Published monthly for CC employees by Clinical Center Communications October 1999 New classroom New biostatistics & epidemiology services Studies Influenza schedule Nursing director retires Special Events chief retires Survivors celebrate New veterinarian Astute Clinician Lecture "Rugrats" donation News briefs

New class, new classroom       A new group of students in the NIH-Duke Training Program in Clinical Research started classes last month in the program's bigger, better classroom on the CC's B1 level. Standing (left to right) are Chen-Sen Wu, Michael Brennan, John Gribar, Hiroyu Hatano, Stefan Weiss, Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, Yogen Saunthararajah. Seated (left to right) are Giovana Thomas, Elizabeth Higgs, and Marcia Slattery. Not pictured are Robin Boineau, Hani El-Gabalawy, Howard Fine, Jay Giedd, Alfred Gordon, Julie Gulya, Winnie Rossi, Robert Walsh, and Mary Lynn Dell. Clinical Center announces new biostatistics and epidemiology service The Clinical Center announces the creation of the Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service. Statistician Robert Wesley, Ph.D., and clinical epidemiologist Deloris Koziol, Ph.D., MPH, staff the new service. "In the past, CC researchers have had access to statistical support in different ways," said Dr. Wesley. "The Clinical Center is now providing this formal service to assist investigators in the many aspects of protocol design, execution, and analysis." Dr. Wesley notes that the research generated by CC departments is very diverse and so are the services requested. "Investigators in the initial stages of protocol development may need help with determining the number of subjects needed, or how best to design the protocol to obtain the desired information, or how to devise an appropriate questionnaire," he said. "Sometimes, researchers may attempt to look at too many questions at once. We can help them clarify the one or two most critical questions to address." As a protocol goes forward, the service can assist with matters of data collection and computerization. At the end of a study, the service can help analyze the data collected, and assist with preparing posters or manuscripts. "Our goal is to help CC researchers present their information cleanly and correctly," said Dr. Wesley. Since its inception early last month, the service has been busy. "We've already seen quite a variety of research projects," said Dr. Koziol. "We want people to know that we're here, and we're ready to help with the many different requirements of CC researchers, whether their studies are large or small." The Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service is located on 10 West, and the telephone number is 2-9339. -by Sue Kendall index

Studies Blood study Doctors at the CC and NHLBI seek healthy postmenopausal women to take part in a study of normal blood. To be eligible, you must have had no abnormal bleeding or clotting in the past, and be willing to stay off any hormone treatment for 9 months. Participants will give a small sample of blood (about 2 tablespoons) in an initial screening. Based on the results of the screening, some women will be asked to give additional small blood samples once a month for 3 months. The study involves no hormones or medications. Participants will be paid $50 for each blood draw. For details, call 6-5150.   fMRI study NIMH researchers seek volunteers for fMRI studies of the visual processing of faces. Volunteers should have no history of medical or psychiatric disorders and must have normal vision or wear contact lenses. A 2-hour screening interview, a follow-up visit, and a 3-hour visit for the fMRI scan are required. Participants will be reimbursed. Specifically needed are: men aged 56 - 73 and women aged 51 - 59 who are right-handed and currently married, and right-handed mothers aged 20 - 40 with nonadopted, firstborn children aged 5 - 12. For further details, call Lisa Kalik or Neil Santiago at 6-8381. index

1999 Influenza Off-Campus Immunization Schedule  EPN, Room 103    Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., and 1 - 3 p.m. 1st letter, last name   Date A - J K - S T - Z   Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 15       Federal Building, Room 1C05 Time: 1 - 3 p.m. Oct. 20 Nov. 17           Poolesville Conference Room Date: Nov. 12 Bldg. 102 Bldg. 110    8 - 11 a.m. 12 - 2 p.m.       Rockledge, Room 5054 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., and 1 - 3 p.m. 1st letter, last name  Date A - J K - S T - Z Oct. 13 Oct. 25 Nov. 9   For more information, call 6-2209.

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Nursing director Montgomery retires Dr. Kathryn L. Montgomery retires as chief of nursing     Associate Director for Nursing Kathryn Lothschuetz Montgomery, R.N., Ph.D., retires this month after 20 years of service to the Clinical Center. But retirement doesn't mean her work stops. She has accepted a faculty position at the University of Maryland. "I'll be teaching, and developing programs in leadership and management that include the other graduate professional schools - medicine, social work, pharmacy, law - as well as nursing." Dr. Montgomery earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Barry College in Miami. She then worked in several hospitals in Florida before returning to this area - her hometown - to pursue a master's degree in business administration and psychiatric nursing at Catholic University and work at Sibley Hospital. Her interest in research was spurred by early work with a psychiatrist who believed that the basis of mental illness was biological. While that theory is now widely accepted, in the early 1970's it was considered novel. With a cutting-edge research facility virtually in her backyard, a career at NIH seemed a natural choice. Dr. Montgomery joined the Clinical Center in 1979, heading the Mental Health Nursing Service for 10 years. In 1989, she was appointed to head the Nursing Department, the CC's largest. A member of the Commissioned Corps, she attained the rank of Rear Admiral during her service and earned her doctorate in nursing in 1997. "Over the 10 years Kathy served as the Clinical Center's Associate Director of Nursing, she has led a remarkable nursing department that has provided the best care possible for patients, and outstanding clinical research support to the Institutes' clinical investigators," said Dr. John Gallin, CC director. "She has provided outstanding leadership in many other areas, including helping us establish the NIH Guest House for patients and their families. We will certainly miss her and wish her the best of luck in her new position at the University of Maryland." It isn't easy to manage a staff that has fluctuated between 600 and 1000 people. But Dr. Montgomery had a simple philosophy to keep her staff focused in changing times: "I tell my staff to keep your eye on the ball and ask, What are we here for? We're here to make sure the patients are safe, comfortable, and cared for, and that their experience in research is meaningful to them." Excited about the opportunity to take her career in a new direction, she admits that leaving the CC, particularly her staff, will be difficult. "The greatest retention factor for a leader is their staff," she said. "The people in this department work extremely hard and are extremely conscientious and have sustained me through some difficult times. I'm very honored to have been their leader for 10 years." But, she feels the timing is right to move on. "This organization will experience tremendous cultural change. The next person in this job will be preparing for that new organization, which will move into the new hospital. We have a rich history - but we have a much brighter future." -by Sue Kendall index

Special Events chief Al Rexroad retires Al Rexroad in front of the building where he spent his 34-year career.     The chief of the Special Events Section, Charles A. Rexroad, known to everyone as "Al," retires this month after a 34-year career spent entirely within the walls of Bldg. 10. "I'll miss everyone here at the Clinical Center, but it's time for a change of scenery," Rexroad said. "I've seen all the changes. I guess you could say that I've watched NIH grow up." Born into a family of teachers, Rexroad followed the path and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. He worked for awhile for the Frederick County Board of Education, grading standardized tests, but decided that a career in education wasn't for him. Rexroad first walked through the doors of the Clinical Center in 1965. The sixties were good to NIH. Money and support were abundant, and hiring was in full swing. "I started out delivering mail for the Office of Research Services," he recalls. "I delivered it to the CC Office of the Director, and got to know the staff. They asked me to come work for them in the file and copy room." After a stint in the CC budget office, he eventually ended up on the staff of the Special Events Section. When the head of that office left in 1986, Rexroad applied for the job and got it. During his years as section chief, Rexroad earned the reputation as the man who knows everybody and can get things done. He's been known to drive people where they need to go, pick up materials that didn't get delivered on time, and just generally take the time to get the job done. His philosophy is simple: "Everybody counts, from the surgeon to the housekeeper to the dishwasher to the bank teller. If you put faith and trust in everybody else, they will do the same for you." The goodwill generated by that extra-mile attitude comes in handy in a pinch. "I've always been happy to do people favors," he said. "That way when a visitor comes in for a tour, I can call them up and they're happy to help me out too." His connection to the Clinical Center goes beyond the day-to-day work. "My grandmother, grandfather, and mother were all patients here," he said. "I've seen firsthand all the compassion and caring and extra attention that the staff give." With Rexroad's departure, the Special Events Section is no more. It has been reorganized as the Hospitality Services Program and has a new head, Michael Daniel. Tours, orientations, and meeting scheduling will still be handled by the new program, however. Rexroad's immediate plans include a trip with his wife to England, Scotland, and Wales later this month. He also hopes to schedule a trip to Austin, Texas, to visit his older daughter. His younger daughter lives nearby with her two children, a boy and a girl. Future plans include perfecting his golf swing and his fly-fishing cast. Tennis is another love. Tying into this fondness for sports, Rexroad has taken a part-time job at a local sporting-goods store. "I'll be in the fishing and hunting department. I'll get to talk about my hobbies all day. What more could I ask for?" -by Sue Kendall index

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Survivors celebrate The 13 East patient education room was the site of smiles, tears, and plenty of hugs this past summer at the annual Cancer Survivors Celebration. Pictured (left to right) are CC patients Susan Kelley, Patricia Perna, Jeannette Carlile, and Donna King (seated), along with the National Ovarian Cancer Quilt, which was on loan for the event from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

New veterinarian joins CC staff The Clinical Center has a new veterinarian, Dr. Mark C. Haines. The previous vet, Dr. Joe Pierce, is now with NIAMS. The CC veterinarian is one of a group of vets that serve the various Institutes. Known as the Animal Program Directors, these doctors are responsible for the proper care of NIH's animal subjects. They meet monthly to discuss animal-program issues. "My primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of the CC's animals and that all applicable regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use and care of animals are followed," explained Dr. Haines. "My other main duty is to support investigators engaged in animal research. I can advise them on changes in the law or guidelines, animal disease concerns, choice of analgesic or anesthetic agents, or help find space to house the animals," he said. Dr. Haines credits Dr. John Gallin and Dr. David Henderson for their strong support of the veterinary consultative function of his job. One might think that a major concern of the hospital's vet is transmission of disease from animals to humans. "There is very little risk of this," said Dr. Haines. "The majority of lab animals are 'purpose-bred,' that is, they are raised in controlled conditions and tested to be disease-free." Even though the risk of disease transmission is low, Dr. Haines is required to examine the dogs in the CC's Caring Canines program before they are allowed to visit with patients. "I perform a brief physical examination to make sure the dogs are clean and healthy and pose no communicable disease risk," he said. "Being involved in this program is an added bonus of the job, and I hope to do some research in this area. There is very little hard data about the benefits of companion animals as a therapeutic tool." Also among Dr. Haines's charges are two guinea pigs in the 14th-floor playroom. "They're small, sociable animals, and good for children and adults to interact with," he said. Dr. Haines is a native of Galveston, Texas. He earned his veterinary degree at Louisiana State University, following which he served in the Army as a Green Beret veterinarian, training medics. He then did a stint in private practice in New Mexico before rejoining the Army. His work at USAMRID, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, Md., led to a mention in the book "The Hot Zone," Richard Preston's account of an Ebola virus outbreak in a Reston, Va., primate facility. After leaving the Army, Dr. Haines joined NIH 9 years ago. In his previous position at the Shared Facility, NIH Animal Center, Poolesville, he provided clinical care to over 1000 NIH animals, half of which were nonhuman primates. "I'm happy to be here, and I'd like to thank Joe Pierce, who is helping me through the transition. He's made my introduction to the Clinical Center much easier and has provided a great service while he's been here." Investigators who would like to consult with Dr. Haines on animal matters can reach him at 5-5304. -by Sue Kendall index

Dr. Allen C. Steere Astute Clinician Lecture addresses Lyme disease "The Elucidation of Lyme Arthritis" is the topic of the second annual Astute Clinician Lecture on Nov. 3 in Masur Auditorium, at 3 p.m. It will be presented by Dr. Allen C. Steere, Zucker Professor of Medicine, Rheumatology/Immunology Division of the New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine. As a rheumatology fellow at Yale in the mid 1970's, Dr. Steere looked into a cluster of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) cases reported by mothers in Lyme, Conn. He and his colleagues recognized that the children suffered from a syndrome marked by high fever and affecting many body systems that was quite different from JRA. Over the following two years, he wrote a series of papers that showed that the disease is spread by a tick. He also determined that a microorganism called a spirochete causes the disease. Dr. Steere proceeded to perform pivotal clinical research on the immunology of Lyme arthritis and conducted clinical trials documenting the effects of antibiotics on the course of the disease. He was then involved in the development of a vaccine for Lyme disease that was approved this past year. The Astute Clinician Lecture was 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. 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, contact Hilda Madine at 4-5595. index

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"Rugrats" donation NIH charities recently received a check for $6000 from the Washington-Baltimore Cable Council, Nickelodeon, and Viewer's Choice. The money was raised from families watching the movie "Rugrats" on pay-per-view, with $1.00 per viewing going to assist NIH charities. Fans of Rugrats will recognize Angelica, center, who came along to visit with CC patients. Pictured with her are (left to right) Gil Brown, Children's Inn; Maria Stagnitto, Friends of the Clinical Center; Charles Butler, Special Love/Camp Fantastic; Ted Hodgins, Media General Cable; Anne Wolek, Washington-Baltimore Cable Council; Randy Schools, NIH Recreation and Welfare Association; and Maribel Maldonado, Viewer's Choice.

News briefs Research festival The 1999 NIH Research Festival will be held Oct. 5 - 8. Highlights include a job fair for postdoctoral fellows, scientific symposia, poster sessions, and the biomedical research equipment and supplies exhibit. Events take place at Masur Auditorium and the Natcher Conference Center. Consult the Festival's web site, http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/festival99, for times and locations. Interpreters sought The Volunteer Office is searching for some in-house language interpreters to serve as backups when others aren't available. Interpreters assist patients and their families who are not fluent in English. Speakers of Arabic and Farsi are particularly needed. If you can help, call Andrea Rander at 6-1807. Retirement fair It's never too soon to start thinking about your retirement benefits. Come to the Quality of Work Life Retirement Fair, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Natcher Conference Center. Employee benefits, Social Security, Thrift Savings Plan, leisure options, and financial planning are just some of the topics planned. Commissioned Corps and civilian employees will benefit from this event, which will include information for those just entering the federal government or days away from retirement. For details, call Sandy Jones at 6-7700, ext. 285, or Wendy Leech at 2-8676. Shingles talk On Oct. 21, NIAID's shingles research team will discuss a new study of an experimental vaccine to prevent shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the virus that causes chickenpox. The presentation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m., in Room 11S235 (Wolff Conference Room). All are welcome to attend. For information on taking part in the shingles prevention study, call 1-800-411-1222. Preventing fires Stop by Bldg. 1's front lawn on Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for some Fire Prevention Week fun. Meet Sparky the Fire Dog and some of his canine coworkers in the bomb- and drug-detection business, register to win carbon monoxide detectors and other prizes, and enjoy a slice of pizza as you learn how you can prevent the deadly damage of fires. Rain date is Oct. 7. Call the Emergency Management Branch at 6-1985 for details. Y2K Day Got questions about Y2K? For some answers, come to CIT's "Y2K Awareness Day," Oct. 29, in Masur Auditorium. Panel presentations by representatives of NIH, utility companies, local government, and community organizations will run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Questions are welcome. Information booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All NIH employees and Clinical Center patients are invited. Receipts for school The NIH Children's School will again be participating in the receipt drives sponsored by Giant and Safeway grocery stores. However, Safeway has instituted a new method of totaling receipts. Instead of saving individual receipts and turning them in to the school, customers must now register their Safeway Club card number and name with the school coordinator. When a purchase is made with that card, Safeway will automatically credit the school with the amount of the purchase. This procedure is for Safeway only. Giant will continue to issue receipts, which must be collected and sent to the school of choice. To register your Safeway card number with the NIH Children's School call 6-2077 or email hmays@pop.cc.nih.gov. Receipts from Giant may be sent to Bldg. 10, Room 10S235. Pumpkin Chase The 8th annual Great Pumpkin Chase 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will be held Sunday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. The starting line is at the Naval Medical Center, across from NIH. The event benefits Friends of the Clinical Center. Registration is $17 per person before Oct. 15, or $20 on race day. Call 6-6061 for details on how to register. CC RoundTable Clinical Center RoundTable will be held Oct. 15 at 12 noon. in Lipsett Amphitheater. The topic is "Brain Attack: Acute and Ongoing Issues." index

Editor: Sue Kendall Clinical Center News, 6100 Executive Blvd., Suite 3C01, MSC 7511, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-7511. Tel: 301-496-2563. Fax: 301-402-2984. Published monthly for CC employees by the Office of Clinical Center Communications, Colleen Henrichsen, chief. News, article ideas, calendar events, letters, and photographs are welcome. Deadline for submissions is the second Monday of each month. top | cc home page | nih home page |