MONITORING THE PULSE OFTTUHSC AMARILLO

FOR THE BEAT

OCT 1, 2011Vol. 2, no. 11

THE BEAT is a bi-weekly newsletter published by

the Communications and Marketing Department of

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

at Amarillo

INFORMATION

ONLINE

INSIDE

sending

keep up with us

what’s

Please send all informa-tion for the Beat to

Steve Pair, Department of Communications and

Marketing.Email:steven.pair@ttuhsc.eduCall:806.354.5412

Business................... BLifestyle................... COut & About............. DClassifieds................. E

Find us on Facebook!Search: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Amarillo

Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/TTUHSCamarillo

When Sharon Felts first found a lump in her breast almost 18 years ago, she thought she was going to die.

“I was 42 years old,” Felts said. “Back then, the recommendation was women between the age of 40 and 50 should get checked out every two years; I was six months late and didn’t give it much thought…I was too busy.”

However, that all changed one Sunday afternoon, which also happened to be Valentine’s Day in February 1994. Felts quickly made an appointment to see her physician and get a mammogram and was then referred to a surgeon. The surgeon performed a biopsy. Before she left that day, the doctor delivered news she was not expecting.

“He told me I had breast cancer,” Felts said. “I don’t think the Internet was around then, but I would go the bookstore and read articles trying to learn all I could,” Felts said.

She had surgery the next month, followed by six weeks of radiation.

“Once I got past the fear and started educating myself, my prayer would be for something positive to connect with every day,” Felts said.

It was positive thinking and a supportive network of friends and family that helped Felts get through those trying times. Felts said she always tried to keep her sense of humor, wearing one of four wigs, each with a color and style. One she called her “party hair” (pictured). Felts said things like this helped open the door for discussion and gave her opportunities to help educate and counsel

other women, something that would eventu-ally become her life’s passion.

“It doesn’t define who I am but did have an impact on what I’ve chosen to do with my life,” Felts said.

Since her diagnosis, Felts has spent countless hours educating and supporting other women affected by the disease. Before coming to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Breast Center of Excellence, Felts worked at the Amarillo Area Breast Health Coalition. It was there she coordinated a community outreach program called the Women Inspiring, Serving, and Educating (WISE) Project.

Felts is now the senior analyst and grant manager in the Department of Surgery at TTUHSC at Amarillo, a position that allows her to live out her passion.

“I am in a place that allows me to educate and counsel women and help them,” Felts said. “I want them to take responsibility for their health, do breast self-exams, and get mammo-grams and if they don’t have insurance and can’t afford one, call me.”

Felts said she still thinks about her experience with breast cancer. Even after even five years, she still believed she should be doing some-thing to fight cancer. At the ten-year mark, Felts said she had a sense of relief. She has been cancer free for more than 17 years.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all month TTUHSC at Amarillo will post facts and preventative tips on Facebook.

Breast Cancer Awareness MonthMeet One TTUHSC Survivor

October 1, 2011TTUHSC the BEAT

SECTION B BUSINESS

TTUHSC at Amarillo made a big announce-ment last month. The Harrington Regional Medical Center (HRMC) donated 10.89-acres of land to help expand the Amarillo campus. The land will not only help accommodate a growing number of future health care profes-sionals, but will also allow expansion of current projects.

“This generous and wonderful land gift from the Harrington Regional Medical Center is one of the great moments in the history of TTUHSC at Amarillo,” said Regional Dean Richard Jordan, M.D. “This land will be the future site of SiMCentral at Amarillo, the Panhandle’s simulation center.”

Last year, employees at the TTUHSC in Amarillo raised over $34,000 for charities through the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC). Legislation passed in 1993 allows employees of state agencies, junior and community colleges, and universities throughout the state to enjoy the benefit of giving to their favorite charities though an annual workplace giving campaign, with the added convenience of payroll deduction. Payroll deduction forms and agency directo-ries will be sent out and are available from Chris Lopez in the School of Medicine and Logan Larue in the School of Pharmacy. Pledges will be received through October 31, payroll deductions will not start until Jan 2012. A listing of local charities can be found

here, http://www.secctexas.org/organizations. Below is a list of the United Way partner agencies TTUHSC employees supported in 2010.

The Salvation ArmyUnited Way Amarillo and CanyonJan Werner Adult Daycare CAREThe Bridge - Children’s' advocacy High Plains Food Bank Martha's HomeHigh Plains Children’s Home Family Support ServicesEighty (80) scoutsThurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund

Thank you to everyone for your continued support!

SiMCentral, a collaborative of TTUHSC, West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College, uses hi-fidelity human patient simulators to provide multi-disciplinary training opportuni-ties to medical, nursing and allied health students and residents. It’s one project the HRMC board was excited about being involved in, said HRMC President Michael A. Callahan.

“The Harrington Medical Center Board is honored to be a part of the continued devel-opment of such a cutting-edge SiMCentral expansion project,” Callahan said........................................................................

CampusKudos!

Three TTUHSC faculty members were recently given a well-deserved pat on the back at West Texas A&M Rakhshanda Rahman, M.D., associate professor,Heather Holmes, M.D., associate professor, and Tom Hale, Ph.D., professor and executive director of the InfantRisk Center, were presented the Texans Caring for Texans Award for excellence in commu-nity engagements.

Brian Weis, M.D., associ-ate professor, received the Service Excellence Award from Northwest Texas Hospital.

Compliance Tip of the

Month:

“Medical Necessity of a patient’s visit is the deciding factor for

payment along with the CPT code.”

Land Gift Ensures Continued Growth

State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC)

Oct 1, 2011TTUHSC the BEAT

SECTION CLIFESTYLES

We know you like TTUHSC Amarillo, but have you liked us on Facebook? If not, surf over today and click the like button. It’s a great way to stay informed on campus events and up-to-

date on current issues. Throughout October, we will be focusing on flu prevention and breast cancer awareness. Speaking of Facebook, have you seen these around campus? If you run across one, follow the directions and stay informed! ....................................................

Thanks to everyone who came to the first 2011 Community Medical School. Steve Urban, M.D., helped debunk common medical myths and made predictions of future myths. If you missed it, have no fear. Dr. Urban’s presenta-tion was posted on the TTUHSC YouTube channel. To watch it, follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g24NODnfiFA&feature=youtu.be.

Make plans to join us on Oct. 11 for our second class. Rodney Young, M.D., will look at lessons on health care reform from around the world. It is sure to be a topic you will be hearing about during the 2012 election........................................................................

Tammye Jackson was born and raised in San Angelo, Texas. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas A&M Univer-sity in Biomedical Science. She then furthered her education by

acquiring her Texas Teaching Certificate at Angelo State University, member of Texas Tech University System. She spent most of her professional career at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Tammye’s great-est joy in life is being the mother of her three children. Tammye also enjoys friends, the outdoors, learning, photography, and giving her time to the community. Her life is centered around her faith and making the most of each moment. Tammye feels honored to be a part of the TTUHSC team. She looks forward to work-ing with you in collaborative efforts to move TTUHSC in the direction of continued growth and success.

Jennifer Smith is the new Unit Coordinator for Development. She comes to us from TTUHSC-Permian Basin where she served as the Development Coordina-tor. She was born and raised in

Odessa, Texas and went on to attend Lubbock Christian University. Jennifer spent several years in the medical field before meeting her husband, Aaron. They most recently moved back to Texas after spending two years in Alliance, Nebraska.

Facebook Happenings

Community Medical School

Staff &FacultyNotes:

Welcome!

Spotlight on New Staff

Congratulations to Rachael Suffield, who was recently named the employee of the second quarter. Suffield is a valuable part of the ultrasound department, teaching residents and medical students during their rotations. She also has a special way of making her patients feel comfortable while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor......................................

TTUHSC would also like to welcome some new faces to the Amarillo campus. If you see them in the hall, make sure to say, “hello,” and welcome them.

Steven Pairunit manager,Communications & Marketing

Teri Holliscoordinator, Psychiatry

Zijuan Liuresearch associate, Internal Medicine

Tammye Jacksondevelopment officer, Institutional Advancement

Jennifer Smithunit coordinator,Office of Development

Lacy AlejandroLVN, Internal Medicine

Steven Pair was born and raised in Amarillo. He’s a proud graduate of Tascosa High School and attended classes at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M. He began working

for the local ABC affiliate, KVII-TV, when he was 16 and continued to call Pronews 7 his second home for the next 14 years. During

that time, Steve filled many positions includ-ing News Director before joining TTUHSC in September 2011.

In his spare time, Steve and his wife, Katy, enjoy hiking in Palo Duro Canyon, taking their two dogs on walks and listening to live music.

Wednesday, Oct. 5:Bangladesh through the Eyes of a Medical StudentSpeaker: Reed Flora, Class of 2014, Paul L. Foster School of MedicineTime: noon CT Location: Amarillo room 4717 http://www.ttuhsc.edu/announce/default.aspx?EventID=6584

Tuesday, Oct. 11:Community Medical SchoolHealth Care Reform: Lessons from Around the WorldTime: 5:30 p.m.Location: 1400 S. Coulterhttp://www.ttuhsc.edu/amarillo/ComMedSchool11.pdf

Thursday, Oct. 13:

Oct 1, 2011TTUHSC the BEAT

SECTION DOUT & ABOUT

Grilled Peaches

Ingredients4 large ripe freestone peaches8 (3-in) cinnamon sticks8 fresh mint leaves4 Tbsp unsalted butter1/4 c. firmly packedbrown sugar1/4 c. dark rum1/2 tsp ground cinnamonPinch saltPeach or vanilla ice cream, for serving

DirectionsRinse the peaches and blot them dry with paper towels. Cut each peach in half and discard the pit. Then, cut each peach into quarters. Using a pointed chopstick or metal skewer, make a starter hole in the center of each peach quarter, working from the pit side to the skin side. Skewer two peach quarters on each cinnamon stick, placing a mint leaf between the two quarters.

Combine the butter, brown sugar, rum, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Let the glaze boil until thick and syrupy, about five minutes.

Prepare and preheat the grill to high. Brush and oil the grate. Next, place the skewered peaches on the hot grate and grill until nicely browned, three to four minutes per side, basting with the rum and butter glaze. Spoon any remaining glaze over the grilled peaches and serve at once. Peach or vanilla ice cream makes a great accompaniment. ……………………………..........

If you would like to submit a recipe for the Beat please email it to steven.pair@ttuhsc.edu

Join us if you dare for a night of fright that’s sure to scare!

All

Concession Items $1.00

Costumes Encouraged

Door Prizes All Night

Don’t Be Scared!!

Come see all the costumes it’ll be quite a sight When we celebrate our

Tech Fright Night!

October 13th 2011

Showtime: 6:30pm

Movie: Hocus Pocus (Rated PG)

1400 Wallace Blvd,

LWBIWH- Auditorium (Amarillo campus)

Questions? Contact Dulcina, Hurtado 354-5563

Saturday, Oct. 22:

*Did we miss an event or, is there something you would like to see in “The Beat?” If so, email Steve Pair at steven.pair@ttuhsc.edu.

Oct 1, 2011TTUHSC the BEAT

SECTION ECLASSIFIEDS

Comprehensive Primary Care for the Family: Preventative Services Cancer Screenings Immunizations Sports, School, Employment & Travel Physicals

Office based procedures: Skin Biopsy and Excision, Skin Abscess Drainage Laceration Repair Fracture Stabilization Pap Smears & Breast Exams Ingrown Toenail Removal Newborn Circumcision Trigger Point Injections, Knee & Shoulder Injections

Chronic Medical Management: Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Asthma COPD Heart disease Reflux Arthritis Depression Anxiety Insomnia Dementia screening Memory Care Programs Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Nursing Home Care at Bivins Memorial Hospital Care at BSA Pre-natal Care & Delivery at NWTH Specialty Referrals..............................................................................

Inpatient and Outpatient Consults/Management for: Uncontrolled Diabetes Hypertension Endocrine Disorders Other Medical Problems

Geriatrics consults ID Consults Pulmonary consultsEndocrine consults Pulmonary function test in-house Dexa scans for bone density determinationWomen’s Health consults including: Fibromyalgia Sexual Health Menopausal Issues Osteoporosis Well Woman Visits Botox injections..............................................................................

General Pediatrics Adolescent Behavioral developmentCardiology Gastro-Intestinal Hematology/OncologyEndocrinologist Pulmonologist NephrologySpecial Needs Intensivists Med/PedsGenetics Specialist..............................................................................

Laparo/Endoscopic SurgeryPediatric SurgeryHernia & GallbladderEndocrine SurgeryWound CareBreast DiseasesHead & Neck CancersEsophageal SurgerySurgical OncologyGeneral Thoracic SurgeryThoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)BronchoscopyThoracic OncologyHyper HydrosisEar Nose and Throat..............................................................................

Cognitive behavioral therapyPlay therapy HypnotherapyAnxiety Childhood/parenting/school dilem-mas Relationship issuesBlended family predicaments DepressionPost traumatic stress disorderOffers counseling to children, adolescents, adults and the geriatric population...............................................................................

Routine Obstetrical CareHigh-Risk Obstetrical Care with the Panhandle’s ONLY board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine SpecialistWell Woman CareRoutine and Surgical GynecologyColposcopy ProceduresIncontinence TreatmentPelvic Reconstruction SurgeryPediatric and Adolescent GynecologyGenetics Specialist..............................................................................

WANTED: Referrals

FAMILY MEDICINE INTERNAL MEDICINE

SURGERY

PEDIATRICS

PSYCHIATRY

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Support your fellow Texas Tech Physicians by referring in-house.

AMARILLO PHARMACEUTICAL CARE CENTER

1400 S. Coulter, Suite 1100First floor of the main TTUHSC building

Open Monday through Friday8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

(806) 356-4620