October/November 2013

My job is always interesting because I'm constantly learning something new. Because of the rare diseases here at NIH, the treatments children are getting aren't very common in general pediatrics. So this makes my day very interesting. On a daily basis I learn from our patients as they cope with their conditions. For me, working with the pediatric patients and their families here at NIH is no other word than "inspiring."

David Lang, M.D.
CC Pediatrician

1st annual NIH Clinical Fellows Day offers career advice,
tools for success

NIH Clinical Fellows pose with NIH senior staff Oct. 25. This was the first annual NIH Clinical Fellows Day. Approximately 130 clinical fellows attended the event.

"A day free of clinical duties, a day to learn about the opportunities and resources available to you at NIH, and an opportunity for clinical fellows across NIH to become acquainted with each other." With these words, Dr. Kenneth E. Remy, Clinical Fellow in the Critical Care Medicine Department and co-chair of the NIH Clinical Fellows Committee (ClinFelCom), launched the first annual NIH Clinical Fellows Day Oct. 25. This event, which was held in the Lipsett Amphitheater at the Clinical Center, was organized with the support of the NIH Clinical Center's Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education and the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences.

Approximately 130 clinical fellows attended the all-day event in hopes of gaining valuable career advice from an impressive roster of seasoned NIH physician scientists and administrators. The fellows are currently enrolled in medical/surgical specialty or subspecialty training programs supported by 11 different NIH Institutes and the Clinical Center.

The day began with a presentation by NIH Clinical Center Director Dr. John I. Gallin, who noted in his opening remarks "the opportunity to celebrate what [clinical fellows] do every day to make this place work." His talk highlighted some of the medical advances that have taken place at the hospital since opening its doors 60 years ago, and offered an overview of current and future directions.

In the morning, panel discussions were moderated by Remy and Dr. Sid Kerkar, Clinical Fellow in the National Cancer Institute Laboratory of Pathology and Co-Chair of ClinFelCom. One panel focused on career issues, the other featured three prominent HIV/AIDS researchers sharing their perspectives on "The Birth of an Epidemic." Clinical fellows were invited to ask questions of the panelists (see sidebar for a few of the many valuable career tips offered during these sessions).

Throughout the day, presentations and breakout sessions offered clinical fellows the chance to learn about publishing scientific manuscripts, grant and fellowship opportunities, patient safety and quality improvement, and the NIH Alumni Network.

In the afternoon, NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins shared stories from his own days as a clinical fellow, even some discouraging moments he experienced in the beginning. However, his overall message was upbeat. "You have a chance to combine clinical experience with laboratory science. That can be a great joy," he said.

"It's good to hear the perspective of people who have been through the process, and the different paths they took to get where they are now," said Dr. Shreyansh D. Shah, a first-year vascular neurology fellow in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "The whole day was very thoughtfully planned and provided great guidance."

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CC doctors receive top prize as Federal Employees of the Year

Left to right: Dr. Julie Segre, Dr. Evan Snitkin, Dr. Tara Palmore and Dr. David Henderson at the Sammies award ceremony.

A team of four NIH physicians and scientists has earned the title of Federal Employees of the Year for its breakthrough in identifying, tracking and eliminating an antibiotic-resistant bacterial outbreak in the Clinical Center with the use of DNA sequencing.

This top honor is a part of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies), which are presented to select federal workers for their significant contributions to the country by the non-profit Partnership for Public Service.

Award winners include Dr. Tara Palmore, Clinical Center deputy hospital epidemiologist; Dr. David Henderson, Clinical Center deputy director for clinical care and associate director for quality assurance and hospital epidemiology; Dr. Julie Segre, National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) senior investigator; and Dr. Evan Snitkin, postdoctoral fellow in Segre's laboratory.

"A combination of shoe-leather healthcare epidemiology and whole genome sequencing of all patient isolates ultimately helped us implement a much more aggressive containment approach, which was subsequently associated with termination of the spread of the resistant organisms," said Henderson. "In truth, the entire Clinical Center family came together to solve this problem."

The Microbiology Service, Institute investigators, the Nursing Department, CC Director Dr. John Gallin and the hospital administration, the housekeeping team and the hospital epidemiology team collaborated on this effort.

This marks the second year in a row the Federal Employee of the Year medal has been awarded to an NIH employee. The team was also named a Science and Environment Medal Finalists, along with NIH Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow. In a separate category, Dr. Michael Gottesman, NIH deputy director for intramural research was named a Career Achievement Medal Finalist.

Read more: http://servicetoamericamedals.org/honorees/view_profile.php?profile=329 [disclaimer]

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Dr. James F. Holland: The early days of the CC

Dr. James F. Holland

Dr. James F. Holland was in the first group of research physicians to staff the NIH Clinical Center, as a senior surgeon at the National Cancer Institute. Holland shared his memories of early days at the CC in a phone interview Sept. 6. The full interview can be found at our 60th anniversary page at http://www.cc.nih.gov/about/news/annivers60.shtml.

CC NEWS: You joined NCI in 1953. What was the position you were hired for, and what were your main responsibilities in that role?

Dr. Holland: I was a medical officer in the Public Health Service. I ran a research activity, primarily in acute leukemia at the time. I conducted rounds, and supervised the implementation of research programs and research.

What was it like on opening day of the Clinical Center?

It was a wonderfully heady atmosphere. Here was this giant new federal hospital specifically built to carry on research programs. Understanding the causes and the cures, potentially, of diseases, was certainly a big concept at the time.

You've seen 60 years of clinical research. What are some of the things that are different today than they were back then, and what's the same?

What's different is the whole development and understanding of DNA and the organization of how a cell works, which allows us now to go into the mechanisms that cause disease. That is a dramatic, revolutionary change. What's the same is that it takes hard work and intelligent people who are willing to listen to new ideas. You've got to have talent to develop new ideas. In that the NIH is outstanding, and the Clinical Center is a critical component of it.

Anything else you'd like to add?

There's no place in the world that's even comparable to NIHno place that's been as productive or that's had as many great discoveries, and trained as many fine, young scientists and physicians, men and women. The NCI and the NIH are great institutions, jewels in the American crown. We all are their beneficiaries.

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NIH Summer Research Program: Poster Day 2013 competition

Kayte Lambert (left) and Angeline Thomas, an OP5 Clinical Research Nurse, who mentored Kayte during her internship at the Clinical Center this summer.

The big winner in the NIH Summer Research Program: Poster Day 2013 competition (heldin August) was David Liao, an intern with CC Rehabilitation Medicine. His poster, "GameIntegrate Lung Therapy (GILT): A Proof of Concept" took home the first place prize.

Kayte Lambert, a Nursing Department participant in the NIH 2013 Summer Intern Program, placed second in the competition.

Kayte's poster, "Clinical Holding in the Ambulatory Care Setting," focused on the important topic of providing a safe and effective way to care for pediatric patients who require assistance for procedures. Kayte worked with the OP5 (Ear, Nose and Throat and Neurology Clinic) Nursing team, who conducted a review of the literature on the topic. She used her findings to design her winning poster. Well done, David and Kayte!

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Dr. Fauci discusseschallenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, presents his lecture "HIV/AIDS: Much Accomplished, Much to Do."

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is unique among disease-causing organisms. Unlike with polio, measles or smallpox—where most people eventually recover from their initial infection—unless they are treated with anti-retroviral drugs, nearly everyone infected with HIV dies.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, reviewed progress and outlined the remaining challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Grand Rounds Contemporary Clinical Medicine: Great Teachers lecture titled, "HIV/AIDS: Much Accomplished, Much to Do" held in Masur Auditorium Sept. 11.

Fauci began his NIH career in 1968 as a fellow in the NIAID Laboratory of Clinical Investigation. Early in his career, he focused on atypical immune diseases and achieved great success in treating and even curing previously fatal conditions. While he enjoyed this work, it wasn't his real passion. "My real love of infectious disease and global health issues was not satisfied," Fauci said.

That changed when he first read about homosexual men with Pneumocystis pneumonia, an opportunistic infection found in patients with weakened immune systems, in a 1981 Center for Disease Control Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. "I made a momentous decision at the time to essentially stop doing the things that I had been doing," Fauci explained, "and to focus all of my attention on this new disease."

Since Fauci put together the first NIH AIDS research group in 1981 within the Laboratory of Immunoregulation—which he leads to this day—scientists have made great advances in AIDS research: understanding the life cycle of the virus, developing an arsenal of drugs to suppress it, and slowing its spread with tools of prevention. "When we first started taking care of people without any antiretrovirals, the median survival for a patient with AIDS was six to eight months. Now, if you treat someone with HIV infection in their 20's, early in the disease, you can mathematically project they will live an additional 50 or more years," Fauci said.

According to Fauci, the immune system's inability to naturally mount a long-term response against HIV is the principal obstacle to developing an effective vaccine against the virus. The challenge of identifying individuals who don't know they have an HIV infection and the difficulty of getting many patients to adhere to retroviral therapy are two other major challenges.

"We know that when you treat HIV-infected individuals, they don't infect others," Fauci said. "We can wipe out half of the infections merely by identifying the people who are infected and putting them on therapy."

Despite these obstacles, Fauci noted that research efforts have produced considerable success. Not only has the life expectancy of people with HIV been greatly extended, in many developed countries, transmission of HIV from mother to child is now less than 2 percent. Fauci notes that an estimated 4.2 million lives were saved by antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries over the last decade, and more than one million infections in infants have been averted by providing antiretroviral drugs to HIV-infected mothers.

"When we go before Congress and talk about what investment in basic research gets you, this is about as good an example as anything we've ever done," Fauci said.

View the lecture: www.go.usa.gov/D7qd.

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Inspired by her doctor, patient plans to follow in her footsteps

Jada wants to be an infectious diseases doctor at NIH when she grows up.

She's a champion swimmer, a dedicated student of science, and a girl with a very clear career goal. "I want to be an infectious diseases doctor at NIH when I grow up," says Jada Mahoney, age 9. In fact, Jada and her family credit Dr. Amy Klion, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, with saving Jada's life. "I think what Dr. Klion does is really wonderful. I want to help other people, like she helped me," she says.

Two and a half years ago Jada was suffering from a variety of symptoms—persistent sinus congestion, difficulty breathing, weight loss and rashes among them. "We saw about 25 doctors, and no one knew what to do," says Michael Mahoney, Jada's dad. "Finally someone told us to come here." It turns out that Jada has hypereosinophilic syndrome, or HES, an extremely rare blood condition. HES can be fatal if not treated; and early diagnosis is crucial. Fortunately, Jada's case was discovered before she suffered permanent damage to her organs. "She should be able to live a normal, healthy life," says Shereen Mahoney, Jada's mom.

Dr. Amy Klion, NIAID, and Jada Mahoney. "I want to help other people, like Dr. Klion helped me," Jada says.

Jada comes to the Clinical Center every six months to be checked by her doctors and have blood drawn for the clinical trial she is participating in. On a recent visit, she and her family went on a tour of the CC, including a visit to the NIH Department of Laboratory Medicine, where she was able to view some "funky-looking molds" under a microscope. For a girl who wants to be a doctor, seeing the inside of a laboratory, and the work that goes on there, was pretty exciting.

One of the challenges for the Mahoneys has been that because HES is so rare, finding information about it is not easy. Jada's dad suggested she write a blog, along with another one of Klion's patients, to help educate people about HES. Jada's sister Dina designed the "look" of the blog, and their dad helped them get it up and running.

The Mahoneys are extremely grateful for the treatment Jada is receiving at the CC. "When we first came here, we were worried, scared; there were so many unknowns," Michael Mahoney says. "Everyone here—from the doctors, to the valets and the maintenance staff, everyone!—was so welcoming, and went out of their way to help us when we needed it. That was really comforting." Jada agrees with her dad. "Everybody's really nice," she says. When asked what the most interesting thing she'd learned at the CC was she replied, "I learned how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful doctors, and how much they care."

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Keeping a healthy blood supply—and healthy blood donors

A Department of Transfusion Medicine study has shed new light on how to deal with an ongoing challenge for blood donors and blood donation centers.

"There's always been a concern about iron depletion among blood donors, especially frequent donors," said Dr. Harvey G. Klein, chief of the Department of Transfusion Medicine. "Ours was the first long-term study to examine this concern, and to demonstrate that there is a feasible, practical and effective way of dealing with it."

The Food and Drug Administration has identified three ways of solving the issue of iron depletion among blood donors. One is to prolong the interval between blood donations; another is to increase the level of hemoglobin required for donors to be eligible. "The problem with the first two methods is that they would actually impede blood collection," said Klein.

The third strategy, administering routine oral iron replacement in U.S. blood donors, has now been demonstrated by the DTM study to be both feasible and effective, with proper medical oversight. A subsequent multi-site study conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute confirmed the frequency of iron deficiency and iron depletion found in the DTM study. NHLBI is currently conducting follow-up studies to evaluate the strategy of routine oral iron replacement.

The DTM study demonstrated that a majority of repeat male and female donors [about 50 percent of the women in the study, and 6 percent of the men with low blood counts (or hemoglobin)] developed iron depletion or deficiency as a result of repeated donation. "We were surprised that the numbers were so high," said Klein. "But it was also very encouraging to see that the problem could be proactively managed by iron replacement therapy, and that donors who receive such treatment are likely to be able to donate blood successfully in the future."

The study also examined both compliance with oral replacement therapy (i.e. iron pills) and response to that therapy (how well subjects were able to tolerate the treatment). Dr. Barbara Bryant, who was a medical fellow at DTM at the time of the study, was the principal investigator, and DTM's Dr. Susan Leitman and Yu Ying Yau R.N. are among the authors of the study, which was published in Transfusion in July 2012.

"Iron replacement programs are a win-win proposition for both donors and donor centers," the study concludes. "The data from this study support the safety and efficacy of iron replacement as a routine practice in all blood donors... In the not too distant future, donors may find that 'donor iron' is as helpful and desirable as donor cookies' in maintaining well-being after blood donation."

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Clinical Center staff bounces back from partial
government shutdown

From left to right: Denise Ford, chief, Hospitality Services; Dr. Leighton Chan, chief, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine; NIH Clinical Center Director Dr. John I. Gallin; and Dr. David Henderson, deputy director for Clinical Care serve cake to Clinical Center employees.

After a 16-day partial government shutdown that had about 75 percent of Clinical Center employees furloughed, regular operations resumed Thursday, Oct. 17.

For those who had been working through the shutdown with a skeletal staff, it was a huge relief to have everyone back. "We are delighted to be back at 'full strength' again," said CC Director Dr. John I. Gallin as he gave out slices of cake to CC employees during a "celebratory salute" to the staff. "This is our way of saying thank you for all you did in helping us through the shutdown, whether you were here or furloughed," said Gallin.

In his welcome-back email to staff, NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins wrote: "This has been a trying time for everyone, whether you were furloughed, excepted, or somewhere in between."

In a Town Hall meeting held in Masur Auditorium Wednesday, Oct. 23, Collins said, "You all have come roaring back, full of energy, full of determination to make up for lost time, to live out the promise of this institution. And the consequences of that have been truly impressive this first week," he said. "I'm humbled and thankful to be associated with you by fulfilling our mission to get back to work supporting science and health. Your commitment and professionalism has been a joy to behold."

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CC Department of Bioethics welcomes Dr. Scott Kim

Dr. Scott Kim

Who: Scott Kim, MD, PhD, senior investigator, Department of Bioethics

When: Joined the Department of Bioethics as a new tenured senior investigator in July 2013.

Where I came from: I was previously at the University of Michigan, where I was co-director of Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, and where I was recently promoted to professor of psychiatry.

What I do: Most of my work has focused on the ethics of human subject research: assessment of decision-making capacity of potential subjects of clinical research, surrogate consent for dementia research, the ethics of sham surgical trials, informed consent and the therapeutic misconception, and Institutional Review Board reform. I am very interested in integrating theoretical and empirical approaches to addressing bioethical issues. Whatever method is best suited to a bioethical problem, I try to learn and use it.

Education and Training: MD from Harvard Medical School; medical internship and psychiatry residency at Massachusetts General Hospital; PhD in philosophy from the University of Chicago.

Why I came to NIH: What better place to study than at "America's research hospital"? The CC's emphasis on conducting first-in-human clinical trials in diseases of high public health impact makes it a great place to study research ethics. And the Department of Bioethics is perhaps the leading bioethics department in the world in terms of its quality, productivity, and impact. I'm very excited to be part of the Department and the Center.

Other interests: Although I've left Ann Arbor, I remain a loyal Wolverines fan.

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CC OCMR welcomes new staff members

Cindy Fisher (left) and Molly Hooven

Clinical Center staff now have two new points of contacts for important communications functions: Molly Hooven for press and Cindy Fisher for websites.

Hooven will serve as the new Media Relations Lead. Previously, she was a Press Officer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she crafted social media and communications outreach on chemical and toxics substances, radiation, and emergency management.

Hooven has worked on the production of TV shows for The Discovery Channel, BRAVO, CBS and NBC, on PR for the Baltimore Aquarium, and with MedSchool Maryland Productions to create training videos for health professionals.

Fisher is another recent addition to the Office of Communications and Media Relations. She recently retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service, 16 of those years as a public affairs specialist.

Fisher has worked as a news reporter, layout and design editor, broadcast journalist, video editor and social media manager. As a Stars and Stripes reporter, she deployed to Iraq in 2008. Welcome Cindy and Molly!

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Clinical Center arms staff with flu vaccine

Lt. Cmdr. Antoinette L. Jones receives her flu shot at the CC flu clinic.

If you missed your flu shot, don't delay—the Occupational Medicine Service will continue to offer the flu vaccine to CC healthcare personnel through Nov. 21. Workers with patient contact (healthcare personnel) are required to get immunized or formally decline the vaccine.

The CC Director's Office notified heath care personnel who didn't comply with the mandate to receive or formally decline the vaccine. OMS will provide the vaccine to healthcare personnel in OP-6 during the following times:

• Tuesday 11/19/13: 7:3011 a.m.

• Wednesday 11/20/13: 13:30 p.m.

• Thursday 11/21/13: 7:3011 a.m.

"The best way to reduce your risk of getting sick and exposing patients and others to illness is to get the flu shot every year," said Dr. Tara Palmore, deputy hospital epidemiologist for the NIH Clinical Center. "It's both a benefit we're providing and an essential preventive health measure."

From Sept. 9 to Nov. 6 OMS administered free flu shots to anyone with an NIH identification badge from Sept. 9 to Nov. 6. The free flu shots were sponsored by the NIH Office of Research Services and the Clinical Center. OMS will administer more than 14,000 doses of flu vaccine this season.

For more information and questions visit http://foiltheflu.nih.gov or call 301-496-2209 or 301-496-4411.

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CC staff bring Halloween to patients

"I love polka dots," said ladybug Nancy Green, research support assistant for the CC's Outpatient Pediatric Clinic.

Clinical Center staff got into the spirit and wore costumes Oct. 31 to ensure Halloween was a day of fun for the Center's younger patients, their siblings and the children of adult patients. The Recreation Therapy Department and The Children's Inn coordinated a "trick or treat" event for about 30 children who were eagerly clad as princesses, superheroes, monsters, doctors and many other costumes, all ready to go and collect some of the donated candy.

Kim Skay, a clinical research nurse with the Clinical Center's Outpatient Pediatric Clinic, shows off the bunny ears a patient gave her.

The children "trick or treated" throughout the Inpatient and Outpatient Pediatrics units and other patient-care units and departments. Many of the staff dressed in Halloween costumes or wore Halloween-themed outfits in preparation for their young candy-seeking visitors.

"This family-centered event provides all visiting children and pediatric patients the opportunity to have fun and trick or treat while dealing with the complex challenges associated with being in a hospital," said Donna Gregory, chief of recreational therapy in the Rehabilitation Department.

"For pediatric patients, it gives them an opportunity to be just kids—not sick kids," she added. Others around the Clinical Center also got into the Halloween spirit, wearing orange and black, funny hats or costumes.

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Volunteers, staff and friends beautify CC gardens with flowers

CC garden volunteers (left to right): Phyllis Byrne R.N.; Biren Naik, Apheresis Coordinator, Platelet Center; Avis Brown, assistant to Harvey Klein, M.D.; Jo Procter, Cell Processing Section supervisor of Operations; William W. Ward, Ph.D., deputy chief, Department of Transfusion Medicine.

Some very dedicated employees and generous friends of the Clinical Center have donated time, effort, seeds and bulbs to quietly, and with dedication, planting the seeds of tomorrow's flowering gardens at the Clinical Center.

Some of the hundreds of flowers donated by Phillips.

Pam Phillips, CEO of Professional Landscape Management Services is one of the people we have to thank. For several years, she has donated both plants and labor to NIH's Safra Family Lodge and Children's Inn.

A couple of years ago, Phillips donated several hundred spring-flowering bulbs and perennials for the CC courtyards, which were planted by teams of volunteers at spring and fall "planting bees." Just recently, this project was brought to completion, as the remaining bare spots were filled in. "We consider it a privilege to work at NIH, and it is our pleasure to donate something that can help brighten someone's day," said Phillips.

At the Blood Bank, a small garden area outside the main entrance has blossomed through the collective volunteer efforts of several Blood Bank employees, led by Phyllis Byrne, RN, who is retiring Nov. 27 as managing director of the Donor Resources and Platelet Center of the Department of Transfusion Medicine, after 24 years of service. "We brought plants from home, and had a planting day," said Byrne, a self-proclaimed "gardening maniac" who put in extra hours tending and weeding the garden before she began work in the mornings. "I wanted to leave behind an ever-blooming garden as a tribute to staff who have passed away, as well as to the current dedicated employees."

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The sounds of the National Symphony Orchestra resonate throughout the CC

Assistant conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl leads the National Symphony Orchestra concert in the Clinical Center's atrium.

Staff, patients, and their families were invited to the Clinical Center atrium Sept. 11 to listen to the world-famous National Symphony Orchestra. Co-presented by the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences and the CC, assistant conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl directed works by Prokofiev, Rossini, Barber and Mozart.

CC patient Abigail Myres at NSO's Musicial Instrument Petting Zoo.

"We are delighted and honored that the National Symphony Orchestra chose the NIH Clinical Center to launch its 'Sound Health' initiative," said CC Director Dr. John I. Gallin.

"Our patients and their families, who come from all over the nation and the globe, can enjoy this unique experience as they partner with us to achieve vital advances in science and health, while receiving outstanding care." The "Sound Health" initiative is designed to serve hospitals and other health-related venues.

The National Symphony Orchestra's visit to the NIH campus also included a performance by Viva Violins, an ensemble of violinists, followed by a "Musical Instrument Petting Zoo," held at the NIH Children's Inn.

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The 30th NIH Institute Challenge Relay

Pushing our Gluteus to the Maximus (from left) Andrew Gravunder, Diane Brandt, Eric Christensen, Leora Comis (Andre van der Merwe not pictured) and team Blue Steel Stephen Klagholz, Leslie Wehrlen, Andrew Richardson, Regina Andrade, and Helen Mayberry.

On Sept. 19, more than 450 people hit the ground running in the 30th NIH Institute Challenge Relay. Eighty-nine teams participated in the nearly 2.5-mile relay race, including four teams from the CC.

The Rehabilitation Medicine Department team "Pushing our Gluteus to the Maximus" received 6th place with a time of 14:56. The other three CC teams crossed the finish line within the same minute! The Department of Laboratory Medicine team, "Pumped up Kicks," finished at 17:18, the Nursing Research and Translational Science Department team "Blue Steel" at 17:31, and the Department of Clinical Research Informatics team, "The Clinical Informaniacs," came in seconds later at 17:43.

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Dr. Juan Gea-Banacloche receives 2013
Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award

From the left: CC Director Dr. John I. Gallin; 2013 Distinguished Clinical Teacher award winner Dr. Juan Gea-Banacloche, chief, NIH Infectious Disease Consultation Service; Dr. Dawn Ionescu and Dr. Abbas Ali, co-chairs of the Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award Committee.

The recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award, presented by the NIH Clinical Fellows' Committee, is Dr. Juan Gea-Banacloche.

Gea-Banacloche is chief of the NIH Infectious Disease Consultation Service, a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute and Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Currently, he is researching the infectious compilations of stem cell transplantation.

The award recognizes Gea-Banacloche's contributions to mentoring health professionals, teaching clinical fellows, and clinical research. "Not only should he be praised for his clinical skills, but also for his humanitarianism—in my experience he has always been a voice of reason in regards to compassionate, thoughtful care of the whole patient. This empathy makes him a great role model for fellows trying to balance clinical excellence with mindful patient care," said one clinical fellow.

The award was presented Sept. 11 before the Grand Rounds Contemporary Clinical Medicine: Great Teachers lecture.

Other 2013 DCTA nominees:

Dr. Andrew Arai, NHLBI
Dr. Francesco Celi, NIDDK
Dr. William Gahl , NHGRI
Dr. Phillip Gorden, NIDDK
Dr. Mark Hallett, NINDS
Dr. Gregory Kato, NHLBI
Dr. Shivaani Kummar, NCI
Dr. Karel Pacak, NICHD
Dr. Daniel Pine, NIMH
Dr. Constantine Stratakis, NICHD
Dr. Carlos Zarate, NIMH

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New hand hygiene dispensers installed

Riema C. Broesamle, 5NW nurse, says the new dispensers have a more efficient shape and design.

Installation of the new Clinical Center hand hygiene dispensers began Oct. 28. More than 600 dispensers were installed in every area a patient receives care and in the areas that produce sterile products for patients.

The new dispensers are designed to apportion the right amount of hand antiseptic to cover all areas of the hands. "The dispensers still contain the same antiseptic product—they are now more efficient in ensuring the proper amount of antiseptic for better hand disinfection," said Angela Michelin, an infection control consultant.

Project SEARCH interns help maintain the newly installed dispensers.

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Upcoming Events

NIH Director's Wednesday Afternoon
Lecture Series Astute Clinician Lecture
November 20, 2013
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Masur Auditorium

The Genetic Basis of Kidney Cancer: Targeting the Metabolic Basis of Disease
W. Marston Linehan, M.D., Senior Investigator, Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI. For more information, visit http://wals.od.nih.gov.

Combined Federal Campaign Bake Sale
November 20, 2013
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hatfield Building, near 2nd floor cafeteria

CC departments are organizing this bake sale event, with proceeds going to CFC charities. A "bake-off" dessert competition is at 11:00 a.m. with winners announced at 12:00 p.m. Contact Charlotte Pak at pakcg@cc.nih.gov for more information.

Family Caregiver Day Fair & Expo
November 21, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hatfield Building 7th floor bridge

In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month, CC departments and outside exhibitors offer resources for family caregivers. No registration required. For program details, visit www.cc.nih.gov/wecare/.

Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 22, 2013
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Warren Grant Magnuson Building

All proceeds benefit Friends of the Clinical Center. Stop by for a variety of vendors with crafts, clothes, jewelry and gifts for the holidays!

10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition
December 2 – 15, 2013
CC Atrium

Vote for your favorite decorated house and get into the holiday season.

Fame: The CFC Fashion Show
December 10, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Masur Auditorium

The fashion show, "Giving is the New Black," will benefit the Combined Federal Campaign charities. Contact Jennifer Simmons at simmonsjn@mail.nih.gov to volunteer or participate.

Stephen E. Straus Distinguished Lecture in the Science of Complementary Health Therapies
December 16, 2013
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Lipsett Amphitheater

Lecture will be presented by Robert Califf, M.D., vice chancellor, Clinical and Translational Research; director, Duke Translational Medicine Institute; professor of medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center.

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