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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

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. index

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. index

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." index

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. index

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 index

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. index

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    Bilding 31-far end of 31D near the parking lot  November 3    Building 10-lot 10H  November 10    Rockledge-visitor parking behind the building  November 12    EPN-parking lot behind the building  December 2    Natcher-in front of the building If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, call (202) 994-9999. index

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. index

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. index

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. index  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. top | cc home page | nih home page |