N E W S F R O M T H E R E G I O N ’ S P R E M I E R A C A D E M I C M E D I C A L C E N T E R

ADVANCES JANUARY 16, 2014

Perioperative Assessment Spotlight

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Saving more lives through NCI designationMore clinical trials reflects benefits for cancer center, patients.

Last year at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, more than 400 patients enrolled in 147 thera-peutic clinical trials, a 69 percent increase in patients from 2012.

Clinical trials give patients access to the most current drugs, therapies and diagnostic tools. Last year’s remarkable rise in participa-tion reflects one of many advances at the cancer center since it received National Cancer Institute designation in August 2012.

More clinical trials and other new treatment options – some available only at NCI centers – translate to better outcomes. In fact, patients at designated centers have a 25 percent higher survival rate.

“Patients at an NCI-designated cancer center can be guaranteed they will receive the best modern medicine has to offer today,” said Roy Jensen, MD, cancer center

director. “NCI defines the best in cancer research and care.”

With the designation, the cancer center is recognized as one of the best in the country. Just 68 cancer centers throughout the United States have achieved this distinction.

There have been other benefits. Through the NCI, the center is

eligible for federal funding, which expands its capacity to conduct cancer research. This helps speed new discoveries made here into the trial phase, which ultimately results in greater advancements in care.

NCI designation also enables the cancer center to expand ben-efits to members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance. MCA, which is

the cancer center’s outreach arm, brings together cancer research, care and support professionals within its 20-member hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Kansas and Missouri. North Kansas City Hospital is the new-est MCA member, joining the alliance last month.

Jensen points out the cancer center’s next major goal is to achieve Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the NCI. Application is slated for Sept. 25, 2016.

The higher NCI level, which focuses on cancer prevention in our communities, requires the cancer center’s population health and outreach research efforts to be wider, deeper and larger – in other words, another step closer to a world without cancer.

Mayo executive – and Jayhawk alum – to lead School of MedicineRobert Simari, MD, has been

appointed the new executive dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Simari is an accomplished clinician and researcher who has served in several

leadership roles at Mayo Clinic. He brings a diverse set of skills

and a record of innovation to his new position. He is also an alumnus of the University of Kansas School of Medicine with a deep commitment to improving health in the state. He will begin his duties March 24.

Simari, who received his medical

degree from the University of Kansas in 1986, notes the school has played a tremendous role in The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s National Cancer Institute designation, the Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health and the reputation of The University of Kansas Hospital.

“It is an exciting time in the history of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as executive dean,” he said. “We will strive for excel-lence in education, research and practice while training future physicians and scientists to im-prove the health of all Kansans.”

With its NCI designation, The University of Kansas Cancer Center – led by Director Roy Jensen, MD – gives patients access to the latest drugs, thera-pies and diagnostic tools.

Events Auction for medical missions

– The University of Kansas Medical Center’s International Outreach student organization will host its annual benefit auction 5-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, in the School of Nursing Atrium on the main campus. Entry is a $5 minimum donation. The event features food, beverages and live and silent auc-tions. The student group will use all proceeds for medical supplies for a two-week medical mission to Panama and Guatemala this spring. Details are at kumcio.org or search kumcio on Facebook.

Get energized! Wellness for the cancer survivor – Learn strategies to address cancer-related fatigue and how to have more energy in your daily life. The information is useful at any stage of diagnosis and survivor-ship. The free classes are 1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at The University of Kansas Cancer Center-North; 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 22, at KUCC-Overland Park; and 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the KU Clinical Research Center in Fairway. Register by calling 913-588-1227.

Tai Chi for the Heart – The gentle yet powerful tai chi class is open to people diagnosed with heart disease and to their primary supporters. Research has shown tai chi may help reduce depres-sion, promote relaxation, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase exercise capacity. The class is 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing, in Leawood. Call 913-383-8700 to register.

Gluten-free shopping and tasting tours – Learn to identify and locate items suitable for most gluten-free diets in this informative, enjoyable and free tour. Sample a few new products to suit your diet. Tour guide is Lisa Markley, healthy eating specialist/culinary nutritionist. The free class is 6-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Whole Food Market in Overland Park. Register by calling 913-588-1227.

Details and more events are at kumed.com/event-detail.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Assessment preps patients for surgeryIn October, a patient came

to The University of Kansas Hospital’s Perioperative Assessment Clinic in preparation for spine surgery. Because he had risk factors for heart disease, the clinic recommended evaluation by his cardiologist before the elective spine surgery.

A stress test revealed severe coronary heart disease, requiring bypass surgery. When he returned to the clinic for his spine surgery, he was appreciative of the thorough care.

“It can be frustrating when elective surgery is delayed because we want a patient to see a special-ist first,” said David Wild, MD, assistant clinic director. “But these patients often come back and thank us for helping them discover a serious medical issue they had not been aware of.”

“We strive to prepare patients for the entire scope of their periopera-tive encounter,” said Talal Khan, MD, chair of Anesthesiology. Patients are evaluated to identify and mitigate factors that might increase risk during surgery.

Patient education is also extremely important. They receive information about diet,

medications, the anesthesia plan and pain management during and after surgery.

Those who are at intermediate or high risk of complications based on their medical history might come to the clinic a few days before the procedure. “Our goal is to ensure patients are ready and optimized to proceed with surgery safely and to avert any issues that could jeopardize their health,” said Wild.

Patients who are not evaluated by the clinic are far more likely

to be rescheduled on the day of surgery. Rescheduling can result if, for instance, a patient did not stop taking blood thinners, did not receive a cardiac evaluation when one was indicated or did not understand pre-op instructions.

“We look for risk factors that could jeopardize the patient’s health or complicate recovery,” said Medical Director Jana Goldsich, MD. “When we identify and ad-dress risks before surgery, patients have better outcomes and spend less time in the hospital.”

EXPOSURE

‘Storytelling’ for Girls’ Night InThe University of Kansas Hospital is preparing for the 9th Annual Girls’ Night In, a Feb. 26 fundraiser for women’s heart disease programs. During a Jan. 8 host party, speak-ers unveiled a new Girls’ Night In format, which will feature “A Heartfelt Evening of Storytelling” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Among Girls’ Night In dignitaries at the host party (from left) were honorary chairs Rhea Pimentel, MD, and Rita Hyde, MD; host committee chair Darby Brender, Fusion Fitness founder; and honorary chair Ashley Simmons, MD. Girls’ Night In tickets are on sale at girlsnightinkc.com.

The Perioperative Assessment Clinic includes a staff of 23 nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and healthcare techs. Among department leaders (front, in white coats) are Nurse Manager Kathy VonWyl, RN (left), and Medical Director Jana Goldsich, MD.

Pediatrics integration takes next big stepChildren’s Mercy, The University of Kansas Hospital and

the University of Kansas Medical Center marked a significant milestone this month in an effort to develop a single, integrated pediatric program.

Michael Artman, MD, pediatrician-in-chief and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospital, has been appointed chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Children’s Mercy is now designated a Principal Pediatric Teaching Hospital for the University of Kansas Medical Center. The designation is an important recognition of the institutions’ growing collaborations in pediatric medical education, and it signifies their joint commitment to further enhance the quality and scale of pediatric medical education in the Kansas City area.

The Jan. 6 announcement marks completion of the initial phase of plans, announced in December 2012, to develop a single, integrated pediatric program.

“This announcement shows the hospital is absolutely commit-ted to this collaboration with Children’s Mercy,” said Bob Page, The University of Kansas Hospital president and CEO. “It also clearly demonstrates The University of Kansas Hospital will continue to provide pediatric medical services, in both primary and advanced care. We expect to serve more children than ever before.”

With hospital assist, Royals win awardKansas City Royals trainers were named the Major League

Athletic Training Staff of the Year by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society.

The University of Kansas Hospital, which is a partner with the Royals in providing medical support to the team and their athletic trainers, played an important role in the designation, according to Royals head athletic trainer Nick Kenney.

He was recognized by hospital leadership on Jan. 6 along with Vincent Key, MD, and Joe Noland, MD, members of the hospital’s medical staff who serve as the primary physicians for the baseball team.

The hospital has been the Royals Official Healthcare Provider since January 2011.

Winter blues? Take a walk during lunchIt is normal to feel the blues this time of year, but some

people are deeply affected by winter’s long, cold days. They may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Matthew Macaluso, DO, assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center, suggests these patients get as much natural sunlight as possible during the winter, especially at midday and on bright days.

To see a Q&A with Macaluso about SAD, go to kumc.edu and search “seasonal affective disorder.”

In the NewsA recap of recent articles, TV segments and other media coverage of the region’s leading academic medical center.

Kansas hospitals bracing for severe flu – 41 Action News, Jan. 2. Johnson County healthcare providers were warned to prepare for an increase in influenza patients, especially those with more severe illnesses, as the flu season picks up in earnest by mid-January. “They’re expecting the next few weeks especially to become really severe, with many, many infected patients,” said Pediatrics’ Stephen Lauer, MD, PhD, at The University of Kansas Hospital. “I suspect most of January we’re going to see a lot of cases of people coming into emergency rooms and urgent cares with the classic symptoms.”

Campaign well on its way to $1.2 billion goal – The Topeka Capital Journal, Dec. 31. The University of Kansas is barreling toward a breathtak-ing milestone in state higher education history: securing $1.2 billion in a private fundraising campaign. The university’s “Far Above” campaign already has netted $957 million, which will go toward improvements at the Lawrence campus and at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

E-cigarettes pose concerns – KMBZ, Jan. 1. Many smokers turn to e-cigarettes to help them kick the habit, but because the products are not regulated by the FDA, their ingredients often are not listed. E-cigarettes may include a variety of drugs such as nicotine, K2 and even Cialis, said Stephen Thornton, MD, medical director of the Poison Control Center at The University of Kansas Hospital. Also, refill cartridges ordered online often are filled overseas, where other drugs are legal. “It’s an example of how electronic cigarettes and the solutions that people use to refill them are kind of a wild, wild west of pharmacology,” Thornton said.

Treating dry skin – 41 Action News, Jan. 8. This winter’s brutal cold may be causing more skin problems. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, Dermatology Director Daniel Aires, MD, offers several recom-mendations. While over-the-counter lotions are fine, products with petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, provide excellent relief for people with severely dry, cracked skin, he said. Another non-traditional remedy: A thin layer of Superglue over cracks allows skin to heal better.

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Mechanics, CPR in actionThe Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department on Jan. 10 honored brothers Mark (left) and Bill Fronce (right), owners of Boulevard Auto and Truck Repair on Southwest Boulevard. They performed hands-only CPR to save the life of co-

worker Kiall Peoples, who collapsed at work and had no pulse. After treatment at The University of Kansas Hospital, Peoples was released on Christmas Day. The hospital and fire department are sponsoring a hands-only CPR program in Wyandotte County to teach as many citizens as possible how to save a life.

Nick Kenney (left) and Vincent Key, MD

ADVANCES

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Our People Keeping patients warm –

Dozens of patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are just a bit warmer and comfier this winter, thanks to Marc Wendling.

A patient financial advisor in The University of Kansas Hospital Admitting Office, Wendling each year crochets a bounty of hats, scarves and blankets for cancer center patients.

This is no passing fad. Over the past year he made 15 scarves, 68 hats and six blankets for patients. He crocheted another 50 hats for youngsters at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the poor and home-less at City Union Mission.

“I really enjoy doing it when I have free time,” said Wendling, who typically spends several hours every night crocheting while watching TV or listening to music. “It’s a great stress-reliever.”

Wendling started crocheting during 1996’s “October surprise,” when a heavy snowfall knocked out his home’s power. With nothing to do for three days, he coaxed a friend into showing him what she was doing with those needles.

He was hooked. When he joined the hospital in 2000, Wendling saw the need and began donat-ing items to patients through the

Brandmeyer Patient Resource Center at the Westwood Campus. Lynn Marzinski, RN, who was the center’s director, gratefully gave Wendling’s creations to patients, often those who were starting their treatments.

“It’s just spectacular,” said Marzinski, now a patient naviga-tor. “I’m so tickled to see how our employees give back to patients and the community.”

She also appreciates the impact Wendling’s handiwork has on patients. “I saw one woman who had received one of Marc’s blankets several months earlier,” Marzinski said. “She told me, ‘That is the best thing. I can’t wait to go home after treatment and cuddle in it.’”

Cancer prevention project hon-ored – Jean Peat, APR, director of communications for The University

of Kansas Cancer Center, has received several awards for her communications work.

She received PRISM awards in both Integrated Communications

and Community Relations from the Kansas City chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for stra-tegic planning and implementation of NCI communications program elements.

She also received the Emerald Award Certificate of Merit from the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators for the video “Reaching Out to Prevent Cancer in High Risk Communities” (youtube.com/kucancercenter).

The video profiles the center’s cancer prevention efforts in the state, namely smoking cessation among American Indians and

improvements in breast cancer screening among Latina women.

Exceptional employee spotlight – Cassie Packard is manager of clinical operations in Administration at The University of Kansas Physicians.

Colleagues say Packard is committed to providing service to physicians and clinic staff, which helps create the optimal patient experience.

She joined the Clinical Operations team in March 2011 as UKP prepared for the first wave of O2, an electronic medical record. “She jumped right in and provided at-the-elbow as-sistance to our physicians, showing them how not only to use O2 in clinic, but how they could advance their use,” said Micki Davis, director of UKP Clinical Operations.

Packard is now the principal O2 trainer for all UKP physicians. She often stays late and comes in early, optimizing O2 for the clinic practices she supports.

During one O2 launch, she im-mersed herself in day-to-day clinic operations so she could offer sug-gestions for efficiency, helping move physicians and other caregivers to full productivity as soon as possible.

“She cultivated relationships with physicians and staff to ensure we were meeting the overall vision of O2 as well as meeting Orthopedics’ unique needs,” said Rolina Everett, as-sistant director of Clinical Operations.

“With her quick wit, comprehen-sive knowledge of ambulatory O2 and easy smile, Cassie continues to offer exceptional service with skills that are second to none.”

Wendling

Packard

Peat

913-588-1227 | kumed.com/royals

As the official healthcare provider of the Kansas City Royals, we will host a booth with information on:

• The history of batting helmets and their role in concussion prevention

• Injury prevention and safety tips from our Center for Sports Medicine experts

FanFest also features interactive games and appearances by current and former Royals. Our hospital will provide first-aid care at the event.

Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1,Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center

For tickets, visit royals.com/fanfest.

Visit us at Royals FanFest!