Upstate
Upstate
outlook
News on education, biomedical research and health care at SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, New York
Volume 4, Number 2 Spring 2004
New Dean of Medicine
8
Intuitive Surgical Robot
15
New Heights of Spiritual Care 16
Cancer Crusaders
19
Concussion:
A Cautionary T
A Cautionary ale
T
Page 4
Presidential Perspective
The View From
The Road
the Driver’s Seat
Ahead
As we
• and with Central New York’s citizens,
En route to ever higher levels
progress
who are demonstrating unprecedented
of educational, clinical and
toward the
generosity and support of our work,
research excellence, SUNY
milestones
GE
A
V
especially in terms of The CNY
we’ve set
Children’s Hospital at University
Upstate has established these
for SUNY Upstate, the
goals for the immediate future:
T MESCA
Hospital.
terrain often demands
OBER
R
• Progress toward
that we adjust our route.
I thoroughly enjoy these interactions
Gregory
750-bed academic
The recent appointment of Eastwood MD
and feel that great good comes of such
medical center,
Dr. Steven Scheinman as
close collaboration and communication.
• The CNY
integrating Crouse
executive vice president and dean of the
But this shift in my focus necessitates
Children’s
Hospital and
College of Medicine represents both a
internal shifts in responsibility. To a large
Hospital at
University Hospital
milestone and a course adjustment. I am
degree, I function as chief executive officer,
University
• Enhanced
delighted with the outcome of the search.
with continued overall responsibility for
Hospital,
visibility and
Dr. Scheinman is bright, energetic, even-
the internal activities of Upstate, but with
including a
$15 million
reputation of
tempered and attentive to detail, yet he
greater attention to external affairs.
capital
SUNY Upstate –
works conceptually and has a clear view
Dr. Scheinman essentially functions as
campaign
in the region,
of the long road ahead – an essential
chief operating officer for Upstate, as
state and nation
perspective as we approach important
both executive vice president and dean of
• Increased
intersections in the future development
medicine. He is charged, for example, with
federal and
of our institution’s history.
coordinating the College of Medicine and
• Vertical
state resources
University Hospital. This makes sense,
expansion of
to support
In addition to inspiring celebration,
given their shared finances and faculty.
University
SUNY Upstate
Dr. Scheinman’s appointment has
Hospital’s
prompted some introspection on my part.
On Upstate’s new organizational chart,
east wing
• Development
In the 11 years of my presidency, Upstate
therefore, the head of the hospital reports
of productive
has become dramatically more complex,
to the executive vice president. The
relationships
as evidenced by:
provost and vice president of academic
with SUNY ESF,
affairs and research reports to the executive
• Construction
Syracuse
• an operating budget that has doubled
vice president on matters related to internal
of the new
University, the
academic
from $325M to $650M per year
academic affairs and research – and to the
VA Medical
building
Center
president on matters related to SUNY and
• a health care environment that has
and other
external academic and research relations,
institutions
changed profoundly
such as other academic institutions and the
Upstate New York Coalition for
• funding streams which are increasingly
• Implemen-
• Development
Biomedical Research (UNYCoR).
of research
ambiguous
tation of
Likewise, the vice president for adminis-
Mission-
institutes and
clinical centers
• an expanding commitment to
tration and finance reports to the executive
Based
Management
around cardio-
collaboration.
vice president on matters related to finance
and Funds
vascular
and space – and to the president on
Flow
disorders,
Over the course of a decade, these
broader issues such as human resources,
cancer,neuro-
developments have expanded my role as
infrastructure, and campus security.
sciences and
president. On a daily basis, I now am
The vice president for public and govern-
orthopedics/
called upon to interact:
mental relations and the vice president
rehabilitation
• Development
for development continue to report to
of the Center
• with local, state, and national leaders
the president.
for Emergency
• Space
Preparedness
management
• with our nation’s academic medical
Of course, these external and internal
according to
centers, through my activities in the
distinctions are not crisp and SUNY
principles
Association of Academic Health Centers
Chancellor Robert King ultimately holds
and metrics
• with our research colleagues in
me accountable for everything at SUNY
• Construction
• Increased
of parking
New York’s promising biotech
Upstate. But I am confident that this
diversity of
facilities to
students,
research corridor
alignment will be productive and
invigorating and will enable us to reach
accommodate
residents,
visitors,
faculty
• with our immediate academic neighbors
more quickly the important milestones
employees
and staff
on “The Hill’
on the road ahead.
and students
TER
• Increased
• with our clinical neighbors next door
–Gregory L. Eastwood MD
President,
research
AN KEE
on Crouse Avenue
SUNY Upstate Medical University
productivity
SUS
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S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
Table of Contents
S P R I N G 2 0 0 4
P U B L I S H E R
Ronald R. Young
Upstate
Vice President, Public and
Governmental Affairs
E X E C U T I V E E D I T O R S
outlook
Darryl Geddes
Director, Public and
Media Relations
Melanie Rich
Director, Marketing and
University Communications
E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
Calling Attention to Concussion
Denise Owen Harrigan
It’s defined as a mild brain injury, but concussion can derail lives and cause long-term damage.
A C A D E M I C / R E S E A R C H
University Hospital’s Concussion Management Program, directed by psychologist Brian Rieger
E D I T O R
PhD, pays serious attention to this low-profile problem.
Leah Caldwell
By Denise Owen Harrigan
Page 4
D E S I G N E R
Susan Keeter
“Preseasoned” Dean of Medicine
W R I T E R S
Steven Scheinman MD brings a fresh outlook to his new roles as dean and executive vice president.
Leah Caldwell
But after 20 years on campus, the former professor of medicine and chief of nephrology also brings
Darryl Geddes
Denise Owen Harrigan
a fine reputation and a seasoned sense of the SUNY Upstate culture.
Doretta Royer
By Leah Caldwell
Page 8
Upstate Outlook is
published by the Offices
“Doctor” da Vinci Joins Surgical Team
of Public Affairs and
An anatomically curious but high-functioning surgical robot is now operating at University
Communications.
Hospital. Also known as the da Vinci Surgical System®, the robot works hand in hand with the
SUNY Upstate Medical
surgeon, integrating and refining the benefits of minimally invasive and open surgery.
University in Syracuse, NY, is
an academic medical center
with four colleges – Medicine,
Page 15
Nursing, Health Professions
and Graduate Studies – as well
as an extensive clinical health
New Heights of Spiritual Care
care system that includes
The arrival of SUNY Upstate’s first full-time spiritual care manager, the Rev. Terry Culbertson,
University Hospital and numer-
heralds increased emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of healing and the launch of exciting
ous satellite sites. Affiliated
educational initiatives.
with the State University of
New York, SUNY Upstate is one
Page 16
of Onondaga County's largest
employers. For more
information, visit us online
at www.upstate.edu or phone
us at 315-464-4836.
For corrections, story
Publisher’s Perspective
suggestions and
submissions, contact
“The academic difference” is a phrase we often use to distinguish our clinical
Denise Owen Harrigan,
enterprise from other local health care resources. But for those not wholly
315-464-4822 or e-mail
harrigad@upstate.edu
familiar with SUNY Upstate’s three interrelated missions – education,
For additional copies,
research and clinical care – the phrase may not be self-explanatory. This
call 315-464-4836.
issue of Upstate Outlook amplifies the definition of the academic difference.
Upstate Outlook offices are
Our feature on concussion, for example, illustrates the multiple resources
located at 250 Harrison St.,
Syracuse, NY 13202
we bring to bear on a challenging medical condition. The most obvious
resource is University Hospital’s Concussion Management Program, which
On the cover
provides comprehensive clinical care to our community. The less
Sidelined by concussion for her
apparent elements – which create the academic difference – include
winter sports season, Kaitlin
the research projects we design with our own experts, with our
Englert is back in action this
spring, after months of treat-
ultra-advanced research technology (such as the IHP’s research-
ment in University Hospital’s
dedicated functional MRI machine) and with our colleagues at
Concussion Management
Syracuse University. The more we can learn about concussion, the
Program.
better equipped we are to turn our understanding into education.
Robert Mescavage
Education is the reason our institution was founded in 1834, and
Photographer
education is at the very heart of the academic difference.
Ronald R. Young, Publisher
Vice President for Public and Governmental Affairs
AN KAHN
SUS
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
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The Academic Difference
Paying Serious Attention to
Concussion
SUNY Upstate Marshals Its Forces
To Combat an Often Underestimated Condition
When University That’s why SUNY Upstate Medical The good news, according to Rieger,
Hospital psychologist
University is focusing its impressive
is that early education and medical
Brian Rieger PhD
clinical, educational and research resources
intervention can help anyone who suffers
reads the sports page,
on the issue of concussion. University
a concussion.
he’s not just following
Hospital’s Concussion Management
Voice of Experience
his favorite teams. Rieger, director of
Program, and the CNY Sports Concussion
University Hospital’s Concussion
University Hospital’s Concussion
Center, which opened this spring in the
Management Program was developed by
Management Program, is gathering
Institute for Human Performance (IHP),
the Department of Physical Medicine and
evidence that sports-related concussions
address the clinical side of concussion, by
Rehabilitation. “Having operated a
merit more serious medical attention and
evaluating and managing concussion
traumatic brain injury program for 15
public awareness. Rieger has a stack of
injuries like Kaitlin Englert’s (see page 5).
years, our department physicians certainly
sports clippings, and a wealth of personal
Elusive Symptoms
have experience in the long-term effects of
clinical experience, demonstrating that
As Englert learned when she was hit in
brain injury,” says Robert Weber MD,
concussion – an injury in which the free-
the temple by a volleyball, the symptoms
department chair.
floating brain is shaken inside the skull –
of concussion often worsen in the first 24
can lead to months of miserable symptoms
hours after injury. Most people recover
“Often there is little or no relationship
and sometimes serious, long-term
from concussion, but it can take weeks or
between the external injury and the effect
brain damage.
months. According to Rieger, up to 20
on the brain,” he says. “In our experience,
percent of cases will have symptoms that
there is no such thing as a ‘minor’ brain
persist for a year or more.
injury. Any brain injury disrupts your life.”
University Hospital’s Concussion
Management Program takes a multidisci-
plinary approach to concussion treatment,
involving physicians, psychologists, a nurse
case manager and physical and occupa-
Myths
tional therapists, as needed.
• If you weren’t knocked
Focusing an entire medical team on this
out, you didn’t suffer
underestimated condition can be very
MYTHS
a concussion
reassuring to patients. “These are people
who have been suffering from severe
• Everyone gets better
headaches, fatigue, inattention, loss of
in two weeks
memory and other troubling symptoms,”
reports Rieger. “The diagnosis often comes
MYTH
•
goes away, eve
S
Once the headache
as a tremendous relief. The patient will
rything
sit in my office and say, ‘You mean I’m
will be fine
not crazy?’”
• If there’s no visible
“This program has certainly made us
MYTH
injury, i
S
t can’t
more concussion-conscious in the
be that bad
Emergency Department,” says John
Concussion Crusader:
Psychologist
• Concussion is a
McCabe MD, chair of emergency
Brian Rieger PhD
medicine. “In the past, concussion
minor brain injury
Director, Concussion Management
management meant sending seriously
Program; CNY Sports Concussion Center;
and Rehabilitation Psychology at
MYTH
GE
A
term eff S
with no long-
altered patients to a neurosurgeon – and
ects
University Hospital
V
sending not-quite-normal patients home,
with reassurance that they would
• You should play
T MESCA
eventually feel fine.
MYTH
thr
OBER
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ough the pain, so
get back in the game
continued on page 6
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The Academic Difference
A Mild Brain Injury?
Kaitlin Englert,17,is a reigning
It could have been even more
New York state tennis champ,
distressing, without Englert’s
varsity lacrosse and volleyball
referral to the area’s only
player and dyed-in-the-wool
concussion program, where she
competitor. So she cringes when
received medical attention, physical
she recounts last winter’s failed
and occupational therapy and a
dive after a spiked volleyball. “It
personalized plan for gradual re-
was only practice, but I should have
entry into academics and athletics.
made that play,” says the
To help bring Englert’s teachers up
Fayetteville Manlius High School
to speed on her cognitive
junior. “I was really embarrassed.”
difficulties, Rieger sent them
Embarrassment should have
copies of his “Concussion in
been the least of Englert’s worries.
the Classroom” manual.
The missed volleyball hit the floor,
And to test her balance,
bounced back and slammed her in
vision and reaction time,
the right temple. A little startled,
Englert’s University
she continued to play. There was no
Hospital occupational
bump on her head – and she hadn’t
therapist Kim Nemi OTR\L
blacked out – so concussion didn’t
and physical therapist Michelle
seem to be a concern.
Westlake PT tossed Englert
lacrosse balls while she walked on
But by the next day, Englert had
the treadmill with her lacrosse stick.
a headache so severe that she went
to her pediatrician, Kathryn Webster
By the time lacrosse season
MD at Brighton Pediatrics. Dr.
opened in April, Englert was back in
Webster – noting that Englert also
school and back in play. “This was a
seemed confused and ultra-
very serious injury with a very good
sensitive to light and noise –
outcome, thanks to the concussion
referred her to the Concussion
clinic,” reports Kaitlin’s mother,
Management Program at University
Kathleen Englert. “An injury like this
Hospital.
can be overwhelming. There is no
cast or bandage. People on the
Director Brian Rieger PhD and
outside don’t always understand
the concussion program staff
what’s happening.”
conducted a comprehensive
evaluation – including a CT scan
"Kaitlin was very diligent about
that showed no visible damage.
her therapy," reports Paul Trela
Rieger diagnosed Englert with a
FNP, nurse practitioner in the
concussion, or mild traumatic brain
Concussion Management
injury (mTBI). As the weeks of
Program. "But it's an
treatment passed, it became
invisible injury, and
evident that Englert’s mild injury
frustration comes with
had major repercussions. The
the territory."
relentless headache, extreme
”It was hard to stay
fatigue, mental processing problems
patient,” admits Kaitlin.
and emotional volatility kept
“But as much as I
Englert out of school for six weeks
wanted to play, I
and sidelined from sports for three
couldn’t risk it. This
months.
wasn’t an injury
GE
“I couldn’t take the light or noise,”
you could tape
A
V
Kaitlin Englert:
she says. “It felt like everyone was
up. This was
Lacrosse
screaming at me.”
my brain.”
midfielder
T MESCA
and concussion
OBER
patient.
R
Legislation on Concussion
LE
To address the pot
GISL
entially serious
916 would establish guidelines –
Sweeney and passed by the
ramifications of sports concussions,
including written clearance from a
Assembly, the amendment would
the New York State Legislature is
physician – for students returning to
also create a system to track the
considering an amendment to the
certain sports after concussion.
number and severity of concussions
Education Law. Proposed Section
Proposed by
A
Assemblyman Rober T
t
a st IO
udent sustains.
N
SPRING 2004
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5
The Academic Difference
Visual Proof: The brain under siege by concussion (right) works much
harder than the normal brain (left) to complete the same task.
fMRI: Normal Working Memory Load Effects
fMRI: Working Memory Load Effects After mTBI
From McAllister TW. et al. Differential working memory load effects after mild traumatic brain injury. Neuroimage. 14(5):1004-12, 2001 Nov.
Concussion, continued from page 4
helmet redesign in 25 years. And a recent
in 2001 in Vienna. “It recommended that
study in the American Journal of Sports
athletes who appear to suffer a concussion
“It’s great to have the Concussion
Medicine reported that 10 percent of high
should automatically be removed from play
Management Program, where patients
school athletes playing contact sports suffer
for at least 24 hours,” Rieger reports. “It’s
with minor head trauma can find compre-
concussions every season.
too difficult, at that point, to determine if
hensive care,” McCabe says. “It helps
they’ll be OK. At the high school level,
patients determine what they can and
“We’re taking advantage of this publicity
there is absolutely no excuse not to take
cannot do, in terms of going back to
to help make our case about concussion,”
the athlete out.”
work or getting back to sports.”
says Rieger.
“When in doubt, sit them out,” Rieger
Broader Mission
Sideline Debate
adds. “That’s the current catch-phrase for
While this clinical component is
Sports-related concussions also deserve
good concussion management in sports.
essential, education is also imperative.
extra attention because there can be
Our Concussion Management Program is
Rieger’s experience is that most people –
pressure – from a variety of sources –
glad to see the athlete and take responsi-
and some medical professionals – have a
to return injured athletes to the game.
bility for the decision.”
limited understanding of concussion. The
“Coaches and trainers aren’t always
lack of information is especially perilous
knowledgeable about the potential
Spreading the Word
when it comes to sports concussions.
consequences,” Rieger says. “And in the
For more than a year, Rieger and his
heat of the game, players aren’t always
colleagues have been on the local speakers’
“If an injured athlete returns to play
forthcoming about symptoms.”
circuit, promoting concussion awareness –
before the symptoms are fully apparent –
especially among coaches, trainers, school
or before the concussion has healed – the
Orthopedist Dwight Webster MD, chief
nurses, parents and players.
risk of severe, permanent damage dramat-
of the Sports Medicine Section in the
ically increases,” says Rieger, whose mission
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, is
They are also working on a program to
is raising awareness about concussion.
grateful for Rieger’s words of caution about
offer preseason cognitive testing to local
concussion. “He is a tremendous resource
high school and college athletes, who can
“One of the first steps is to dispel the
for our residents and physicians,” says
take the test online. These computerized
myths,” he says. “There is a common
Webster. “Concussions initially can be
tests (created by HeadMinder and funded
misconception that only a blackout
very subtle and difficult to diagnose. For
by University Hospital’s Department of
indicates serious risk. But there is a lot of
those of us who deal with musculoskeletal
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
research indicating that loss of
injuries, concussions can be a little outside
provide a baseline for measuring recovery
consciousness does not necessarily mean
our realm of expertise.
after a concussion. “When an injured
the concussion is more or less severe.”
athlete regains the original level of
“Dr. Rieger also helps educate the high
cognitive function, that’s a green light for
Topic du jour
school athletic trainers who work with our
return to play.” Rieger explains. “These
Millions of Americans suffer a
program,” Webster adds. “These trainers
are the same kinds of tests used by the
concussion every year, but only about
are the athlete’s advocates. It is critical
National Football League and other
300,000 are sports-related. “Your garden-
that they understand the subtleties of
professional sports.”
variety concussion is caused by a car
concussion.”
accident. Falls and assaults also cause far
Orange Connection
more concussions than sports,” concedes
Medical Mention
Syracuse University and Onondaga
Rieger. “But sports injuries have higher
Rieger is pleased to see growing
Community College athletes have already
visibility.
awareness of concussion and sports
taken the HeadMinder tests, in collabo-
concussion, especially in the medical
ration with the Concussion Management
“On professional football teams, this
community. The first international
Program. Timothy Neal, head athletic
is the topic du jour,” he adds. Concussion
conference on sports concussion was held
trainer at SU, jumped at the chance to
research has prompted the first football
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S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
The Academic Difference
Simple Reaction Time
Complex Reaction Time
Processing Speed Index
Before and After: Sample computerized test of
cognitive function performed one day post-
injury. After 14 days, the same patient’s test
showed normal (green) function.
offer his players the computerized testing.
“The impact of severe or repeated
concussions on a student athlete’s
academics is a major concern for us,”
says Neal. “Did you ever think of where
the term ‘dumb jock’ comes from? It
may be related to concussions earlier in
the athlete’s life.
AN KAHN
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“In my 27 years at SU, I’ve seen six or
seven dozen concussions, including four or
Collaborating on Concussion: Timothy Neal, left, head athletic trainer at Syracuse University, works
five career-ending head injuries,” Neal
with the University Hospital Concussion Management Program to establish the baseline cognitive
function of SU athletes, using the computerized HeadMinder program. “Concussion is becoming
reports. “We’re already pretty conservative
an ever more urgent issue,” says Neal. “Athletes today are bigger, stronger and faster. When they
when it comes to head injuries. We treat
collide on the field and fall at your feet, the ground shakes.”
SU athletes like our own sons and
daughters. But it’s great to have Head-
Minder’s objective measures. We’re
committed to this testing and to finding
out all we can about the long-term impact
“When in doubt, sit them out. That’s the
of concussion.”
current catch phrase for good
The Research Component
Rieger’s ultimate research interest is the
concussion management in sports.”
impact of concussion on academic – not
athletic – performance. “Concussion in the
–Brian Rieger PhD, Director
classroom is a very underexplored area,”
Concussion Management Program,
he reports. “There is a lot of information
University Hospital
about academic problems after brain injury
Collaborative Research
Lewandowski and Rieger plan to use
but almost nothing that is focused specif-
Rieger’s research partner is Lawrence
their current research as a springboard to a
ically on concussion.”
Lewandowski PhD, Meredith Professor
major funded study. In collaboration with
Last winter, Rieger tailored one of his
of Teaching Excellence in Syracuse
Upstate’s Department of Neurosurgery,
popular concussion workshops to special
University’s Department of Psychology.
they also hope to use the IHP’s world-class
education teachers in the Syracuse City
The two psychologists are using data from
functional magnetic resonance imaging
School District. “Concussion is an invisible
the HeadMinder tests to investigate which
(fMRI) equipment to capture dramatic
injury that often leads to academic and
measures – such as reading speed –
images of a brain under siege by
social problems,” he told the teachers.
are sensitive to concussion.
concussion. (see page 6)
“For students with concussion, fatigue is
“Until recently, the diagnostic measures
Rieger hopes that the research will
the number-one problem,” he says.
for concussion have been pretty crude,”
ultimately help students struggling with
“Concussion causes chemical changes that
Lewandowski reports. “The testing often
the cognitive effects of concussion. “There
lead to an energy crisis in the brain.
consists of the doctor telling the patient,
are about 15 sets of guidelines for return to
The student has to work much harder to
‘Follow my finger.’ The bottom line is that
play after concussion,” he notes, “but there
accomplish what once came easily. In
very little is documented about concussion,
are no guidelines for return to school.”
the wake of a concussion, you often find
and what people think they know might
–Denise Owen Harrigan
poor cognitive and organizational skills
be myth.”
layered on top of good intellect and
language skills.”
SPRING 2004
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7
It’s Academic
GE
A
V
T MESCA
OBER
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“Introducing” Steven Scheinman MD
Executive Vice President & Dean of the College of Medicine
Over the course of more than holding us back.” He now holds the kidney stone disease, two current NIH
a year, Steven Scheinman
position and is approaching his new job
grants, an active lab and a specialized
MD developed an inter-
with high degree of excitement, and he
clinical practice. His recent awards include
esting perspective on
adds, a bit of trepidation.
being named by the SUNY Chancellor
SUNY Upstate — from
Robert King as one of New York State’s
the eyes of candidates for the dean of
“Most medical school deans last two-
most important and innovative scientists
medicine position.
and-one-half years on the job. I’m hoping
and SUNY Upstate’s President’s Award for
to beat that,” he says with a smile. “Dean
Excellence in Research. He lectures to
“Hearing how the candidates viewed
jobs anywhere are complex in their issues
medical students through the Program in
our problems and strengths got me
and scope, even when you don’t have a
Medical Humanities.
involved in thinking how we could be
hospital.” The complexities at SUNY
more successful,” he says.
Upstate include state regulations for both
As dean, Scheinman will oversee SUNY
the colleges and hospital, and navigating
Upstate’s academic, clinical and research
As the outside search flagged,
relationships with the medical marketplace.
enterprises which include 600 medical
Scheinman’s interest in the position grew.
students, 480 faculty from 18 clinical and
He was urged by many colleagues to
As a professor of medicine and chief of
five basic science departments and a
withdraw from the search to apply for the
the Nephrology Division, Scheinman
funded research budget that will top
position himself. “I was ready to roll up my
comes to the position with a distinguished
$34 million in 2004.
sleeves and try to fix what might be
international reputation for his research on
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S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
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It’s Academic
GE
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Questions and Answers with Dean Scheinman
How does this dean of
The faculty here are talented,
Most of our dollars are tied up in salary
medicine position differ
devoted to what they do and
lines, so it’s not flexible money. Therefore,
Q.
A.
from its predecessors?
really care about this place
any change will have to be gradual.
doing well. Throughout the
The dean of medicine responsi-
campus, there is a real sense of all three
bilities were expanded to
components of our medical university —
A. include an executive vice
How would you describe
education, research, patient care —
Q.
president role —in particular
your management style?
although they are not always given the
to make reporting relationships more
same attention.
I hope my management style
efficient. In effect, as Dr. Eastwood has
will empower people. I am not
explained it, the president is the CEO,
I support the desire held by many here for
autocratic and feel that people
A.
the dean is the COO. That means I will
greater faculty and staff development, and
do better when decisions are
be overseeing the inside operation,
in making Upstate an attractive place to
not simply imposed. If there is
including finance and space, while the
come and be successful.
an unpopular decision, I hope that
president will develop relations with
employees understand how the decision
outside constituencies such as SUNY,
In general, I would say Upstate employees
was made. I plan to build consensus
government agencies and others essential
have a shared sense of mission but see that
whenever possible, but I won’t deliberate
to our development.
we haven’t always used resources to our
best advantage.
forever on an issue.
What is the advantage of
Why is it important for
being an Upstate insider?
You mention resources.
our university to
Q.
Q.
Q.
Do you see yourself that
What is your take on
embrace the missions of
way?
that?
research, education and
I have a love for this place and
First, our state resources are a
patient care?
have been here 20 years, which
wonderful asset — you can
Research expands our
A.
A.
A.
by definition makes me an
equate the $50 million we
knowledge and our ability to
insider. But I also have an
receive from SUNY to income
improve the care of patients.
outsider’s view of our problems and
from a $1 billion endowment at a private
Research informs our education mission,
challenges. Like many people here, I have
school. I would like to see it used to
and there is ample documentation that
interests and colleagues that span many
develop planned programs, rather than
patient care at a research institution is of
institutions, which keeps me in touch with
patch problems. But the state makes it
higher quality. Education of new
new ideas. I think I understand and
hard to do such planning. However, our
physicians and other caregivers is a central
support Upstate while being open to
institutes are tangible evidence of how
obligation of all healers and contributes to
comments about how we need to grow or
plans can succeed.
a higher quality of patient care at teaching
improve.
Second, I will be implementing Mission-
institutions. Patient care, the purpose for
What have you observed
Based Management, but I can’t take credit
which we train new physicians and develop
during your 20 years here
for it. Skeptics call it a substitute for
new treatments, is a central mission. A
Q.that will help you in your leadership, but MBM is basically a tool medical university at which all three
new position?
to gather information. Once we have the
missions are not fully developed is not
information, we must make appropriate
complete.
decisions. That’s where leadership
–Leah Caldwell
comes in.
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
9
It’s Academic
+
two
two
Program Courts
Future Nurses
With the demand for
nurses reaching
new heights, the
SUNY Upstate
SUNY Upstate’s new academic building, scheduled to open in 2006, connects to Weiskotten Hall
at left. Above: final rendering of the exterior; below: clinical skills classroom space.
College of Nursing
Holt Architects PC, Ithaca.
is courting high school students with
a novel approach to a bachelor’s degree
Clinical Teaching
reasoning exam recently added to
in nursing.
the USMLE Step 2 licensing exam.
Anchors New
The new 2+2 bachelor’s degree pro-
“Students learn by doing,” notes Sara Jo
gram—currently one-of-a-kind in the
Academic Building
Grethlein MD, director for the Practice of
region – invites future nurses to apply
Medicine course. “Students will be better
to Upstate at the same time they apply
A state-of-the-art clinical teaching suite
able to take abstract knowledge and apply
to their associate degree program. (As
will occupy the entire ground level of the
it in a real situation, yet one where they
an upper-division nursing college,
new five-story academic building,
can make a mistake and try again.”
Upstate only enrolls nurses who have
scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.
their RN.) Students accepted by
The new academic building will also
Upstate are then guaranteed a spot for
The clinical teaching suite, with 22
provide needed classrooms, small group
their junior and senior years of college.
exam rooms, will utilize actors – known as
learning space and program-related offices
At that point they can enroll full-time
standardized patients – to simulate disease
The building program has been developed
in the College of Nursing or work as a
symptoms. These carefully staged
by a committee representing students and
nurse while taking courses.
simulations help medical students develop
the Colleges of Medicine, Health
examination, interviewing and diagnostic
Professions, Nursing and Graduate Studies.
“We hope this will make it easier for
skills.
students to consider a bachelor’s degree
The project is heartily supported by the
from day one,” says College of Nursing
Ninety five percent of US medical
College of Medicine Alumni, according to
Dean Elvira Szigeti PhD, RN. “Further
schools – including SUNY Upstate –
Director Carole Novick. “The original
education is rewarding in itself, and
currently use actors in clinical training.
state funding did not cover all needed
there is terrific opportunity and job
Upstate’s new clinical skills teaching area
teaching space, and our alumni are making
security in this profession.”
will dramatically improve the faculty’s
it happen,” she reports. “To purchase state-
ability to observe, evaluate and guide the
of-the art equipment for the new building,
A nurse with a bachelor’s degree
students’ interaction with actors. It will
we are also launching a fundraising
earns a median salary of $46,500 and is
also help students prepare for the clinical
campaign, with naming opportunities.”
more likely to be promoted to manage-
ment. Nationwide, nursing opportuni-
ties outrank most other areas of
employment. In New York State alone,
the number of available nursing
positions is expected to reach 17,000
by 2005. For more information on
how to become a nurse, visit
www.upstate.edu/con
1 0
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
It’s Academic
It's A Match
On March 18, 152 fourth-year students
obstetrics and gynecology (2 percent).
from SUNY Upstate’s College of Medicine
Eighteen percent will pursue surgical
learned where they will spend their
specialties, five percent will train in
residency years as they pursue their chosen
psychiatry and four percent in emergency
specialty.
medicine.
This annual rite of passage, known as
While SUNY Upstate medical graduates
Match Day, was established in 1952 by the
AN KAHN
will go to 26 different states, 55 percent
SUS
National Resident Matching Program of
have decided to remain in New York.
the Association of American Medical
Thirty graduates will remain in Syracuse:
Need to Know
Colleges. The matching program provides
21 at University Hospital and nine at St.
an orderly and fair way to match the
Joseph’s Hospital Health Center.
To assess the educational needs of
preferences of applicants with those of the
nurses, SUNY Upstate’s College of
residency programs that offer the training.
In addition to matching its students to
Nursing recently conducted a demo-
programs throughout the country, SUNY
graphic survey of RNs and learned that
At Upstate Medical University, 100
Upstate has also filled its own 110 specialty
more than half of its respondents intend
percent of the fourth-year medical students
and subspecialty residency positions,
to seek further education, particularly
received residency appointments.
according to William Grant EdD,
bachelor’s and master’s degrees. And 83
Nationwide, 93 percent of all US medical
associate dean for graduate medical
percent are interested in workshops and
graduates matched to a residency program.
education. “The fact that we filled all the
conferences, according to Barbara Black,
openings in our own teaching hospital —
College of Nursing continuing educa-
Nearly half will enter the primary care
even in the primary care programs where
tion director (pictured above).
specialties comprised of internal medicine
there was less of an interest at the national
(23 percent); pediatrics (16 percent);
level — is highly significant and speaks to
The respondents were from a random
family practice (5.3 percent); combined
the quality of our programs,” he notes.
sampling of 26,000 registered nurses
medicine/pediatrics (2.6 percent); and
licensed to practice in New York State.
–It’s Academic compiled
from reports by
Leah Caldwell
and Doretta Royer
Match Day!
Graduating Upstate
medical students,
from left, Emmy Gilles
of Huntington will
go to North Shore
University Hospital
on Long Island;
Donna Thomas of
New York City will
got to Columbia
University Medical
Center in New York;
and Kim Gilbert of
Syracuse will go to
Robert Wood Johnson
University Hospital in
New Brunswick, NJ.
All will pursue
residencies in
internal medicine.
ARD
AND
T
SSMAN/
T
-
S
VID LA
DA
THE POS
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
1 1
SPRING 2004
It’s Academic
Mini Med
Takes Prize
This year, SUNY Upstate's Mini Med
course sold out the day it was advertised,
enrolling more than 100 students, ages
15 to 74. The popular course also took top
honors in a SUNY-wide competition for
best special event. The competition was
OFESSIONS
PR
sponsored by the SUNY Council for
TH
University Affairs and Development
(SUNY CUAD).
Mini Med offers a behind-the-scenes
SICAL THERAPY/HEAL
look at health career education. More than
PHY
one dozen Upstate teaching professionals
Physical therapy students practice water therapy techniques in the Institute for
— including physicians, nurses, scientists
Human Performance pool.
and researchers — share their insights
over six Wednesday evenings. “We ask
New PT Doctorate
the doctoral level permits the expansion of
our professors to present a lecture that
key curriculum areas, including the
has a big impact on Upstate students,”
Eagerly Embraced
application of evidence-based practice and
reports Mini Med coordinator Leah
critical thinking skills.
Caldwell, assistant director for university
SUNY Upstate’s new transitional
communications.
doctoral program in physical therapy (T-
“These are ambitious programs that
DPT) promptly filled its first class with 25
will enhance the PTs’ capabilities as
“Some participants are exploring their
licensed physical therapists (PTs) who are
diagnosticians and practitioners,” says
career options, but most are just fascinated
eager for the advanced degree and
Pamela Gramet PT, PhD, chair of
by medicine,” Caldwell notes. “For those
appreciative of the program’s flexible
the Physical Therapy Department. “In
interested in one of Upstate’s four colleges,
weekend format.
many states, physical therapists practice
we offered on-the-spot admission
autonomously, in a direct-access environ-
counseling one night.”
Upstate’s College of Health Professions
ment. Both Upstate DPT programs
will also welcome its first PT doctoral
prepare graduates for this opportunity.”
Mini Med is supported by an
students in June. These students, who want
educational grant from the Pfizer
to become physical therapists, will enter
Upstate’s addition of DPT programs –
Corporation, and will run again in fall
the three-year DPT program with a
for both licensed PTs and those wishing
2004 at University Hospital’s Oasis
bachelor’s degree.
to enter the field – is in line with the
HealthLink Learning Center in
vision of the American Physical Therapy
ShoppingTown mall. To be placed on
The College of Health Professions
Association. It predicts that, by the year
the mailing list, please e-mail caldwell@
previously offered a master’s degree in
2020, most physical therapy services will
upstate.edu or call (315) 464-4835.
physical therapy. Elevating the program to
be provided by doctors of physical therapy.
MedQuest:
program offers a combination of lecture
material and hands-on experiences.
Summer Program
“Participants will also see demonstrations
of sophisticated medical equipment, such
for High Schoolers
as imaging and trauma care,” Vossler says.
While Mini Med attracts students of all
Activities range from taking health
ages, SUNY Upstate is hosting a summer
assessments to learning how to put on
program for area students who are entering
casts. Each participant will also gain CPR
10th and 11th grades and are interested in
and automated external defibrillator (AED)
health and medical careers. MedQuest is a
certification. Only 20 students are accepted
week-long resident camp, cosponsored by
into the program, and they will be
the Central New York Area Health
supervised by staff at all times.
Education Center.
To download a brochure or application,
Jim Vossler, associate dean for the
please visit www.cnyahec.org or call 607-
College of Health Professions, is
756-1090. MedQuest runs July 16-20,
supervising the content and says the
with applications due May 28.
1 2
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
Clinically Speaking
The Academic Difference:
The Ritual of
Grand Rounds
Because there can be no other medical professionals. As Central
conclusion to a medical
New York’s only academic medical center,
education, grand rounds play a
April 2004 Department of Pediatrics grand
SUNY Upstate is epicenter of continuing
rounds, featuring Richard Cantor MD, director
critical role in delivering the
medical education, with its 19 clinical
of University Hospital’s dedicated Pediatric
latest insights to community
departments offering various grand rounds
Emergency Department.
and attending physicians, as well as
presentations.
residents, medical students, nurses and
The Department of Pediatrics offers
weekly grand rounds on Wednesday
Sign of the Times:
mornings at 9:15 am. The April 7 session
pictured at right, featured Richard Cantor
Surgery Grand Rounds
MD, director of University Hospital’s
Go Online
dedicated Pediatric Emergency
Department of Surgery grand
Department. Cantor drew a typically
rounds are now digitally recorded
robust crowd.
and available online.
“Eight to nine o’clock on
“It’s the best pediatric education in the
Wednesday morning is when we
region,” reports Kathleen Shefner MD, a
offer grand rounds, but it’s also
pediatrician in private practice. Shefner
prime time for surgeons to be in
recently relocated to Syracuse from
the operating room,” reports
Southern California, where distance – and
surgeon Patricia Numann MD of
traffic – prohibited her from attending
the Department of Surgery. “Now
grand rounds.
you can go to our website and
download surgery grand rounds to
For a schedule of grand rounds at SUNY
your computer. It’s as if you are
Upstate, go to www.upstate.edu/ calendar
sitting there.”
To access surgery ground rounds
online, go to
Pediatric Grand Rounds: Among those present,
at left, pediatrician Hans Hartenstein MD, who
http://www.upstate.edu/surgery/
AN KAHN
has been attending for the past 50 years; pedi-
physician/grandrounds.shtml
SUS
atrician Kathleen Shefner MD, who recently
moved to Syracuse; and Hasra Phillip, a third-
year SUNY Upstate medical student from
Queens.
carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysm
Healthcare Network in Syracuse. She will
disease, lower extremity arterial insuffi-
also continue her clinical research into
Vivian Gahtan MD
ciency and varicose veins. She offers both
vascular reconstruction outcomes and basic
open and endovascular approaches to many
research into vascular smooth muscle cell
procedures.
migration and other topics. To date, she
New Vascular
has published close to 100 journal articles,
Gahtan says she was attracted to vascular
book chapters and abstracts.
surgery by the intricacy of the surgical
Surgery Chief
procedures and the long-term nature of the
Gahtan is president of the National
patient relationships. “In contrast to a
Association of Women Surgeons, a highly
The president of trauma surgeon,” she explains, “a vascular regarded national group established in
the National
surgeon often follows a patient for life. I
1981 by Upstate’s Patricia Numann MD.
Association of
also like the fact that most of what we do
The connection ultimately led to
Women
as vascular surgeons is palliative – we lessen
Gahtan’s recruitment to Upstate. “Last
Surgeons has
the burdens of aging, prolong a patient’s
year, I called Dr. Numann inquiring about
been named chief of the new
function and improve the quality of life.”
the group’s history,” Dr. Gahtan explains.
Vascular Surgery Section in University
Gahtan’s previous appointments include
“The next day I received a recruiting call
Hospital’s Department of Surgery. Vivian
chief of peripheral vascular surgery with
from her colleague, Surgery Chair Paul
Gahtan MD, formerly an attending
the VA Connecticut Health Care System.
Cunningham.”
surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital,
She will continue her affiliation the VA
brings advanced expertise in treating
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
1 3
Surgically Speaking
Good to Go
Thanks to treatment at the
CNY Gamma Knife Center, 10-year-old
Katie is back in action after being
sidelined for two years by an inoperable
tumor behind her left eye. The rare
condition–diagnosed as schwannoma
of the third nerve – was expected
to eventually paralyze Katie’s eye.
Her family was told there were no
Gamma Knife surgical options,but University
Hospital’s Charles Hodge MD,
chair of the Department of
Neurosurgery, suggested
Gets Upgrade
Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Only six weeks after her
“surgery without a scalpel,”
Katie’s symptoms were improving.
GE
A
V
T MESCA
The CNY Gamma Knife inoperable or
OBER
R
Center at University Hospital
inaccessible brain
recently celebrated its fifth
tumors, arteriovenous malfor-
anniversary, treated its
mations (AVMs) and acoustic
1,000th patient and installed
neuromas, the Gamma Knife now shows
a new cobalt radiation source and major
promise for treating epilepsy and other
system upgrade.
conditions which involve highly functional
Conditions Treated with
– and very high risk – regions of the brain.
the Leksell Gamma Knife
The new system – Leksell Gamma
in the U.S.
Knife® C – shortens treatment time and
Lisa Mitchell RN of the Gamma Knife
increases target conformity. The system's
Center recently presented at a national
Vascular Diseases
signature component is its Automatic
conference of Gamma Knife adminis-
AVM 8,080
Positioning SystemTM, which sets the head
trators. Her presentation was titled
Aneurysm 18
Other Vascular
293
frame coordinates and repositions the
“Communicating the Value of
Total 8,391
patient for each stage of treatment.
Radiosurgery to Patients.”
Benign Tumors
Previously, at least two staff members had
Acoustic Neuroma
5,789
to enter the treatment room for each
According to Mitchell, “Our center is
Meningioma 8,740
position adjustment. The automation saves
developing a strong reputation in the
Pituitary 2,838
approximately one hour per patient.
Gamma Knife world, based on our
Pineal 207
presence at national functions, our volume
Craniopharyngioma 250
The Gamma Knife C has a greater
and our willingness to share expertise with
Hemangioblastoma 314
capacity to conform treatment to complex
new Gamma Knife centers.”
Chordoma 246
target shapes, thus increasing accuracy.
Trigeminal Neuroma
307
–Denise Owen Harrigan
Schwannoma 488
The Leksell Gamma Plan®, the new
Other Benign Tumors
471
treatment planning system, digitally
“Surgery Without
Total 19,650
transfers treatment parameters from the
Malignant Tumors
A Scalpel”
operator’s console to the Automatic
Metastasis 21,515
The Gamma Knife, widely
Glial Tumors
6,758
Positioning System, optimizing speed and
considered the world’s most
Chondrosarcoma 86
ensuring data integrity. This state-of-the-art
sophisticated neurosurgical device,
Glomus Tumor
247
software permits real-time dose calculation
delivers powerful doses of radiation
Ocular Melanoma
56
yet retains the option of manual individu-
to inaccessible or inoperable brain
NPH Carcinoma
249
alization of treatment planning.
lesions. The treatment involves no
Hemangiopericytoma 250
incision, minimal discomfort and
Other Malignant Tumors
694
In the past five years, high demand has
Total 29,855
greatly reduced risk for the patient,
prompted the CNY Gamma Knife Center
Total Tumors
49,505
yet attacks its target with
to expand its services from two to five days
Functional Targets
unparalleled precision.
per week. Seven neurosurgeons, six
Intractable Pain Targets
233
Widely known as “surgery
radiation oncologists, three physicists and
Trigeminal Nerve
8,441
without a scalpel,” the Gamma
Parkinsonian Targets
332
seven nurses work in teams to plan and
Knife “blades” are actually beams
Psychoneurosis Targets
33
deliver Gamma Knife treatments at
of gamma radiation, programmed
Epilepsy Targets
45
University Hospital, one of 83 Gamma
to bombard lesions only at the
Other Functional Targets
356
Knife sites in the United States.
point of intersection. Before they
Total 9,440
intersect, however, these beams
Total Indications
67,336
The list of conditions successfully
pass harmlessly through the skull
treated by the Gamma Knife is also
* 71 sites reporting
and healthy tissue.
expanding. Traditionally used to combat
1 4
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
Clinically Speaking
F
A
B
E
C
The da Vinci Team:
From left, Patricia Kuntz RN, patient
D
service manager; Stephen Downey CCP,
perfusionist; Charles Lutz MD, cardio-
thoracic surgeon; and David Downey
PA-C, physician assistant.
The da Vinci Surgical
Intuitive Surgical Robot
System: How It Works
A The surgeon, who works at
a console several feet from
Offers Best
the patient, views the high-
GE
A
V
resolution, 3-D surgical
field on the console screen.
of Both Worlds
T MESCA
OBER
B With hands and wrists
R
naturally positioned, the
Asurgical robot that integrates “It makes the right and left hand
surgeon manipulates
the best features of minimally
ambidextrous. It eliminates any tremor. It
instrument controls
invasive and open surgery is
scales back delicate hand movements to an
positioned below the
now operating at University
even more precise level. It allows us to
display screen.
Hospital. The da Vinci
perform more complex procedures through
Surgical System® was added this year to the
pencil-sized incisions.
C InSite® vision software
hospital’s arsenal of advanced surgical
seamlessly transmits the
technology, at a cost of more than $1
“And it never gets tired,” adds Lutz.
surgeon’s hand, wrist and
million.
finger movements to the
The robotic system also allows the
ultra-sensitive EndoWrist®
The investment made sense to University
surgeon to operate with natural hand-eye
instruments positioned
Hospital because it offers clear advantages
coordination while seated at a console five
inside the robotic arms.
to patients.
feet from the patient. The instrument’s
movements at the patient mimic the
D Through 1-CM ports, the
“The da Vinci system reduces the size of
surgeon’s hand movements at the console.
instruments immediately
the surgical incision, the length of stay,
When the surgeon turns the controls
execute the commands.
postoperative pain and risk of infection,”
clockwise, the robot’s instruments turn
Each instrument has a
reports Charles Lutz MD, the first
clockwise. Standard laparoscopic surgery is
specific mission – such as
University Hospital surgeon to operate
counter-intuitive, with the surgeon
clamping, suturing or
with the new system. “For the patient, it
working from a mirror image of the
severing – and is designed
means a faster, more comfortable return to
operating field.
with seven degrees of
normal activity.”
motion to precisely mimic
Initially available for mitral valve repair,
the surgeon’s dexterity.
For the surgeon, the da Vinci system
mammary artery harvesting and coronary
retains – and even enhances – the
artery bypass, the da Vinci system will
E At the patient’s side, the
advantages of open surgery, including
eventually be used for gastric bypass
surgical team prepares the
direct 3-D visualization, full range of
surgery, prostatectomy and various
ports, installs and changes
motion and an intuitive sense of control.
pediatric procedures performed by
instruments and supervises
University Hospital surgeons.
the robotic arms.
Lutz, who is fellowship trained in
cardiac surgery and has completed special
University Hospital’s da Vinci system is
F
The InSite Vision System –
training with the da Vinci system, is most
one of only 210 available in the United
also visible on the
impressed by the robot’s dexterity and
States, Europe and Japan. It was the first
surgeon’s display –
precision. “This device does things the
surgical robot system to be judged safe and
enhances, refines and
surgeon’s hands cannot physically do,” he
effective by the US Food and Drug
optimizes 3-D images of
explains.
Administration.
the operative field.
–Denise Owen Harrigan
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
1 5
Spiritually Speaking
New Heights of Spiritual Care
AN KAHN
SUS
The staff and volunteers of University Hospital’s Spiritual Care team: Kneeling, clockwise from left: Rev. Terry Ruth Culbertson; Rev. Alfred Bebel;
Kathy Ball (Roman Catholic Diocesan chaplain);* Rev. Jerald Shave and Rev. Louise Tallman-Shepard. Standing, from left: Violeta Cuenca;*
Rev. Luciano Plaza;* Shirley Hermann,* Helen Filipsack,* William Billingham DDS,* Rev. W. John Hottenstein,* Elder James Rudisell,*
Patricia Hottenstein* and Pastor Marilyn Plaza.* *spiritual care volunteers.
Integrating more
Often the first words the inner resilience to the creative arts – that
Rev. Terry Culbertson hears
helps us think about ourselves as more
at a patient’s bedside are,
than flesh and bones.
spiritual care into
“I don’t go to church very
much.” But church
“Nurturing spirituality in the hospital
attendance – or religious affiliation – are
setting is especially important,” Culbertson
believes. “Many clinical studies demon-
the continuum of
of little concern to Culbertson, who is
SUNY Upstate’s new spiritual care manager
strate that something larger than us affects
and represents the changing face of
our health and well-being. Spirituality
spiritual care in a clinical setting.
helps patients cope, transcend and grow.
care is the goal of
Until about 10 years ago, Culbertson
“The body, mind and spirit are all
admits, spirituality was almost synonymous
affected by illness, yet spirituality has not
Rev. Terry Culbertson
with religion. Today, she says, “It’s much
historically been at the interdisciplinary
broader than religious affiliation, although
table,” she adds. “My commitment is to
it can include worship, prayer and sacred
more fully integrate our discipline into
and her team.
text. Spirituality is anything – from our
our continuum of care.”
1 6
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
Spiritually Speaking
Strong Tradition
“We want the medical students to
While Culbertson plans to take her
recognize that faith often plays a role in the
discipline to new heights, she admires
healing process,” Culbertson explains, “and
University Hospital’s strong tradition of
to understand that faith may be the
spiritual care. In recent decades, that care
patient’s greatest strength.”
has been delivered by two dedicated, part-
time chaplains, the Rev. Alfred Bebel and
Culbertson recruited 29 volunteer
the Rev. Gerald Shave, plus a cadre of
chaplain-mentors for the course (which is
The Path
volunteer chaplains from many denomi-
funded by a grant from the John D.
nations.
Templeton Foundation). “One of our
to the
goals,” she confides, “is to have the
Patient’s
Culbertson is the first person, however,
chaplains available as a source of support
AN KAHN
Bedside
SUS
to focus full-time on spiritual care. “I have
for the students, because medical school
the luxury of a larger vision,” she says,
can be very stressful.”
“because I share my daily patient duties
with Father Bebel, Reverend Shave and
Culbertson – whose most previous
When Terry Culbertson first
heard the voice that called
her to the ministry, her
Chaplain Ball. We have a wonderful
position was director of pastoral care for
response was “You must be
pediatric chaplain, the Rev. Louise
the Interreligious Council of Central New
kidding me.” The Baltimore native
Shepard, on board as well, partially funded
York – has served for the past four years as
was very shy – certainly not a
through a one-year Children’s Miracle
the College of Medicine’s course director
woman who wanted to stand up
Network grant.”
for spirituality. The opportunity to expand
and preach. She had already earned
this educational role attracted Culbertson
a college degree – in art and
Since Culbertson assumed her new role
to University Hospital’s newly created
psychology – and was working as a
last fall, she has organized a choir that sings
position of spiritual care manager.
graphic designer. And she was
at the patient’s bedside and twice-weekly
raised in the Church of God, a
meditation sessions in the hospital chapel –
“How do you increase the institution’s
Protestant tradition, she says,
among other healing additions. But the
openness to spiritual care?” she asks. “You
“which is not doctrinal and doesn’t
“larger vision” to which she refers largely
change it through education. Patients today
require seminary.”
involves educational initiatives.
are demanding that we pay more attention
On the other hand, Culbertson felt
to spiritual care, just as they once
closely connected to her God. As a
This summer, University Hospital
demanded that we change the labor-and-
child, she had suffered from
becomes the sole Central New York site to
delivery culture.”
rheumatoid arthritis. She had deep
offer a nationally accredited training
compassion for others who
program through the Association of
Patient as Teacher
struggle and often felt only God
Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).
While Culbertson is passionate about
knows the extent of our suffering.
Culbertson, who recently completed a
education, she is no less committed to
So in her mid-20s, Culbertson
rigorous, five-year ACPE supervisory
direct patient care. She considers it a
followed her new vocation to Drew
program to provide this training, will soon
blessing to work with patients.
Theological School in Madison, NJ,
welcome six seminarians and clergy. Each
and ultimately to clinical
“The chaplain’s role is not to preach or
will spend 400 hours on University
internships and residencies.
proselytize,” she explains. “It’s not so much
Hospital units and in the classroom,
about what we say. Our role is to be with
“I could never imagine myself
“learning to care for the sick and suffering
preaching,” she says. “But when I
patients and to listen to them. I often say
patient,” Culbertson explains.
learned about clinical pastoral care,
that the patient is the teacher – we sit at
I could imagine myself in that role,
“Nothing in the seminary prepares you
the feet of the patient to learn.
because it wasn’t about me. It was
to work with patients, although many
“In the midst of tremendous suffering,
about the patient.”
denominations require this experience for
patients and families often ask, ‘What
The process of preparing for that
ordination or chaplaincy certification. The
purpose does this have?’” Culbertson
role was surprisingly painful,
lack of such a training site in Syracuse has
continues. “I believe that this will to find
however. “In order to help patients,
left a big hole for a long time,” she says.
meaning is the strongest drive in our lives,
you have to understand your own
history, your own weaknesses and
Raising Awareness
even stronger than hunger. Sometimes
strengths,’ she explains. “You have
In Medical School
patients need our help finding that
to explore those areas in group
For the first time this year, 154 first-year
meaning, that spark of hope. I’ve seen
training, with the eyes of your
SUNY Upstate medical students are also
many people go through devastating illness
peers on you.”
focusing more closely on the spiritual
– and even through the end of life – and in
It’s a process that never ends,
dimension, in a Practice of Medicine
the process they grow, prevail and find joy
Culbertson has learned. “You are
curriculum requirement that culminates
– while profoundly enriching the lives of
always growing and learning –
with each student accompanying a
others.”
from self-exploration and from
chaplain on institutional rounds.
–Denise Owen Harrigan
your patients,” she says.
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
1 7
Support Systems
CNY Children’s
Hospital Takes
Major Strides Forward
The Central New York of healthcare professionals; and better
Children’s Hospital at
efficiencies for the hospital,”
University Hospital is
Mare reports.
steadily moving toward
groundbreaking. A prominent
The Children's Hospital will
architectural firm has been selected,
increase the space dedicated to pediatric
the design process is well underway and
medicine at University Hospital from
community support exceeds expectations.
18,000 to 87,000 square feet. The
children’s “hospital within a hospital”
Karlsberger Companies, a nationally
will feature 50 private patient rooms,
recognized healthcare planning and design
family sleep and dining areas as well as
firm, has been selected as the architect for
playrooms, a family resource center and
Making the Case
University Hospital’s entire $99 million
performance space, among other amenities.
for a children's hospital at University Hospital
vertical expansion project, which will be
is the mission of a 24-page case statement
with voices of support from parents, com-
crowned by the CNY Children’s Hospital.
Ambitious Undertaking,
munity leaders and medical professionals.
King and King Associates of Manlius will
Generous Support
The award-winning publication was designed
serve as associate architect.
Construction costs for the entire vertical
by Kathleen Carnes and her colleagues
expansion of the east wing are estimated
in the Department of Marketing and
Communications.
An award-winning specialist in the
at $92 million. Adjustments for inflation
development of children’s healthcare spaces,
and interim interest expense are expected
Karlsberger has worked with 10 of the top
to increase the cost to $99.8 million.
The Changing Face
25 children’s hospitals as ranked by U.S.
University Hospital was authorized
News and World Report.
to finance the construction through
of Hospital Design
bonding when Gov. Pataki and the
A University Hospital Committee of
Among the current clients of the 75-
legislature approved bonding legislation
more than 20 members – including
year-old firm are The Children’s Hospital
earlier this year.
administrators, physicians, nurses,
of Philadelphia; Children’s National
parents and highly committed
Medical Center in Washington, DC; All
The Children’s Hospital will have
citizens – has been meeting for
Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.;
unique equipment, programmatic and
months to guide the design of the
and Children’s Hospital of Austin, Tex.
environmental needs and will feature a
new children’s hospital. Among the
separate Children’s Hospital entrance on
priorities they have communicated
Karlsberger Companies is based
Irving Avenue. These expenses will be
to the architects are mandates for:
in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in
funded through a $15 million community-
• More family-centered care, with
New York, NY; Birmingham, Ala.;
wide capital campaign. Mary Ann Shaw,
sleeping, dining, bath, recreation
and West Palm Beach, Fla.
chair of the Children’s Hospital Campaign
and communication amenities
committee, reports that $7.55 million has
for families
Family-Focused
been pledged to date. SUNY Upstate
• More decentralized care delivery –
“Karlsberger will tailor the leading
employees, including medical staff and
e.g., smaller staff stations placed
trends in health care design to the unique
faculty, have committed close to $1.1
closer to patient rooms
needs of University Hospital,” according to
million. The Upstate Medical Foundation’s
Gregory C. Mare, AIA, the firm’s principal-
• More consideration of privacy,
annual Gala in December raised more than
per new HIPPA regulations –
in-charge. Increasing the family’s presence
$220,000, and the Rosamond Gifford
and out of respect to patients
in the caregiving process is a key mandate
Community Foundation recently
and families
to the architects (see sidebar at right).
announced a $250,000 gift to the
• More “normal” environmental
“Our design and development work
Children’s Hospital.
elements, including art, music,
will address issues that are keenly
lighting – even performance
“Our community is rallying behind
important to University Hospital,
space
this project in ways not often experienced
including family-centered environments
• More attention to scale, to make
in Syracuse or Central New York,”
for adults and children, contemporary
the hospital experience less
reports Shaw.
educational space for the next generation
overwhelming for children.
–Darryl Geddes
1 8
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
SPRING 2004
Support Systems
Honorary Degrees
Applaud Cancer Crusaders
Two prominent leaders in the crusade to
Both recipients are considered kindred spirits of SUNY Upstate,
eradicate cancer will be awarded honorary degrees
which has made cancer one of its four pillars of excellence. Last
at SUNY Upstate’s 2004 convocation on May 16.
year, University Hospital earned elite accreditation from the
Oncologist Brian J. Druker MD of Oregon
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The
Health and Science University, the primary
distinction is awarded to only one in four cancer centers
investigator behind the revolutionary cancer drug Gleevec®,
nationwide. In the rigorous accreditation process, University
will receive the doctor of science degree.
Hospital earned the highest possible score and received special
commendation for its clinical trials program.
Carol M. Baldwin of Syracuse, who has raised more
than $2.5 million dollars through the Carol M. Baldwin
SUNY Upstate also has a robust basic research program, with
Breast Cancer Research Fund, will receive the doctor of
dozens of scientists conducting cancer-related studies. Close to
humane letters degree.
$400,000 of its research support has come through the Carol M.
Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. A number of Upstate’s
cancer research studies share share common ground with the
molecular research of Druker.
Carol M. Baldwin
Brian J. Druker MD
Baldwin became a cancer activist after
Professor of medicine and director
a grueling personal encounter with
of the Leukemia Center at Oregon
breast cancer. In the early 1990s, after
Health and Science University in
a double mastectomy at University
Portland, Druker committed early in
Hospital, she reached out to other
his career to combining direct
women struggling with the disease
patient care with cancer-related
and became a catalyst for the
bench research.
Syracuse Chapter of the Susan G.
While investigating the molecular
Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Her
abnormalities of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML),
belief that funds raised locally should support local
Druker and his colleagues identified the proteins that
research inspired the formation of the Carol M. Baldwin
trigger CML’s wild proliferation of red blood cells.
Breast Cancer Research Fund. Through its Long Island
He then identified BCR/ABL, a mutant protein, as an
and Central New York chapters, the organization has
ideal target for drug intervention and worked with a
awarded more than $2.5 million in research grants.
pharmaceutical company to inhibit BCR/ABL. Their
SUNY Upstate researchers have to date received close to
subsequent development of Gleevec, or ST1-571, has
$450,000 from Baldwin’s organization, including $50,000
proved to be the most effective CML treatment in
for an annual lecture series on the latest advances in
history. The drug was FDA-approved in 2001 and has
breast cancer research.
been administered to more than 50,000 CML patients
Baldwin is integrally involved in the fund’s activities,
worldwide. According to Druker, 75 percent of his
from major galas and golf tournaments to scores of
patients treated with Gleevec are alive and doing
grassroots fundraisers. Baldwin’s six children –
“unbelievably well” five years later.
Elizabeth, Jane, Alec, William, Stephen and Daniel –
Gleevec has been a commercial as well as clinical
serve on the foundation’s board and are very active
success, inspiring other pharmaceutical companies to
in its work.
invest in “designer” drugs like Gleevec – highly specific
drugs that are reverse engineered to disrupt abnormal
molecular processes.
“We’re finding breast
cancer earlier, but we’re
“Having a direct, daily
still finding it. Without
connection to patients
money for research, we
makes my research even
won’t find a cure.”–Carol Baldwin
more urgent.”–Brian Druger MD
SPRING 2004
S U N Y U P S T A T E M E D I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y O U T L O O K
1 9
Foot Note
Why Would You
Go Anywhere Else?
University Hospital’s 2004 TV advertising campaign, created with the
laborious technique known as microcinematography, takes an out-of-
the box approach to promoting the hospital’s clinical services. The
campaign highlights breakthrough cancer care, high-tech neurosurgery,
minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery and pediatric specialties unique
in Central New York. The campaign, which also includes print and radio ads, underscores
the academic edge which SUNY Upstate’s education and research enterprises add to
the clinical care available at University Hospital.
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
750 East Adams Street ● Syracuse, NY 13210-1834
Permit No. 110
Syracuse, NY
6.2MELSK
0704041
04.0
