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13 JANUARY 2000 • VOLUME 2 • NUMBER 2

bronchial and respiratory problems, plus just ER visits up and employees down complete fatigue.” as flu season takes its toll at KUMC Jordan advises all KUMC employees to take precautions against getting the flu and spreading it to others. Try to avoid he flu season has hit Kansas City—and “We are seeing more patients with the crowds, wash your hands more often, and T KUMC—with a vengeance this year, as flu than we did last year,” said Debra Jordan, cover your mouth and nose when coughing hardy strains of viruses send increasing RN, BSN, assistant nurse manager in the or sneezing to help contain the spread numbers of area residents to the Emergency Emergency Department. “I think the of viruses. Department and scores of employees to the viruses going around this year are hitting relative comfort of their beds. patients harder and lasting longer than what KU MedWest Breast we’ve seen in the past.” Program opens Jan. 3 The flu has taken its toll Johnson County women now have on employees as well. Several easier access to breast cancer departments throughout the prevention, screening and treatment medical center are working services, thanks to the new Breast with reduced staffs, as Program at KU MedWest. The program, employees are forced to stay an extension of the KU Med Breast home and do battle with the Cancer Program, began offering services raging flu virus. at KU MedWest Jan. 3. KMBZ Radio reporter Bob Bennish interviewed Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Jim Pevehouse, “It just attacked me,” “There is a high demand in our MD, Wednesday on the high number of flu patients KU said Hospital Human community for risk assessment and Med has received this year. Other radio stations, as well as TV stations and The Kansas City Star, have sent Resources Office Specialist prevention consultation,” said Carol reporters to KU Med in recent weeks to see how the Lela Jones. “I went from Fabian, MD, professor of clinical hospital is keeping up with the steady flow of flu sufferers. having a sore throat to getting oncology and director of the Breast At KU Med, more than 500 patients the chills to aching all over. I couldn’t do Cancer Prevention Unit at KU Med. have visited the Emergency Department anything for a week. It was nasty.” “There are a variety of options to with flu symptoms since the week of “It was horrible,” agreed Information decrease breast cancer risk while Christmas. Most victims are children and Resources Office Assistant Abott Durocher, improving one’s overall health and older adults, as well as people with chronic who came down with the bug New Year’s quality of life.” illnesses. A full three out of 10 patients in the Eve and was laid up for four work days plus The new program will allow more ER are there because of the flu. a weekend. “I had a terrible cough and women to access state-of-the-art See KU MedWest, page 6

THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER Welcome our new department chairs Executive Forum

Donald Hagen, MD Executive Vice Chancellor University of Kansas Medical Center

What better way to welcome the New Year than to acknowledge new We are also pleased about the recruitment of Dr. Barbara Atkinson to department chairs! head the Department of Pathology. I commend Dr. Powell for her efforts This week we have honored Dr. William Gabrielli, who is now in enticing Dr. Atkinson to sample our culture and then bringing her on chairman of Psychiatry. Dr. Gabrielli has served as interim chair during a board. Dr. Atkinson’s noted professionalism, experience and enthusiasm very challenging time and has truly earned the move to the senior position are exactly what are needed. in his department. These are just three examples of the array of opportunities that the You will also see in this issue the announcement of the arrival of new year brings to us . . . three dynamic leaders who will work with us to Dr. Thomas DuBose, the new chairman of Internal Medicine. The move all entities of KUMC forward. I, of course, will take all of the credit recruitment of Dr. DuBose was a result of the School of Medicine working for the recruitment, although I did none of the work. Our success in these with the Hospital Authority and the KU Endowment Association. All endeavors is due in large part to the actions of the executive dean and her involved wanted to ensure that one of our most vital departments would staff. When I look at the great new faculty and leaders who have come be led by an internationally recognized physician-scientist and leader. We here since I arrived, I have every reason to be optimistic. look forward to the strengthening and expansion of the Internal Medicine Congratulate each of our new leaders and work with them to make Department under his leadership. us all successful.

School of Medicine names DuBose, Gabrielli to top department posts The KU School of Medicine has set a positive course for the future Nephrology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and of clinical and psychological education with recent appointments to two medical director for the University Kidney Center, both of Houston. In leadership positions. 1995 he was named vice chairman of the Department of Internal Following a major national search, Thomas DuBose, Jr., MD has Medicine. Dr. DuBose has been an NIH-funded investigator involved in been selected chair of the Department of Medicine and named the new fundamental research and clinical investigation. He has achieved a Peter T. Bohan Professor of Medicine. national and international reputation in the field of acid-base physiology. “I believe we have found, in Dr. DuBose, exactly the right leader for William Gabrielli, MD, PhD, was recently named chair of the the largest department of the medical school,” said Deborah E. Powell, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. MD, School of Medicine executive dean and vice chancellor for Clinical “We owe Dr. Gabrielli much thanks for his leadership as acting chair Affairs. “He is a physician-scientist with not only a deep appreciation for during the last three years,” Dean Powell said. “He has built a strong and academic medicine and medical education, but also a clear and committed respected faculty, and with great effectiveness cultivated collaborative appreciation of the fiscal realities and constraints of the modern health care relationships for the department throughout the medical center, the environment. I think we have identified the best person to lead this community and the state.” department into this new century.” Internationally recognized for his research on familial factors in Since 1991, Dr. DuBose has served as professor of internal medicine addictions and alcoholism, Dr. Gabrielli has been a KUMC faculty and division director for renal diseases and hypertension at the University member since 1983 when he was appointed assistant professor in the of Texas Medical Center, Houston. He was also chief of the Section of Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology.

2 Student Union scholarships Internal medicine group helps students The Student Union Corporation has make informed career path decisions endowed the University of Kansas Medical Center with $50,000 for student scholarships. The endowment will provide six, $1,000 scholarships each year—two each for the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health. All students applying for scholarships at KUMC will automatically be considered for these awards. The Student Union operates the Courtyard Cafe in Orr-Major and the campus bookstores. Front row, left to right: IMSIG officers Sheila Tatpati, Jennifer MacDonald, Matthew Earnest, Webb Mccanse and James Lehman. Back row, left to right: Drs. Financial Aid Day Amy O’Brien-Ladner, Norton Greenberger, Michael Connor and Matthew Marvin. The KUMC Student Wellness Program With so many medical specialties, it This spring, the organization will will sponsor Financial Aid Day on Thursday, can be difficult to decide which one to sponsor a Residency Fair for students Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in Stoland pursue. That’s why the Internal Medicine interested in applying for an internal Lounge. Staff from the Office of Student Student Interest Group (IMSIG) seeks to medicine residency. Financial Aid will be available to answer educate other students about the specialty Amy O’Brien-Ladner, MD, associate questions and provide financial aid forms for of internal medicine, so that students can professor of pulmonary and critical care the upcoming academic year. make informed decisions about their future medicine, is the faculty sponsor for career paths. IMSIG. Officers include Mccanse, chair; The group is made up of KU School of Matthew Earnest, vice chair; Jennifer Medicine students in all four classes who are MacDonald, secretary; Sheila Tatpati, student interested in internal medicine or wish to treasurer; Brandy Bialek, third year learn more about it. “The first major representative; Michelle Yoon, second NEWS decision a medical student must make is year representative and James Lehman, between medicine and surgery,” said first year representative. Internal Women and mental health Webb Mccanse, IMSIG chairperson. “Often, Medicine Chief Residents Michael Students for Women’s Wellness will their exposure to these fields is limited to Connor, MD, Matthew Harms, MD, and sponsor a seminar entitled “Women’s their third year clinical rotations. The Matthew Marvin, MD, also help facilitate Issues in Mental Health” on Wednesday, IMSIG was started to provide information to the group. Jan. 19, noon-1 p.m. in Lied Auditorium. students during their first and second years.” The next IMSIG meeting will be Annette Stanton, PhD, professor of IMSIG meets monthly to discuss a at noon on Monday, Jan. 24 in Rieke psychology on the Lawrence campus, will variety of topics, including the opportunities Auditorium. Norton Greenberger, MD, facilitate the program. Lunch will be available in cardiology, pulmonology and will address the topic “What is served in Hixon Atrium. other internal medicine sub-specialties. Internal Medicine?”

3 During the past few weeks, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine Patrick Moriarty, MD, and the new Heparin- induced Extracorporeal Lipoprotein Precipitation (H.E.L.P.) system he brought to KU Med have been the subjects of much media attention. The H.E.L.P. system was featured in a Jan. 10 Kansas City Star Metropolitan section cover story and in several TV news broadcasts. The device, the only one of its kind in the Midwest, removes harmful LDL cholesterol in patients with extremely high levels who do not respond to traditional treatments.

Health reporter Meryl Lin McKean of WDAF-TV 4 recently visited Jackie Hampton was one of several KUMC KU Med for a story on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a lower employees who spoke at a special KUMC respiratory tract illness that poses a serious threat to some Interfaith program Jan. 11 honoring Dr. Martin children. The story featured RSV patient Patricia Guerrero, 7 Luther King, Jr. Hampton is coordinator of the months, and her mother Tammy of Kansas City, Kan. Child Development Unit’s Community Outreach program and president of the Citizen’s Planning Council of Wyandotte County. KUMC will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 17.

KU Cancer Center Director of Psychosocial Services Bob Twillman, PhD, left, hosted a Jan. 10 presentation by Duke University Medical Center Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Brian Ginsberg, MD. Dr. Ginsberg spoke on “Reduction of Patients’ Post-operative Complaints and Complications.”

4 Ivan Damjanov, MD, PhD, director of autopsy and professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, was one of the featured presenters in this week’s Specialty Care Lecture Series. The lectures were sponsored by the American Medical Student Association to help students learn about different specialty care areas.

Barbara Clark, left, and Regina Moon help keep things running smoothly each day at Mission Family Health Care, 6511 Johnson Drive. The health center is one of 10 neighborhood Jayhawk Primary Care practices.

Front & Center

Tracie Cooper, left, and Jan Miller, BSN, of Trauma Services Administration were among those participating in one of two Code Yellow drills Jan. 10. During a Code Yellow alert, for an influx of mass casualties, hospital staff will assess available resources and mobilize help to impacted areas such as the Emergency Department and intensive care and nursing units.

5 KU Med payroll conversion was a true team effort KU MedWest For many KU Med employees, the “The multi-disciplinary team worked Continued from page 1 last weeks of 1999 were spent preparing for very closely, above and beyond their normal technology and services in one more than just Y2K. schedules,” Mumford agreed. “The project convenient location. The program Hospital Information Services (HIS), was done in conjunction with Y2K efforts, currently offers complete screening and Hospital Human Resources and Payroll which created a significant workload on diagnostic services such as ultrasound, recently completed a significant everyone’s part. On New Year’s Day, we radiology, mammography and bone undertaking: the conversion to a new celebrated a successful Y2K rollover as well density screening, as well as counseling payroll system. as a successful payroll conversion.” and preventive care. An area designated Previously, hospital payroll was To facilitate the conversion, existing processed by Ceridian, an external vendor. data were analyzed and mapped to the new Now it can be done by a system called system. Software was installed and health Lawson, right here at KU Med. insurance plans were loaded in, new checks “We’re now in control of every facet of were designed and the entire system the payroll process,” said Ken Shipley, underwent multiple tests. Because the controller of financial reporting and project process was so complex, there are still a few Carol Connor, MD, assistant professor of co-leader. “Now when we have problems, details to be ironed out. Employees may General Surgery, is the breast surgeon in we can troubleshoot them internally. We have noticed that certain pre-tax deductions the new KU MedWest Breast Program. can set our own deadlines, instead of were displayed as post-tax deductions on for breast cancer treatment, including someone else determining them. Overall, their Jan. 7 checks. Compensatory leave chemotherapy and an on-site pharmacy, we can do a much more thorough job of payouts are still being processed. is now under construction and is auditing our payroll.” Nevertheless, Human Resources Vice expected to open early this summer. Together, Shipley and Bill Mumford, President Margaret Block is pleased with The program also offers area HIS director, led a team of employees from the results. “Now that we’ve done the hard residents an on-site, dedicated staff of all three participating departments. It was, work of getting the system into place, we breast cancer professionals, which according to Shipley, an “outstanding can do the fun part of letting it help us do includes physicians, nurse practitioners, collaborative effort.” our jobs more effectively,” she said. radiologists and genetic counselors.

Trauma Program begins verification process with Jan. 24 ACS visit On Monday, Jan. 24, the KU Med from ACS, a national trauma program Trauma Program administrators feedback on Trauma Program will take an important step verification body. Surveyors will review the any needed improvements, then review the toward obtaining verification as a Level 1 KU Med program to determine if it meets program again when improvements are trauma center when it undergoes a consult Level 1 standards, which cover physician made to make a final designation. site visit by the American College of and nurse staffing, round the clock If achieved, the KU Med Trauma Surgeons (ACS). availability, equipment, performance Program will be one of only two Level 1 The visit is the first of a two-part improvement initiatives and trauma related centers in the area as verified by the process in obtaining Level 1 designation education. ACS surveyors will give KU American College of Surgeons.

6 January Lucky Numbers Volunteers needed applied in the workplace. The event will run The KUMC Credit Union Lucky Volunteers are needed to act as hosts in from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 1. Employees Numbers for January are: 15795; 16312; the Pediatric Pavilion Family Room. may sign up through Jan. 18. An orientation 17194; 17261, and 30117. The Lucky Openings are available for morning, session will be held Jan. 20, from 8 to 9 a.m. Birthday is Jan. 18. Prizes may be claimed at afternoon and evening positions. For more in the Alumni and Community Relations the Credit Union, 1037 Delp. information on how to help the families of Conference Room, 1028 Murphy. For more pediatric patients, contact Kathy Davis, details or to sign up, contact Shelly Bratton, ext. 1252. Groundhog Shadow Day is Kirmayer fitness classes ext. 6305. The KC Reads program also needs more volunteer readers to help fight sponsored by The University of Kansas Looking to get in shape after the illiteracy. Readers are needed for at least one Medical Center in collaboration with the holidays? Try Weight Watchers at Work, hour per week between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Greater Kansas City Health Professions which will be presented by the Zest for Life For more details, call Marilyn Coup, Pipeway Initiative and the Business/ Program and the Student Wellness Program ext. 6560. Education Expectations: School-to- Jan. 20 through March 23 at the Kirmayer Career Partnership. Fitness Center. Cost for the program is $89.50, which can be made in three Annual Report payments. You do not need to be a Kirmayer Hospital employees who did not Nations Title gift member to participate in the program. A free receive a copy of the KU Med Annual The families of two pediatric cancer open house and informational meeting will Report at the Oct. 27, 1999 First Anniversary patients and one cystic fibrosis patient be held 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Thursday, Celebration may pick one up at the received special Christmas gifts this year, Jan. 13 at the Kirmayer Auxiliary Room. Information Desk in the lobby of KU Med thanks to Nations Title, Overland Park. Early Bird registration and discounted rates (hospital) or in the Main Cafeteria. Company representatives contacted Kansas for aerobics, yoga and tai chi classes also Cancer Institute Development Director Pat Adams and Department of Nursing Child continue through Friday, Jan. 14. Classes Job Shadow Day and Family Life Coordinator Kathy Davis to begin Monday, Jan. 17. From Jan. 10 to KUMC employees can cast their ask how they could help those in need over Feb. 29, Kirmayer will celebrate its 10th shadows for a brighter future by participating the holidays. Using funds contributed by anniversary with a membership promotion. in Groundhog Job Shadow Day. The event, Nations Title employees, the company Renew or start an annual/payroll deduction which will pair employees with students donated more than $2,000 worth of gifts for membership and receive a special edition from Wyandotte High School and Sumner the families, as well as computers, videos, 10th anniversary watch free. For more details Academy who are interested in health on any program, contact Amy Howle, and other items for the Pediatric Pavilion careers, is designed to show students the ext. 7706. Family Room. skills they need to learn and how they are

visit us online at: http://www2.kumc.edu/publications/inthecenter/ 7 coming CLASSIFIEDS, ETC. UP

Friday, January 14: FOR SALE: KUMC Night at the Blades • Pediatrics Grand Rounds, “Vagal Nerve Moving Sale: Queen-size bed, twin-size mattress & It’s time again to round up the family Stimulation,” 8 a.m., Lied Auditorium. boxes, 8 mo. old, like new, cost $430, sell for $250 OBO; • Psychiatry Grand Rounds, “Mountain Panasonic VCR, PV-9450, 4-head, hi-fi, 8 mo. old, $70; and head for the ice, as the medical center Medicine: Appalachian Health Care Sharp 25” color TV, 1999 model + 4 yr. guarantee, 8 mo. presents KUMC Night at the Blades. Experiences,” 10:30 a.m., old, cost $300, sell for $180 OBO; microwave, $40, + lots Clendening Amphitheater. of extra household items, good deals, must sell all. Call For this year’s event, the Blades will 913-362-2715 after 6 p.m. take on the Long Beach Ice Dogs at Monday, January 17: Sofa & loveseat, tweed w/wood accents, mixed colors, • Grief-Loss Support Group, 3-4 p.m., beige, blue, burgundy, $500 OBO; vacuum cleaner, 7:35 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18 at Kemper Arena. Radiation Oncology Conference Room. Hoover upright w/attachment hose, $25; 3 dining room As a special treat, the Blades will open up the Tuesday, January 18: chairs, wicker back & seat w/bent brass frame, $20 for ice from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for “KUMC on Ice.” • “Music and the Senses,” 10-11 a.m., all; disc camera, $10. Call 913-432-7475. KU MedWest Community Room. KUMC ticket holders will be allowed to AUTOMOTIVE: • Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round 1987 Honda Accord LX, 4-dr., manual 5-spd., high skate or play on the ice (ice skates or tennis Table, noon, Lied Auditorium. miles, runs & drives good, $650 OBO. Call 913-362-2715 • Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, after 6 p.m. shoes required), and a limited number will be 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine. HOUSING: given the opportunity to play broom hockey. • “Self Esteem . . . It’s What’s Inside That For Rent: Lovely furn. apt. for one person, Valentine/ Tickets are $9 each—a savings of $5. Counts,” 7-8 p.m., KU MedWest Roanoke area, quiet, refined atmosphere, near hospital, Community Room. complete references required. Call 816-753-3129 There is no limit on the number of tickets for appt. employees may purchase. Tickets will go on Wednesday, January 19: • Outcomes Management and Research For Sale: Charming 2BD ranch in Johnson County, 15 sale Thursday, Jan. 20 outside the min. drive from KUMC, convenient access to I-35, Alt. Seminar, “Processes and Outcomes of 69, Shawnee Mission Parkway and Metcalf Ave., walking Main Cafeteria. Care for Patients with Congestive Heart distance to Shawnee Mission School District elementary Failure,” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wahl school, LR w/FP & picture window, DR w/French doors West Auditorium. & built-in china cabinet, full bsmt., garage, patio, new • KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 4893 Eaton. roof, brick front, vinyl siding, fenced yard, large rooms & Irene Cumming Donald Hagen, MD President and CEO Executive Vice Chancellor • Anxiety Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., Adult lot, asking $93,950. Call 913-631-2240. KU Med University of Kansas Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. WANTED: Medical Center Thursday, January 20: Commuter(s) from Lawrence to KUMC, work hours are Ken Arnold, Editor • Integrative Medicine Seminar, “Hands-On 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 785-331-3369. Ann Clemens, Graphic Designer Jennifer Coates, Public Relations Specialist, Writer Healing,” noon-1 p.m., 1025 Orr-Major. Female roommate, 2BD apt., 3902 Booth St., C/A, off- IN THE CENTER, a weekly employee and student publication of • Burn Patient Family Support Group, street parking, 3 min. walk to KUMC, $225 or $200/mo. the University of Kansas and KU Med, is published by the KU Med + util. Call Ms. Qu, 913-236-9185. Public Relations and Marketing Department. Send story ideas to Ken 6-7 p.m., Burnett Burn Center Waiting Room. STUDY SUBJECTS: Arnold, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: or call ext. 1298. Participants with symptoms of severe heartburn for 3 or AD POLICY - Send or bring your ad to G114 KU Med, or fax to ext. • “Childhood Ear Infections,” 7-8 p.m., 1225, or e-mail: by noon Thursday of the week before it is KU MedWest Community Room. more years or endoscopically documented erosive to run. Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. esophagitis wanted for GERD Treatment Study. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the • Prostate Cancer Support Group, 7-9 p.m., Participants must be at least 18 and have heartburn advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) Rieke Auditorium. medical therapy discontinued for at least 2 weeks prior for verification. Only home phone numbers–no pager numbers or work to the study. Includes stipend of $100 per visit for 6 to 8 extensions–will be published. Please include area code. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be visits. Contact Michelle Loftiss, RN, at ext. 4051, or taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad. Ads may be held e-mail . a week if space is limited.

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