During fiscal year 2003, KU Med

recorded another year of growth

in terms of patients served, expansion

of facilities and financial strength.

Since the 2003 fiscal year

ended on June 30, Medical Records

and Financial Operations have been

busy crunching the numbers. Here’s

a look at the results.

KU Med’s inpatient discharges

reached 18,746, a nearly eight per-

cent increase from fiscal year 2002.

“Not only did the number of

patients we cared for go up, but

patients’ conditions were more

complex and challenging to treat.

Our staff responded well and rose

to the challenge,” explained Bob

Page-Adams, chief operating officer

of KU Med.

Outpatient visits also jumped to

222,844 from last fiscal year’s total

of 193,470. That represents an

increase of approximately 13 per-

cent. The rise in both outpatient and

inpatient numbers continues a trend

that began a few years ago.

To meet the increased demand

for patient services, KU Med has

committed millions of dollars to

capital improvement projects.

During fiscal year 2003, the hospital

invested $22 million in construction

of the sixth floor, $7.2 million in the

Cancer Center expansion and anoth-

er $15.6 million in other projects.

The growth doesn’t stop there.

A groundbreaking ceremony

planned for Oct. 29 will launch

construction of a new $72 million

heart hospital. The facility will be

built adjacent to the northeast cor-

ner of the main hospital building.

Funding for the projects has

come from revenue bonds issued by

KU Med last December, as well as

operating income.

“Overall, it was a great year for

KU Med. Our employees and medical

staff are to be congratulated for their

roles in making fiscal year 2003 a

success,” said Page-Adams. “This

success allows us to continue to invest

in the facilities, technology and staff

needed to achieve the highest levels of

patient care and satisfaction.”

Page 2 Urgent Care CenterOccupational Health

Page 3 Kemper Awards

Pages 4-5 Front & Center

Page 6 EMR Program

Page 7 What’s News

Page 8 Classifieds, etc.

KU Med Continues Growth for Fiscal Year 2003

The University of Kansas Medical Center

28 AUGUST 2003 • VOLUME 5 • NUMBER 35

Inside

The Cancer Center expansion is one of the visible signs of growth for KU Med.Tina Hicks, health care technologist in the Cancer Center, works in the recep-tion area of the new examination area, which is currently being used forhematology patients.

“No matter why you’re here,

we’re here to take care of you,”

explained Craig Kazmaier, RN,

Urgent Care Center.

Whether it’s the flu or an

ingrown toenail, KU Med can now

treat patients faster and more effi-

ciently thanks to the Urgent Care

Center, which operates out of the

hospital’s Emergency Department.

People with sprains and strains,

coughs and colds, and common stom-

achaches often come to KU Med’s

Emergency Department for treatment.

When they arrive, their conditions are

evaluated in triage. Patients whose

conditions are not true emergencies

are sent to Urgent Care, where an

advanced registered nurse practitioner

and registered nurse can provide

diagnosis, treatment and instructions

for follow-up in half the time.

“For the last two years, we have

been growing our Urgent Care

Center, and it now sees from 24 to

40 patients a day,” explained Dennis

Allin, MD, director, Emergency

Department. “We believe those

numbers will only increase in the

coming months.

“Patients with minor complaints

can now be seen and discharged

quickly, instead of waiting, which is

typical in EDs,” Allin added. “The

hospital benefits because this sys-

tem is more efficient and can assess

about 20 to 25 percent of the ED’s

patients. And our patients are happi-

er and more satisfied because it’s a

great time-saver for them.”

The Urgent Care Center provides

the same quality care that the ED

does. Basic lab work, X-ray and ultra-

sound are also available. If additional

tests are required or if a patient’s con-

dition warrants it, ED staff physicians

are only seconds away for evaluations

and consultations.

Currently, the Urgent Care Center

is staffed from 1-11 p.m., seven days

a week. Those are often the busiest

hours in the ED with the highest

patient volumes, Kazmaier said.

Since January, Urgent Care has

shared space with Occupational

Health, which was located across

from the cafeteria. With the move

of Occupational Health to G110

Delp, Urgent Care will expand from

two to five patient exam rooms.

Urgent Care Center Aids In Patient Satisfaction

Most KUMC employees know

the Occupational Health Clinic as

the place you go to get your TB test.

Now the clinic, formerly located

across from the cafeteria, has moved

to a new location – G110 Delp.

In addition to regular patient

exams rooms, the recently renovated

and expanded facilities feature a new

treatment room, a testing area for

procedures such as EKG, pulmonary

functioning and auditory testing, and

a new drug screening room.

Occupational Health provides

diagnosis and treatment for all

worker’s compensation injuries,

exposures and work-related illness-

es for both the university and the

hospital. It also provides services

to about 30 to 50 outside employ-

ers who contract with the clinic for

a fee. These employer services

include drug screenings, tests for

many types of environmental expo-

sures, immunizations, flu shots and

executive physical programs.

The clinic does not diagnose or

treat personal illness such as

employees who have flu symptoms

or a fever, explained Barbara Strain,

business manager. These employees

are referred to their personal physi-

cians or the Emergency Department.

Recently the clinic received

national certification from the

Association of Occupational and

Environmental Clinics. It’s now

part of a network of 60 clinics

nationwide that collaborate on

research and information related

to occupational health and envi-

ronmental medicine.

Occupational Health is staffed

by Gregory Bono, MD, a board-

certified occupational health

physician, two certified occupa-

tional health nurses, a medical

assistant, a part-time nurse practi-

tioner, an RN case manager and

support staff. Clinic hours are

Monday through Friday,

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For emergency

cases after hours, the doctor and

nurses can be reached by pager.

Occupational Health Moves to Delp

2

3

A “surprise patrol” led by

University of Kansas Chancellor

Robert Hemenway, PhD, and KUMC

executive vice chancellor Donald

Hagen, MD, handed out Kemper

Awards Aug. 25 to three KUMC pro-

fessors. The $5,000 awards, presented

during classes, recognize excellence

in teaching and advising.

Those receiving the awards were:

• Robert Klein, PhD, professor,

Department of Anatomy and

Cell Biology. This is the second

Kemper Fellowship for Klein,

who received his first award in

1996, the first year the awards

were given.

• Amy O’Brien-Ladner, MD,

associate professor and director,

Division of Pulmonary and

Critical Care Medicines.

• Judith Widen, PhD, associate

professor, Hearing and Speech

Department.

In all, 20 University of Kansas

professors on all campuses will be

honored with Kemper Awards, and

$100,000 will be distributed this year.

What are Kemper Awards? The

W.T. Kemper Fellowships for

Teaching Excellence recognize out-

standing KU teachers and advisers

chosen by a seven-member selection

committee. Now in the eighth year of

a 10-year program, the awards were

established by a $500,000 fund from

the William T. Kemper Foundation-

Commerce Bank, Trustee, and

$500,000 in matching funds from the

KU Endowment Association.

“Surprise Patrol” Presents Kemper Awards

Chancellor Robert Hemenway, PhD(right), gave opening remarks duringthe Kemper Award presentation toJudith Widen, PhD, in the Departmentof Hearing and Speech.

Donald Hagen, MD, KUMC executive vice chancellor (third from left), present-ed the Kemper Award to Amy O'Brien-Ladner, MD (white coat), with the help ofthe “surprise patrol.” Other members were (from left) Allen Rawitch, PhD, vicechancellor for Academic Affairs and dean of Graduate Studies, Matt Anderson,Commerce Bank representative, Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive dean andvice chancellor for Clinical Affairs, and Robert Hemenway, PhD, KU chancellor.

Robert Klein, PhD (far right), received the first Kemper Award of the year on theKUMC campus. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Mike Wall, vicepresident for medical development, KU Endowment Association, DonaldHagen, MD, KUMC executive vice chancellor, Allen Rawitch, PhD, vice chan-cellor for Academic Affairs and dean of Graduate Studies, Matt Anderson,Commerce Bank representative, Barbara Atkinson, MD, executive dean andvice chancellor for Clinical Affairs, and Robert Hemenway, PhD, KU chancellor.

Free Check-UpsSaurin Patel, MD, second-year medicine/pediatric resident,

provides a free sports physical to Joshua Jones, 14, at the

Silver City Health Center in Wyandotte County.About 24

students from Argentine Middle School received back-to-

school sports physicals Aug. 20 during the annual community

service event staffed by KUMC medicine/pediatric residents.

It’s a Zoo at KU Med

KU Med recreation therapist Dianna

Moser knows that animals can play a

role in healing and helping patients

reconnect with people.That’s why

Moser brings the Kansas City Zoo’s

ZooMobile to visit patients in KU Med’s

Psychiatry Units once a month. Tricia

Hanska (below),Kansas City Zoo edu-

cation coordinator, showed an African

fat-tailed gecko to patients.

New Faculty LuncheonNew faculty members in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public

Health (from left) Quingjiang Hou,Sandra Hall, PhD,Matthew Hall, PhD,and

Aimee James, PhD,were welcomed to KUMC at a new faculty luncheon

Aug.27.

Front & Center

4

SEAD BarbecueSEAD (Students Educating and

Advocating for Diversity) sponsored

a barbecue for students and faculty

Aug. 23 in Kirmayer Fitness Center. It

was the first of a series of SEAD lec-

tures and activities planned for the

academic year.

SEAD board members attending

included (back row) Asma Latif,

Chris Haydel, Terah Isaacson, Miguel

Catano, Travis Engelbert, Ashleigh

Surber, Robert Page, KU director of

Multicultural Affairs, and (front row)

Eric Vidoni, Mayra Sanchez, Jennifer

Bacani and Jennifer McAllaster.

SEAD recently introduced a new

Diversity Credit Card. At each SEAD

event, KUMC students, faculty and

staff can get their cards punched.

If they’ve attended at least three

lectures and three activities during

the academic year, they’ll be hon-

ored at a spring banquet and

receive a certificate. To obtain a

card, attend a SEAD event or

e-mail tbrown4@kumc.edu.

5

New Students WelcomedThe KUMC Alumni Association welcomed new students to campus with a

lunchtime barbecue Aug. 22 in the School of Nursing Atrium. Registering prior

to the lunch were (above from left) Heidi Seuling, RN, Ludmila Wilson, RN, and

Marion Manion, RN, all Graduate Studies students in nurse anesthesia.

Enjoying the barbecue were (below from left) Lindsay Patterson, School of

Allied Health, Tia Akers, SoN, and Stephani Painter, SoN.

6

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback

toured the University of Kansas

Medical Center campus Aug. 15 to

see a first-of-its-kind program to edu-

cate future health care professionals

in using clinical information systems.

Brownback was joined by

Karen Miller, RN, PhD, dean of the

Schools of Nursing and Allied

Health, and Cerner board vice chair

Cliff Illig. Together, they saw the

technology in action in the SoN’s

Skills Lab.

In the past, nursing students

learned how to document patient

care and assess patients’ health sta-

tus manually, using a paper-based

record. With the new program, KU

nursing students can track and trend

patient information electronically

through a simulated electronic med-

ical record powered by Cerner

Millennium information technology

(IT) solutions.

The new program is called

Simulated E-hEalth Delivery

System (SEEDS). SoN faculty

Helen Connors, RN, PhD, Judith

Warren, RN, PhD, and informatics

team members developed the project

along with Charlotte Weaver, RN,

PhD, vice president and chief nurs-

ing officer at Cerner. It supports the

educational components required for

teaching nursing students how to

use electronic health records.

A pilot class of 38 students

began using SEEDS in fall 2001.

Plans are under way to extend the

program to the School of Medicine

and the School of Allied Health.

While clinical use of electronic

patient health records is a growing

trend, they have not traditionally

been part of the nursing education

curriculum.

The simulated electronic chart

helps nursing students carefully

work through every area of patient

assessment. It provides the informa-

tion they need at the point of care to

enhance their decision-making and

the overall quality of care they can

provide to their patients.

“We now have the tools needed

to teach our students how to use

electronic patient record systems

that assist health professionals to

make decisions about care or serv-

ices rendered,” stated Miller.

Miller believes the use of technol-

ogy in the classroom can have a

positive effect on the current nursing

shortage. Technology also can assist

nurses in working more efficiently in

a time when efficiency and accounta-

bility are driving forces in health care.

In addition, Miller believes nursing

education programs that use technolo-

gy will more successfully attract

graduating high school students who

are much more familiar with the bene-

fits of technology than previous

generations.

Electronic Medical Records Program PreparesFuture Nurses

Faculty, staff and students from the School of Nursing demonstrated a newclinical information systems program to Kansas Senator Sam Brownback(standing), who toured the SoN’s Skills Lab Aug. 15. From left are HelenConnors, RN, PhD, professor, associate dean for Academic Affairs and directorof Educational Innovations, Jana Parrett, secretary, Academic Affairs (in thehospital bed), and Ann Barrows, RN, 2003 SoN graduate and participant in theSEEDS pilot project.

7

Mini Medical SchoolIf your favorite prime-time med-

ical dramas leave you craving a little

more substance and reality, KU Mini

Medical School may have the

answers. Since 1999, more than 1,000

Mini Med graduates, ages 16 to 85,

have gained an insider’s perspective

on the human body and learned more

about health, diseases and the latest

advances in medical research.

Classes begin Sept. 9 and con-

tinue every Tuesday evening for

eight weeks. Each session begins

with a reception at 6:30 p.m. fol-

lowed by two presentations from

7-9 p.m. For the first time this year,

classes will be held at Johnson

County Community College in

Overland Park, Kan. Tuition is $100

and includes a workbook.

There’s still time to sign up. Call

8-1227 to reserve your spot or register

on line at www.kumc.edu/som/minimed.

Volunteer FairAre you interested in becoming

more involved in your community?

KUMC and United Way of

Wyandotte County will host the first

Volunteer Job Fair from 10 a.m.-

4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, in Hixson

Atrium. Employees and students are

invited to meet with representatives

from about 70 area non-profit agen-

cies that need volunteers.

There will be door prizes and

drawings for gift certificates to

Chipotle, D’Bronx, Starbucks, Chili’s,

the Royals, Kansas Speedway, the

Renaissance Festival and more.

Cardiology ConferenceThe 22nd annual Mid-America

Cardiology Fall Conference will be

held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19

and 20, at the Hyatt Regency

Crown Center.

“Great Leaps Forward: Making

Differences in Treating Heart

Disease” will provide knowledge

about state-of-the art medical and

interventional treatment of cardio-

vascular disease.

The conference is designed for

primary care physicians, physicians

and cardiologists in training, allied

health personnel and critical care,

advanced practice and cardiovascu-

lar nurses.

The registration deadline is

Aug. 25. There is a fee. To register

or to receive a complete program

brochure, contact KU Continuing

Education at 785-864-5823 or toll

free at 877-404-5823 or e-mail

kuce@ku.edu.

Nutrition SeminarIn conjunction with KUMC

Alumni Weekend, the Department of

Dietetics and Nutrition will sponsor a

clinical nutrition seminar Friday,

Sept. 19, in 1050 School of Nursing.

Alumni are invited to attend, and con-

tinuing education units are available.

The seminar guest speaker will

be Robert P. Heaney, MD, from

Creighton University in Omaha,

Neb. He will conduct two seminars

on “The Challenge of Nutrition’s

Second Century: Long Latency

Period Deficiency Disorders” and

“Calcium and Vitamin D Beyond

Bones: Roles in Blood Pressure,

Cancer, Weight Management.”

An advanced registration fee of

$25 is required by Sept. 16. To regis-

ter or for questions, call 8-5355. The

event is sponsored by the Mid West

Dairy Association.

Membership DriveFriday, Aug. 29, the KUMC

Auxiliary will sell Price Chopper

fund-raising coupon books outside

the cafeteria from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Those who decide to become

Auxiliary members that day will

receive a free coupon book (a $70

value) and a candy bar when they

pay their $20 dues.

Friday, Aug. 29• KUMC Auxiliary coupon book

sale, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., outsidecafeteria.

Monday, Sept. 1• Labor Day

Wednesday, Sept. 3• Volunteer Job Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,

Hixson Atrium.

Thursday, Sept. 4• Interdisciplinary Research Seminar,

“Access to Prostate Cancer Care inKansas Using GIS,” Sue-Min Lai,PhD, 7:30-8:30 a.m., 1050 Schoolof Nursing.

• Distinguished Visiting ScholarLecture, “The Shape of OurBuildings, Our Land and OurBodies,” Richard Jackson, MD,noon-12:50 p.m., 1050 School ofNursing.

• Internal Medicine ResearchConference, “Mast Cells andInfection: The ‘Toll Road’ toVascular Disease,” KottarappatDileepan, PhD, noon, SudlerAuditorium.

Coming UpClassifieds, etc.

Automotive:2000 GMC Sierra 2500, extended cab, 4 x 4, charcoal gray, excellent condition,Tonneau cover and bed liner, 45K,$19,000. 816-444-8047.

1999 Honda Passport, loaded, 43K,$14,000. 913-384-4417.

1997 Altima GXE, 95K, loaded, air, phone,CD, leather seats, sunroof, excellent condi-tion inside and out, $5,000. 816-221-1185.

1995 Toyota Corolla, 4-door, automatic,CD, good condition, 114K, $3,000. 913-384-4237.

1995 CBR-600 F3 motorcycle, 24K,new tires and battery, wrecked but goodmechanically, $2,000. 913-961-2708.

1991 Dodge pickup truck, red, excellentcondition, runs well, cab top, 2-door,$2,000 OBO. 816-241-6116.

1955 Chevy Bel-Air, 2-door post, newcustom drive shaft, new brakes, restoredinterior, headers and custom exhaust,front-to-back chrome, no rust or bondo,many more extras, needs paint andtorque converter. 913-271-6839.

Turbo Garret T-3 from a 2.2 L DodgeDaytona, will fit any car with propermodification, with all the fittings – oil,water and air, $250 OBO. 913-768-6152.

For Sale:Poolside townhome, 95th and Wornall, 3 large BR, 1 full and 2 half BA, formaldining room, large kitchen with breakfastnook, basement, 1-car garage, securitysystem, $102,000. 913-681-8730.

3 BR, 21/2 BA, 2-story home, 10 yearsold, new hardwood floors, new carpetand paint, lots of extras, beautifullylandscaped, immaculate, move-in condi-tion, south Overland Park, Blue ValleySchools. 913-987-9069.

2 BR, 11/2 BA KCK townhouse, full base-ment, quiet and friendly neighborhood,refrigerator, 2 window A/Cs, 2 ceiling fans,window coverings included, BerkshireVillage Townhouses, a HUD housingcooperative. $4,000. 913-334-4003.

Apartment-size refrigerator, $150; Dellcomputer package with Windows 98software, includes 17" monitor andcolor printer. 913-328-0039 after 6 p.m.for details.

Set of GE white appliances, all in goodworking condition: gas stove, self-cleaningXL44; Potscrubber 2230 dishwasher; OTRSpacemaker microwave; all $200 OBO.913-362-0791.

Pioneer DEH P6300 car stereo single-disc CD player, XM ready, multipledigital graphic screens, remote, detach-able face, only used 4 months, greatcondition, $300 OBO. 816-719-7780.

Harmon Kardon 7 x 50W 7.1-channelA/V receiver, brand new, factory-sealedbox, lists for $799, $500. 913-706-5274.

Full-size tube waterbed, heavy-dutyframe, 6 feet on the base, $100; darkbrown recliner, no tears, very little wear,$150 OBO. 913-648-5232.

Bedroom set, $200; treadmill, $125; 2 table and chair sets, glider, marble-topcoffee table, 2X clothes, more. 816-363-7006, leave message.

Hooked on Phonics, great condition, $300retail, asking $100; wooden swing set withswings and slide, $100. 913-721-0098.

To Rent:3 BR, 21/2 BA house in Mission, 10 min.from KUMC, 2-car garage with opener,totally updated, open floor plan, cedardeck, privacy fence. $1,300/month. 913-262-0023 or 913-710-2100.

2 BR house with loft/spare room, drive-under garage with laundry, C/A, allappliances provided, big wooded back-yard, 5-10 min. from KUMC,$925/month plus utilities. 913-677-0421.

Wanted:KUMC student renter, friendly, quiet, non-smoker who needs a basement bedroomwith a private entrance. 785-691-9477.

Irene M. Cumming Donald Hagen, MDPresident and Executive Vice ChancellorChief Executive Officer University of KansasKU Med Medical Center

Barbara Jaekel, EditorVal Renault, Senior Writer

Kevin White, Senior Graphic DesignerJan Lewis, Editorial Manager

Mary King, Communications Services Director

In The Center is a weekly employee publication pub-lished by the KU Med Communications ServicesDepartment. Send story ideas to Barbara Jaekel, Bldg.48, Room 1070, or e-mail bjaekel or call 8-1074.

Ad Policy - Send or bring your ad, 30 words or less, toBldg. 48, Room 1070, fax to 8-1063, or e-mail bjaekelby noon Thursday of the week before it is to run. Adsrun free of charge for employees, students and volun-teers. All ads must include the advertiser’s name andwork extension (or student box number) for verifica-tion. Only home phone numbers–no pager numbersor work extensions–will be published. Please includearea code. No ads for commercial services or pets forsale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by tele-phone. Ads may be held a week if space is limited.

3901 RAINBOW BOULEVARD • KANSAS CITY, KS 66160 • (913) 588-5000 • WWW.KUMC.EDU