MAY 7 • 2010 TheWeekly theweekly.usc.edu PUBLISHED FOR THE USC HEALTH SCIENCES CAMPUS COMMUNITY VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 16 Patients drive success of Evaluation and Treatment Center

By Tania Chatila undergone significant growth For Derek Morton, the in patient volume—sometimes thought of having to wait treating between six and eight hours in an emergency room patients a day. to be examined for a post- “This was a new model, and operative abscess was more we essentially started with than off-putting. zero patients,” said Weaver. ‘This center Luckily for Morton, a “Now we are seeing an aver- offers a quick and 34-year-old patient treated for age of 100 to 120 patients a colon cancer at USC Norris month, and we anticipate even convenient way for Cancer Hospital, he didn’t more growth in the future.” patients to be seen, have to. Instead, he was sent The center includes two to the Evaluation and Treat- patient exam rooms, a waiting and for physicians, ment Center—a 24-hour clinic area, consultation area, nursing it affords them a exclusively for patients of the area and an adjacent admitting centralized location USC hospitals. space, said Emma Wright, “It’s my first time here, but director of the Evaluation and where they can it’s a really nice set-up and Treatment Center. The center assess their a good idea,” said Morton, maintains a staff of about 20 who had surgery with Rick full-time nurses—roughly half patients’ needs Selby, professor of surgery at of whom are registered nurses after hours.’ the Keck School, in February. and half of whom are licensed Heinz-Josef Lenz, professor Chatila Tania vocational nurses. Licensed Vocational Nurse Dina Molina, right, examines patient Derek Morton, left, of medicine and preventive The clinic takes no walk- at the Evaluation and Treatment Center at USC University Hospital. Morton, who —Fred Weaver, chief medicine at the Keck School, was treated for colon cancer at USC Norris Cancer Hospital, was referred to the ins. Instead, USC physicians of vascular surgery referred him to the center last center by his physician following a post-operative issue. can refer a patient there for at the Keck School of week, after a scheduled office post-operative issues or other visit. Located on the first floor of Infrastructure for the concerns. Then, that physician Medicine “Everything has been really the Norris Inpatient Tower center was developed from or a selected designee can visit quick, and everyone is really at USC University Hospital, the ground up by a dedicated with the patient once intakes nice,” he said. the clinic serves as a 24-hour committee of hospital admin- have been completed. Morton is one of hundreds ambulatory care center, where istrators and physicians, led by “When patients come of patients seen at the center established, private patients Fred Weaver, chief of vascular down here and spend time since it opened eight months of USC providers can go for surgery at the Keck School. on the campus, they really ago. after-hours care. Since then, the center has See ETC, page 2 Two Keck School faculty members lauded at USC Academic Honors Convocation

University leaders ton Hospital, where many recognized the contribu- Keck School faculty hold tions of two Keck School staff privileges. He and of Medicine luminaries his wife, Weta, remain at the annual Academic active in the life of the Honors Convocation, an Keck School, and he event that culminated currently serves on the with USC alumnus, film- university’s Institutional maker and benefactor Biosafety Committee. Mark Humayun Allen Mathies George Lucas ’66 receiv- Humayun, the co- ing the USC Presidential Medallion, the univer- inventor of a retinal prosthesis, was honored for sity’s highest honor. his pioneering research on diseases of the retina, At the April 26 event, Allen W. Mathies, dean original contributions to scholarship, and his abil- emeritus of the Keck School, received the USC ity to combine his expertise in ophthalmology Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award, and Mark and his craftsmanship in engineering to restore Humayun, the Cornelius J. Pings Professor of partial sight to the blind. Biomedical Sciences and professor of ophthal- Humayun was the lead surgeon during the mology, and cell and neurobiology, received the implantation of the world’s first retinal device USC Associates Award for Creativity in Research in 2002, and he led the engineering team that and Scholarship. developed this electronic implant. His accom- Mathies, known as a gifted clinician, educa- plishments have earned him membership in the tor and leader, played a pivotal role in the rising Institute of Medicine. stature of the Keck School of Medicine of USC His leadership positions include directing re- as its dean from 1975 to 1985. search in the Eye Concepts Laboratory at USC’s Under his leadership, the USC Norris Com- Doheny Eye Institute. He is also the director of prehensive Cancer Center and Hospital was built the U.S. Department of Energy’s Artificial Retina and research expanded. The school flourished Project and the founding director of the Na- as faculty members and department chairs were tional Science Foundation-funded Biomimetic

Sara Reeve recruited, a practice plan was adopted and plans MicroElectronic Systems Engineering Research WHO YOU GONNA CALL? GERMBUSTERS!— Students from elemen- to build the USC University Hospital were put Center at USC. tary schools surrounding USC’s Health Sciences Campus participated in into action. Humayun joined USC in 2001. He earned the 10th annual USC-HSC Science Fair, held April 30, on Harry and Celesta Mathies retired from USC in 1985. He contin- his M.D. from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Pappas Quad. Above, youngsters display their exhibit on how well various cleaning products disinfect surfaces. ued to shape the landscape of health care in Los biomedical engineering from the University of Angeles as president and CEO of the Hunting- North Carolina, Chapel Hill. MAY 7 • 2010 Keck School urology team reveals findings in trio of papers

By Leslie Ridgeway small kidney cancers. Written for prac- kill the tumor, is a good option for destroy- Several studies published in top medical ticing physicians, the paper highlights ing kidney tumors in patients who are not ‘We are now journals by USC surgeons have found that modern diagnostic tests and the latest candidates for laparoscopic partial neph- able to remove surgical treatment of kidney cancer is not treatment outcomes. rectomy. These two latter papers present the daunting prospect it once was. In the Journal of Urology (J Urol. 2010 the experience of Gill’s team at USC and many of these Three papers, one published in the January; 183:34-41), Gill and colleagues the Cleveland Clinic. Co-authors include cancers through New England Journal of Medicine and two published the world’s largest single- Monish Aron and Mihir Desai, both published in the Journal of Urology, indi- surgeon experience with 800 patients with renowned surgeons at USC. tiny keyhole cuts cate that kidney cancer patients can look kidney tumors undergoing laparoscopic The USC Institute of Urology includes to the abdomen. forward to a speedier recovery and brighter partial nephrectomy—a popular minimally 23 full-time faculty and more than 30 post- future. The papers were authored by a invasive technique to remove a tumor graduate residents and fellows dedicated to In a majority of team led by Inderbir S. Gill, director of while saving the kidney. The most critical world-class patient care and research. The the cases, we the USC Institute of Urology at the Keck part of this procedure is clamping (stop- institute comprises eight clinical centers, School of Medicine. The studies indicate ping) the blood supply to the kidney to including the Center for Comprehensive can even save that outcomes of minimally invasive treat- create a bloodless operative field. Gill’s Urologic Oncology, Center for Robotics the kidney, and ments for patients with organ-confined team has pioneered the laparoscopic/ and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Cen- kidney tumors have improved dramatically. robotic technique, which has dramatically ter for Pediatric Urology, Image-Guided remove only the “We are now able to remove many of decreased the clamp time. Surgery Center, and Center for Female cancer.’ these cancers through tiny keyhole cuts “The shorter the clamp time, the better Urology, among others. The USC Institute to the abdomen,” said Gill. “In a majority the kidney function,” said Gill. “We de- of Urology surgeons are world leaders and of the cases, we can even save the kidney, liver the fastest clamp times in the world, pioneers in robotic/laparoscopic and open — Inderbir S. Gill, and remove only the cancer.” Since no thus providing the best possible kidney surgery for cancers of the kidney, prostate director of the USC muscle is cut and blood loss is minimal, function. As a result, patients no longer and bladder. USC urologic surgeons are at patients experience less pain and a shorter need to lose the kidney to lose the cancer.” the forefront of developing cutting-edge Institute of Urology recovery time, he noted. Finally, in the March 2010 issue of treatments such as scar-free “belly-button” at the Keck School of In their New England Journal of Medicine the Journal of Urology (J Urol 2010:183; surgery and novel organ-sparing focal treat- Medicine paper titled “Small Renal Mass” (N Engl J 889-895), the USC team presented the ments for prostate cancer. Med 2010 February:362; 624-34), Gill and world’s largest follow-up data for laparo- For more information on the USC Insti- colleagues provide an expert overview of scopic renal cryoablation of up to 11 years. tute of Urology, visit the web site at www. the current state of knowledge regarding Cryoablation, a technique to freeze and uscurology.com/

ETCETERA

A delegation from the Nippon Medical Sumita Adhya, a third-year radiology resident School in , , visited the Keck School of Medicine on April 15 has received an award for best student paper at to tour the medical school as well as the Radiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) the LAC+USC Medical Center. The Keck School of Medicine signed an affiliation annual conference. agreement with the Nippon Medical Adhya won the RSNA Trainee Research Prize School that allows an exchange of fourth-year medical students between for her paper, “Triple Negative Breast Cancer: An the Keck School and the Nippon Evaluation of the Mammographic, Ultrasound, Medical Center. From left are: Adam and MR Characteristics,” on which she worked Clayton Powell, USC Vice Provost for Globalization; Sayaka Kosaka, Nippon with Linda Hovanessian-Larsen, associate profes- secretary; Masao Miyashita, Nippon sor of radiology at the Keck School of Medicine. professor of surgery; Takashi Shimada, director International Exchange Center; The mission of the RSNA is to promote and Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito; develop the highest standards of radiology and Kiyoyuki Ogata, Nippon professor of hematology; Thomas Noguchi, a related sciences through education and research. graduate of Nippon and a current USC ••• emeritus faculty member; and Jonathan Samet, director of the USC Institute of Global Health. ETC: Clinic’s success has spurred plans to expand its operations

Continued from page 1 they can assess their patients’ lab work to electrocardiograms vascular disease, neurosurgery, increased patient volumes. like it here. They don’t want needs after hours.” to transportation within the neurology and oncology. Scott Evans, executive to go to an emergency room All nurses work in pairs to hospital for other services or The licensed vocational administrator for medicine and for non-urgent care,” said closely screen patients before tests,” said Wright. nurses are challenged to hospital operations, credited Weaver. “This center offers their physicians see them. All of the nurses come from maximize their potential by the success and growth of the a quick and convenient way The pairs consist of one RN critical care or urgent care doing everything from starting clinic to its staff. for patients to be seen, and and one LVN for each patient. backgrounds and are trained intravenous therapy and draw- “Without the dedication for physicians, it affords them “We are self-sufficient. We in a variety of specialties such ing blood to administering and professionalism of the a centralized location where do everything ourselves from as cardiovascular disease, medication. And because of ETC staff, none of this would the center’s expanding ability be possible,” he said. “It is to treat multiple patient types, because of their continued The the licensed vocational nurses efforts to support our patients Weekly Next Issue: May 14 also have the ability help treat and physicians that we have all kinds of conditions. been able to make this model “When I work here, I get a success.” The Weekly is published for the faculty, staff, students, volunteers and visitors in the Univer- to see all kinds of diseases and For Brenda Jones, a nurse at sity of Southern ’s Health Sciences Campus community. It is written and produced diagnoses,” said Dina Molina, the clinic, it has always been by the Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing staff. Comments, suggestions and a licensed vocational nurse at about patient satisfaction. story ideas are welcome. Permission to reprint articles with attribution is freely given. the Evaluation and Treatment That means safe, rapid treat- Center. “I can really put my ment and the ability to offer Associate Senior Vice President, Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing: Jane Brust knowledge to work.” patients the 24-hour expertise As a growing operation, they have come to know and Executive Director of Communications and Marketing: Ina Fried ongoing planning is already depend on. Editor: Jon Nalick under way to continue “The great thing about Contributors: Eva Blaauw, Tania Chatila, Meghan Lewit, Carol Matthieu, Katie Neith, Sara expansion of the clinic as it the ETC is that we can cut Reeve and Leslie Ridgeway nears its one-year anniversary. out that third-party care from Administrators are developing people who don’t know our Senior Vice President, University Relations: Martha Harris a physician-staffing model patients or can’t properly treat and are also looking to expand them,” Jones said. “Here, the Phone: 323-442-2830 Fax: 323-442-2832 E-mail: [email protected] Web: theweekly.usc.edu RSS: http://www.usc.edu/hscw the physical dimensions of patients start with USC and the clinic to accommodate finish with USC.” Stop Cancer meeting recognizes support of cancer research at USC

By Ryan Ball Carman A. Puliafi to, on to do an amazing job in “As we all know, Stop most exciting fi elds of science Members and benefi ciaries dean of the Keck School terms of furthering the fi ght Cancer has been funding at the moment, and a lot of of Stop Cancer met at USC of Medicine, was on against cancer.” new investigators here for that excitement is due to the Norris Comprehensive Cancer hand to greet the visiting Jones welcomed two recent- quite some time, and what work of Peter Laird. We estab- Center on April 15 to see philanthropists. “I am ly hired USC physicians in you do is so important in lished the USC Epigenome how the funds raised by the personally grateful for the attendance: world-renowned terms of allowing people to Center about a year and a half non-profi t, philanthropic wonderful support that Stop hematologist Preet Chaudry, get their careers up and going ago, and it’s a leader. It was organization are being used Cancer has provided the USC chief of the Jane Anne Nohl by alleviating them from the the fi rst one in California, the to further cancer research at cancer research family over Division of Hematology and need to get research support fi rst one in the USC. the years,” he said. “The Center for the Study of Blood right as they’re beginning and the fi rst one in the world.” Stop Cancer is dedicated money you raise makes a Diseases, and leader of the their careers,” Jones Laird led the group to helping fi nd a cure for tremendous difference in Leukemia and Lymphoma remarked. “This kind of seed on a tour of the center, cancer by funding research cancer research here.” Program at the USC Nor- support was a brilliant idea of which houses, among other at National Cancer Institute- Peter Jones, director of the ris Comprehensive Cancer the original founders of Stop things, machines capable of designated comprehensive USC Norris Comprehensive Center; and internationally Cancer, and it’s been hugely sequencing a human being’s cancer centers. The focus of Cancer Center, acknowledged known breast cancer oncolo- successful.” DNA in about a week, while the organization is to provide past and present Stop Can- gist Debasish Tripathy, profes- Jones also acknowledged the fi rst human genome grants to scientists who are cer awardees, noting, “Your sor of clinical medicine at the work of colleague Peter project took 15 years. engaged in innovative cancer support has really played a the Keck School of Medicine Laird, director of the USC More information on Stop research and its subsequent major role in establishing their and co-leader of the Women’s Epigenome Center, stating, Cancer can be found at www. clinical applications. careers, and they’ve all gone Cancer Program at USC. “Epigenetics is one of the stopcancer.net. Doctors of USC to participate in program to evaluate, treat retired NFL Players

The Doctors of USC is medical centers, selected for program director. for a grant to cover some or all full-time faculty members of participating in a nationwide their expertise, high-quality At USC, the interdisciplin- of the costs of treatment. the Keck School of Medicine program focused on evaluating service and reputation are: ary team is led by Jeffrey More than 500 physicians of USC, compose The Doctors and treating retired National Doctors of USC, Morehouse Victoroff, associate professor and specialists, who serve as of USC. Football League players with School of Medicine (Atlanta), of clinical neurology, and Carol possible neurological condi- Mount Sinai (New York, NY), McCleary, assistant professor tions. University of California, San of clinical neurology. The NFL Neurological Francisco School of Medicine The neurological program The Weekly NEWSMAKERS Care Program was announced and Washington University is available to retired players March 24 at the NFL’s annual School of Medicine/Barnes- vested under the Bert Bell/ A May 3 preventive medicine Rohit meeting. The new program is Jewish Hospital (St. Louis). Pete Rozelle NFL Player Times article highlighted Varma about new stud- one of a series of NFL initia- Each center has available Retirement Plan. research by assistant profes- ies indicating that Latinos tives addressing the quality of to retired NFL players a Players who cannot afford sor of clinical medicine have higher rates of vision life of retired players. team of specialists, led by a treatment may apply to the Michael Hochman and a disorders than any other The fi ve participating neurologist who serves as a NFL Player Care Foundation Harvard University col- ethnic group in the United league which found that States. U.S. News & World only 32 percent of medi- Report and United Press cation studies published International also featured in top medical journals the research. compared the effectiveness of existing treatments. An April 29 Los Angeles Times article quoted asso- On May 3, KTLA-TV cov- ciate professor of medicine ered the announcement of and medical director of the a $10 million NIH grant to USC Norris Cancer Hospital fund the Center for Popula- David Quinn about new tion Health and Health immune-boosting therapy Disparities, a partnership for prostate cancer pa- between USC, UCLA and tients. the Los Angeles County De- partment of Public Health On April 29, KPCC-FM in- aimed at reducing cardio- terviewed associate director vascular disease risk among of research for the Center Latinos in East Los Angeles. for Community Health Telemundo also covered the Studies Gregory Stevens announcement, which fea- about volunteering at the tured professor of medicine Remote Area Medical clinic and director of the USC at the Los Angeles Memo- Clinical Diabetes Program rial Sports Arena. The Los Anne Peters. Angeles Times also re- ported that the USC Mobile A May 2 Los Angeles Dental Clinic provided free Times article quoted direc- dental services at the clinic. tor of trauma and surgical critical care Demetrios An April 28 USA Today Demetriades and trauma article quoted Roger Cle- and critical care surgeons mens of the USC School of Kenji Inaba, Lydia Lam Pharmacy about reducing and D.J. Green and salt intake. featured Los Angeles County+USC Medical Cen- An April 28 Nature ter, which held a celebra- article quoted professor of tion for trauma survivors pathology Cheng-Ming who were treated at the Chuong about a fossil hospital. study of a dinosaur species at different growth stages, A May 1 Los Angeles which showed that its Times article quoted profes- feathers changed dramati- sor of ophthalmology and cally during development. MAY 7 • 2010

AN UPSCALE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EVENT—Chloe Poole (right), an occupational therapy Calendar of Events student, assists Linda Liang (left), an occupational therapist, in using a This Calendar of events is also online at special body mass measuring scale during the National Occupational www.usc.edu/hsccalendar for the Health Therapy month event at USC University Sciences Campus community Hospital on April 7.

Monday, May 10 The Occupational Therapy Department of USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital and the USC 4 p.m. “Biologically Inspired Artificial Haircell Sensors,” Chang Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice Liu, Northwestern. UPC: HNB 100. Info: (213) 821-2084 hosted the event, which attracted hundreds of employees. Tuesday, May 11

9 a.m. Neurology Grand Rounds. “Morbidity and Mortality Report for Rancho Los Amigos Acute Stroke Service, April 2010,” Rami Apelian, USC. ZNI 112. Info: (323) 442-7686

11:15 a.m. USC Hospital Guild Speaker Series. “Antibiotics Made by Our Blood Cells,” Michael Selsted, USC. UNH Impa- tient Café. Info: (323) 254-0600

Noon. Psychiatry Grand Rounds. “Adolescent Bipolar Dis- order,” Douglas Levinson, Stanford. ZNI 112. Info: (323) 442-4065

5 p.m. Visions for Change Lecture. “Meeting the Survival Needs of the World’s Least Healthy People,” Larry Gostin, Institute for National and Global Health Law. NRT Mayer Aud. Tania Chatila Tania Info: (323) 865-0419

Friday, May 14 HSC COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

11 a.m. Hematology Grand Rounds. “Novel Methods to Iden- Wednesday, May 12 Action in Tarzana, Calif., and author D.C. Tickets required. A live webcast tify Regulators of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function,” Gregor of the Knox Preschool Play Scale. of the ceremony will be available Adams, USC. IPT C2J103. Info: (323) 865-3950 Keck School of Medicine – M.S., Reception immediately following. online and also broadcast in School M.P.H. & Ph.D. of Pharmacy lecture halls. Reception Monday, May 17 Physician Assistant Program immediately following on Upper 4 p.m. at the Harry and Celesta Quad. Pappas Quad. Speaker: Mina Bissell, 10:30 a.m. on lawn southwest of the 11:30 a.m. USC Norris Auxiliary Speaker Series. “USC’s World distinguished scientist from the Law- Hancock Foundation (AHF) Building Class Institute of Urology,” Inderbir Gill, USC. San Gabriel Sunday, May 16 rence Berkeley National Laboratory. at University Park Campus. Speaker: County Club. Info: (626) 282-9516 Reception immediately following on State Assembly Speaker Emeritus Keck School of Medicine – M.D. Upper Quad. Karen Bass, PA Program Alumnus, Wednesday, May 19 Class of 1982. Reception immediately 3 p.m. at the Shrine Auditorium. Friday, May 14 following. Speaker: Henri Ford, vice dean for 8:30 a.m. “Arrhythmias in the Critically Ill,” David Cesario, medical education, professor and USC. IRD 734. Info: (323) 226-7923 Biokinesiology & Physical School of Pharmacy vice chair for clinical affairs, Dept. Therapy of Surgery, vice president and chief 3 p.m. at the Harry and Celesta Pap- of surgery at Childrens Hospital Los Friday, May 21 11 a.m. at Bovard Auditorium at the pas Quad at Health Sciences Campus. Angeles. Reception immediately University Park Campus. Speaker: Speaker: Stephen J. Trachtenberg, 11 a.m. Hematology Grand Rounds. “PET/CT and Lympho- following at Founders Park, University Tommy Lasorda, special advisor to president emeritus of the George mas,” Robert Henderson, USC. IPT C2J103. Info: (323) 865- Park Campus. the chairman and former manager of Washington University in Washington, 3950 the Los Angeles Dodgers.

USC Health Sciences 1 p.m. USC Physical Sciences in Oncology Center Seminar. Dentistry Public Relations and Marketing Non-Profit Organization “Physical Sciences for Optical Molecular Imaging in Oncology 1975 Zonal Ave. KAM 400 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Los Angeles, CA 90033 University of Southern California – Adventures in the Translations Woods,” Daniel Farkas, USC. 11 a.m. at Intramural Field at the CSC 201. Info: (323) 442-2596 University Park Campus. Speaker: Rick Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Associa- Friday, May 28 tion. Reception immediately following at the Robert D. Wood Plaza (adja- 11 a.m. Hematology Grand Rounds. “Pathology of Follicular cent to the Intramural Field, behind Lymphomas – Part 2,” Bharat Nathwani, USC. IPT C2J103. Heritage Hall). Info: (323) 865-3950 Health Promotion Friday, June 18 11 a.m. at Town and Gown, Uni- 7 a.m. USC Physical Sciences in Oncology Center Symposium. versity Park campus. Speaker: Elahe Various speakers. UPC Davidson Conference Center. Info: Nezami, associate dean, Office of (323) 442-2596 Undergraduate, Masters & Profes- sional Degree Programs.

Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 11 Occupational Science and Oc- cupational Therapy 8 a.m. 6th Annual International Head & Neck Symposium. Various speakers. USC Health Sciences Campus. Registration 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson Confer- deadline: May 15. Info: (323) 442-7432 ence Center (Embassy Room) at Uni- versity Park Campus. Speaker: Susan Knox, director emeritus at Therapy in Notice: Deadline for calendar submission is 4 p.m. Mon- day to be considered for that week’s issue—although three weeks’ advance notice of events is recommended. Please note that timely submission does not guarantee an item will In case of an emergency... be printed. Send calendar items to The Weekly, KAM 400 or fax to (323) 442-2832, or e-mail to [email protected]. Call the Emergency Information Phone: 213-740-9233 The emergency telephone system can handle Entries must include day, date, time, title of talk, first and last 1,400 simultaneous calls. It also has a backup system on the East Coast. name of speaker, affiliation of speaker, location, and a phone number for information. Visit the USC Web: http://emergency.usc.edu This page will be activated in case of an emergency. Backup Web servers on the East Coast will function if the USC servers are incapacitated.