MGHHOTLINE12

.02.11

A PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES AND STAFF OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL

D During the fifth annual physician recognition dinner hosted Nov. 12 by the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO), nearly 600 physicians and guests gathered to celebrate the past, present and future of MGH’s clinical contributions and to honor the memory of the late cardiologist Brian A. McGovern, MD, with the presentation of three awards in his name.

This year, nearly 100 physicians were nominated for the Brian A. McGovern, MD, Award for Clinical Excellence, which honors physicians who personify McGovern’s dedication, compassion and kindness. The recipients, announced at the dinner, are Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, MD, of Gastrointestinal Surgery; Rocio Hurtado, MD, of Infectious Disease; and Jo-Anne Shepard, MD, of Imaging.

MGPO Chairman and CEO David F. Torchiana, MD, gave opening remarks at the event. “Regardless of the times and the challenges we face, the essence of the MGH physician and what we do will remain – we take care of one patient at a time and we always try to give them our best,” Torchiana said.

MGH President Peter L. Slavin, MD, thanked the physicians for the work they do every day and introduced a video about the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation. The museum will be dedicated in mid-December and open to the public early next year. For more information about the McGovern awards or to view the museum video, visit http://mgpo.partners.org. nHONORING ExCELLENCE: From left, Fernandez-del Castillo, Hurtado and Shepard

harry W. Orf, PhD, who previously worked at the MGH from 1983 to 2004, will return in February to serve as senior vice president for Research Management. He succeeds Rick Bringhurst, MD, who will remain on staff at the MGH and continue to provide his clinical, research and teaching expertise.

“I am both honored and excited to be returning to MGH at such a pivotal time,” Orf says. “The continued budgetary constraints and recent realignment of translational research priorities by the National Institutes of Health will bring both new

challenges and new opportunities to ongoing biomedical research programs. I look forward to working with the Executive Committee on Research, the Research Management staff and the entire MGH research community to meet these challenges and grow the research enterprise in the years ahead.”

Orf is former director of the Molecular Biology Laboratories at the MGH and was honored for his outreach and educational partnerships with the Boston Public Schools, receiving the 1996 Partnership Award from the MGH/Timilty

Middle School Partnership and the 1997 American Hero Award from the U.S. Department of Education and the city of Boston.

Since 2004, Orf has been vice president of Scientific Operations at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Fla., directing operations and overseeing development of its new 350,000-square-foot research complex. Orf served 34 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, including deployments to Kuwait

and Iraq. He was honored with the Bronze Star and the Army Legion of

Merit Medal and retired as a full colonel in 2005.

“We are thrilled that Harry is bringing his wisdom and expertise back to the MGH to lead the Research Management team,” says Peter L. Slavin, MD, MGH

president. “I also want to thank Rick for his amazing leadership of our research efforts for the past six years.”

ONE PATIENT AT A TIME

Orf returns to the MGH to lead Research Management

McGovern award recipients celebrated at MGPO dinner

ORF

“�Many�‘keen�minds’�have�worked�toward�a�better�understanding�of�disease�to�enable�improved�diagnosis�and�treatment.�Indeed,�the�history�of�pathology�at�the�MGH�has�witnessed�many�events,�discoveries,�and�remarkable�individuals.”

THE YEAR IS 1909. The MGH Pathology laboratory is considered so cutting-edge that when medical societies meet in Boston, physicians tour the department in order to model future labs after it. A black and white photo of this lab is featured on the cover of Keen�Minds�to�Explore�the�Dark�Continents�of�Disease:�A�History�of�the�Pathology�Services�at�the�Massachusetts�General�Hospital. Its story is one of hundreds that fill the 25 chapters of the 411-page book, which includes 200 photographs.

“This is a detailed account of the history of the department, but it is also a general history of the field of pathology and a unique view of the history of the MGH,” says David Louis, MD, chief of Pathology, who co-authored the book with Robert Young, MD, MGH pathologist. Louis says the book demonstrates how vastly things have changed over the years – today, nearly 800 employees perform more than 10 million clinical laboratory tests annually.

Keen�Minds is available for purchase at The MGH Gift Shop or through Pathology.

12.02.11

Optimizing the patient experiencethey are cOmmOn customer service slogans – “service with a smile” and “first impressions make lasting impressions.” But in order to provide superb, patient-centered care, these statements must be more than catchphrases. The sentiment behind these slogans must be embedded in institutional culture.

Leaders from Cleveland Clinic and the University of Michigan Medical Center – both known for excellent patient satisfaction – visited the MGH Nov. 17 to share best practices at a service symposium sponsored by the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO) Practice Improvement Division’s Service Improvement Department. The guest speakers spoke with practice leaders during an afternoon session, and later delivered presentations at a evening interdisciplinary leadership forum.

“We have a zero tolerance program. The way we treat each other must be appropriate and the way we treat our patients must be excellent,” said James Merlino, MD, FACS, FASCRS, chief experience officer at the Cleveland Clinic, who gave an overview of the clinic’s “patients first” service excellence program. “Everyone is clear as to what we are here to deliver. It’s all about having a purpose – it’s all for the patients. We set clear expectations at the top and then walk the talk.”

Charles Ellis, MD, director of service excellence and a professor of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical Center, addressed why patient satisfaction is key to improving the patient experience. “Patients cannot measure physician skill and knowledge. Patients infer quality from what they observe – such as a physician’s manners, politeness, attitude, body language and timeliness. Patient satisfaction is a measure of service quality; for patients it’s a proxy for medical quality.”

“These interactive sessions offer MGH leaders tools and techniques for providing the optimal patient experience,” said Alexa Kimball, MD, MPH, senior vice president of the MGPO and vice chair of the Department of Dermatology, who facilitated the evening session. Kimball said the best practices shared during the symposium will be reviewed by leadership, prioritized and implemented at the MGH. Additional service symposia are planned for 2012. n

State House forum highlights healthy livingObesity is One of today’s most pressing public health issues: statewide measurements in Massachusetts schools indicate that more than 30 percent of school children are overweight or obese. On Nov. 15, MGH clinicians gathered with health care colleagues, government officials, educators and young people at the State House for an educational forum to address the epidemic

of childhood obesity. The event was presented by Partners HealthCare in collaboration with Words Can Work, a group that uses multimedia to raise awareness about the health challenges children face, and was co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The day featured the premiere of a film, “Words Can Work: Kids and Healthy Lifestyles.” Following the screening, clinical and policy experts answered questions from an audience of more than 300. MGH panelists were Melissa Dimond, ScM, of the Chelsea HealthCare Center;

Bruce Masek, PhD, clinical director of the Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service; and Jennifer Rosenblum, MD, director of the Weight Management Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. n

FORUM FOCUS: Masek speaks during one of the panel sessions.

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MGHHOTLINE

Bill Gates visits CNY for HIV/AIDS research updatecOmPuter technOlOgy icOn and ardent philanthropist Bill Gates, pictured at center, came to the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard on Nov. 11 for an update on the research that someday may result in an HIV/AIDS vaccine. During his visit, Gates met with Bruce Walker, MD, director of the Institute, far left, members of the Ragon Institute Steering Committee and other Ragon research faculty. In 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – the largest private foundation in the world – donated $20 million in support of the work led by Walker.

Neurology names three endowed chairsmembers Of the mgh strOke service marked the formation of three endowed chairs during a celebratory dinner Nov. 20. The event was hosted by Anne Young, MD, PhD, chief of the Department of Neurology, and J. Philip Kistler, MD, former director of the Stroke Service. The incumbents will receive funding on an annual basis.

Lee Schwamm, MD, vice chairman of Neurology, was appointed to the C. Miller Fisher Chair, named in honor of the MGH neurologist whose work provided a strong foundation for modern stroke treatment. “The contributions of Dr. Fisher to the field of neurology are legendary, and the care and compassion with which he treated his patients is exemplary,” says Schwamm. “My deepest gratitude to Drs. Phil Kistler and Anne Young for their generosity in creating this chair – and to my colleagues in the Stroke Service who work together tirelessly to deliver the most outstanding stroke care in the country.”Jonathan Rosand, MD, director of Neurocritical Care and Emergency Neurology, was named to the J. Philip Kistler Chair, which honors the respected director of the MGH Stroke Service who served from 1978 to 2004. “Dr. Kistler has been a mentor and a role model for me from my very first days as a neurology resident at MGH,” Rosand says. “His commitment to his patients is the standard against which I measure myself, and his passion for the field continues to inspire me.”Steve Greenberg, MD, PhD, director of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Program, holds the John J. Conway Chair, named for the late Harvard professor who served as Kistler’s mentor. “Being named to a chair in Neurology is both a humbling honor and a tremendous boost to our research program in bleeding stroke and vascular cognitive impairment,” says Greenberg. “I am truly privileged to work in what I believe is the world’s leading stroke center with internationally recognized leaders like Drs. Jonathan Rosand, Lee Schwamm and Karen Furie.” n

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MGH UNITES: Samantha Gallant, resource specialist for Social Service, one of this year’s donors

United Way campaign passes 2,011 markthe numbers are in. This year’s United Way campaign – which came to a close Nov. 30 – exceeded its goal of inspiring more than 2,011 employees to donate in 2011. The achievement represents a nearly 20 percent increase of donors from last year and over $475,000 raised. MGHers who have not yet donated can still do so through the end of December by making a pledge online at www.massgeneral.org/unitedway.

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G Blood Donor Center promotions During December, all blood donors at the MGH Blood Donor Center can fill out a gift tag that will be attached to a stuffed animal to be given to a pediatric patient. Donors also will be eligible to win dinner for two at the Gaslight Brasserie by “liking” the center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MGHBloodDonor. For more information, call 617-726-8177 or email mmacphee@partners.org.�

Clinical Research Program seminars The MGH Clinical Research Program is offering the following seminars:

• “How to Give a Presentation” Dec. 5 from 3:45 to 5 pm with Andrew Nierenberg, MD, who will present a guide for giving oral presentations;

• “Concepts in Operationalizing a Clinical Research Protocol” Dec. 14 from noon to 1 pm;

editorEmily Lemiska 617-724-2753

assistant editorColleen Marshall

617-726-0275

designerAldona Charlton 617-726-7539

fax & email 617-726-7475

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MGHers are encouraged to submit news tips and story ideas.

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• “Incidental Findings in Clinical Research: Ethical and Regulatory Considerations” Dec. 8 from 2 to 3:30 pm to address observations with potential clinical significance that come to light during the conduct of a clinical study but are unrelated to study objectives;

• “Applying for an NIH Career Development Award” Dec. 12 from 2 to 5 pm, a workshop tailored to clinical investigators applying for an NIH K08 or K23 Mentored Clinical Scientist/Investigator Career Development Award; and

• “Adding Pharmacogenomics to Clinical Investigation: A Practical Guide” Dec. 13 from 12:30 to 5 pm, intended for clinicians, investigators, nurses and other clinical research staff.

All events take place in the Simches Center, Room 3.110. Register at http://hub.partners.org/catalog. For information about the first two seminars, contact Lauren Michaels at lmichaels@partners.org. For information about the last three, call Suzanne Powell at 617-724-2900.

Choosing child care seminarThe Partners Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Partners Child Care Services will offer an educational roundtable discussion for those new to parenting and child care Dec. 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the Haber Conference Room. Allison Lilly, LICSW, Partners EAP Operations Manager, will review child care options, costs, and how to find and evaluate care. Sheryl Lauber Weden, director of Partners Child Care Services, will discuss internal resources for back-up care. For more information, call 617-726-6976 or visit www.eap.partners.org.�

Nominate a YMCA AchieverMGH managers are invited to recognize talented multicultural professionals for the Greater Boston YMCA Achievers Program. Now entering its 37th year, the program recognizes multicultural employees for their professional and community-based achievements and links them to the city’s youth as role models. Nomination forms, due Dec. 7, are available by contacting Dianne Austin at dmaustin@partners.org.

Evacuation and Code SilverStaff from Emergency Preparedness and Police and Security will host education sessions about the MGH’s evacuation plan and new Code Silver procedure Dec. 7 from 7 to 8 pm and Dec. 13 from 11 pm to midnight in the O’Keeffe Auditorium. Register via PeopleSoft by accessing https://ibridge.partners.org.�For more information, contact Tom Herrmann at 617-643-4117 or tmherrmann@partners.org.

Eldercare Monthly DiscussionThe Partners Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will host an Eldercare Monthly Discussion Group Dec. 13 from noon to 1 pm in the EAP Conference Room, Charles River Plaza, Suite 320. Facilitators will be Janet T. Loughlin, LICSW, CEAP, of Partners EAP, and Barbara Moscowitz, LICSW, MGH geriatric social worker. For more information, call the EAP at 617-726-6976 or visit www.eap.partners.org.�

Ostomy support groupA new ostomy support group will meet on the third Thursday of every month. The next session is Dec. 15 at 4 pm in Wang 455. The group is open to all colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy patients and their family members.

Chaplaincy holiday eventsThe MGH Chaplaincy will host several upcoming holiday events: • The annual songfest is Dec. 15 from noon to 1 pm in the Main Lobby in front of the staircase by the Blum Family Learning Center. Festive holiday attire is encouraged and a prize will be given to the best dressed.

• The “Chapel Chanukah Chappening” is Dec. 16 at 12:15 pm in the MGH chapel, featuring songs and Psalms, prayers for Shabbat and interfaith reflections on the meaning of light. A dreidel spin-off and Chanukah food will follow in the foyer.

• Chanukah candles will be lit at 4 pm from Dec. 20 through Dec. 28 in the chapel foyer. The Dec. 24 candle lighting will take place at 5 pm.

• A Christmas Day Christian service is Dec. 25 at 12:15 pm in the chapel.

• Roman Catholic Masses in the chapel will be held as regularly scheduled Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 at 4 pm. The Solemnity of Mary will be held Dec. 30 and Jan. 1 at 4 pm.

12.02.11 MGHHOTLINE

Deborah D’Avolio, PhD, ACNP, ANP-BC, geriatric specialist, received the 2011 International Geriatric Nursing Leadership Award from the Honor Society of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau International during its Biennial Convention in Grapevine, Texas. D’Avolio was honored for her outstanding clinical leadership, gerontological nursing expertise and mentoring.

David F. M. Brown, MD, vice chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, was awarded the 2011 National Excellence in Teaching Award, given annually by the Emergency Medicine Residents Association. Brown, who received the award during the annual meeting of the American College of Emergency Physicians in San Francisco, was honored for the depth and breadth of his commitment and contribution to resident education and mentorship during his two decades as a leader and teacher in emergency medicine.

Steven Greenberg, MD, PhD, director of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Program at the MGH, was honored by the American Heart and Stroke Association with the 2011 C. Miller Fisher, MD Award during the NorthEast Cerebrovascular Consortium’s sixth annual summit. The award recognizes Greenberg’s contributions to the field of stroke neuroscience. Fisher is a former MGH neurologist.

Leonard Kaban, DMD, MD, chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, was honored with the 2011 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research during the American Dental Association (ADA) annual session in Las Vegas. The ADA presents the award in memory of Ross, a dentist and pharmacologist who contributed significantly to oral medicine and dental clinical research.

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