Legacy Magazine - Summer 2013

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13 LEGACY

Kathy Coleman

honorS her

late huSband,

a trailblazer for

CliniCal trialS

achievements in health care, medical science and philanthropy

B e s t i n o h i o

technology is transforming health care today in amazing

ways, as breakthrough devices and drugs conquer

ailments long thought incurable. at university hospitals,

compassion is the unifying element between high tech and

high touch. it is the uniquely human and humane quality

that compels us to elevate others’ needs above our own.

this issue of legacy celebrates two special women

who epitomize compassion and show us how profound

its impact can be: Kathy Coleman and barbara Peterson

ruhlman.

Kathy Coleman has committed countless volunteer hours

and more than $10 million to help people overcome a

challenge she has faced: cancer in a loved one. lung

cancer claimed the life of her husband, les, in 2000.

Since then, Kathy has devoted herself to raising resources

for cancer-oriented clinical research at university hospitals

Case medical Center. her $7.5 million gift earlier this

year established the les and Kathy Coleman Clinical trials

Center at university hospitals Seidman Cancer Center.

there, physician-scientists are testing and refining the

latest in cancer diagnostics and treatment.

barbara ruhlman began giving her time and her personal

touch to patients at macdonald house when she was just

a teenager. Sixty-plus years later, she is still sharing her

compassion with patients at university hospitals macdonald

Women’s hospital as a volunteer. and she has given uh

more than $10 million, including a $6 million gift earlier

this year for physical improvements and maternal-fetal

programs at uh macdonald Women’s hospital. augmenting

barbara’s gift: a $1 million match from the rainbow babies

& Children’s foundation.

the patient-focused compassion of philanthropic

supporters and physician-scientists comes together in

the endowed faculty positions that have helped to

elevate uh Case medical Center to the highest ranks of

academic medical centers. endowed master-clinician

positions and chairs allow uh to recruit, reward and

retain physicians of national and international renown.

their clinical care, teaching and research benefit

patients and peers for generations.

through 2012, more than 60,000 individuals, foundations

and corporations have given more than $1 billion toward

our $1.5 billion goal of Discover the Difference: the

Campaign for University Hospitals.

i would like to extend my deep appreciation to Kathy

Coleman and barbara ruhlman. and to all of our

steadfast supporters: thank you for your selfless gifts

of time, talent and funds – and for your compassion.

you enable us to advance our mission – To Heal. To

Teach. To Discover.

from Thomas F. Zenty III, Chief Executive Officer, University Hospitals

U H

HIGH-TECH BREAKTHROUGHS COMBINED WITH PAT IENT-FOCUSED COMPASSION ARE THE HALLMARKS OF CARE AT UNIVERS ITY HOSP ITALS

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w w w . u h g i v i n g . o r g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3 1

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on the cover KATHY COLEMAN/photo beth Segal PhotograPhy

Thomas F. Zenty III Chief Executive OfficerUniversity Hospitals

Fred C. Rothstein, MD President University Hospitals Case Medical Center

Sherri L. Bishop, Esq. Chief Development Officer University Hospitals

Peter S. Brumleve Chief Marketing Officer University Hospitals

Judy Ernest Managing Editor, Legacy Magazine

Jennifer Dixon, Julie Evans, Catherine Gabe, Sarah Hollander, Cassandra Kazanas, Lynn Novelli Writers

Keith Berr, Gary Kozminski, Roger Mastroianni, Dan Milner, Beth Segal Photographers

Parente-Smith Design Inc. Design

Michele Brown Advisor

On the Web UHhospitals.org/Legacy

Legacy is published by Marketing & Communications, University Hospitals, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-5000. Telephone: 216-767-8500. Postmaster: Send address corrections to the above address. Copyright 2013, University Hospitals. All rights reserved.

Among the nation’s leading academic medical centers, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is the primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, a nationally recognized leader in medical research and education.

UH Case Medical Center is the 2012 recipient of the American Hospital Association–McKesson Quest for Quality Prize.

S u m m e r 2 0 1 3

U n i v E R S i T y H O S P i T A L S

LEGACY

L E g A C y M A g A z i n EB e s t i n o h i o

10

d e p a r t m e n t s From the chief

executive officer High-Tech Breakthroughs Combined with Patient- Focused Compassion Are the Hallmarks of Care at University Hospitals 2 highlights

8 discover the difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals

14 advances

20 the philanthropic spirit

25 reflections Preparing for Coming Changes in Health Care

F e a t u r e s

4 honoring lester coleman, a trailblazer for clinical trials Stage 4 lung cancer. Les Coleman and his wife, Kathy, were trying to comprehend the diagnosis in July 2000. Steadying his voice, 69-year-old Les asked, “What’s next?”

10 a tale of two miracles Joan Kennedy and David Ferguson are just two examples of the thousands of patients who’ve benefited from transformational, life-extending surgeries at UH.

16 her Giving is effortless! The year is 1951. A college student bounds up the steps to a local hospital for a day of volunteering. The place? MacDonald House.

1614contents

4 8

2 L E G A C Y v i s i t u s o n l i n e

Level III Trauma Center


highlights

UH GEAUGA MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZED AS LEVEL III TRAUMA CENTER

university hospitals geauga medical Center can now accept adult patients who would have previously traveled greater distances for trauma care expertise. having earned provisional recognition as an adult level iii trauma center from the ohio department of Public Safety’s division of emergency medical Services, the hospital provides immediate around-the-clock assessment, resuscitation, emergency operations and stabilization for severely injured adults.

every year, more than 16,000 people are seen in uh geauga medical Center’s norma n. Chapman emergency Center. named after lifelong Chardon resident norma n. Chapman, the expanded emergency Center is twice as large as the previous facility and incorporates the latest technology while allowing for greater patient privacy and comfort.

For more information about trauma care at UH Geauga Medical Center, visit UHhospitals.org/Geauga/Services/Emergency-Center.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS BUILDS NEW MEDICAL CENTER IN EUCLID

university hospitals is building a state-of-the-art medical center in euclid on lakeshore boulevard. the building will serve as the new location for uh euclid health Center, currently situated just a few feet away.

the new 24,000-square-foot building is slated to open next year, and will provide a more modern care environment for patients. Services will include internal medicine, pediatrics, podiatry, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, radiology and lab and a strong diabetes program.

“uh has been at the lakeshore boulevard site for 20 years,” said Steve Standley, uh Chief administrative officer. “our physicians like the site and we continue to reinvest in the area.”

To find a UH family health center near you, visit UHhospitals.org/AtAGlance.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS IS NUMBER ONE IN DIVERSITY

LEGACY MAGAZINE NAMED BEST IN OHIO FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

legacy magazine, the flagship publication of the institutional relations and development department of university hospitals, has been recognized for editorial excellence. the Summer 2012 issue was named best institutional magazine in the state of ohio by the ohio Professional Writers (oPW) association. the award was presented at the oPW april annual meeting in Columbus.

To view current or archived issues of Legacy magazine online, visit: UHhospitals.org/Legacy.

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12 LEGACY

HARRINGTON DISCOVERY INSTITUTE WILL BOLDLY TRANSFORM MEDICINE

ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE, MEDICAL SCIENCE AND PHILANTHROPY

university hospitals has been ranked number one nationally on the hospital Systems Specialty list of the 2013 diversityinc top 50 Companies for diversity. among the programs at uh that diversityinc recognized for this achievement are its cultural competency training for residents and its supplier diversity program.

at uh, all residents participate in a two- week training rotation that includes a cultural competency module. topics cover what to do when patients’ religious beliefs prevent them from following doctors’ orders, or how to respond to cultural concerns regarding food/nutrition recommendations or restrictions.

in supplier diversity, uh was on pace with construction supplier-diversity goals of 15 percent minority business enterprise (mbe) and 5 percent Women’s business enterprise (Wbe) spending in 2012.

uh recently completed $750 million in major construction projects throughout northeast ohio, employing a novel strategy of using local and minority-/female-owned businesses to generate local wealth, economic opportunity and jobs. the innovative strategy was designed and implemented by uh in close partnership with the City of Cleveland mayor, frank Jackson, the Cleveland foundation and local building trade unions. the innovative program was recognized recently in a case study for building community wealth by massachusetts institute of technology (mit) and the university of maryland.

u h g i v i n g . o r g f a l l 2 0 0 9 3u h h o s p i t a l s . o r g / g i v i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3 3

HEALTHSPOTtm STATIONS PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH TOMORROW’S HEALTH CARE TODAY

it’s a familiar experience for many parents: your child becomes sick and the doctor’s office has closed. his or her symptoms aren’t life-threatening, but you don’t want to wait to seek care.

fortunately, university hospitals rainbow babies & Children’s hospital has introduced healthSpot Stations. these walk-in kiosks allow patients and families to interact with uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital pediatricians via high-definition videoconferencing. Staffed by a medical attendant, the kiosks are equipped with integrated medical devices including a blood pressure cuff, thermometer, scale, otoscope, dermascope, stethoscope and pulse oximeter. results produced by use of these devices help the physician to assess a child’s condition and provide appropriate care. if needed, the doctor can also prescribe medications.

uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital is the first hospital in the country to provide this innovative service to children. Currently, there is no fee for the virtual doctors’ visits. Visits are covered by a $12.7 million federal grant received in July 2012 to help improve care for northeast ohio children who frequently visit the emergency room or have complex health conditions or behavioral problems. funding provided by the Center for medicare and medicaid innovation is part of a larger initiative to transform the delivery of primary pediatric care in the region.

the first healthSpot Station opened as a test location at uh Chagrin highlands health Center in orange Village in march. following conclusion of the test phase, that kiosk, as well as an additional kiosk, will be installed at two different community locations within Cleveland’s eastside this summer. the community locations will be open during evening and weekend hours.

The project described was supported by funding from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or any of its agencies.

UH RAINBOW BABIES & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RANKED AMONG TOP CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS IN NATION

uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital once again ranks among the top children’s hospitals in the nation, according to u.S.news & World report’s annual rankings.

the hospital not only ranks in nine of 10 medical specialties, but rankings improved in three areas. most notably, uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital is ranked no. 2 in neonatology and is among the nation’s top 10 children’s hospitals in pulmonology. the hospital’s top-five ranking for the care

of newborns continues for the sixth straight year.

u.S.news & World report rankings reflect the hard work and dedication of uh physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers – and especially the volunteer leaders of the rainbow babies & Children’s foundation, said

thomas zenty iii, university hospitals Ceo. “their unwavering commitment and energy, coupled with last year’s transformational $32.5 million gift, will help us continue to serve our nation’s children as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country,” he said.

the following is a list of the hospital’s nine specialties and rankings: cancer (no. 18), diabetes & endocrinology (no. 13), gastroenterology (no. 46), neonatology (no. 2), nephrology (no. 29), neurology & neurosurgery (no. 13), orthopaedics (no. 14), pulmonology (no. 7) and urology (no. 46).

to develop the children’s hospital rankings, u.S.news & World report used a three-part methodology combining reputation, outcomes and care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology, infection control and safety. nearly 200 children’s hospitals were asked to participate in the extensive survey.

Learn more at RainbowBabies.org/USNews.

4 L E G A C Y v i s i t u s o n l i n e4 L E G A C Y v i s i t u s o n l i n e

lester Coleman, a trailblazer for Clinical trialsh

on

or

ing

the late lester e. Coleman Jr., Phd

u h h o s p i t a l s . o r g / g i v i n g S u m m e r 2 0 1 3 5

Stage 4 lung cancer. les Coleman and his wife,

Kathy, were trying to comprehend the diagnosis

in July 2000. Steadying his voice, 69-year-old

les asked, “What’s next?”

“Well, there’s the standard form of chemotherapy,”

nathan levitan, md, said, adding, “les, you

would be a good candidate for a clinical trial.”

les, the former Chief executive officer of lubrizol Corporation was an insatiable learner; he was intrigued. “tell me more,” he said. dr. levitan covered the basics. the treatment was experimental and totally voluntary. With it, les might extend his life, have a better quality of life and certainly contribute to advancing both science and research.

Without hesitation the Colemans said, “let’s go.”

Sadly, les Coleman passed away october 21, 2000. but Kathy believes the clinical trial made a positive difference in the last months of her husband’s life. “We got reports back that the clinical trial was actually working,” she said. “the major tumor had diminished. the treatment was doing something.”

for les, who held a doctorate in organic chemistry, participating in a clinical trial resonated with his scientific nature. Since his death, Kathy has continued to champion the good works that can come from clinical trials. in february she donated $7.5 million to the university hospitals Discover the Difference campaign to support the work at university hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. (See sidebar for other gifts from Kathy Coleman.)

in honor of this significant donation, uh established the Kathy and les Coleman Clinical trials Center at uh Seidman Cancer Center. her gift will support expansion of uh’s renowned clinical research program, which conducts early stage clinical trials. the gift will expedite drug development, advance diagnostic technology and develop new cancer treatments. it will support more early stage clinical trials and new technology as well as patient education about the importance of clinical trials participation. “it dovetails perfectly with our goals, since research and development are what les lived for,” Kathy said.

for a retired scientist like les, participating in a clinical trial put him back in his research heyday, Kathy said. he would pepper the staff with questions and quiz them about organic chemistry. “les wanted to be involved in something with a competitive edge,” she said. “as a scientist and researcher, he knew that investing in research was the only way to get ahead of the curve and make strides.”

uh Seidman Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading clinical research centers, has more than 300 ongoing

nathan levitan, md, President, uh Seidman Cancer Center and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine

6 L E G A C Y v i s i t u s o n l i n e6 L E G A C Y v i s i t u s o n l i n e

studies focused on cancer treatment and prevention and new drug trials. “this new gift will enable us to build upon our long legacy of being at the forefront of cancer research and will have a tremendous impact on achieving our goal: Curing Cancer every day,” said dr. levitan, now President of uh Seidman Cancer Center.

“there are so many discoveries that are coming from the research bench to the bedside,” Kathy said. “but it takes money to fund the research and development, the laboratory work, writing proposals and seeing patients.”

lisa hamilton is one of those patients who understands the impact of research. She is grateful that clinical trials were available as a treatment option when she became ill a decade ago. She had a nagging cold that turned into pneumonia. the underlying cause was multiple myeloma, a blood cancer of plasma cells.

like les, she qualified for a clinical trial. “i really trusted my doctor,” said lisa, a mother of three who lives in Shaker heights. being in a clinical trial eased her anxiety. “When you’re in a clinical trial you’re watched every step of the way,” she said. “it’s actually a good place to be. you get some very special care. Patients get to try new drugs.”

in 2004 lisa had a bone marrow transplant, which her body eventually rejected. however, by that time, a new drug was available – a drug which was proven effective because of clinical trials. “i’m the beneficiary of somebody being brave enough to go through a clinical trial,” she said. “it really is spiritual for me. i have a lot of people to thank for blazing the trail.”

les Coleman was one of those trailblazers.

Scientist, scholar, inventor, nature-lover and philanthropist: all describe les. add photographer, expert fly fisherman, golfer

“I’m the beneficiary of somebody

being brave enough to go through

a clinical trial. It really is spiritual

for me. I have a lot of people to

thank for blazing the trail.” – lisa hamilton

h o n o r i n G l e s t e r c o l e m a n , a t r a i l b l a z e r F o r c l i n i c a l t r i a l s

lisa hamilton


Kathy Coleman’s $7.5 million gift to support Discover the Difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals is her third major investment in the hospital’s cancer clinical trials program, bringing her lifetime giving to uh to $10.5 million.

in 2001, a $1.5 million endowed gift established the dr. lester e. Coleman, Jr. Chair in Cancer research and therapeutics. neal meropol, md, Chief of hematology/oncology, associate director of Clinical research at uh Seidman Cancer Center and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine, is the current chair. the chair honors les’ lifelong commitment to advancing science.

in 2007, Kathy further honored her husband’s legacy by making an additional $1.5 million gift to complete a vital capital project: the Kathleen a. and dr. lester e. Coleman Clinical research Suite at uh Seidman Cancer Center. this leading-edge clinical trials inpatient unit offers one-stop convenience, including a control room with laboratory capabilities for cell processing and diagnostics.

“Kathy Coleman is a passionate advocate for uh,” said nathan levitan, md. She has served as a member of the Cancer leadership Council since its inception in 2005 and as Chair of it since 2008. She is also Co-Chair of the leadership Council Committee of the Campaign Cabinet for Discover The Difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals. through her advocacy and personal support, as part of the Discover the Difference campaign, she is currently leading a $15 million campaign aimed at advancing cancer clinical trials. “it’s one thing to be generous, but it’s another to be a leader and inspire philanthropy in others like Kathy does,” said dr. levitan.

“i firmly support the groundbreaking work at uh,” Kathy, a diamond legacy Society member, explained. “les and i were so grateful for the care he received at uh Seidman Cancer Center. he enjoyed a greater quality of life through participating in the clinical trials program,” she said.

To make an appointment at UH Seidman Cancer Center, visit UHSeidman.org/LegacyInspire or call 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273).

Inspiring Others to Give

U H

and, most important, his involvement in the boy Scouts on both a regional and national level. les not only was an eagle Scout, but also received one of scouting’s highest honors, that of distinguished eagle award.

he was rooted in his family life with his wife, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. les worked his way up from a research chemist to Ceo at lubrizol, a global specialty chemicals business. he had developed 119 patents both in this country and internationally. he was always thirsting for new information. his launching of a “lunch & learn” book group for employees to discuss leadership, management and research is just one example.

even though he had earned a doctorate in his younger years, he was especially proud of getting his master of arts in liberal Studies from dartmouth College after retiring from lubrizol. both he and Kathy completed their degrees at the same time: June 2000. their gift to each other was a walking tour of ireland. but before the trip, he experienced shortness of breath. “Probably pneumonia,” he thought.

Just two weeks later, the cancer diagnosis changed the Colemans’ world.

determined to turn that devastating experience into a force for good, Kathy’s generosity is changing the world of current and future cancer patients.

“i want my gift to be able to make a difference,” Kathy said. ”this gift to support the advancement of clinical trials, honors les’ lifelong commitment to science and will have a profound impact on patients today and for generations to come.”

To support this important work, visit UHSeidman.org/LegacyGive or use the envelope in this issue and mark it Clinical Trials.

h o n o r i n G l e s t e r c o l e m a n , a t r a i l b l a z e r F o r c l i n i c a l t r i a l s

“i firmly support the groundbreaking work at uh.”– Kathy coleman

Kathy Coleman


as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, university hospitals Case medical Center has for decades benefited from the enduring income provided by endowed positions, the first of which – the harvey huntington brown, Jr. Professor of neurosurgery – was established in 1950.

during the 63 years that have passed since this historic chair was created, university hospitals has leveraged endowed positions to reward, recruit and advance the work of the best and brightest clinicians and physician-scientists in the nation. it is a powerful legacy deeply appreciated by Warren Selman, md, the physician who currently holds the huntington brown chair. “We’re extraordinarily grateful for the momentum these endowed positions lend to our efforts,” said dr. Selman. “in a time when funding from the nih (national institutes of health) and other sources is decreasing across the nation, support generated from these endowments is more important than ever. it enables my colleagues in the uh neurological institute and throughout uh Case medical Center to advance our most ambitious clinical objectives.”

one such individual who has benefited from the legacy of endowed support is andrew Sloan, md, who holds the Peter d. Cristal Chair in neurosurgery, a chair endowed in 2009 by thomas and Sondra Cristal in honor of the care dr. Selman provided their son. “Competition for funding is incredibly fierce in today’s climate,” dr. Sloan said. “the Cristal chair allows me to take risks that have translated into significant clinical breakthroughs. these advances in turn inspire additional support for the bench to bedside clinical research that is moving us closer to a cure for tumors of the brain.”

funding from the Cristal chair has made it possible for dr. Sloan to lead two clinical trials aimed at examining the use of drugs in targeting brain tumor stem cells and five additional clinical trials investigating the use of different vaccines in treating brain tumors. in addition to yielding significant support, dr. Sloan’s efforts have earned national recognition, including his selection as this year’s recipient of the national brain tumor Society’s prestigious mahaley Clinical research award.

andrew Sloan, md

Peter d. Cristal Chair in neurosurgery, director, brain tumor & neuro-oncology Center, uh Case medical Center; Vice Chair for research affairs and assistant Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine

Warren Selman, md

harvey huntington brown, Jr. Professor of neurosurgery; Chair, department of neurological Surgery, uh Case medical Center and Case Western reserve university School of medicine; neurosurgeon- in-Chief and director, uh neurological institute

Matching Programs Drive Endowment Growth

matching programs are a significant source of support for endowed chair and master clinician positions at university hospitals. of the 47 new endowed positions established through gifts to the Discover the Difference campaign, 22 have been created with match support from some of the most generous benefactors:

The Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation – 13 endowed positions (Pediatric medicine)

The Harrington Family – three endowed positions (uh harrington heart & Vascular institute)

The Humphrey Family – Six endowed positions (uh neurological institute)

these supporters have provided funding in the amount of $500,000 (endowed chair match) or $250,000 (master clinician match) to round out $1 million gifts used to establish endowed positions in these areas.


U H

the extensive impact of endowed positions – and the great progress they facilitate – is evident within all centers of excellence and institutes across the system, including uh harrington heart & Vascular institute. Carl orringer, md, is the inaugural recipient of the harrington Chair in Preventive Cardiovascular medicine, which was endowed in 2008. “through their generosity, the harrington family has enabled me to fulfill my life’s dream,” said dr. orringer. “i care for my patients while contributing to the profession in yet another way – through the education of others.” the harrington chair has afforded dr. orringer time to develop a preventive cardiology course for Case Western reserve university School of medicine and to assume leadership roles within the national lipid association, posts that have enabled him to participate in the education of more than 3,000 specialists across the nation. finally, dr. orringer has developed a conference for uh residents and fellows to train them in the treatment and prevention of lipid disorders early in their careers.

as endowed positions equip current uh physicians to strengthen and expand the scope of their efforts, they are also a valuable resource in the recruitment of outstanding physician-scientists. in 2012, uh successfully recruited lyndsay harris, md, from yale university with the diana hyland Chair for breast Cancer. an internationally recognized authority on breast cancer treatment and research and a leader in the use of personalized medicine to treat women with metastatic breast cancers, dr. harris understands the inherent value of endowed positions. “the hyland chair was very important to me when i was considering the move to uh,” said dr. harris. “an endowed chair provides the time and resources necessary to build a program – in this particular case, a genomic research program – and help it achieve national renown.”

dr. harris and her team are using genomic technology to identify which genes in a cancerous tumor are contributing to cancer growth. “our goal is to take what we learn to highly personalize the care we provide and dramatically improve outcomes for women suffering from metastatic breast cancer.”

lyndsay harris, mdCarl orringer, md

endowed positions fuel

medical advances by providing

a perpetual income stream

for leading-edge research

and innovative practices

throughout the health system.

Since the first endowed chair

at uh Case medical Center

was established in 1950,

benefactors have established

a total of 68 endowed chair/

director and master clinician

positions at the academic

medical center, 47 of which

have been created during

the course of Discover the

Difference: The Campaign

for University Hospitals.

endowed positions are

established through gifts of

between $1.25 million and

$1.5 million to the area of

emphasis designated by

the donor.

harrington Chair in Preventive Cardiovascular medicine, uh Case medical Center; Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine

diana hyland Chair for breast Cancer, director, breast Cancer Program, uh Seidman Cancer Center; Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine

since the early 16th century, when the first endowed chairs were established at oxford and Cambridge universities in england, endowed positions have played a vital role in advancing the missions of academic and medical institutions across the globe.

To discuss making a gift to endow a position at University Hospitals, please contact Patricia Fries at 216-844-0430.


“on the anniversary of my surgery every year i think about how fortunate i was to come through it all. i owe so much to university hospitals.”– david Ferguson

A tale of two miraCleS

david ferguson


“there are so many people who are really sick and we can help them.”

david, a member of university hospitals ahuja medical Center leadership Council and uh digestive health & Surgical innovation leadership Council, developed ulcerative colitis in his 40s. he lived with the disease, an inflammatory condition of the intestine, for more than 20 years.

“it really is a debilitating disease,” he said. “for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it’s very difficult to function.”

Steroids and other medications helped him keep the disease in check for many years, allowing him to travel for work as the former President and Chief executive officer of gould electronics, inc. in lake County.

Patients with this condition are at high risk of developing rectal cancer. david eventually did develop cancer. he tried radiation to shrink the

m iraCleS

“i can’t believe how much the surgery changed my life,” david said. “this black cloud is no longer hanging over my head.”

Joan and david are just two examples of the thousands of patients who’ve benefited from transformational, life-extending surgeries at uh. Such operations can often restore a very good quality of life, david’s surgeon, Conor delaney, md, Phd, said.

“We’re lucky that we can impact so many lives. i, personally, feel very blessed,” said dr. delaney.

Most people celebrate their birthdays once a year. Joan Kennedy celebrates twice – once for the date on her birth certificate, and once for the date of a double transplant surgery at University Hospitals that saved her life 20 years ago.

David Ferguson suffered from ulcerative colitis, a condition which sapped his energy and made daily life difficult for more than two decades. Now, after surgery at UH, he’s bicycling 20 or more miles a day and enjoying retirement.

“Enjoy life, go for it,

do what you can.”

– Joan Kennedy

Joan Kennedy


tumor, and eventually, in 2007, scheduled a surgery that would remove his colon and rectum and reroute his body’s waste.

he’d received treatment at various hospitals in ohio and other states over the years, but chose uh for the complex operation.

“uh is extraordinary because of the combination of caring and skill there,” he said. “dr. delaney is a very humble man, but he gave me an extremely confident feeling that everything was going to work out.”

now, more than six years after his surgery, david is cured. at 71, he’s retired, living with his wife, Kathy, in florida and massachusetts.

“on the anniversary of my surgery every year i think about how fortunate i was to come through it all,” david said. “i owe so much to university hospitals.”

david’s case required open surgery, but many patients with bowel and colorectal problems can benefit from laparoscopic surgery, dr. delaney said. advances in minimally invasive procedures allow patients to recover much more quickly and with less pain and fewer complications, he said. many are back to work in a week or two.

ten years ago, dr. delaney founded the international Society of laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. he trains others in the procedures, which are technically complicated and difficult to teach.

“We’re more experienced here at uh than most places in the country, and certainly in the region,” dr. delaney said. “We have people from all over the world coming here to learn this surgery.”

Chances of problems recurring shrink to less than 5 percent when the surgeries are done by a specialist, compared to 20 – 40 percent without the specialized training, he said.

like david, Joan Kennedy considers herself a uh success story. at 68, and a grandmother to three, she’s far outlived expectations.

at the time of her double transplant surgery in 1993, Joan was working as a nurse practitioner at uh, which was, and remains, a leader in transplant procedures. She was one of the first thousand pancreas/kidney transplants in the country.

“i was in the right place at the right time,” she said.

diagnosed with diabetes at age 15, Joan managed her blood sugar levels with insulin, healthy eating and exercise. She led an active life, bicycling, playing tennis and teaching aerobics. by the mid 1980s, however, severe symptoms began to surface.

“i was getting sicker by the day,” she said. “although i continued to work as a nurse practitioner, i was having episodes of temporary blindness. i was tripping because i couldn’t feel my feet.”

eventually, end stage renal failure required dialysis. equipment at the time was cumbersome, husband Keith Kennedy said. he remembers hooking Joan up to a machine “the size of a Volkswagen” at night and unhooking her in the morning.

by 1993, Joan’s name had risen to the top of the pancreas and kidney transplant lists. She received healthy organs from a 39-year-old man who died from a brain hemorrhage. her surgeon, James Schulak, md, was an early practitioner of the operation.

“We’re more experienced here at uh

than most places in the country,

and certainly in the region. We have

people from all over the world coming

here to learn this surgery.”– Conor delaney, md, Phd, murdough master Clinician in Colorectal Surgery, Vice Chairman, department of Surgery and division Chief, Colorectal Surgery, uh Case medical Center; Surgical director, uh digestive health institute; director, Skills and Simulation Center and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine

Conor delaney, md, Phd


U H

the pancreas transplant allowed Joan’s body to produce its own insulin, thus eliminating the need for injecting it many times a day. “my blood sugar has been perfectly normal since then,” she said.

Joan still suffers from neuropathy and retinopathy, but the conditions haven’t progressed since the transplant surgery. Severe osteoporosis, which began before the transplants, led to knee replacements and other orthopaedic problems that make walking difficult, “but that doesn’t slow her down,” Keith said.

despite those setbacks, Joan remains active. three years ago, she joined her husband on his last major business trip to london before retirement. She shopped at harrods and visited the city’s other famous sights in her electric scooter. “all it meant was we needed a bigger cab,” Keith said.

no one can predict exactly how long transplanted organs will last, dr. Schulak said. “it may last one day and fail, or it may last 30 years or more.” on average, though, a kidney transplant usually lasts for 10 to 15 years and a pancreas transplant lasts a bit longer, he said.

techniques used for Joan’s surgery remain almost exactly the same now, with a few nuances in the pancreas surgery, dr. Schulak said. most advances in the field have been in new medications which have reduced problems with rejection, he said.

James Schulak, md

transplantation is a team effort, said dr. Schulak. he praised the program’s doctors, nurse coordinators, administrators and other ancillary staff. “our team has been together for years and we’re adding to it,” dr. Schulak said. “We have no lack of expertise.”

Joan, who continued to work as a nurse practitioner until her retirement two years ago, now lives in north Carolina. She occasionally checks in at uh when she’s in town to visit one of her sons. ”Support from my family and friends has been key to enjoying the years since my transplants,” she said.

the family plans to host a party this year to celebrate the surgery’s 20-year anniversary and Joan’s resilience and steadfast positivity, Keith said. “the surgery gave her the opportunity to see our two sons graduate from universities, get married, establish their own careers and have children of their own.”

“her attitude has always been: enjoy life, go for it, do what you can,” Keith said. “i have a feeling, when Joan eventually does die, her heart will continue beating for another 100 years.”

To request an appointment with a specialist at University Hospitals, visit UHhospitals.org/LegacyDoctors or call 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273).

“Our team has been together for years and we’re adding to it. We have no lack of expertise.” – James Schulak, md, director, uh transplant institute

and Surgical director, Kidney transplantation, uh Case medical Center; Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine


inaugural harrington prize will honor physician-scientist

the harrington discovery institute at university hospitals Case medical Center and the american Society for Clinical investigation (aSCi), one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medical honor societies, have established the harrington Prize for innovation in medicine. mukesh Jain, President elect of the aSCi and Scientific director of the harrington discovery institute, was involved in forging this partnership.

this prestigious prize, which carries a $20,000 honorarium, will honor a

medical researcher for notable achievements in innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application. the harrington discovery institute, established in 2012 through a generous gift

The Harrington Prize for Innovation in

Medicine honors the physician-scientist

who has moved science forward with notable achievements

in innovation, creativity and

potential for clinical application.


Jonathan Stamler, md,director, harrington discovery institute androbert S. and Sylvia K. reitman family foundation distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular innovation,uh harrington heart & Vascular institute and Case Western reserve university School of medicine

from the harrington family, is a national initiative dedicated to physician- scientists, enabling them to transform breakthrough insights into novel therapies that enhance patient care.

reflecting the mission of the harrington discovery institute, the harrington Prize highlights physician-scientists who have successfully navigated the scientific and administrative hurdles that interfere with translating significant advancements from the laboratory into clinical care.

a committee comprising members of the aSCi Council and the harrington discovery institute Scientific advisory board will review nominations and select the recipient. in addition to the honorarium, the awardee will deliver the harrington Prize lecture at the 2014 aSCi/association of american Physicians Joint meeting in Chicago and will publish a review in the Journal of Clinical investigation.

nominations for the inaugural harrington Prize opened april 30 and closed June 28. the winner will be announced later this year.

To learn more about the Harrington Discovery Institute and the Harrington Prize, visit HarringtonDiscovery.org/LegacyPrize.

mukesh Jain, md,faha, Scientific director,harrington discoveryinstitute; ellery SedgwickJr. Chair & distinguishedScientist; director, CaseCardiovascular researchinstitute; Chief research officer, uh harrington heart & Vascular institute,university hospitals Case medical Center; Professor, Case Western reserve university Schoolof medicine

Joint commission names uh case medical center as comprehensive stroke center

uh seidman cancer center is World’s First with pet/mri combination

university hospitals Seidman Cancer Center physicians now can get a better picture of their patients’ condition thanks to the installation of two state-of-the-art imaging systems.

uh Seidman Cancer Center is the first cancer center in the world to introduce hybrid positron emission tomography (Pet)/magnetic resonance imaging (mri) to patient care. With the two technologies combined into one unit, cancer patients now can undergo simultaneous Pet/mri studies. data from the two scans are combined to create a single comprehensive diagnostic picture, giving physicians more accurate data on tumor location and staging. another plus for patients – the Pet/mri scanner reduces radiation exposure, often a concern for pediatric cancer patients who may require years of follow-up imaging.

uh Seidman Cancer Center is also making history as the first cancer hospital in the world with high-field Verio 3.0 tesla intraoperative mri. this imaging technology has multiple applications, and is particularly helpful during brain tumor surgery. the high-quality images readily distinguish normal brain tissue from tumor, allowing the surgeon to precisely identify the tumor’s boundaries. this means that more healthy brain tissue can be preserved and operating time is reduced. by comparing images taken during surgery with preoperative images, the surgeon can ensure that the tumor is removed.

To make an appointment with a specialist at UH Seidman Cancer Center, visit UHSeidman.org/Legacy or call 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273).

uh pioneering device to prevent heart Failure

a tiny umbrella-like device being tested at university hospitals Case medical Center and other hospitals worldwide holds the promise of better health and quality of life for millions of people after a heart attack.

marco Costa, md, Phd, angela and James hambrick master Clinician in innovation, director of the interventional Cardiovascular Center and the research & innovation Center at uh harrington heart & Vascular institute, and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine, and William abraham, md, the ohio State university, are leading a study to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in preventing heart failure after heart attack.

heart tissue damaged during a heart attack loses its pumping ability. the rest of the heart tries to compensate by pumping harder. “it’s like having two people on a bicycle built for two with only one of them pedaling,” dr. Costa explained. over time, the heart weakens and becomes misshapen, eventually leading to heart failure.

the umbrella-shaped device, made of nickel-titanium and a latex-like membrane that gives it super-elasticity, is folded and slipped into a catheter inserted into an artery in the groin. using X-ray guidance, the physician threads the device into position in the heart where it walls off the damaged tissue. this restores the heart’s normal pumping action, rhythm and shape and prevents further damage.

early studies already have demonstrated that the device reduces hospital readmissions after heart attack.

To learn more about UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute or to make an appointment, visit UHhospitals.org/Heart or call 1-866-UH4-CARE (1-866-844-2273).

university hospitals Case medical Center has become the first hospital in northeast ohio to achieve the Joint Commission’s standards for Comprehensive Stroke Certification. Certification recognizes hospitals that have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff and training to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes.

“our physicians, nurses and staff are committed to providing the highest-quality stroke care to our patients,” said Warren Selman, md, harvey huntington brown, Jr., Professor of neurosurgery; Professor and Chair, department of neurological Surgery, uh Case medical Center and Case Western reserve university School of medicine; neurosurgeon-in-Chief and director, uh neurological institute. “and we are proud to be the second designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in ohio and only one of 20 in the nation.”

When a stroke happens, response time is critical. according to the american Stroke association, the chances of survival, or even recovery, are far greater if advanced stroke care is administered within three hours of onset symptoms. So having access to advanced care close to home is paramount.

to ensure optimal outcomes for stroke patients, the Comprehensive Stroke Center offers a highly experienced team of board-certified stroke specialists. the team approach to medicine allows uh to quickly determine the best possible course of treatment for stroke patients.

To learn more about stroke care at UH, visit UHhospitals.org/LegacyStroke.


the year is 1951. a college student bounds up the steps to a local hospital for a day of volunteering. the place? macdonald house.

inside, the student presents new moms with photos for birth announcements and toys to take home to their other children. from behind her gift cart that summer, the Wellesley College student landed a sneak peek into one of the most important times in a woman’s life.

fast forward to 2013. Vera Sanders and her husband demetrius Vaden-Slaughter learn that the baby Vera is carrying has developed a life-threatening tumor in utero. her baby will be saved at that hospital due in part to the generosity of the Wellesley student and other donors whose support strengthens the hospital’s nationally recognized services, particularly in the area of high-risk pregnancies.

the student was longtime university hospitals benefactor and Co-Chair of the macdonald Women’s health leadership Council, barbara Peterson ruhlman. With children and grandchildren of her own, barbara is still volunteering and supporting uh.

earlier this year, barbara donated $6 million to what’s now known as university hospitals macdonald Women’s hospital. her gift leveraged a $1 million match from the rainbow babies & Children’s foundation.

“uh macdonald Women’s hospital is the only women’s hospital in ohio and i just think it’s such an important resource,” barbara said. “Women are the caretakers for their families, so whatever we can do to make it easier for them to take care of themselves and others by extension is important to me.”

She is helping women like Vera Sanders whose first go at childbirth was a relative breeze. the Shaker heights mother delivered a full-term, healthy baby boy three years ago at uh macdonald Women’s hospital. her second baby was a whole different story.

an ultrasound at 22 weeks found a saccrococcygeal teratoma, a tumor in her unborn daughter delaney’s abdomen and on her lower back. that red flag led to many more.

follow-up prenatal ultrasounds showed that the tumor had grown, placing stress on delaney’s heart and causing her small body to start to fail. Without urgent action by a dedicated team of university hospitals experts, she could have died in the womb.

“they gave delaney a 5 percent chance of survival, but promised to act aggressively to get her out and do all that they could,” Vera said.

by the time Vera delivered by emergency cesarean section on march 14, 12 weeks before delaney’s due date, her daughter weighed only four pounds. the tumor, which was then surgically removed, accounted for about a quarter of her weight.

“Was i scared to death? heck yeah!” Vera said. “but i never doubted that the team would put forth 110 percent to save her life. and i believe that’s exactly what they did.”


delaney Vaden-Slaughter

u n i v e r s i t y h o s p i t a l s m a c d o n a l d W o m e n ’ s h o s p i t a l

Her giving is effortless!

“they gave delaney

a 5 percent chance

of survival, but

promised to act

aggressively to get

her out and do all

that they could.”

– Vera Sanders

Volunteering has giv

en h

er r

enew

ed p

urp

ose

...


“UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital is the only women’s hospital in Ohio... Women are the caretakers for their families,

so whatever we can do to make it easier for them to take care of themselves and others by extension is important to me.”

– barbara Peterson ruhlman


u n i v e r s i t y h o s p i t a l s m a c d o n a l d W o m e n ’ s h o s p i t a l

“barbara felt

passionate about

our desire to

make sure the

facilities were

on par with the

excellent care

that’s being

provided here,

and her gift is

going to make

that happen.”

– Patricia dePompei, rn, mSn, President of uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital and uh macdonald Women’s hospital

delaney is now breathing on her own, gaining weight and doing well. Success stories like these are possible thanks to uh’s skilled staff, advanced programs and philanthropic support.

BARBARA’S GIFT WILL TRANSFORM THE HOSPITAL

the majority of barbara’s gift is earmarked for building and equipment upgrades. the changes will improve the patient experience for the thousands of women who receive care at uh macdonald Women’s hospital every year.

“barbara felt passionate about our desire to make sure the facilities were on par with the excellent care that’s being provided here, and her gift is going to make that happen,” said Patricia dePompei, rn, mSn, President of both uh macdonald Women’s hospital and uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital.

the timing is ideal, she said. When uh Seidman Cancer Center opened in 2011, space became available in uh macdonald Women’s hospital, making it possible to move the growing maternal fetal medicine division’s patients to the fourth floor, next to the Quentin & elisabeth alexander level iV neonatal intensive Care unit.

“this will allow our moms and babies to literally be a doorway away from each other,” she said.

after the maternal fetal medicine renovations, uh will finish upgrading its labor and delivery surgical facilities and refurbish the uh macdonald Women’s hospital lobby and welcome center.

the balance of barbara’s gift, $1 million, will support an endowment to help recruit and retain talent, support research, and fund training and education initiatives.

barbara’s gift is working in tandem with another recent philanthropic donation from a uh volunteer. terrence fergus, a financial advisor from avon, gave $1 million to uh in 2010 to support an endowed chair named to honor his wife, mary.

CHIEF OF MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE IS A NATIONAL ExPERT

uh used the fergus gift to recruit a nationally recognized expert in high-risk pregnancy. honor Wolfe, md, moved from the university of north Carolina and is now division Chief of maternal fetal medicine, uh macdonald Women’s hospital, mary d. fergus endowed Chair in maternal and fetal medicine; and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine.

“She’s well-known and beloved as a clinician, mentor and teacher,” President dePompei said. “She brings the whole package.”

recognized by the american board of obstetrics and gynecology in the early 1970s, maternal fetal medicine is a relatively new subspecialty. new technologies opened a window to the fetus, helping caregivers diagnose and treat increasingly complicated pregnancies, dr. Wolfe said.

years ago, when women were told that they were carrying a fetus with a birth defect, they


U H

“Was I scared to death? Heck yeah! But I never doubted the team would put forth 110 percent to save her life. And I believe that’s exactly what they did.”

– Vera Sanders

from left: terri dolan; honor Wolfe, md; lena Wiley, md, resident in ob/gyn

Vera Sanders and her husband demetrius Vaden-Slaughter with dillon and delaney Vaden-Slaughter

had little to do but worry and wait. “now, we see the fetus as a patient allowing parents to meet their child’s physicians before birth to discuss expectations and management,” dr. Wolfe said.

maternal fetal medicine services include prenatal diagnosis, single consultations, continued monitoring with co-management, and care throughout pregnancy and post-delivery.

all cases, however common or rare, benefit from teamwork between uh macdonald Women’s hospital, uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital and various physicians and specialists, dr. Wolfe said. ”our whole mission is to make a complicated pregnancy as simple as we can for parents. We strive to provide seamless care from before conception through delivery to optimize outcomes for mothers and babies.”

diamond legacy Society member barbara ruhlman is excited to see what dr. Wolfe and her team accomplish, from everyday miracles to medical breakthroughs. the end goal, she said, is to provide the best possible care to mothers and their babies.

to recognize her ongoing support to that end, uh will name the uh macdonald Women’s hospital’s maternity program after barbara, the granddaughter of immigrants and daughter of a Cleveland industrialist and philanthropist.

for barbara, who’s made $10 million in donations to uh over her lifetime, the support goes both ways. She had her children at uh. uh helped her grandson beat cancer. and she’s turned to uh doctors for arthritis treatments, hip replacements and other health challenges.

Volunteering has given her renewed purpose, barbara said, especially after her husband, Jon, passed away in 2004. “i was brought up to give back, to help, and i’ve always enjoyed it,” she said. “i love uh.”

those early years of volunteering at uh macdonald Women’s hospital planted a seed that continues to grow.

“macdonald won my heart and i’ve been there ever since,” she said. “When you find a volunteer connection that’s the right place at the right time, it gets in your blood and you just keep going with it.”

To learn more about the Maternal Fetal Medicine services visit UHhospitals.org/LegacyMacDonald or call 216-844-8545 to request a consultation.


P Shilanthropic piritthe

nearly 700 friends, benefactors and guests attended university hospitals’ annual florida outreach events in february. the coast-to-coast series, held in naples and Palm beach, highlighted new discoveries and treatments. friends and benefactors were inspired by keynote speaker Cliff megerian, md, who holds the richard W. and Patricia r. Pogue Chair in auditory Surgery and hearing Sciences. an internationally recognized physician-scientist, dr. megerian captivated guests with his presentation on the use of cochlear implants to restore hearing. dr. megerian also is director, uh ear, nose & throat institute and Chairman, otolaryngology – head & neck Surgery, uh Case medical Center and Professor, Case Western reserve university School of medicine.

thomas zenty iii, Ceo of university hospitals, announced two significant gifts from long-time benefactors Kathy Coleman and barbara ruhlman. mrs. Coleman donated

uh innoVation StirS SuPPorterS in florida

at the Sea, under the Stars, the Circle of friends event in naples

$7.5 million to benefit uh Seidman Cancer Center (see story on page 4), and mrs. ruhlman made a $6 million gift to benefit university hospitals macdonald Women’s hospital. mrs. ruhlman’s gift will be matched by a $1 million gift from the rainbow babies & Children’s foundation. (See story on page 16.)

in march, uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital’s Circle of friends hosted two evenings to remember in naples and Palm beach. the annual florida events provide an opportunity for benefactors to support the programs, services and people that make uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals. this year’s events attracted more than 250 attendees and $150,000 in gifts to support the uh mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover.

Please save the week of February 17, 2014, for the next University Hospitals’ event in Florida. Details to come.



Where to go

Wald family’S PaSSion launCheS Car Seat CheCKing SerViCe at uh ahuJa mediCal Center

eastside families seeking help with car seat installation or other child passenger safety questions now have a place to go. uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital injury Prevention Center has opened a car seat fitting station at university hospitals ahuja medical Center in beachwood. Certified technicians can assist with car seat installation and inspection, and answer questions on how to choose or use a car seat or how to safely transport a child.

the new station was made possible by the thoughtful efforts and generosity of Joyce and eric Wald, whose grandson holden was, coincidentally, the first child to have a car seat installed when the station officially opened in february. the Walds have been tireless ambassadors and supporters of uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital since 1975, when their youngest child was a patient. “not only was the medical care exceptional, but kindness and support surrounded us everywhere,” explained mrs. Wald.

the Walds’ plan to expand the car seat check program was a natural fit combining their passion for uh and the importance of child safety. With the participation and support of community friends, the couple helped make the station a reality by hosting the rainbow Circle of friends for a backyard picnic in 2011. the group raised more than $100,000 to expand the child safety programs in the community. these funds provided the seed money to begin the car seat check station, purchase child-sized emergency medical equipment for local fire departments and create a training program on pediatric emergencies and transport for first responders.

“Joyce and eric have invested so much time and energy in our center,” noted Kathryn Wesolowski, who leads the uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital injury Prevention Center. “the Walds have shown a genuine commitment to rainbow and have very strong feelings about the importance of philanthropy and helping the community.”

“rainbow has been such an important part of our lives,” said mrs. Wald. “We want to ensure that others have access to the same resources. We hope bringing uh rainbow’s car seat check service into our community will help keep all of our children and grandchildren safe.”

“the WaldS haVe ShoWn a genuine Commitment to rainboW and

haVe Very Strong feel ingS about the imPortanCe of PhilanthroPy

and helP ing the Community.” – Kathryn Wesolowski manager, uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital injury Prevention Center

the Car Seat fitting Station at uh ahuja medical Center in beachwood is open on tuesdays and thursdays from 2 – 5 p.m. the Car Seat fitting Station at uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital, located in the visitor parking garage on adelbert road in Cleveland, is open monday through friday from 12 – 3 p.m. appointments are required for both stations. Please call 216-844-2277 and choose extension 6 to schedule your appointment.



Jonathan miller, md, director, functional & restorative neurosurgery Center at uh Case medical Center, and assistant Professor of neurological Surgery at Case Western reserve university School of medicine, was appointed the inaugural george r. and Constance P. lincoln master Clinician in memory loss and behavioral outcomes. an april ceremony honored his outstanding contributions and the kindness of the lincoln family.

Connie and russ lincoln, staunch and longtime advocates and supporters of uh, made a generous gift that established this uh neurological institute endowed master clinician, which supports the study of traumatic brain injury (tbi), a medical condition increasingly appearing in today’s headlines. tbi can result from sports accidents, wartime trauma and car crashes, as the lincolns know all too well. in 2007, mr. lincoln was struck by a car, leaving him with broken bones that healed and a brain injury that still causes memory problems. he continues his therapy at uh Case medical Center. the accident prompted the lincolns’ decision to support discovery in the area of tbi.

“the lincoln master Clinician is an enormous honor,” dr. miller said. “Pushing the envelope in tbi research requires funding. this master clinician allows us to hire a research fellow to investigate technologies that have great potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tbi and its consequences. i am entirely grateful to russ and Connie for their support and for their friendship.”

uh CelebrateS linColn maSter CliniCian

Jonathan miller, md, Connie and russ lincoln

“the l inColn maSter Cl iniCian iS an enormouS honor. . .

i am entirely grateful to ruSS and Connie for their SuPPort

and for their fr iendShiP.” – Jonathan miller, md



PoPular fiVe Star SenSation raiSeS more than $2 million in PhilanthroPiC SuPPort for uh Seidman CanCer Center

– Jonathan miller, md

delicious gourmet foods and premier wines delighted a sold-out crowd at five Star Sensation, held on June 15 at Cuyahoga Community College’s eastern campus. more than 2,500 guests attended the biennial fundraiser benefiting uh Seidman Cancer Center. nationally and internationally acclaimed chefs and vintners demonstrated, once again, why five Star Sensation is one of the most talked about and enjoyable social events of the summer and such a vital source of support for uh Seidman Cancer Center.

under the tireless leadership of event chair Carole Carr and headliner and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, five Star Sensation raised more than $2 million in support of patient education and information, community cancer screenings, survivorship, music therapy and clinical trials programs at uh Seidman Cancer Center. Since its founding in 1987, five Star Sensation has contributed more than $16 million for these lifesaving services.

ameriCan girl faShion ShoW raiSeS fundS for PediatriC CanCer reSearCh

When trevor dixon took his two young daughters to the american girl fashion Show at executive Caterers at landerhaven in march, he was one of only a few men at this sold-out annual fundraiser benefiting children’s cancer research for the angie fowler adolescent & young adult Cancer institute at uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital. but he didn’t mind the gender gap. his daughters were thrilled to watch a fashion show featuring 22 girls modeling matching outfits with their american girl dolls. his older daughter, gigi, 6, even modeled for the event and his wife, Jenni, volunteered. best of all, proceeds benefit kids with cancer. the family plans to return next year.

Started in 1996 by event chairwoman Judith matsko, the american girl fashion Show has raised more than $500,000 for pediatric cancer to date, including $26,000 at this

year’s event, which welcomed more than 1,200 guests. a small army of loyal volunteers assure that planning, raffles and show times run smoothly.

ms. matsko, a recently retired schoolteacher, received lifesaving and compassionate care for cancer at uh more than two decades ago. “they took a difficult situation in my life and made it as good as it could be. i am forever grateful,” she said. gratitude motivates her to create memorable, successful shows on behalf of childhood cancer.

“honestly, i would love to do this until we raise $1 million,” she said.

To support this work, visit UHhospitals.org/LegacyGiveFashion or use the envelope in this issue and mark it Pediatric Cancer Research.

from left: fred rothstein, md, President of university hospitals Case medical Center, Carole Carr and Wolfgang Puck

Creating an environment where people of all ages affected by sleep disorders will benefit from the latest techniques, innovations and clinical trials. this is the vision of Carol rosen, md, medical director of the Pediatric Sleep Center and inaugural recipient of the J.S. rube endowed Chair in Pediatric Sleep medicine at uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital.

the chair was established through a $1 million gift from J.S. rube that was matched with a $500,000 gift from rainbow babies & Children’s foundation. dr. rosen is considered one of the nation’s leading authorities on pediatric sleep disorders, which range from sleep apnea to narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep rhythm problems, and unusual movements and behaviors in sleep.

While unrecognized and untreated sleep disorders have a negative impact on otherwise healthy children, these sleep problems can be even more devastating for children with special needs such as down’s syndrome, autism and other genetic disorders, and craniofacial and neuromuscular disorders.

Since 1999, dr. rosen has received a number of significant research grants from the national institutes of health in support of her work, including two projects she currently leads at the national level: Childhood adenotonsillectomy Study (Chat) and the Sickle Cell anemia Sleep and asthma Cohort Study (SaC).

“this chair will enable us to grow our rainbow Sleep medicine program globally,” said dr. rosen, who is also a Professor at Case Western reserve university School of medicine. “it will allow us to develop new clinical approaches to working with the family unit, and establish infrastructure that fosters pioneering research and groundbreaking clinical trials that will lead to the next generation of therapies and breakthroughs in sleep medicine.”



J.S. rube Chair SuPPortS PediatriC SleeP mediCine

retired eduCator SuPPortS PediatriC innoVation

a generous $1 million gift commitment from Jack belcher to university hospitals will support intellectual discovery at uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital. the belcher family Pediatric innovation Program will endow and expand Pediatric innovation day, an annual event that celebrates ingenuity and rewards uh employees for ideas that have the potential to result in medical breakthroughs in pediatric care.

Past award-winning ideas have included a child-friendly lead apron for enhanced protection during radiological exams and a new aerosol device for medication delivery.

“my parents would be honored to have their family name associated with uh rainbow babies & Children’s hospital, especially in the areas of innovation and philanthropy. the many opportunities we have had for hands-on care at uh rainbow and the dedicated staff and volunteers who have become valued friends made this commitment an easy decision,” said mr. belcher, a retired educator and administrator for the Cleveland metropolitan School district.

John “Jack” belcher

Joel rube and Carol rosen, md

Preparing for Coming Changes in Health Care

university hospitals Case medical Center in July 2012 became the first large, urban academic medical center in the country to win the american hospital association- mcKesson Quest for Quality Prize. this prestigious national award honors innovative leadership in patient safety and quality.

this was not something new for us. Quality and patient safety have always been at the heart of everything we do. now, uh is building on that strength to prepare for the coming changes in health care.

the biggest change will be the shift to value-based health care purchasing, which means health care providers will be held accountable for the cost and quality of the care they provide. it focuses on reducing inappropriate care and identifying and rewarding the best-performing providers.

What does that mean for you and uh? in a lot of ways, it means we will keep on doing what we’ve been doing. uh has always believed that reporting openly and honestly about our outcomes is the right thing to do. When patients and families are deciding where to go or where to take their loved one for treatment, they deserve reliable, standardized information about a hospital’s performance and quality.

that’s why uh has made information about our outcomes in many specialties available to consumers. We also make our patient satisfaction scores public to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care. now,

to comply with upcoming federal requirements, uh is improving and expanding the available information. to support that effort, uh, with the help of a generous grant from the Cleveland foundation, is establishing a Center for Clinical informatics that will collect, organize and analyze all of our quality and safety data.

through all of these changes, our focus on the importance of the patient experience has never changed. in fact, we have looked at new ways to understand and improve it. We have created Patient and family Councils where doctors, nurses, patients and their families talk freely about the human side of care at uh. they dig deep into issues like communications, housekeeping and patient engagement. in 2010 we established the uh institute for health Care Quality & innovation that uses comments and suggestions from these councils, survey results and other data to make improvements in patient care and the patient experience.

there’s no doubt that the next year will be challenging for health care as new systems and financial structures take shape. We are fortunate to have started early to adapt to the coming transformation in health care and have been putting processes and systems in place. but our real strength lies in our outstanding medical staff and employees. i’m convinced that their passion for quality, dedication to patient safety and commitment to excellence is one of the most important reasons that uh was singled out for the prestigious american hospital association-mcKesson Quest for Quality Prize. that is what will ensure that uh survives and prospers in the new health care environment.

William annable, md Chief Quality officer and director of uh institute for health Care Quality & innovation

U H

u h h o s p i t a l s . o r g / g i v i n g

the $17 million university hospitals rehabilitation hospital, a Joint

Venture with Centerre healthcare, is now open at 23333 harvard

road in beachwood. located off i-271 west of richmond road, it

offers individualized inpatient and outpatient care for patients who

suffer from a wide range of conditions, including orthopaedic

injuries, trauma, brain injuries and stroke.

For information, visit UHhospitals.org/LegacyRehab or call 1-216-593-2200

for patients and families to tour.

L e g a c y m ag a z i n e

University Hospitals of Cleveland

Marketing & Communications

11100 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44106-5000

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAID

CLEVELAND OH

PERMIT NO 412

restoring function and Quality of life

Legacy Magazine - Summer 2013

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Transcript of Legacy Magazine - Summer 2013