N E W S F R O M T H E R E G I O N ’ S P R E M I E R A C A D E M I C M E D I C A L C E N T E R

ADVANCES APRIL 23, 2015

Fall Prevention Program Spotlight

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Cancer Center joins state’s new campaign targeting HPV

Protect your kids against cancer. That’s the message of the Kansas HPV Vaccination Project, a new immunization campaign encouraging Kansas parents to vaccinate their children against HPV, a common virus.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center has joined forces with the Midwest Cancer Alliance and the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care to fight HPV, a leading cause of cervical and head and neck cancers. Kansas and Missouri are among the lowest in HPV vaccination rates.

As part of the campaign, the cancer center is sponsoring a public screening of the feature-length documentary, “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic,” 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at H&R Block City Stage at Union Station. The dramatic film tells

the stories of five women as they battle cervical cancer and triumph over the deadly disease.

About 33,200 HPV-associated cancers occur each year in the U.S. – 20,600 in women and 12,600 in men.

“The increase of new cases of head and neck cancers caused by HPV is significant,” said Terry Tsue, MD, cancer center physi-cian in chief. “With more than 20 million people in the U.S. infected with HPV, HPV-related throat cancer is increasing by 5 percent each year and is expected

to surpass cervical cancer cases within the decade.”

A panel discussion after the screening includes Tsue; Melinda Wharton, MD, director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and cancer survivors Meagan Caron and Neal Jones. The cancer center is promoting the screening on kumed.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Research suggests HPV vaccines can help protect against cancer since many are associated with the virus. The campaign recommends parents have their

children (girls and boys) vacci-nated for HPV at age 11 or 12.

Immunization involves a series of three shots over six months. Studies show HPV vaccines are just as safe as other adolescent vaccines. (Two University of Kansas researchers led the HPV vaccine’s development.) Go to 3protectkids.com for a list of locations where children can get the HPV vaccine.

“As parents, we want to protect our children in every possible way,” Tsue said. “The HPV im-munization is one way we can do that. It’s cancer prevention.”

Can we vaccinate against cancer? YesTerry Tsue, MD; images of Kelly,

one of five women profiled in the film

By the Numbers: Match Day Every year in mid-March, graduating students at the University of Kansas School of Medicine get 'matched,' learning where they will spend their medical residencies.

185 Number of graduates, including Wichita and Salina

21 Number of residencies selected

Where they are goingTop 5 states

To suggest a By the Numbers, email Advances@kumc.edu.

Tennessee

Illinois

Texas

Missouri

Kansas

Residencies selected

n Primary Care (42%)

56

15

12

9

948 – Other

10 – Anesthesiology11 – Radiology

11 – Surgery

Family Med. – 31

Internal Med. – 27

Pediatrics – 17Medicine-Peds – 2

16 – Ob/Gyn12 – Emergency Med.

Events Surfing for medical info –

Learn how to find good medical information online and avoid getting pulled into unmonitored patient chat rooms or unreliable sites that offer you a cure if you send money. The class is 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing in Leawood. Call 913-574-0900 to register.

Melanoma fundraiser – Outpacing Melanoma, a 5K run/walk, is 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3, at Corporate Woods in Overland Park. Proceeds benefit The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Register by Thursday, April 30. Details are at outpacing-melanoma.org.

Melanoma screening – Melanoma Monday is the largest free skin cancer screening event in the area. It is available to the first 200 people (100 public, 100 staff/students) 1-5 p.m. May 4 in the Medical Office Building’s Dermatology Clinic on the main campus. Call 913-588-4719 or email bgroneman@kumc.edu to reserve a spot.

Spring sale – Missys' Boutique, an accredited appear-ance center, will host its spring sale Friday, May 8. The sale includes $5 scarves, necklaces and sunglasses, and 50 percent off bras on the retail rack (while supplies last). Missys’ Boutique (kucancercenter.org/missys) is in the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion at the Westwood Campus.

Walking for heart/stroke care – Staff at The University of Kansas Hospital are forming teams to participate in the Heart & Stroke Walk/5K Run. Patients and families are invited to join the fun May 30 at Theis Park, just east of the Country Club Plaza. Register online at kcheartwalk.org. All registered walkers receive a hospital team T-shirt and pancake breakfast at the event. There is no fee to participate in the walk; the 5K run is $35. Questions? Call hospital Marketing’s Kimberly Cook, 913-945-7832.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Reducing falls in our communityActive and fit at 75, Gerri joined

the one in three senior citizens who fall each year: She carried a box outside, slipped on a loose twig on the steps and fell onto the driveway, breaking her right wrist in two places. Her injury ultimately would require two orthopedic surgeries and months of home rehab exercises.

“Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for those 65 and older in the U.S.,” said Kelly Dahl, RN, injury prevention coordinator for The University of Kansas Hospital. “About 16,000 older Americans die each year from fall-related injuries.”

Fall prevention has long been a major hospital initiative for inpa-tients, but Dahl and occupational therapist Dolly Wood are now “takin’ it to the streets.” They’re trained leaders of Stepping On, an evidence-based fall prevention workshop for the community. The inaugural course for 14 people wrapped up April 7 at the Landon Center on Aging.

“The participants absolutely loved it,” Dahl said. “In the future we hope to recruit from patients who’ve been admitted to our hos-pital for fall-related injuries – that’s 750 inpatients alone last year.”

Studies show Stepping On reduces falls by at least 30 percent in seniors who participate. The comprehensive course includes seven weekly sessions, a follow-up home visit and booster session after three months.

Interactive sessions focus on exercises to improve balance and strength, identifying and elimi-nating fall hazards around the home, strategies for avoiding falls when out and about, a shoe safety assessment, building blocks for stronger bones, and information

on how certain medications, impaired vision and poor sleep habits can lead to falls.

“Even if an elderly person isn’t injured in the fall, he or she often develops a fear of falling,” Dahl said. “That fear can impact quality of life, because it causes them to limit activities, become less social and more isolated.”

The next Stepping On course is slated for 1:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 7-Aug. 18, at the Landon Center. Contact Dahl, 913-588-6536, for registration details.

EXPOSURE

Family affair The University of Kansas Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hosted its annual NICU reunion April 18 at the Westwood Campus Atrium. The event brings together NICU babies, parents, physi cians and staff for a joyful after noon. The NICU “graduates” about 350 patients each year – including 10-month-old twins Alhusain and Alhasan, held by parents Ahmed El-Sherif and Soha El-Sherif. Their four-year-old daughter, Nur, also is a NICU grad.

During a Stepping On class in March, occupational therapist Dolly Wood helped participants practice balance while walking.

Royals showcase health awareness daysThe Kansas City Royals again are partnering with The University

of Kansas Hospital to promote three health awareness days at Kauffman Stadium.

The first was April 17, highlighting Transplant and Organ Donation Awareness. The final two: • May 15 – Stroke Awareness (vs. the Yankees) • June 21 (Father’s Day) – Prostate Cancer Awareness (vs. the

Red Sox)

As part of last week’s Transplant and Organ Donation Awareness at The K, fans were encouraged to register as organ donors, with transplant experts available to answer fan questions.

Also, Richard Gilroy, MD, Liver Transplantation medical director, threw out the first pitch, with Rob Linderer, CEO of Midwest Transplant Network, catching. And the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat (and CrownVision Feature) spotlighted living donor Timothy Saylor and recipient Nate Estrella.

The hospital is in its fifth season as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Royals.

Ceremony June 16 honors Hall of FameThe University of Kansas Hospital’s fifth annual Hall of Fame

Dinner and Awards Celebration, which marks the hospital’s high-est honor, is June 16 at the Intercontinental Hotel at the Plaza.

Established in 2011, the Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations for leadership, advocacy and philanthropy. Their commitment and support have been integral to the hospital’s transformational journey since becoming an independent authority in 1998.

This year’s Hall of Fame Award recipients:• Legacy Award – Bob Honse, chairman of The University of

Kansas Hospital Authority Board. The Legacy Award honors a leader who has gone above and beyond in service to the hospital over many years.

• Catalyst Award – The Dolph Simons Jr. Family, and Adelaide C. Ward. The Catalyst Award honors individuals who have helped transform the hospital through support, innovative thinking and advocacy.

• Partner in Excellence Award – AEG/Sprint Center and Uhlig LLC. The Partner in Excellence Award honors companies or orga-nizations that have invested in the hospital’s growth and success through philanthropy, volunteerism or business partnerships.

“Our annual Hall of Fame awards celebration is a chance for us to truly say thank you – to celebrate the strong com-mitment of those who have helped our hospital establish the foundation for our success,” said Bob Page, president and CEO.

Deadline to purchase sponsorships or seats is June 2. For information and to reserve your seats, visit giving.kumed.com or call Olivia Alexander Dull at 913-588-2800.

New

s Br

iefsIn the News

A recap of recent articles, TV segments and other media coverage of the region’s leading academic medical center

Putting a price tag on cancer-fighting excellence – KCUR/KCPT, April 16. As part of their series focusing on the area’s cancer research and treatment facilities, the news organizations explored the funding required for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to achieve National Cancer Institute designation in 2012 – and the cancer center’s next goal: “com-prehensive “ NCI designation in several years. Of the four NCI-designated centers within the four-state region, cancer centers in St. Louis and Iowa City have received comprehensive status.

Ribbon-cutting at transplant clinic – The Wichita Eagle, April 15. The University of Kansas Hospital celebrated the opening of a satellite clinic in Wichita to serve kidney transplant patients. The ribbon-cutting attracted local business and healthcare leaders, as well as surgeons and staff from our hospital’s Center for Transplantation. Of the 469 names on the hospi-tal’s kidney transplant list, about 30 percent are from the Wichita area.

Alzheimer’s studies take different approaches – Fox 4 News, April 15. At the University of Kansas Clinical Research Center, several studies are under way targeting Alzheimer’s disease. Some try to elimi-nate amyloid plaques, which may cause the disease. Other studies try to protect brain cells from the disease. The research needs participants, such as Mason McIntire. The Mound City, Mo., man was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago. “It’s good we’re getting in to try to solve some of this,” he said, “because we’re by far not the only ones.”

Warnings about dangerous new dietary supplement – KCTV-5, April 7. Stephen Thornton, MD, director of The University of Kansas Hospital’s Poison Control Center, is part of a growing chorus of experts warn-ing of dietary supplements that contain a dangerous designer stimulant known as BMPEA, which acts like an amphetamine. He suggests people talk with their doctor before taking any dietary supplement. “These are sub-stances that can have problems. You don't know how much is in it; you don't know what they're mixing it with,” Thornton said. “It's definitely a dangerous situation when you are taking something and don't know what's in it.”

Colors of life Nine years ago, Gary Class received a liver transplant at The University of Kansas Hospital. On April 17 he was back in the hospital lobby, giving blue and green carnations to guests and patients, including Natalie Adams and

her son, Gary Adams. It was part of National Blue & Green Day, which honors organ, eye and tissue donors. The hospital that eve-ning also hosted Transplant and Organ Donation Awareness at Kauffman Stadium.

Richard Gilroy, MD (right), threw the first pitch to the Midwest Transplant Network’s Rob Linderer.

ADVANCES

is a biweekly publication produced by:

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2330 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Suite 303 Westwood, KS 66205

Send story ideas to Advances@kumc.edu.

Bob Page, President and CEO The University of Kansas Hospital

Doug Girod, MD, Executive Vice Chancellor University of Kansas Medical Center

Kirk Benson, MD, President The University of Kansas Physicians

Staff: Mike Glynn, Editor Kirk Buster, Graphic Designer

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Our People Exceptional Employee Spotlight –

At The University of Kansas Hospital, approximately 250 patients arrive by ambulance and helicopter each week, brought here by various emergency medical services.

As the hospital’s EMS liaison, Dan Hudson, RN, is the tie that binds those services with our hospital.   Hudson brings more than 40 years of experience and knowledge to the job, including 15 years as a ground EMT and paramedic, three years as an ED nurse and 23 years as a flight nurse.

He graduated with the first EMT class in Topeka in 1974. Our hospital had just created the position of EMS liaison when Hudson started in November 2010.

“This is an important position for an institution our size,” Hudson said, “especially given the number of pa-tients who come in by ambulance.”

Although his work at the hospital keeps him busy, he is often in the field visiting EMS locations. He also represents the hospital at EMS events, such as the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services board meetings, the Kansas EMS Association’s and Kansas EMT Association’s annual conferences, the Missouri EMS Association symposium and local Mid-America Regional

Council Emergency Rescue meetings. At conferences, Hudson enjoys

meeting new and veteran EMS pro-viders and sharing information about the hospital’s nationally recognized services, including its Level I Trauma Center, chest pain services, Adult and Pediatric Burn Center and Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

“I get the word out about our hospital and what we have to offer. I listen to concerns and feedback and hear valid suggestions,” he said. “We have good relationships with EMS professionals. The hospital recog-nizes the importance of having a full-time EMS contact who knows the people to connect with.”

Rainbow Award – At the University of Kansas School of Medicine’s annual Grande Affair awards banquet last month, Jana Zaudke, MD, assistant professor in the department of Family Medicine, received the Rainbow

Award, which honors faculty who exemplify the attributes of professionalism in medicine and share those qualities with the students they mentor. 

As part of her work in the Interprofessional Teaching Clinic, Zaudke sees patients along with teams of students from the School of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Health Professions, ensuring they are experienced in collaboration before graduating.

Other major honors this year included the Excellence in Residency award, which went to Matthew Kielt, MD, and Jonathan Warren, MD; the Ad Astra Volunteer Physician Award to Traci Nauser, MD; and the Sunflower Part-Time Faculty Award to Jacqueline Osland, MD.

Although they had never met, Tim Saylor, left, donated his kidney to save Nate Estrella’s life at The University of Kansas Hospital Center for Transplantation. Nate had been on dialysis waiting for a suitable donor for more than three and a half years.

Choose to donate life

“I realized I have the chance to help someone. Why wouldn’t I?” – Tim Saylor, 24, of Columbia, Missouri

Read Nate and Tim’s story or become an organ donor today at kumed.com/transplant.

Zaudke

Hudson

Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH General Pediatrics

New

Phy

sici

ans

Sarah Eickmeyer, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Pinelopi Kapitsinou, MD Nephrology

Erin Corriveau, MD Family Medicine

Neville Irani, MD Radiology

Pooja Budhiraja, MD Nephrology