Newsletter  - Fall 2007

Welcome to the Department of Surgery Newsletter. We hope you find this information helpful.

From Where l Sit............
Richard L. Gamelli, MD, FACS

As I look at the close of this past fiscal year it strikes me how much we continue to find success in an environment where so much is out of our control. This past fiscal year was not so much different than prior years. We continue to have the issues of high malpractice rates, increased operations cost, and falling reimbursement. These are no longer crisis events. They have quite simply become a fact of academic surgical life that we have learned and continue to learn how to proactively manage. To assume the posture of being a victim of what we perceive as a series of never ending injustices it not a viable long term survival strategy. Despite these pressures there are a number of areas where we have control and when we have the control we continue to shine.

Over the last five to seven fiscal years our cost for doing business has continued to grow, however, with relatively the same number of faculty we have increased our wRVU production by almost 60%.  This growth in wRVUs was not solely the result of better billing practices but in large measure the result of busy surgical faculty finding a way to become busier. The quality of our patient care, by all that we can asses, has continued to be maintained with the increase in patient volume.  We have seen our operating room cases increase along with our department’s expanded role in the management of the surgical intensive care units. The disciplined fiscal management that we have followed has been vital to these successes. Our departmental support staff have remained stable and despite increases in work by our faculty, we have taken advantage of efficiencies to keep the work force stable. Non-salary operating costs for the department have been flat for several years. Looking for better or less expensive alternatives is not something you just do at home. The end result of this is that we as a Department have been able to stay above the rising curve of expenses.

While it might seem that I am overly preoccupied with the business of being the Chair, it continues to be more than ever reality “no margin no mission.”  What we have accomplished fiscally allows us to do our real work and why we are at Loyola. We have continued to invest in the Resident Resource Center and adding to its functionality. Research across the department is at an all time high and total extramural funding exceeded $4,000,000 in FY07. We have active NIH funded labs in basic science and active clinical and translational studies in emergency services, oncology, trauma, burns, and vascular surgery.  We are actively recruiting funded investigators to join our faculty and further support these programs. Surgical research fellows continue to do excellent work in our laboratories and present their work at regional and national meetings. We once again have fellows working on advanced degrees while in fellowship that prepares them well for their long term career goals. Our success in the match for all of our training programs this past year places it at one of the best recruitment years ever.  The combined American Board of Surgery first-time pass rate of resident graduates of our General Surgical Residency is in the top 25% of all surgical programs for the past five years and is a true reflection of the talent of these wonderful young people. Continuing in this tradition of excellence all six of this year’s graduating Chief Residents have gone on to highly competitive fellowships.  We have an important responsibility to continue to prepare our medical students, residents and fellows to follow in the footsteps of past Loyola graduates.  In the Alumni Corner of this newsletter we see the successes of our past graduates and it points that we must continue to do the right thing for those we educate and train.

While at times it is easy to focus on what is wrong, that is not what we are about. We have to stay the course and continue to be empowered by our successes and continuously learn to adapt. In the end we are about people and the patients that we have the privileged to care for. The faculty, residents, fellows and staff of our department are talented and hard working. I am proud of what they do and how they meet every day challenges we face.

Feature Articles
 

Francis E. Banich, M.D.

Long-Time Loyola Faculty Member to Retire from Department of Surgery

After celebrating his 50^th anniversary as a graduate of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in September, Francis E. Banich, M.D., will pass another major milestone when he retires as a faculty member in the Department of Surgery at the end of the year. In addition to his contributions to clinical care and education, Dr. Banich played a major role in the development of Stritch School of Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center as a member of the Loyola University Chicago Board of Trustees, among other contributions.

A native Chicagoan, Dr. Banich’s long association with Loyola began as an undergraduate as a pre-med major. When he retires at the end of 2007, he will mark a long and successful career as a Department of Surgery faculty member. An associate clinical professor, Dr. Banich specialized in colorectal cases, as well as gall bladder surgeries. “During my 40 years of practice, I performed 4,000 gall bladder surgeries and 1,500 colon surgeries,” he said. “I did huge volumes.”

In addition to Loyola’s influence, his career was shaped by training at the former Cook County Hospital in Chicago, which, at the time in the early 1960s, was the best place to learn general surgery techniques, he explained.  “At that time, there was no Medicare or Medicaid. People without health insurance were sent to Cook County,” he said. “Although attending physicians weren’t paid, it was a great honor to serve there, where we could teach and be exposed to large volumes of pathology.” At Cook County, he met people he later associated with at Loyola, such as Robert Freeark, M.D., who set up the nation’s first trauma center there and later became the chairman of Loyola’s Department of Surgery.

Another important milestone was serving in the United States Navy at Great Lakes Navy Hospital in Illinois, where he pioneered a type of rubber band technique to destroy internal hemorrhoids. 

When he got out of the service, he joined Loyola’s staff as an assistant professor in the late 1960s. At that time, Father Raymond Barnhart, S.J., who would later become the president at Loyola University Chicago, asked Dr. Banich to join a committee to plan the opening of Loyola University Medical Center in 1969. “When the medical center opened, I was the secretary of staff and chief of the emergency room,” said Dr. Banich, who grew up in the neighborhood at Cermak Road and Damen and attended St. Ignatius High School. “Because we had no house staff, I would have to go in and help in the ER if no one showed up.” 

Dr. Banich went on to develop a thriving surgical practice, and later worked with Dr. Freeark in Loyola’s Department of Surgery. During this time, Father Barnhart, as president of Loyola University Chicago, asked Dr. Banich to serve on the university’s Board of Trustees, which he did from 1988 to 1997. During his tenure on the Board, the surgeon helped steer Loyola University Medical Center’s course in developing the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, parking garage and the new Stritch School of Medicine on the Maywood campus, among other major projects. “Being the only physician on the Board, I was instrumental in being guided by the recommendations of Bob Freeark and the faculty of the Department of Surgery,” explained Dr. Banich.

More recently, Dr. Banich also served as a facilitator of “A Visit with the Professor,” which was attended by third-year medical Stritch students and first-year surgical residents of Loyola University Medical Center to discuss patient cases. Once he retires, the surgeon will stop his education and clinical activities, but not before he picks up one last award, as “Alumnus of the Year” of the Stritch School of Medicine, upon his 50^th anniversary milestone. 

What he values most about his time at Loyola and its Jesuit philosophy is the strong sense of collegiality among his peers and co-workers. “You were with your closest friends and we all worked together,” Dr. Banich said. 

Once he retires, he anticipates a lot of travel to visit his three children, who live outside the Chicago area. Looking back at his time at Loyola, he has fond memories. “It was a wonderful ride,” Dr. Banich added.

Reflections of the 2007 Keeley Traveling Fellowship Recipients

By Ian Villanueva, MD 

I was honored to be named one of the Keeley Surgical Fellows of 2007.  When I look at the impressive list of previous Fellows, I feel humbled to be included in their company. 

I first visited Dr. Brice Gayet of the L’Institut Mutualiste Montsouris in Paris, France.  This institution has a rich history in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS); his group was among the first to report a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the 1980s.  One of the best known laparoscopic surgeons in Europe (who I would later visit in Brussels) regarded Dr. Gayet as the most talented laparoscopic surgeon in Europe.  I was fortunate to observe multiple laparoscopic colectomies and a lap cystgastrostomy in my time there.  His technique was effortless.  He made both look so simple and obvious that even I could predict the next steps of the procedures even though my own experience was limited.  I was also struck by a very different operating room culture.  There was very little commotion, very little conversation.  The staff in the room was whispering so as to not disturb the surgeons.  There was no blaring music, no incessant phone calls or ringing pagers—only pure efficiency. 

My next stop was Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint Pierre in Brussels, Belgium.  Dr. Guy-Bernard Cadiere and Dr. Jacques Himpens are internationally known for their work in MIS—their group published the first reports on laparoscopic gastric bypass as well as the first robotic assisted general surgery procedure.  The OR environment was much more similar to ours, including the impressive amount of American music on Belgian radio.  Dr. Himpens was impressive in a laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery, but observing and getting to speak to Dr. Cadiere at a local tavern was the highlight of Brussels.  Observing Dr. Cadiere perform 2 advanced laparoscopic procedures, a Nissen fundoplication in 30 minutes and a gastric bypass in only 65 minutes was amazing.  Dr. Cadiere is a very outgoing person who is not only a gifted surgeon, but also a world-class windsurfer and jazz saxophone player who had lunch with Sting the week before I arrived.     

The University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium was the final institution I visited.  Dr. Guy Hubens was my host there; he was just as excited to have me as a visiting American surgeon as I was to visit another leader in MIS, especially in robotics.  I observed a robot assisted gastric bypass as well as a normal lap gastric bypass.  This environment was very much a university training program with fellows and residents assisting an attending surgeon.  Dr. Hubens was a gracious host; he rearranged his OR schedule to accommodate my desire to observe a robotic assisted surgery.  While it was interesting to see, I left disappointed that robotics did not add to the usual success of the operation.  More work needs to be done to determine the role of robotics in general surgery. 

The Keeley Surgical Fellowship was among the highlights of my surgical training.  I would not have been able to visit so many centers of excellence without the support of the faculty and the Keeley family.  More importantly, the Fellowship impacted my personal growth even more than my professional growth.  The lessons I took away from the French and Belgians are more meaningful than anything I learned about surgical technique.  I look forward to returning to Europe as a more experienced overseas traveler, eager to continue my personal and professional growth. 

~

By James Banich, MD 

It was a great honor to receive the Keeley Award this past spring.  As a plastic surgeon, I am very aware that the techniques I've trained so long to employ do not always save lives, but can restore not only a patient's well being, but sometimes their humanity.  I am greatly appreciative to the selection committee for providing me the opportunity to spend some time with two mentors of mine: Dr. Frederick Menick in Tucson, Arizona as well as Dr.Barry Zide in New York City. 

Both men have extremely impressive bulks of work and are tremendous surgical educators.  Dr. Menick has refined the techniques of total nasal reconstruction, and magically creates cosmetically pleasing noses on faces where there was nothing, whether ravaged by trauma or cancer.  What I will forever remember about Dr. Menick was not only his refinement of technique, but much more his infatigable attention to detail and intolerance for anything but the best result for the patient.  It is in this glimpse that I saw what it takes to be truly great. 

My trip to New York with Dr. Zide gave me a look at another road to success.  Dr. Zide very successfully marries a cosmetic and reconstructive practice.  He has made himself an expert on maxillofacial anatomy, and is extensively published on orbital and facial reconstruction.  With a great sense of humor and his eclectic Manhattan office, Dr. Zide effortlessly moves from consuling families on tissue expansion to remove a 1 foot wide hairy mole on the back of a couples' 3 month old child , to seeing an attractive 65 year old women's for facial rejuvenation, to performing a blepharoplasty under local anesthetic in his office.  He impressed on me my own need to forever maintain a balanced practice, with a strong focus on reconstruction. 

Again, I thank Dr. Keeley and the powers that be for the opportunity to round out my great surgical education at Loyola.  As I begin practice in Northern Wisconsin, I will always be a Loyola Doc, forever grateful for the gifts Loyola has given me.  Thanks as well to my father and mother for providing every opportunity, as well as my wife Aveen, who happens to be another gift Loyola has given me.

Clinical Spotlight

Division Offers Leading-Edge Techniques for Patients  with Vascular Disease 

The entire spectrum of minimally invasive endovascular as well as open surgical procedures are available to patients with arterial and venous disease through the Division of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.   

All of Loyola’s vascular surgeons practice the latest minimally invasive endovascular techniques which include carotid stenting for stroke prevention, stent graft repair of abdominal aneurysms, as well as the more traditional approaches of balloon angioplasty of lower extremity arterial blockages and blockage of the arteries of the kidneys and intestines. They also utilize the latest laser technology for obliteration of varicose veins.  

“All of these endovascular interventions complement the existing standard surgical approaches. In this way we are in the optimal position to provide the best option for each individual patient,” said Peter Kalman, M.D., FACS, FRCS, chief of Loyola’s Division of Vascular Surgery and a professor in the Departments of Surgery and Radiology. 

Loyola’s team of vascular surgeons includes:  

As Division chief, Dr. Kalman  is also the medical director of the Vascular Lab at Loyola. He also serves as the chief of Vascular Surgery at Edward Hines Jr. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital. Dr. Kalman’s career started at the Toronto General Hospital, where he created its Vascular Center, the first of its kind in Canada. He serves as a reviewer on many editorial boards of national and international vascular journals. Dr. Kalman currently is the vice president of the North American Chapter of the International Union of Angiology, among numerous other activities. 

Bernadette Aulivola, M.D., RVT, completed a vascular and endovascular surgery fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of  Harvard University Medical School in Boston. An assistant professor of surgery, Dr. Aulivola was awarded a Marco Polo Traveling Scholarship through the Society for Vascular Surgery and the European Society for Vascular Surgery that allowed her to train in advanced endovascular techniques at the University of Bologna and numerous other medical centers in Italy. Her interests focus on endovascular AAA repair, the treatment of carotid artery disease with endarterectomy and stenting, open lower extremity revascularization and hemodialysis access. 

Krishna Mannava, M.D., is the newest member of the Division’s team and is an assistant professor of surgery. He attended the University of Akron/Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Ohio, where he was the founder and first president of its Surgical Interest Group. He completed his general surgical residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland, which is affiliated with Case Western University School of Medicine. His clinical interests are in endovascular therapy, including endovascular AAA repair and carotid stenting. 

Howard P. Greisler, M.D., FACS, FRCS, is a professor of surgery, and commits all of his time to basic science research, with continuous National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for the last 25 years. Currently, he has an RO1 award and two F32 awards, in addition to a Veterans Affairs Merit Review award and industry grants. Among many activities, he currently is chairman of the NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Special Emphasis Panel (Innovative Concepts and Approaches to Developing Functional Tissues and Organs for Heart, Vascular, Lung and Blood Applications), and serves on the editorial board of seven journals. 

The vascular surgery team provides ambulatory care for patients as part of Loyola’s Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine. In addition to offering the latest interventional modalities for vascular patients, they offer comprehensive medical management that includes lifestyle and risk assessments and drug therapies. Patients at the center benefit from leading vascular technology which includes state-of-the-art noninvasive vascular laboratory assessment. 

For more information about Loyola’s Division of Vascular Surgery, please call:

708-327-2686. 

Announcements

General Practice Dentistry Program Receives Accreditation  

The Commission of Dental Accreditation determined that the recommendations cited in the July 28, 2006 site visit report have been met and adopted.  The  program was granted accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements" which means that the program has achieved or exceeded the basic requirements for accreditation.  This will be effective until the next site visit scheduled for 2012. 

~

Resident Corner
 

For the Love of the Game

 By Christine Gresik

My husband is a huge sports fan.  He spends the majority of his evenings flipping through sports channels, reading through the sports section of the newspaper and almost all of his weekend either watching, TIVOing, or attending as many sporting events as possible.  It is often hard for me to understand how a person can focus so much of his life and attention on something that seems so unrewarding and frankly...boring to me.  His retort lately has changed my view of this passion entirely as he has pointed out that he doesn't spend nearly as much time focusing on ESPN as I do to the world of surgery.  Now that I think about it, he's right!  As I have crossed the bridge from my internship to the second year of residency, I am now fully beginning to understand how all-encompassing the life of a surgeon truly is.

Most recently my days (and some of my nights) have been governed by the world of Trauma/Critical Care.  I think that this is the true initiation into surgical residency, but no one really informs you of this up front.  Internship is spent following the orders of others, running back and forth from pre-admission testing to clinics and then back to the wards but never truly being fully "responsible" for much.  Boy, have the tables turned this year.  The first few hours of my first trauma shift as a second year I definitely questioned myself what I was doing there.  The important thing is that over the next day or so I officially got into the groove and found that I actually enjoyed my job and the thrill of the ICU.  Waking up at 4:30 a.m. and not getting home until 8 p.m. can definitely be exhausting, but the ironic part is that when most normal people would just enjoy the time that they had off, I often found myself wondering what was happening inside of the unit at that very moment as I knew that I would be arriving back to my next shift very soon!  I guess that no one would learn how to survive in the jungle if they weren’t thrown into the wilderness at some point.  For me, the 4ICU is my jungle this year. 

I look forward to the adventures that the rest of this year (and career) have in store for me and I've given up on giving my husband a hard time about his obsession with his fantasy football league.  I realize that even though we have entirely different professions and many different interests outside of our work as well, we both have one common passion...we both love our own version of the game.  One thing I’m still working on is when I’ll be able to actually “play” the operating game.  I haven't found much opportunity to find my way into the operating room yet this year.  At this rate I might have to have one of the interns show me where it is again and walk me through a nice hernia operation...maybe I’ll get that opportunity during my third year!

From Medical Student to Resident – Home Field Advantage

By Michael Hurtuk, M.D.  

“Home field advantage” is the term that comes to mind when I think about my transition from being a Loyola medical student to a becoming a Loyola surgery resident.  Knowing the location of the good/quiet bathrooms, call rooms, and locker rooms gave me a huge advantage at the start of my residency.  I don’t want to diminish the importance of learning how to be a doctor, and studying for the ABSITE as an important part of any surgical resident’s life, because they are, but it’s the little things that make life a little bit easier.  

In all seriousness, though, being a Loyola student gave me a different perspective as a resident in many ways.  One of the many reasons I wanted to do my residency at Loyola was because of the residents I worked with prior to becoming one of them.   When I talk to medical students who want to go into surgery or any other specialty, I always tell them to pay attention to the residents.  Are they happy?  Do they get along among themselves and the attendings?  Do I get along with them?  Could I be one of them?  Needless to say, I answered yes to all of these questions in my experience with the surgery residents when I was a medical student.  These questions are important, because day in and day out I find myself in the trenches with my fellow residents, and we depend on each other in many ways.  It makes working long hours that much easier when you work with people you like. 

Outside of knowing where the bathrooms are and enjoying being around the people I work with, being a Loyola medical student in the past, gave me an understanding of the plight of a Loyola medical student and helps me to relate to them.  I’ve been in their shoes in the past, and know what it feels like.  Other than knowing the answer to the question of whether the final test is a shelf or departmental exam and telling them “in my day, we had an oral exam, you guys have it easy,” I know many of the questions they have in their mind, because I had those same questions.  For instance, during my first rotation as a third year medical student, I had no idea on how and why someone should replace electrolytes, some may argue, I still don’t.  I always try to have little sessions where I ask the medical students if there is anything they have questions about during rounds, about surgery, or even about my life as a resident, because these were the questions I had as a student.  Importantly, I try to be very approachable and open to questions, because this was what I wanted from the surgery residents as a medical student.  I also understand that many of them want to do procedures such as putting in an arterial line or even a central line.  Obviously, for medical-legal reasons, they can not do this on their own, but when ever I have to put a line in, I try to get the medical students involved and try to walk them through the procedure and the thought process in the procedure, but most importantly, the thought process of why does this patient need a central line or arterial line?  I believe, that knowing how to do a procedure is great, but if you could teach someone why to do a procedure or even to teach them to ask the question of “why am I doing this to my patient,” it prepares them that much more for their residency and life as doctor, whether or not they become surgeons.   

These principles and thoughts could be applied by any resident from any medical school, and they usually are.  I sometimes find that Loyola medical students feel a bond with me because they know I’ve been there, and I understand this.  This is why I find it my responsibility to teach the medical students as much as possible, and try to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their surgery rotation, regardless if they are interested in surgery or not.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Five Year Grant 

Carol R. Schermer, M.D. joined the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in 2006.  Dr. Schermer was awarded a 5-year grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at National Institutes of Health related to alcohol interventions in trauma settings in August of 2006.  The aims of the project are to provide brief interventions to injured patients with alcohol use disorders to decrease alcohol consumption and recurrent injury in injured patients.  According to recent research, two brief intervention strategies that appear promising for successful approaches to intervention are Motivational Interviewing and brief physician advice.  Jaqueline Elder (Psy D) has recently been appointed to the project to provide “Motivational Interviewing Supervision.”  The three institutions working on this project are Loyola University Medical Center, The University of North Carolina and The University of New Mexico. The goal is to determine whether these two models of brief interventions can reduce alcohol consumption and related harm and costs in trauma patients with alcohol disorders.  This new knowledge will allow surgeons and trauma centers to make informed choices about alcohol interventions in trauma settings.

Summer Student Research Program - 2007

By Kelly Laurenti  

Being the youngest of six children, it was only fitting that I chose a career goal completely opposite from all of my other siblings.  While my older brothers and sister all chose to concentrate their studies on the various areas of the business world, I was more interested in continuing my education in the sciences.  Currently, I am a junior attending St. Louis University and majoring in Biology.  I am part of the Medical Scholar Program and while I have already been accepted to the St. Louis University School of Medicine, I am still deciding on whether I wish to apply elsewhere.  When I am not preparing myself for the MCAT or studying for physics, I represent the Sigma Chi Fraternity by doing community service and playing intramurals.  I also work as a teacher’s assistant for the chemistry department.   

As gaining acceptance into medical schools has become increasingly more competitive, it has become advantageous for undergraduates to obtain some form of research or lab experience.  Loyola University Medical Center (and in my case the Burn and Shock Trauma Institute within the Department of Surgery) is extremely generous in allowing students this opportunity.  Their internship programs allow students to work alongside physicians and other members of the lab all the while learning various techniques and other valuable information.  Their programs also allow students to see the numerous departments of a hospital, to shadow different physicians, and to access the various resources of the hospital.  It was apparent to me that Loyola is committed to the education of its students and summer internists.    

 This past summer, I, and three other students worked alongside the members of Dr. Elizabeth Kovacs’ laboratory.  They truly did an excellent job of making us feel a part of their team.  We assisted the physicians, graduate students, and other workers in their own experiments.  Each student was assigned to a member of the lab to help in any way possible.  This one-on-one interaction aided in the learning process immensely.  Personally, I learned a lot about the histology of the gut and the effects of immunosuppression.  This knowledge has really assisted me as I am currently taking an Immunology course.  I also learned how to perform a countless number of assays, cell culture techniques, and how to properly research published works.  We also were encouraged to partake in and contribute to weekly lab meetings and attend various seminars.  In addition to the lab techniques I acquired this summer, I was able to form contacts with the staff of the hospital.  Forming these relationships can be extremely beneficial when letters of recommendation are required for future applications.  I was also able to attend actual medical school classes during my internship which was extremely exciting for me.  However, the best part of my experience while working at Loyola was getting to personally know the members of the lab.  You all are truly great people and were very inspirational to me.  Thank you so much for treating the students with such patience and care.  You all were great models in upholding the standards of Loyola University Medical Center.      

Clinical Trials – Open to Enrollment 

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (708) 216-3988

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TENS) is a severe drug-associated reaction in which the skin is affected.  TENS carries significant morbidity and a mortality as high as 60%.  Currently, routine supportive measures are the standard of care, as no intervention has demonstrated associated improved outcomes.  The purpose of this study is to determine if blocking a certain chemical signal will reduce the associated mortality, and possibly improve long-term morbidity.  The study will enroll patients 18 years of age or older, who are admitted to Loyola University Hospital Burn Center who have a biopsy result that shows the signs of the toxic drug/skin reaction.  Patients will be followed for thirty days.  The principal investigator is Richard Gamelli, MD. 

Burn Patients - Glue Grant (708) 216-3988

This study is the first large-scale interdisciplinary program to attempt to solve the life-threatening problem of inflammation following major trauma or burn injury.  This study is sponsored by the NIH and “glues” together major medical and research institutions with researchers in the fields of surgery, genomics, proteomics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and genetics to focus on the molecular biology of inflammation.  This program aims to uncover the biological reasons why patients can have dramatically different outcomes after suffering a traumatic injury and tries to understand the genomic and proteomic markers that predict ultimate outcomes both good and bad, and suggest new areas for research, as well as possible targets for drug and other interventions.  This study involves obtaining blood and tissue samples from burn patients at various time points throughout their treatment period. This study allows for the storage and future study of the samples obtained from the patient. The study will enroll patients 18 years of age and older who are admitted to Loyola University Hospital Burn Center who have a burn injury greater than 20%.  Patients will be followed for two years from the date of their injury.  The principal investigator is Richard Gamelli, MD. 

Renal Transplant Patients – MyGain (708) 327-2539

The introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has led to a significant enhancement of the immunosuppressive armamentarium.  A concern, however, has been with the drug-associated GI toxicity of MMF, limiting its tolerability.  Dose reductions, omissions and impaired compliance subsequent to GI toxicity with the potential risk of rejection and graft failure call for a drug that allows for improved GI tolerability.  This comparative study is looking at the improvement of GI disease burden after conversion from MMF to myfortic®.  This study will enroll patients              18-75 years of age who have had a renal transplant, are being followed at Loyola University Medical Center and are experiencing frequent and debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms while being treated with MMF.  Patients will be followed for 30 days.  The principal investigator is David Holt, MD. 

The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the physical function outcomes in anemic, critically ill, trauma subjects treated with PROCRIT® (epoetin alfa) compared to placebo.  The peak hematologic effect of epoetin alfa occurs about 2 weeks after the first dose.  This peak often occurs when most patients are no longer in the ICU.  The impact of epoetin alfa treatment given in the ICU has not been evaluated beyond the ICU stay. This study is designed to examine the hypothesis that a higher Hgb with increased oxygen carrying capacity should increase the ablility of the injured

patient to tolerate the physical exertion involved in the recuperative process and thus recover earlier than someone with a lower hemoglobin.  This study will enroll trauma patients 18-55 years of age admitted to Loyola University Medical Center and have sustained lower extremity long bone or pelvic fractures resulting in a Hgb 12 or less.  Patients will be followed for 24 weeks after hospital discharge.  The principal investigator is Fred Luchette, MD. 

Publications/Presentations/Awards

Publications 

Abood, G.J., Davis, K.A., Esposito, T.J., Luchette, F.A., and Gamelli, R.L.: Comparison of Routine Chest Radiograph Versus Clinician Judgment to Determine Adequate Central Line Placement In Critically Ill Patients.  J Trauma.  2007 Jul;63(1):50-6 

Bhangoo, S.K., Ren, D., Miller, R.J., Chan, D.M., Ripsch, M.S., Weiss, C., McGinnis, C., and White, F.A.:  CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor Signaling Mediates Pain Hypersensitivity in Association With Antiretroviral Toxic Neuropathy.  Brain Behav Immun  2007; 21:581-591 

Brandt-Bohne, U., Keene, D.R., White, F.A., and Koch, M.:  MEGF9: A Novel Transmembrane Protein With a Strong and Developmentally Regulated Expression in the Nervous System. Biochem J    2007;401:447-457

Devata, S., Gallagher, T., Mirkia, K., Iqbal, N., and Luchette, F.A.: Bleeding Retroperitoneal Sarcoma After Blunt Abdominal Trauma.  Injury. 2007;38(9):1109-1112 

Dillard, E., Luchette, F.A., Norton, J., Sears, B.W., Schermer, C.R., Reed, R.L., Davis, K.A., Gamelli, R.L., and Esposito, T.J.:  Clinician Vs Mathematical/Statistical Models: Which Is Better At Predicting Abnormal Chest X-Ray? Am J Emerg Med 2007;25(7):822-829 

Emanuele, M.A., Emanuele, N.V., Gamelli, R.L., Kovacs, E.J., and Lapaglia, N.:  Effects of Insulin on Hepatic Inflammation Induced by Ethanol and Burn Injury in a Murine Model of Critical Illness.  J. Burn Care Res  2007; 28:490-499 

Esposito, T.J.:  Moving the Cheese: A Commentary on Debate Over the Acute Care Surgery Initiative.  Surgery, 2007; 142:414-419 

Fitzgerald, D.J., Radek, K.A., Chaar, M., Faunce, D.E., DiPietro, L.A., and Kovacs, E.J.:   Acute Ethanol Exposure Impairs the Early Inflammatory Response During Wound Healing.  Alcohol. Clin. Expt. Res.  2007; 31:317-323 

Gomez, C.R., Boehmer, E.D., Nomellini, V., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Signal Transduction in the Aging Innate Immune System. Cur. Immunol. Rev. 2007; 3:23-30 

Gomez, C.R., Hirano, S., Cutro, B.T., Birjandi, S., Baila, H., Nomellini, V., and Kovacs, E.J.:   Advanced Age Exacerbates the Pulmonary Inflammatory Response After Lipopolysaccharide Exposure.  Crit. Care Med. 2007; 35:246-251 

Gomez, C.R., Plackett, T.P., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Aging and Estrogen: Modulation of Inflammatory Responses After Injury.  Expt. Gerontol. 2007; 42:451-456 

Gosain, A., Muthu, K., Gamelli, R.L., and DiPietro, L.: Norepinephrine Suppresses Wound Macrophage Phagocytic Efficiency Through Alpha- tnd Beta-Adrenoreceptor Dependent Pathways.   Surgery  2007 Aug;142(2):170-179 

Herrera, A.F., Mercuri, L.G., Petruzzelli, G., and Rajan, P.:  Simultaneous Occurrence of 2 Different Low-Grade Malignancies Mimicking Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.  J Oral Maxillofac Surg  2007; 65: 1353-1358 

Hurtuk, M.G., Shoup, M., Aranha, G.V., Devata, S., Brown, K.M., Oshima, K., and Pickleman, J.:    Should All Patients With Duodenal Adenocarcinoma be considered for Aggressive Surgical Resection.  Am J Surg 2007; 193: 319-325  

Jellish, W.S., Zhang, X., Langen, K., Spector, M.S., Scalfani, M.T., and White, F.A.:   Intrathecal Magnesium Sulfate Administration at the Time of Experimental Ischemia Improves Neurological Functioning by Reducing Acute and Delayed Loss of Motor Neurons in the Spinal Cord.   Anesthesiology  2007; in press 

Jung, H., Toth, P.T., White, F.A., and Miller, R.J.:  Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Functions as a Neuromodulator in the Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons.  Journal of Neurochemistry  2007; in press 

Kagan, R.J., Edelman, L., Solem, L., Saffle, J.R., and Gamelli, R.L.:  DRG 272:  Does It Provide Adequate Burn Center Reimbursement For The Care of Patients With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?  J Burn Care Res    2007 Sept-Oct; 28(5):  669-674 

Kagan, R.J., Gamelli, R.L., and Saffle, J.R.:  DRG 504:  The Effect of 96 Hours of Mechanical Ventilation on Resource Utilization.  J Burn Care Res.  2007 Sept-Oct; 28(5): 664-668 

Li, X., Kovacs, E.J., Schwacha, M.G., Chaudry, I.H., and Choudhry, M.A.:  Interleukin-18-Mediated Neutrophil Recruitment Contributes to Lung Tissue Damage In a Two Hit Model of Injury. Amer. J. Physiol.,   2007; in press 

Mercuri, L.G., Edibam, N.R., and Giobbie-Hurder, A.:  14-Year Follow-Up Of A Patient Fitted Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction System.  J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007; 65:1140-1148 

Mercuri, L.G.:  A Rationale for Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction in the Management of Idiopathic/Progressive Condylar Resorption.   J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007; 65:1600-1609 

Mercuri, L.G.: Are There Better Ways to Diagnose TMJ Diseases? Oral Maxillofac Select  2007;  22:1 - 3 

Mercuri, L.G., Alcheikh Ali, F., and Woolson, R.: Outcomes of Total Alloplastic Replacement with Peri-articular Autogenous Fat Grafting for Management of Re-ankylosis of the Temporomandibular Joint.  (Submitted) 

Minges Wols, H.A., Ippolito, J.A., Yu, Z., Palmer, J.L., White, F.A., Le, P.T., and Witte, P.L.;   The Effects of Microenvironment and Internal Programming on Plasma Cell Survival.  Int Immunol   2007; 19:837-846 

Murdoch, E.L., Brown, H.G., Gamelli, R.L., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Effects of Ethanol on Pulmonary Inflammation in Post-burn Intratracheal Infection. J. Burn Care Res., in press 

Plackett, T.P., Colantoni, A., Heinrich, S.A., Messingham, K.A.N., Gamelli, R.L., and Kovacs, E.J.:  The Early Acute Phase Response Following Burn Injury in The Mouse.   J. Burn Care Res., 2007; 28:167-172 

Plackett, T.P., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Acute Models of Ethanol Exposure. (ed., L.E. Nagy)   Alcohol Methods in Molecular Medicine. NY: Humana Press, 2007; in press 

Radek, K.A., Kovacs, E.J., and DiPietro, L.A.:  Matrix Proteolytic Activity During Wound Healing: Modulation by Acute Ethanol Exposure.  Alcohol. Clin. Expt. Res. 2007; 31:1045-1052 

Scalfani, M.T., Chan, D.M., Murdoch, E.L., Kovacs, E.J., and  White, F.A.:  Acute Ethanol Exposure Combined With Burn Injury Enhances IL-6 Levels in the Murine Ileum.   Alcohol Clin Exp Res   2007 Aug 13; [Epub ahead of print] 

Shankar, R., Melstrom, K.A. Jr., and Gamelli, R.L.:  Inflammation and sepsis:  Past, Present and the Future.  J Burn Care Res.  2007 Jul-Aug;28(4): 566-71 

Silver, G.M., Robertson, S.W., Halerz, M.M., Conrad, P., Supple, K.G., and Gamelli, R.L.:  A Silver-Coated Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing Used Postoperatively on Meshed Autografts:  A Dressing Comparison Study.  J Burn Care Res.  2007 Sept-Oct;28(5): 715-719 

Tanaka, E., Detamore, M., and Mercuri, L.G.: Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Degenerative Disorders of the TMJ. J Dent Res (Submitted) 

Tully, J.M., Palmer, J.L., Gamelli, R.L., and Faunce, D.E.:  Prevention of Injury-Induced Suppression of T-Cell Immunity by the CD1D/NKT Cell-Specific Ligand alpha-Galactosylceramide.  SHOCK 2007  Aug 2; Publish Ahead of Print 

Book Chapters

 Endorf, F., and Gamelli, R.L.:  Necrotizing Fasciitis and Other Soft Tissue Infections.    Irwin and Rippe’s Intensive Care Medicine.   2007;  LWW  

Gentilello, L.M. and Reed, R.L.:  Hypothermia and Trauma.  In: Asensio, J.A. and Trunkey, D.: Current Therapy of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care.  Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders/Elsevier Co. (in press) 

Gosain, A. and Luchette, F.A.:   Shock.   Interface of Neurology and Internal Medicine. Biller, J. (Eds). 2007;  Chapter 127, pages 767-73 

Gosain, A. and Luchette, F.A.:    Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders.   Interface of Neurology and Internal Medicine. Biller, J. (Eds). 2007;  Chapter 131, pages 791-96 

Luchette, F.A.:  Editor: Section XI.  Surgical Problems in the Intensive Care Unit.    Intensive Care Medicine. 6^th ed. Irwin, R.S. and Rippe, J.M. (Eds.) 2007, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers, Philadelphia, PA 

Mercuri, L.G.: Surgical Management of TMJ Arthritis.    Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. Laskin, D.M., Greene, C.S., and Hylander, W.L. (Eds.) Quintessence. 2006; Chicago 

 Mercuri, L.G.: Alloplastic vs. Autogenous Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction.   Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. Indresano, A.T. and Haug, R.H .(Eds) Elsevier, PA 2006; Vol 18. No 3.. 399-411 

 Mercuri, L.G.: Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction.  A Color Atlas of Temporomandibular Joint Surgery. Yang, C. (Ed.) (Submitted) 

Mercuri, L.G.: Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction.   Current Therapy in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Evans, J. and Beirne, R. (Eds.) Elsevier, Philadelphia. (Submitted) 

Mercuri, L.G.: Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthrosis, Idiopathic Condylar Resorption.  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America. Klasser, G., and Balasubramanian, R. (Eds) Elsevier, Philadelphia. (In press) 

Reed, R.L. and Gentilello, L.M: Temperature-associated Injuries and Syndromes.   Moore, E.E., Feliciano, D.V., Mattox, K.L. (Eds.): Trauma, 6th Edition.  New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (in press) 

Reed, R.L.: Antibiotics for MRSA Infections.   Weigelt, J.A.: MRSA Diagnosis and Management.  New York: Informa Healthcare (in press) 

White, F.A., Monahan, P., and LaMotte, R.H.:   Chemokines and Their Receptors in the Nervous System: A Link to Neuropathic Pain.   Watkins LA, DeLeo, JA, Sorkin, L, Immune and Glial Activation in Pain, IASP Press   2007; in press

Presentations 

Abood, G.,  Bowen, M.,  Aranha, G.V., and Shoup, M.:  Hepatic Resection for Metastatic Ovarian Cancer.  Midwest Surgical Association.  50th Annual Meeting.  Farmington, PA,  August 7, 2007 

Abood, G., Rizvi, A., Yong, S., Aranha, G.V., and Shoup, M.:  Somatostatinomas:  A 20-year Review.  American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.  Poster Presentation.  Las Vegas, NV, April 21, 2007 

Aranha, G.V.:   The Role of Extended Lymphadenectomy for Pancreatic Head Carcinoma: Quality of Life Issues.  Annual Post Graduate Course, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Washington DC 

Aranha, G.V.:   Remarks to Cancer Survivors.   Annual Cancer Survivors Day.  Brookfield Zoo, June 3, 2007 

Aranha, G.V.:   Faculty Perspective.   Baccalaureate Mass, Class of 2007. June 2, 2007 

Aranha, G.V., Aaron , J.M., Bufalino, D., Fok, C., Freeman, M., Hughes, C., Patel, A., Sakai, L., Shoup, M.,  and Pickleman, J.:  Clinicopathological  Features Influencing Survival in Patients With Resected Pancreatic Cancer. Poster Presentation.  Washington, DC.   SSAT/DDW, May 21, 2007 

Baker, T.A., Aaron, J.M., Borge, M., Pierce, K.,  Shoup, M.,  and Aranha, G.V.:  Role of the Interventional Radiologist in the Management of Complications Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy.  Midwest Surgical Association.  50th Annual Meeting.  Farmington, PA,  August 7, 2007 

Brewster, L., Trueger, N., Schermer, C., Ghanayem, A., and Santaniello, J.:  Complications of Retroperitoneal Exposure for Anterior Spinal Fusion in 129 Consecutive Patients.  The International Society of Surgery, Montreal, Canada,  August 29, 2007 

Crandall, M.L., Esposito, T.J., Reed, R.L., Gamelli, R.L., and Luchette, F.A.:  Were Rules Made to Be Broken?  Analysis of Compliance With a Two Hour Transfer Rule.  66^th Annual Meeting of The American Association for The Surgery of Trauma,  Las Vegas, NV, September 27-29, 2007 

Esposito, T.J.:  Challenging the Sacred Cows of Trauma Care – Routine CXRs, Rectal Exams, and ED Coverage by Specialists.    Grand Rounds – St. James Hospital, Olympia Fields, IL;  Grand Rounds – Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN; Southwest Connecticut Trauma Symposium – New Haven, CT 

Gamelli, R.L.:  Topical Antimicrobial Therapy.   42^nd World Congress of the International Society of Surgery, Montreal, Canada, August 2007 

Gosain, A., Felice, P., Luchette, F.A., Baron, M., Reed, R.L., Glynn, L., and Esposito, T.J.:  When Should Pediatric Head Trauma Be a Red Flag for Child Advocacy.  66^th Annual Meeting of The American Association for The Surgery of Trauma,  Las Vegas, NV, September 27-29, 2007 

Hulvat, M., Yao, K., Rajan, P., Ghai, R., Hammadeh, R., and Aranha, G.V.:   Histopathologic Study of Isolated Tumor Cells in Sentinel Nodes of Breast Cancer Patients.  Poster Presentation.  50th Annual Meeting, Midwest Surgical Association.  .  Farmington, PA,  August 6-7, 2007 

Joehl, R.J.:  Evaluation and Treatment of Achalasia; Results and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy in 155 patients.   The Robert S. Sparkman Lecture in Surgery  - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, September 12, 2007  

Kapur, U., Aranha, G. V.,  and Oshima, K.:  The Prevalence of Biliary Intraepithelial Neoplasia in the Extra Hepatic Bile Duct With and Without Cholangiocarcinoma.   U.S. -Canadian Academy of Pathology. San Diego, CA 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Alcohol, Estrogen, and Inflammatory Responses After Injury.   Integrative Neural Immune Program, Section on Neuroendocrine Immunology & Behavior, NIMH/NIH, Bethesda, MD, February 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Lungs, Smoking, and Cancer.   William Beye Elementary School, District 97, Oak Park Education Foundation, Global Village, Oak Park, IL, April 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  This is Your Brain.  This is Your Brain on Alcohol.   William Beye Elementary School, District 97, Oak Park Education Foundation, Oak Park, IL, April-May 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Ethanol Exposure Impairs Multiple Macrophage Functions.   Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL, July 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Influence of Alcohol on Sex and Immune Response After Injury.    11th Congress of the European Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism, Berlin, Germany, September 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Alcohol Modulates Post-Burn Responses:  Organ-Specific Inflammation and Outflammation.    Co-Chair, Symposium entitled “Inflammatory dysfunction in disease,” Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology, Cambridge, MA, October 2007 

Luchette, F.A.:  Thoracic Trauma: the More Things Change, the More Things Stay the Same.  Fifth Trauma  and Disaster Management Symposium -  Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, May 19, 2007 

Luchette, F.A.:  Abdominal Trauma, Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again.  Loyola University Medical Center  - Nursing CME, Maywood, IL, May 31, 2007 

Luchette, F.A.:  Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Easily Overlooked Retroperitoneal Injuries.  IDPH Region IX meeting,  Elk Grove Village, IL, August 8, 2007 

Luchette, F.A.:  Moderator  - Scientific Session VI-B Shock/Reperfusion.   American Association for the Surgery of Trauma 66^th Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, September 2007 

Mercuri, L.G.:   Alloplastic TMJ Reconstruction.  Waikato Hospital -  Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,  Hamilton, New Zealand,  February 2007 

Mercuri, L.G.:   Idiopathic Condylar Resorption.  University of Minnesota - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Minneapolis, MN, May 2007           

Mercuri, L.G.:   TMJ in NYC for a Day.  New York University - College of Dentistry, New York, NY, August 2007 

Mercuri, L.G.:   Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management of TMD.  Comprehensive Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Review Course, New York University - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,  York, NY, September 2007 

Reed, R.L., Luchette, F.A., Esposito, T.J., Pyrz, K., and Gamelli, R.L.: Medicare’s ‘Global’ Terrorism: Where’s The Pay for Performance?  Podium Presentation, 20th Annual Meeting of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Ft. Myers, FL, January 17, 2007 

Reed, R.L.: The Art of Choosing the Proper ICD-9 Code and Modifiers in the ICU and the Operating Room.   Invited presentation, 36th Critical Care Congress, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Orlando, FL, February 17, 2007 

Reed, R.L.: MRSA Skin and Skin Structure Infections - The Growing Armamentarium.  Invited presentation, 36th Critical Care Congress, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Orlando, FL, February 17, 2007 

Reed, R.L.: Surgical Coding & Billing Under Medicare's “Global” Terrorism.  Invited lecture, The University of Vermont Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT, July 30, 2007 

Schreiber, M. and Esposito, T.J.:  “Research,” Questions and Answers from Academic Trauma Surgeons.   66^th Annual Meeting of The American Association for The Surgery of Trauma,  Las Vegas, NV, September 27-29, 2007 

White, F.A.:  That Glial-Released Chemokines and Inflammatory Cytokines Act as Chemical Mediators Causing Neuronal Excitability and Neuropathic Pain.  Invited panel member of experts, American Pain Society (APS) 26th Annual Scientific Meeting, Washington, DC, May 2007 

Yao, K., Doren, E., Rajan, P., Sarker, S., Norton, J., and Aranha, G.V:    Predicting Cancer on Excision of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia of the Breast.   Midwest Surgical Association 50^th Annual Meeting,  Farmington, PA, August 7, 2007

Abstracts 

Bhangoo, S.K., Monahan, P.E., Ripsch, M.S., White, F.A., and Miller, R.J.:  Peripheral Nerve Demyelination Induces an Upregulation of Chemokine Signaling In a Model of Neuropathic Pain.   Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, November 2007 

Bird, M.D., Morgan, M.I., Ramirez, L., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Decreased Lung Inflammation Following Ethanol and Burn Injury in TICAM-1/TRIF Knockout Mice.   Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL, July 2007 

Emanuele, N.V., Kovacs, E.J., Gamelli, R.L., Yong, S., and Emanuele, M.A.:  Beneficial Effects of Insulin on Hepatic Inflammation and Microsteatosis Induced by Ethanol and Burn Injury in a Murine Model of Critical Illness.    American Diabetes Association 67^th Meeting, Chicago, IL, June, 2007 

FitzGerald, M.P., Brogan, K., Ripsch, M., and White, F.A.:   Somatic Injury Induces De Novo Expression of Chemokines and Their Receptors in Bladder Primary Afferent Neurons.   ICS 2007 Scientific Programme, 37th Meeting of the International Continence Society, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, August 2007. This poster was awarded 1st place for best basic science poster

Freeman, D.L., Scalfani, M.T., Zhang, X., Jellish, W.S., and White, F.A.:   Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Spinal Cord Following Transient Spinal Cord Ischemia.  Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, November 2007 

Gomez, C.R., Karavitis, J., Ramirez, L., Nomellini, V., and Kovacs, E.J.:   Interleukin-6 Contributes to Age-Related Alteration of Cytokine Production in Macrophages.   Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology, Cambridge, MA, October 2007 

Gomez, C.R., Nomellini, V., Baila, H., Oshima, K.,  Karavitis, J., Ramirez, L., Morgan, M.O., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Reduced Hepatic Inflammatory Responses in Aged IL-6 Knockout Mice Given Lipopolysaccharide.  30^th Annual Conference of the Shock Society, Baltimore, MD, June 2007 

Jellish, W.S., Zhang, X., Freeman, D., and White, F.A.:   Ischemia-induced neurogenesis in The Adult Murine Spinal Cord.   American Society of Anesthesiologists National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, October 2007

Jung, J., Bhangoo, S., FitzGerald, M.P., Miller, R.J., and White, F.A.:   Expression of Functional Chemokine Receptors in Bladder-Associated Sensory Neurons After Focal Demyelination of The Sciatic Nerve Injury.   Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA, November 2007 

Karavitis, J., Gomez, C.B., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Interleukin-6 Contributes to Age-Related Alteration of Cytokine Production in Macrophages Fcg-receptor Mediated Phagocytosis is Attenuated After Acute In Vivo or In Vitro Ethanol Exposure.  Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology, Cambridge, MA, October 2007 

Karavitis, J., Murdoch, E.L., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Impaired Alveolar Macrophage Function After Acute In Vivo Ethanol Exposure. Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL, MD, July 2007 

Kovacs, E.J., Karavitis, J., Morgan, M.O., Ramirez, L., and Bird, M.D.:  Influence of Alcohol on Sex and Immune Response After Injury. 11th Congress of the European Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism, Berlin, Germany, September 2007 

Kovacs, E.J., Murdoch, E.L., Karavitis, J., Morgan, M.O., Ramirez, L., and Bird, M.D.:  Combined Insult of Ethanol and Burn Injury Trigger Local and Systemic Inflammatory Responses.  30^th Annual Conference of the Shock Society, Baltimore, MD, June 2007 

Kovacs, E.J., Murdoch, E.L., Ramirez, L., Morgan, M.O., Goral, J., and Karavitis, J.:  Ethanol Exposure Impairs Multiple Macrophage Functions. Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL, July 2007 (Symposium Presentation) 

Mercuri, L.G.: A Rationale for Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction in the Management of Idiopathic/Progressive Condylar Resorption. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Session American Society of TMJ Surgeons. Ojai, CA March 2007 

Murdoch, E.L., Faunce, D.E., Brown, H.G., and Kovacs E.J.:  Intratracheal Infection After Ethanol Exposure and Burn Results in Excessive Pulmonary Neutrophil Accumulation.   30^th Annual Conference of the Shock Society, Baltimore, MD, June 2007 

Murdoch, E.L., Faunce, D.E., Brown, H.G., and Kovacs E.J.:  Acute Ethanol Exposure and Burn Injury: Pulmonary Infection With Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, Chicago, IL, July 2007 

Nomellini, V., Gomez, C.R., Faunce, D.E., and Kovacs, E.J.:   Pulmonary Neutrophil Accumulation After Burn Injury is Exacerbated With Age.   30^th Annual Conference of the Shock Society, Baltimore, MD, June 2007 

Nomellini, V., Gomez, C.R., and Kovacs, E.J.:  Decreased Tight Junction Formation in Lungs of Aged Mice Following Injury.  Annual Meeting of the Society for Leukocyte Biology, Cambridge, MA, October 2007 

White, F.A., FitzGerald, M.P., and Miller, R.J.:   Expression Of Functional Chemokine Receptors In Bladder-Associated Sensory Neurons Is Correlated With Chronic Pelvic Pain.   Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain Conference, International Society for the Study of Pain. Snowbird, UT, November, 2007

White, F.A., Jellish, W.S., Freeman, D., Zhang, X., Spector, M., Scalfani, M., and Ripsch, M.:   Transient Ischemia Induces Neurogenesis in The Adult Murine Spinal Cord.   54th Annual Meeting of the Association of University Anesthesiologists, Chicago, IL, April 2007

Awards & Honors 

Aranha, G.V.:  Appointed to the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Research Committee, 5-year term, 2007-2012 

Aranha, G.V.:  Honored for 30-years of service  - Loyola University Chicago 

Brems, J. J.:  Selected to Chicago Magazine’s  “Top Doctors in Chicago,”  2007 

Brems, J. J.:   Selected to Castle Connoly’s  “Top Doctors for Cancer,”  2007 

Esposito, T.J.:  Appointed to the Editoral Board of the Journal of Trauma 

Esposito, T.J.:  Appointed to the Loyola Organ Donation Committee 

Esposito, T.J.:  Elected chairman, Illinois Trauma System Strategic Planning Task Force 

Esposito, T.J.:  Re-appointed adjunct professor of Community Health Sciences at the UIC School of Public health 

Joehl, R.J.:  Recipient of the “Certificate of Appreciation.”   Department of Veterans Affairs, for 3-year tenure as Chair, Surgery Field Advisory Committee, July 5, 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Center Grant Site Visit and Review Panel.   NIAAA, Bethesda, MD 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Special Emphasis Panel for R03 Applications.   NIAMS, Bethesda, MD 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Appointed, Committee on Public Affairs.     American Association of Immunologists (AAI) 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Chair - 3-year term  - Subcommittee on Center for Scientific Research and Grant Submission.   (AAI) 

Kovacs, E.J.:  President-Elect  - Society for Leukocyte Biology.  Summer 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.: Invited to join the editorial board of the journal Shock.   2007 

Luchette, F.A.:  Manager, Board of Directors for American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Secretary, Surgical Critical Care Program Directors Society 

Mercuri, L.G.:  Harrigan Society Lectureship Awardee, New York University - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 

Santaniello, J.:  Was chosen to become a board member of the Stritch School of Medicine Alumni Association 

Shoup, M.:  Voted into the Society of University Surgeons 

Grants & Funding 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Co-PI  “Burn Trauma and Infection: Sex Differences.” Department of Defense.  W81XWH-07-1-0673 ,  Kennedy, R.H.:  P.I. 

Kovacs, E.J.:   “Training in neuroimmunoendocrine effects of alcohol” (NIH T32 AA13527-06) 

Kovacs, E.J.:   “Alcohol and Trauma 2007: Satellite Meeting at Shock Society Meeting” (NIH R13 GM080954-01)  

Kovacs, E.J.:   “Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group 2007 Meeting: Systemic and organ specific inflammatory responses after alcohol exposure”  (NIH R13 AA017084-01)  

Mercuri, L.G.: Consultant.   University of Minnesota TMJ Implant Research Registries and Repository, NIDCR Grant: BAA-DR-02-08;  Fricton, J.R.:  P.I.                                               

Mercuri, L.G.: Consultant.   Tissue Engineering to Address Failed TMJ Implants, NIH R03 Small Research Grant Program; Detamore, M.S.:  P.I.                                                  

Mercuri, L.G.:   Consultant.   Solvent-free Engineering of a Shape-specific Osteochondral TMJ ConsultantCondyle.   NIH R03 Small Research Grant Program (In preparation);  Detamore, M.S.:  P.I.                                                 

Mercuri, L.G.:  Consultant.     Evaluation of Human Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cells for

Mandibular Condyle Regeneration.   Walter H. Coulter Foundation Grant Program (In preparation);  Detamore, M.S.:  P.I .   

Nomellini, V.  (MD/PhD student: Dr. Kovacs’ Lab):  National Research Service Award entitled “Aging effects on acute lung inflammation after burn injury” from the National Institutes of Health (F30 AG029724).  

White, F.A.: Co-P.I.,  “HIV-1 Related Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy”  NINDS/NIH - R01 #NS043095    Miller, R.J.:  P.I.

Meetings 

Joehl, R.J.:  VA Office of Academic Affiliations, GME Enhancement Review Board Meeting, August 28-31, 2007  

Joehl, R.J.:  VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), Executive Board Meeting, September 5-6, 2007  

Kovacs, E.J.:  Chair - Program Committee,  “Alcohol and Trauma 2007.”     Satellite symposium,  Shock Society,  Baltimore, MD,  June 2007 

Kovacs, E.J.:  Member - Program Committee.   Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism,  2007,  Chicago, IL

 Kovacs, E.J.:  Chair - Program Committee.    Alcohol and Immunity Research Group,  2007

Kovacs, E.J.:  Co-Chair – Symposia,  “Ethanol and TLR Mediated Signaling Defects.”   Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism

Kovacs, E.J.:  Adviser, Workshop on Animal Models of Co-morbidities in Aging.   National Institute on Aging, NIH

Shoup, M.:  Keynote speaker.  “Vaccine  Therapy for Cancer:  From Melanoma to Pancreas.”  American College of Surgeons, Indiana Chapter, Notre Dame, May 2007 

Alumni News
 

Former Surgical Resident Recalls Keeley Fellowship in Hong Kong

As chief resident in general surgery at Loyola in 2004, S. Chris Malaisrie, M.D., wanted to pursue a career in academic cardiothoracic surgery, with an interest in esophageal cancer surgery. So when he won the John L. Keeley, M.D., Traveling Fellowship, he chose to travel nearly 7,800 miles to the University of Hong Kong. The chairman of surgery there, Professor John Wong, is one of the world’s experts in esophageal surgery, Dr. Malaisrie explained. 

Loyola’s Department of Surgery annually awards the Keeley Traveling Fellowship to a senior resident or fellow to expand the selected trainee’s surgical experience outside the Loyola community. A Baltimore native, Dr. Malaisrie said the nearly two weeks he spent in Hong Kong visiting patients and assisting in surgery gave him invaluable experience. 

“I learned different techniques for esophageal reconstruction as well as the aggressive postoperative management of pulmonary and other complications,” Dr. Malaisrie said. “They took care of very sick patients there, and I also learned palliative treatment when surgery failed.” 

He noticed a striking difference from U.S. surgery. Hong Kong surgeons treat patients with esophageal cancer from the beginning—working them up and providing medical and endoscopic treatment as well as surgical care.  

“I learned to empathize with these patients to see how much they go through before they get to surgery,” said Dr. Malaisrie, now an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

The time in Hong Kong also gave him ideas for performing esophageal cancer research that he later presented at national meetings and had published.  

There was no language barrier in Hong Kong, he said, because it formerly was a British colony. He was able to form a strong professional relationship with Dr. Wong, with whom he stays in contact. 

Dr. Wong recalled the visit: “Dr. Malaisrie demonstrated good clinical acumen and clear insights on esophageal surgery. Having him at our department was surely a benefit to us all.” 

Dr. Malaisrie, who also won Loyola’s Jack R. Pickleman Resident Teaching Award in 2004, believes that his Keeley fellowship and Loyola training helped him get a prestigious thoracic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine. After that residency, Dr. Malaisrie completed a fellowship in heart and lung transplantation at Stanford University.  

He now performs heart transplants and is surgical director of thoracic aortic surgery at Northwestern. Aortic surgery appeals to him, he said, because, like esophageal reconstruction, it is technically complex. 

His interest in difficult tasks extends to his leisure activities. He enjoys snowboarding as well as wakeboarding, a water sport that combines water skiing and snowboarding. 

Regarding his Keeley fellowship, Dr. Malaisrie said, “I’m thankful to [the late] Dr. Freeark and to Dr. Gamelli for continuing this important Loyola tradition. It gives the chief resident a chance to network with important people in the surgical community and to see the international aspects of surgery.” 

What A Loyola General Surgery Residency Has Meant To Me

By Sean Barnett, M.D. 

I was asked to provide some insight on this subject recently.  I am now entering my 3^rd year of private practice.  I spend a considerable amount of time in the OR with three other general surgeons who are Loyola Surgery alums as well.   Below are a few of our thoughts on what Loyola has meant to us:   

My five years of surgical residency training at Loyola has provided an excellent foundation on which to build a surgical career.  Strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and common sense were essential to survive.   The constant pressure to improve was ever present.  Whether in the OR with Dr. Dahlinghaus criticizing efficiency; in the ICU with Dr. Reed forcing critical analysis of lab values; on the floor during attending rounds with Dr. Pickleman confirming your history in front of the patient; or standing in front of all the attendings on Monday afternoon with Dr. Gamelli querying thought processes, we were to become more capable, responsible and thoughtful surgeons.  - Sean Barnett, MD

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Residency at Loyola has provided a superior surgical training.  I felt well prepared for the real world. - Robert Rao, MD

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I stand on the shoulders of Giants.  Bob Freeark, Herb Greenlee, Jack Pickleman, Frank Folk, Frank Harford, Gerard Aranha, John Bartizal, Ed Paloyan, Bill Baker, Fred Littooy, Wendy Marshall, Kimball Maull and Rich Prinz were all nationally well known and respected in their specialties.   These were my mentors and instructors for nine years at Loyola.  Dr. Freeark insisted that we become working surgeons, that we became masters of our craft in the OR.

Loyola was very social for the residents.  Spouses were invited to the meet and greet tour for prospective applicants.  We had the big Welcome Dinner at the local Polish smorgasbord, the annual golf outing, the Christmas parties downtown, the Frank and Deni Harford fishing regatta, the spring picnic, Fridays at the pub after work, and countless journal club pizza parties with Joe “mefoxin” De Prima.  At least for my residency class, we were truly one big family.

Loyola tried to make us smart, technically adept, well rounded, and ready to take on a busy surgical practice.  Usually they succeeded.  All of my partners are Loyola trained.   Not a week goes by when one of us does not spout off a favorite catch phrase from Jack Pickleman, or Herb Greenlee or one of the other Giants upon whose shoulders I am standing.  Thanks Loyola!!   -  Dan Conway, MD 

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 Everyone coming out of Loyola is very similar with regard to training, skill, and personality.  As a result we have been able to grow our practice by taking Loyola graduates five times already and it has always worked out well.  In addition, we have developed relationships with attendings that have been valuable for consultations many years after the completion of our training.
  -  Al Loren, MD, PhD

Staff Corner

Staff Promotions 

On August 31, 2007, Cathy Monahan was named to the clerkship coordinator position in the department of Surgical Education Programs within the Department of Surgery.  Cathy has been a dedicated employee of Loyola University Medical Center for the past ten years, the last few working with our Transplant Surgeons, Drs. Brems and Holt.  She has accrued excellent ratings in her ability to relate to various groups of people, and has willingly accepted challenging new responsibilities at every turn.  Cathy is known as the type of co-worker who always goes above and beyond what is asked to give her best. 

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 -  Mary Martinez, Senior Secretary, Pediatric Surgery 

My nephew, Specialist Lorenzo Amaro an Army Reservist with the 863rd Engineer Battalion, came home on Monday, September 10, 2007 to a hero's welcome after serving a year in Kuwait.  All 65 soldiers of the battalion came home safely.   

-  Cathy Monahan, Clerkship Coordinator, Surgical Education Programs 

I have opened my home to a foreign exchange student from Moraine Valley College.  At the present time I have a nineteen year old student from South Korea living in my home.  I find it very exciting watching him learn about our culture and tradition while at the same time I am learning about his culture.  He is adjusting well to learning the English language and loves my American food. 

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In My Spare Time

- Timothy O’Hern,  Director of Administration 

I have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for some time. My first experience with the BSA was my growing up in Massachusetts. I knew then as I know now what a great program scouting offers to young boys/men. The skills learned and experiences you have last a lifetime. When my son Thomas asked to join, I couldn’t have been happier, and knew it was my time to give something back to a program I loved growing up.  

What I never knew growing up and came to appreciate as my son entered the scouting program was the work involved by all the adult leadership. When Thomas entered Cub Scouts I became a volunteer leader. Many hours go into the scouting program. This includes training of leaders by Council to constructing the programs for your own Pack/Troop. Thomas has since advanced from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in Troop 516.  I am an Assistant Scoutmasters with the troop that has an adult leadership of over 27 men and women for the 35 boys in the program.  The adult commitment to the program is high and a number of those adult leaders have not had a son in the program for years. Troop 516 is one that is heavily involved in outdoor programs such as camping, canoeing and backpacking to name a few. We camp every month of the year, with December being the only month in a cabin. Between weekly meetings and camping one weekend per month you can imagine the time involved. There is always a tremendous amount of learning going on for both the scouts and adult leaders. Every month the 3 weeks leading up to a campout requires learning new skills.  The scouts are instructed on how to perform the activity safely. Canoeing, for example involved swim testing and water rescue at a local pool; canoeing basics at our weekly meeting on “dry land;” more canoeing basics, this time on a small lake;  and finally canoeing on the Kankakee River. 

Despite the time involved by all of the adult leaders, the BSA program is very much a scout-led program. The scouts decide each year what type of trips we will go on and when.  The scouts plan their own meals for the camping trips. They shop for their own food staying within a prescribed budget, prepare their food together and clean up as a group. As you can imagine when the boys enter the program they need a lot of help. This comes from two sources: Older scouts and adult leaders.   

The month of September had the scouts going on their annual Mystery Campout. That’s right only 1 person in the troop knew where we were going until Friday night when we were handed the directions. Our destination was in two parts. First a 3-hour drive to the Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, IL. We set up camp that night and in the morning after breakfast went another hour to the Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. The day was spent hiking along six miles of sometimes steep paths and exploring all of the 16 caves within the park. Some, you walked right into on a sidewalk like the Dancehall Cave. Others, you were on your hands and knees crawling through a narrow opening before it opened up.   Others, forced you to the ground the entire time. After 8 hours of caving, it was back to the campsite in Illinois for dinner and rest. The trip ended after breakfast and camp was struck on Sunday morning and the 3 hour drive back.

The Last Word
 

On Saturday, August 18, the Schaumburg Fire Fighters Benevolent Association hosted area fire department softball teams for an exciting day of competition to benefit many charities and organizations including Loyola’s Burn Unit.  This charitable fund-raiser began in 1993.    The Loyola Burn Center has been the recipient of the contributions raised for the past eight years.   The end result of their efforts has led to donations in excess of $200,000 to our Burn Center.   

Participating in and cheering for Loyola’s softball team this year were:  Kristen Below; Carla Cavaliere; Dwight Deming; Dr. & Mrs. Gamelli; Amy Gamelli;  Laurie, Mike and Sean Herbert;   Brian and Joe Holoubek;  Peggy LaFleur; Jeanie, Dennis, Peter, and Jeanie Jr. Leggett;   Jackie and Oscar Ortega;  Kathy Suppple;   Stacy Zachar;  and Diane and Ken Ziomek .