MCG Today Is Furnished to Alumni and Friends of Without Charge

medical college of georgia Children's Medical Center

The MCG Children's Medical Center serves children, teens and infants throughout Georgia, South Carolina, the Southeast and beyond. The

CMC embraces the concept of family-centered care, creating a healing

environment that involves the family in the child's care, addresses the

child's emotional needs and works to keep children healthy.

Physicians and staff representing every pediatric specialty work

together to provide the most caring, comprehensive pediatric

treatment available for all patients and are dedicated to the

future of pediatric medicine.

The MCG Children's Medical Center like no other hospital in the world

Augusta, Georgia (706) 721-1828 or 1-800-733-1828 http://cmc.mcg.edu At Glance Producing Medical College a Hippotherapy and help for hot flashes are among the items making news at the of Georgia Today is always 2 Medical College of Georgia. a labor of love, but this

edition seemed to strike a Aging Gracefully particularly resonant chord with 4 The Medical College of Georgia Center for Senior Health helps its patients live the magazine's writers. We all felt life to the fullest. privileged to become acquainted the extraordinarily fascinating and Tackling a Time Bomb dedicated people featured inside. 9 Wlien a talented young athlete was diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain Consider, for instance, Zavyion abnormality, MCG stepped in to get him back in the game, healthier than ever. House, a young football player whose wisdom and maturity belie Dental Student/CEO

his age. In this edition of MCG 13 If you think dental school is grueling, try squeezing non-profit company ownership Today, writer Toni Baker chroni- into the schedule.

cles the surgery that likely saved

Zavyion's life. "Zavyion obviously Soul-Searching loves football—he was holding 16 A high-powered Augusta lawyer has followed his heart by embarking on a nursing career. one when I met him—but he also

is a very sweet young man whose AlumNews deep faith in God and powerful 18 News from MCG's fwe alumni associations. bond with his family are readily

apparent," Toni says. "Meeting Plan Your Giving people such as Zavyion and 37 Charitable gift annuities. those who helped him brings home the importance of MCG's work and makes me very proud About the Cover William Bell (pictured with daughter Caroline his to work here." Jones) has maximized quality of life with the help of the MCG Center for Senior Health. Likewise, writer Deborah G. Steele was struck by the rich personality ofJoe Caldwell, a MCG President: Francis Tedesco, M.D. Editor: Christine Hurley Deriso lawyer-turned-nurse. "He's bril- J. Executive Editor: James B. Osborne, Ed.D. Art Director: Brent D. Burch liant and funny at the same time," Director of Marketing Photographer: Phil Jones she says. "His wife says he makes and Public Relations: Dale Crail

her laugh at every little thing. He's

© 1999, Medical College of Georgia. The Medical College of Georgia is the health sciences university of also very passionate and caring, the University System of Georgia. Focusing on health-care education, research and patient care, the and he's found what he's always Augusta-based institution consists of MCG Hospital, more than 80 support clinics, statewide outreach wanted to do." programs and the Schools of Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Medicine and Nursing. Medical College of Georgia Today is sponsored by grants from MCG Foundation, Inc. and the MCG It's a pleasure to introduce you School of Medicine Alumni Association. It is produced by the Divisions of Institutional Relations and to these and other remarkable Health Communication; Medical College of Georgia; Augusta, Georgia 30912. Advertising inquiries people in this edition of MCG should be directed to Augusta Magazine, (706) 722-5833, P. O. Box 1405, Augusta, Georgia 30903. Published quarterly, MCG Today is furnished to alumni and friends of without charge. The appear- Today. We hope you enjoy meet- MCG ance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Medical College of ing them as as did. much we Georgia of the products or services advertised.

1 A C E

Horsing Around spirits. But there was more: his proudly cocked head, his straight shoulders, his easy grace. Nick has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but on Six-year-old Nick Cannell faces daunting the days he participates in Claudia Morin's challenges every day of his life, but as he sat hippotherapy program—Blue Ribbon Riders in astride a gentle horse on a recent sunny Evans, Ga.—his disabilities seem to melt away.

spring day he looked for all the world like Ms. Morin, a hippotherapy clinical specialist and

a master of his universe. manager of occupational therapy at the Medical

The grin was a sure giveaway of his soaring College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics, began the

2 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY a

program in 1981. Specially trained physical, occupa- by boosting serotonin levels, which tend to drop tional and speech therapists use horses to help patients upon menopause, interfering with the brain's ability with movement dysfunction improve balance, posture, to regulate body temperature. Evista, or raloxifene, self-esteem, strength, flexibility and range of motion. will be added to combat osteoporosis, a potentially

After just a few sessions of the program, partici- debilitating loss of bone mass that commonly pants begin to sit upright on horses, rather than accompanies menopause. Unlike estrogen, Evista's slumped over. Their movement control also molecular structure won't interact with estrogen improves. And their self-confidence soars. receptors in the breast or uterus and won't cause

"It develops a lot of self-esteem," said Pam side effects such as menstrual bleeding and breast

Weinberger, whose son Saul, 6, participates in the tenderness. Likewise, it doesn't increase a woman's program. "It helps with their balance. We've been risk of breast or endometrial cancer. Evista may also going through occupational therapy for a year and help protect the heart by raising the level of pro- this is our third session [with Blue Ribbon Riders] tective cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein. and he continues to improve." Beverly Cannell of Evans enrolled her sons, in the program. Both have Tony, 10, and Nick, Serotonin/Personality Link Duchenne muscular dystrophy — a form of the disease which is most common in childhood and is characterized by the wasting away of muscles. About 30 percent of the population may "This is something they can do," she said. "For have a reduced capacity for transporting children like them, there are a lot of things they serotonin, a neurotransmitter key to cell can't do, like play soccer and run, but they can do communication and a factor in some forms this. This is something special for them." of depression, according to a researcher at the "Hippotherapy plays an important role in the Medical College of Georgia. lives of children with special needs," said Ms. Morin. Serotonin transporters and the gene responsible

"We find that they don't require as much assistance, for their production were analyzed in the blood initiate activities and are more willing to do move- samples of 67 adults—more than half of whom ments that demand them to maintain balance." were clinically depressed—and 15 people were "Claudia actually does Saul's occupational ther- missing a piece of the regulatory region of the apy and probably knows better than anyone else gene, said Dr. Jeffrey Rausch, psychiatrist and vice what he needs to work on," said Mrs. Weinberger. chairman of the MCG Department of Psychiatry

"I'd recommend it to anybody." and Health Behavior. The incidence of depression was no higher in those missing the gene piece than in the control Halting Hot Flashes group. But personality tests revealed the missing piece correlated with traits such as harm avoidance and anxiousness. "These dimensions of personality

Medical College of Georgia is studying were significantly ditTerent in people who have this Thethe combination of the anti-depressant piece of gene missing," Dr. Rausch said. "Further- Prozac with estrogen-like Evista to treat hot more, we found past history of alcohol dependence

flashes, a common side effect of menopause. four to five times higher in this group."

"We want to know if this combination of drugs The gene is the site of action for popular anti- provides an effective, non-estrogen therapy for depressants such as Prozac, and Dr. Rausch thinks women," said Dr. Scott Slayden, reproductive endo- the defect may help explain why about 25 percent crinologist at MCG.The therapy is being evaluated of people respond slowly or not at all to depression m 100 women at 10 U.S. sites, including MCG. treatment. The human gene was first cloned by a Women who can't or won't take estrogen— team of MCG researchers led by Dr.Vadivel common and generally effective treatment for Ganapathy, biochemist and Regents professor, and menopause-related symptoms including hot flashes an Emory University research team. —need an alternative treatment for hot flashes, Dr. The researchers hope such findings will help Slayden said. These women include those who explain the genetic vulnerability for psychiatric have had breast cancer, those whose hot flashes disorders. "If you know what the vulnerability fac- aren't alleviated by estrogen and those who fear tors are, you can develop methods to identity what estrogen will increase their risk of breast or interventions may help the vulnerability and, ulti- endometrial cancer. mately, it can lead to improved treatment," Dr.

Dr. Slayden hopes Prozac can combat hot flashes Rausch said.

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 nne more pronounced,

Jarrett Mrs. Jarrett, an has Augustan, began learned making thrice-

to accept weekly visits to her sister's illness, her sister's home but her voice in Columbia, S.C. still breaks when The women, both she recounts widows, lived

Dorothy s descent alone, and Mrs. into Alzheimer's Jarrett felt protec- disease. tive of her older

The symptoms, sister. Her fears which began heightened as her about five years visits grew more ago, were subtle at frequent. Mrs. first—occasional Jarrett always Christine Hurley Deriso forgetfulness that cooked meals for could easily be her sister when dismissed as absent-mindedness. asked her why, she said, 'I forget things. she visited, but when she returned two

"She got to where she would occa- It's kind of embarrassing.'" days later, she often found the tood sionally miss Sunday school, and when I When her forgetfulness became untouched. It seemed that her sister was

4 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY a

Dr. Tom Jackson, facing page, and Cathy they can out of the time they have left. DEXA scanner to measure bone

Green, bottom right, with patients. We focus on quality of life." strength.

That philosophy applies to all the But perhaps most importantly, the

forgetting to eat. center's approximately 1,000 patients, center's highly specialized and multidis- Then something particularly jarring whose medical conditions include ciplinary staff has the perspective neces-

happened. "Dorothy called a neighbor arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, hyper- sary to maximally treat the elderly. The because she thought a stranger was in tension and other ailments that dispro- staff realizes that senior citizens com- her house," said Mrs. Jarrett. "But the portionately affect the elderly. Some prise both the highest-risk patient pop- 'intruder' was her own reflection in the have several problems; for instance, ulation and that most likely to have mirror." Eleanor Alger is being treated for high complicating factors. For instance, many

Mrs. Jarrett wasted no time. She blood pressure, osteoporosis and chronic of the center's patients, such as Mrs. moved her sister into her home. pain resulting from two deteriorating Alger, take multiple medications, so a

Since then, Dorothy's condition has disks in her back. All three conditions considerable challenge is understanding deteriorated rapidly. She no longer are well-controlled by the staff, she said. and controlling all the accompanying speaks or has any grasp on reality. It's "They've been wonderful to me, very side effects and interactions. been a crushing journey for both sisters. attentive," Mrs. Alger said. "And they've But the staff-—which includes Dr. But they've had help along the way. prescribed pain patches that take care of Jackson, Ms. Green, a physical therapist

The Medical College of Georgia most of my pain. If it wasn't for the and a social worker—does much more

Center for Senior Health, which offers pain medication, I couldn't do what I than treat medical problems. "We work comprehensive health care for those age do," including living independently— out a unified plan to deal with the 55 and older, has treated Dorothy since high priority for the 80-year-old combination of problems that affect the she moved to Augusta. "They're won- Augustan. elderly," said Dr. Jackson. derful, just wonderful," Mrs. Jarrett said. The center utilizes the most cutting- Those problems might include phys-

"I feel so free when I call them because edge treatments available, often helping ical and mental disability, loneliness and they always help me. I depend on them. develop new protocols and drawing on isolation, poverty, the inability to per-

I call them my rocks." the findings of MCG's clinical and basic form necessary everyday functions and

The center's staff is only too happy science researchers. Its facility and the overwhelming demands of caring to be of assistance. "No matter where equipment are second to none; for for an infirm loved one. The center our patients are in their path, we're instance, the center recently acquired a works closely with its patients and their walking that path with them," said Cathy Green, the center's clinical nurse specialist.

"And it's a privilege." Although some of their patients' conditions, such as

Alzheimer's disease, are incurable, help and hope are in no short supply.

"There is a fair amount we can do to help people with Alzheimer's disease," said Dr.

Tom Jackson, a geriatrician, internal medicine physician and associate medical director of the center. "We help them get the most

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families to address all these issues, Jones. "He's gone down mentally a associated with them are lost. Hostility matching them with appropriate com- good deal. It's been very hard to switch results both from lost inhibitions and munity resources when necessary. To roles. I was the child, and now I'm the from the tension of realizing the mem- better serve its patients, the center mother." ory is fading." moved July 13 into a facility in west The center gives extensive informa- Of course, it's one thing to grasp this

Augusta that adjoins a day-care facility tion and advice about caring for men- concept intellectually; it's quite another for the elderly. tally impaired loved ones. For instance, to deal with it emotionally. "The family

"The idea was to have a center that trying to rationalize with demented goes through all the stages of grieving was very accessible," Dr. Jackson said. patients is futile, Dr. Jackson said. The because their family member is going

"Our new location is quiet, uncrowded staff teaches techniques such as distract- through a living death," Dr. Jackson and has its own parking." ing a loved one rather than arguing said.

Such convenience is a Godsend for with him. Techniques also address com- "There's nothing left of my sister's those whose everyday errands can trans- mon Alzheimer's symptoms such as personality," Mrs. Jarrett said of her sis- form into logistical nightmares. For wandering and aggressiveness (see ter, Dorothy. "It's really heartbreaking." instance, William Bell has abhorred Minding the Mind). The key to effectively Both she and Mrs. Jones are gratified large, sprawling environments since sev- managing an Alzheimer's patient, Dr. that the center's staff understands their eral small strokes robbed him of his Jackson said, is understanding the dis- grief. They are heartened to be in an mental acuity. His daughter, Caroline ease process. environment that not only treats the

Jones, is very grateful that the Center "If you think of your memory as an patients as they are today, but respects for Senior Health manages his health onion, the first stage of Alzheimer's dis- the totality of their lives, including their care within the confines of a small, ease is that no new layers are added to vibrant pasts. familiar environment. the onion; you don't form new memo- "I try to help preserve peoples per-

She also feels indebted to the center ries," he said. "The next step is that lay- sonalities when they are no longer able for helping her adjust to her new role ers of the onion start being peeled away. to speak for themselves," said Ms. in her father's life. "In the past year, he's At some point, Alzheimer's patients lose Green, the center's nurse. "I get so become even more confused," said Mrs. their inhibitions because the memories excited because I get to touch history.

6 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY MCG's new Center for reading, but it seems to make Senior Health him happy to go through the

paper for a couple of hours a

I've had the privilege of tak- day." ing care of a doctor who The center tailors its ser- cared for [former President] vices to such individuality.

Eisenhower. I got to know For instance, when Mr. Bell the man who invented the could no longer live at home, pop top. I took care of a col- even with the live-in care- lege professor who left taker his daughter hired, staff England during World War members investigated every

II. I could make him real to available resource. Thanks to the nurses who'd never heard their efforts, Mr. Bell today him read Shakespeare." ives in a personal-care com- The only way to preserve plex consisting of three adja- such uniqueness, she said, is cent houses. A nurse floats to involve and embrace their among the complex's nine patients' families. "We don't patients. "It's small, very clean leave families sitting in the and very well-run," said Mrs. lobby," she said. "They're part Jones, who visits every day. and parcel of our care. They're the peo- passionate women who excelled in the "He loves it. A nursing home would not ple who know that Mom's favorite business world. She was a buyer for four have been the right thing for him thing in the world is chocolate-covered jewelry stores, "the most efficient person because of the largeness. There is no cherries. They're the ones who know you've ever met," Mrs. Jarrett said. "She good answer, but this is the best option that Dad has always loved Shirley was very outgoing, very sweet. She had for us. We're settled."

Temple movies. Would that all of us lots of friends and was active in church Likewise, the staff helped Mrs. Jarrett have somebody who knows us well and volunteer work." find an assisted-living center for her sis- enough to help us connect when we Mr. Bell, Mrs. Jones' father, was an ter when she could no longer manage can no longer do it for ourselves." energetic lawyer who read voraciously Dorothy's needs. "There are 15 patient

Mrs. Jarrett says that filling that role and awed acquaintances with his intelli- rooms, and Dorothy has her own bed- is a labor of love. Her voice lightens as gence. "He has good eyes, so he's still room and bathroom," Mrs. Jarrett said. she reminisces about her sister. Dorothy able to read," Mrs. Jones said. "I don't "I see her every day, and she always runs

H. Anderson was a generous and com- think he really understands what he's up and hugs me. I don't think she

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 7 knows who I am anymore, but she a nice day." with the people ahead of you, you knows I belong." And regardless of their physical or won't know how to age gracefully I've

As difficult as it is to witness a loved mental condition, the elderly have learned that old age is a very effective one's dementia, "the patients themselves much to teach those who take the time leveler. Forget socioeconomics. Forget come to enjoy life as it is," Dr. Jackson to benefit from their wisdom. "Working college degrees. In the end, what mat- said. "Even if you're only living in the with the elderly has made me very ters is the relationships you've formed. present, you can still sit out on the respectful of the aging process," Ms. Family and friends mean more than porch, scratch the dog's ears and have Green said. "If you don't make friends gold and silver."

dreadful as Alzheimer's disease is, people needn't the patients and their care givers. The staff at the Center for Asfear that it is inevitable. "Alzheimer's is a disease Senior Health teaches techniques to help loved ones deal process, not an aging process," said Dr. Tom Jackson with symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as wandering, aggressive- associate medical director of MCG's ness and confusion. Center for Senior Health. "And even Dr. Lore Wright, chairman of the though there is a genetic predisposition, MCG Department of Mental Health you aren't doomed to have it if it's in Minding Psychiatric Nursing, has extensively your family." researched the topic and recommends MCG researchers are furiously seek- tips such as camouflaging doors with ing new treatments for the disease in the Mind sheets to prevent wandering outdoors which lesions inexplicably form on the and dressing the patient in simple, easy- brain and destroy nerve cells. Dr. Jerry to-manage clothing. Dr. Ann M. J. Christine Hurley Deriso Buccafusco, professor of pharmacology, Kolanowski, chairman of the toxicology and psychiatry, has gleaned Department of Adult Nursing, has considerable insight by studying normal researched aggressiveness in senility and and impaired memory in animal models. advises care takers to infer underlying Drugs are being continually created and needs when Alzheimer's patients refined that reflect research findings, become hostile. For instance, a patient such as the importance of the neuro- demanding to see her long-deceased transmitter, serotonin, and the memory- mother actually may be communicating enhancing aspect of nicotine-like drugs. a need for security. Others may become "The sooner the drug regimen agitated at predictable times—for begins, the more effective it is," said instance, when being bathed. In such Dr. Jackson. "We encourage people cases, care givers can anticipate unruly who suspect they or a loved one has behavior, ready to respond helpfully Alzheimer's disease to seek treatment rather than punitively. sooner rather than later." A checkup For the sake of both Alzheimer's (largely to rule out other diseases) and patients and their care givers, "we need memory tests are used to diagnose more nursing homes, day care centers Alzheimer's. and home health nurses," Dr. Jackson

The disease is better-understood said. "These options must be available every day. "We're finding that what we and affordable," particularly considering call Alzheimer's disease is really several that an aging population portends a separate diseases," said Dr. Jackson. growing number of Alzheimer's patients.

"Different sets of genes seem to be important. It can't be Although Alzheimer's disease is not preventable at this explained by a single genetic marker." point, Dr. Jackson notes evidence that continual mental Indeed, the more scientists learn about the disease, the stimulation can hedge one's bets for future well-being. "There more they realize they don't know. Alzheimer's disease is actual evidence that if you've always exercised your brain, remains maddeningly enigmatic. As researchers dig for you'll remain functional longer than someone who didn't," answers, clinicians prescribe the most effective treatments to he said. "The key is to be active and do challenging and date and concentrate on enhancing the quality of life of both enjoyable things."

8 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Toni Baker

line, it's Zavyion's job to save

the day.

It almost seems that this

tall, quiet young man with a handsome face and a soft voice would be out of place

in this aggressor's role. But Butler High School head football coach David Land

says he's anything but.

That day last fall, Zavyion's opposition was his

own offense because it was a

practice session, a time when offense and defense work hard against each other to

ultimately play better as a team. Zavyion went to tackle one of his own men and got

blindsided with a hit to his head. He blacked out for just

It was an October doing what he loves. of free safety makes him the a second and thought he was

afternoon in Augusta From his earliest days in man farthest back on the fine minutes later.

and 18-year-old the little leagues, Zavyion has defensive team. If an oppo- Physical therapist Ted I Zavyion House was loved football. His position nent gets past the defensive Hanson was on the sidelines

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 9 that day, as he often is; he grade them one to five. covers Butler High School's Grade five is considered practice sessions and games as inoperable. Zavyion's was a part of the outreach efforts of grade four," said Dr. Mark the Medical College of Lee, a CMC pediatric neuro- Georgia Center for Sports surgeon. Medicine. He asked Zavyion This tangled heap of questions after the head hit blood vessels looked much to make sure he was OK. like the inside of a golf ball.

Zavyion thought he made But it served no purpose, perfect sense but Mr. Hanson only the potential for devas- and Dr. Andy Riddle, an tation. If dissected, the wad orthopedic resident there that of vessels would reveal indi- day, didn't agree. An assistant vidual vessels that were weak, coach took Zavyion to an their walls lacking the nor- area hospital just to be safe. mal number of layers. Large

There, a routine comput- arteries were feeding blood erized tomography scan of to the vessels and a big vein his head showed that since drained the area. But the before birth, Zavyion had pressure in the arteries was been anything but safe. Just too high because brain tissue, about dead center of his which normally exists brain was a tangled heap of between arteries and veins, blood vessels about the size wasn't there to slow blood of a small peach but more flow. In fact, it was easier for accurately likened to a time blood to flow through the bomb. It was an arterial arterial venous malformation venous malformation, words than through the rest of that Zavyion had never Zavyion's brain. This heard. But alone in that "absolutely abnormal com- emergency room he under- munication" between arteries stood too well when the and veins was near the center neurosurgeon told him he of his brain, close to the area had a high risk of death or that controlled movement on debilitation. the left side of his body. When Debbie Jones With each year of reached her son, he was lying Zavyion's life came a 4 per- alone in a darkened hospital cent to 5 percent chance that room crying. He was wor- the malformation would ried most about losing his rupture. "These vessels are life; and, if he lived, he'd very fragile. It wouldn't nec- been told he could never essarily take a bump on the play football again. head. He could have just

"Oh God, it was scary. It been eating dinner or sleep- was so scary," he said. His ing when it happened," Dr. mother took her normal Lee said. But activities that place at her son's side, sto- raised Zavyion's blood pres- ically supporting him. But sure, such as football, were she was sick inside. particularly risky.

They didn't really know But Dr. Lee couldn't tell what to do. So mother and Zavyion that it would defi- son came to the MCG nitely rupture. He'd lived a

Children's Medical Center. healthy life to that point with no sign of trouble, not "When you grade arterial even a headache. And he venous malformations, you might continue on that path;

10 was 18 and if he felt like he'd realized when the malforma-

rather take his chances. . .then tion began bleeding uncon-

I wanted it to be his choice." trollably and he could not

His choice was to remove definitively identify a safe

the time bomb, and he made place to clip the vessel

it with a loving family at his responsible. He had to do side and a strong faith in something or Zavyion would God. This young man, who bleed to death. He took an would take on any opponent educated guess—and a cor- carrying a football, says he rect one.

was scared. But one night as All told, it was 14 hours

he prayed, he asked if things of tedious work and high

would be all right and a emotion. As Dr. Lee finished

voice told him it would be. clipping the feeding vessels, the red malformation turned Dr. Lee attacked blue and he relaxed. the malformation

from a point just Daytime had turned to above Zavyion's night while Ms. Jones waited

right ear. He entered for news. She knows it sounds

the brain at the sylvian odd, but she says she never

fissure, a natural separation really worried. She had her

between the temporal and family, friends and faith sup- but he might not. frontal lobes. Through that porting her. That night, about

"It's a tough scenario," the fissure he found a big, robust 11 p.m., her wait was over.

surgeon said. "Here you have blood vessel that he assumed When she walked into the

a kid who is 100 percent was one of the feeders and intensive care unit, her first

normal, a very good athlete. followed its trail down to his glimpse of her son was of his

There is significant risk to target at the center of weakened left side. His left

the surgery and there is sig- Zavyion's skull. To help avoid eye was unnaturally staring

nificant risk to not doing bleeding, he wanted to dis- straight ahead. A little scared, anything. The problem with sect the arterial venous mal- she asked her son how he

not doing anything is you formation with a little mar- was feeling. "I didn't expect a

can't predict. You don't have gin of tissue around it. But response." But from under

a crystal ball." its proximity to key brain tis- the covers he gave her a

Dr. Lee laid it out for sue made that impossible. thumbs-up sign and then he mother and son. If Zavyion "We had to stay right on the pointed to heaven. She knew did nothing and the malfor- arterial venous malforma- her son would come back,

mation ruptured he likely tion," Dr. Lee said. It was but she didn't know how far. would permanently lose the precarious positioning

use of his left side. After because the vessels start The first time after

surgery, that side would still bleeding "if you look at them surgery that he tried to do

be weak and there was about funny. Our strategy was to anything, Zavyion's first reac-

a 10 percent chance that it find the blood vessels feeding tion was frustration. He

would never be strong again. it and try and take them couldn't move his hand and

Zavyion seriously consid- first," he said. That was diffi- foot and he thought for a

ered not having the surgery. cult, too, because many of moment, "Why bother?" But

"I'd had this all my life and it the vessels had feeders that he also thought about that hadn't bothered me. Why supply normal brain tissue; if day on his knees and the

would it bother me now?" he clipped the vessel too comforting voice, and he

The main difference is that soon, it could cause a stroke. persevered. "I had to get up

now, Zavyion and his family The last thing he would clip and walk."

knew it existed and knew its would be the draining vein. Ted Hanson, the MCG potential. As he worked to clip the physical therapist on the field

"I told him it was his feeding vessels, one of Dr. the day Zavyion was injured,

choice," Ms. Jones said. "He Lee's primary concerns was was back at his side again.

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helping him regain the further challenge Zavyion. and helped him point them Zavyion didn't need them strength and the confidence Meanwhile, occupational in the right direction. any more. "It's really one of that came so naturally before. therapist Mary Alice Bell "With Zavyion there was the bonuses of what we do," They did basic strength (MCG Occupational a determination," Mrs. Bell Mr. Hanson said. "We are training, such as leg lifts. Therapy class of 1989) said. "He got to the point here to get folks back to They worked on balance focused on Zavyion's upper where he would come to what they want to do. They routines that helped Zavyion body. The first time she saw therapy smiling. His sisters can't always, but it sure once again count on his left Zavyion, he said little and he came with him and his mom makes you feel good when leg. As his balance and smiled less. The next time came with him; everybody they do." strength returned, Mr. she saw him, he was snapping got involved. It was more

Hanson (MCG Physical at his sister and Mrs. Bell was than just what was happen- he first day of

Therapy class of 1997), an encouraged. The time after ing to him. It pulled in the spring training ex-high school football play- that, he snapped at her and whole family." 1999, Zavyion er himself, even set up a she was thrilled. She recog- To the delight of his ther- House was back makeshift obstacle course to nized these bursts of energy apists, it wasn't long before I on his field of play.

12 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY STUDENT DENTAU atch Lauren nally into his nighttime Hargrove CEO routine. between On weekends, he shifts

classes at the into high gear. Lauren's Medical College of Georgia business, which provides

School of Dentistry (well, try to donated dental equip- catch him; he moves fast) and ment to non-profit health clinics it's clear that he intends to worldwide, is a labor of love but a squeeze quality time out of the crushing time commitment, so every Christine Hurley Deriso first free moment he's had all day. second counts. On Friday afternoons

While other dental students are lin- after his last class, Lauren tools 150 gering in hallways to ask classmates how neurship, has orders to place, deliveries miles to the business 's Atlanta ware- they did on an exam, Lauren is pecking to arrange, no time to spare. house. Time to check on inventory,

numbers into his cell phone, which he His pace doesn't slow at night, when crunch some numbers, place more

cradles between his ear and shoulder as he works on his company website, orders, make more calls.

he rushes to a fax machine. Lauren, who makes another string of phone calls, Hmmmm: Perhaps on holidays and balances the unlikely combination of brushes up on Spanish and studies in vacations he finds time for to catch his dental school and non-profit entrepre- between. Sleep generally figures nomi- breath? Well... no. That's when he heads

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 13 Above: Lauren Hargrove helps treat school. pen, so I know there's divine interven- patient in outdoor makeshift clinic. His soul-searching led him to a mis- tion involved."

Above right: Baby that Lauren helped sion trip with the Christian Medical/ And Lauren has fielded his share of deliver during mission trip. Dental Society. He was assigned to assist non-dental emergencies. Once, a

an oral surgeon, spending two weeks woman who had traveled a long dis- to some obscure speck on the map treating the extensive and sometimes tance on foot to a makeshift dental clin- where impoverished populations des- even life-threatening dental needs of the ic went into labor during the visit. perately need the dental services he vol- desperately poor people ofJamaica. Lauren helped deliver her baby, who unteers at every opportunity. Lauren was humbled and overwhelmed. obviously wasn't particular about the

Lauren sums it all up with a smile "When I went on the mission trip, it credentials of those who ushered him that surely belies world-class fatigue. really showed me a different side of life," into the world.

"There are not enough hours in the he says. "I came out of high school "Lauren has a tremendous heart for day," he says. The cliche probably had thinking life was going to be handed to helping people," says Dr. Sam Molind, no business being invented until it me on a silver platter. Then I saw entire director of Global Health Outreach, a applied to him; that's how busy he is. families living in huts that we wouldn't medical/dental group that organized the

But he wouldn't have it any other even store our tools in. It opens your first mission trip Lauren attended. "He's way. The way Lauren figures, he's got a eyes, it really does. I realize now I'm very a very spiritual fellow who really wants lot of catching up to do. fortunate to be where I am, and I feel to serve the Lord and individuals' spiri-

The 32-year-old Atlanta native got a the Lord has placed me in a position tual and medical needs." late start in health care; he spent his 20s where I can really make a difference in But as fulfilling as the mission trips working in clothing sales for a London- the world. I consider it a privilege." have been, Lauren soon determined that based company. He was extremely suc- The trip also changed his career he wanted to do even more. He was cessful, serving corporate executives goal. He was so impressed with the oral struck by how poorly equipped the who thought nothing of spending five surgeon that he applied to dental dental clinics were. He knew that reme- figures on a custom-designed suit. school. In 1995, he enrolled in the dying that problem would greatly Lauren lived well and amassed a com- MCG School of Dentistry. enhance the effectiveness of mission fortable savings account. But he had a Lauren continued his mission trips, workers. Well-equipped clinics would nagging discomfort with his Robin struck by the pervasive needs of impov- also make it easier to recruit and train Leach perspective of the world. "I was erished people and their immense local dentists and other health care pretty selfish," he acknowledges. "Sales appreciation for whatever help is providers, he reasoned. And the clinics' was a very competitive and cutthroat offered. "They'll walk 10 to 15 hours patients would benefit immeasurably. business, and I didn't really like the way sometimes to go to our little hole-in- "A lot of people [in Third World my life was going." the-wall clinics," Lauren says. countries] are scared to death of dentists Lauren, deeply religious, yearned to "Sometimes we don't even have a because they don't have anesthetic," he weave Christianity into his daily life. He building to work in; we work under says. "So even those who have access to began to dream about a career that trees. But regardless of the circum- dental care often have horrible experi- could change people's lives rather than stances, they're so grateful. It's very ences. But good dental care is vital. People their wardrobes. He considered medical rewarding. A lot of times, miracles hap- can die of an [untreated] dental infection."

14 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Lauren had an idea. His career in

sales had taught him that virtually every Our health care team members don't just save lives.

business occasionally overstocks. What if manufacturers of dental equipment were They have lives. willing to donate their excess inventory

to non-profit clinics? Everyone would benefit: the companies could get a tax write-off, the clinics would receive sore- ly needed equipment and people would receive more effective and pain-free treatment. Lauren started working the phones and using his savings to trans- form his dream into a reality. That was four years ago. Today, World Currently Dentist Outreach Inc., his company, has helped equip about 100 non-profit den- recruiting for tal clinics worldwide, including clinics all Health in Ukraine, Vietnam, Jamaica, Haiti and Professions impoverished areas of the United States.

Some clinics have received as much as The Navy Medical Corps is more than a practice, it's a way of life. You can find personal and $50,000 worth of equipment. "Last year, professional fulfillment - enjoying precious family time with free evenings and weekends, and 30 days we placed about $350,000 worth of of vacation with pay earned every year. And take your career places working at renowned hospitals in new dental equipment, and this year, the U.S. or overseas locations such as Spain or Italy ... or performing cutting-edge research with we're shooting for half a million," leading Navy professionals. For more information, call: Lauren says. "We want to build lasting 1-800-622-1404 clinics so we're not just in and out. We NAVY not only equip the clinics, but help Visit our website: we LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN. train the people who live there and www.NAVYTEAM.com implement some programs."

Dr. Molind said the effort has proved much their altruism is appreciated. African country whose educated popu- invaluable. "There might be 100 organi- "They feel like they're a part of it," he lation has been almost completely zations out there searching for supplies says. "Companies want to help, but a lot wiped out by civil war. "We're trying to or equipment," he says. "If they all of times, they never get feedback. We restructure the dental community applied for donations, the companies send pictures and updates and let them there," he says. "You've got to start would be inundated. They would much know they're part of the team." somewhere." rather have a centralized effort. This was He's been astounded by the generos- Lauren spends about a day a month a really good idea." ity of the companies, which include visiting clinics, checking on their In the company's infancy, Lauren Dentsply, Hu-Fnedy, KaVo America, progress and volunteering his dental stored the donated equipment in his par- Luxtec, Stryker and 3M Dental. "They expertise. His fiancee, who is from ents' garage. Now, he rents storage space donate overstocked or demo equip- Uruguay, speaks several languages and and runs his business with the zeal and ment, and they also give us specifically often accompanies him to assist and intensity of a blue-chip CEO. "It gets what we need. There are thousands of translate. "This is a phenomenal way to hectic," he acknowledges. "I've just start- different dental instruments, and we like learn about different cultures," Lauren ed a website, and I'm learning Spanish to provide clinics with the same equip- says. "These are experiences you could- for the second time. Right now, I have ment consistently so they'll be familiar n't get with a tour guide."

15 projects, an exam coming up and a with it and know how to use it." The Lauren plans to practice general den- bunch of orders to fill. But I don't mind. companies also custom-build equip- tistry after graduating and hopes to save

I teel really conscientious about making ment—for instance, portable equipment enough money to eventually provide sure people have what they need." for nomadic mission workers and elec- mission service full time. He is recruit-

"I don't know how he's done all this tric equipment designed for specific ing like-minded dentists to join World while he's been in school," says Dr. voltage requirements. Dental Outreach.

Molind. "It's mind-boggling." Despite such an extraordinary com- "I feel like God has used all my skills

Lauren is also vigilant about main- mitment, Lauren sometimes feels over- to get me ready for this," he says. "It's all taining contact with dental supply com- whelmed by the needs of the poor. For built up to this. I never expected to get pany representatives, letting them know instance, his organization is trying to re- to this point. And who knows where the benefits of their donations and how establish dental care in Rwanda, an we're going from here?"

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 15 Soul-Searching

Deborah G. Steele

Caldwell III devoted professor of history at Augusta State mind, Joe always enjoyed that."

Josephmost of his adulthood to the University, describes watching Joe help But for whatever reason, his life took world of high finance, but as he take care of their father when he was a different twist. After studying premed-

watched his father dying inch fighting the final stages of Parkinson's icine at the University of Georgia, he

Dy inch five years ago, his mas- disease, which he succumbed to in 1994 abruptly switched his focus to business. tery of the material world seemed at age 70. "Joe really began to help He completed a year of graduate utterly insignificant. nurse my father through that last ill- school, then enrolled in the University

Joe, an Augusta lawyer who special- ness," she said. "He was good at it. He of Georgia School of Law. ized in securities litigation and the was so good with Dad." "I never really wanted to practice restructuring of multimillion-dollar cor- And it felt so right. Joe wondered if law," he said with a chuckle. "I don't porate transactions, was good at what he he was meant for a career in health care. know why I got into it in the first did, really good. So why wasn't his heart It wasn't the first time he'd toyed place. I wanted to go into business in it? Why, as he soothed his dying with the idea. "There's really a strong and I thought a law degree certainly father with his soft voice and gentle medical tradition in my family," said Lee couldn't hurt." touch, did he feel so professionally Ann, noting that her father, brother John After earning his law degree, Joe unfulfilled? and sister-in-law, Alice Little Caldwell, joined a small downtown Augusta firm

His soul-searching had begun. are all graduates of the MCG School of specializing in tax law in 1982, then left Older sister Lee Ann, an associate Medicine. "I think in the back of his in 1990 to form Prather/ Caldwell PC,

16 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Attorneys at Law. He specialized in securities practice MONEY FUND INVESTORS: and federal law, taking nascent corporations public and handling litigation HIGH INCOME before the Securities and Exchange Commission. His practice also expanded WITH LIQUIDITY to encompass the restructuring of multimillion-dollar transactions in the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Fund. Whether you seek a convenient income-producing vehicle early 1990s. It wasn't until 1996 that he for your working capital or need a holding account began to really feel the strains of being a for your cash when you're between investments, lawyer. He yearned for more time with the T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Fund can meet his wife.Terri, and children Joseph IV, your needs. This no-load money market fund is 15, and Kristin, 13. one of the oldest in America and can offer you "The workload and stress were just higher yields than bank money market deposit accounts. The tremendous," he said. "The public has a fund invests in the highest-rated money market securities and perception about lawyers working con- has maintained a stable $1.00 share price since inception* $2,500 venient hours and making lots of minimum investment. Free checkwriting.** No sales charges. money, and that's not the way it is. You really have to be married to your work Call 24 hours for your and live your work every waking and free investment kit including a prospectus sleeping moment. I wanted to stop Invest With Confidence m practicing in order to do something 1-800-401-4764 else, but I didn't know what." www. troweprice.com T.RoweRice'Ik After discussing a career change with + Simple yield as of 5/11/99. Past performance cannot guarantee future results. *An investment in the fund is not his wife of 18 years, Joe reflected on insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund. **$500 minimum. For more how natural it had felt to care for his information, including fees and expenses, request a prospectus. Read it carefully before investing. T. Rowe Price dying father. He decided to become a Investment Services, Inc., Distributor. PRF048746 nurse. He looked for reassurance from family and friends, hoping they would support his decision. the job done," he said. "Nursing has its care of the kids when they are sick, said

Steve Mayfield, a childhood friend of own unique hands-on qualities that a the difference in Joe's personality is

Joe's, remembers telling him he thought physician doesn't get to experience. You striking. "He's just so much happier," he was making the perfect decision. are much more directly involved with she said. "It's like his soul is happier."

"I told him that nursing was the perfect patients. Nursing, as a profession, is a "His spirit is being fulfilled," said field for him to go into," said Mr. wide-open field. It opens up doors for Steve. "He has such human compassion

Mayfield, director of performance you rather than closing them." and as we get older, we begin to realize improvement at DeKalb General Dr. Christopher Welch, an assistant the important things in life are our Medical Center. professor in mental health/ psychiatric interactions with human beings."

Joe had the reassurance he was nursing at MCG, remembers his former Although he admits missing the looking for, and a year and a half later, student fondly. "He has a soft, calming excitement of "doing a deal and making he closed his practice and set out on a voice," said Dr. Welch. "He approaches it work," Joe is adamant that he has no new career path. Joe applied, and was problems from a good critical point of regrets. "There is a great sense of victo- accepted, to the MCG School of view and that probably has a lot to do ry in closing that deal, but there's noth-

Nursing in 1996. with his background. I think he's a very ing like seeing someone who was in a

In 1998, Joe graduated with a bache- good role model for a male nurse." terrible car accident, and has been on lor of science degree in nursing and is "Now he has more sense of self-ful- your floor for months, get up and walk now a nurse on MCG Hospital's tho- fillment and derives so much satisfaction out of the hospital," he said. "I'm happi- racic surgery, telemetry and step-down from that," said Lee Ann. er now than I've been in years. I could- trauma unit, which is, according to Joe, Joe's brother, John, concurs. "We want n't be more pleased with the way things "the finest place to work in the hospital to feel like we can just simply do any- turned out. in terms of co-workers, nursing care, thing and our personalities will work "People always ask me why I gave physicians and patient mix. It's probably into it," he said, explaining that law was up practicing law to be a nurse," Joe the busiest floor in the hospital. an awkward fit for his brother, a people said. "My best answer is that I view

"My father always had a great deal of person. "So far it's been a real good thing being able to be a nurse as an honor. I

respect for nurses and felt that, in many for him. He seems to be a lot happier." don't do this because I have to. I do it

respects, they were the ones who got Wife Terri, who always lets Joe take because I want to."

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 17 HOMECOMING • HOMECOMIN

Alumni of the MCG Hospital and 1995 and 1997. He is a fellow Clinics Department of Physical of the Academy of Dental Associations Therapy from 1993 to 1997, Materials and a member of Present when he was named to his the International Association current position. He is a past for Dental Research. Awards president of the School of The MCG School of Allied Health Sciences Alumni Graduate Studies Alumni

Medical College of Association and a member of Association presented its

TheGeorgia's five alumni the American Physical Therapy Distinguished Alumnus Award

associations presented Association. to Dr. Brooks A. Keel, Daniel

awards during MCG's The MCG School of K. Roberts Distinguished Homecoming celebration April Dentistry Alumni Association Professor of Obstetrics and

22-25. presented its Distinguished Gynecology at the University

The MCG School of Allied Alumnus Award to Dr. J. of Kansas-Wichita School of

Health Sciences Alumni Rodway Mackert Jr., MCG Medicine. Dr. Keel earned a

Association presented its professor of oral rehabilitation Ph.D. in endocrinology from

Distinguished Alumnus Award and oral biology. He earned MCG in 1982. He is president

to Jeffrey S. Dowlmg, a 1989 his dental degree from MCG and chief executive officer of

graduate of the Department in 1976 and a Ph.D. in materi- The Women's Research

of Physical Therapy and man- als science from the University Institute at the University of ager of sports medicine/reha- of Virginia. He joined MCG's Kansas-Wichita and president

bilitation for MCG's Center faculty in 1976. He is a mem- and clinical laboratory director for Sports Medicine. Mr. ber of the MCG chapter of of Reproductive Medicine

Dowling joined the MCG fac- Sigma Xi, the scientific Laboratories. He received the

ulty in 1990 and earned a research society, and received University of Kansas School of

master of health education Excellence in Research Awards Medicine's 1991 Investigator

degree from MCG in 1993. from the MCG Graduate Recognition Award for his

He served as assistant director Faculty Assembly in 1994, research in human infertility

MCG President Francis J. Tedesco (third from right) with Alumni Association Award recipients Dr. Patricia P. Lillis (from left). Dr. Linda A. Ellis, Dr. Gordon Jackson, Jeffrey S. Dowling and Dr. Brooks A. Keel

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY • H O M E C O

and reproductive medicine. The Alumni Association of the MCG School of Medicine

presented its Professional Achievement Award to U.S.

Rep. J. Roy Rowland and its

Loyalty Award to Dr. Gordon Walker Jackson, both 1952 graduates of the MCG School of Medicine.

Dr. Rowland, a family med-

icine physician, served three

terms in the Georgia House of Representative and has been

elected to his fifth term in the

U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Rep. Rowland, one of two physi-

cians in Congress, has authored and/or supported

legislation involving AIDS,

infant mortality, rural health, veteran health, long-term care

and other health issues.

Dr. Jackson retired from

private practice in 1988 after almost 30 years as an obste-

trician/gynecologist in Macon,

Ga. Since retiring, he has par-

ticipated in the American College of Obstetrics/ Gynecology Program of Service to Native Americans,

serving in hospitals and health

centers in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Montana, Alaska, the

Homecoming 1999 featured a President's Reception, golf tournament, dance, reunion dinners and functions for each of MCG's five schools. South Pacific and American

Samoa. He is a life member and past president of the Alumni Association of the School of Medicine. The School of Nursing Alumni Association presented

its Phoebe Kandel Rohrer

Founders Award, named in

honor of a former dean, to

Dr. Linda A. Ellis and its E. Louise Grant Award, also hon-

oring a former dean, to Dr.

Patricia P. Lillis.

Dr. Ellis, associate professor of mental health/psychiatric

nursing and project director of the school's distance-learning program, earned bachelor's

and master's degrees in nursing from MCG and a doctor-

ate in education from the University of Georgia. She joined the MCG faculty in 1972 and was interim chairman of mental health/psychi-

atric nursing from 1994 to

1995. She is a past president of the MCG School of Nursing Alumni Association and received the Georgia Nurses Association's 10th

District 1998 Spirit of Nursing Award. She received the 1984 MCG School of Nursing Outstanding Faculty Award.

Dr. Lillis, chairman of adult nursing, earned bachelor's, master's and post-master's

degrees in nursing and a doc-

torate in nursing from the

University of Alabama at

Birmingham. She is a member

of Sigma Xi, the scientific

research society, Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nursing, and the Oncology Nursing Society. She has served on the board of directors of the American

Cancer Society's Georgia

Division. The Oncology Nursing Society established the Dr. Patricia Lillis ONS Student Oncology Scholarship

Award in her honor. RADUATION • GRADUATION • GRADUA1

This commencement, like could happen. so many others that are But today I have hope. I

'Listen feel astir taking place across this to can something here.

great country of ours, is a time Those of you who stand here

to celebrate the honors being today not only stand on the bestowed upon you as well as Your Hearts' verge of a new century but a time to look at the road that on the verge of a new oppor-

lies ahead. You have passed Editor's note: Following is the partial text of tunity to shape our future.

through the crucible of learn- Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes' commencement address With this degree in your

ing and now, after all of these delivered to graduates May 8. hand, this gift burning in your

years, you are ready to prac- heart, you have both the ide-

tice what has been preached. students and teachers. merely for our wealth and alism of youth and the power

You have the training, the call- You have spend the major- prosperity, but for our individ- of education.

ing and the desire to make a ity of your lives learning how uality and invention. You may hear the chorus of

real difference in the lives of to care for the health of our We have grown strong in fear that is driving much of

our parents and children. people-but what about their spite of our differences and our public discourse. But I ask

I may not possess the souls? What good are your because of our diversity. So that you instead listen to your

power to save lives, as you do, degrees and all of the latest today, our success must be hearts, listen to your own

but I have made it my busi- medical advances if we make determined by something sense of what is right and

ness to make sure you have the body well but the soul more than a G.P.A. or 401 K. wrong. If you do that, I believe

the tools you need to do your stays sick? Our success today has to do you will hear the calling. You

job. That is why I have and Our health care system can with not just examining, but will be more than observers,

will continue to talk about the only work if we practice really looking into the eyes commentators or bystanders.

rights of medical professionals human care with a human and into the hearts of our chil- You will be the solution to the

to treat their patients to the touch. I know that everyone dren and young adults who hatred that divides us-because

best of their abilities. has an answer. Everyone will become your patients. Try you are the class of '99. A for-

It is clear that we face wants to diagnose the prob- looking beyond the actual tuitous but fearless time, a greater challenges than ever lem. Meanwhile, most of us condition to the cause. time of great change and

before in meeting our health are still wondering: Why? The anger tearing at the greater possibilities. You are

care needs. But how can we And so was I. I was until fabric of our schools today the physicians, the nurses, the

continue to lead the world in today-until I sat up here and also tears at the core of dentists, the medical experts

new medical discoveries and saw all of your inspired young Europe. Brother against broth- who will not only care for the

treatments when so many of faces ready to go out into the er. Student against student. body, but look after the soul. I our people have no access to world to make a difference. The horror of what happened see great things on the hori-

that health care? We forget So let the class of '99 find it in in Littleton, Colo., is now zon for the class of '99.

that our patients are not just their hearts to grapple with undermining our sense of So as you walk from these

customers, but real people and extinguish the divisiveness safety and security through- halls and classrooms, as you

with real problems. As we and anger that threatens to out our schools, all across our graduate into your new lives of evolve into the age of infor- divide our communities. What country. The horror of the healing and health, may each

mation and technology, many has made this nation great is racial and religious warfare in of you ask yourselves this: Am I

of the time-tested truths about faith in itself and in one the Balkans undermines our working to heal the ailments of

human nature and human another. We have responded sense of freedom and democ- the body and the spirit? Am I

health are gathering dust and and risen to the call of duty. racy. Intolerance is creating its really listening to the patient,

suffering abandonment. We Throughout our history, we own leaders anew. Prejudice to the student, to the child have found powerful treat- have demonstrated a remark- and ignorance, revenge and who goes unheard? And after

ments for cancer and AIDS; able ability to work out our spite want to justify the use it is all over, will I be able to

we have amazed the world differences and grow stronger of violence and terror here truthfully say that I helped

with new gene therapies. But through each crisis that we and abroad. make this world a better place?

we still don't know how two pass. The ties of family, friend- The typical bystander turns If you can find the time to

kids in Littleton, Colo., could ship and fellowship are woven the channel from tragedy to reflect, to ask yourselves these

have exhibited so many of the together in a beautiful tapes- tragedy as if living and dying questions, you will arrive at

warning signs, but still no one try which is our history, a his- were some kind of spectator new discoveries and realiza- was able to prevent them from tory that has made American sport. Then you wake up one tions that reveal the secret of

opening fire on their fellow life the envy of the world-not morning and wonder how it the human spirit.

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 21 Physician Assistant Graduate Receives Beard Award

Toni Baker

Mark A. Daniel, a 1999 graduate of

the physician assistant program at the Medical College of Georgia, received the 1999 John F. Beard Award.

Mr. Daniel was cited by his instructors and fellow students for his compassion, integrity, professionalism and deep faith.

The John F. Beard Award was inaugurated last year when William Porter "Billy"

Payne announced during his MCG commencement address that he and wife Martha ed Mr. Beard twice daily dur- is an instructor in the Physi- five medical schools; about half would present the $25,000 ing his lengthy hospitalization. cian Assistant Department of of his teammates will be stu- award annually to a graduat- "The education of bright, the MCG School of Allied dents from the MCG Schools ing MCG student who exem- dedicated, compassionate Health Sciences. of Medicine and Nursing. plifies caring and compassion health care professionals who Last summer, Mr. Daniel On the MCG campus, Mr. in health care. will serve this state and this spent a month in Peru with the Daniel has been a giver as

Mr. Payne, vice chairman nation is central to the mis- Summer Medical Institute, a well. "At school, on many

of Atlanta-based Premiere sion of the Medical College of Christian mission project, occasions, I witnessed him

Technologies, Inc., and former Georgia," Dr. Tedesco said. where he lived on the Amazon taking time away from his chairman of the Atlanta "Mark is a shining example of River with a group of health studies to counsel with some- Olympic Organizing Commit- a quality mind, coupled with a care professionals and students one going through personal tee, established the award to caring heart and a wonderful and treated patients in villages struggles, to listen to another memorialize his father-in-law, spirit, all essential ingredients along the river. He spent sum- person's problems when all of who died in 1997. to true excellence in the mer 1996 telling residents of our classmates were cram- The award honors MCG health care profession." government housing communi- ming for tests," wrote class-

President Francis J. Tedesco In nominating Mr. Daniel, ties about the Summer Medical mate John Douglas Enyeart in and Mr. Beard's physician, Dr. Laura E. Lee, his faculty men- Institute's new Center for a letter of support. "He also

Mark F. Williams, a 1988 grad- tor wrote, "Mark has dedicat- Community Health. During his spent time helping others uate of the MCG School of ed his life to serving under- visits, he also took brief med- with their studies when they

Medicine who is now chair- served people and truly cares ical histories and checked (myself included) were having man of the Department of about humanity. It is quite blood pressures. This summer difficulties."

Otolaryngology, Head and clear that he has a strong he will serve as project director Mr. Daniel, who is from

Neck Surgery at Johns faith in God and it is because of a Summer Medical Institute LaGrange, Ga., earned a bache-

Hopkins Bayview Medical of this faith that he is com- trip to Venezuela to help treat lor of science degree in biology

Center in Baltimore. Dr. mitted to helping his neigh- people forced to leave their from Georgia Southern

Williams treated Mr. Beard, bors... whether they are mem- homes because of natural dis- University in 1995. He gradu- who had a malignant tumor in bers of the MCG community asters. He'll lead a team of ates from MCG with a bachelor his neck, and Dr. Tedesco visit- or villagers in Peru." Ms. Lee more than 60 students from of science in physician assistant.

22 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Class Notes and their "Aussie surprise," of Leeds in Leeds, England, and in Hartford Hospital in July. Michael Henry Jr., 2. colon and rectal surgery at the

Dr. W. Curt LeFrance Jr. ( 95), University of Minnesota Hospital School of Bristol, R.I., completed a com- School of Medicine and Clinics. Allied Health Sciences bined neurology and psychiatry

Dr. William H. Houston ( 47), Dr. Arthur C. Fleischer (76), residency at Brown University in Muriel Herrera Adams Jacksonville, Fla., has been mar- Nashville, Tenn., practices radiolo- Providence, R.I. His son, William (M R. A., '69), Arlington, Va„ ried 55 years to Lynelle Hooks gy at Vanderbilt University Curt Phillip LeFrance III, was born stepped down after a four-year Houston of Swainsboro, Ga. They Medical Center and was named March 27, 1998. rotation as chairman of the Allied have a daughter with an M.S. the 1999 Fry Memorial Lecturer Health Department at Prince Dr. Roger A. Ray, who com- degree and two sons, both M.D.s. for the American Institute of George's Community College. She pleted a neurology residency at He attended a School of Medicine Ultrasound in Medicine for his will continue as director of the MCG, has been named vice presi- class of '47 interim reunion in contributions to advancing ultra- health information technology dent and chief medical officer of Savannah March 19-21 hosted by sound in medicine. program. Anderson Area Medical Center. Sonny and Dena Bodziner. The

Dr. Frank L. Carter ( 87), He continues, on a limited basis, group toured historic Savannah Lori S. LaFrance (P.T., 94), Waynesboro, Ga., has been his practice at Anderson and Hilton Head Island, S.C., Bristol, R.I., is a pediatric physical inducted into the MCG chapter of Neurological Associates. His main therapist at Hasbro Children March 20, followed by dinner at Alpha Omega Alpha Honor duty at Anderson is to serve as the famous Johnny Harris restau- Hospital in Providence, R.I. She Medical Society. The University the liaison between the medical and husband Curt (School of rant. The reunion concluded with System of Georgia Board of center and the medical staff. He breakfast. Attendees Medicine, '95) had their first a Sunday Regents approved his MCG also oversees clinical performance child, Will, on March 27, 1998. included class president C.K. appointment as clinical professor measurement and quality Richards and class vice president in the Department of Family improvement programs. School of Graduate Studies C.E. Wills. Medicine, effective April 1 . Dr.

Carolyn R. Martel (Medical Dr. I. Gene Schwarz ('60), Carter, a Waynesboro resident School of Nursing

Golden, Colo., is semi-retired since January 1993, is a practicing Illustration, '68), Oklahoma City, Laura Blankenship Strange psychiatry psychoanaly- physician in family has worked in medical media from and specializing ('74), Dunwoody, Ga., is assistant since graduation. She earned an sis and is still active in teaching medicine and ob-gyn at Medical professor of nursing at Emory consultation. is M.P.H. in environmental health in and Wife Joan Associates of Waynesboro and University and project manager of 1986 and has published several very active in environmental orga- the Burke County Hospital. a National Institutes of Health- illustration and photos over the nization. Their three children are Dr. John T. Norman ( 90), funded study on second-stage years, including photos of the grown and married, or almost, Dalton, Ga., has been inducted as labor. She and her husband, Jim Oklahoma City bombing. She also and they have one grandchild, all a fellow of the American Strange, have a son, Adam, 13, has published poetry. Two pieces living in the Colorado Rockies. Academy of Orthopaedic and a daughter, Leslie, 16. of jewelry she cast have been in Dr. Barrett F. Rosen ( 68), Surgeons. The academy is the the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nashville, Tenn., is president-elect largest medical association for Oklahoma City Art Museum. The of the Tennessee Medical musculoskeletal specialists. Its Association of Medical Illustration Association. members are certified by the We're All meeting will be in Atlanta this American Board of Orthopaedic Dr. C. summer, and she looks forward to Joel Pittard ( 72), Surgery. Ears visiting MCG and Augusta. She Auburn, Ala., practices obstetrics hopes to see many classmates and gynecology at the Naval Dr. Leslie Cohen Gray ('92) please take a and friends. Regional Medical Center in and her husband, Glenn, proudly Alumni, moment to let us Oakland, Calif., and is serving as announce the birth of their Elaine J. president of the Medical Associa- daughter, Emily Elizabeth, on hear from you. Your Ilanach tion of Alabama for 1998-99. March 6, 1999. They also have a former classmates would love Huggins 3-year-old son, Jack Alexander. Dr. to know what you're up to, (M.S.N., '88) Dr. Vendie H. Gray finished her dermatology personally, professionally or III trained in quality Hooks ( 74) residency at MCG and practices in both. Just jot down a few assurance and practices colon the metro Atlanta area. rectal risk management in home care at and lines about your life (include the Visiting Nurses of surgery in Drs. Diane P. Kowalsi and graduation year and degree)

Augusta. He is Philip M. Meeks ( 94), Pomona/San Bernadino, Calif., and send to: serving on the American Board of Wethersfield, Conn., were mar- after retiring from the U.S. Army Christine Hurley Deriso Rectal ried in Nurse Corp. in 1992 after 20 Colon and Surgery through March 1995. They enjoy FI-1042 years of service. She took a sab- the year 2002. Dr. Hooks is presi- snow skiing and mountain biking. Medical College of Georgia batical to the Outback of South dent of the University Hospital Diane is completing residency labora- Augusta, GA 30912 Australia in 1996. Her research medical staff and has been training in pathology and to tory interests are spirituality in organi- appointed the Richmond medicine from Hartford Phone: (706) 721-2124 zations, cross-cultural health care County Hospital Authority for a Hospital in Hartford, Conn., and Fax: (706) 721-6723 four-year term. After completing plans fellowship training in and medical care in isolated and E-mail: [email protected] remote areas. She married in his medical education and resi- cytopathology. Philip completed a 1991 and has three children: dency at MCG, Dr. Hooks com- fellowship in cardiothoracic anes- pleted a fellowship in gastroin- Yale University Phoebe Marie, 7; Chloe Anne, 6; thesiology from testinal surgery at the University this June and will be on staff at

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 23 Faculty tor of clinical education. He awarded its first Bella J. May received a bachelor's degree Achievement Award to Awards from the University of Texas, a Angie Dickerson Skarsaune. master's degree from The award recognizes out- Presented Armstrong State College and standing academic and

Medical College of a Ph.D. in physiology from clinical performance by an

TheGeorgia School of Allied MCG. He earned his regis- MCG physical therapy Health Sciences has pre- tered respiratory technologist student. sented its Outstanding Clinical credentials from the University Ms. Skarsaune, the Faculty Member Award to of Chicago. He joined the daughter of Ray and Amy

Jean Yoder. Dr. Bonnie A. MCG faculty in 1985. Dickerson of Elberton, Ga., is Dadig was awarded the from Danielsville, Ga., and school's Distinguished Service graduated from MCG in Award and Dr. Arthur Taft, Ms. December 1998 with a the Outstanding Faculty master's degree in physical Research Award. Skarsaune therapy. She was among the Ms. Yoder is technical department's first class of director for the MCG Hospital Receives master's-degree students. and Clinics Department of Award The award honors Dr. Bella Radiology. She received a B.S. J: May, who founded MCG's degree in radiologic technolo- The Medical College of Department of Physical gy from MCG and has been Georgia Department of Therapy and served as its on the staff of the hospital Physical Therapy has chairman from 1970 to 1984. and clinics for 20 years. "Ms. Yoder has made exemplary contributions to Dr. Bella J. May presents award to Angie Dickerson the clinical education of stu- Skarsaune dents and practitioners in the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, the Department of Radiologic Sciences, the School of Allied Health Sciences, MCG and the community," said Dr. Gregory Passmore of the Department of Radiologic Sciences. "Ms.

Yoder has effectively guided students to ensure that they experience a learning environment that includes the most current technical information available."

Dr. Dadig joined the MCG faculty in 1984 as chairman of the Physician Assistant Department. She received bachelor's and master's degrees from the Pediatric

Physician Assistant program at the University of Colorado and her doctor of education degree from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Taft is an associate professor in the Department of Respiratory Therapy and direc-

MEPICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY I

OTs adapt to or overcome physical small, so there's a lot of indi- Program (now Health and emotional limitations vidual attention." Information Management)

Maximize caused by illness or injury. MCG's program looks for was launched in 1962 with Quality of "The focus of occupational students who are caring, peo- Ms. Sirmans as director. She therapy is on the functional ple-oriented and highly moti- retired from MCG Dec. 31, Life outcome," Dr. Bradley said. vated. "Occupational thera- 1979. "We collaborate with the pists have a problem-solving

individual to determine what approach to challenges," Dr. Christine Hurley Deriso skills are needed to perform Bradley said. Ms. Duvall everyday activities. Is the Patience is also vital, Heather Hill recalls the patient a mother? A caregiv- Heather said, "because occu- Honored moment that she real- er? A career person? Their pational therapists don't ized how she wanted individual lifestyles are our always see results immediate- Bobbie Duvall, supervi- to spend her life. guide to returning them to ly. You have to have the sor of the Medical

She was volunteering in a their highest levels of inde- patience to hang in there and College of Georgia rehabilitation center and saw pendence." establish a rapport with the Hospital and Clinics Clinical an occupational therapist Occupational therapists patient so he will be motivat- Biochemistry Laboratory, was gleefully blowing bubbles may work in hospitals, clinics, ed to get better." Indeed, the named Outstanding Medical with a young patient. The rehabilitation centers—even close relationship formed with Technology Alumnus of the child was having a ball; only corporations. "The practice patients is one of the most Year during an April 23 the occupational therapist setting is very diverse," said satisfying aspects of the homecoming luncheon. knew that the patient was Dr. Bradley. "If an occupation- career, Dr. Bradley said. Ms. Duvall joined the MCG also improving her manual al therapist changes a practice For more information staff in 1965 as a hematolo- dexterity and eye-hand coor- setting, it can be almost like about MCG's occupational gist after earning her bachelor dination. Heather was changing careers, because the therapy program, contact the of science degree in medical intrigued by the concept of challenges are so varied. Even department at (706) 721- technology from the helping someone improve the though there is variety, there 3641 or the MCG Office of University of Georgia. She skills needed to live each day is a core of knowledge OTs Academic Admissions at (706) spent her senior academic to the fullest— particularly if possess which enables them 721-2725. year at MCG. She is a mem- the patient is a little girl who to work in all of these set- ber of the American Society thinks she's just having fun. tings." of Clinical Pathologists and "I thought, 'This is it. This The patient population is Ms. Sirmans the American Association for is what I want to do,'" said just as diverse. For instance, Clinical Chemistry. Heather, a junior in the an occupational therapist Dies The School of Allied Health Medical College of Georgia might work with a child with Sciences Alumni Association Department of Occupational cerebral palsy, a young adult Juanita Sirmans, Professor also presented student schol- Therapy. overcoming a debilitating Emerita in the Medical arships during the luncheon.

Dr. Kathy Bradley was automobile accident or an College of Georgia Recipients are Brian Edalgo hooked, too—albeit a few elderly person recovering from Department of Health and Deirdre Walusis, respira- years earlier than Heather. a stroke. Information Management, tory therapy; Charles Bean

"Occupational therapy has MCG's bachelor's-degree died Feb. 3 at MCG Hospital and Tracy Davis, physician been very good to me," said program accepts 54 students and Clinics. assistant; and Valerie Koehler,

Dr. Bradley, chairman of the a year, including 1 0 on its Ms. Sirmans joined MCG dental hygiene.

MCG Department of Columbus State University in 1944 as secretary to Dr.

Occupational Therapy. "This is campus. The students com- Edgar Pund, pathologist and a very exciting, rewarding plete their first two years of later president of MCG. She field. Being able to help college at an accredited col- later became executive secre- someone to regain indepen- lege or university, then trans- tary to Dr. Rufus Payne, dence or adapt to a perma- fer to MCG as a junior. The administrator of Talmadge nent disability with dignity— program takes two years to Memorial Hospital. Ms. don't think you can measure complete. Sirmans attended the U.S. how satisfying that is." "The faculty is very stu- Public Health Service Hospital Occupational therapists are dent-centered," said Heather. School for Medical Record part of a team, including "They're really concerned Librarians and returned to physical therapists and speech about us getting the best MCG in 1957. The Medical therapists, that helps patients education, and the classes are Record Administration

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 25 Internet appeal to those required to have extra training in infec- Course tious diseases." Offers HIV And continuing-education credit notwithstanding, the Information course material is of vital importance, Dr. Konzelman

said. "Some oral conditions of

Christine Hurley Deriso HIV-infected patients have a significant adverse effect on

Medical College of quality of life," Dr. Konzelman

TheGeorgia and an Atlanta said. "This course should

dental clinic have increase awareness of these tapped into the Internet to conditions, which can have help health care providers disastrous consequences if left become more knowledgeable untreated." about HIV-infected patients. For instance, some mouth

Dr. David Reznik directs a lesions affect other parts of non-profit Atlanta dental clin- the body if left untreated, ic run by Grady Health resulting in conditions such as Systems (see Dentists Open blindness and even death.

Doors to HIV-infected The information is particu-

Patients) that treats patients Dr. Joseph Konzelman larly helpful for health care infected with HIV, the virus providers who earned their that leads to AIDS. He has degrees before HIV-related developed a website, providers differentiate information was included in www.HIVdent.org, to dissemi- between the mouth problems the curriculum, Dr. Konzelman nate information about this of healthy and HIV-infected said. "The website helps alle- patient population to dentists, patients. "Oral manifestations viate the fear factor," said Dr. dental hygienists, physicians in [patients with compromised Reznik, one of many dentists and other health care profes- immune systems] tend to be whose dental education pre- sionals. MCG has piggy- more aggressive than in dated the AIDS epidemic. backed onto his effort by healthy patients," Dr. Feedback regarding the developing an Internet course Konzelman said. "Oral lesions website course has been for health care professionals can assume a different "very enthusiastic," Dr. on the website. appearance than in a patient Konzelman said, noting that

The course, directed by Dr. with a healthy immune sys- participants will be provided Joseph Konzelman, associate tem." relevant journal articles and professor of oral diagnosis Health care professionals information about other con- and patient service in the can study the website course, tinuing-education courses in MCG School of Dentistry, then take a test over the the field. describes lesions in the mouth Internet to ensure they have To access the course, visit that can result from HIV infec- mastered the subject matter. the website (www.HIVdent.org) tion. These lesions are some- By paying a $1 5 fee to the and click on Continuing times an initial symptom of MCG Division of Continuing Education Program for both the disease; indeed, dentists Education and passing the Dental and Medical are often the first to suspect test, they earn continuing- Professionals in the table of the patient's infection. education credit, which many contents.

The course, titled "Oral health care professionals are Manifestations of HIV required to accumulate Infection," includes pho- throughout their careers. tographs of HIV-associated "They need only a com- mouth lesions, offering guid- puter to complete the ance about how to diagnose course," Dr. Konzelman said. and treat them. The material "We think this method of also helps health care continuing education will

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Dentists ing human face of a patient commute great distances, patients end up poor," Dr. population that society has so often because no other treat- Rosenquist said. In those

Open Doors stubbornly tried to render ment is available or their com- cases, the public picks up the HIV- faceless. munity doesn't make them tab of hospitalization and to Drs. Reznik, Rosenquist feel welcome for care," she other forms of intensive care. infected and Wimpy know all their said. Refined medications have patients' faces. "We get to Society, she noted, pays a transformed HIV infection Patients know them as intimately as a huge price for such somati- from a rapidly fatal disease to health care provider can know zation. HIV-infected patients chronic one, and routine, pre-

Christine Hurley Deriso a patient," Dr. Rosenquist driven underground by intol- ventive health care often

said. And they know that, erance often delay or forgo staves off costly complica-

who says a trip to the despite the stereotype, their needed treatment, with tions. Sodentist can't be fun? patients don't necessarily have potentially disastrous conse- Good dental treatment Step into the mid- much in common except their quences. Oral problems com- also provides an emotional town Atlanta dental clinic disease. mon to HIV-infected or other- lift, said Dr. Rosenquist, not- staffed by Drs. David Reznik, "This is a cross-section of wise immune-compromised ing that many oral conditions Judith Rosenquist and Mike the general population—not patients, such as Kaposi's sar- common to HIV-infected

Wimpy, and prepare to light- its own population," said Dr. coma, ulcers, thrush and peri- patients can affect their en up. Posters of Diana Ross Wimpy, a 1982 graduate of odontal disease, become pro- appearance. "If you don't

(Dr. Reznik's favorite singer) the MCG School of Dentistry. gressively debilitating if left look good, you can't feel decorate the walls and music The clinic's patients could be, untreated. Some untreated good," she said. "We do all fills the air. The staff has a and are, the loved ones, oral conditions may become we can to help patients return spring in its step, singing neighbors and colleagues of systemic, often necessitating a to good oral health, which along with the music and average Americans. And they trip to the nearest emergency enhances good emotional cheerfully chatting with the need help. room. Preemptive measures, health. We say, 'Let us work patients they've come to "Many of our patients say such as routine dental care, with you to get your mouth know so well. They're busy if they couldn't get dental are eminently more humane, healthy so you can feel good but relaxed, thoroughly pro- treatment here, they couldn't efficacious and cost-effective, about yourself and concen- fessional but infectiously light- get it," said Dr. Wimpy. the staff insists. trate all your efforts on stay- hearted. There's no stress Dr. Rosenquist, a 1977 Cost-effectiveness is vital. ing well.'" here; heaven knows their MCG School of Dentistry Because of costly treatment The staff continually con- patients already have more graduate, concurs. "Some of and diminished earning sults with onsite Grady physi- than their share of that. our patients are willing to power, "many HIV-infected cians and health care

The clinic's mouthful of a providers to coordinate care name—Grady Health System and ensure comprehensive Infectious Diseases Program Drs. Judith Rosenquist and Mike Wimpy treatment. "Dental health Oral Health Center—trans- often suggests overall lates into the most basic mis- health," Dr. Rosenquist said, sion of a dedicated health "so increased oral complica- care provider: reaching out to tions may indicate worsened those most in need. The clin- health." HIV-infected patients ic's patients come from all also may have oral side effects walks of life but have one from their medication, such as thing in common: they're all dry mouth, which can hasten infected with HIV, the virus tooth decay. that causes AIDS. But although immune-

The five-year-old clinic, compromised patients tend to directed by Dr. Reznik and run have more pervasive and per- by Grady Health System, sistent dental problems than recently doubled in size and others, the dentists say their serves about SO patients a treatment differs little from day. It is largely funded by a that of the general popula- grant for indigent patients tion. "There's virtually nothing named in honor of Ryan unique to treating HIV-infect-

White, a child who died of ed patients, but this is a

AIDS and became the prevail- chronically ill population," Dr.

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 27 Rosenquist said. "Anyone can possibility of a patient's Upcoming Dr. Walker get mouth ulcers, for untimely death. "To lose a instance, but we're apt to see patient is like losing a little of Continuing Named to more of it." yourself," Dr. Rosenquist said. Education Board Drs. Rosenquist and Wimpy "Yes, they all have a disease say their MCG education pre- that might be fatal. But if Courses pared them well for such chal- we're breathing, we're all fac- Christine Hurley Deriso lenges. "MCG is fantastic. I've ing death." Editor's note: The Medical known graduates of many, In addition to the clinic, the College of Georgia School of Willis James Walker many dental schools, and I'm staff works to enhance the Dentistry will sponsor the fol- Dr.Jr. (75) has been confident MCG gave me one care of HIV-positive patients in lowing 1999 continuing edu- appointed to the of the best foundations," said other ways. For instance, last cation courses. Georgia Board of Dentistry.

Dr. Rosenquist. "I didn't just summer, the clinic began host- 14th Annual Symposium on The board monitors dental

learn how to fix teeth. I ing MCG dental students for a General Dentistry, July 4-10, activities in Georgia and eval- learned about teeth and the clinical experience working King and Prince Beach Resort, uates applications for dental underlying biology so that, with HIV patients. St. Simons Island, Ga. licenses in the state. Dr. regardless of the patient's cir- Also, Dr. Reznik has devel- 17th Annual Dental Walker, who has practiced cumstances, I'm prepared." oped a website (www.HIVdent. Hygiene Symposium, July 16- dentistry in Augusta for 23

Dr. Wimpy agrees. "The org) to disseminate HIV- 18, Savannah Marriott years, is the fourth African underlying scientific founda- related information to dentists Riverfront, Savannah, Ga. American to serve on the tion we learned makes it easy and other health care profes- 23rd Annual Participation board. Former Gov. Zell Miller to understand clinical tech- sionals. Health care providers Course on Clinical Anatomy of cited Dr. Walker's "invaluable niques, no matter how the nationwide contribute their the Head and Neck, July 30- experience" when inviting technology changes." expertise. "That's why our site Aug. 2, MCG him to serve on the board.

Before joining the clinic is so comprehensive," Dr. 14th Annual Specialize Your Dr. Walker has served on three years ago, Dr. Rosenquist Reznik said. "It's a totally General Dentistry, Sept. 3-6, the faculty of the Medical worked in academia, helping encompassing website." Jekyll Island Inn, Jekyll Island, College of Georgia School of develop universal dental pre- "I don't know of any other Ga. Dentistry, the faculty of A.R. cautions to protect both website that contains as much Porcelain Veneers, Johnson Health Science and health care providers and their information on HIV disease," Provisional Restorations, Engineering Magnet High patients from potential infec- said Dr. Joseph Konzelman, Indirect Tooth Color School and the dental staff tion. These precautions, associate professor of oral Restorations, Smile Analysis for Georgia's juvenile justice including wearing gloves when diagnosis and patient service and Intra-Oral Cameras (par- system. He facilitated the treating patients, are extremely at the MCG School of ticipation course), Sept. 23- McRae-Orrington Endowed

effective, she said. "Am I more Dentistry who developed a 26, Swissotel, Atlanta Scholarship for MCG dental concerned [for my health] continuing-education course Dental Update for the students, named in honor of

working here than I would be for the website. General Practitioner: Drs. Matthew McRae and

first if I were working in a private Dr. Reznik notes that the Nutrition, Periodontics, James Orrington, the two practice? No," she said. information is particularly Radiology, Oct. 22- 24, African American graduates

Indeed, she said, such pre- helpful for health care profes- Brasstown Valley Resort, of the MCG School of cautions should have been sionals whose training predat- Young Harris, Ga. Dentistry. used even before the AID5 ed the AIDS epidemic. "When Treatment Techniques for Dr. Walker is a life member

epidemic; hepatitis, for I was in school, we didn't Fixed-Restorative Patients in of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity instance, is much more easily learn about HIV disease," he General Dentistry, Nov. 4-7, and past president of the transmitted than HIV. said. "This helps eliminate the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Stoney Medical, Dental and

Serving a largely indigent fear factor." Place Pharmaceutical Society. Dr. population is always financial- The Wilmer B. Eames Walker is a fellow of the ly precarious, and Dr. Reznik Distinguished Lecture Series, American College of Dentistry, spends a lot of time soliciting Nov. 13-14, Atlanta Marriott Federation Dentaire grant money and other fund- Gwinnett Place International, the Academy of ing sources. But the staff, Last Chance Continuing General Dentistry, the including three dedicated Dental Education, Dec. 9-10, International Academy of dental hygienists, insist their MCG Dentistry and Omicron Kappa service is a labor of love. And Oral Health Care of Patients Upsilon Dental Fraternity. He they don't hesitate to form with HIV Disease, online cor- serves on the Paine College deep friendships, despite the respondence Board of Trustees.

28 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY 3 Programs Included in Magazine Ranking

Deborah G. Steele

Three Medical College of Georgia graduate programs have been ranked in U.S. News & World Report's annual edition of the Best Graduate Schools. The MCG School of Nursing graduate program Drs. Fred Lupien (from left), Jan Perry and Vickie was ranked 48th in the nation Lambert hold magazine lauding their programs by the news magazine. The nurse anesthetist program ranked sixth for the second ment a world-class program." "Our faculty are well- year and MCG's master of The nurse anesthetist pro- known for their research and physical therapy program was gram began in 1995 when education and publications," ranked 23rd in the nation. the Board of Regents said Dr. Lambert. "The reten-

"This is a vote of confi- approached the School of tion rate in both our under- dence from the national Nursing about starting the graduate and graduate pro- arena," said Dr. Vickie program. State and federal grams is around 95 percent,

Lambert, dean of the School funding, coupled with state- and in-state tuition is really of Nursing since 1990. "It of-the-art technology, has reasonable so students can says we are doing things cor- propelled the program into pick a high-powered health rectly here and being innova- national recognition. sciences university." tive and realistic." Dr. Lambert said the quali- Dr. Lambert said the size of

"The physical therapy pro- ty of students in that pro- MCG also is an asset. "We gram at MCG has a long his- gram, as well as the program aren't functioning in isola- tory with a strong reputation, resources, distinguish the pro- tion," she said, adding that especially in educational inno- gram. "We could not have student-teacher ratio is rela- vation and producing gradu- put together that strong a tively low. "This is not a real ates who are strong problem program without the state's large university." solvers," said Dr. Jan Perry, help and MCG's involve- "We have a strong faculty chairman of physical therapy. ment," she said, noting MCG who are committed to stu-

"We have always felt that was the first school of nursing dents and their education,"

MCG was one of the leaders in the country to have a said Dr. Perry of the physical in P.T. education and it is nice human patient simulator therapy program. "The faculty to see that reflected in this which enables students to that we have are by far our ranking. In this day of schools practice giving anesthesia to a greatest asset. And they allow competing for applicants, the computer-programmed man- us to recruit students who ranking will surely be an asset nequin that responds as a become our greatest support- in our student recruitment." human would. ers. We are pleased about this

Dr. Fred Lupien, coordina- Data which U.S. News & ranking and the public tor of the nurse anesthesia World Report uses when rank- acknowledgment from our program, said the ranking ing the best graduate schools peers."

"reflects the program's very in the nation include academ- Dr. Lupien added, "It is an talented faculty and students. ic reputation, retention of stu- honor to be recognized

We have worked very dili- dents and faculty and finan- nationally for our achieve- gently to design and imple- cial resources. ments." —

brakes. Your body turns into a step—pasting—being com-

factory for making more and pleted. "If there is a reaction

more of these cells at the that gets started correctly but

expense of everything else." doesn't get finished correctly, Normally the immune sys- you may have broken chro- tem recognizes an invader, mosome ends that might end then responds by putting up joined to another chromo-

together different combina- some by mistake," he said.

tions of pieces of genes. One "Cutting and pasting DNA is of these, called immunoglob- potentially dangerous. But

ulin heavy chain locus, has you have to take that risk in

gene segments in three clus- order to have a functioning

ters: the V region offers some immune system." 1,000 ways to begin the anti- body molecule; the middle D region has about a dozen Researchers Dr. Moshe J. Sadofsky options; and the final J region offers about a half-dozen Share Notes choices. Any potential combi- Designer for his research. "If a brand- nation is OK but the question During new version of the flu comes is whether the resulting anti- DNA Sheds out and you are not equipped body works against the dis- Symposium Light on to deal with it because it's ease, Dr. Sadofsky said. new, you will die unless you Desirable combinations are Christine Hurley Deriso Disease are able to adapt within a selected and others are dis- matter of days to something carded. This VDJ recombina- University System of new in the environment." tion operates throughout life, Georgia researchers

Toni Baker But the flexibility has a although it's probably most met in Augusta March

potentially huge tradeoff for active in childhood when the 22-23 to discuss their initia-

Medical College of children: about half of child- immune system is building. tives in cancer, stroke, dia- A Georgia researcher is hood leukemia occurs Dr. Sadofsky is studying the betes and developmental dis- studying the flexibility because the system makes a biochemistry of this normal orders. that enables the immune sys- mistake. During cutting and cutting and pasting of DNA. The Medical College of tem to wage war against new pasting, an oncogene, which He's focusing on two proteins, Georgia hosted the meeting and old diseases. is responsible for cell growth RAG1 and RAG2, which rec- the 1999 University System of

That flexibility makes the and proliferation, is mistaken- ognize the right places in the Georgia Research Symposium immune system the only place ly pulled into the process, DNA to make cuts and then —and several of its faculty in the body that designs its activating a gene that should makes those cuts. These pro- members shared their own DNA; as diseases attack, never have been turned on. teins also hold onto the cut research findings. The meet- the immune system cuts and Environmental factors and pieces of DNA and help ing enabled researchers to pastes pieces of its own DNA normal childhood disease may rearrange the new order of share notes and brainstorm together until it finds a com- trigger this system's malfunc- the DNA. When it works cor- about major health care chal- bination that thwarts the tion. The potentially lethal rectly, the new combination of lenges in Georgia and to pro- invader, said Dr. Moshe J. result is called translocation DNA helps the immune sys- mote research collaboration

Sadofsky, a geneticist in the because the growth gene is tem respond to whatever is within and outside of the uni-

MCG Institute of Molecular not where it should be. attacking the body. versity system.

Medicine and Genetics. "The important thing "You have to know how it University system students

"If your immune system is about normal white blood works correctly to see what were invited to display poster limited to responses that you cells is that when their job is might go wrong," Dr. presentations of their research are born with, it could never done, they know how to stop Sadofsky said. He wants to during the symposium, and a keep up with diseases which growing," Dr. Sadofsky said. know how RAG1 and RAG2 faculty panel awarded $400 are changing so fast," said Dr. "They finish their job, they recognize the proper place to prizes to 10 participants. The Sadofsky, who has received a fight off their infection and cut the DNA, then carry out MCG award recipients are five-year, $350,000 Career then go back to being quiet. the rest of the process. Jason R. Jessen, Ramamohana

Development Award from the Leukemia cells never get that Translocation may occur if the R. Jonnala, Krishna G. Patel

Leukemia Society of America signal. They have lost the DNA is cut without the next and David Woodrum.

30 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Brain the side of the brain control- writes in the Neurology article. ling language also was deter- "We are only beginning to

Surgery mined. As is found in the comprehend the nature of the general population, most pathways connecting the Spurs patients had language domi- brain and the immune system Curious nance on the left side and and the differential roles of were right-handed. the left and right brain in this Immune T-cells of patients with interaction. An improved surgery on their language- understanding of these mech- Response dominant side decreased by anisms could profoundly

about one-third in the days affect our concepts of physiol-

Toni Baker following surgery while T-cells ogy and, ultimately, the prac-

of those with surgery on their tice of medicine." The immune system non-dominant side increased. responds dramatically to The overall white blood cell brain surgery, according count of all patients pre- Dr. to researchers at the Medical dictably increased because of Bond College of Georgia, and that the stress of the operation, Dr. Named response varies depending on Meador said. It was when the side of the brain involved. individual components of the Associate Surgery on the side where immune system were ana- language originates produces lyzed that differences were Dean for a dramatic, temporary reduc- found, he said. Admissions tion of the body's infection- The findings don't appear fighting T-cells while surgery clinically significant to these on the non-dominant side patients, none of whom expe- Toni Baker

increases immune response, rienced postoperative infec- according to MCG research tions, Dr. Meador said. "We Gary C. Bond, asso-

published in the April issue of know that it's safe to do these Dr.ciate dean for the Neurology. surgeries," he said. He sus- Medical College of

"It's a new window on pects that the change in these Georgia School of Graduate

how the brain and the patients, while dramatic, is Studies and chairman of the

immune system interact," said temporary. However, differ- MCG School of Medicine

Dr. Kimford J. Meador, chief ences in infection rates of Admissions Committee, has of the Medical College of patients who experienced left been named associate dean

Georgia Section of Behavioral vs. right brain strokes have for admissions for the medical Neurology and principal study been documented, so the find- school.

investigator. That window ings may be significant in other "Dr. Bond has done a

may shed light on why people patient populations, he said. superb job as chair of the with long-term stress have It is unclear how surgery Admissions Committee since

higher infection rates and on different sides of the brain July 1, 1998 and has many

increased risk of cancer and affects the immune system, years of experience in the other diseases. It also provides but it seems certain that com- multifaceted admissions another clue to the brain's munication exists and that the process," Dr. Ruth-Marie

role in modulating the immune system communi- Fincher, vice dean for academ-

immune system and shows cates directly with the brain, ic affairs for the MCG School that role varies depending on he said. of Medicine, said in announc- the side of the brain involved. "In this regard, the ing his appointment. "He is a

In the study, components immune system may act in a highly regarded educator,

of the immune system sensory capacity for the brain acclaimed for his teaching in

response, such as T-cell levels, by detecting and transmitting medical school, graduate were measured in blood sam- the effects of environmental school and in the [Summer

ples taken from 1 1 adults stimuli such as infectious Educational Enrichment

before and after neurosurgery agents or allergens, which are Program] courses," she said.

for intractable epilepsy. As not perceivable by other sen- "We are truly fortunate that

part of the surgery evaluation, sory organs," Dr. Meador Dr. Bond has agreed to assume this critically important position Dr. Mayes "has made a lowing 1999 continuing edu- to be announced in the School of Medicine," strong commitment to orga- cation courses. Neurology for the Non- said Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, dean, nized medicine, working tire- 3rd Annual Summer Neurologist, Nov. 18-20,

MCG Schools of Medicine and lessly for the patients of Transplant Symposium, June Atlanta Graduate Studies. "Not only Georgia, and he articulates 18-20, King and Prince Beach does he bring to the job excep- well the role MAG plays in Resort, St. Simons Island, Ga. tional knowledge and experi- the professional lives of physi- 30th Annual Internal Dr. Thigpen ence regarding admissions, his cians in Georgia," according Medicine Symposium, June warmth and superb communi- to MAG. 28-July 3, The Cloister, Sea Dies at 80 cation skills will make him a Dr. Mayes is a past MAG Island, Ga. great ambassador for our president and chairs the asso- 19th Annual Obstetrics and Corbett Hilsman school." ciation's Council on Gynecology, July 12-15, The Dr.Thigpen, a Medical Dr. Bond served on the Legislation, which includes a Cloister, Sea Island, Ga. College of Georgia School of Medicine seat on the MAG Executive 22nd Annual Pediatric alumnus, longtime faculty Admissions Committee from Committee and Board of Update, July 26-29, King and member and co-author of the

1986 to 1989 and from 1992 Directors. As 1995-96 MAG Prince Beach Resort, St. best-selling book, The Three to 1995. He began his current president, Dr. Mayes lobbied Simons Island, Ga. Faces of Eve, died March 19 term in 1998. He is a member for Georgia Legislature pas- 3rd Annual Medical and at age 80. of MCG's Minority Student sage of the Patient Protection Surgical Approaches to Gl Dr. Thigpen, who graduat- Recruitment Committee, Act of 1996, defining essen- Disorders, July 26-30, The ed from the MCG School of minority advisor for the tial patient rights in an era of Cloister, Sea Island, Ga. Medicine in 1945, spent his

School of Graduate Studies managed care, and the Drive- 9th Annual Neurology for career in Augusta teaching and served as minority recruit- By Delivery Bill, requiring the Non-Neurologist, Aug. 12- and practicing psychiatry. He ment coordinator for gradu- insurers to cover 48-hour hos- 14, The Cloister, Sea Island, retired from MCG as a clinical ate studies from 1986 to pitalization for mothers and Ga. professor of psychiatry in

1994. He directed a physiolo- newborns. The Georgia House 21st Annual Critical Care 1987. He was a former vice gy course for SEEP students at of Representatives presented Medicine, Aug. 15-20, The president of the Medical MCG from 1984 to 1995. a resolution honoring his out- Cioister, Sea Island, Ga. Association of Georgia, which

Dr. Bond, an associate pro- standing leadership. 9th Annual Sleep Disorders, presented him with a certifi- fessor of physiology and Dr. Mayes is a past presi- Aug. 20-24, The Cloister, Sea cate of distinction for 50 years endocrinology, has served as dent of the Bibb County Island, Ga. in the practice of medicine. associate dean of graduate Medical Society, which named Update in Diabetes Mellitus, Dr. Thigpen was interna- studies since 1994 and he will him the 1992 Physician of the Aug. 25-27, The Cloister, Sea tionally known for his continue those responsibili- Year. He has served as chair- Island, Ga. research and publication of ties. He is MCG's representa- man of pediatrics at the Georgia Statewide more than 40 papers. With tive to the Council of Medical Center of Central Telemedicine Conference, Dr. Hervey Cleckley, he wrote Graduate Schools, the Council Georgia, vice chairman of the Sept. 1-3, Savannah Marriott The Three Faces of Eve based of Southern Graduate Schools MedCen Board of Directors, Riverfront, Savannah, Ga. on a patient of theirs with and the Graduate Research, chairman of the administrative 23rd Annual Neonatology multiple personality disorder. Education and Training Group board of Vineville Methodist — The Sick Newborn, Oct. 6- A lifelong amateur magi- of the Association of Church and school physician 8, Radisson Riverfront Hotel, cian, Dr. Thigpen was induct-

American Medical Colleges. for Tattnall Sqaure Academy. Augusta ed into the Hall of Fame of

He and wife Dora have five Pediatric Advanced Life the Southeastern Association children and nine grandchildren. Support — Instructor Course, of Magicians shortly before Oct. 7-8, MCG his death. He enjoyed astron- Dr. Mayes 6th Annual Management of omy, hunting and fishing. He Honored by the Difficult Neurological received the Eagle Scout Upcoming Patient, Oct. 21-23, Grand Award from the Boy Scouts of MAG Continuing Hyatt, Atlanta America, an organization he 6th Annual Primary Care supported throughout his life. The Medical Association Education Issues in Endocrine, Renal and Survivors include his wife, of Georgia has present- Courses Metabolic Disease, Oct. 22- Mary Rogers Thigpen; sons ed its 1999 24, Brasstown Valley Resort, Wayne P. Thigpen, Corbett

Distinguished Service Award Editor's note: The Medical Young Harris, Ga. Mark Thigpen and Lance to Dr. Alva L. Mayes Jr. ('56), a College of Georgia School of Cardiology in the Garden of Thigpen; and six grandchildren.

Macon, Ga., pediatrician. Medicine will sponsor the fol- Good and Evil, October 1999,

32 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY Public Health Official's Role Has Ripple Effect

Christine Hurley Deriso

t might not have been her

I specific goal, but Dr. Lydia I McAllister has found her- self in a position where she influences virtually every nurse in the state of Georgia.

As assistant chief nurse for

Georgia's Division of Public

Health, Dr. McAllister works with nurses, academia and Dr. Lydia McAllister government to ensure excellent nursing services in

Georgia. Her duties include bachelor's and master's ple and an immigrant popula- interacting with the state's 19 degrees in the field, she tion that tend to fall through district nursing directors, devoted her career to treating the cracks. The message reviewing pending state legis- mothers and babies in hospi- about healthy lifestyles is get- lation pertaining to public tals. When she went on to ting out, particularly among health care, writing impact get her doctorate, she real- young people, so we're see- statements for legislators, ized she was broadening her ing some good trends. But teaching nursing students skills beyond just the clinical there are still significant prob- about public health, coordi- role of nursing, yet that's lems, and health care funds nating guest lecturers for where her heart remains. She are being redirected and cut. nursing students and working may no longer be at the More groups are competing with faculty to upgrade nurs- patient's bedside, but in her for the health care dollar." ing standards in the state. current role, she knows she The Division of Public

"We're working to get can affect patient care much Health is broadening its nurses without a bachelor's more extensively than she research role to ensure that its degree back in school," said could by serving patients one work reflects the state's needs,

Dr. McAllister, who earned her on one. she said. That research indi-

doctorate in nursing from "I thought if I had a cates "that we need more

MCG in 1997. "We want greater body of knowledge, I emphasis on prevention," Dr. Georgia nurses to be bache- could contribute more," she McAllister said. "We also must lor's-prepared [rather than said. "I think having a clinical respond to how health care have only a diploma or associ- background makes me more affects the whole community, ate degree]." sensitive to where we need to not just the individual."

But although Dr. McAllister be going." The state's district nursing spends lots of time in the And in working with public directors, with whom she prestigious confines of univer- health nurses throughout the meets regularly, are the key to sities and the state Capitol, state, she's meeting the state's meeting those needs, she most of her work is done in most pressing needs. "The said. "Many [public health] the trenches. She spent her biggest need is access to clinics have only one nurse per childhood dreaming of a nurs- care," she said. "There are county," she said. "Most pub- ing career, and after earning still some working poor peo- lic health nurses are the gate-

33 —

keepers for the health of that As the national voice for isn't at all surprised. "There are mia, just to name a few. Roles community. What an awe- America's universities and four- so many possibilities in nurs- include direct patient care some opportunity, but also a year college nursing education ing," Dr. Lambert said. "It is a (including serving as the pri- tremendous responsibility." programs, the AACN helps very viable career option and mary practitioner for individu-

Dr. McAllister is thrilled to deans and directors improve will become increasingly viable als and families), administra- help them expedite their goals and advance nursing educa- in the future." tion, teaching and research. and said MCG gave her many tion, research and practice. Nursing has changed dras- Nurses also may fine-tune of the tools to do so. "I really Dr. Lambert is a past presi- tically in the past few years. "I their specific interest in health appreciated MCG's attention dent of the Georgia Board of think before the 1960s, nurs- care. Are you interested in to people's lives and obliga- Nursing and the Southern ing was thought of more as a working in the hustle and bus-

tions when I was in school Regional Education Board job than as a career," Dr. tle of an emergency room? there," said Dr. McAllister, not- Council on Collegiate Lambert said. "Today, nursing Counseling those overwhelmed ing that she was raising two Education for Nursing. is a lifelong career." Nurses by stress, depression or addic- children and commuting from (many of whom are men) are tion? Steering young people

Atlanta while earning her doc- highly respected members of toward a physically and emo- torate. "The class scheduling Options the health care team. A tionally healthy future? Helping was very flexible and the facul- nurse's traditional role—treat- the elderly maximize their qual- ty excellent. I'm very thankful Wide Open ing a patient at the bedside ity of life? Assisting patients for my education." is certainly still an option, but not only with their treatment for Nurses only one of many. In addition but with every lifestyle aspect to hospitals, nursing settings that affects their well-being?

Christine Hurley Deriso may include the home, com- All these opportunities, and Dr. Lambert munity, industry and acade- • many more, are available to Named to When Dana Christian was plotting her Board career course, she Nurse anesthetist student Erin Connor (left) prac- had very specific criteria: tices anesthesia skills on manniquin in human simu-

Deborah G. Steele "Basically, I wanted an lation lab with Elizabeth Monti, assistant coordina- autonomous nursing career tor of the nurse anesthetist program.

Vickie A. Lambert, and an active role in the care

Dr.dean of the Medical of patients," she said. And it College of Georgia wouldn't hurt to earn an

School of Nursing, is one of excellent salary in a setting of

1 1 deans of nursing nation- her choice.. wide to be elected to the Too much to ask? Not at

board of directors of the all, as she discovered at the American Association of Medical College of Georgia. Colleges of Nursing. The Ms. Christian earned her

AACN is based in bachelor's degree in nursing

Washington, D.C. This is Dr. from MCG in 1991 . After

Lambert's second time to be working in the field several elected to the board. years, she returned to MCG

Dr. Lambert will chair the for specialized training. She program committee for the graduated from MCG's nurse

AACN, which involves plan- anesthetist program this

ning all conferences and pro- December. grams for the organization. Upon graduation, she had AACN represents more several job offers, so she had

than 500 nursing schools the luxury of being choosy. In across the country that offer January, she began her prac-

baccalaureate, graduate and tice at Memorial Medical

post-graduate programs. The Center in Savannah, Ga. "This

dean or other chief administra- is just what I was looking

tive nurse in the nursing pro- for," she said.

gram serves as the institutional Dr. Vickie A. Lambert, dean representative to the AACN. of the MCG School of Nursing,

34 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY nurses, Dr. Lambert said. bachelor-level students a year; r- VoicePower™ Of course, any fulfilling its campus in Athens, Ga., 2000 -i career is also a challenging accepts 50 students a year. Digital Dictation and Voice Information System one, and Dr. Lambert noted For more information about The next generation digital dictation system is here today,

and it's so much more than just a dictation system! that expectations are high for the bachelor's-degree pro-

' Totally open architecture/expandable nurses, beginning in nursing gram, call (706) 721-2787. Great for small practices as open archilecture for future needs school. "Nurses should be For more information about facilities. • Unlimited recording hours well as large able to think critically, act the school's graduate pro- • Easy lo use; easy to customize MCG's solution for quickly, make good decisions grams, call (706) 721-4710. » Supports virtually every network dictations systems is operating system under stress, communicate » System integration with HL7 now available to you. effectively, have compassion compliance and look at the total person. Alma Mater Precision Data Solutions, Inc. Nurses concentrate on the For more information coll (706) 597-9922 or loll free (888) 597-9922. holistic view rather than dis- Honors ease processes." Locum Tenens Service The school's curriculum is Faculty DDS Staffing Resources' Locum Tenens service assists you intensive—increasingly so in keeping your practice up and running when you have to because of the explosion of Member be away Each dental candidate is carefully screened and scientific knowledge that references checked. health care professionals must Deborah Steele Call for information on how this service can master. But class sizes are assist you with your practice or how you small (a 1 0-to-1 student/ Patricia Rikli, a can earn extra income as a Locum Tenens Dentist! teacher ratio in undergraduate Dr.Medical College of classes and a 6-1 ratio in Georgia assistant pro- 1-888-668-7779 Toll-free graduate classes) and the fac- fessor of mental health/psy- Associateship Placement also available ulty is committed to each stu- chiatric nursing, recalls how 9755 Dogwood Road, Suite 200 RESOURCES dent's success. "The MCG fac- she was in awe of Oklahoma Roswell, GA 30075 Established 1984 ulty is more student-oriented Baptist University students than any faculty I've ever who would lead the daily worked with," Dr. Lambert worship service at the Falls WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS said. "They are very strong Creek Camp in Oklahoma. OF AUGUSTA student advocates." "OBU is often listed in U.S. An investment that lasts a lifetime Students agree. "My experi- News and World Report as College preparatory education ence at MCG was wonderful," one of the leading schools for in a Christian setting.

Ms. Christian said. "This was their Baptist values and fine Individual attention, excellent academics, the perfect place to get my edu- academic and service pro- athletics and arts, cation. Everybody was very sup- grams," said Dr. Rikli, a native for grades PK through 12. portive and knowledgeable." of Enid, Okla., who now Accepting applications for 1999-2000. Kurt Ochsenknecht, a first- resides in Evans. The year student in the nurse Shawnee, Okla., home school WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS OF AUGUSTA 3067 Wheeler Road • Augusta • (706) 731-5260 anesthetist program, concurs. has been named one of the SACS accredited • Member NAIS Nondisc riminalon Admissions Polio "A lot of first-year students top- 10 "Best Colleges" are very nervous, and the among liberal arts colleges in instructors have been very the western United States for We can make your easier supportive in letting us know seven consecutive years. with Physicians Practice Software they're here to help us, which While Dr. Rikli was in awe is very comforting. I've of the university, the university Introducing enjoyed it immensely." was inspired by her, as well. Y2K Those earning bachelor's She is one of 12 OBU alumni PCHMed" degrees from the MCG School to be presented the Profile in A true Win 32-bit application offers: of Nursing attend their first Excellence Award for 1999 for that operates in Windows 95 • Managed Care two years of college at an her accomplishments in the • Quick Payment Posting and Windows NT. accredited college or universi- nursing profession. • Patient Scheduling For more information call ty, then transfer to MCG for "I was really humbled by • Electronic Claims Precision Data Solutions, Inc. • Highest Satisfaction their last two years. The it," she said after receiving (706) 597-9922 or Rating by theAMA Augusta campus accepts 100 notice that she had been toll free (888) 597-9922

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 35 administered has changed dramatically Switching Jobs Can Have An over the past 20 years with the introduc- tion of diagnostic-related groups and Unfortunate Effect On Your Retirement Savings. managed care.

Federal reimbursement to hospitals for

each procedure performed is limited,

regardless of the cost to the hospital,

said Ms. McKinley, a critical care regis- tered nurse at the Ohio Valley Medical

Center in Wheeling, W. Va.

"We had to look critically at what we

were trying to do," she said. "There is now some suggestion that the demise of

managed care is the horizon. I don't Don't Lose 40% Or More Of Your Retirement Plan To Taxes And Penalties. on

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retirement plan. The kit clearly all to pieces. whether we could, we were too busy [to

explains the pros and cons of all think about] whether we should," said the distribution options, so you 1-800-401-4765 Ms. McKinley, noting that often patients aren't hospitalized as long as they should be or certain procedures aren't per- Invest With Confidence formed because hospitals won't be reim- T.Rowefirice bursed for the operation.

Another change is technology. Today, For more information, including fees and expenses, request aprospectus. Read it carefully before investing. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor. iraro48747 test results can be obtained in minutes instead of hours, allowing better care assessment. nominated and awarded the honor. "I am thankful for the education "We can get patients in and out of

Prior to joining the MCG staff in experience based on a Christian perspec- the hospital faster because of the tech-

August 1998, Dr. Rikli taught in Augusta tive that gives me strength and a sense nology out there," said Ms. McKinley.

State University's Department of Nursing. of purpose as I face the issues of life and "You look at the changes in technology

She was also a consultant for psychiatric death encountered in nursing," she said. and how it has impacted our patients nursing to the U.S. Army's surgeon gen- and the care we can give. It's amazing." eral in 1986. Her last assignment in the While some nurses are reluctant Army Nurse Corps was as director of psy- Nurses to adopt the new procedures and chiatric nurse course. She retired from equipment being used in most of today's that post in July 1994. Encouraged to hospitals, Ms. McKinley stressed the Since graduating from OBU in 1969 importance of accepting the change and with a bachelor of science in nursing, Dr. Embrace Change moving on.

Rikli earned a Ph.D. in medical psycholo- "Change is a constant," she said. "It gy from Uniform Services University of Deborah G. Steele will never be the old days again, so we

Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., in are going to have to change and adapt 1988. She also holds a master of science Change is inevitable and something around those changes. Change doesn't in nursing from the University of Texas everyone must face. Nurses are no feel quite right, but sometimes we have

Health Science Center at San Antonio. different, as Mary Mckinley, presi- to deal with it. We are going to have to

Dr. Rikli returned to OBU in 1993 to dent of the American Association of get a little more comfortable with change. present a lecture to that year's nursing Critical Care Nurses, stressed during a "Eighty-nine percent of the American class and said, "It was such a thrill to go recent regional meeting in Augusta. public thinks nurses are great and that back to my school." "We get there too late to sometimes they need them," she continued. "We've

She notes that compassion, compe- make the difference we want to make," got people that believe in us, but we tency and the ability to communicate are she said. "Nursing does not want to be a don't believe in ourselves. We have to let all important to nursing and she is proud dinosaur. We have to flourish in this go of the past and have courage and be that she received that fundamental foun- changing environment." willing to take risks. We can only get dation from OBU. Patient care and the way that care is there by taking a risk."

36 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY PLAN YOUR GIVING

Charitable Gift Annuities

Ihe fall 1998 edition of Medical to begin receiving income from the MCG Foundation in the form of a College of Georgia Today featured annuity. The annual percentage rate for charitable gift annuity instead, and the

an article describing a life the income from a charitable gift annu- foundation agrees to pay her a guaran-

income gift in the form of a ity is determined by the American teed income for life. When the gift charitable remainder trust. The article Council of Charitable Gift Annuities. annuity is created, Mary will qualify for discussed the benefits of a life income However a gift annuity is set up to best a current income tax deduction of gift, including receiving a current meet your needs—immediate income $29,269, which will save her $8,195 in income tax deduction, avoiding capital or deferred, a single life or two—it can her 28 percent tax bracket. Since Mary gains tax, reducing estate tax and be established with a simple one-page is 60, she established a deferred gift increasing income from your assets. agreement with the MCG Foundation. annuity that will pay her an income rate

With the market above 10,000 and The charitable gift annuity can pro- of 8.1 percent for her life beginning at seemingly soaring higher every day, you vide for significant tax savings. The pre- age 65. She will now receive a guaran- may find yourself with highly appreciat- sent value of the amount expected to teed annual income of $4,860 for the ed assets that produce little income. You remain to support MCG's mission at rest of her life—an excellent return on may agree that a life income gift is the the annuity's maturity qualifies as a a $10,000 investment. best way to achieve your charitable and charitable deduction on your income John, 75, and wife Martha, 72, are financial planning goals. But maybe you tax return. This amount is typically 50 retired and have $75,000 in cash they aren't comfortable with the complexity percent of the value transferred to the want to put to work for them. They have accompanying a charitable remainder gift annuity. If the gift annuity is funded decided to contribute the money to the trust. Or perhaps you feel the size of with appreciated assets, you will avoid MCG Foundation to establish a charita- your gift does not warrant a charitable capital gains taxation and your estate ble gift annuity for both of their lives. In remainder trust. Is a life income gift will be relieved from taxes on the funds doing so, they qualify for a current option still available to you? Yes. It is used to establish the gift annuity. As an income tax deduction of $28,870. This called a charitable gift annuity. added tax benefit, some of the principal will save them $8,084 in their 29 percent

you use to establish the gift annuity will tax bracket. The gift annuity John and Benefits of a Charitable be returned to you in the form of Martha created will provide an income Gift Annuity income. That portion of your income rate of 6.6 percent that will generate

The charitable gift annuity is simple, will be tax-free. $4,950 for the rest of both their lives. secure and affordable. Unlike a charitable Examples Find Out More remainder trust, a gift annuity is con- tributed directly to the Medical College Mary, age 60 and not yet retired, A charitable gift annuity is a won- of Georgia Foundation, Inc., which invested $10,000 in a stock five years derful tool for supporting MCG's mis- agrees to pay a guaranteed fixed income ago. Today, her stock is worth $60,000 sion while continuing to earn income for your life. This income is backed by all and she wants to sell it to have a retire- from your assets and reduce your tax the assets of the MCG Foundation, not ment nest egg. Mary realizes if she sells burden. We will be glad to present you just the principal of your gift. the stock, the difference between her with examples illustrating potential The gift annuity can be established cost basis ($10,000) and the current income payouts and tax savings based with as little as $10,000 and can be market value ($60,000) will be hit with on charitable gift annuities of differing

designed to pay an income for life to a capital gains tax. She will be forced to sizes and types and whether they are single beneficiary or two. The gift annu- pay $10,000 in tax (20 percent capital funded with cash or appreciated proper- ity may be established at any age; how- gains tax on $50,000 profit). Mary ty. Please call 1-800-869-1 1 13 for a no- ever, the beneficiary must reach age 65 decides to contribute the stock to the obligation discussion.

VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 / SUMMER 1999 37 Medical College of Georgia Non-Profit Organization Division of Institutional Relations U. S. Postage Augusta, Georgia 30912 PAID Augusta, GA Permit No. 210