhard in this effort, and I feel this year’sball will be a great event,” Benner said.

The event is open to anyone. Inaddition to hors d’oeuvres, a cashbar will serve beer and wine, and liveentertainment will be on hand.

Tickets are $50 per person andavailable in Room 601, ClinicalSciences Building. Alumni maypurchase two tickets for $45 each.Students may purchase two tickets for$20 each.

For ticket sales and donations,contact 792-5862 or visit www.musc.edu/charityball.

Ball Continued from Page Nine


Basic Lawn Care ReasonableRates Greg 843 303-2615

Items for Sale

Misc. Services

Rental Properties

Short Ivory Wedding Dress(size 16), Matching jacket. New.$125/OBO. 843-261-3590.

Charming 2 bdr, 1 ½ bath fur-nished home. Parking for 2cars. Within walking distanceto campus. Short term rentalavailable. $2500/mo contact:[email protected]

TOADVERTISE

IN THECATALYST

CALL849-1778


YES Family FundThe MUSC Family

Fund, sponsored by theYearly Employee SupportCampaign, is acceptinggrant applications.

The application shouldinclude name, departmentphone, name of projectand amount of fundingrequested. The grantapplication also shouldinclude a brief summaryexplaining the projector program and howthe funding will benefitMUSC’s mission, not toexceed one paragraph.

For information,call the Office ofDevelopment, at 792-1973, email [email protected] or visit www.musc.edu/catalyst/archive/2013/co2-8familyfund.html.Applications are due nolater than March 29.

musc catalyst

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