MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA ANNUAL REPORT Sometimes The Smartest Way To Operate... Is Not To. Now there's a non-invasive neurosurgical alternative for certain brain tumors, blood vessel abnormalities and other neurologic disorders: Southeast Gamma Knife® Center stereotactic radiosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia Hospitals and Clinics. The Gamma Knife directs a one-time radiation "super-dose" to a targeted area within the brain to eradicate abnormal brain tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. When faced with a serious medical decision, your patients rely on you to inform them of all available treatment options. Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers you and your patients a technologically advanced choice that's proven safe and effective — with no incision and no surgical complications. Your patients can expect excellent results and, in most cases, resume normal activities the day following treatment. Our team of specialists provides technical excellence plus the added quality assurance that a premier academic medical center brings to patient care. You can stay involved through every step of the treatment process- from referral to discharge. "We think you'll agree, for many patients it's a smarter way to operate. For further information, contact the Southeast Gamma Knife Center at 706-721-1828 or 800-733-1828. MCG HealthQu^" The Health System of the Medical College oj Georgia MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA T DAY Dear Readers, At a Glance 2 What an exciting time this is to assume the presidency of the Delving into Diabetes 4 researcher is shedding light on diabetes' connection to coronary artery disease. Medical College of Georgia. A With new ideas percolating, new buildings It's Personal Now 5 being erected and new programs and cen- Dr. Ross G. Gerrity 's diabetes research took on a new dimension when ters being established, the future has truly he was diagnosed with the disease. never looked brighter for our institution. But the lifeblood of the Medical All Smiles 10 College of Georgia is, as it has always A researcher has eliminated the ouch! factor oj teeth-bleaching. been, its people. Seasoned researchers, educators and clinicians continue their Carter's Menagerie 12 The medical illustrator the University Georgia College I eteriuary Medicine good work here, and newly recruited fac- for of of has a dog-and-pony show you have to see to believe. ulty are adding unprecedented vibrancy and vitality to Georgia's health sciences The Mommy Paradox 16 university. We invite you to meet some of Postpartum fatigue studies are debunking myths about new motherhood. those people in this annual report edition of Medical College of Georgia Today. 'An Awesome Team' 18 Meet, for instance, Dr. Ross G. Gerrity, The MCG Trauma Center puts the pieces of shattered lives bach together. whose diabetes research took on a new dimension when he himself was diagnosed Growth Spurt 20 emergency services have never been in greater demand. with the disease. We also introduce you to a MCG dental researcher who is continually refin- Plan Your Giving 22 ing his ground-breaking work on teeth- bleaching, and a nursing researcher who is Fiscal Report 23 shedding new light on postpartum fatigue. This edition of the magazine also features Thank You, Donors 24 a member of MCG's extended family—an alumnus whose artistry has helped revolu- AlumNews 36 tionize education at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. MCG President: DanielW. Rahn, M.D. Editor: Christine Hurley Deriso Interim Vice President for University Art Director: Brent II Burch This annual report edition also Advancement: Bruce Howerton Photographer: PMJones recognizes those whose generosity and selflessness help ensure that MCG's best ©2001, Medical College of Georgia. The Medical College of Georgia is die health sciences university of the University System of Georgia. Focusing on health-care education, research and patient care, the days are ahead. We thank you from the Augusta-based institution consists of MCG Hospital, more than 80 support clinics, statewide outreach hearts. bottom ot our programs and the Schools of Allied Health Sciences. Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Medicine and Nursing. is sponsored grants from Foundation. Inc. Sincerely, Medical College of Georgia Today by MCG and the MCG School of Medicine Alumni Association. It is produced by the Divisions of Institutional Relations and Health Communication; Medical College of Georgia: Augusta. Georgia 30912. Advertising inquiries 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 MCG without charge. The appear- Daniel Rahn, M.D. W. ance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Medical College of President, Medical College of Georiria Georgia of the products or services advertised. AT A GLANCE Sound of Silence apnea by keeping the chin and tongue from drop- ping back during sleep. The device has parts that fit Snoring—which can signal not just an annoy- over the upper and lower teeth and are connected ance, but a potentially serious medical by a screw mechanism. The screw can be tightened problem-is often treatable with a simple or loosened to apply the minimal pressure needed trip to the dentist's office. to keep the jaw from dropping back during sleep. An oral device to eliminate upper-airway "Patients tolerate [the device] very well," said blockages during sleep is one of the most effective Dr. Ivanhoe, who has reported on the device's anti-snoring treatments available, according to Dr. effectiveness in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. John R. Ivanhoe, associate professor of oral rehabil- "For most patients, the effect is dramatic. Many tell itation at the Medical College of Georgia. me, 'I didn't even remember what a good night's "Most commonly, people snore or have apnea sleep felt like before I started using it.'" (periodic breathing cessation) because the chin and tongue drop back during sleep and restrict the air- way," said Dr. Ivanhoe. "They need the same amount of air in their lungs, so if the airway is The Sporting Life restricted, the velocity of inhaled air increases and the uvula vibrates." The uvula is the fleshy tissue hanging down from the middle of the soft palate Richard F. Boedy's medical field is above the back of the tongue. Its vibration is more Dr.neonatology, but the Medical College of commonly known as snoring. Georgia physician feels equally at home on If the airway is completely restricted, apnea a baseball or football field. results, forcing its victims to gasp for air repeatedly An avid sports fan who played several sports as during the night and fight fatigue during the day, a youth, Dr. Boedy volunteers as a baseball umpire Dr. Ivanhoe said. and referee for basketball and football games. "I Dr. Ivanhoe and his colleagues have determined started umpiring in Illinois 15 years ago because I that a mouth device can treat most cases of snoring love the game and I enjoy working with young Dr. John R. Ivanhoe and about 65 percent of cases of mild to moderate people," he said. As a member of the Georgia High School Asso- ciation, the Georgia Independent School Associa- tion and the Palmetto Peach Association of College Officials, he assigns 750 baseball games per year and covers 40 middle and high schools. Off season, he trains other officials, familiarizes them with the rules and regulations and teaches proper mechanics, including being at the right place at the right time. His volunteer commitment requires frequent travel across Georgia and South Carolina, plus con- siderable coordination work. "There's a remarkable shortage of officials; the average life span is about 1.7 years." Dr. Boedy attributes the shortage to the time commitment and the pressure of overenthusi- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA TODAY astic fans and parents. "A job well done won't be noticed by anyone except the officials," he said. Nevertheless, he finds the work rewarding. "It's a challenge, because it requires conditioning, judg- ment, intelligence and coordination. It's also a con- stant reminder of the essential things in life [because] you always come across somebody who's better and you learn something." Rural Relief Medical College of Georgia School of TheAllied Health Sciences has received funding to continue its efforts to combine students' clinical training with service to medically underserved areas of Georgia. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Health Professions initially Tracing a Trigger Dr. Rol funded the Rural Health Interdisciplinary Training Grant in 1997. The bureau has provided $616,315 to continue the program for three years. I dentifying the trigger that results in the MCG collaborates with the Georgia Hospital I devastating loss of motor and sensory functions Association and the state's Area Health Education I called multiple sclerosis is the focus of Medical Centers to match allied health students with rural I College of Georgia researchers. areas in need of their services, according to Teru They hope they can stop the immune system's Creel, assistant professor of occupational therapy attack on the nerve-insulating tissue, myelin, by and clinical coordinator for the grant. Students in determining what triggers it. Without myelin, the Departments of Health Information nerves become inefficient and ineffective. Management, Medical Technology, Occupational "[Multiple sclerosis] is a very devastating disease Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and that affects primarily young adults and can last for Respiratory Therapy work at hospitals, health many years with great costs in terms of quality of departments and other sites in these areas to fulfill life and care," said Dr. Robert K.Yu, director of the graduation requirements and refine the skills they Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, will need in their practices.