Published monthly for CC employees by Clinical Center Communications/

December 1997

Between the lines of groundbreaking speeches

Awards program honors CC staff

Events raise funds for NIH CFC charities

HHS Secretary joins the fun

Save your register receipts

Long-time CC employee, friend dies

From the director

Designate a beneficiary

Briefs

Volunteers needed

Pitching in

On hand with shovels for groundbreaking of the new Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center on Nov. 4 were (from left) Jane Reese-Coulbourne, Sen. Arlen Specter, Dr. John Gallin, Sen. Mark Hatfield, Dr. Harold Varmus, Vice President Al Gore, Donna Shalala, Rep. John Porter, and Charles Tolchin. Reese-Coulbourn and Tolchin are CC patients.

Speeches, forward thinking mark groundbreaking ceremony

Vice President Al Gore and former Senator Mark O. Hatfield were among over 500 distinguished guests to attend the Nov. 4 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Clinical Research Center.

NIH Director Dr. Harold Varmus presided over the program, which was held in a tent at the intersection of West and Center Drives. Described by Dr. Varmus as a "momentous day for us-our guests and the nation," the event consisted of speeches and words of praise for Hatfield.

The new facility will be named for Hatfield, who had served for 30 years as senator from Oregon and for eight as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Joining Gore, Hatfield, and Varmus as speakers during the ceremony were HHS Secretary Donna Shalala; Dr. John Gallin, CC director; CC patients Charles Tolchin and Jane Reese-Coulbourne; Rep. John Porter (R-Ill.); and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). Music for the event was provided by the Walt Whitman High School Jazz Ensemble.

Senator Hatfield's longtime friend, Vice President Al Gore, described the wealth of opportunities in science and medicine and the role of NIH in unlocking the secrets of science.

"The twin advances in genetics and information technology have brought us to the very brink of astounding medical breakthroughs. But also, they bring us to the brink of a moral challenge. How do we make sure that as medical science advances, it advances the health and healing of all Americans," Gore said. He credits the new Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center with being a large part of the answer.

The Vice President also hailed the strong bipartisan support for the new facility: "This research center also brings together our two political parties. It embodies the highest healing ideals of my close friend Mark Hatfield, who spent a 30-year Senate career teaching his colleagues and constituents the importance of clinical research."

Vice President Gore left soon after his remarks to attend funeral services of a close friend, but emphasized the ever-increasing role of the NIH in developing therapies, treatments, and even cures for diseases such as breast cancer, AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease.

"The center that we are breaking ground for today will play host to some of the great medical breakthroughs of the early 21st century," he said.

Sen. Specter, also a strong supporter of clinical research, discussed his efforts to ensure that Senate leaders recognize the importance of medical research. Before leaving to attend a vote in the Senate, Specter pledged his commitment to increased funding for NIH. "There is no higher priority than health," he said.

Dr. John Gallin, CC director, introduced two individuals who currently participate in NIH clinical trials and underscored the importance of clinical research participants. "Without our patients, there would be no celebration today," said Dr. Gallin.

An NIH patient since 1977, Charles Tolchin, 29, narrated the story of his life with cystic fibrosis and the role of clinical research in improving his life expectancy. Tolchin said that treatments received at NIH allowed him to remain well enough to undergo a double lung transplant last April. The transplant, according to Tolchin, changed his life, allowing him to "shed an isolated existence, to one of vitality and stimulation." He called the CRC a living shrine to his heroes. "NIH researchers define dedication, faith, and infectious enthusiasm."

Jane Reese-Coulbourne, a seven-year survivor of advanced breast cancer, told of her diagnosis at the age of 36 and her decision to participate in an NIH trial. The new facility, she explained, is more than just the obvious building where cutting edge research will take place. It is where patients go for hope-if not for themselves then for others. Discussing the trials and tribulations of being involved in treatment, she called it "a place where many of us spend some of the best and some of the worst days of our life."

Rep. John Porter emphasized Hatfield's role in boosting the importance of medical research among politicians, citing the commitment to fund research as having saved and improved millions of lives through advances in biomedical research. "Mark Hatfield has been our commanding general in making this commitment and I am proud to have been a soldier in his army," he said.

HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, spoke of a future without life-threatening diseases. "The seeds we plant at this groundbreaking, like our other great investments in science, are about making tomorrow better than today. About protecting our national security by protecting the health of our people."

Likening medical research to the expedition of Lewis and Clark, Hatfield, the guest of honor, modestly took the podium as the final speaker. "The exploration that will occur in the building soon to emerge on this site represents the new frontier in medical science," he said.

He spoke of the need for NIH to continue developing partnerships with strong clinical research programs across the country, because without collaborations, "the expedition will falter. This building represents the promise of cures, of better treatment and ultimately the end of disease and disability in this country and for all humanity." (by LaTonya Kittles)

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Groundbreaking moments

Sen. Hatfield (left), for whom the new CRC is named, greets HHS Secretary Shalala prior to the ceremony. With them is Dr. Harold Varmus, NIH director. "The exploration that will occur in the building soon to emerge on this site," Sen. Hatfield told those attending the ceremony, "represents the new frontier in medical science."

Calling NIH "a natural habitat hospitable to medical genius," Vice President Gore said in his remarks to the groundbreaking crowd, "The center that we are breaking ground for today will play host to some of the great medical breakthroughs of the early 21st century." Among those at the podium were (from left) HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, Sen. Mark Hatfield, Dr. Harold Varmus, Rep. John Porter, and Sen. Arlen Specter.

A crowd of more than 500 gathered under a massive tent across Center Drive from the Clinical Center to listen to speeches during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center.

Quotables--

Between the lines of groundbreaking speeches

Dr. John Gallin, CC director: "Not only have our patients taken the courage to be a participant in our protocols, they also actively participated in the design of the new Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center," said Gallin.

CC patient Charles Tolchin:

"In this living shrine my heroes fight against time, they fight against persistent and pervasive adversaries, and they fight against the unknown. I for one am extremely grateful."

Sen. Arlen Specter:

"NIH is the crown jewel of what the federal government does."

Rep. John Porter:

"While there were many posturing for votes, Mark Hatfield was standing for principles. That's the reason we are honoring him today."

Senator Mark O. Hatfield (left):

"Tell Congress that you have found a gene and they're interested. But tell Congress that you've found a way to cure a genetic disease, and watch the budget grow.

HHS Secretary Donna Shalala (right):

"It's about families who are doing more than holding on-they're holding up the spirits of their loved ones, working with the staff of the CC and inspiring others to believe in a future without breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, or diabetes."

CC patient Jane Reese-Coulbourne:

"We need more and more patients to consider being involved in things like clinical trials because that's a very important part of the research process. And it's only then that we can speed up the research process, and finally figure out how to cure or, even better, prevent horrible diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis."

Awards program honors CC staff

CC staff who contributed to the success of Clinical Center programs were guests of honor at the director's annual address and awards ceremony Nov. 4.

A special tribute was presented to John Doppman honoring his 25 years as chief of the Diagnostic Radiology Department. A Director's Award went to Donald Rosenstein of the NIMH for his work with the CC Ethics Committee.

Receiving individual awards were:

Laura Ediger, Clinical Pathology Department, for implementation of the improved stocking and inventory system for the department.

Robert Cunnion, Critical Care Medicine Department, for exemplary commitment to the postgraduate training program, for the ACGME certified program, and as a lecturer and teacher of cardiology.

Frederick Ognibene, Critical Care Medicine Department, for contributing leadership, organizational skills, and supervision for a wide variety of administrative initiatives, most notably the initiatives in pediatrics and in respiratory therapy.

Charles Carter, Department of Transfusion Medicine, for achievements in accomplishing strategic initiatives exemplified by coordinating and expediting the design and construction of the new Cell Processing Facility.

James Shih, Department of Transfusion Medicine, for myriad achievements in developing a basic research program to support and enhance clinical studies of transfusion-transmitted viruses, and for establishing a molecular virology laboratory with expanding research and service components.

Henry Primas, Housekeeping and Fabric Care Department, for demonstrating creativity, initiative, and dedication to the mission of the CC.

Donald Preuss, Information Systems Department, for generously and expertly providing the CC with information technology vision and wizardry on an unparalleled level.

Jerry King, Medical Record Department, for establishing and maintaining the Protocol Coordination Center.

Priscilla Boykin, Nursing Department, for tireless efforts in focusing on customer needs and concerns during implementation of the CC cost quality-improvement initiatives.

Kathleen Hadd, Nursing Department, for achieving positive outcomes in improved patient care and compliance, increased community involvement, and referral to NIH schizophrenia protocols.

DeNedra Bluitt, Office of the Director, for efforts in handling the development of the core curricula for clinical research.

Pamela Brooks, Office of the Director, for administrative support and backup to the Bioethics Department during a time of substantial growth and transition.

Dorothy Cirelli, Office of the Director, for establishing the Patient Recruitment and Referral Center.

Laura Lee, Office of the Director, for significant planning efforts for Clinical Research Day and for developing the CC position on managed care.

Thomas Reed, Office of Human Resources Management, for leadership of the project to improve human resources management in the CC.

Barry Nishikawa, Pharmacy Department, for innovation, hard work, and commitment to the highest NIH standards of integrity in science and patient care.

Karen Morrow, Spiritual Ministry Department, for contributing to the spiritual, healing, and caring needs of CC patients and their families.

Group awards went to:

Julia Calhoun, Lucille Mackey and Joseph Cowling, Housekeeping and Fabric Care Department, for outstanding efforts to keep the CC a clean place to work and take care of patients.

Nancy Holmfeld, Diane Gibbs, Brandon Tea, Luis Rosario, Deborah Roszell, Lee McPhatter, Khai Huynh, Mai Khuu, and Libby Byrd-Nelson, Medical Record Department, for outstanding customer service to internal and external customers of the department and the CC.

Beth Price, Jeanne Radcliffe, Jerlynn Taylor, Terri Wakefield, Lillie Fairchild, William Kammerer, Ann Foster, Barbara Fahey, Myra Woolery-Antill, Christopher Geyer, Roland Corsey, Lauri Bernato, Kathy Roden, Dorene Dalessandro, Dennis Brown, Daniel Keravich, James Nichols, and Jeanne Odom, Office of the Director, for achievements in improving the quality of patient care, reducing staff risk of exposure and injury, and reducing the CC's operational costs as members of the standardization committee.

Karen Pascal, Claire Shean, Susan Fishbein, Elizabeth Sands, Jane Thurber, and Janie Kuhn, Office of Human Resources Management, for notable achievements in leading important elements of the study of a potential new personnel system for the CC and for examining the current system for potential process improvements.

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Events raise funds for NIH CFC charities

Former member of the Superbowl champion Washington Redskins, Jeff Bostic-at the CC for a country line dance-helped present a donation to NIH charities. The contribution included proceeds from a local golf tournament, a cooperative effort among Bostic, R&W, and the General Electric Elfun Society. Shown are (left to right) Jack Hanson, member of the Elfun Society, Bostic, CC Director Dr. John Gallin, and Randy Schools, president of the NIH R&W.

HHS Secretary joins in the fun

Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, joined more than 150 charity-minded NIH employees in country line dancing recently. "The program was to help bring attention to the Combined Federal Campaign and to focus on the charities that are associated with the NIH," said Randy Schools, president of the NIH R&W. NIH charities include Camp Fantastic, Friends of the Clinical Center, and the Children's Inn.

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Save your register receipts from Safeway and Giant to benefit the NIH School Program

Send them to: NIH School Program, Building 10, Room 10S235. Or call 6-2077.

Program ends Feb. 28, 1998

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Dolan, long-time CC employee and friend, dies

Donald P. Dolan, 59, an NIH employee for 32 years, died suddenly at his home last month of natural causes.

Dolan came to NIH in 1965 as a heart and lung machine technologist with the cardiac surgical team of the NHLBI. He later became chief of the physiological monitoring section of the CC Critical Care Medicine Department (CCMD) and at the time of his death was a research technician in the department's canine lab.

Known among CC staff as a genius at knowing the ins and outs of medical equipment, Dolan quickly became an authority on patient monitoring equipment. "He was a master at understanding medical equipment and would spend hours working on it to keep it functional," said Dr. Henry Masur, CCMD chief. "He will truly be missed."

"He was the backbone of the Clinical Center and was personally on call 24 hours a day," said Edward Davis, health systems specialist with the biomedical engineering division of the CC Materials Management Department. "He was well liked by everyone, and I for one can say that he was a free spirit individual who lived his life to the fullest. But NIH has certainly lost a valuable employee."

Dolan was born in 1938 in Tomahawk, Wis., and attended the University of Michigan Prep School. A Navy veteran, Dolan's hobbies included ham radio, electronics, and sailing. He is survived by his five children; Kelley Commeran, Kimberly Cranford, Tracey Dolan, Andrew Dolan, and Jennifer Dolan; three brothers, Vincent Dolan, Leonard Dolan, and Mike Dolan; one sister, Joan Dolan; and four grandchildren.

Donations in Dolan's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

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From the director

by Dr. John I. Gallin, CC director
More than 500 dignitaries and guests gathered for groundbreaking ceremonies for our new Clinical Research Center on Nov. 4. It was an exciting and historic day with Clinical Center patients joining a host of government leaders in marking the event. On the podium were HHS Secretary Donna Shalala; NIH Director Harold Varmus; the new building's namesake, former Sen. Mark Hatfield (R-Ore.); Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.); and Rep. John Porter (R-Ill.).

I wholeheartedly agree with what Vice President Al Gore said that day: "In many ways, every single day is a groundbreaking day at the NIH. This center is special and unique because it will accelerate the progress that is already being made here."

Acceleration of construction over the next few months will complement the research progress the Vice President talked about.

Work on the Clinical Center's south side, which will serve as our front door during construction, continues and installation of a new road and a sidewalk along the western edge of parking lot 10H is almost finished. Demolition of building 20-the apartment building across Center Drive-also continues this month.

The specifics of rerouting Center Drive, a major component in accommodating the new building, will be determined following review of the plans by the National Capital Planning Commission on Dec. 4. The Commission recently rescinded the approval it granted last summer because of community concerns raised over a 300-year-old tree. The tree is in the path of the proposed new location for Center Drive, but NIH continues to do everything possible to minimize environmental impacts and maintain the maximum number of trees.

Finally, this month I will meet with other executive members of the Clinical Center Renewal Group, Dr. Michael Gottesman, NIH deputy director for intramural research, and Steve Ficca, director of the Office of Research Services, to discuss ways to keep the cost of the new hospital within its original budget. The project's design and construction teams have looked closely at costs associated with the recently approved schematic design and have identified ways to stay in budget while meeting the needs of those who will work in the new center.

We are entering an era of unparalleled growth and progress for the Clinical Center. Expect change, challenge, and unprecedented opportunity as the new Clinical Research Center emerges.

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Designation of Beneficiary

From the CC Office of Human Resources Management

Many employees file a designation of beneficiary and never think about it again.

Life circumstances may change, and the designation may no longer reflect the employee's intentions.

Or often, beneficiaries move, but employees do not update their designation form with the current address. Then when the employee (or annuitant) dies, the Office of Federal Employee Government Life Insurance (OFEGLI) cannot locate the beneficiary to make payment.

Many employees designate a minor child as a beneficiary, but under FEGLI, a child is considered a minor until he/she reaches the age of 18, unless the state in which the "minor" lives has set a lower age; in that case the lower age applies. OFEGLI cannot, by law, pay benefits to a minor. If an employee designates a minor as his/her beneficiary, there are three possibilities for payment:

Payment will be made to the child's guardian. Being a child's natural parent does not necessarily make the person the child's guardian.
If there is no court-appointed guardian, payment may be made to child's natural parent or parents if the benefits are less than $10,000.
If there is no court-appointed guardian (and there are no plans to appoint one) and benefits are $10,000 or more, the money will be held in an interest-bearing account, until the child reaches the age of majority.

If you would like to revise your current designation of beneficiary forms or need additional information, please contact your servicing personnel assistant. (CC Office of Human Resources Management)

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News briefs

Communications office moves

The Office of Clinical Center Communications has moved to 6100 Executive Blvd., room 3C01, Rockville, MD 20852. Office phone numbers and e-mail addresses remain the same. If you need assistance, call 6-2563.

Recreation therapy sets holiday plans

Rehabilitation Medicine's recreation therapy section will sponsor a holiday open house on Dec. 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the 14th floor assembly hall. The event will include a visit from Santa, storytelling, caroling, and holiday treats. CC staff, patients, and their families are invited.

Scrooge visit nears

A musical adaptation of Scrooge will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Masur Auditorium. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under. Proceeds will support NIH patients and their families through the Friends of the Clinical Center. For tickets, call 6-4328.

Garmany named WRP recruiter

Jerry Garmany, CC Disability Program Coordinator, was recently selected as a recruiter for the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for college students with disabilities. The WRP is a resource for employers nationwide to identify qualified temporary and permanent employees from a variety of fields. Managers and supervisors interested in sponsoring a student can call Jerry Garmany at 6-9100 (TTY) or e-mail jgarmany@pop.cc.nih.gov.

Volunteers needed

Foot study

Normal volunteers are needed for a study looking at tendons of the foot. Volunteers must not have any foot problems. After a history and physical examination, MRI and ultrasound of the foot will be performed. For more information call Dr. Perry at 6-4733.

Heart disease

Male volunteers over 40 years of age are needed for a study to assess the effects of donating blood on prevention of heart disease. Participants should have donated blood no more than once in each of the last five years, and given fewer than 15 units in their lifetime. Blood studies and a carotid ultrasound will be done. Two outpatient visits are required. For more information, call Xin Fu at 2-8842.

Female volunteers

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is looking for healthy female volunteers, ages 18-43, to participate in menstrual cycle studies.

Volunteers must have normal menstrual cycle length (25-34 days) and may not be on any chronic medications, including birth control pills. Volunteers will be compensated. For more information, call 2-1481.

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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.

Editor: LaTonya Kittles

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