Published
monthly for CC employees by Clinical Center Communications
October 1998
New CC board
members
Director's awards
Fatherhood
phenomenon
The way to go
Man's best friend
Scientific
counselor's review
Breast cancer
van
Astute clinician
lectures
School nets
supplies
News briefs
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Willow is one of 12 certified dogs in the CC Caring Canines
program. See Man's Best Friend to learn
all about how animal-assisted therapy has helped patients at
the Clinical Center.
Two new board members were announced at a recent CC Board
of Governors meeting. They are (left) Dr. H. Clifford Lane of
NIAID, and (right) Dr. Michael Johns, Emory University.
CC Board of Governors names new members
The CC Board of Governors recently announced the appointment
of two new board members, Dr. Michael Johns and Dr. H. Clifford
Lane.
Dr. Johns leads Emory University's academic and clinical institutions
and programs in the health sciences. There he oversees the School
of Medicine, the Schools of Nursing and Public Health, the Primate
Research Center, and Emory Healthcare. Prior to his position
at Emory, Dr. Johns served as Dean of the Johns Hopkins School
of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs.
Dr. H. Clifford Lane will complete the term of Dr. Jeff Hoeg,
who died on July 21 (See August 1998 CC News). Since 1991, Dr.
Lane has been the clinical director of the NIAID, and since 1997,
has also served as the associate director for clinical research.
He is noted for his research in immunopathogenic mechanisms of
HIV disease. Dr. Lane is also a member of the NIH Medical Executive
Committee and the CC Advisory Council.
The CC Board of Governors was established in 1996 to oversee
the management of the hospital. The group consists of physicians,
scientists, and managers from the nation's top hospitals and
research facilities, including the NIH. The Board was an outgrowth
of a recommendation of a review team appointed by HHS Secretary
Donna Shalala in 1995.
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Staff honored with Director awards
CC Director Dr. John Gallin honored staff for their contributions
during the director's annual address and awards ceremony on September
22.
Individual awards went to:
- Dennis Brown, Critical Care Medicine, for effective management
that has enhanced the quality of care while reducing Clinical
Center expenditure.
- David Henderson, Office of the Director, for efforts to smoothly
assimilate Anesthesiology and Surgical Services and the St. Elizabeth's
Hospital staff into the CC.
- Betsy Jett, Department of Transfusion Medicine, for development
of quality programs that have served as a model for the CC and
for organizations involved in blood preparation and transfusion
across the nation.
- Patricia Kvochak, Office of the General Counsel, for ongoing
assistance with the legal issues facing the CC.
- Henry Masur, Critical Care Medicine, for devotion and commitment
to improve the quality of care and administration in the CC.
- Warren Moyer, Office of the Director, for his achievements
in administration exemplified by his support to the Materials
Management Department.
- Alice Owens, Office of Human Resources Management, for exemplary
service in providing personnel support to bringing in-house the
Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Services.
- Margaret Rick, Clinical Pathology Department, for outstanding
service in running the Hematology Service during a time of transition.
- Helen (Peggy) Spina, Clinical Pathology Department, for highly
innovative management skills and dynamic leadership to the administrative
operation of the Clinical Pathology Department.
- Jan Weymouth, Office of the Director, for sustained efforts
in supporting Clinical Center patients and staff through improved
space management, working as a parking advocate, and acting as
the Children's Inn liaison.
- Patricia Wheeler, NIH Office of the Director, for leadership
in ensuring that the grounds around the Clinical Center are well
maintained, especially the patients' playground. Recipients of
the Jesse Ferguson Customer Service award were:
- Yong-Duk Chyun, NIH Office of the Director, for outstanding
management and coordination of the development of the Clinical
Research Center.
- Cynthia Martin, Department of Transfusion Medicine, in recognition
of efforts and accomplishments in meeting the needs of NIH investigators,
research apheresis donors, and Clinical Center patients and staff.
- Senora Mitchell, Outpatient Department, for achievements
in customer service exemplified by compassion, dedication, and
efficient performance.
- Anna Singleton Smith, Nursing Department, for commitment
to excellence and ability to carry out assignments with enthusiasm,
efficiency, and a "can-do" attitude.
- Wesley Thorn, Outpatient Department, for achievements in
customer service exemplified by his dedication to improving the
department, and the tact, diplomacy, and humor he employs to
solve problems.
- James Wilson, Office of Facility Management, for continual
advocacy on behalf of patients and Clinical Center departments
affected by construction or renovation to ensure minimal program
disruption.
- Dinora Dominguez, Zekiea Jones, Joan Mallin, Nancy Mosura,
Marcia Pruzan, Elaine Robinovitz, and Ann Tyler, Patient Recruitment/Clinical
Research Volunteer Programs, for exemplary information services
to patients and referring physicians.
Patient Care awards went to:
- James Balow, NIDDK, for his efforts to revitalize the medical
consult service in the Clinical Center.
- Louise Coffman-Faehner, Office of the Director, for tireless
efforts in support of the needs of Clinical Center patients.
- Jacqueline Melpolder, Department of Transfusion Medicine,
for her myriad achievements in support of the Department of Transfusion
Medicine programs.
- Ann Mulqueen, Nursing Department, for demonstrating exemplary
professional practice characterized by a strong commitment to
clinical care and research.
- Cecelia Smith, for special contributions to the Patient Advisory
Group and the Partners' Groups.
- Anthony Suffredini, Critical Care Medicine Department, for
leading efforts to establish excellence in a variety of specialized,
highly technical patient care services.
- Jack Yanovski, Office of the Director, for special efforts
to improve the care of pediatric patients in the Clinical Center.
Group awards went to:
- The Tuberculosis Control Task Force-Raymond Bowen, Office
of Facility Management; Amy Collins, Barbara Fahey, Dee Koziol,
Lucienne Nelson, and Mary Willy, Hospital Epidemiology Services;
Ann Crawford and James Schmitt, Occupational Medical Service;
Michele Evans, Office of the Director; and James Wilson, Office
of Facility Management, for developing a multi-faceted tuberculosis
control plan to reduce the risk of transmission to patients,
staff, and visitors, and provide an environment for optimal care
for tuberculosis patients.
- The EpiPen Recall Task Force-Christine Chamberlain, Scott
Dallas, Thomas Dorworth, and Koung Lee, Pharmacy Department;
and Gregory Hinson, Information Systems Department, for immediate
and responsive actions to minimize the risk to Clinical Center
patients from recalled medications.
- Central Hospital Supply Team-JoAnn Bellinger, Gregory Fourqueen,
Constance McNeal, Raymond Spencer, Jerlynn Taylor, and Paula
Wrenn, Materials Management Department, for achievements as exemplified
by PYXIS supply station implementation while continuing support
on Clinical Center-wide projects.
- Head and Neck Surgical Program of Care-Andrea Slavkin, Lomar
Yap, Jan Yates, Wilma Zendal, Mary Codori, Mary James, Barbara
Jessup, Sue Lorenz, and Linda McCullagh, Nursing Department;
Dan Kavanaugh, Social Work Department; Sara Bergerson, Nutrition
Department; Daniel Choo, Giovanna Thomas, and Carter Van Waes,
NIDCD; and Beth Solomon, Rehabilitation Medicine Department,
for exemplary teamwork as modeled by the Head and Neck Surgical
Program of Care, which enhanced quality clinical research and
effective patient care.
- NIH Guest House Advisory Committee-Margo Aron, Barbara Beall,
Adrienne Farrar, Social Work Department; Laura Chisholm, Kathy
Matrakas, Nursing Department; Victoria Davey, NIAID; Steve Groban
and Gracie Millender, Outpatient Department; Janyce Hedetniemi,
NIH Office of the Director; Pat Newman, NCI; Randy Schools, Recreation
and Welfare Association; Wendy Schubert, Office of Clinical Center
Communications; and Stephanie Turner, Office of Facility Management,
for achievements in the creation of the NIH Guest House facility.
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The Fatherhood Phenomenon
As I sit here at Starbucks Coffee Shop in Wilmette, Illinois,
writing this article, my thoughts continue to reflect back to
the year 1990. This was the year I began my quest into fatherhood
with the birth of our daughter, Amber. I was serving as a human
resources executive at a central Indiana hospital at the time
and had fallen into a stressful state of chronic workaholism
in order to prove myself in this new position. To compound matters,
several months later Amber was diagnosed with cerebral palsy
as a result of her premature birth. This created an intense strain
on our family and was a major factor in my divorce a year later.
Looking back on these years as a father to Amber, as well
as to my stepdaughter Crystal, a number of questions come to
mind. Should I have asked for more time off from work when Amber
was born? What would have been the reaction of my boss if I had
elected to take a two month leave? Would I have been perceived
as less than a man by my male peers? Furthermore, how involved
should I be in Crystal's life as her stepfather?
I also began to reflect on the following: Back four years
ago, Crystal was sick one day at school. After the school made
three attempts to contact her mom, they finally contacted me.
(Note: Her mom was out-of-town, while I was two miles away in
my office). I began to think to myself, "Are fathers so
consumed with their work that schools perceive them as not having
time to handle emergencies with kids?"
In researching the Internet for some statistics on this "Fatherhood
Phenomenon," I was able to uncover the following from a
National Center for Fathering/Gallup Poll:
- When dads were asked the question, "Does your employer
recognize the strain you face between the demands of your family
and the demands of work?" 27.7% said "no."
- When asked, "If your employer implemented more family
friendly policies would you be more productive at work?"
61.1% said "yes."
- The number of dads present at their children's birth has
risen from 27% in 1974 to over 90% today.
- Almost one-half of fathers working at two federal agencies
chose the option to arrive at work earlier so they could leave
earlier to spend more time with their families.
So you may be asking, "What can I do in response to the
growing needs of fathers?" Here are a few ideas to evaluate
for your organization.
Support From the Top: The whole notion that flexible
work schedules are of importance only to women is no longer true.
Men are increasingly seeking work environments where they feel
safe to take time off with their kids without fear of reprisal
from their male peers. You can play an important role in raising
the awareness about the needs of fathers and ensure that the
family-friendly benefits you have in place are of value to them
as well.
Seminars: Although most won't admit it, men don't have
a clue as to what hit them when they became fathers. (I sure
didn't.) As a professional, you can play a valuable role in influencing
seminars that help men address this transition in their lives.
Partnership With Big Brothers: The U.S. Census Bureau
estimates that 39% of American children under 18 live apart from
their biological fathers. You can impact this desperate need
for male role models by facilitating partnerships with non-profit
organizations such as Big Brothers.
Recognition: Ever thought about a Father of The Year
Award or a recognition banquet during Fathers Day Week? Little
forms of recognition can go a long way towards recognizing the
importance of fathers in the workplace as well as at home.
-by Michael P. Scott
Scott is president of Empowerment Unlimited, Inc., an organization
dedicated to assisting individuals to maximize their potential
and organizations to reach that next level of success. Please
share you comments and suggestions via e-mail to EUpower2u@aol.com
and in return you will receive a free copy of "7 Tips to
Living a More Balanced, Meaningful and Fun Life."
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CC'ers find out "The Way to Go"
The CC will move its main entrance to the south side of the
building early next month and familiar routes on Center Drive
will begin to look more like the construction compound it's expected
to be for the next few years.
"The Way to Go" is a communications campaign designed
to help patients, visitors, and staff figure out the best way
to go inside and out during construction on the new Mark O. Hatfield
Clinical Research Center.
The campaign will include news and information to use throughout
the construction project. Watch for it.
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The CC Caring Canines help to brighten up the days of patients
such as Danielle Buster, who is shown here being visited by Willow.
'Man's best friend' befriends CC patients
Catching a few moments of shut-eye before his big appearance,
Willow, curled in a ball beneath a chair, rests his white and
gray canine head on the carpeted CC floor. Soon, he playfully
jumps up and follows his owner to the patient wings of the hospital
and finds himself in the arms of six-year-old Danielle Buster.
Long known as "man's best friend," the CC's Caring
Canines have proven to be much more. As a part of the recreation
therapy section of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department, the
animal-assisted therapy program here has been growing for the
past ten years.
"The concept of having animals in our hospital started
long before the canines," said recreation therapist Holly
Parker. "We've had residential guinea pigs living in the
14th floor playroom for 12 years and from there we went to the
idea of having dogs visit the hospital."
The idea actually stemmed from a patient years ago who was
training his dog to be an assistance animal as his disease progressed
and he became less mobile.
"He came to me with the idea of bringing dogs into the
hospital to visit patients because he felt the companionship
of his animal was so beneficial when he was undergoing treatment,"
explained Parker. "His dog was such a support and he felt
patients who are hospitalized would get that same kind of benefit
even if it wasn't their own animal."
After working out some logistics, the Caring Canines was born.
The program has grown to its current 12 certified dogs, who,
with their owners, frequent the hospital four times a month visiting
patients and their families.
"Animal-assisted therapy provides a setting and opportunity
for patients to have unconditional love, feedback, and acceptance
regardless of their physical state," said Parker. "And
for us, the animals provide a tool through which we can see gains
in patient therapy and social interaction."
The program is volunteer-based, relying on community involvement
to thrive. The dogs and owners endure a rigorous training process
before making their first trip to the hospital.
Delta Society Pet Partners, a national certification program,
certifies the volunteer teams to ensure that they are fit to
be in a hospital setting. The owners attend a day-long training
class. The dogs must pass a temperament test and receive extensive
training, and the team must interact at an acceptable level.
Upon each arrival at the Clinical Center, the dogs are spot
CHECKED by CC veterinarian, Dr. Joe Pierce. The animals are bathed,
clipped, and cleaned before meeting with the recreation therapist
to get their daily assignment.
Linda Solano looks forward to bringing her caring canine,
Willow, to the CC each month. Though her dog is involved in a
lot of activities, she describes the hospital visits as "the
most meaningful" for both her and her pet.
"It's a neat program and I wouldn't miss it for anything,"
said Solano. "Every once in a while the dog makes that connection
with a patient and it's like magic. You just have to step back,
watch it, and know that it will make a difference for a long
time."
The upbeat teams visit many areas around the hospital, including
pediatric , adult oncology, HIV, and mental health units, and
the 14th floor lobby.
"The patients' reactions to the dogs have been overwhelmingly
positive," said Parker. "It's definitely one of the
programs we get the most patient response from. Also, so many
of our patients have animals at home that they are separated
from and this fills some of that loss."
According to Parker, the parents and families of patients
are also enthused that the Caring Canines are here to interact
and bring some comfort to their loved ones during difficult times.
"I think it's really good for the kids, and the dogs
lift their spirits," said Tami West, who's daughter, Dacia,
is undergoing treatment. "It's something different, not
the same old thing everyday, and we also miss our dog at home.
It's good to have more than just hospital stuff."
"I saw the dogs once after one of my surgeries and it
really cheered me up," said Dacia, 15. "My dog's back
at home (in Indiana) and I miss my dog, so it cheers me up that
I can see another one."
As for the future of animal assisted therapy, Parker hopes
to increase the number of volunteer teams and also hopes to bring
in more residential animals for patients. She believes these
animals will increase the quality of life at the hospital and
have the potential to indeed be a patient's best friend.
-by Bonnie Flock
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CC's Board of Scientific Counselors' review held
Reviewing the science that drives the research at the CC has
become a more formal endeavor with the Board of Scientific Counselors
of the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center.
Last month the Board reviewed and evaluated the current research
projects, productivity, and performance of the staff scientists
in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. This marked the
first time that the review has been dedicated exclusively to
science; prior reviews included clinical services and departmental
operations.
As part of the review process, tenured and tenure-track investigators
in the CC will be evaluated, by department, every four years.
The board will focus on three fundamental questions: Is the research
of each independent investigator in the department outstanding?
Does the research exploit the unique features of the NIH intramural
program? Does each scientist's research contribution merit the
resources invested?
Each NIH institute has a Board of Scientific Counselors, members
of which are appointed by the NIH Director and the NIH Deputy
Director for Intramural Research. The CC Board conducts two site
visits each year, including Board members, and also ad hoc members
who have expertise in the scientific area being evaluated.
The review of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department on September
17 consisted of the Chair, Dr. John Atkinson, Washington University
School of Medicine; and members, Dr. Daniel Foster, Southwestern
Medical Center; Dr. Hedvig Hricak, University of California;
Dr. William Owen, Harvard University School of Medicine; Dr.
Frederick Southwick, University of Florida College of Medicine;
and Dr. Lucy Tompkins, Stanford University Medical Center. Ad
hoc reviewers were Dr. David Krebs, MGH Institute of Health Professions,
and Dr. Jerilyn Logemann, Northwestern University.
The next department to be reviewed will be Critical Care Medicine
in June of 1999.
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Breast cancer van to visit NIH
Being a woman and getting older puts you at some risk for
breast cancer. Mammograms are the best method available to detect
breast cancer early, so if you are in your forties or older,
you should have a mammogram every year or two.
The mobile mammography van, sponsored by George Washington
(GW) University, will once again be visiting the NIH this fall.
All NIH employees and their families can participate. Each screening
will take approximately 20 minutes and will cost $138.00. GW
can bill several insurance companies directly. The van will visit
the campus on the following dates:
October 29 |
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Bilding 31-far end of 31D near the parking lot |
November 3 |
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Building 10-lot 10H |
November 10 |
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Rockledge-visitor parking behind the building |
November 12 |
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EPN-parking lot behind the building |
December 2 |
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Natcher-in front of the building |
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, call (202)
994-9999.
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The Astute Clinician Award was established through a gift
from Dr. and Mrs. Robert Miller. The award honors a U.S. scientist
who has observed an unusual clinical occurrence, and by investigating
it, has opened an important new avenue of research.
New Astute Clinician lectures announced
A new annual lecture has been added to the NIH Director's
Lecture Series. The first Astute Clinician Lecture, which recognizes
a researcher whose research started with a unique clinical contribution,
will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium.
Dr. J. Bruce Beckwith, the first recipient of the Astute Clinician
Award, is professor and head of the Division of Pediatric Pathology
of the Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy at Loma Linda
University in California, and Director of the National Wilms
Tumor Study Pathology Center. He will speak on "The Link
Between Teratogenesis and Carcinogenesis: Lessons from the Wilms
Tumor Model."
Dr. Beckwith is responsible for the original clinical description
of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and its link to hemihypertrophy,
visceral cytomegaly, and cancer of the kidney, adrenal cortex,
and liver in children. In recent years, his research has concentrated
on Wilms tumor, exploring relationships between abnormalities
of prenatal growth and the development of certain human neoplasms.
The Astute Clinician Award is established through a gift from
Haruko and Robert W. Miller, M.D. It honors a U.S. scientist
who has observed an unusual clinical occurrence, and by investigating
it, has opened an important new avenue of research.
Dr. Miller is scientist emeritus at NCI. He came to NIH in
1961, where he was chief of the Epidemiology Branch and then
the Clinical Epidemiology Branch, NCI, until 1994. He was chief
of Pediatrics at the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission in Hiroshima
before coming to NIH. At NIH, he combined his interest in birth
defects and cancer; and worked to define syndromes with a high
risk of cancer, leading to a new understanding of cancer genetics.
Mrs. Miller trained as a nurse in Japan and worked at the
Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission in Hiroshima. She was a research
chemistry technician in NCI's Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis
for most of her 27 years at NIH.
The Astute Clinician Lecture is an NIH Director's Wednesday
Afternoon Lecture Series event. It is hosted by the Clinical
Center. CME credit is available. For information and accommodations
for the lecture, contact Hilda Madine, at 4-5595.
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NIH School nets a host of supplies for students
Last year the NIH School at the CC collected approximately
$190,000 in Giant and Safeway receipts. With the generous donations
from NIH employees, the school staff was able to purchase a much
needed copier machine, a peripheral keyboard, which attaches
to a main computer and can be placed on a student's desk anywhere
in the room, a host of books, and several scientific calculators.
This year's program is underway and will run through February
28. Send Giant and Safeway receipts to Building 10, room 10S235,
or call 6-2077 for more information. Shown with several of the
new supplies is the school staff from left, Susan Job, Director
Helen Mays, and Anne Wasson.
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News briefs
Benefit race
The NIH Federal Credit Union and R&W are sponsoring the 7th
Annual Great Pumpkin Chase 5K Run and One-Mile Fun Walk on Sunday,
Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. The event will be held at the National Naval
Medical Center, and proceeds will benefit the Friends of the
Clinical Center. Fees are $17 per person or $55 per team before
Oct. 16. To register, visit the NIH R&W website at http://www.recgov.org,
or call 6-6061.
Cooperative training
The CC Nursing Department and the National Institute of Nursing
Research recently co-sponsored their third annual "Research
Training: Developing Nurse Scientist," program. The three-and-a-half
day course brought 30 nurse scientists to the Natcher Conference
Center, where they received practical tips that would help advance
their careers. Topics included developing a research program,
advanced statistical methods, and research ethics.
Conducting meetings
Do you want to learn how to assess meeting dynamics, deal with
written and hidden agendas, get meetings to start and end on
time, and move your group toward action? If so, you should attend,
"Conducting Effective Meetings," on Oct. 14 from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. in the first floor conference room at 6100 Executive
Boulevard. To register, call the CC education and training section
at 6-1618.
Festival set
The 1998 NIH Research Festival will be held Oct. 6-9 in the Natcher
Conference Center. Sessions include a symposium, workshops, and
poster exhibits. For more information visit the News & Events
section of the NIH homepage at http://www.nih.gov/news/.
Medicine for the Public lectures begin
The 1998 Medicine for the Public lectures debut this month with
the following presentations: Oct. 6, Imaging My Brain; Oct. 13,
Environmental Risks for Disease; Oct. 20, Medical Ethics in American
Health Care; and Oct. 27, Childhood Hyperactivity: New Research.
All lectures will be held at 7 p.m. in Masur Auditorium. For
more information call 6-2563 or visit the website at http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/98mfp/mfp98index.html.
Celebrate fire prevention
Each year in the U.S. nearly 6,000 people perish in fires and
100,000 more are injured. In an effort to educate the public
about fire safety, the Division of Public Safety's Emergency
Management Branch will celebrate Fire Prevention Week with an
event on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Building 1.
The event will include displays, exhibits, and demonstrations.
Food will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In case of inclement
weather, the rain date will be Oct. 8. For more information,
call 6-1985.
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Editor:
LaTonya Kittles Clinical Center News, 6100 Executive Blvd., Suite
3C01, MSC 7511, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
20892-7511. (301) 496-2563. Fax: 402-2984. Published monthly
for CC employees by the Office of Clinical Center Communications,
Colleen Henrichsen, chief. News, articles ideas, calendar events,
letters, and photographs are welcome. Deadline for submission
is the second Monday of each month.
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