cover  A dAy to honor our physiciAns

UF HEALTH SHANDS internal NEWSLETTER
VOL. 10 NO. 8 | march 2015
cover  A day to honor our physicians
4
8
20
Doctors' Day — colleagues and patients
praise our talented medical staff
new specialty hospitals will
reflect "The power of together"
more than 2,000 employees "Raise hope"
News&Notes
VOL. 10 NO. 8 I march 2015
New&Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The latest system scoop
Faces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
See who’s making news
Kudos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Recognition for standout
employees and programs
To do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Ideas for your agenda
Ed Jimenez
UF Health Shands
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Kimberly Rose
Director
Strategic Communications
Todd Taylor
Communications Coordinator
News&Notes Editor
Madelyn West
Creative Services Coordinator
News&Notes Designer
Email taylt@shands.ufl.edu or call
352-265-0373 to contribute to future
issues of News&Notes.
On the cover: (from left) Timothy Flynn, M.D., FACS,
UF College of Medicine senior associate dean for
clinical affairs and UF Health Shands chief medical
officer; Paul L. Crispen, M.D., UF COM assistant
professor, Multi-D Urologic Oncology Clinic director
and SUO Fellowship Program director; and Thomas
F. Stringer, M.D., FACS, UF COM department of
urology interim chairman and UF Health Urology
Clinic medical director.
Read News&Notes online at
news-notes.UFHealth.org.
FSC LOGO
2 News&Notes | March 2015
UF Health | People
Appreciating our physicians’
numerous roles on Doctors’ Day
Over the past year, I have met and interacted with more physicians than I could
have ever imagined.
In addition to joining the UF Health Communications team as a communications coordinator, I became the father of an oncology patient. Prior to our daughter’s diagnosis, I had great respect for physicians — their intelligence and dedication to their career. Now, I have such an appreciation for how that commitment
and purpose translates into improved well-being, increased life expectancy and, in
our daughter’s case, survival.
A physician’s role is much more than conducting an examination, making a
diagnosis or performing a surgery. For patients and their families, physicians are
teachers, confidants, counselors and, sometimes, a source of comfort.
I can say from personal experience that the physicians at UF Health are amazing. During my family’s journey, we’ve worked with pediatric oncologists, surgeons, hematologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists and psychologists, among others. They listened to our questions, offered advice, instilled confidence, formulated
treatment plans and, of course, provided high-quality care. Although our case was
just one of many, we were always made to feel important by those who were caring
for our daughter, and our family.
I’m pleased to report that our daughter is doing well. Her cancer is in remission. She’s back in preschool and will begin kindergarten in the fall. We’ve given
thanks to the countless doctors, nurses and individuals at UF Health who assisted
her during her path to recovery, but it’s impossible to thank them all.
We will recognize Doctors' Day on Monday, March 30. Please join me in
thanking our physicians at UF Health. If time permits, write a letter, send an email
or drop by and say hello to one of your physicians. Also, be sure to wear red that
day, another silent way for us to say thank you to our doctors.
Check out the feature story in this edition which shares some of the praises
given to our physicians.
To our talented doctors and all the staff that supports them — Happy
Doctors’ Day!
Todd Taylor
News&Notes Editor
UF Health Communications
Correction: In April’s edition of News&Notes, an incorrect number for
Patient Advocate Services was published. The correct number is 352-265-0123.
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UF Health Shands | People
Physicians are healers, colleagues and mentors
guiding care
Ed Jimenez recently visited with
Dhruv Singhal, M.D., UF College of
Medicine plastic surgeon, and Lisa
R.P. Spiguel, M.D., UF College of
Medicine oncology surgeon.
Every day, patients and families leave UF
Health grateful for the care they received.
When you hear about someone’s hospital
stay, you can expect to hear them talk
about their doctor and the nurses and
staff with whom they interacted. Patients
identify with the person or people they
feel had a dramatic influence on their care
and their experience. Whether it’s their
knowledgeable and attentive physician,
their skilled nurses and assistants, the
patient transporter or the catering staff
member who was a bright spot in their
day — they remember.
If you step back and think about our
team approach, and how the care process
is set up, there’s a path that is guided by
the doctor. People put their trust and
faith in their physician, who has the
responsibility to ensure patients get the
care they need.
We have extraordinarily talented
doctors not only because of their great
technical abilities, but also because they
lead and enable the entire team to do their
very best for each patient.
Our UF College of Medicine
physicians are not just clinically superior;
they are real people who have real feelings
who have committed their careers to
serving patients and also their colleagues,
their teams and UF Health. They are
not only care providers, they are also
teachers and mentors. They are scientists.
They often become administrators and
finance experts. To our patients, they are
powerful healers, a shoulder to cry on and
motivators, giving hope and comfort.
The multiple roles we have in the
health care environment speak to what
a special place this is. If we allow it, UF
Health can bring out in each person what
we are good at and passionate about as we
serve others.
When I think about our medical
staff, I am also impressed at how they are
training the next generation of doctors.
They were once physicians-in-training
themselves. At any given time, there
are hundreds of medical students and
residents among us learning from the best
UF faculty. They will be at the top of their
game because they are being educated
by the best role models. As our doctors
lead by example, these young physicians
will develop knowledge, people skills,
empathy and emotional connections as
they emulate the talents and behaviors of
our faculty.
All of us depend on our physician
partners. Please take time this month in
honor of Doctors’ Day and share your
appreciation for the physicians across UF
Health who inspire and guide us.
Sincerely,
Ed Jimenez
Interim CEO
UF Health Shands
News&Notes | March 2015 3
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UF Health | People
Celebrating Doctors’ Day
Colleagues and patients give thanks to our talented physicians
“Every month, I receive numerous letters from patients who appreciate the care and
competence of our physicians at UF Health. Being a physician is a unique privilege.
We have the opportunity to be involved in peoples’ lives and to impact people in a way
no other profession can. We should take great joy in that work.
While the work often involves long hours and stressful days, we are especially
fortunate that our work at UF Health involves not only direct patient care, but also
training the next generation of physicians and advancing science.
While your days may be long and difficult, think about why you are in medicine
— why you are in an academic health center. On this Doctors’ Day, think about the
impact you have on patients and the opportunity you have to work with other leaders
and experts in their respective fields.
On a personal note, thanks to each of you for your work and for the care and
service you provide every day here at UF Health. Happy Doctors’ Day.”
Timothy Flynn, M.D., FACS, UF College of Medicine senior associate dean
for clinical affairs and UF Health Shands chief medical officer
First observed more than 80 years ago
by several north Georgia physicians’
wives who hosted a luncheon,
Doctors’ Day is a nationally recognized observance to honor our community’s medical staff and thank
them for the care they provide.
We will honor our physicians by
hosting a Doctors’ Day breakfast
and luncheon.
Please wear red on Monday, March 30
to celebrate our talented physicians at
UF Health.
4 News&Notes | March 2015
Do you remember a time when a family member, friend or co-worker offered
a word of thanks? Perhaps you received
a bouquet of flowers or your favorite
meal. In recognition of Doctors’ Day,
consider this feature story our thankyou card to our talented physicians and
housestaff.
UF Health leaders often receive letters from patients thanking their medical team for the outstanding care they
received. Paul Crispen, M.D., UF College of Medicine urologist, was named
in one such letter. In an email with the
subject, “We made the right decision,”
a patient’s family detailed the care this
patient received during a recent stay.
They thanked the medical team of the
UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital 8
East Adult Oncology Unit; including
Long Dang, M.D., Ph.D., UF Health
College of Medicine oncologist, and
numerous support teams.
“It is the excellent medical, nursing
and support services care we received
during our first stay on 8 East that has
compelled me to write this letter,” wrote
the patient’s mother. “Our stay was a
joyful reminder that kindness is a crucial element to expert medical care. The
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“Collaborating with attending physicians, fellows, residents, interns and medical
students provides a unique learning opportunity and the ability to contribute to the
health and well-being of complex and challenging patients. I have worked with physicians who have demonstrated expert knowledge, skill and a genuine, compassionate
bedside manner.
Recently, I overheard a resident talking with a medical student who just witnessed the death of a young patient she had cared for over a number of weeks. I
listened as he shared his own experiences, answered her questions and — most
importantly — let her process this event that will be part of her future as a physician.
This reaffirmed my choice to work in a setting with physicians at all levels who are
committed to the same high quality of care and a team approach.
My nursing career began in oncology in an academic system, and I am fortunate
I have spent the last 30-plus years between two outstanding academic health care
systems. This career choice has afforded me the opportunity to work side by side with
many physician leaders and be part of outstanding teams.”
Helen Welsh, M.S.N., R.N., UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital 8 East Adult Oncology Unit
nurse manager
positive attitude of 8 East anchored my
son through the uncertainty, pain and
fear during his stay. Thank you all for
shining your light on my family.”
Crispen noted that this patient
story highlighted the comprehensive
care offered at UF Health. As part of a
multidisciplinary team, patients are able
to meet with Crispen and other specialists during a single visit, enhancing the
collaboration between specialties.
“UF Health has afforded me the
opportunity to provide comprehensive
cancer care in an extremely collegial
and collaborative setting,” he said. “It
would be impossible for me to provide
this level of patient care and engage
in my research interests without the
continuous support from all of my colleagues throughout UF Health.”
Crispen’s patient focus and research
interests are complementary. His current
research explores how to improve treatment selection for patients presented
with multiple options, such as those
diagnosed with small renal tumors.
“I feel that by understanding the
biology of their cancer, patients will
have greater insight on how treatment
may impact their lives and improve
treatment selection,” he said.
This level of detail and attention is
an example of the exemplary care our
physicians and their teams offer, from
research to practice.
We thank each of you for your
sharing your medical expertise and
superior care with our staff and most
importantly, our patients.
Please turn the page to read
excerpts from Customer Service is the
Key nominations from patients and
staff who praised our physicians and
their support teams. N&N
News&Notes | March 2015 5
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In our patients’ and staff’s words
Customer Service is the Key excerpts praising our physicians and staff
To: Thomas Beaver, M.D., Ph.D.
UF College of Medicine thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
To: Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D.
UF College of Medicine anesthesiologist
From: A patient
From: A patient
“One of the best doctors ever! There are
no words to express my thanks for taking
care of my husband’s heart issues.”
“Thank you for going the extra mile and
returning to the hospital to perform the
epidural during my delivery.”
To: Sharon Byun, M.D.
UF College of Medicine obstetrician and
gynecologist
To: Robert Lawrence, M.D.
UF College of Medicine professor of
immunology, rheumatology and
infectious disease
From: A patient
From: A co-worker
“Dr. Byun provided fantastic care and support throughout my pregnancy. She came
in to deliver my baby even though she was
off duty.”
“My 4-year-old patient accidentally urinated on his bed and clothes. Dr. Lawrence
came in and, without hesitation, helped me
change his sheets and clean him up.”
To: Jean Cibula, M.D.
UF College of Medicine neurologist
To: Jan S. Moreb, M.D.
UF College of Medicine hematologist
and oncologist
From: A patient
From: A patient
“Dr. Cibula’s attitude was that of kindness
and caring. Her spirit with her patients is
uplifting and at the same time, you realize
she knew what she was talking about.”
To: Jeffrey David Hall, M.D.
UF College of Medicine resident
From: A co-worker
“Dr. Hall took it upon himself to get a
patient’s prescriptions from the pharmacy
on a Saturday before they closed.”
6 News&Notes | March 2015
“I recently had a stem cell transplant at
UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital and
the care before, during and after from
the entire staff has been superb. Dr.
Moreb inspired me — there was hope
and treatment.”
To: Wael Nasser, M.D.
UF College of Medicine pulmonologist
From: A patient
“I would like to thank Dr. Nasser for
being on top of his practice and exhibiting extreme knowledge of his craft during
this difficult time in my mother’s life.”
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To: Michael Nias, J.D., LCSW
UF College of Medicine psychiatrist
From: A patient
“Dr. Nias has been a big support for me.
He has helped me look inside myself for
inner correction dealing with stress.”
To: Arwa Saidi, M.B., B.Ch., M.Ed.
UF College of Medicine pediatric
cardiologist
From: A patient
“Dr. Saidi was great as always. When I
was having some problems, she came
and sat with me until it was under control. That meant a lot.”
To: Michael W. Wangia, M.D.
UF College of Medicine dermatologist
From: A patient
“I was very impressed with the quality of
care I received at your dermatology facility. Dr. Wangia was wonderful.”
To: UF Health Shands Emergency Center at Springhill
physicians and staff
From: A patient
“We visited the Springhill Emergency Center on two occasions
and were very impressed with the care received.”
To: UF College of Medicine department
of medicine, division of hematology/
oncology physicians and hospital staff
From: A patient
“Thank you all for the close personal care,
polite attention and communication, and
willingness to help me understand each
phase of treatment. This has been my first
rewarding hospital experience ever.”
News&Notes | March 2015 7
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UF Health | Growth
New hospitals will showcase
“The Power of Together” at UF Health
More exciting growth and collaboration will benefit patients
(From left) Thomas Huber, M.D., Ph.D., UF College of Medicine chief of vascular surgery and endovascular surgery; Jamie Conti, M.D., UF College of
Medicine chief of cardiovascular medicine; Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands Hospital chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient
Care Services vice president; Ed Jimenez, UF Health Shands interim CEO; David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., UF senior vice president for health affairs and UF
Health president; and Michael L. Good, M.D., UF College of Medicine dean, grabbed their shovels during the Jan. 23 groundbreaking event for the UF
Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital.
Great achievements happen when
people come together, unified under
a common vision or goal. It’s what
we at UF Health call “The Power of
Together.”
Following a groundbreaking event
on Jan. 23, construction for the new
UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital
and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital is underway. They will open in 2018
and will feature the latest innovations
in medical technology and hospital
design, giving rise to the Southeast’s
most advanced home for the care of
patients with heart, vascular and neu-
8 News&Notes | March 2015
rological illnesses. The $415 million
facilities will offer private rooms and
enable our teams to provide shorter
procedure times, less invasive treatment options, more convenient postoperative follow-up, shorter hospital
stays and faster recovery.
The project will provide a healing
environment in which our expert providers can deliver the highest-quality
care and compassionate service to our
patients. Patients just like Catherine Flanigan, Kraven Gavin and Paul Robell.
Catherine’s story
Catherine Flanigan awoke in the
middle of the night and was unable
to move her legs. Her husband
Harry Flanigan’s face was distorted
and the words she tried to say just
wouldn’t come out right. He realized
something was terribly wrong and
called an ambulance. EMS personnel
determined Catherine was having a
stroke. They took her to UF Health
Shands Hospital, where she was
immediately brought from the E.R.
to the UF Health Shands Comprehensive Stroke Center.
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A sand sculpture of the UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF
Health Neuromedicine Hospital was created for the Jan. 23 event.
Our Stroke Center team determined Catherine was
having an ischemic stroke. When she arrived, it was too
late for her to receive intravenous tPA, also known as the
clot-busting drug. The right side of her body was completely
paralyzed and she couldn’t speak. There was a blood clot
in her brain that needed to be removed. Brian Hoh, M.D.,
FACS, FAHA, FAANS, a UF College of Medicine neurosurgeon, successfully performed the procedure. She went home
symptom-free just a few days later.
“I didn’t believe people shortly after the stroke when
they told me what happened,” Catherine said. “I didn’t
remember anything, and I didn’t seem to have any symptoms. I just couldn’t believe it was true.”
Kraven’s story
Kraven Gavin, a 34-year-old mother of three, knew when she
heard her doctor say the words “aortic aneurysm” that her
situation was serious. As the caretaker of her children and
with a daycare business to run, she was nervous about her
future. Her Tallahassee vascular surgeon knew of only one
team that could perform the surgery she needed — the cardiovascular team at UF Health.
Gavin was referred to Robert Feezor, M.D., a UF College of Medicine assistant professor of vascular surgery and
endovascular therapy, and Thomas Beaver, M.D., M.P.H.,
UF College of Medicine chief of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. They performed an endovascular repair of her
thoracic aortic aneurysm. This is a highly sophisticated and
customized method of treatment that is minimally invasive
and allows for a quicker recovery time. UF Health is among
the nation’s top centers where surgeons perform endovascular repairs of aortic aneurysms. With this news, she knew she
was in good hands.
Gavin was grateful for her team. It included UF College
of Medicine surgery faculty and staff and UF Health Shands
Hospital nurses and staff. Someone she fondly remembers
is Billie Corbin, scheduling coordinator for the UF College
of Medicine vascular surgery and endovascular therapy division. She helped Gavin with her follow-up appointments. She
also acknowledged her inpatient care team, including Tracy
Taylor, PA-C, and Monica Jette, PA-C, physician assistants
from the Cardiac ICU.
“I had no issues, no problems,” Gavin said. “The doctors,
the nurses, everybody was wonderful.”
After fully recovering in just two months, Gavin was
back to her passion: her children and her daycare center.
She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in child counseling
and hopes to one day own her own childcare center.
Paul’s story
On his way back to Gainesville after a family trip to Disney
World last Thanksgiving, Paul Robell, former UF Foundation
vice president emeritus for development and alumni affairs,
knew something wasn’t right when he began having difficulty
breathing and experienced chest pain. He first sought emergency treatment at a medical facility where it was determined
that he would need triple cardiac bypass surgery. As his case
was considered complicated and high-risk, he was transferred
to UF Health Shands Hospital, where Thomas Beaver, M.D.,
M.P.H., completed a three-vessel bypass procedure.
Robell faced a long road to recovery following surgery.
After some rocky months, the multidisciplinary intensive
care team of specialists, from cardiology to gastroenterology,
got him on the right track and ready for rehab.
Although his journey was difficult, today he’s back to
doing what he loves — spending time with loved ones and
taking his beloved dog, Dermutt, to the park each day. He
attributes his recovery to his unwillingness to give up, the
constant support of his wife Susan and the quality care and
dedication of his caregivers at UF Health.
Together, our teams helped each of these patients recover
and return to the lives they love. Together, we will continue to
do all we can to ensure all our patients have their best experience at UF Health. That’s “The Power of Together.” N&N
Hear these first-person video stories and read
construction updates at blueprints.UFHealth.org.
News&Notes | March 2015 9
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UF Health Shands Hospital | Service
UF Health Shands Hospital Food and Nutrition Services
A behind-the-scenes look at a vital team
UF Health Shands Hospital
Food and Nutrition
Services staff work hard
to feed patients and staff.
During a recent lunch rush,
Qui'Landra Jamison (right), a
cold prep assistant, prepared
salads, while Lekendrick
Taylor (below), a pot room
assistant, washed dishes in
the kitchen.
10 News&Notes | March 2015
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UF Health Shands Hospital Food and Nutrition Services is a bustling department focused on providing fresh food and excellent
service to a variety of UF Health Shands facilities. The 160
staff members wear many hats. They prepare delicious
meals for sale in our retail areas, personally serve patients
at the bedside, support medical staff with nutrition guidance for patients and participate in research studies. The
department is managed by Morrison Healthcare, a member of Compass Group. There are four divisions: Clinical
Nutrition, Patient Services, Retail and Culinary. Each team
prides itself on improving the health and well-being of its
customers.
Supplying our facilities
The department serves UF Health Shands facilities. It spends
$3.5 million on food and provides more than 600,000 meals
to patients each year.
Providing personalized care
Each inpatient unit at UF Health Shands Hospital and UF
Health Shands Cancer Hospital is assigned two catering associates. Alternating on 12-hour shifts, the catering associates work
with each inpatient. They provide a “spoken menu,” verbally
explaining the food options to each patient, and then they prepare and personally deliver the trays.
ERS
B
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ices
utrition Serv
Food and N
bers 160
Team mem
$3.5M
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Amount sp
600K
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e
id
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Patient me
dietitians 16
Registered
Meeting the high demand
Each day the department serves the meal-time rush of hungry
UF Health faculty, staff, students, volunteers and visitors flooding to various eateries. The team is responsible for food at the
1329 Building deli, the UF Health Shands Hospital cafeteria, the
cafeteria shared by UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital and UF
Health Shands Rehab Hospital, the Faculty Dining Room, Austin
Grill, Sushi Station and Umberto’s Pizza.
Caring about your health
The department employs 16 registered dietitians to manage dietary
regulations and standards. They promote health and wellness,
encourage positive lifestyle changes and help the team meet diverse
nutrient requirements and educate patients and their families.
Ensuring safety
Special precautions are taken for inpatients with sensitivities to
certain foods. Meals for patients with allergies are identified and
prepared separately. N&N
News&Notes | March 2015 11
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UF Health Shands | Service
Employee Engagement Survey
quality results
improving work life
Where engagement meets hospitality
The 2015 Employee Engagement Survey is here
Over the last several months, UF Health faculty and staff
have undergone Hospitality and Service training to further
enhance the patient — and employee work life — experience
by learning new Standards of Behavior.
The next step in this journey is measuring how well
employees are engaged with their work. Studies show that
engagement creates an emotional investment in an organization — employees take more pride in their work and make
decisions to benefit the organization and its customers. Because
Survey roadmap
checklist
Every great road trip needs a
solid checklist to help things
stay on track. Here are some
to consider before beginning
your survey journey.
¨ The survey is open
March 23-April 13.
¨ The survey is
confidential.
¨ Find the survey in the
“Human Resources”
section of “FYI:
Announcements” on
bridge.UFHealth.org.
¨ Your manager will
provide computer
access at work for staff
to complete the survey.
¨ Take the survey at work
or at home.
12 News&Notes | March 2015
patients are at the heart of everything we do, fostering a culture
of engagement will impact our work behaviors and enable us to
provide our patients with the best quality care.
Starting March 23, the annual UF Health Shands
Employee Engagement Survey will open to all UF Health
Shands employees and those who are members of core service departments. Your opinion counts. Tells us what you
think about your work life. N&N
Leaders are listening
The Employee Engagement Survey is a way for you to directly impact
your work environment. Here are some ways leaders listened to feedback from their area’s survey results and then created and followed a
roadmap to improvement.
“We have increased rounding for our staff
and host monthly meetings (with the same
message) for both day and night shift
nursing employees.”
“We’ve created focus groups with
administrative staff and our medical
directors to explore how we can improve
teamwork and improve low-scoring areas.”
–D
uke Lim, M.S.N., R.N., CNML, UF Health
Shands Nursing and Patient Services associate vice president
– Lisa Dowd, B.S.N., R.N., CRRN, NE-BC, UF
Health Shands Rehab Hospital Nursing and
Patient Services director
“Staff wanted to be more involved, so we
now hold more events for holidays and
general employee engagement, like a
cook-off where employees are awarded
mini spoons for great dishes. It’s helped
our management team become more
approachable to staff.”
–T
im Jones, UF Health Shands Environmental
Services director
Employee Engagement Survey
quality results
improving work life
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UF Health | Service
Providing relief in innovative ways
With a variety of techniques, the Integrative Medicine team helps to heal patients
The UF Heath Integrative Medicine Program is an outgrowth of UF Health Shands
Arts in Medicine, one of the largest arts-inhealth-care programs in the nation. AIM
uses music, visual arts and performing
arts to enhance the hospital experience for
patients and families — and for years, it’s
provided services such as massage and yoga
to our staff.
According to Tina Mullen, AIM director, staff would often ask if the AIM team
could offer these services to a broader audience. Three years ago, things fell into place
for our staff to begin offering these services
to patients. A certified yoga practitioner
with special training joined the team to
work with cancer patients. Two sizable
donations were made to the program by
community members interested in supporting integrative medicine — with others
soon to follow.
With support from UF Health leadership and a newly appointed outpatient
Integrative Medicine medical director, Irene
Estores, M.D., Mullen began building a
small team of integrative medicine practitioners and instructors.
About the team
The inpatient UF Health Integrative
Medicine, or ITM, team is composed of
a nurse coordinator and six practitioners
who provide and teach mind-body therapies, including meditation, massage, yoga,
tai chi and qigong to inpatients, family
members, staff and the community. When
called on by a medical team, Lauren Arce,
R.N., M.S.N., C.N.L., O.C.N., ACNBC, ITM nurse coordinator, provides an
integrative medicine assessment to assess
a patient’s emotional, mental and social
well-being. She develops a treatment plan
in collaboration with the patient and their
medical team. The recommendations may
include mind-body therapies, AIM activities, pet therapy or consults such as pastoral
care, palliative care or geriatric medicine.
For interested patients, the team provides
information about outpatient services,
including health services and wellness
classes, courses and workshops.
A typical day
At the start of each shift, practitioners check
the electronic medical record for patients
with ITM orders, review charts and meet to
coordinate care. They collaborate with the
patient and care team to set session goals,
educate patients about the benefits of mindbody therapies and start the integrative care
process to help meet those goals. Sessions
are structured to individual patient needs
and limitations, and patients are encouraged
to use learned tools between sessions and
after they leave the hospital.
Dottie Price, R.Y.T., ITM yoga practitioner, enjoys connecting with patients to
help them without a sense of urgency. “Once
we are in with one patient, it unfolds from
there and all of our focus can be on one
patient as long as needed,” she said.
Practitioners move between units to
provide services and adapt interventions
across these populations, whether the
patient is 8 or 80, mobile or on bed rest.
Teamwork in action
The ITM practitioners have the ability to
treat a patient together using different interventions in a single, collaborative session.
The team meets to exchange information
each morning, and shares messages about
patient care in EPIC throughout the day.
“Each practitioner provides a unique
service,” said Arce. “We have the advantage
of being a multidisciplinary team within a
single program.”
What motivates you?
“It’s empowering people,” said Chaya Sharon Heller, C.A.P., I.Y.T., L.M.T., E-RYT500, ITM holistic nutritionist, massage
therapist and yoga practitioner. “People,
when they’re sick, tend to identify with their
illnesses. Showing them parts of themselves
separate from whatever they’re dealing with
brings them balance.”
For a list of UF Health Integrative
Medicine inpatient and outpatient services
and practitioners, and for more information,
visit UFHealth.org/integrativemedicine. N&N
News&Notes | March 2015 13
NEW&NEXT
UF Health | Service
Lab Notes: What’s happening at UF Health?
Check out some recent research developments at UF Health
• Inside the pancreas, beta cells produce
insulin, the hormone that helps the body
properly metabolize food. However, in
patients with Type 1 diabetes, these beta
cells are under attack and unable to
produce the insulin the body needs. This
is why patients with this condition
typically must take insulin for the rest of
their lives. However, the results of a new
UF pilot study show that combining two
medical treatments preserved beta cell
function in patients, allowing them to
produce at least some of their own
insulin after one year. The international
diabetes research network TrialNet, in
conjunction with UF researchers, is now
launching the study in a larger, national
population of participants newly
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “If the
larger trial produces similar results, this
type of combination therapy will be a
major advance in the treatment of Type
1 diabetes,” said Michael Haller, M.D., a
UF College of Medicine associate
professor of pediatrics and principal
investigator of the pilot study and the
TrialNet study.
14 News&Notes | March 2015
• UF Health researchers have found a
possible predictor for little understood
— but often disabling or even fatal —
stroke complications. The findings,
published in the journal Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences, may
extend to other neurological disorders,
said Sylvain Doré, Ph.D., lead author
and a UF College of Medicine professor
of anesthesiology, neurology, psychiatry
and neuroscience. For the study, Doré
and his team looked at patients who had
suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a
type of stroke that affects as many as
30,000 Americans each year. Most often
caused by the rupture of an aneurysm,
subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when
there is bleeding in the area between
the brain and the thin tissues that cover
the brain — often causing death or longterm impairment and disability. For
patients who survive the initial stroke,
two-thirds still face a life-threating
complication known as cerebral
vasospasm. The researchers linked an
increased risk for this complication to a
specific phenotype.
• Two men with arthritis walk into a room.
Both have the same degree of damage
to their knee cartilage, but only one rates
his pain a 9 on a scale of zero to 10. Why?
Roger Fillingim, Ph.D., UF Pain Research
and Intervention Center director, is trying
to find out with the help of a five-year,
$5.5 million grant he recently received
from the National Institutes of Health.
Fillingim received the NIH’s Merit Award,
which will allow him to further research
on his current project — a study in
understanding pain and limitations in
osteoarthritic disease. Funds for the
study, known as UPLOAD, will be shared
with the University of Alabama at
Birmingham, where data for the project
also will be collected. Fillingim said, “The
global goal of our research is to try to
understand the multiple factors that
conspire to produce higher levels of pain
and disability in some people with knee
osteoarthritis as opposed to other
people with knee osteoarthritis.”
NEW&NEXT
UF Health | Quality
Discover how to change lives
through the power of empathy
A
BE
SAFER GAT
OR
March 12: National speaker presents during
Patient Safety and Quality Week event
Colleen Sweeney, R.N., B.S., owner and founder
of Sweeney Healthcare Enterprises, will speak on
March 12 during Patient Safety and Quality Week.
Imagine sitting in a hospital room, shivering slightly in a thin
gown. The physician you’re waiting for is highly recommended, but
you’re nervous now that the appointment is here. Thoughts rush
unbounded through your mind. What if I’m really sick? Will I have
to take time off of work? What if the tests are painful? Will I be a burden to my family?
You hold your hands tightly together and take a deep, shaky
breath. You hope your questions will be answered soon. A knock on
the door; you look up. “Yes, come in!”
Dynamic presenter, writer and facilitator, Colleen Sweeney,
R.N., B.S., expertly illuminates patients’ unspoken fears. Tapping into
her more than 30 years of health care experience, Sweeney channels
the patient perspective to connect with her audience and inspire
positive organizational change.
Her mission? Endorse a culture of empathy.
“Patients want to feel as though we care for them and who
they are,” said Sweeney, owner and founder of Sweeney Healthcare
Enterprises. “Once you realize the power that’s in you to change the
lives of patients and their families, you understand the impact and
responsibility you have.”
Driven by a passion for customer service and quality care, Sweeney created The Patient Empathy Project, a three-year study focused
on patient fears. She shares the eye-opening results of her research to
health care systems around the country, encouraging them to evaluate the way they treat patients.
“Nearly every patient suffers from some sort of fear related to
health care, hospitals or doctors,” she said. “It’s imperative that we
recognize this when interacting with patients, and understand that
we have the potential to play a huge role in reducing those fears.”
Sweeney was a hit, with rave reviews in 2013, when she spoke at
a UF Health leadership retreat.
Join us as we welcome Sweeney to Patient Safety and Quality
Week, hosted by the UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Quality
and Patient Safety. She will be presenting at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. (for Quality
Grand Rounds) and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at UF Health
Shands Hospital, Room 6120.
To learn more about the week of events, visit the UF Health
Bridge at bridge.UFHealth.org. N&N
News&Notes | March 2015 15
NEW&NEXT
UF Health Shands | Service
Community benefits — how UF Health reaches out
Providing hope and healing to those in need
Unsponsored charity care
and social responsibility
HEALING:
Community and regional
health services
Donations and in-kind services
Health professionals education
16 News&Notes | March 2015
GROWTH:
Scientific and clinical research
$18.8
These amounts show the community benefit
provided by UF Health, a collaboration of the
UF Health Science Center, UF Health Shands
hospitals and other health care entities, in
fiscal year 2014. All numbers reflect estimated
costs (in millions).
$41.8
LEARNING:
$2.4
GIVING:
$2.7
At UF Health, we are committed
to community service and support.
As a not-for-profit academic health
center, UF Health reaches beyond
the walls of our hospitals, classrooms
and clinical practices to improve the
health and wellness of individuals
and families throughout Florida.
Each year, we produce a Community
Benefit Report that reflects our social
mission and responsibility.
In Fiscal Year 2014, UF Health
contributed approximately $216.9
million in community benefits. The
UF Health faculty and staff who
dedicate valuable time, energy and
resources to community initiatives
give this inspiring number even
more significance.
To learn more about our charitable efforts, visit UFHealth.org and
select “About Us” and “Social Mission & Community.” N&N
$151.2
CARING:
NEW&NEXT
UF Health | Service
Reminder about tobacco and contraband policies
Help keep our campuses safe, clean and healthy
Improving health and safety for our patients and communities is
at the heart of everything we do at UF Health. In the fall of 2009,
UF Health made a commitment to be Tobacco-Free Together. As
a responsible health care organization, we are committed to providing the highest-quality medical care and preventing disease,
while offering a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for
everyone who seeks care or works on our campuses.
We have policies and guidelines in place that help us reinforce safe and healthy behaviors. We call on you — our faculty,
staff, residents, students and volunteers — to model healthpromoting behaviors while on our properties. We also ask our
patients, visitors and vendors to join us in this effort.
At a glance, here’s what you need to know:
• We do not allow smoking or the use of tobacco products
(including e-cigarettes) on our campuses, roadways and
parking areas or inside our buildings.
• We prohibit the presence and use of illicit/illegal drugs
and alcohol anywhere on campus or in our buildings.
• We prohibit the presence and use of knives, guns or
other weapons in our facilities.
The best solution is for individuals to avoid bringing
restricted items to UF Health. If individuals have contraband
— illicit drugs, alcohol and weapons — upon arrival, we want
them to leave these items behind when entering campus or
our buildings. This applies to staff, patients and visitors with
a concealed weapon permit; please leave these items safely
secured in your vehicle.
This year, we plan to add more signage to our patient and
visitor parking garages to raise awareness about tobacco and
contraband. We’ll also provide you with a new and improved
site on the UF Health Bridge intranet portal with resources and
links. Stay tuned.
There are a variety of online and self-help resources and
counseling to help people quit tobacco, drug and alcohol use. As
a UF Health Shands employee, if you’d like to break the habit,
please contact UF Health Shands Occupational Health Services.
UF staff can contact UF’s Employee Assistance Program.
Please visit news-notes.UFHealth.org to learn more about
tobacco and read an excerpt related to contraband from the
patient consent form for patients of UF Health Shands hospitals
and facilities. N&N
Tobacco & Contraband Policies
UF Health Shands employees can reference policies by visiting the UF Health
Bridge, clicking on the “Policies & Procedures” tab and then “UF Health Shands
Hospital” (for Core Policies) and “UF Health Shands Human Resources” (for HR
policies). The policies governing tobacco and contraband are:
UF Health Shands Hospital Policies:
CP01.029: Tobacco-Free Environment
CP01.018: Violence and Weapons –
Prevention and Response
UF Health Shands Human
Resources Policies:
HR119: Tobacco-Free Environment
HR305: Personal Appearance and Dress
UF Health Shands Nursing
and Patient Services Policies:
52 Psych-S-002: Items brought in by
visitors – Checking for contraband
52 Psych-S-001: Search of patient and
patient belongings
52 Psych-AM-021: Injury Prevention
Program Procedure
HR301: Shands Work and Safety Rules
HR407: Meal and Break Periods
UF faculty and staff can reference UF’s tobacco-free policy statement by visiting tobaccofree.ufl.edu/downloads/tobaccopolicy.
pdf or viewing the UF Employee and Student Handbooks. The UF Human Resources Services Policies, found by visiting hr.ufl.edu/
working-at-uf/policies, outline UF’s workplace regulations on tobacco, weapons and drugs.
News&Notes | March 2015 17
NEW&NEXT
UF Health | Service
UF Health Bridge posts impressive opening numbers
Two months ago our new intranet
portal, the UF Health Bridge, launched
to all UF Health faculty and staff. Here
are some statistics to show how the
Bridge is connecting each of us.
• During normal business hours (8
a.m. to 5 p.m.), there are upwards of
300 people using Bridge at any
given time.
• UF Health Communications Web
Services has provisioned more than
216 collaboration groups,
representing units and initiatives
from across all missions — patient
care, education, research and
community service.
• Visitors are spending an average of
four minutes on the Bridge during
each visit, compared with 2.5
minutes on our public websites.
• Visitors see on average 2.3 pages
per visit to the Bridge (total views
are about 700,000 since launch).
• Bridge users have contributed more
than 5,500 group files, events, links,
discussion topics and comments.
• One of our largest open groups —
Sugar Buster Challenge — includes
more than 50 members. This group
was created by UF Health Jacksonville
employees, but all members of UF
Health are joining. See the group at
bridge.UFHealth.org/groups/sugarbuster-challenge-jax.
Please note that protected health
information, as well as restricted
information about patients, staff or
students, should not be shared on the
UF Health Bridge. For privacy
information, visit bridge.UFHealth.org/
bridge-help.
*Data gathered Jan. 12-28, 2015.
UF Health | Service
construction updates at uf health
UF Health “North Campus Main
Street” is the hallway that extends
from the UF College of Dentistry
through the UF Health Shands
Hospital Atrium and to the UF Health
Shands Children’s Hospital. This
spring, renovations will continue on
this space.
SW Archer Road north campus
• The UF Health “North Campus Main
Street” is receiving a much-needed
facelift. Crews are renovating
everything from flooring to waiting
room chair upholstery in the hallway
18 News&Notes | March 2015
connecting the College of Dentistry
to the Atrium. This project is
expected to continue through April.
During this time, all services in this
area will remain open. Detour
signage is posted directing patients,
visitors and staff to their destination.
• On the east side of the Atrium, the
surgery waiting area will begin its
own renovations mid-March. This
will include new flooring, paint, light
fixtures and ceiling. All work will take
place overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.,
and the area will be cleaned when it
opens at 6 a.m. The renovations are
anticipated to wrap up early summer.
Watch your work email for detailed
service access instructions and
information on these projects and
more. For the latest construction
updates, visit blueprints.UFHealth.org.
FACES
UF Health Shands | Service
Rehab team motivates patient following brain surgery
Young man learns to walk again following meningitis
UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital employees (above, from left) Nicole
Ferrier, M.A., CCC-SLP, brain injury team speech therapist; Amy Kinsey, CTRS,
recreational therapist; Lindsey Dhans, M.O.T., OTR/L, brain injury team
occupational therapist; and Jen Fogel, P.T., D.P.T., brain injury team physical
therapist, were all credited by patient Sean Dorsey for their outstanding care.
Sean Dorsey (left), pictured with his cat Bubbles, praised the efforts of
the UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital staff for his recovery from a case of
meningitis.
Twenty-two-year-old Sean Dorsey is thrilled to be taking a UF
course online from his home in Palm Beach Gardens.
His mother, Cathy Dorsey, is more impressed with the fact
that he can walk and talk and is doing so well following his battle
with viral meningitis just over a year ago. She thanks the physicians,
nurses and therapists who cared for him at UF Health Shands Hospital and UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital.
“He had a sinus infection, fever, aches and pains. He went to
a walk-in-clinic on campus and got some antibiotics,” Cathy said.
“He never imagined that he was so sick.”
Then, following an apartment fire, a rescue effort from a
neighbor and a trip to the UF Health Shands E.R. for carbon monoxide poisoning, our physicians diagnosed Sean with meningitis.
The next morning he underwent brain surgery. Three days
later, he stopped responding to neuro checks and had to have
another procedure, during which more of his skull and brain was
removed. He was not expected to survive and spent four weeks in
the UF Health Shands Hospital ICU. His parents were devastated.
However, Sean put up a fight and recovered. After a few weeks
of rest, he was ready for rehab. Despite a setback two weeks into
rehab, when he had to go back to the hospital for scalp revision
surgery, Sean put every effort he had into making progress. His
medical team credits his youth and willpower.
“I remember being really nervous,” he explained. “I had no
idea what to expect, if they would be nice or if I would ever be
able to walk again on my own. But they were very understanding
and made me feel like I could do it, even when I hated some of the
things they made me do.
“I couldn’t walk. They helped me stand and walk without
looking silly. I was there from March until May (2014). I’m home
now. I’m taking online classes at UF. My goal is to return and finish
my degree in food science and nutrition.”
Sean and his mother can list therapists at UF Health
Shands Rehab Hospital by first name and consider them all
friends, including Lindsey Dhans, M.O.T., OTR/L, brain
injury team occupational therapist; Gaura Mehta, P.T., D.P.T.,
stroke team physical therapist; Jen Fogel, P.T., D.P.T., CBIS,
brain injury team physical therapist; Nicole Ferrier, M.A.,
CCC-SLP, brain injury team speech therapist; and Amy Kinsey, CTRS, recreational therapist.
“I’m not done with my recovery,” Sean said. “I still go to therapy three days a week. But without the caring team from Shands
Rehab I would not have made the strides that got me here today. I’d
like to tell them thank you. They were my favorites.” N&N
News&Notes | March 2015 19
KUDOS
UF Health Shands | Finance
Raising Hope at Work teams honored
More than 2,000 participate in 2015 employee campaign
The UF Health Shands Finance team hoists its trophy for earning first-place honors during this year’s Raising Hope at Work campaign.
Many of our teams reached the 100
percent participation milestone this
year. Using a point system to calculate dollars raised and participation,
the winners of this year’s Raising
Hope at Work campaign are:
1st Place
Champions of Hope –
Finance
2nd Place
Wildcard Winner –
Information Services
Additional Top Teams –
Health Information Management,
Quality and Transplant Center
20 News&Notes | March 2015
The year’s Raising Hope at Work employee campaign is a powerful example of the
commitment UF Health Shands employees have to helping others every day.
The campaign to support the new UF
Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF
Health Neuromedicine Hospital concluded with total pledges of $138,797, and an
overall participation rate of 24.3 percent.
UF Health leadership is also supporting the campaign, with current pledges
totaling $550,000.
The participation of more than 2,000
employees shows our community that
we are dedicated to the success of this
ambitious expansion, and illustrates “The
Power of Together.”
The top five teams were honored with
a complimentary lunch. Our winning
team, Finance, received Raising Hope
at Work apparel and the Champions of
Hope trophy. Also, kudos to the Health
Information Management department
for winning the Arrow Display Contest
with their creative representation of team
participation.
Congratulations to this year’s team
captains for their inspiring efforts and
leadership. On behalf of the Raising Hope
at Work campaign staff and volunteers,
thank you all for rising to the challenge.
To view all teams with 100 percent
participation in the 2015 Raising Hope at
Work campaign and this year’s team captains, visit giving.UFHealth.org/raisinghope-at-work. N&N
KUDOS
UF Health | Service
Two programs earn national awards
The Association of American Medical Colleges has selected
two UF Health programs to receive top awards recognizing
institutions that advance medical education, enhance research
opportunities and improve patient care. UF Health was the only
institution recognized twice in the 2014 AAMC Learning Health
System Research Awards.
Consent2Share is a UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute
program that allows patients receiving care to be recontacted for
future research studies. The team was honored with the 2014
Pioneer Award for improving the connection between
researchers and willing participants. More than 17,000 patients
are currently enrolled in Consent2Share and about 4,000
individuals have been connected to ongoing research protocols
at UF. Planned expansion in 2015 will give all UF Health patients
the opportunity to participate in the program.
“This award is recognition of UF’s national leadership role in
developing a learning health system and engaging multiple
stakeholders to translate research discovery into improved health
care,” said David Nelson, M.D., CTSI director and UF assistant vice
president for research. “It emphasizes the team approach and
commitment that is required for such an innovative program to
be successful.”
2014
champion
Award
2014
pioneer
Award
coordination as well as innovative programs dedicated to
providing the best possible care for patients, with an emphasis on
the patient experience.
UF Health also was recognized with the 2014 Champion Award
for our commitment to clinical quality and patient safety.
“Our mission is to make quality a No. 1 priority at UF Health,” said
Randy Harmatz, M.B.A., UF Health senior vice president and
chief quality officer, who leads the UF Health Sebastian Ferrero
Office of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety. “This award provides
a platform for caregivers, learners, educators and researchers to
share quality improvement work across the organization.”
Through comprehensive initiatives, UF Health is providing
opportunities for learning, growth and shared research to better
serve patients and improve quality clinical care. The award
recognized improvements in patient safety and professional
UF Health continues to support the development and use of
processes that address and solve quality improvement
questions. Congratulations to everyone recognized through
these national awards.
UF Health Shands | People
Employees rewarded with Bowl Game tickets
Four employees from UF Health Shands were recently selected by UF
Health leaders to each receive a pair of tickets to the Birmingham Bowl
— Chad Hubbard, UF Health Patient Financial Services financial counselor
and team leader; Kim Browning, UF Health Shands Infection Control
Department infection control practitioner; Vu Le, UF Health Shands Supply
Chain linen tech lead; and Lindsey Johnson, GatorCare health coach. They
were nominated by their managers for providing excellent customer
service and exemplifying an outstanding work ethic. Pictured here: Lindsey
Johnson, with (clockwise) Mark Ducharme; daughters Harper Kate Johnson
and Colbie Johnson; and Blaike Ducharme.
News&Notes | March 2015 21
TO DO
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital | Finance
30th Annual Celebrity Waiter Night
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Celebrity Waiter Night with an
unforgettable party, themed “Year of the Champion.” On May 11
at the UF Touchdown Terrace, attendees will enjoy heavy hors
d’oeuvres and refreshments, followed by live performances
featuring UF Health teams with motivational songs like “We are
the Champions” and “Eye of the Tiger.” Children’s Miracle
Network ambassador families will share their stories of strength
and hope.
Celebrity Waiter Night is one of the most entertaining and funfilled annual events benefiting Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. With more
than 8,500 children treated last year, UF Health Shands Children’s
Hospital is a leading referral center for kids from throughout
Florida and the Southeast. Your support is critical for
advancements in research and investments in lifesaving medical
equipment, and for providing a wide range of services that might
not otherwise be possible.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? We need you! Call 352-2657237 or email Jessica Jennings, UF Health Development
associate, at jenjes@shands.ufl.edu.
To view photos and video from last year’s event, visit
giving.UFHealth.org/2014/05/19/celebrity-waiter-night-2014.
UF Health | People
Help give babies a healthy start
UF Health has sponsored the March of Dimes March
for Babies event for 17 years. In that time, our teams
have raised more than $1 million. Last year our
employees raised more than $75,000.
This year, the March for Babies walk will take place at
8 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at Westwood Middle
School. Participate and enjoy plenty of food, fun and
festivities as we continue the march for stronger,
healthier babies.
For more information, email
marchforbabies@health.ufl.edu.
22 News&Notes | March 2015
Not up for the walk?
You can still participate:
• Stop by the UF Health Shands Hospital
Atrium on Friday, March 13 to support
our March of Dimes gift sale.
• Sign up and raise money online. Visit
bridge.UFHealth.org/shands-march-ofdimes to find a UF Health team and get
started.
• Volunteer to help at our UF Health
Spirit Station.
TO DO
UF Health | Service
UF Health | Service
Employees can enjoy free consultations and
discounts on select cosmetic treatments
Time for a gut check!
Did you know that as a UF Health faculty or staff member, you can receive 20 percent off
select nonsurgical cosmetic procedures? At the UF Health Plastic Surgery
and Aesthetics Center, located at the UF Health Springhill office in northwest Gainesville,
these treatments include:
• Laser hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
•L
aser therapy and
injections for spider veins
• Glycolic peels
Employees also receive a 20 percent discount on surgeon fees for select cosmetic
surgical procedures.
Led by Bruce Mast, M.D., FACS, UF College of Medicine chief of plastic and
reconstructive surgery, the UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center team offers
the latest in plastic and reconstructive procedures and nonsurgical cosmetics. Staff
includes board-certified plastic surgeons, as well as experienced physician assistants
specially trained in aesthetic procedures. Whether you’re interested in an aesthetic
procedure or reconstructive or cosmetic surgeries, you can trust our team to provide a
safe, confidential and comfortable experience.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 352-265-8402 or visit
UFHealth.org/plastics. After-hours appointments are also available.
Eldercare of alachua county | people
Bike to support ride to remember
Support Al’z Place, a day care center for
people with Alzheimer’s disease and
severe memory disorders, by
participating in Ride to Remember, an
annual charity bike ride that begins at
9 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Registration
starts at 8 a.m.
Bike rides begin at either Boulware
Springs Park in Gainesville (3400 SE
15th St.) or Flemington Community
Park in Ocala (18200 N. Highway 329)
and range from 1 to 100 miles long.
Cost is $40 online or by mail and $50
on the day of the event and includes a
T-shirt and refreshments at rest stops.
Participants can also preregister from
5-7 p.m. Friday, March 13 at the Pedal
Off Party, held at the Alachua County
Senior Center (5701 NW 34th St.),
where race packets will be provided
and gourmet snacks, wine and beer
will be offered.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month — a great time to talk to your
doctor about scheduling your
colonoscopy. Colonoscopy screenings
are recommended for most people
beginning at age 50, then every five to
10 years.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading
cancer killer in the U.S., but it doesn’t
have to be. If everyone 50 or older had
regular screening tests, at least 60
percent of deaths from this cancer
could be avoided. So if you’re over 50,
schedule your screening now.
“Getting screened can be the difference
between life and death for you or a
loved one. Our FasTrak service makes
scheduling this procedure as easy as
clicking a computer mouse,” said
Thomas J. George Jr., M.D., UF Health
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
director and a UF College of Medicine
associate professor of hematology and
oncology.
To conveniently schedule a
colonoscopy, visit UFHealth.org/fastrak.
Fill out the form, and a FasTrak
scheduling nurse will call you with a
few questions and help schedule your
colonoscopy appointment.
And remember, UF Health employees
get the GatorAdvantage — expedited
access at UF Health Physicians practices
and outpatient facilities — along with
complimentary patient parking. Just
remember to say, “I want the
GatorAdvantage,” when you call for an
appointment and at checkout.
Visit gccfla.org/rtr or call
352-265-9040 to register.
News&Notes | March 2015 23
TO DO
UF Health | Service
Be aware: Signs of suicide risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
suicide is the third leading cause of death for children,
adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24. It
results in nearly 4,600 young lives lost each year in the U.S.
Mathew Nguyen, M.D., a UF College of Medicine psychiatrist
who specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry, said people
who know a person at risk for suicide should look for risky
behaviors and warning signs.
“While no one is to blame for suicide, it is something that can be
prevented,” Nguyen said. “People surrounding the troubled child
might recognize signs and should seek professional help
immediately. The mental health issues the child is dealing with
won’t just go away on their own, typically.”
For help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800273-8255. UF Health Psychiatry is also a great resource for people
who recognize risky behaviors. To request an evaluation by a UF
Health psychiatrist, call 352-265-4357. To speak with a licensed
admissions counselor at UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital,
call 352-265-5481. Visit UFHealth.org/childpsychiatry for more
information.
Suicide Risk Factors
• History of previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
•H
istory of depression or other
mental illness
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Stressful life event or loss (such as
abuse, bullying, loss of loved one
or relational or financial problems)
• Easy access to lethal methods
• Exposure to the suicidal behavior
of others
• Incarceration
UF Health | Service
Spring into nutrition with helpful tips and resources
It’s easy to be enticed by fast food and neglect when making home-cooked meals. However, cooking at home allows you more control
of what you eat and often leads to healthier choices. Use the USDA’s MyPlate recommendations to guide your meals:
Give it a try!
The versatile brown rice bowl:
1. Start with brown rice. One cup serves two people.
2. Pack in produce. Choose a combination of vegetables
for a variety of flavors and nutrients.
2
3. Add some healthy protein. Try fish, beans,
chicken, nuts or boiled eggs.
Add some whole grains.
4. Top it off with a light sauce or seasoning.
Looking for additional support? Sign up online to
attend a lunchtime workshop Tuesday, March 17 on
body image titled, “What have your thighs done for
you lately? How to free yourself from body angst
and, finally, enjoy living in your body.”
Register online via myTraining or visit GatorCare.org/
wellness/series.asp for more information.
Also, email café@shands.ufl.edu to sign up for
updates about new menu items and wellness events
taking place this month. Quickly find UF Health Shands
cafeteria menus by visiting bridge.UFHealth.org and
typing “cafeteria” in the search box.
24 News&Notes | March 2015
1
Fill half of your plate with
fruits and vegetables. Pick
foods with a variety of colors.
3
Finally, choose a lean
protein to bake, broil
or grill.