September 2008 In this issue Summer art tile project Infl uenza vaccine mandate change BTRIS town hall Clinical Center

New biomechanics director joins the CC Dr. Diane Damiano joined the Clinical Cen- ter as director of biomechanics in July. A physical therapist by training, Damiano holds a PhD in methods/biome- chanics from the , a master’s degree in from , and an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Catholic University. She comes from the Depart- ment of at Washington Univer- sity in St. Louis. Damiano is the recipient of numerous NIH grants and has published more than 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals. She (Above right) Melissa Tippins recently visited the CC, the place she credits with saving her life, after 19 is a member of the Musculoskeletal and years away. She was brought to NIH at age 2 (photo at left) with Burkitt’s Lymphosareoma. Rehabilitiation NIH Study Section. A past president of the Clinical Gait and Move- An inspiring return ment Analysis Society, she is currently the Former patient revisits the Clinical Center president of the American Academy of Ce- by Maggie McGuire rebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Nearly 35 years after she came to the CC she said as she left Medical Records the fi rst physical therapist in that role in its for treatment of a rare childhood cancer, where she was given a copy of her fi le, 61-year history. Melissa Tippins returned to the center the fi rst she’d seen of her documented Damiano’s area of expertise is investiga- to bring her journey of self-discovery full medical history. After a tour of the new tion of both existing and novel rehabilita- circle. pediatrics wing, Tippins returned to the tion approaches in children with cerebral Tippins, 37, of Hardeeville, S.C., was 13th fl oor where she had spent a sub- palsy. She was one of the fi rst researchers brought to Bethesda in 1974 with stantial part of her youth. Closed off to recognize that spastic muscles were Burkitt’s Lymphosareoma. She stayed at these days, the former occupant peeked weak and needed strengthening, revolu- the CC for four months through chemo- into a window. tionizing the treatment of these patients. therapy and radiation to kill the disease “I know what it’s like to be told you Her more recent interest is in the role of ravaging her small body, a cancer of the have zero percent chance,” Tippins said. physical activity in enhancing motor coor- lymphatic system that presented as a “I’m just living proof that miracles hap- dination and promoting neural recovery in tumor in Tippins’ abdomen. pen every day.” those with brain injuries. The Savannah, Ga., native came to NIH She expressed real joy at the Children’s “Biomechanics laboratories are a perfect within days of her diagnosis at a local Inn and the Edmond J. Safra Family model of interdisciplinary collaboration hospital. Another local child with the Lodge, both built since her time at the where engineers, physicians, therapists cancer also made the trip, reported the CC. Tippins recalled that the strain of and other scientists work in concert—each Savannah Morning News. separation was hard on her parents, with unique perspectives and expertise Doctors caught Tippins’ cancer in time but welcoming locals stepped forward that contribute equally to the combined to cure her. She went into remission and to volunteer spare rooms and cottages research mission,” she said. returned south, but continued to visit the to house her mother while Tippins was Her awards include the Hughes award CC for monitoring until age 18. The only treated. from Pediatric Physical Therapy, the annual lingering physical effects of her Burkitt’s Tippins’ journey back to NIH helped her research award given to one faculty mem- are osteoporosis and a scar across her defi ne her life’s purpose. “It’s made my ber per year from the American Physical abdomen, her “zipper.” will stronger,” said Tippins, who hopes Therapy Association Pediatrics Section; the A recent trip to Virginia spurred Tippins to volunteer with families of suffering best paper and best poster awards at the to revisit the CC. “I’ve got goosebumps,” children. ■ continued on page 7 OFF CENTER ‘I recognize that every day I am given is a blessing and a gift.’

ICU nurse Heather Rhine never pictured some of the most kind and loving people herself as an overseas medical volunteer, I’ve ever met. They weren’t bitter or angry but felt led to it through her involvement about their lives.” with her church. Rhine says it amazed her how the people Rhine, with 15 other church members, of Africa are so welcoming. “They are self- went on a 14-day medical mission trip to less and want to share and give you what Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2006. The group they have. It’s very humbling,” she said. treated more than 1,000 patients. With “It really puts things in a new and fresh 16 bags of medications they fought the perspective for me.” basic diseases, such as malaria, stomach In November 2007, Rhine traveled to the problems, fl u, and colds. Philippines with her mother and uncle, “Our fi rst stop was in a slum on the a missionary in Manila for 30 years, for outskirts of Nairobi called Kibera. I can’t a trip that combined both mission work even begin to explain what I saw and and time with her family. She also plans to Heather Rhine, a nurse in the ICU, was im- smelled,” Rhine recalled. “Yet despite return to Africa during 2008. ■ pressed by the selfl essness she encountered on a their living conditions, these people were medical mission to Nairobi, Kenya, in 2006. Retirement Roundup: Darrick Gilmore and CAPT Sherry Meyers Darrick Gilmore will be missed greatly by the entire staff,” and a Master of Science in Nursing from After more than said Dr. Patrick Murray, chief of the DLM’s the Catholic University of America School 30 years with Microbiology Service. of Nursing. the Department While his retirement is bittersweet since Meyers served as nurse manager of the of Labora- he’ll be leaving the coworkers he refers to affective disorders unit for 13 years, in tory Medicine as family, Gilmore is excited to give some- addition to stints in nursing recruitment (DLM), Darrick J. one else the opportunity to work at NIH. and nursing orientation. After a tour of Gilmore retired He leaves the campus community with the duty with the FDA, Meyers returned to the from his post as message: Attitude is everything. CC assisting Dr. David Henderson, deputy medical technol- director for clinical care, with the patient ogist on August Sherry Meyers safety study and then as a nursing consul- 1 to spend more CAPT Sheryl tant in the Department of Clinical Research leisure time with his family. “Sherry” Meyers Informatics. Gilmore came to NIH as a labora- ended a nearly She transitioned from civil service to the tory assistant in 1975, the same year straight 28-year Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned he graduated from Johnson C. Smith run at the Clinical Corps in 1986, and her many PHS awards University, Charlotte, N.C. A year later Center with her include the Chief Nurse Offi cer Award in he moved to phlebotomy in Clinical Pa- August retirement. 2002 and 2008. Even more than her CC thology before settling in DLM in 1977. After graduating Director’s Award (1999) and other service He has worked there since as a quality from the Lincoln awards, though, Meyers is most proud of control specialist of microbiology media General Hospital her creative recognition. Out of 1,354 en- and specimen processing. Gilmore was a School of Nursing, tries, hers was the one chosen as the NIH recipient of a 2006 CC Director’s Award Lincoln, Neb., and joining the Air Force, Centennial Logo in 1985. for his contribution to his team. Meyers came to the NIH as a staff nurse Meyers is planning a move to Colorado “Darrick is a delight and a model in the affective disorders unit in 1980. She Springs in late fall or early spring, a favor- employee—willing to do whatever he holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing ite place from her childhood. ■ is asked and always with a smile. He from Marymount University, Arlington, Va.,

Maggie McGuire, editor Published monthly for Clinical Center employees Clinical Center News online: by the Offi ce of Communications. Patient Recruit- Clinical Center News ment, and Public Liaison, Sara Byars, chief. National Institutes of Health www.cc.nih.gov/about/news/newsletter.html Department of Health and Human Services News, articles ideas, calendar events, letters and Building 10, 10 Center Drive, Room 2C202 photos are welcome. Bethesda, MD 20892-1504 Submissions may be edited. Tel: 301-496-2563 Fax: 301-480-3163

2 Clinical Center news September 2008 AJN article honored NEW CLINICAL RESEARCH PROTOCOLS with Clarion Award The following new clinical research protocols were ■ Natural History and Pathophysiology of approved in July: Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease, The American Journal of Nursing was 08-DK-0187, Stephen A. Wank, M.D., NIDDK ■ Computer Assisted Self-Administration of awarded an Association for Women in Ethanol (CASE) in Humans, 08-AA-0178, Vijay A. ■ Ramchandani, Ph.D., NIAAA Pilot Study of the Evaluation of Sirolimus Communications’ Clarion Award for the in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema, April 2007 article “Cancer Survi- 08-EI-0175, Catherine Meyerle, M.D., NEI ■ A Pilot Study of Sirolimus (Rapamycin, vors, Prescription for Living.” Sandra Rapammune[Registered Trademark]) in Subjects ■ Multicenter International Lymphangioleio- Mitchell, PhD, CRNP, AOCN, senior with Cowden Syndrome or Other Syndromes myomatosis Effi cacy of Sirolimus Trial (The Characterized by Germline Mutations in PTEN, research nurse specialist in the Clinical MILES Trial), 08-H-0177, Joel Moss, M.D., NHLBI 08-C-0151, Phillip A. Dennis, M.D., NCI Center’s Research and Practice Develop- ■ Technical Development of Interventional ment Service, co-authored the article, ■ A Phase I Study of VEGF Trap (NSC #724770, Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging IND #100137) in Children with Refractory Solid which provides a template for develop- in Normal Volunteers, 08-H-0185, Robert J. Tumors, 08-C-0179, Elizabeth Fox, M.D.,NCI ing a cancer survivorship plan. Lederman, M.D., NHLBI In 2005 the Institute of Medicine ■ Phase I Trial of the Raf Kinase and Recep- ■ Safety and the Anti- Tumor Effects of Es- tor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Sorafenib (BAY recommended that all cancer patients calating Doses of Adoptively Infused Ex Vivo 43-9006, Nexavar) in Children and Young Adults who have completed treatment be given Expanded Autologous Natural Killer (NK) Cells with Neurofi bromatosis Type 1 and Inoperable Against Metastatic Cancers or Hematological a survivorship plan. The “Prescription for Plexiform Neurofi bromas, 08-C-0180, Brigitte C. Malignancies Sensitized to NK –TRAIL Cyto- Living” provides an instrument clini- Widemann, M.D., NCI toxicity with Bortezomib, 08-H-0186, Richard cians can use to summarize the patient’s W. Childs, M.D., NHLBI ■ A Trial of Segmental Stiffening Wires to history of cancer treatment and tailor Improve the Effi ciency and Patient Tolerability of ■ Studies in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathicc the survivorship care plan for initial and Colonoscopy, 08-DK-0173, Stephen A. Wank, M.D., Anaphylaxis, 08-I-0184, Hirsh D. Komarow, M.D., NIDDK long-term follow-up, surveillance for NIAID recurrence, management of persistent ■ Viral Kinetics and Liver Gene Expression in Re- ■ Role of Neurotransmission and Functional effects, and screening and health pro- sponse to Ribavirin and Peginterferon Therapy CNS Networks in Spasmodic Dysphonia, 08-N- of Chronic Hepatitis C, 08-DK-0182, Jordan Feld, motion activities relevant to anticipated 0181, Kristina B. Simonyan, M.D., NINDS late effects. M.D., NIDDK Mitchell’s current research emphasizes preventive, restorative, and palliative rehabilitation during and after cancer treatment and highlights the effect of NIH recognizes symptom burden on functional status. Lasker recipients Her work also has been published in the Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer Members of the NIH intramural re- and Biology of Blood and Marrow search community who have received Transportation. In 2006 she received an a prestigious Albert Lasker Medical NIH Clinical Center Director’s Award for Research Award are recognized in a Science and the Excellence in Oncol- new exhibit on the fi rst fl oor of the ogy Nursing-Sensitive Patient Outcomes Clinical Center. It’s in the hallway east Town hall scheduled Award from the Oncology Nursing Soci- of the clinic elevators. Since 1945, Join Dr. Jim Cimino, chief of the Clini- ety. Lasker awards have recognized the cal Center’s Laboratory for Informatics The Clarion Awards, recognizing contributions of scientists, physicians, Development, for a presentation and excellence in communication across and public servants who have made demo of the new Biomedical Translation- disciplines, will be presented at the 2008 major advances in the understand- al Research Information System (BTRIS) Annual Association for Women in Com- ing, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and September 16 from 1–2 pm in Lipsett munications National Conference Sept. prevention of human disease. Sev- Amphitheater. 25-27, in Washington, D.C. enty-fi ve Lasker Award recipients have BTRIS is a powerful tool helping investi- “Our whole team was just thrilled,” gone on to win a Nobel Prize. gators access clinical and research data, Mitchell said of the honor. “This award The Lasker awards are administered develop streamlined mechanisms for will hopefully help us to spread the mes- by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foun- protocol reporting and data analysis, and sage even wider about the contribution dation. Mrs. Lasker, recognized for her reuse data for hypothesis generation and a cancer survivorship care plan can make singular contribution to the growth of collaboration. to the delivery of quality cancer care.” the National Institutes of Health, once The town hall meeting will be video- The article “Cancer Survivors, Pre- said: “If you think research is expen- cast at videocast.nih.gov. For continuing scription for Living” can be accessed at sive, try disease!” ■ BTRIS news and information, visit www.nursingcenter.com/AJNcancersurvi- btris.nih.gov. ■ vors. ■

September 2008 Clinical Center news 3 Change in requirements makes fl u vaccine Sickle-cell walk to mandatory for staff with patient contact raise funds As summer winds down, the leaves start to call for universal vaccination of health- The National Stomp Out Sickle turn and thoughts turn to fl u vaccinations. care workers. In a concerted effort to Cell Walk will take place Saturday, Available free of charge to all those with promote patient safety and reduce the September 20 from 8-10 am. The an NIH employee badge, the vaccine will risk of hospital-based transmission of event works to improve the lives of be offered starting in October. infl uenza, the CC has adopted this strat- those affected by sickle-cell disease New this year, NIH has modifi ed the fl u egy. Health-care workers with medical through increased awareness, out- vaccine requirements, making it mandatory contraindications or religious or philo- reach, and education. Coordinated for all NIH employees who have contact sophical objections to vaccination will by a number of community-based with Clinical Center patients. The Medical submit declination forms. groups and medical institutions, the Executive Committee approved this new The infl uenza vaccine for the 2008- 3K walk will begin and end at How- requirement in February 2008. 2009 season contains the following ard University with a midpoint of the Those who are unable or unwilling to be strains recommended by the FDA’s Vac- Children’s National Medical Center. vaccinated by OMS will be required to sign cines and Related Biological Products Ad- To register for the walk or make a a declination form explaining the reason. visory Committee: A/Brisbane/59/2007 donation, visit www.soswalk.org, Despite solid evidence that vaccinating (H1N1)-like virus, A/Brisbane/10/2007 call 301-292-3682, or e-mail info@ health-care workers protects patients from (H3N2)-like virus, and B/Florida/4/2006- soswalk.org. infl uenza, the health-care workforce has like virus. The vaccination schedule and a surprisingly low rate of infl uenza vac- locations will run in the October CC cination. An emerging consensus among News and be posted on the Division of public health experts has led the Centers Occupational Health and Safety Web Parking changes for Disease Control and Prevention, the site http://foilthefl u.nih.gov. If you have across campus Infectious Diseases Society of America, questions about the infl uenza vaccine, The Joint Commission, and the Society for please call the CC Hospital Epidemiology With the majority of visitor parking Healthcare Epidemiology of America to Service at 301- 496-2209.■ eventually transitioning to the new MLP-11 Gateway Center parking When researchers become test subjects garage, the NIH has implemented There is a fairly untapped resource for caused gastritis, or stomach ulcers. new parking policies throughout clinical research volunteers—researchers Altman noted that many who choose campus. When parking attendants themselves. to try their hypothesis on themselves see are on duty; where attendant (stack) That was one message from Dr. Law- it as a refl ection of the Biblical Golden parking is available; after-hours key rence Altman during his Clinical Center Rule: Do to others what you would have pick-up procedures; and metered Grand Rounds presentation in August, them do to you. Why should a volunteer parking at various lots are all subject “Who Goes First? to change. Self-Experimen- Some of these changes will tation in Medi- Self-experimentation refl ects the golden rule. amount to a decrease in overall cine, Revisited.” –Dr. Lawrence Altman stack parking, but should be off- Altman is senior Author, NYT columnist, NYU professor set by visitor lots converting to medical cor- employee parking on campus. All respondent and visitor parking, with the exception columnist at The New York Times and not connected to a study go forward of patient/patient visitor parking clinical professor at the New York Univer- with an experiment, Altman asked, if the and metered spaces, will eventually sity School of Medicine’s Department of researcher is not willing to partake? transfer to MLP-11. The number of Internal Medicine. What if the trial pertains to a disease metered parking spaces on campus Altman is the author of Who Goes the scientist does not have? The fi rst will grow from approximately 75 to First? The Story of Self-Experimentation in phase of Food and Drug Administration 130. Medicine, and his talk covered the history approval addresses the risk and safety of The NIH Employee Campus Map and ethics of self-experimentation. He also the proposed product, which researchers (http://parking.nih.gov/employee_ac- reminded the staff and fellows gathered would be able to test on themselves, Alt- cess_map.htm) and the NIH Visitor that today’s standard vaccines and treat- man said. Map (http://parking.nih.gov/visi- ments are yesterday’s trials. Altman touched on the criticism that tor_access_map.htm) refl ect the Cited as one example was Nobel Prize self-experimentation invites a certain updates. winner Barry Marshall. In 1984, the Aus- amount of bias into the research, but tralian scientist swallowed a sample of dismissed the claim, “Loss of objectivity the bacteria Helicobacter pylori to prove it is a concern in any experiment.”■

4 Clinical Center news September 2008 The CC Recreation Therapy Section, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine; and the Children’s Inn welcomed patients age 12 to 25 to a Teen Retreat July 28 and 29. A concert by Inn staff and NIH patients entertained the group gathered at a pizza party on day two. Other retreat activities included art, music, and recreation therapy, and the Ultimate Teen Challenge. At left, staffers Alex Perry, Alex Flores, and Melissa Dutcher join Killian Mansfi eld and Ashley Appell in a perfor- mance of “Landslide.” Above, Donna Gregory, recreation therapy chief, Neil Esarte (middle), and Brian Grayson take in the tunes. Patient thanks CC staff with concert Clinical Center patient Heidi Peck, now a high school senior in Moun- tain Home, Idaho, has played the fl ute since she was in fi fth grade. But doctors thought at one time that she might not play again. Heidi has a type of kidney and liver disease that results in underde- veloped lungs in some patients. When Heidi’s mother Debi researched her daughter’s disease, she found the NIH protocol Heidi is currently enrolled in and contacted the doctors involved. It was Heidi’s mom who thought of a concert as a way to thank CC staff. A range of clinical health professionals involved in Heidi’s care— principal investigator, liver specialist, pulmonary function technician, CC music therapist—the new friends she’s made at the Children’s Inn, and family members gathered in the atrium July 16. CC medical technologist Teresa Genson Bauch demonstrates to “She’s an inspiration to all of us that, no matter what’s going on, (from left) Lindsey Hancock, Shaquille Jones, Jolly Rop, and Emilie you can still do what you love,” said NHGRI nurse Joy Bryant. Hancock the importance of hand washing, as event organizer Dr. Lori Wiener peeks in to see what the kids are learning. Although Heidi’s kidney function might decline over time, she says she currently feels fantastic and her doctors predict that she should be able to continue to play the fl ute for a very long time. Winner of Day honors super siblings several music performance competitions and college scholarships, of CC pediatric patients Heidi is still deciding on a college, but plans to major in music perfor- The Clinical Center Pediatric Clinic, NCI’s Pediatric On- mance. She is in her third year playing with the Treasure Valley Youth cology Branch, and the Children’s Inn hosted a sibling Symphony, part of the Boise Philharmonic. day on July 15 to recognize and honor siblings aged 7-15 of NIH pediatric patients. Brothers and sisters of children enrolled in NCI, NIAID, NICHD, NHLBI, and NIMH protocols partici- pated. The group experienced the Department of Laborato- ry Medicine’s “Fantastic Voyage” demonstrations and a tour of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine’s Biomechanics Laboratory. In therapeutic recreation ac- tivities, the kids shared their expertise as super siblings in the form of a newspaper advice column and made worry boxes to express what they might be experienc- ing as their patient sibling receives care. At the end of the day, each sibling received a medal (from left): Joy Bryant, NHGRI nurse; Heidi Peck; Dr. Meral Gunay-Aygun, principal investigator for Heidi’s study; and Heidi’s mom, Debi Peck, gather in the CC atrium and a laminated certifi cate declaring them a “super on July 16 to hear Heidi thank her support staff with a fl ute performance. sibling.” At the award ceremony, one boy said, “This is the best day of my entire life.”

September 2008 Clinical Center news 5 Hope fl ows from one patient to another in summer art tile project by Jenny Haliski A treasure chest of frustration. A lone nurses suggested displaying tiles goldfi sh swimming in a bowl. The word made by pediatric patients on their “hope” stretched across a sunrise. unit. Other staff across units were These are just a few of the themes very supportive of hosting art clinics of masonite tiles decorated by Clini- to create tiles specifi c to patient ex- cal Center patients as part of a project periences, such as receiving donated called “The Art of Healing: The patient blood stem cell transfusions to treat tile project.” The Recreation Therapy cancer or fi ghting alcoholism or men- Section’s goal for the summer project, tal illness. which ran from June through August, The tiles will be displayed in a fl ow- was to collect 100 tiles fi lled with images ing wall installation. The theme— and phrases that capture the personal hope fl ows from one to another—ex- symbols of patient experiences at the presses the critical importance of the CC. support from the community at the Patients saw the process as a way to CC, not just from staff, but from the make a statement about their experience patients themselves. Through the tile of illness, have their voice heard, and project, patients described how they give a thing of beauty back to the CC rely on each other for understanding, community. strength, and friendship. The tiles were made at a drop-in clinic Patients created their tiles from on Monday mornings. Megan Robb, a copper cut-out shapes, game pieces board certifi ed art therapist at the CC, with letters, paint, and a texturized A collection of some of the tiles created for the project. and Natalie Haynes, a certifi ed recreation modeling past. Some patients wrote therapist, traveled to patient units so short descriptions of the signifi cance new ways,” Robb said. that patients who must remain in bed, of their work. Others wanted to display According to Robb, the tile project was connected to medical devices, or in isola- their names on the tiles and contribute to a therapeutic art activity—it had a theme tion had a chance to participate. a book of testimonials. and an end product. Art therapy, on the Robb stressed that the tile project had Family members, caregivers, and staff other hand, is a client-driven process been collaborative with the CC commu- helped patients create their tiles. “Creating with an unknown destination that is nity since the beginning. The tile installa- a piece of art together breaks down the rarely displayed in public. Although Robb tion design and title came from a patient traditional roles and boundaries between believes that making art is an inherently who is a professional artist. Several 1NW staff and patients and lets us interact in healing process whatever the context, she feels that a particularly important aspect of this project was the opportu- nity for patients to communicate their experience to CC physicians and staff. “It’s a good visual reminder for staff that receiving care here can be a simulta- neously fearful and hopeful experience, where our patients may alternate be- tween feeling powerful and vulnerable as they progress through their journey,” Robb said. CC patient Danielle Harriott and her mom, Cassandra Christopher, created tiles for the project that remind them of their home in Kingston, Jamaica, which they have been away from for more than a year. They painted the green-blue color of the ocean, the white sandy beaches, and their country’s fl ag. “We’re very glad to be here,” Christo- Megan Robb (left), a board certifi ed art therapist, and Natalie Haynes, a certifi ed recreation therapist— both within the Rehabilitation Medicine Department’s Recreation Therapy Section—help patient Danielle pher said. “If we hadn’t come here, we Harriott and her mom, Cassandra Christopher, create tiles for the project that remind them of their home would have lost Danielle already.” ■ in Kingston, Jamaica.

6 Clinical Center news September 2008 Biomechanics continued from page 1 IPPCR course American Academy of and Developmental Medicine annual registration opens meeting; and the Ethel Hausman Clini- Introduction to the Principles and cal Research Scholars Award from the Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR), United Cerebral Palsy Educational and a course on how to design a success- Research Foundation. ful clinical trial, will begin October Five years ago Damiano visited the CC 27 and run through March 17. Open Rehabilitation Medicine Department. “I to all at no cost, the class will be remember thinking that NIH was clearly held on the NIH campus Monday the best environment in the world for and Tuesday evenings from 5 pm to a scientist to work. The biomechanics approximately 6:30 pm. Registration laboratory is already well-positioned closes October 17. with state-of-the-art equipment and a IPPCR is a product of the Offi ce of small but growing group of innovative Clinical Research Training and Medi- scientists who can push the frontiers cal Education and pulled more than of rehabilitation for children and adults 800 registrants for the 2007-2008 with physical disabilities. Rehabilitation Dr. Diane Damiano, new director of biomechanics session. This course will be of inter- Medicine Department Chief Dr. Leighton in the CC Department of Rehabilitation Medicine est to physicians and other health comes from Washington University in St. Louis. Chan has a very innovative and forward- professionals planning a career in thinking vision for the entire depart- Damiano, the chief of cardiac surgery at clinical research. ment,” Damiano said. Washington University in St. Louis, have Students will cover components She and her husband, Dr. Ralph three children, Nick, Cara, and Devon. ■ of clinical research such as epide- miologic methods, required infra- structure in developing and funding studies, and ethical and legal issues. Participants, including healthy volunteers, Regulations involved in human sub- jects research, including the role of sought for clinical trials IRBs in clinical research, and the prin- More information on the following stud- Develop new allergy treatments ciples of monitoring patient-oriented ies can be found at http://clinicalstudies. A clinical research study (05-I-0084) spon- research will also be addressed. info.nih.gov/ or by calling 1-866-444- sored by the National Institute of Allergy While the course is free, the 2214 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010). and Infectious Diseases will evaluate chil- textbook “Principles and Practice of dren 6 months to 18 years of age with a Clinical Research, Second Edition” is Dry mouth after cancer treatment? possible diagnosis of asthma, food allergy, suggested as supplemental reading. A clinical research study (06-D-0206) stinging insect allergy, and other allergic A certifi cate will be awarded upon sponsored by the National Institute of and infl ammatory diseases in an attempt completion of the course, based on Dental and Craniofacial Research will to gain information that may help to a fi nal exam. examine whether the experimental drug develop new treatments. Biological parents Additional information, including AdhAQP1 can increase salivary fl ow in of patients may also be enrolled to provide registration, is available at http:// patients whose parotid glands have been a blood sample for genetic studies. www.cc.nih.gov/training/training/ip- exposed to therapeutic radiation for pcr.html or 301-496-9425. ■ treatment of head and neck cancer. SmartPill: Interested? A clinical research study (08-DK-0138) Asthma sufferer age 18 and 75? sponsored by National Institute of Diabetes looking for healthy women ages 30 to After positive experimental showings, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases will test 50 to investigate the role of hormones a clinical research study (08-H-0047) a new, non-invasive method, swallowing and genes in pelvic pain and explore bet- sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, a small SmartPill, of measuring stomach ter approaches to treatment. Compensa- and Blood Institute will test whether a acid secretion. Healthy volunteers between tion is provided. drug used to treat patients with diabetes 18 and 60 years of age may be eligible. is also effective in treating patients with Compensation is provided. Got a pain in the neck? asthma who do not respond to standard A clinical research study (02-CC-0245) therapy. People aged 18–75 who have Healthy? A woman? Age 30 to 50? sponsored by the Clinical Center seeks had asthma for at least one year are A clinical research study (04-CH-0056) individuals age 18 to 65 with or without asked to participate. Compensation is sponsored by the National Institute of neck pain for a three-month natural his- provided. Child Health and Human Development is tory study of neck pain. ■

September 2008 Clinical Center news 7 Upcoming Events Clinical Center Grand Rounds September 3, 2008 September 10, 2008 September 17, 2008 September 24, 2008 12 noon, 12 noon, 12 noon, 12 noon, Lipsett Amphitheater Lipsett Amphitheater Lipsett Amphitheater Lipsett Amphitheater

Th2 Pathway Activation in Contemporary Clinical Medicine: Bronchiolitis Obliterans After Sarcoidosis: Clinical Presentation, Asthma: Closing the Loop Great Teachers Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Epidemiology, and Genetics Sally E. Wenzel, MD Stroke Care: Present and Future Transplantation – An Increasingly Michael Iannuzzi, MD Director, Asthma and Allergic Therapy Recognized Manifestation of Professor and Chair of Medicine Diseases Center Brett Kissela, MD Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Pulmonary/Critical Care Division Professor of Medicine, Division Associate Professor of Neurology Steven Pavletic, MD SUNY Upstate Medical University of Pulmonary, Allergy and University of Cincinnati College of Head, Graft-Versus-Host and and University Hospital, Syracuse Critical Care Medicine, University Medicine Autoimmunity Unit of Pittsburgh Experimental Transplantation and Sarcoidosis: Immunopathogenic Immunology Branch, NCI Concepts and Their Clinical Identifying New Therapeutic Application Strategies for Severe Asthma Kirsten Williams, MD Joseph Fontana, MD Stewart J. Levine, MD Assistant Clinical Investigator, Medical Director, Pulmonary Chief, Asthma and Lung Experimental Transplantation and Function Laboratory, NHLBI/ Infl ammation Section, Immunology Branch, NCI Pulmonary and Vascular Medicine Pulmonary and Branch Vascular Medicine Branch, NHLBI Jason Chien, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington

Nursing interns graduate Two nurse internship programs held gradu- ations in early summer. The Oncology Nurse Internship program celebrated its 20th graduat- ing class on May 30. The program is designed to facilitate the transition of new graduate nurses into the oncology and clinical research nursing practice specialties. The 20-month curriculum includes oncology core curriculum content areas, professional development, simu- Graduates Christine Liu (left) and Hwalih Han stand at the Medi- lation experiences, leadership training, clinical cal-Surgical Nurse Internship graduation with a poster they will rounds, and off-site experiences. All of the present at an upcoming nurses’ meeting. interns achieved their national oncology nurs- ing certifi cation, a rare feat, prior to completing the internship. The Medical-Surgical Nurse Internship pro- gram graduated two participants on June 13. Christine Liu and Hwalih Han completed the 20-month program providing a foundation for a future in their chosen specialty. The two will take their medical-surgical nurse certifi cation exams at the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses 17th Annual Convention October 1–6 in Nashville, Tenn. Liu and Han will also present a poster on chronic granulomatous disease, on which they collaborated with NIAID principal investigator Dr. Elizabeth Kang, at the conven- Kate Castro (far left), oncology clinical nurse specialist, and Rebecca Babb (far right), oncology educator, stand with the 2008 Oncology Nursing Internship program graduates (from left) Paula tion. Bohaboy, Kristen Cole, Caitlin Carlock, Rose Simpson, Ashley Rodenbach, and Julie Brubake.

8 Clinical Center news September 2008