MUSC Catalyst

December 14, 2012 MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA Vol. 31, No. 18

MUSC donates3,600 toys, bikesThe MUSC community

celebrated the completionof the 2012 Angel Treeprogram with a parade onFriday, Dec. 7. More than3,500 toys were donated to theSalvation Army, along withapproximately 100 bicycles andtwo $1,000 checks.

The Patriot Guard, CharlestonPolice Department, WestAshley High School ROTC,Burke High School DrumCorp, veterans, and Santa andMrs. Claus marched from theInstitute of Psychiatry to theHoreshoe via Calhoun Streetto deliver the toys and bikes.

Above, Patriot Guardmembers decorated theirmotorcycles. Below,volunteers gathered donatedgifts after the parade.

The West Ashley High School ROTC and the CharlestonPolice Department bagpipers marched in the parade, above.Santa and Mrs. Claus, left, rode in a military vehicle.

To watch a video about this year’s MUSC Angel Tree Toy Parade, go to http://bit.ly/MUSC_AngelTree.

READ THE CATALYST ONLINE — http://www.musc.edu/catalyst

122 NEW RADIATION PROTOCOLFELLOW SELECTS MUSCChildren’s Hospital lookingat ways to reduce CT scans.

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5Arkansas pharmacy dean shadows Dr. Greenbergand learns about interprofessional education.

Charleston Friendly Yard

Meet Andrea

Tribute to Dr. Carolyn Reed

2 THE CATALYST, December 14, 2012

The Catalyst is published once a week.Paid adver tisements, which do notrepresent an endorsement by MUSCor the State of South Carolina, arehandled by Island Publications Inc. ,Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St. ,Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or843-958-7490. E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial of ficeMUSC Office of Public Relations135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C,Charleston, SC 29425.843-792-4107Fax: 843-792-6723

Editor: Kim [email protected]

Catalyst staff:Cindy Abole, [email protected] Barker, [email protected]

BY ASHLEY BARKER

Public Relations

One of the 57 American Council on Education(ACE) fellows for the 2012-13 academic year has chosento spend three months at MUSC learning about thechallenges and opportunities at universities.

Stephanie F. Gardner, PharmD, dean and professorof the College of Pharmacy at the University ofArkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), will spendNovember, January and April at MUSC, shadowingPresident Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D, and workingclosely with the interprofessional education program.

“Dr. Gardner has just arrived on campus, butalready she has had an opportunity to observe agreat deal about what makes MUSC such a specialplace, particularly in the area of collaboration acrossdisciplines,” Greenberg said. “I am pleased that shedecided to spend this prestigious fellowship here – itis a real honor for our institution, and it increases thevisibility of our campus not only to Dr. Gardner, but toother fellows with whom she will interact.”

Gardner, who has been a member of the UAMSfaculty for more than 20 years, was selected to jointhe prestigious ACE Fellows Program, which wasestablished in 1965 to “strengthen institutionsand leadership in American higher education byidentifying and preparing promising senior faculty andadministrators for responsible positions in college anduniversity administration.”

Each fellow is asked to pick 20 institutions thatthey are interested in visiting. After researching them,the fellow then narrows the list down to three beforemaking an official visit.

“I heard that Dr. Greenberg was a phenomenalleader,” Gardner said. “He has over a decade ofexperience at MUSC in his current role. He’s very wellrespected across the country.” When Gardner metGreenberg in person she knew picking MUSC was theright decision. “I could tell that he was someone who

would be easy to talk with and that he would help mefurther grow as a leader.”

Another important reason why she chose MUSC wasAmy Blue, Ph.D., and her work in interprofessionaleducation. “During my interview here, she and severalother faculty took me to dinner, and we talked fora couple hours about interprofessional education,”Gardner said. “I knew that this would be the perfectplace to learn about that as well.”

She plans on learning as much as possible aboutinterprofessional education at MUSC so that she cantake her new knowledge back to UAMS. But she willalso focus on developing her career and deciding thepath that she will take.

“My ultimate goal is to find out more about therole of a provost and a president — normal day-to-dayresponsibilities and what their job is like,” she said.

Gardner will shadow Greenberg for approximately

20 to 30 percent of her fellowship time, attendingmeetings and being included in the highest level ofdecision making for the campus. During the remainderof her time, she will attend interprofessional activitiesand schedule meetings with faculty members andadministration.

“As she prepares for the next step in her career, Ihope that the experiences that she gains here will helpto further develop her already strong leadership skills,”Greenberg said.

As a fellow, Gardner’s career path looks promising.Sharon A. McDade, Ed.D., director of the program,said in a release that “of the more than 1,700participants in the first 47 years of the program, morethan 300 have become chief executive officers and morethan 1,100 have become vice presidents or deans.”

Although she is the first fellow to pick MUSC as itshost institution, Gardner is not the only ACE FellowsProgram member on campus. Emily Moore, Ed.D.,professor and associate dean for academic and facultyaffairs, College of Health Professions, and WilliamHueston, M.D., professor for the Department of FamilyMedicine, were named fellows in 1989 and 2008,respectively. Gardner called Houston prior to decidingon MUSC to get some advice about the communityand scheduled a meeting with Moore during her secondweek on campus.

Moore said she tells new fellows two things.“One is the key of preparation. Selected fellows areknowledgeable, savvy, determined, passionate abouthigher education issues, and decisive in decisionmaking,” she said. “Thus, it is understandable that aperson must be at the right point in their career for thefellowship to have the greatest meaning. …Secondly, it isnot just the fellows who gain from the program, but alsothe host institution, the home university as well as thehigher education agenda and the students it impacts.”

ACE represents more than 1,600 college anduniversity presidents nationwide. For information, visitwww.acenet.edu.

Dean chooses MUSC to host education fellowship

Portable space heating devices arepermitted in non-sleeping staff andemployee areas. Space heaters mustadhere to the following guidelines:q UL listed, oil-filled radiator typeheaters are the only approved heatersallowed within MUSC facilities.q A minimum of four feet must bemaintained around the space heater toprevent combustibles from overheating.No space heaters are allowed underdesks.q The device must be equipped with a

tip-over switch that will shut the poweroff if the heater is accidently turned over.q The device must be plugged into awall outlet and must not receive powerfrom an extension cord.q All heating devices must be procuredthrough the appropriate hospitalchannels.q No heater purchased outside thefacility by an employee may be utilizedon campus.

For information, call OccupationalSafety and Health Programs 792-3604.

OSHP provides guidelines for use of space heaters

Dr. Stephanie Gardner, dean and professor ofthe College of Pharmacy at the University ofArkansas for Medical Sciences, left, was nameda 2012 American Council on Education fellow.Dr. Emily Moore, professor and associate deanfor academic and faculty affairs at MUSC, wasnamed a fellow in 1989.

THE CATALYST, December 14, 2012 3

“I get really frustrated whenI hear people question thevalue of an education.Even a little bit of collegegives you some better jobsecurity.”

Larry Goldstein

MUSC hosted a Southern Associationof College and University BusinessOfficers (SACUBO) higher educationleadership drive–in workshop Dec. 10and 11 at the Charleston Marriott.

Approximately 100 representativesfrom universities as far away as Texasregistered for the event, which featuredsessions about tax issues, credit ratings,financial reporting and MUSC’sresponsibility center management(RCM) model.

Larry Goldstein, president ofCampus Strategies, LLC, a managementconsulting firm that provides servicesto institutions, spoke about the futureof higher education. Goldstein said herejects the doom and gloom predictionsof brick and mortar college campusesdisappearing because of online optionsand financial problems. “I get reallyfrustrated when I hear people questionthe value of an education,” he said.“Even a little bit of college gives you

Future of higher education discussed at workshopBY ASHLEY BARKER

Public Relations

some better job security.”The seasonally adjusted unemployment

rates for workers with a bachelor’sdegree was 4.3 percent in July 2011, butat the same time it was 9.3 percent forhigh school graduates, according to theBureau of Labor Statistics.

Goldstein also quoted statistics fromGeorgetown University Center onEducation and Workforce that saidfolks with a bachelor’s degree can expectto make $2.268 million during their

lifetime, while high school graduates willonly see an average of $1.304 millionduring the same period.

He emphasized that the landscape ofhigher education has changed recently— state appropriations have beenslashed, student demographics haveshifted, and there has been an increasein the demand for accountability. Inorder to combat these changes, hesaid institutions must learn to betterunderstand costs and revenues and then

redistribute existing resources.He explained Robert C. Dickeson’s

prioritization model, which is presentedin “Prioritizing Academic Programsand Services,” and said it has beensuccessfully employed at “dozens, if nothundreds of institutions.” The modelhelps leaders of institutions makedecisions that support the reallocationof resources away from underperformingactivities to successful activities.

Patrick Wamsley, MUSC’s chieffinancial officer, hosted and helpedorganize the event.

“SACUBO drive-in workshopsare a great way to bring high qualityprofessional development to the campus.We were extremely fortunate to have thecaliber of speakers we did,” Wamsleysaid. “Mr. Goldstein’s presentation, aswell as the others that followed, provideda broad perspective of the nationalhigher-education landscape. We werealso enthused by the large turnout ofhigher-education professionals from allover the region."

For information, visit www.sacubo.org.


MUSC Urban Farm was recentlyrecognized as a “Charleston FriendlyYard” by the Keep Charleston BeautifulCommittee for creating and maintainingan environmentally-sound garden.

Charleston Friendly Yards is aninteractive program designed torecognize those in the community whoare creating and maintaining sustainable,environmentally conscious yards andgardens. It also acts as a resource forthe community to share ideas andexperiences regarding sustainableyard development and maintenance.Charleston Friendly Yards focuses on fivemajor categories pertaining to yard care:plants, water, soils and chemicals, wasteand pollution, and wildlife. CharlestonFriendly Yards encourages natural beautyand diversity with limited negativeimpact.

MUSC Urban Farm promotessustainable urban agriculture throughthe following:q Organic gardening methods:insecticidal soap; compost(demonstrating four to six methods);integrated pest management;encouraging beneficial insects such ashoney bees, frogs, lady bugs, etc. throughthe use of bee hives, attractive flowersand plants, and no pesticide use; croprotation; raised beds; various speciesare used, no monoculture; training ofstaff, volunteers and general public; nochemical fertilizers; trap crops; goodgarden hygiene; and mulch

q Weed barriers (newspapers): usingreused or reusable items and recyclingq Water conservation: drip irrigationusing timers (adjusted as indicatedby crops); hand watering of plantsunreachable by irrigation system; weedbarriers reduce competition to water;weed control; plant placement; ideal soiland compost; and selective watering ofplanting bedsq Reduce, reuse, recycle: all gloves weredonated and are reused by whomevercomes to work in the farm; some seeds

are started in compostable containers;compost all plant waste and coffeegrounds from cafeteria; recycling bins forplastics, glass and steel cans are on sitefor events; permanent recycling bins arelocated just outside the garden; and reusenewspaper as a weed barrier.

Keep Charleston Beautiful’s missionis to promote the cleanliness andbeautification of the City of Charlestonthrough education, public awareness andcommunity involvement. MUSC Officeof Health Promotion is in the process

of creating a “Keep MUSC Beautiful”campaign to support the efforts of theCity of Charleston.

For information, email Susan Johnson,Ph.D., at [email protected].

MUSC Employee Wellness eventsq Fitness series: A spin class will beheld from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., Dec. 19.The class will include a guided workoutin phases from warm-up to sprintsand climbs. Participants may controlresistance on the bike to make thepedaling as easy or difficult as needed.Email [email protected] toregister for this free class for employees.A free day pass to the Wellness Centerwill be provided to all participants.q Farmers markets: Fruits andvegetables are available from farmers onThursday at Ashley River Tower, andFriday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at theHorseshoe and Ashley River Tower.q The next Weight ManagementCenter’s Lunchtime Losers class beginsJan. 10, 2013, and will meet for 10 weeksfrom noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday.The program is designed for employeesand offered in partnership with MUSCEmployee Wellness. Email [email protected] for information or to register.

MUSC Urban Farmq Work and Learn with child-friendlyactivities from 9 to 11 a.m., Dec. 15.The Urban Farm will be closed Dec. 16through Jan. 6, 2013.

MUSC Urban Farm named Charleston Friendly Yard

Members of the Urban Farm Leadership Team are presented with a cedarbird house and a Charleston Friendly Yard sign by Jennifer Scales, farleft, from the City of Charleston.

The 50th annual Golden Apple Awards ceremony recognized excellence inmedical education. The awards are given in memory of physiology professor Dr.Bernard Metz, who was honored by his students for his love and devotion toteaching.

Each year, medical student classes nominate and vote to honor exceptionalfaculty for teaching excellence. The event also featured the annual Robert P.Walton Lecture on Medical Education, which was given this year by Donna Kern,M.D., associate dean for curriculum in the College of Medicine. Kern spoke aboutthe role of educators who illuminate, cultivate and inspire their students.

Golden Apple Awards were presented to Dr. Thierry Bacro (First Year FacultyAward), Inda Johnson (First Year Appreciation Award), Dr. Debra Hazen-Martin(First Year Appreciation Award), Dr. Laura Kasman (Second Year Faculty Award),Sandy Nelson (Second Year Appreciation Award), Dr. David Mills (Clinical YearsFaculty Award), Dr. Eric Nelson (Clinical Years Faculty Award), and Dr. AngelaChoi (Clinical Years House Staff Award).

GOLDEN APPLE WINNERS CELEBRATED

Sara Winn, second from left, presented the Clinical Years SpecialAppreciation awards to Sara Frampton, from left, Christine Talbot-Bondand Melissa Jacob Nov. 29.


MEET ANDREA

Andrea Coyle, R.N.DepartmentProfessional Excellence CoordinatorHow long at MUSC9 yearsHow are you changing what’s possibleat MUSCElevating the profession of nursingDream vacationBackpacking in EuropeFavorite radio station70s on SiriusLast book read“How to Raise a Gentleman”Amust-have in the pantryPeanut butterFavorite place in the worldItalyFavorite restaurantElio’s in New York CityDream jobFilm location directionWhat do you do on a rainy dayWear fancy rain bootsChildrenFinn and Adelaide


College of Health Professionsreceives more than $5,000

Cami and Dennis Meyer presents a check for $4,850 to College of HealthProfessions Dean Dr. Lisa Saladin for the Camden Scott Meyer PediatricFund, named after their late son. The money was raised by their familiesin the !nal of a series of community yard sales.

Class president Lauren Wengerd and other representatives from theOccupational Therapy 2013 and 2014 classes presented a check for $250to College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Lisa Saladin for OT studentscholarships on Nov. 30.

The Catalyst, December 14, 2012 7


Dr. Carolyn E. ReedWarrior, hero

Dr. Carolyn Reed was my hero on more than oneoccasion. Pediatric pulmonology was not available atMUSC for many years. Dr. Reed always made herselfavailable to us in pediatric hematology/oncologywhen we needed her expertise. It was seldom aplanned consultation; however, she was swift in herresponse and excellent in her care and advice.—Roc Tennyson, pediatric hematology/oncology

Dr. Reed was the consummate clinician – dedicatedto the complete care of her patients. Many of themdeveloped close personal relationships with her, notjust because she treated their life-threatening illness,but because she had compassion and understandingfor them as people. All of her colleagues here andbeyond respected her skill, her diligence, her highstandards, and her wonderful sense of humor.”—Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president

She was not only a skilled surgeon but she hadsomething extra — the ability to relate to herpatients in such a way that they loved her. She wasa wonderful teacher and served as a role model

“Dr. Reed was not only my husband John’s surgeon, but also his advocate. She alwaysmade it a point to get to know her patients, and John was no exception. She found outduring one of their many conversations that he loved to play golf and wondered if hewould not be able to do this anymore after she removed the right upper lobe of hislung. She took the time to reassure him and drew pictures on the exam table paper ofhow she would not cut certain muscles that would affect his golf swing. It took awhile,but we got him back out on the golf course again. One of his best memories, one that healways talked about, was being able to go play with our son; her attention to detail andbeing a patient advocate made indelible memories for both a father and son.”—Peggy Anthony, R.N., (right) surgical services nurse manager

to many women who wanted to pursue a careerin surgery. She developed a national reputation,which led to important leadership roles in nationaland international thoracic surgery organizations —she became the first woman in our specialty to berecognized. Our specialty has lost a true giant, and Ihave lost a great friend.—Fred A. Crawford Jr., M.D., Distinguished UniversityProfessor, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Carolyn Reed was a kindhearted person who caredfor the well-being of those around her. I was touched bythe words of advice and encouragement that she gaveto students in our grant-funded summer undergraduateresearch program for students from historically blackcolleges and universities in South Carolina.—Marvella E. Ford, Ph.D., cancer disparities

To me, Dr. Reed was one of the doctors who gave mymother 13 wonderful years after being diagnosed withcancer and one of the people who inspired me to go into the field of oncology.—Claudia Miller, thoracic nurse navigator

I had the honor of serving on numerous committeeswith Dr. Reed. I have met no one more committedto his or her job than she was to hers and havebeen amazed at her accomplishments. Glass ceilingswere shattered as she entered the here-to-then maledominated bastion, the MUSC operating rooms. Sheonce told me that she memorized scores of footballgames each weekend so that she could chat with thepredominantly male fellows and residents each week inthe operating room so that they would be comfortableworking with her. I have lost a wonderful friend, whomI will never forget.—Buddy Jenrette, M.D., Department of Radiation Oncology

Carolyn was as a friend and highly esteemed colleague.She was a surgeon of both unparalleled skill and greatcompassion who respected the critical balance of artand science in patient care. She was a tireless advocatefor restoring humanism to the practice of medicine andcultivating that value in her colleagues and the residentsshe trained. Dr. Reed was a pathfinder, and her legacywill continue on for generations to come.—David Cole, M.D., Department of Surgery

Dr. Reed, second from right, breaks ground for the seven-story addition to MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center Dec. 13,2001 with MUSC President Dr. Ray Greenberg and others.


Hundreds of people from around the CharlestonLowcountry, the Palmetto State and throughout thecountry remember and honor the life of CarolynE. Reed, M.D. One thing that these people have incommon is how they’ve been touched by her passion,love for life and dedication to healing.

Reed, 62, who was an esteemed thoracic surgeonand oncologist specializing in the field of lung andesophageal cancer and a consummate advocate to herpatients, died Nov. 16.

Recruited to MUSC in 1985 by Fred A. Crawford Jr.,M.D., former chief of the Division of CardiothoracicSurgery, Reed succeeded Edward F. Parker, M.D.,commonly known as the father of thoracic surgeryin South Carolina. She stepped into those shoesto become the “go to” thoracic surgeon in SouthCarolina. She has been named among the nation’s TopDoctors every year since 1996. She played a key role indeveloping the Hollings Cancer Center, serving as itsdirector from 2000 to 2004 and as associate director ofmedical affairs from 2004 to 2012.

A trail-blazer, Reed was elected to the SouthernSurgical Association in 2006, the first woman to serveas president of a major thoracic surgical organization.She was the first woman elected to the American Boardof Thoracic Surgery, the accrediting body for thoracic

surgeons, and the first woman to serve as its chairfrom 2005 to 2006. Reed also mentored generations ofresidents and served as an exemplar of professionalismfor thoracic surgeons in training, particularly women.She was awarded the Student Teaching Award atMUSC and received multiple nominations for theGolden Apple Award.

One of Reed’s patients, Nikki Hardin, the founderand publisher of Skirt Magazine, shared nothing butpraise for her oncologist and personal hero. “From ourfirst meeting, I knew this was the doctor I’d entrustwith my life. Yes, she was a brilliant surgeon, but shewas also compassionate and strong and steady as a rock,and I knew she would give me the straight-up truthabout my condition every step of the journey. She was awarrior, a healer, a hero, the best guide I could have hadfor my passage through the dark underworld of cancer.”

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Jan.9 in St. Luke’s Chapel. Two campus auditoriumswill provide live video coverage and a reception willfollow at Hollings Cancer Center. To honor her legacy,MUSC is establishing an endowed chair in her name.Donations can be sent to: The Carolyn E. Reed, MDDistinguished Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology, c/oMUSC Foundation, 18 Bee St., MSC 450, CharlestonSC 29425-8610.

In Memorium: 1950 - 2012and steady as a rock

Dr. Reed makes the !rst cut of the cakecommemorating HCC as a National CancerInstitute Designated Cancer Center on March 2,2009.

As passionate as Dr. Reed was about the science andpractice of medicine and surgery, she was even morepassionate about the human side. Her love for herpatients is what elevated her to true greatness.—John Ikonomidis, M.D., Ph.D., Cardiothoracic Surgery

Carolyn was a marvelous and unique person: aninternationally renowned surgeon beloved by herpatients and colleagues, an accomplished researcherinvolved in numerous multi-institutional studies, ahigh-level national and local leader who pioneereda leadership role for women in academic medicineand thoracic surgery, and a first-rate administratorexemplified by her leadership of the Hollings CancerCenter. Most of all, though, she was a wonderful friendwith a great sense of humor, a refined taste for goodwine and colorful M&Ms, and a great griller of steakswith her own secret sauce. In a real sense, she lives onin all of us.—Bob Sade, M.D., Department of Surgery

Dr. Reed is part of the heart and soul of the HollingsCancer Center. I will miss her voice, her stories. She

blazed trails for women leaders. I’m so proud to haveknown her and be given the opportunity to learnand work with her. I hope to carry on her spirit inimproving cancer care.—Tricia Adrales Bentz, Clinical Trials Network

While it is widely recognized that Carolyn wasdedicated to providing the best care to her patients, shewas also responsible for moving the Hollings CancerCenter toward becoming an NCI Designated CancerCenter. With her guidance and commitment, theCancer Center’s research programs were established.She was always an advocate of translational researchand a motivating force for all who knew her. Ipersonally enjoyed my interactions with her, bothin HCC meetings and planning sessions as well asour collaborative research efforts. Among her manystrengths, I particularly admired her for her ability toget to the point quickly; one always knew she was goingto tell you exactly what she was thinking. Carolyn willbe missed by all that were fortunate to have known her.—Dennis K. Watson, Ph.D., MCBP Cancer Biology &Cancer Genes and Molecular Regulation Programs

Dr. Reed carried her patients in her heart, waspassionate about her work and at all times gave her all.—Chaplain Terry L. Wilson, Pastoral Care Services

I can remember the first time I met Carolyn Reed(we both started July 1985). She came to my officeon our third day to ask, “So, what are we going to doabout esophageal cancer?” I had never met or heardof a cardiothoracic surgeon who wanted to workexclusively on patients with thoracic malignancies.What an uplifting experience it was to meetsomeone like Carolyn in the first week at my newinstitution. Carolyn was the driving force behind themultidisciplinary approach to thoracic cancers inSouth Carolina and created a superb program, despitethe lack of medical oncologists at MUSC then. Shedeserved her awards, and she contributed as much asanyone to the success of Hollings Cancer Center.—Robert K. Stuart, M.D., Division of Hematology/Oncology

My boss, my friend, my sister. I will always rememberand love you.—Lavonna E. Newsome, Surgery


Approximately 40 participantscompleted the Eva Jones KidneyFoundation (EJKF) 5K on Nov. 11 at theWestcott Golf Club in Summerville. Allproceeds from the 5K were donated toMUSC’s Division of Nephrology duringa ceremony on Dec. 4.

The EJKF was founded by TonyaJones-Clark, Kara Hinde and MaryAnn

Majcher in 2012 in honor of Jones-Clark’s mother, Eva Jones. Jones, whodied of chronic kidney disease, wasa patient of the MUSC Division ofNephrology.

To view the 2012 5K results, registerfor the 2013 event and to donate to theEva Jones Foundation, visit www.sekdc.org/EJKF.htm.

Eva Jones Kidney Foundationdonates to Division of Nephrology


Understanding the complexitiesof HIV and the AIDS virus

and sharing her team’s translationalresearch progress was the goal ofvisiting biochemist and scientist PamelaBjorkman, Ph.D. Bjorkman visitedMUSC on Oct. 25 as a speaker andWomen’s Scholars Initiative’s (WSI)2012 Eminent Scholar Award recipient.

“It’s a real honor to be here and acceptthis award. Charleston is a beautiful city,and I’m very happy to be able to see itfor the first time,” she said.

Bjorkman, who is known for herpioneering work in structural studiesof biological macromolecules, is theMax Delbruck professor of biology atthe California Institute of Technology(Caltech) in Pasadena, Calif. She is amember of the U.S. National Academyof Sciences, American PhilosophicalSociety and an investigator of theHoward Hughes Medical Institute.Her research looks at the structure andfunction of proteins in the immunesystem and interactions with immunerecognition using X-ray crystallography,and confocal and electron microscopy.

As part of her visit, Bjorkman metwith research faculty, graduate andpostdoctoral students and other basicscientists to discuss their researchprogress, offer career advice and shareher insight on topics. She praisedthe institution for providing a goodfoundation of medical science and basicresearch to have the best of both worlds– clinical people interested in basicmechanisms and investigators who canlook at basic mechanisms and apply it tosomething clinical.

“Teaching institutions need to beprepared to train students throughouttheir career and in other up-and-coming jobs and specialties such asjobs in biotech, science policy, patentapplications, public health and otherareas of need,” she said.

Bjorkman also spent time with WSImembers to discuss faculty development,mentorship activities and genderissues in science-related careers. The

AIDS scientist acceptsEminent Scholar AwardBY CINDY ABOLE

Public Relations

Dr. Pamela Bjorkman, left, acceptsthe 2012 Eminent Scholar Awardfrom Dr. Suzanne Thomas with theWomen’s Scholars Initiative.culmination of her visit featured herpresentation at the Gazes BuildingAuditorium and award presentationby Suzanne Thomas, Ph.D., associateprofessor, Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences. Bjorkman’s talkwas titled, “Overcoming HIV Pathwaysfor Escape Using Rationally-DesignatedAnti-HIV Antibodies.”

Bjorkman spoke about how HIV/AIDS continues to be a global healthproblem especially in underdevelopedcountries. It’s been estimated that thereare 34 million AIDS cases worldwidewithout a curable vaccine.

According to Bjorkman, the virusmutates much faster than the flu virus,making it difficult for researchers todevelop effective vaccines that can workwith the body’s immune cells. She alsospoke about current progress made withanti-retroviral drugs, but she said mostare in the early stages of development.

Bjorkman received her Bachelorof Arts degree in chemistry from theUniversity of Oregon and her doctoratein biochemistry from Harvard University.She conducted her postdoctoral researchat both Harvard and Stanford Universitybefore joining Caltech in 1989. Inaddition to research and scientificawards, Bjorkman was elected a fellowof the American Association for theAdvancement of Science, given theNational Institutes of Health Director’sPioneer Award and named in 2011 oneof the Most Powerful Moms in STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering andMath) in Working Mother magazine.


See RADIATION on page 13

Computed tomography (CT) scans allow medicalprofessionals to look inside a patient’s body withoutever having to make a physical incision.

However, the radiation that the patient is exposedto during these scans is potentially harmful, especiallyfor pediatric patients. Radiation is a concern becauserepetitive exposure can result in cancer. As the dosageincreases, over time the cancer risk will also increase.MUSC’s Children’s Hospital is taking measures toreduce radiation exposure in its patients with a newprotocol for the children’s hospital requiring thata surgeon must see the patient before a CT scan isordered.

Christian Streck, M.D., assistant professor ofpediatric surgery, said children are more prone tocancer through radiation because of three factors:q Weight and age. They are younger and their bodiesare smaller; therefore, children are exposed to moreradiation because the dosage that would be low in anadult is higher for children.q They have a longer life span. Because children arestill aging, they have longer to develop. After exposure,they have an increased lifetime risk.q Their cells are still dividing. This process allows

them to be more prone to develop cancerous cells overtime. Because it takes more time for cancer to show upin developing cells, cancer is often missed.

The biggest impact on children at MUSC is a lack ofcommunication from referral hospitals. Streck said thatother community hospitals will refer a child to MUSC’sChildren’s Hospital and will have already given them aCT scan. But once they arrive, they are often re-scanneddue to bad image quality. This repetitive scanning coulddouble a child’s risk of cancer.

In the past six years, the overall amount of orderedCT scans has risen significantly, according to Streck.“In the past, doctors used medical history and physicalexams to treat a patient. Now, it just seems easier for adoctor to order a scan before even seeing a patient,” he

said. “One in every 1,000 children gets cancer.”The two main causes at MUSC that call for pediatric

CT scans are appendicitis and trauma cases. Streck saidmost trauma patients come in for neck, head, chest,pelvic or abdomen injury. For such problems, the “oldfashioned” physical examination should be enough fora surgeon to decide if surgery is needed.

According to Streck, MUSC sees about 100appendicitis and 300 trauma cases a year. “These arethe two cases where people overuse CT scans,” Strecksaid. “It should be the last option, and a hands-onevaluation should be the first step to diagnostics.”Therefore, MUSC is taking steps to change the system.

Jeanne G Hill, M.D., professor of radiology andpediatrics, said there are ways to minimize a child’sexposure to radiation. Doctors have found that byfocusing on one area of interest, and changing theradiation dosage to fit the child’s weight and size, theamount of radiation exposure is lowered significantly.“Doctors also are starting to use screen captures insteadof repetitive scans to reduce further exposure,” she said.“The types of cancer that develop from repeat scansand radiation exposure are typically GI cancer in theabdomen, and thyroid cancer in the neck area.”

By requiring physical examinations by a surgeonbefore being allowed to order a CT scan, MUSC has

Protocol reduces radiation exposure for patientsBY GERRY LE

Public Relations “The physicians need to weighthe risk and benefits of childCT scans. Ordering a CT scanshould be absolutely necessary forhealth benefits.”

Dr. Jeanne Hill


The AmericanAssociationof Anatomists(AAA) awardedThomas Jhou,Ph.D., assistantprofessor inthe MUSCDepartment ofNeurosciences,the 2013 C.J.Herrick Awardin Neuroanatomy.

Jhou will present an award lecture on“Dopamine and Anti-dopamine Systems:Polar Opposite Roles in Behavior” atthe annual AAA meeting. The awardrecognizes Jhou for the significant rolehe played in unraveling the complexmidbrain and hypothalamic circuitryinvolved in arousal and motivation. Hewas also involved in the characterizationof the rostromedial tegmental nucleusas a critical cell group that interacts withdopaminergic circuitry to convey negativereward signals.

Clifford Saper nominated Jhou andsaid he is “a remarkable, young talent inneuroanatomy and neuroscience, whouses the fundamentals of neuroanatomyto explore the functional significance of

brain circuitry.”Jhou received his Bachelor of Science

degree in computer science from MITand his doctorate in neurobiology fromHarvard University. After completingpostdocs at University of California(UC), San Francisco, Johns HopkinsUniversity, and the National Institute onDrug Abuse, he joined the Departmentof Neurosciences at MUSC in 2010.In addition to the award, he was alsogiven a travel fellowship for the winterconference on brain research.

The Herrick Award is given annually“to recognize young investigators whohave made important contributions tothe field of comparative neuroanatomyand have demonstrated remarkablepromise of future accomplishments.”

The winner was chosen by thecommittee, chaired by Andrew J. Ewald(Johns Hopkins University School ofMedicine) and included Iain Cheeseman(Whitehead Institute), Julian Guttman(Simon Fraser University), KonradHochedlinger (Massachusetts GeneralHospital), Jason Radley (University ofIowa), Jeremy Reiter (UC San Francisco)Peter Reddien (Whitehead Institute forBiomedical Research), and Alexis M.Stranahan (Medical College of Georgia).

Assistant professor receivesAAA neuroanatomy award

Jhou

RADIATION Continued from Page Twelve

reduced the amount of CTs by about80 percent, said Streck. “The physiciansneed to weigh the risk and benefits ofchild CT scans,” Hill said. “Ordering aCT scan should be absolutely necessaryfor health benefits.”

In trauma patients, MUSC haslowered the order of CT scans by almost50 percent, in the past five years. Thisallows for patients who are brought intothe emergency department to save moneyand reduce radiation. For every one CTscan that is ordered, five ultrasoundscould be performed for the same price.

Both Streck and Hill believe that anultrasound is a better, non-radiationalternative to CT scans in pediatricpatients because of body fat and size.However, according to Hill, CT scansare used rather than ultrasounds becauseultrasounds are about 80 percent

accurate compared to the 99 percentaccuracy of a CT. Also, ultrasounds allowroom for human error.

Another alternative to CT scans areMRI scans. However, because MRI scansare behind in technology, they take muchlonger. And since the patient must lievery still for a longer period of time,usually children are sedated. Streck andHill agree that if MRI scans were faster,they would be a much better alternative.

Even though there is a higher cancerrisk with CT scans, Streck and Hillstress that the fear of radiation shouldnot affect a parent’s decision to get thetreatment needed for their child. CTscans are still a huge impact on themedical field and until other alternativesare found, MUSC will continue toreduce the amount of ordered scans inpediatric patients.


A rmy veteran Damiene Green willnever forget one of many horrific

battles he faced in Iraq during a tour in2004-05.

“I was standing up in the middle of anattack and rockets were firing and peoplewere getting blown up all around me. Icould barely see. People were telling meto get down,” Green said. “I managed toget through it without a scratch.”

When the Kingstree native said hecouldn’t see, it wasn’t because of theconditions. He really couldn’t see well.Never has.

Poor vision has plagued Green all hislife, starting with emotional scars frombeing teased for wearing “Coke bottle”glasses as a child, which he stoppeddoing, and subsequently began failingseventh grade.

But two weeks ago, the 28-year-oldTrident Technical College student anda dozen other people became the first inthe United States to have Lasik surgeryusing the Alcon Refractive Suite at theMagill Vision Center at MUSC’s StormEye Institute.

Green said his life is renewed. His firstorder of business is getting a driver’slicense, finishing his school work andbecoming more physically active.

FAST AND PRECISE

The suite features two lasers, theWavelight FS200 Femtosecond Laserand the Wavelight EX500 Excimer Laser,that offer the fastest — mere seconds —

bladeless vision correction in the UnitedStates. The first laser cuts a flap, and thesecond corrects the “refractive error,”or the issue requiring contact lenses orglasses.

The technology allows doctors totailor treatments for patients’ individualneeds — nearsightedness, farsightedness,astigmatism or age-related pre-presbyopia— using a fully customizable lasermachine.

Besides speed, the precision of themachine is touted for producing betteroutcomes, minimizing recovery time, andbeing the safest machine of its kind.

“This is the most advanced laseravailable in the United States, mostlydue to its speed and customization,”said George Waring IV, M.D., medicaldirector at Magill and director ofrefractive surgery at Storm Eye.

Putting the technology in perspective,Waring describes the refractive suite asa “quantum leap” from the earliest daysof laser eye surgery in the 1990s and a“major breakthrough” since 2000.

Waring said patients usually see betterimmediately following the surgery, andthe majority have “super vision,” orbetter than 20/20 vision, within 24

hours. He added that people ages 18 to65 are eligible for the surgery.

The cost comes in at about $2,500 pereye, which Waring said is “a little moreexpensive” than other Lasik surgery.Insurance does not cover the surgery,though some health savings plans allowit to be covered.

“We’re excited to offer this,” Waringsaid. “It’s a great thing for MUSC tooffer this world-class technology.”

THE DENTIST

Like Green, 31-year-old dentist WalterRenne, DDS has been troubled by poorvision all his life. Without thick glassesor contacts, he couldn’t see clearly 3 feetbeyond his face.

All the things I loved doing inlife — like camping or surfing — I washandicapped,” Renne said. “If I lost orbroke my glasses or my contacts cameout, I would literally be blind.”

He was reluctant, however, to do lasersurgery until now because he dependedon “super-crisp vision” for his career.Renne, who teaches technology at theMUSC dental school, gained moreconfidence with the new lasers.

While he could see better immediatelyafter the surgery, his vision improvedimmensely three days following thesurgery.

“And it keeps getting better,” Rennesaid. “It’s amazing that the surgery tookplace faster than it took me to put acontact lens in my eye.”Editor’s note: This article ran in the Dec. 3issue of The Post and Courier and is reprintedwith permission.

Kenneth Batie (background) watches Dr. George Waring IV performLasik surgery on his friend Damiene Green at Magill Vision Center lastmonth. To watch a video on Lasik surgery, visit http://tinyurl.com/brr8bx9.

New laser suite for eye surgery quick, more preciseBY DAVID QUICK

Of The Post and Courier

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