“We’ve had a focus on polycystickidney disease for many years,” said Dr.Grantham, who first began writing individualkidney research grants when he arrived atKU in 1969. “This latest grant seeks toanswer how the cysts form in the kidney. Itwill lead us to new therapies for PKD.”

The grants, which will help develop aPKD Magnet Center of Excellence at KU,contribute to the climate of excellence atboth the medical and surgical levels,Grantham observed. “We have a leadingkidney center here. In this region— Kansas,Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa— the hospitalwith the best record for kidney survival andkidney patient survival is KU Med.”

Dr. Grantham credits this climate to “a whole cast who make up thecomprehensive kidney center,” including

THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER

ope is available for those who sufferfrom polycystic kidney disease

(PKD), the most common of all life-threatening genetic diseases, thanks tomajor funding recently awarded by theNational Institutes of Health (NIH) toresearchers at the University of Kansas.

The NIH’s National Institute ofDiabetes and Digestive and KidneyDiseases, in collaboration with thePolycystic Kidney Research (PKR)Foundation of Kansas City, awarded KUMedical Center researchers a grant totalingmore than $5 million over five years tostudy several aspects of the disease.

Jared J. Grantham, MD,distinguished professor of medicine, isprogram director and principalinvestigator for the grants.

21 OCTOBER 1999 • VOLUME 1 • NUMBER 32

H

Kidney research grant supportsclimate of excellence at KU Med

Drs. Dennis Diederich; Dale Abramson;Glen Andrews; James Calvet; ArnoldChonko; Benjamin Cowley; VincentGattone; George Helmkamp; Billy Hudson;Robin Maser; Dan Murillo; Jill Pelling;Kenneth Peterson; George Pierce;Lawrence Sullivan, and Franz Winklhofer,and other staff physicians and scientistswho partner with the kidney group.

A pioneer in PKD research, Dr.Grantham has made significant discoveriesas to the cause of the disease. He is arecipient of the Homer W. Smith Award,the highest honor presented by theAmerican Society of Nephrology, and theDavid M. Hume Award, the NationalKidney Foundation’s top award.

“This project is my last hurrah,” hesaid. “It’s been a dream and a plan for along, long time.”

Jared Grantham, MD, will oversee afive-year, total costs grant of $5 million.

KU Med anniversary reception will be Oct. 27KU Med will celebrate the first anniversary of the KU Hospital Authority

with a reception Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 2-4 p.m. in the Francisco Lounge. AllKU Med employees will receive first anniversary gifts at the reception. Invitationswill soon be distributed to each department.

“We urge all KU Med employees to come help us celebrate a remarkable firstyear of achievements,” said KU Med President and CEO Irene Cumming.

Giulia Bonaminio, PhD, director ofmedical education, KU School of Medicine,has recently been named assistant dean formedical education.

As assistant dean, Dr. Bonaminio willcontinue to direct the Office of MedicalEducation. The Office supports theEducation Council, faculty and relevantadministrative units of the School ofMedicine in the development,implementation and evaluation ofeducational programs. The Office alsoconducts and assists faculty engaged inresearch pertaining to medical education.

2

Giulia Bonaminionow assistant dean

The Emergency Nurses Association(ENA) has announced that applications are being accepted for the ENAFoundation/Sigma Theta Tau InternationalResearch Grant. Priority will be given tostudies relating to the ENA and ENAFoundation research initiatives.Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1. For more information, visit theENA web site at <www.ena.org>.

The Woodrow Wilson-Johnson &Johnson Dissertation Grants are available fororiginal research on issues related to women’sand children’s health. Winners receive grantsof $2,000, to be used for expenses connectedwith the dissertation. Fifteen awards will bemade. The application deadline is Nov. 8.For more information, visit the web site at<www.woodrow.org>.

Grant opportunities

Dozens of University facultymembers are enhancing their teachingskills by participating in MedicalEducation 101, a series of eight workshopscovering the basic concepts and skillsnecessary for effective medical education.

“Traditionally, medical school facultywere given very little encouragement orpreparation for teaching,” said AnneWalling, MD, associate dean of facultydevelopment. “We’re trying to change thatby offering our faculty some opportunitiesto improve their teaching skills. We wantteaching to be effective and efficient.Teaching takes a lot of time and emotionalenergy. It should be something you dovery well so it’s worth all the energy.”

The workshops cover topics rangingfrom how to give good lectures toimproving written examinations.

“Most of our workshops are taught by local faculty,” Dr. Walling said. “We also have three distinguishedexternal faculty coming in for this series of workshops.”

Sponsored by the Office of FacultyDevelopment and the Office of MedicalEducation, Medical Education 101workshops are held on the first Thursdayof every month. There is no workshop in December. The workshops are open to all faculty members. For moreinformation, contact Julie McCollum, ext. 7201.

Faculty hone teaching skills withMedical Education 101 workshops

On Oct. 14, the University of Kansas honored former distinguished facultymembers at the annual Emeritus Faculty Dinner. The dinner, held in the HixsonAtrium, included an update by Executive Vice Chancellor Donald Hagen, MD, onchanges that have occurred at the University in recent years, and a look atfuture plans. Among those inducted as new emeritus faculty members were A.L.(Al) Chapman, PhD (at left with Tom Noffsinger, PhD, Research Institute executivedirector, and Mike Welch, MD, vice chancellor for research); Martin Mainster,MD, PhD; Charley W. Norris, MD; James Bergin, MD, and Errol Levine, MD. The dinner was sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor.

Emeritus faculty honored at dinner

Get set for a week of good times in the courtyard and hopefor youth in the community, as KU Med (hospital) and theUniversity of Kansas Medical Center host the 1999 United Waycampaign Oct. 25 through 29.

The campaign week includes a variety of activities for allKU Med and University employees. Events are designed tocelebrate and build enthusiasm for the campaign, which willbenefit local children and youth organizations. As an incentiveto giving, Ivy’s Restaurant will provide a $10 gift certificate toeach employee who donates $10 or more to United Way.

The week-long festivities include appearances byrepresentatives of local organizations that benefit from UnitedWay, as well as music, food and plenty of fun.

3

Schedule of EventsMonday, Oct. 25 Campaign Kick Off7:30-8:30 a.m. Hosted by KU Med 4:15-5:15 p.m. and University leaders

Tuesday, Oct. 26 KU Pep Rally11 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes visit by the KU Spirit Squad

Wednesday, Oct. 27 Tailgate Party11 a.m.-1 p.m. Everything but the beer!Thursday, Oct. 28 Ice Cream Social11 a.m.-1 p.m. Good old-fashioned fun

Friday, Oct. 29 Wrap-up & Celebration11 a.m.-noon Music by the Schlagle High School Band

All events will be held in the Fountain Courtyard. In case

of bad weather, the location will be Murphy Lobby.

Your Personal Best = Their Best Hope

Campus United Way campaign events set for Oct. 25-29

KU Med receives Level 2 Kansas Award for ExcellenceKU Med (hospital) was among 18

Kansas businesses and organizationshonored at the fourth annual Kansas Awardfor Excellence banquet Oct. 19. KU Medreceived a Level 2 Performance in QualityAward, the second of three levels ofrecognition under the statewide program.

The Level 2 Performance in QualityAward is presented to organizations thatdemonstrate significant progress inbuilding sound, systematic processes andmanagement practices through acommitment to and practice of quality

principles. It is the highest level anorganization can receive without a site visit,and one level higher than KU Medreceived last year.

“We were very pleased to receive thishonor,” said Vice President forOrganizational Improvement Bob Page-Adams. “This simply reinforces what wealready demonstrated with the JCAHOAccreditation with Commendation. It’sgreat to be recognized by anotherindependent body for the success of ourperformance improvement initiatives.”

The Kansas Award for Excellenceprogram annually recognizes Kansascompanies that utilize the MalcolmBaldrige National Quality Criteria forBusiness Excellence. The Baldrigestandards are used by many large U.S.firms for self-improvement and enhancedbusiness performance. In Kansas, the awardprogram is operated by the Kansas Awardfor Excellence Foundation, the stateaffiliate of the Malcolm Baldrige NationalQuality Award Program of the NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology.

Students Educating and Advocating for Diversity (SEAD)sponsored the Oct. 6 program “Race and Healthcare” insupport of the President’s Initiative for One America. Panelistsat the forum included Sue Clausen, Equal Opportunity Office,left; Sandra Torrente, fourth-year medical student; PhoebeWilliams, RN, PhD, FAAN, and Kathleen Fuller, PhD.

Approximately 2,100 people turned out Oct. 16to receive free immunizations at the KUMedical Center Drive-Thru Flu Shot Event.Shots were administered by 56 KU School ofNursing students.

At Clendening Amphitheater last week, Lenora Taylor, left, PsychiatryGrand Rounds coordinator, and Sajid Hafeez, MD, right, resident,Department of Psychiatry, welcomed Jack M. Gorman, MD,professor of psychiatry, Columbia University. Dr. Gorman discussedcauses and treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Deb Brogden, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, left, Richard Rounds,Facilities Management, and Barbara Amick, HIS, were among the KU Med andUniversity employees who volunteered to rehabilitate homes for the elderly aspart of the national Christmas in October effort Oct. 9.

Jayhawk Primary Care staff members and their families met at Santa Fe SportsCenter Oct. 2 for a Fall Fun Fest and picnic. Shown with JayNurse are ChrisDowns, Jani Rothermel, Karen Packard, Diane Yager and Deena Hugenan.

4

5

Front & Center

Members of the KU Med Auxiliary joined forcesOct. 7 to prepare 150 pies for the upcomingAuxiliary Bazaar, Oct. 27 and 28 in the hospitallobby. Peeling apples were Ann Nelson, bakesale chairman, and husband Stan.

SHINE ON! Last Wednesday, the KUMed Executive Team andJCAHO Steering Team sponsored three JCAHO “Accreditationwith Commendation” picnics to thank all KUMed employees.Enjoying the festivities were: Tammy Peterman, RN, BSN, interimchief nurse executive; Susan Nielsen, RNC, ARPN, CNS LRDPJaystork support; Teresa Kilkenny, BSN, nurse practitioner; IreneCumming, KUMed president and CEO; Connie Williams,administrative assistant, Medical Staff Office; Lois Clendening,BSN, Director of Nursing Services, and Noella McCray, MN,assistant director of nursing.

Dean of Student Services Dorothy Knoll, fourth from left, hosted agroundbreaking ceremony Oct. 12 for a 2,400 sq. ft. addition to theKirmayer Fitness Center. The addition will ultimately house two racquetball/squash courts and facilities for massage therapy and fitness testing.

Heather McFarlin, RN, SICU, left, and StacySmith, RN, SICU/Neuro, were among the 300KU Med nurses who participated in the NurseCompetency Fair Oct. 5 and 8. The semi-annual event, sponsored by the Department ofNursing, tests the technical and criticalthinking skills of RNs and LPNs.

6

Charles F. DeTorres, MD,clinicalassistant professor, Department of Pediatrics.Dr. DeTorres attended American Universityof the Caribbean School of Medicine locatedin the British West Indies. His internship andresidency were at Creighton University/University of Nebraska Medical Center,Omaha, where he served as chief resident forone year. Dr. DeTorres practices at KU Medand KU Children’s Center in Overland Park,specializing in pediatrics with an emphasison adolescents.

Natalie Key, MD, assistant professor,Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Keycompleted medical school at the Universityof Missouri, Columbia, and an internshipand residency in internal medicine at theUniversity of Kansas Medical Center. Dr.Key is board certified by the AmericanBoard of Internal Medicine. She practices atKU Med specializing in primary care.

Gayln V. Perry, MD, assistantprofessor, Department of Internal Medicineand Pediatrics. Dr. Perry attended TexasA&M University College of Medicine. Shecompleted an internship and residency ininternal medicine and pediatrics at Children’sMercy Hospital and the University ofMissouri, Kansas City. She completed afellowship in pulmonary and critical care atUniversity of Kansas Medical Center. Dr.Perry is board certified in internal medicine,pediatrics and pulmonary medicine. She

practices at KU Medspecializing in cystic fibrosisand interstitial lung disease.

Jon I. Scheinman, MD, professor,Department of Pediatrics, chief, Division of Pediatric Nephrology. Dr. Scheinmancompleted medical school at the Universityof Illinois, an internship in pediatrics at theUniversity of Colorado, and residencies inpediatrics at the University of Iowa and theUniversity of Wisconsin. After completing afellowship in pediatric nephrology at the

University of Minnesota Hospital, he joinedthe faculty. He was chief of pediatricnephrology at Duke University and facultypediatric nephrologist at the MedicalCollege of Virginia. He is board certified bythe American Board of Pediatrics in bothpediatrics and pediatric nephrology. Dr.Scheinman practices at KU Med specializingin pediatric nephrology.

Ravindra K. Vegunta, MD,assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics,Department of Surgery, Section of PediatricSurgery. Dr. Vegunta completed medicalschool at Kilpauk Medical College, Madras,India. He completed a residency in generalsurgery at the Ohio State UniversityHospital and a fellowship in pediatricsurgery at The Children’s Hospital,Columbus, Ohio. Earlier, he spent six yearsin the United Kingdom training in surgeryand pediatric surgery. Dr. Vegunta practicesat KU Med specializing in pediatric surgerywith an interest in minimally invasivepediatric surgery.

Physicians’ UpdateRecognizing physicians who have recently affiliated with KU Med

Dr. KeyDr. DeTorres Dr. Perry Dr. Scheinman Dr. Vegunta

Breast cancer preventionThe Kansas Cancer Institute and the

Kansas City Clinical Oncology Programwill sponsor “Breast Cancer Prevention:Incorporating New Data into ClinicalPractice” on Friday, Nov. 5 at theDoubletree Hotel in Overland Park. Thereis no registration fee for the symposium,although pre-registration is recommendedby Oct. 29. Continuing education creditsare available. For more information or toregister, call ext. 4716.

Long term care symposiumThe Center on Aging and KU

Continuing Education will host the SixthAnnual Heartland Long Term CareSymposium, “Improving the Quality ofCare in the Long Term Care Continuum,”Nov. 12 in Battenfeld Auditorium. DanielL. Swagerty Jr., MD, MPH, CMD,associate director of the Center on Aging,will act as moderator. Fees range from $30for residents and students to $175 forphysicians. Those who register by Oct. 29will receive a $10 discount. Continuingeducation credits are available. For moreinformation or to register, call ext. 4488.

Employee recognition KU Med (hospital) will honor its

employees at a Hospital EmployeeRecognition Ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 5in the Fountain Courtyard. Employeeswith 25 or more years of service will behonored at a brunch from 9-11 a.m., andfive- to 25-year veterans will be recognizedat a reception from 2-5 p.m. Employeeseligible to attend will receive an invitation.

Obesity conferenceThe University of Kansas Weight

Management Program addresses the social, psychological and physical concernsabout obesity in “The EmergingEpidemic: Strategies for Treating theOverweight and Obese Individual.” Theconference takes place at the EmbassySuites Hotel on the Country Club Plaza,Saturday Oct. 23, from 1-5:30 p.m. andSunday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, or for information about costsand continuing education credits, callBarbara Miles at 913-897-8528. Information can also be obtained byvisiting the conference website at<www.kumc.edu/kuce/kumcce>.

7visit us online at:

http//www2.kumc.edu/publications/inthecenter/

Physical therapy monthIn recognition of Physical Therapy

Month, KU Med’s Physical TherapyDepartment invites all employees toparticipate in a wheelchair obstacle courseWednesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in thelink hallway by the Main Cafeteria.Physical therapists will also staff aninformation booth and award prizes tothose who test their knowledge on avariety of subjects.

Financial seminarKU Med Books will sponsor the

seminar “How Do You Know When You’reFinancially Healthy?” at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 inRieke Auditorium. The bookstore willsubsidize $5 of the normal $10 fee. Theremaining $5 is due at the door. To attend,RSVP to the bookstore by Oct. 27.

FOR SALE:Red enamel toddler bed in great cond., $20. Call Ruth,381-1612, after 5 p.m.

Recliner w/matching sofa-recliner, overstuffed stylew/taupe & neutral tones, very good cond., $350. Call432-5712 during the day.

Whirlpool large capacity washer & electric dryer, 14 yrs.old but in exc. cond., both run great, $200 for pair. Call648-8364.

Bridal gown, size 6, never worn, beaded satin bodice,long sleeves, sweetheart opening in back w/beadscascading down into opening, skirt has 4 layers of Tulleon top of satin slip, paid $700, will sacrifice for $200 firm.Call 334-1117 or e-mail iceskter@unicom.net.

Childcraft infant/convertible toddler crib, slightly used,new mattress, paid $350 new, will sell for $150,negotiable. Call Edith, 816-356-2647 evenings.

Sofa, full-sized, tan striped, wood trim, $55. Call 897-5541.

Queen-size foam and waterbed, w/free-flow bladder,heater, liner, $200 OBO. Call 321-6755.

Fashion ring, 14K gold, size 5, 23 tapered baguettes,appraised at $660, will sell for $500; bridal ring set, size5, 14K gold band w/marquis & 6 tapered baguettes, 16-point diamonds, appraised at $2,695, will sell for$1,500; white wedding gown w/bustled train, size 10,cleaned & preserved, veil & shoes size 8M, will sell for$1,000. Call 362-2349.AUTOMOTIVE:1990 Nissan Sentra, 4-dr., 5-spd., A/C, new tires, greatcar, $2,650. Call 441-8560.

1991 Mitsubishi Galant deluxe, 50K mi., first owner,new auto trans.& brakes. Call 6498477 or 388-0415.

1991 Volvo 240, 110K mi., runs well, needs minor bodyrepair, great safe student or second car, $3,000 OBO. Call 523-8536.

1989 Mercury Cougar LS, runs great, looks good, exc.interior, power windows, locks and seats, A/C, highmileage but mostly highway, great school car, must sell,$2,500. Call Jim, 438-9769.

1986 Pontiac 6000 STE, 127K mi., loaded, $1,500; newBF Goodrich tires, all-terrain T/A, 33/12.5-15, $400. Call 342-6758.

3901 RAINBOW BOULEVARD • KANSAS CITY, KS 66160 • (913) 588-5000 • WWW.KUMC.EDU

Friday, October 22:• Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Grand

Rounds, “Predicting Alcoholism in Males:Results of a 30-Year Prospective Study,”10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

Monday, October 25:• Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group,

noon-1:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.

• Grief-Loss Support Group, 3-4 p.m.,Radiation Oncology Conference Room.

Tuesday, October 26:• Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment,

1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine.

• Center on Aging Research Seminar,“Research Programs for Elders: Technology in the Home,” 4-5 p.m.,Clendening Amphitheater.

Wednesday October 27:• Diabetes Self-Management Series,

9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Med.

• KU Med Auxiliary Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria

• Community Health Seminar, “Analysis ofVarious Media for Organic Compounds,”noon-1 p.m., 1023 Orr-Major.

• KUMC Interfaith, noon-1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.

• Stroke Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Westwood City Hall, 47th & Rainbow.

• National Stuttering Project (NSP) SupportGroup, 7-9 p.m., 1018 Orr-Major.

Thursday, October 28:• Research Seminar, “Polypharmacy:

So Who’s Counting?” noon-1 p.m., G576 KU Med.

• Lung Transplant Support Group, noon-2 p.m., Westwood City Hall, 47th & Rainbow.

• Burn Patient Family Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

• Halloween Dress-Up party, 6-7 p.m.,Community Room, KU MedWest.

CLASSIFIEDS, ETC.CLASSIFIEDS, ETC.PETS:Free gerbils, all black w/white stripe on front feet, born9-19-99. Call Frank, 454-1034, before 9 p.m.

Free to a loving home, beautiful Australian shepherd,neutered, 3 yrs. old. Call 913-339-6395.WANTED:Ride from the vicinity 40 Highway and Blue RidgeCutoff. Call Larry, 353-2751, after 6 p.m.HELP WANTED:Student needed in Department of InformationResources-Administrative Office. Duties include filing,data entry, and assisting with training and travel. PC andword processing experience needed. Must be enrolled inat least one credit hour of school and be at least 16 yearsof age. Flexible hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Salary $7-$7.50 depending on experience. If interested, drop offresume and application at G031 Sudler. Specify Admin.Student Position on application.STUDY SUBJECTS:Infants, toddlers and preschoolers with Fragile Xsyndrome or Down syndrome, one-month through fiveyears of age, to participate in non-invasive study ofneurocognitive development. Involves 1-2 hour visit tothe Cognitive Neuroscience Lab for the recording ofevent-related brain potentials (ERPs or “brain waves”)and brief parental interview on telephone. For moreinformation contact Jennifer Hill Karrer, PhD, 588-5956.

c o m i n g U P

Irene Cumming Donald Hagen, MDPresident and CEO Executive Vice ChancellorKU Med University of Kansas

Health Science SchoolsKen Arnold, Editor

IN THE CENTER, a weekly employee and student publication ofthe University of Kansas and KU Med, is published by KU Med PublicRelations and Marketing Department. Send story ideas to Ken Arnold,G114 Hospital, or e-mail: <karnold> or call ext. 1298.

AD POLICY - Send or bring your ad to G114 KU Med, or fax to ext.1225, or e-mail: <karnold> by noon Thursday of the week before it isto run. Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers.For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include theadvertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number)for verification. Only home phone numbers–no pager numbers or workextensions–will be published. No ads for commercial services or petsfor sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only onephone number per ad. Ads may be held a week if space is limited.