Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

INSIDE

1

Of all the forms of inequality,

injustice in health care is the most

shocking and inhumane.

These words, originally spoken by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr before the Medical Committee for Human Rights in 1966, echoed through Medical Alumni Hall at HUP’s annual tribute to the civil rights leader. Although snow postponed the original event, it did nothing to diminish the spirits of the audience as they heard how King’s words remain pertinent today.

TO DREAM

DREAMT H E I M P O S S I B L E

Volume 25 Number 5 March 7, 2014

“We honor a great man whose advancement of dignity, justice, and peace was formed by his religious values,” said Rabbi Robert Tabak of Pastoral Care. Referring to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” in the Bible’s book of Leviticus, Tabak reminded those in attendance that “all human beings, whatever their color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, whatever their physical or mental abilities, each person deserves respect.”

Citing persistent health inequality across the United States, guest speaker Reverend Cedric Jones of Mt. Zion Baptist Church asked, “What if Dr. King was right?” He challenged the audience to use King’s words as inspiration in their work at HUP and in the community.

Regina Cunningham, PhD, chief nurse executive, said the essence of King’s work remains alive today, for example, in the University’s 2020 compact which focuses on advancing diversity and inclusion in the institution. “These are more than social and demographic imperatives,” said Cunningham. “Embracing diversity and inclusion creates strength and advantage for Penn because we live in and serve in a global society.”

Recalling a play she had seen, The Man in Room 306 (a fictional account of the last night in King’s life), Cunningham said, “One of the things that I found really interesting was that, as a young person, he had a secret ambition to be an opera singer.” While he didn’t follow that path, “we know that he used his voice in an incredibly powerful way.”

Cunningham added that King’s dream in many ways reflects the American dream, including having the opportunity to achieve based on ability, industriousness, strength, and character.

In addition to the inspiring speeches, the audience was also treated to performances by the Philadelphia Girls Choir and Tamika Patton of HUP Administration, who served as mistress of ceremonies and worked with members of Pastoral Care to organize the celebration.

` The Rev. Cedrick Jones and the Philadelphia Girls Choir were part of this year’s MLK celebration.

A New Celebration of Art & Life .................................2

Speaking with HUP’s Leaders ...........................3

HUP Goes Red to Support Heart Health ..............................3

The Todd Rohrbach Award .....4

CAREs Grant Supports CTCL Awareness ......................4

2

A NEW CELEBRATION OF LIFE & ARTThe fourth annual Celebration of Life and Art again demonstrates the incredible artistic talent found throughout the Health System. The exhibition is dedicated to Bernett L. Johnson, Jr., MD, HUP’s former chief medical officer who was an exceptionally talented artist. “Bernie is always with us,” said Garry Scheib, HUP’s executive director. “We have constant reminders of his kindness and his talent.” He thanked Judy Schueler, former VP of Organizational Development, who was the driving force behind the initial Celebration exhibit.

“Over one and a half million patients and visitors will see this art work in the next year, ” she said. “Art is very much part of the healing process.”

This year, 125 people submitted over 400 pieces of work. The 2014 exhibition is the largest, with 115 pieces of art lining the walls of the Penn Tower Bridge and continuing in the upper level atrium of the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. “We try to use at least one entry from everyone who

SPEAKING WITH HUP’S LEADERS “Penn Tower is not coming down in June,” stressed John Kirby, associate executive director at HUP, at last month’s Meal with an Administrator in response to a question from one of the participants. Kirby said two groups currently occupying suites on the PT lobby level — hospital administration and radiology administration — are scheduled to move back into HUP some time between June and August. “At some point Penn Tower is coming down but there is still a lot of necessary construction before that can happen,” he said, adding that additional floors may be added to the South Pavilion Extension (SPE) at the Perelman Center. Initial move-ins to the SPE are scheduled in early 2015.

Financially the Health System is doing well, Kirby said. “We are ahead of budget.” UPHS funnels extra dollars back into its facilities, such as the ongoing upgrade of patient-care units on Silverstein. He said leadership also looks for small capital purchases — up to $5,000 — that can help improve patient care, increase productivity or decrease operating expenses.

The Pavilion for Advanced Care, which will house the new Trauma Center at PPMC, opens in less than a year. The Center was designed with all essential services readily accessible to trauma patients. “There will be numerous wide trauma bays, with radiology and respiratory services right there,” said Judy James, HUP’s associate HR chief. And moving patients up to the ICU or OR will be easier. “The elevators are extra wide to fit the entire trauma team along with the stretcher.”

James said HR has been transitioning Trauma staff for their move to PPMC and preparing PPMC staff to receive trauma patients. “We started to prepare six months ago and still have a lot to do before the opening,” she said, noting that “all of Dulles 6 — an orthopaedic trauma unit — will move over to PPMC.”

In other news, the Health System will slowly phase in EPIC, the electronic medical record system currently used for outpatients, for inpatient services as well. Once completed, the newly named Penn Chart will contain medical records for all UPHS patients. The first service areas to go live with this program will be Radiology, Transplant, and the Emergency Department.

James spoke about the 2014 Employee Survey, which concludes today. She said results from the survey will be available in early May. “Managers will be able to compare these results to the ones from the 2011 survey, looking for opportunities for improvement,” she said. HR generalists will be available to help supervisors build action plans.

Employees have until Friday, March 7 at midnight to do the survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. To access the survey, go to http://bit.ly/Nscb6m.

submits work,” said Rosemarie Cray, HR project manager, who leads the project each year.

Each year, Mary Martha Johnson shares two paintings from her husband’s collection. This year, she chose two pieces that focus on light. She said Reflections 1 was of a Quaker House in Sturbridge Village. “It shows a place to rest and reflect in the sunlight or possibly of a higher light.” Reflections 2, which shows a prison cell in Eastern State Penitentiary, has a darker mood, with a skylight reflecting on the cell blocks.

“Thanks to all our artists, patients and families will stop and smell the roses,” she said.

` Mary Martha Johnson with the two paintings from her husband’s collection that are part of this year’s exhibit.

3

THEFT: MORE THAN JUST PERSONAL PROPERTYHUP Security works hard to protect our patients, families and employees, but keeping personal property safe is a team effort. The theft of personal items can have serious consequences, including identify theft and the loss of things that are of personal and professional significance. To help keep your personal property safe, please remember to:

• Lock your door whenever you leave.

• Use a U-lock on your bike, not a cable lock.

• Take personal property with you or keep it locked in a desk drawer or cabinet.

To learn more go to http://uphsxnet.uphs.upenn.edu/HupSecurity/home.html.

` The MICU staff pose with the Rohrbach family (center back) at the announcement of the winner of the inaugural Todd Rohrbach award.

THE TODD ROHRBACH AWARD Todd Rohrbach worked in the MICU from February 2005 until his sudden death in August 2013. His family knew how much the job meant to him but were “overwhelmed with the support from the entire unit” after he died.

To commemorate his spirit, compassion, and mentorship, his family created a yearly award for a MICU nurse who has these same traits. In announcing the inaugural winner, nurse manager Cheryl Maguire, MSN, CCRN, said, “Todd embodied compassion, often spending hours sitting at the bedside holding a patient’s hand to calm her down. He patiently explained procedures and plans to families. Todd always checked in on his ‘young uns’ and made sure they had what they needed to provide safe care. Todd tried to work the least desirable holidays so his peers could be with their families.”

The winner was Margy Burke. “It is obvious that nursing is her passion,” the nomination letter said. “[The MICU] is not an easy place to work and Margy makes it a better work environment for patients and for fellow coworkers.”

Goes RED to Support Heart HealthIn honor of American Heart Month, Penn Medicine joined more than 2,000 landmarks and buildings from around the country in supporting women’s heart health by going red! The bridge between the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and Penn Tower was illuminated in red lights to help bring lifesaving awareness to women about their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease, and information on how to reduce risk factors and live healthy every day.

As part of the month’s activities, staff from the Heart and Vascular Center provided giveaways and free blood pressure screenings as well as plenty of heart-healthy information to help both staff and patients protect their

hearts. Reps from myPennMedicine, the online health management tool for UPHS patients, were also available to help people sign up.

The HVC also held a fundraiser for the American Heart Association during the month. For a dollar donation, faculty, staff and patients were invited to have their picture taken with a cut-out of Marilyn Monroe in a “Go Red!” gown. So far the photos have raised $40 and will continue into March.

` Ian Paul Viray (r) and Wilton Torres pose with Marilyn Monroe for an AHA fundraiser.

` The bridge between the Perelman Center and Penn Tower was illuminated in red lights to help raise awareness of women’s heart health.

4

HUPdate

CAREs Grant Supports CTCL Awareness Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), a form of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, typically starts with itchy raised red patches and/or thick build-ups of skin on the body. Because of these common symptoms, the ailment is often misdiagnosed as eczema, chronic dermatitis, or psoriasis. Most CTCL cases cannot be cured, but treatment methods can significantly improve one’s health and quality of life.

As the clinical lead nurse in Extracorporeal Photopheresis, Mia Perry, RN, regularly treats CTCL patients. Reading that the disease primarily impacts African American males, she wanted to spread awareness to members at her church, the Mt. Airy Church of God in West Philadelphia. With support from a Penn Medicine CAREs grant, Perry started the CTCL Community Education initiative. She and guest speakers, such as Filiberto Cedeno-Laurent, MD, PhD, CTCL, fellow at HUP, address members of her congregation, discussing symptoms, treatment, and other aspects of the condition. She always recommends that, if individuals suspect they may have CTCL, they should obtain a blood test with their primary care doctor to confirm.

Starting with a men’s breakfast, Perry has brought information and educational materials to many other church events, with increasing success in reaching members of the congregation. “Education is power,” she said. “You want to empower the patient and make them more aware of what’s out there. The disease is on the rise and affects this community.”

Penn Dermatology’s Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Clinic has the largest referral program in the nation, but finding candidates for treatment is not easy. Perry said women in the congregation are invited to the events in the hope that they can encourage the men in their lives to take a greater role in managing their health. “It’s sometimes tough to get men on board with health-care issues, but the ‘Men to Men’ group at my church is eager and concerned about their health and welfare,” she said. “We want to get more health issues discussed and educate them.”

Perry is optimistic that she will reach many of them, but even helping a few with CTCL will make the efforts worth it.

“Success will be when more people can’t say that they weren’t aware, because now we’ve educated them and provided the tools for them to go to their primary care physician and take action.”

EDITORIAL STAFF Sally Sapega Editor and Photographer

Trissy Harding Designer

ADMINISTRATION Susan E. Phillips Senior Vice President, Public Affairs

Holly Auer Director of Communications

CONTACT HUPDATE AT: 3535 Market Street, Mezzanine Philadelphia, PA 19104

phone: 215.662.4488 fax: 215.349.8312 email: sally.sapega@uphs.upenn.edu

HUPdate is published biweekly for HUP employees. Access HUPdate online at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/hupdate.

Heartfelt Thanks I received a new heart last month…. The entire heart transplant process could have been

an extremely stressful journey, especially the wait for a new heart. However, thanks to the extraordinary and non-stop communication skills and compassion of the entire team, I NEVER had a stressful day. For example, before I could worry that my heart would stop working before a new heart arrived, Dr. Joyce Wald took my hands in hers and looked me in the eyes and promised me I would get a heart…. During this whole journey, I always remembered the words Dr. Mariell Jessup said to me early in the process. She told me I was in for a ‘very pleasant surprise’ when I had a heart that performed the way a heart was meant to perform. Talk about a constant morale booster.

2 of the heart transplant nurses, Anthony Kayser and Nicole Hornsby, always kept me up to date and were always available to answer any of my questions. I was always treated like I was every HUP employee’s father/son/brother/best friend and I was never treated like a number or patient X.

This caring approach, as well as the medically excellent treatment, was the norm on 100% of my interactions with any HUP personnel…. NO ONE does it better than HUP!!! I will always feel blessed that HUP was here for me. To read the entire patient letter, go online to http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/hupdate/.

` Mia Perry (r.) with Susan Thornton from the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.