Volume 7 Issue 12 June 15, 2012

PRESBYbulletinPenn Presbyterian Medical Center

Last month, faculty and staff gathered at Th e Rittenhouse Hotel for an evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Scheie Eye Institute, and the 138th anniversary of Penn Ophthalmology. Th e event also honored Charles Nichols, MD, associate professor of Ophthalmology, for his 50 years of outstanding work.

“We are excited and honored to be celebrating 138 years of excellence in teaching, research and patient care at Penn Medicine,” said Joan O’Brien, MD, director of the Scheie Eye Institute and chairman of Ophthalmology at Penn Medicine. “Our faculty and staff are committed to advancing the frontiers of research to prevent blindness and vision loss. We look forward to many more years as a leader in the fi eld of Ophthalmology.”

Scheie is a world leader in research, and is #1 in funding from the National Eye Institute, receiving more research grants than any other Ophthalmology department or eye institute in the United States. For more pictures from the celebration, please see the e-Bulletin at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/presbybulletin/

“ Scheie is a world leader in research, and is #1 in funding from the National Eye Institute ”

SCHEIE EYE INSTITUTE CELEBRATES THE BIG 4-0!

I want to thank you and your staff for my successful bypass surgery. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than saving and extending lives. Thank you so much. Major surgery followed by 8 days in the hospital is very diffi cult mentally and physically. There is not much that can be done to improve the experience, but all levels of the professional staff at PPMC made the situation as good as could possibly be hoped for. You expect the doctors, lab personnel, nurse practitioners, etc., to be skilled in patient psychology and care. Nevertheless, it is the 24-hour care that also plays a huge role – the front lines, so to speak – the Nurses and the Nurses Aides. In this area, PPMC excelled. Each person on the 24-hour team has their own personality and skill set: gentle, strict, a little gruff, kind, etc., but all with your best interests in mind. Response times were outstanding.

I can’t thank everyone enough for the care I received and it will never be forgotten.

Heartfelt Thanksfrom a Patient

Joan O’Brien, MD, and Al Maguire, MD

In the early 1960’s, teenager Sally Heuser visited her grandmother at Presbyterian Hospital. Intrigued by what she saw and the hospital environment, Sally volunteered to become a Candy Striper. Shortly after, in 1967, she began working at Presbyterian as a Microfi lm Clerk and it wasn’t long before she realized her desire to help patients. Sally became a Nursing Assistant. As she worked and learned more about Respiratory Therapy, or Inhalation Therapy as the fi eld was called, Sally took an active interest. Luckily, Presbyterian had just opened a Respiratory School. Sally signed up to attend while she continued to work as an NA. When she completed school, Sally was hired in the Respiratory department.

Sally’s knowledge, kindness and compassion have become qualities that so many of us have come to know. Today, almost 45 years later, we share with Sally our best wishes as she begins a wonderful new chapter in her life.

Thank you, Sally, for all your care and dedication over the years!

PPMC congratulates Chairman of the Board, David Auten, who was recently chosen as the National Philanthropy Day’s Lifetime Achievement award recipient, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

Th ough this year’s process was very competitive, David’s charitable work and long-time commitment to PPMC made the decision a little easier.

“As Chairman for more than 15 years, David has had a very tangible impact on our culture, leadership and commitments to the West Philadelphia community,” wrote Michele Volpe, executive director and CEO, wrote in a letter of support of the nomination. “His generosity and philanthropy over the years has encouraged us all to perform at greater levels that what we set for ourselves, and it is because of his contributions to our Board that we are no longer merely an institution, but a part of the larger West Philadelphia community.”

Last year, PPMC’s leadership, faculty and staff honored David with the inaugural Hospital Hero Award, presented at the annual hospital fundraiser.

Congratulations, David, on your lifetime achievement award! Th ank you for all you do for PPMC.

Sally Heuser Retires Aft er More than 40 Years with PPMC

Penn Medicine/CHOP Livestrong TeamPenn Medicine/CHOP Livestrong TeamThe Penn Medicine/CHOP Team will once again take to the streets of Blue Bell and the surrounding countryside for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly. This family-friendly event at the Montgomery County Community College offers participation and volunteer options for everyone, regardless of experience. On Saturday, August 18, join us out on the 5K run/walk course or test your limits with the 10K course. If you prefer to spend your time on two wheels, register for the Sunday ride with distances ranging from 10-100 miles. Visit http://www.penncancer.org/penn-medicine-livestrong-challenge-team-page/ to register for the Penn Medicine/CHOP team.

Keswick Cycle University City (www.keswickcycle.com) at 4040 Locust is pleased to offer a 10% discount on bikes and accessories for all Penn Employees and all Livestrong Team Members for the 2011-2012 season. Proceeds benefi t LIVESTRONG, which supports Penn’s Living Well After Cancer™ Programs at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cancer Center.

DAVID AUTEN RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDLIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

APRIL PRESBY ST R WINNERSCongratulations to the April 2012 Presby STAR winners, who each received $100 and a certifi cate recognizing their Presby STAR status.

Jermaine Redmond - GIJeremey Tomczak - ORSharie Reynolds - Credit Offi ceHang Pham - 4 EastKevin Lumley - Cardiology