Jayhawk TalkJayhawk TalkJayhawk Talk OnlineOnlineOnline

The votes have been counted and the winners decided. Did you check out the entries in this year’s Rural Health Photo Contest? Well … drumroll please … here are the results. The 10

th annual photo contest received 712 entries this

year from 141 shutterbugs from across Kansas. Congratulations to those who made the final cut.

First place Community Landmarks Lower Fox Creek School Chase County ©Chen Su

First place Four Seasons Wheat Harvest at Sunset Rawlins County ©Amanda Franklin

First place Health Care Our Mother’s Touch Ford County ©Linda Ricker

First place Heartland Adventures Under the Stars Woodson County ©Molly Parker

First place Wildlife & Critters Sunflowers & Hummingbird Leavenworth County ©Kathleen Kinerney

First place Winter Holiday First Snow Lyon County ©Carrie Poersch View full versions and other winning photos.

Stop by public affairs and pick a wish list for a Park Elementary student. Return wrapped gifts to by Thursday, Dec. 17.

The students will be here at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. Come watch them unwrap with delight.

Pu

blic

AFFA

IR

SPu

blic

AFFA

IR

SPu

blic

AFFA

IR

S

Is there a special event happening in your department? Do you know a student who has an interesting hobby, or who has made a significant accomplishment? Are you involved in community outreach? An educational program? A hands-on workshop or training session? Public affairs wants to know about any and all of these events. There are a variety of ways we can publicize events and accomplishments in the school, but we can’t promote them if we don’t know they’re happening. Though not every event is going to catch the attention of the media, we can still promote your event through one of our social media accounts, our monthly community newsletter, or by writing our own feature story for the school’s website. Keep us informed. Drop us an email and tell us what’s happening. We’ll share the good news.

Did you know public affairs offers a variety of items to support your department events? We’ve got your banners, flags, directional signs, easels, beverage tubs, and giant inflatable Jayhawk covered. Visit our website and fill out an event support request form to reserve the goods that will make your event shine. Additionally, you can request an appearance by our very own Baby Jay. He can greet and hang out with your guests, give photo ops, and generally create a fun atmosphere. Who doesn’t want a high five from Baby Jay? All Baby Jay appearances must have a direct connection to KUSM-W.

KU School of Medicine-Wichita is a collection point for Operation Holiday this year. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food, NEW winter wear such as scarves, gloves, and hats, and NEW blankets. You can drop your donations off in public affairs or in the collection box located in the recessed area outside of the Dean’s Office. Donations accepted through Monday, Dec. 14.

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

The new HealthQuest program year began Monday, Nov. 16. With the new program year, we have a new portal look. Check out www.kansashealthquest.com to see the updated portal. Rx Savings Solutions Registration worth 3 HQ credits Check your formulary and save Members of the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) can potentially save money on their prescriptions by simply checking their formulary. A formulary, also known as a preferred drug list, is a list of generic and brand name drugs that are preferred by a health plan. Health plans will choose formulary drugs that are just as safe and effective as the alternatives, but cost less. Formularies are reviewed by a team of pharmacists and physicians, and are updated regularly, so it is important for patients to recheck their formulary periodically. Jan. 1 is right around the corner, and this is a common time for formularies to undergo major changes. Here is an example of how checking your formulary can save you money: In 2015, SEHP Plan A members paid an average co-insurance of $225.38 for 30 tablets of the diabetes medication Glumetza® 1000mg, which is a non-preferred drug. However, SEHP Plan A members paid an average co-insurance of $0.31 for 60 tablets of metformin extended-release 500mg, which is a preferred drug in the same drug class as Glumetza®. That is a savings difference of $2,700.84 per year. Significant savings can be found by switching to a preferred formulary drug. We encourage you to check the list of the SEHP formulary changes, effective Jan. 1, 2016. If your medication(s) is/are listed, check to see what your formulary options are, and discuss these options with your doctor. It is important for patients to be active participants in managing their health. Register and log on to our website to see how you can save. This service is free to SEHP employees and their dependents.

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Handling holiday stress Too often, the holidays are a source of stress rather than what they’re meant to be … a chance to share the festive season with family and friends. Here are some tips for coping with stress and getting more cheer out of your holidays. 1. Don’t be perfect; be you. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Keep your plans and

activities simple. 2. Pace yourself. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year can all be busy times.

Remember, the season lasts for weeks. Get organized, and break your preparations into small steps.

3. Budget wisely. It is easy to buy on credit and ignore the bills until after the holidays. Set your limit ahead of time.

4. Get into the spirit. Deck the halls. Build a snowman. Too often, adults miss out on the simple pleasures of celebrating the holidays.

5. Take time out for yourself. Unwind and pamper yourself with a break from the action. Try relaxation techniques, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.

6. Embrace family. Look forward to reuniting with relatives this holiday. Cherish the time you spend with your loved ones, and make an effort to be as relaxed, positive, and cheerful as you can.

7. Celebrate safely. Give your body a gift this year by treating it with respect. Don’t overindulge in sweets and goodies. Know your limits when it comes to alcohol.

8. Make New Year’s resolutions. Setting goals challenges us to aim for higher fulfillment and self-improvement.

Get more holiday stress tips using company ID SOKEAP. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Webinar 3 p.m. Thursday Dec. 17 (Worth 1 HQ credit) “Friendly Persuasion: How to Get the Things You Want” While it's true that some people are intuitively good at persuading others, for most of us the most reliable path to success lies in knowing what we want to achieve and systematically deciding how we want to go about achieving it. Persuasion is a skill that everyone in the organization uses to accomplish goals. Used effectively, persuasion can lead to solutions that work in everyone’s best interest. This workshop will provide you with communication techniques to get the results that you want and need.

Register here. If you cannot attend at the scheduled time but are interested, register and a recording will be sent to you following the webinar.

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

Hu

ma

n R

eso

ur

ces

HealthQuest seminar (Worth 1 HQ credit) “Better Living: You Can Do It” If you want to make a change that’ll stick, two things will help a lot: setting smart goals, and believing in yourself. This seminar will help you get ready to set and reach your personal goals.

Log on to www.kansashealthquest.com any time to access the seminar. Go to Library and scroll down, the Seminars are listed under Tools.

Email: HealthQuest@kdheks.gov

The discretionary holiday must be taken between the beginning of the first pay period of the calendar year and the last pay period of the calendar year. For eligible employees whose last workday of a week is Friday, the last day to use the 2015 discretionary day is Dec. 19. Please check with your supervisor when scheduling your discretionary day.

Inspired by The Jayhawk Way: A Pathway of Excellence program, writing a letter of appreciation is one opportunity to recognize fellow coworkers for the full value they bring to the organization. When we recognize the value in others, they may be learning something that they have not seen before or we could be confirming a strength. Using strength-centered comments encourages us to think about what we really appreciate about someone and why, which equips us with the tools to acknowledge others in a special way. Prefer writing a hand-written note? The blank letter template provides employees that option to give your appreciation letter a personal touch.

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their exciting basketball game to Wichita. Don’t miss the hilarity at Intrust Bank Arena at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Use the STAR program and save up to $9 per ticket. Get more information.

HR

HR

HR

Staff ASA Standardized Patient pool Facilities Management Custodial specialist Preventive Medicine and Public Health Community health worker Program manager Research assistant Psychiatry Child psychology fellow PRN clinical research nurse

Faculty Family & Community Medicine Geriatrician (2 FTEs) Program director Research faculty Internal Medicine General internist/hospitalist Neurologist Office of Research Biostatistician

Pediatrics Outpatient pediatrician Pediatric hospitalist Pediatric metabolic geneticist Pediatric pulmonologist Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences General psychiatrist

For more information, contact Leona Johnson, human resources, 293-1803, or ljohnson7@kumc.edu. For a complete and up-to-date listing, click on JOB VACANCIES.

“Two Chairs: Fins and Feathers” Lyle Baade, Ph.D., professor and chair, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Brian Pate, M.D., chair, pediatrics Various media Through Dec. 18 For more information about the William J. Reals Gallery of Art, contact Jennifer Eaton at 293-3534 or jeaton2@kumc.edu.

Ar

t G

aller

yA

rt

Ga

ller

yA

rt

Ga

ller

y

In

th

e n

ew

sIn

th

e n

ew

sIn

th

e n

ew

s

Nov. 17 KWCH Channel 12 Breaking the Silence Nov. 9 KAKE Channel 10 Public health group to hold meetings on west Wichita groundwater contamination Nov. 1 The Wichita Eagle Parents, schools dealing with chemical-resistant ‘super lice’

Oct. 13 KMUW Wichita 89.1 Meetings Planned For Residents Affected By Water Contamination

Oct. 10 Psychiatric Times What Is an Adequate Dose of an Antidepressant? Oct. 7 KWCH Channel 12 Clinics prepare for shortage in flu mist vaccine Sept. 25 Pharmacy Times Pharmacy students provide free flu vaccines

For all the latest news stories and press releases about KUSM-W, visit our news page.

Psyc

hiat

ry

Psyc

hiat

ry

Psyc

hiat

ry

&& & B

eh

av

io

ra

l S

cien

ces

Beh

av

io

ra

l S

cien

ces

Beh

av

io

ra

l S

cien

ces

Research is heating up, just like the weather. To make a referral into a clinical trial for early Alzheimer’s disease, depression, or schizophrenia, call 316-293-1833 or email clinicaltrialunit@kumc.edu. More information and a study interest form can be found on our website. KU Wichita Clinical Trial Unit needs adults with schizophrenia who abuse alcohol for a research study. Volunteers may be able to participate in this study if he or she is 18-65 years old, is a stable outpatient with schizophrenia, and has been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Those who qualify will be provided with all study medication and procedures at no cost. Study participation lasts approximately 12 to 18 months. Study participants may be compensated for their time. For more information, call 316-293-1833 or view the study flier. KU Wichita Clinical Trial Unit needs participants with Alzheimer’s disease for a research study. Volunteers may be able to participate in this study if he or she is 50-90 years old and has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or mild Alzheimer’s disease. Those who qualify will be provided with all study medication or placebo and procedures at no cost. You will receive an MRI and amyloid PET imaging. Study participation consists of 43 visits over 90 weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their travel. For more information, call 316-293-1833. KU Wichita Clinical Trial Unit needs participants with schizophrenia for a research study. Volunteers may be able to participate in this study if he or she is 18-40 years old and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Those who qualify will be provided with all study medication and procedures at no cost. Study participation lasts approximately 16 weeks. Study participants will be compensated for their time. For more information, call 316-293-1833.

Third-year residents Milena Armani, Elizabeth Burguieres, Walter Kalu, Tara Richardson, and Nolan Williams were honored by the Wichita chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Tuesday, Dec. 1. All received Special Appreciation Awards for their leadership at NAMI’s Ask the Doctor sessions. Throughout the year, each resident provided education and support for families of patients suffering from mental illness. This activity involved community service and training in the area of advocacy and community psychiatry.

Med

ic

al P

ra

ct

ic

e A

sso

ciat

io

nM

ed

ic

al P

ra

ct

ic

e A

sso

ciat

io

nM

ed

ic

al P

ra

ct

ic

e A

sso

ciat

io

n

Congratulations on your employment anniversary. We’re glad you’re here.

Debbie Nguyen Intake coordinator/receptionist Psychiatry/Psychology

Warren Theater discounted tickets are now available for sale in the MPA Administration Office, on a limited basis, from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $7 per ticket. Please make sure you have exact change, cash only. Contact Jennifer Herington at 293-3526 or jherington@kumc.edu with questions.

Jolene Grothe Dec. 9

Julia Bippert Dec. 9

Megan Pfingsten Dec. 10

Janessa Guiden Dec. 13

IM

IM

IM

Donna Sweet, M.D., professor, will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Wichita State University. She will receive the degree at fall commencement Sunday, Dec. 13. This is the first time since 1988 that WSU has given an honorary degree. Dr. Sweet will also deliver the commencement address at the ceremony. Read more about this extraordinary honor.

Resea

rc

hR

esea

rc

hR

esea

rc

h

The KUSM-W Office of Research will provide funds for resident travel to present research at a professional conference. Up to $2,000 may be requested with an equal match of funds required from the residency program. Funds are also available for open access and publication fees. Up to $1,000 may be requested with an equal match of funds required for the department or residency program. These funds are provided by grants to WCGME from the Kansas Biosciences Authority. View the travel grant application.

PM

PH

PM

PH

PM

PH

The KU School of Medicine-Wichita is looking for persons with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to participate in a study examining poor leg circulation. The study will focus on those within the African-American community with low levels of activity and who experience pain and discomfort when walking. Participants will be compensated. For more information, call 316-293-3567 or 913-588-4009. We are looking for African-American women 60 and older to participate in a research study about how diet and exercise affects peripheral arterial disease. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or high cholesterol, and/or you are a current or former smoker, you may qualify for the study. Recruits should call Michelle Redmond, Ph.D., at 316-293-1813 or email mredmond@kumc.edu.

Em

er

gen

cy

& S

afet

yEm

er

gen

cy

& S

afet

yEm

er

gen

cy

& S

afet

y

We were all reminded Thanksgiving that it only takes a few degrees to turn wet roadways into slippery sheets of ice. Sadly, during this ice storm there were several accidents around Wichita that resulted in injuries and fatalities. Most winter-related accidents are preventable and caused by driving too fast for conditions, following too close, or not having a vehicle properly maintained for winter conditions. Follow these steps to prevent becoming a statistic this winter. Prepare yourself

Plan ahead and allow extra time to get to your destination.

Wear comfortable, non-restricting clothing while driving.

Have a winter survival kit and warm clothes in the vehicle.

Ice scraper/snow brush

Shovel

Sand, kitty litter, or other type of traction aid

Tow rope or chain

Booster cables

Road flares or warning lights

Flashlight with extra batteries

For long trips, include energy foods such as granola bars and crackers and bottled water

Watch for black ice (icy areas on the road that appear black, shiny, and wet).

Practice driving in ice and snow in an empty lot.

Slow down and give yourself at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Prepare your vehicle

Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Check the tire tread, battery, wipers, brakes, hoses, exhaust system, antifreeze, lights, heater, and defroster.

Keep you gas tank at least half full at all times.

Make sure your windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures.

Remove all ice and snow from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof.

Know ahead of time if your vehicle has antilock brakes or standard brakes. If you lose traction and have antilock brakes, apply firm, but continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you have standard brakes gently pump your brakes.

If you become stalled, do not panic. Stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Use road flares or warning lights to caution other drivers. If you run your car, clear the exhaust pipe and run it just long enough to stay warm. Over-running your vehicle with windows up and a clogged exhaust pipe can lead to toxic levels of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. Here’s a video on how to safely recover if your tires lose traction on ice and snow. Review the KUSM-W policy for inclement weather. For more information on winter driving safety contact safety and emergency management at 293-3409 or email jstimson@kumc.edu.

Ped

iat

ric

sPed

iat

ric

sPed

iat

ric

s

Pediatric Grand Rounds are held from noon to 1 p.m. at Wesley Medical Center, 550 N. Hillside, Koch B/C. Sessions are presented through Adobe Connect at Carriage Parkway Conference Room. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Roth at croth@kumc.edu or 962-2253.

Friday, Dec. 11 “The Perils and Pearls of EMR Documentation” Glenda Martintz, CMPE, CPC Practice management advisor, KaMMCO

We are collecting new and gently used children’s books for the Turn a Page. Touch a Mind.® reading program. Books for children of all ages are needed. If you have books to donate, drop off in public affairs or at the KU Wichita Pediatrics Clinic at Carriage Parkway. Before donating books, review these guidelines. If you have any questions contact Julie Wellner at julie.wellner@wesleymc.com or 962-7386.

An

est

h.

An

est

h.

An

est

h.

Dr. Wesley Helena died Sunday, Dec. 6. Dr. Helena practiced at Cypress Anesthesiology Professionals and was volunteer faculty as a clinical associate professor for KU School of Medicine-Wichita.

Welln

ess

Welln

ess

Welln

ess

Walk at Work every Wednesday. Meet in the West Atrium for the first session at 11:30 a.m. and/or the second session at 12:30 p.m. There will be a lead from the Healthy Hawks committee at each session for a couple of months to get everyone started. Walk for however long you wish … 10, 20, 30 + minutes. Inside and outdoor walking routes are available.

During the holiday season, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the university’s gift policies. Guidelines for ACCEPTING gifts and meals Personal gifts, regardless of value, from vendor representatives to all KUSM-W personnel are prohibited, including, but not limited to cash, gift cards, meals/food, pens, notepads and tickets or vouchers for entertainment events. Review the complete vendor relations policy. Guidelines for GIVING gifts Giving gifts funded with state funds is prohibited and funded with private funds is strongly discouraged. Please contact Tyann Orton, assistant dean for finance, administrative and financial services at 293-3552 before you give any gifts or if you have questions.

AFS

AFS

AFS

En

dn

ot

es

En

dn

ot

es

En

dn

ot

es

KU Today is the official publication from the Office of Public Affairs at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Read the current edition.

Advances contains news from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Read the current edition.

If you have a classified ad you’d like listed in JTO, review the guidelines and submit the online form.

The deadline for the next issue of JTO is noon Monday, Dec. 14. Please send items of interest to wicpa@kumc.edu.

Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on LinkedIn. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA@ku.edu,1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas, medical center campuses).