Fall 2006 - North Dakota Medicine

Breaking the MoldAntioxidants:The Body’s WarriorsAgainst DiabetesFinding a Solutionto Creaky JointsMedicinewith a MissionFALL 2006VOLUME 31, NUMBER 4

41418916FEATURESThe Many Paths to Medicine 4Non-traditional students excel in areas of their medicaleducation due to different life experiences and maturity.Breaking the Mold 9With innovation in distance learning and greater flexiblilty forstudents, clincal laboratory science sky rockets.Antioxidants: The body's warriors against the effects of diabetes 14UND medical school researcher investigates a material that mayprevent the chronic effects of diabetes on the body.Finding a Solution to Creaky Joints 16A UND medical school research team looks at the progression,treatments and damage reversal of osteoarthritis.Medicine With a Mission 18Unique partnership proves alternative hepatitis C treatment,fosters public health and saves taxpayer dollars.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINEUNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTASCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCESCHARLES E. KUPCHELLA, President,University of North DakotaH. DAVID WILSON, Vice President for Health AffairsDean, School of Medicine and Health SciencesWRITERS Pamela Knudson, Amanda ScurryCONTRIBUTORS Blanche Abdallah, Wendy OpsahlGRAPHIC DESIGN John Lee, Victoria SwiftPHOTOGRAPHY Chuck Kimmerle, Richard Larson,Wanda WeberCOVER ART John LeeDESIGNCONTENTwww.ndmedicine.orgEric WalterAmanda ScurryDEPARTMENTSStudent Profile 20Alumni Profile 22News Briefs 25Opportunities 27Alumni Notes 28In Memoriam 29Planning Ahead 30Parting Shots 31NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE (ISSN 0888-1456; USPS077-680) is published five times a year (April, July,September, December, February) by the University ofNorth Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences,Room 1000, 501 N. Columbia Road Stop 9037, GrandForks, ND 58202-9037.Periodical postage paid at Grand Forks ND.Printed at Fine Print Inc., Grand Forks, ND.All articles published in NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE,excluding photographs and copy concerning patients, canbe reproduced without prior permission from the editor.Want more NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE?Look for this symbol, and check out ourWEB EXCLUSIVES site:www.ndmedicine.orgFor address corrections:ND Medicine Address CorrectionUND School of Medicine and Health SciencesOffice of Administration and Finance Attn: Kitty Monley501 North Columbia Rd. Stop 9037,Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037e-mail: kmonley@medicine.nodak.eduphone: 701-777-2431NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE and past issues of THE REVIEW are availableat www.ndmedicine.orgNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 3

WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK ABOUTwhat it takes to become a doctor, theyprobably imagine more than 20 years ofschool, challenging classes, labs, endlessstudying, rounds, exams and residency trainingbefore being ready to actually be a practicing physician.For some medical students, that path is not as clear,and they travel a different journey before entering medicalschool. Although medical school can be more challengingfor people who have been away from the academic scenefor a time, these non-traditional students can also excel inareas of their medical education due to different lifeexperiences and maturity.In the 70s and early 80s, if you were any older than27, for most, you were too old to start medical school,said Judy DeMers, associate dean for student affairs andadmissions at the University of North Dakota (UND)School of Medicine and Health Sciences. But that allstarted to change in the late 80s, early 90s.DeMers credits the womens movement of the timeas a major factor for the increase of non-traditionalmedical students.Many women were looking for the career theywerent able to pursue 10 or 15 years before, sheexplained. This was especially true of those who werealready in the medical field, such as nurses, who nowwanted to go back to medical school so they could gaingreater autonomy in patient care.However, it isnt just women or people from thehealthcare field who choose to attend medical school laterin life. Medical students who attend the UND medicalschool come from a wide array of backgrounds. Thisvariety of ages, undergraduate degrees, family situationsand life experiences enriches the education studentsreceive.Here we hear from an engineer, a teacher, a pastor anda lobbyist who were, or are non-traditional UND medicalstudents and learn just what it was about becoming adoctor that caused them to uproot their jobs, families andlives to make a major career change to the field of medicine.An EngineerWhen fourth-year medical student Eric Deal enteredthe University of North Dakota as a freshman, he started onthe pre-med route. However, a summer job working inconstruction introduced him to engineering and hechanged directions. Later he would graduate from UNDwith a bachelors degree in civil engineering and a mastersdegree in structural engineering.Following graduation, employment sent him to themountains of Colorado to build a pipeline that moves thewater from melting snow down the mountains to be usedby the city of Boulder.I really enjoyed what I was doing, said Deal, a nativeof Wahpeton, ND. But it wasnt what I wanted to do forthe rest of my life.Fourth-year medical student Eric Deal spent three years as astructural engineer in the mountains of Colorado beforereturning to medical school.And so, only three years after leaving UND, Dealreturned as a freshman medical student.I knew that I wanted to do it, he said. I am reallyglad that I went back to medical school. If I hadnt, I wouldhave always been an engineer wishing I was a doctor.A TeacherGrowing up with a dad who is a pharmacist inMankato, MN, Karin Lokensgard Pierce, M.D. 06,remembers showing an interest in medicine early in herlife.I remember seventh grade life science class, she said.We studied the parts of a cell and I thought it was so cool.But, her dream would wait for a while. At St. OlafCollege, competing on the alpine ski team left little time totake the intensive courses needed to apply to medicalschool. Still, she graduated with degrees in religion andmathematics. After graduation, she spent a year as a skiinstructor until a teaching position brought her to GrandForks. She taught mathematics at Red River High Schoolfor three years, taking the classes she needed for medicalschool in her spare time.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 5

I had acquired an interest inmedicine long before seminary.Visiting parishioners in the hospital keptit front-to-mind, said Carlson. Oftenthey were afraid to ask their doctorsquestions and many times the answerswere not clear. Id end up being thego-between at times.Carlson, a Bismarck, ND, native,graduated from Luther TheologicalSeminary in St. Paul, MN, in 1982 andwas ordained in the American LutheranChurch (now Evangelical LutheranChurch of America) that same year. Heserved parishioners in eastern NorthDakota for five years, helping many ofthem through tough times.I had training to help them only sofar in certain areas, he said, then Ihad to refer them to a mental healthprofessional.He began thinking about goingback to medical school and even begantaking the required classes in organicchemistry and biochemistry on theside. It was when tragedy hit that hereached the turning point in his life.When my daughter hadcardiomyopathy [a disease or disorderof the heart muscle] when she was justa baby, I spent even more time in thehospital, observing the health caresystem, said Carlson. Her deathpropelled me into looking seriously atmedical school.Not surprisingly, Carlson chosepsychiatry for his discipline. Currentlyhe practices at Dakota Clinic in Fargo,Solutions Behavioral Healthcare inMoorhead, and also serves as directorof medical student education inpsychiatry for the Department ofClinical Neuroscience and thepsychiatry clerkship director for theUND medical school. He hasntdeserted his past, however, as Dr.Carlson is still also Reverend Carlson.I never lost my interest intheology, he said. He still holds aposition with the synod office, helpingnew pastors transition into the ministryas well as helping pastors address issuesof conflict and pastoral care within theircongregational or chaplaincy settings.He feels his pastoral backgroundserves him well in his practice.I think I pay attention more closelyto the viewpoint and backgrounds ofpatients, he said. People all havetheir own stories in life, which areimportant to peoples current thinking,choices and needs.Challenges and BenefitsGetting into medical school is justthe first step for would-be doctors.Then you have to get throughmedical school.Some of our older students have ahard time adjusting to being studentsagain, said Richard Vari, Ph.D.,associate dean for medical educationfor the UND medical school. Medicalschool is hard, especially the first year.But once they get through that, theyknow if this is what they want to do.Willis agrees.I had my doubts when I firstmoved back to Grand Forks, she said.But after a year I knew this was what Iwanted to do.Many older students also havefamilies, which can be difficult tojuggle while in medical school.“I got into politics because Iwanted to change the world,but I wasn’t and I wantedsomething more fulfilling.”Karin Willis, M.D. ’05Karin Willis, M.D. ’05, became interested in medicine while providing governmentrelations and marketing services to military health care organizations in Washington, D.C.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 7

David Carlson, M.D.’91 (PsychiatryResidency Program’95), is still ordainedin the EvangelicalLutheran Church ofAmerica and holds aposition with thesynod office, helpingnew pastors transitioninto the ministry.“Older students bring a lotinto the small group work wehave in our curriculum. Allthose experiences are valuedand are brought into theirgroup to enrich the learningexperience.”Richard Vari, Ph.D.,Associate Dean forMedical Educationfor the UND medical schoolSuddenly I was a student again,remembers Deal. I no longer had anyincome or benefits and I had no freetime to spend with my family.But more often than not, nontraditionalmedical students havematurity and experience to handledifficulties and give their all tobecoming doctors.Older students also bring a lot intothe small group work we have in ourcurriculum, said Vari. All thoseexperiences are valued and are broughtinto their group to enrich the learningexperience.In the medical schools patientcenteredlearning curriculum,students teach each other throughsmall group learning.My teaching experience reallycame in handy in the first two years,said Lokensgard Pierce, who receivedthe North Dakota Medical AssociationPeer Teaching Award as a sophomoremedical student.Many serve as role models,mediators and do conflict resolution inthe group, said Vari. I like to look tothem for leadership roles in the class.Non-traditional students often shinein the clinic setting as well.They are more consistent, saidVari when asked what makes the olderstudents different from their classmates.They treat school like a job.I think the third and fourth yearswere a little easier for me to adjust to,said Lokensgard Pierce. I alreadyunderstood what it meant to get up, getdressed and go to a professional workenvironment every day.There is definitely a benefit inmaturity, said Deal. It really helpedto have experience working withpeople in a professional setting.Although DeMers says that themajority of applications still come fromtraditional students, there will alwaysbe a few who finally get around tomaking their lifelong dream ofbecoming a doctor come true.-Amanda Scurry8 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

Innovation Sparks Growth in Clinical Laboratory ScienceAT A TIME WHEN AT LEAST Afourth of the roughly 200 clinicallaboratory science (CLS) programsaround the country are closing down,the UND program is going strong,attracting more and more studentsthrough a novel approach to educationthat features flexibility and innovationin distance learning.One of the largest in the country,the CLS program at the UND medicalschool is building a national reputationfor breaking the mold on how best todeliver education and retain criticallyneeded lab professionals, especially inrural and other undeserved areas.If our progression holds, by 2007we will be responsible for ten percentClinical laboratory science students(from left) Carrili Johnson, Gwinner,ND; Atlanta Begay, Page, AZ; andMatt Paul, Long Prairie, MN, read agram stain to identify a particularorganism as part of their studies inmicrobiology.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 9

“If our progression holds,by 2007 we will beresponsible for ten percentof the people taking thenational exam in clinicallab science.”Mary Ann Sens, M.D., Ph.D.Medical DirectorCLS Program10 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006of the people taking the national examin clinical lab science, says Mary AnnSens, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chairof pathology and medical director ofthe CLS program.The whole area of on-lineeducation has opened new doors ofopportunity for a field that is in direneed of more professionals.Some say that distance educationisnt high quality, says Ruth Paur,(MSMT 93), assistant professor ofpathology and CLS program director,but when they look at our studentsnational exam scores, thats just not thecase.Part of the extraordinary success ofthe CLS program involves more than100 Mayo Clinic employees who enrollat UND to earn a degree in clinicallaboratory science while remaining onthe job in Rochester, MN.They may be working inbloodbanking for part of the day, butswitch hats later to become a studentand learn microbiology, Paur says.According to Jemee Kathrotiya,who is pursuing the bachelors degreein CLS, The true advantage of thisdegree has been versatility. Fewdegrees offer such a variety of optionsand the opportunity to live nearlyanywhere in the world. I highlyenjoyed the BS in CLS program fromUND.To date, about 30 students havegraduated, earning UND bachelorsdegree in CLS through the Mayoprogram. Five students have earned theCLS masters degree, including JillVandenameele 05, who said, (T)heavailability and flexibility anddistance/web-based learning providedthe schedule and resources that wouldotherwise have been impossible toaccommodate in a traditional graduateprogram... I could not have completedthe program without the infinite supportand encouragement of... UND staff.In 2005, all graduates passed thenational certification exam, scoring 75to 100 points higher than the nationalaverage. The pass rate for UND CLS isover 95 percent, compared to anational average of 80 percent.Weve got a different model. Noone else in the country has done it,Paur says. Its working... and wehavent sacrificed quality.Mayo program skyrockets; employeesrecruit each otherSince 2002 when UND announcedits agreement to train Mayo employees inclinical laboratory science through onsiteand on-line education, the programhas skyrocketed, according to RobPorter (BSMT 93), instructor inpathology and Mayo Cohort Programeducation coordinator.The Mayo Cohort is highlyindividualized and flexible, he says.A student can take three CLS coursesat a time to finish sooner or one courseand stretch it out longer. Weacademically advise each student fromstart to finish, whether he or she isenrolled in a CLS course at UND or aprerequisite course at another college.Its unique, and also challenging.In addition to on-line coursework,we bring the labs to them, Porter says.This is an innovative model. Wetravel to Mayo Clinic three times a year- spring, summer, fall - for two-week,intensive laboratory training sessions.All these employees are workingfull time and trying to raise their levelof education, he says. They want toknow whats involved and how long itsgoing to take them to finish.Porter spends two or three days amonth at Rochester, meeting withstudents and answering questions abouttheir program of study. These days, hesays, prospective students are comingin with much more knowledge becausetheyve been informed and sold on theprogram by their co-workers.Its really a nice sign, he says.Theyre self-recruiting from their peers.He credits Mayo as a huge supporterof education, providing a culturewhich encourages professional growth.WCACLS improves outlook forrural health careAnother collaborative venture ofUNDs CLS program, the WesternCollege Alliance for Clinical Laboratory(continued page 12)

‘Pathways Into Health’UND Selected as Test Site for National Effort toImprove Native American HealthAltanta Begay, a Navajo from Page, AZ, is the first student to train in CLS at UND under Pathways Into Health, a federal programthat allows students to take most of their education in their home towns, stay connected to their culture and obtain a first-rate education.Definitely.This is Altanta Begays swift, affirming answer whenasked if she would eventually like to return to her homecommunity to tend to the health care needs of other NavajoIndians in Arizona.I am close to home and close to my family, she says ofher hometown, Page, AZ. We have a lot of elderly where Ilive. Its important for the Navajos to take care of the elderly.Traditionally, her people led a healthy lifestyle, shesays, noting that her great-grandmother, whos over 100, ishealthy as a horse. In the past, elders in her familylooked after a lot of sheep, so were walking aroundconstantly; their diet consisted of corn, grains and wildpotatoes, onions and tea.As lifestyles have changed, Begay sees more diabetesand heart disease among Navajo people, and she wants tobe part of improving their health.Its really important to me to study these changes andtry to convince people to live the way our grandmothersdid, she says.Begay, who is working on a bachelors degree inclinical laboratory science (CLS) at the UND medicalschool, is the first student to participate in Pathways IntoHealth, a national project funded by the U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services, through the Indian HealthService. The CLS program, the pilot program of PathwaysInto Health, is being watched closely as a model forencouraging Native Americans to enter health professionsusing distance education.Begay has fit most of her studies around her work as amedical technologist at Tuba City, AZ, but much has beentaken on-line, through distance education. She plans toreturn to Tuba City for her clinical rotations and complete herdegree by the spring of 2007. She already holds a bachelorsdegree in microbiology from Northern Arizona University.With her sights set beyond the laboratory, she hopes to goon to medical school, possibly in North Dakota (Its a prettynice place, Id like to come back here) or closer to homein Arizona, California or Nevada. She is considering familymedicine, pathology or pediatrics as possible career choices.She believes her CLS degree will provide an excellentfoundation for the study of medicine.I think itll help a lot, she says. Every (test) thephysician would order - we have to know how to work itand understand whats going on.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 11

Pathways Into Health is an exciting new collaborative oftribes, tribal communities, universities, tribal collegesand the Indian Health Service focused on thedevelopment of professional health education forAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives offered throughculturally reinforcing distance education. This programhas a significant potential to improve the health, healthcare and health education in Indian communities.We are honored to be a partner with theoutstanding programs at UND and are especiallypleased to have the leadership of the CLS program aswe develop nationally available programs for NativeAmericans. Our first on-site student at UND, AtlantaBegay, is an example of the outstanding quality studentswe are working with UND and other universities andtribal colleges to develop.James Galloway, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.C.Director, Native American Cardiology ProgramAssociate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of Arizona(continued from page 10)Science Education (WCACLS), also hasgrown significantly, Paur says.WCACLS provides students at 11regional colleges the opportunity to earna bachelors degree in CLS. Launched in1995 with its first partner, the Universityof Mary in Bismarck, WCACLS hasgrown to also include Minot (ND) StateUniversity, Jamestown (ND) College,the University of Montana, MontanaState University campuses in Billingsand Bozeman, Bemidji (MN) andWinona (MN) state universities, theUniversity of South Dakota, SouthDakota State University, and theUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse.The program allows students toremain closer to home, Paur says,noting that about 35 WCACLS studentscome to Grand Forks for only 13 weeksof intensive laboratory education in thesummer prior to a two-semester clinicalexperience in their final year.Because of WCACLS, more ruralareas retain CLS graduates. Theirstudents are home-grown, Paur says.Since they dont relocate to GrandForks for an extended period of time,they are more likely to stay and work intheir rural communities where they aremost needed.Many rural medical centers aregiving incentives to students, shenotes, including sign-on bonuses andloan forgiveness if the CLS graduatestays in the profession and in theregion.Job market pushing up demandNationally, 4,200 people enter theclinical laboratory workforce annuallyto fill 12,400 jobs, according to Sens.This deficiency is becoming critical formany medical centers and threatenstheir ability to function effectively.12 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

“In 2005, all UND CLSgrads passed thenational certificationexam, scoring 75 to 100points higher than thenational average. Thepass rate for UND CLSis over 95 percent,compared to a nationalaverage of 80 percent.”Mary Ann Sens, Ph.D.Medical DirectorCLS ProgramCLS Enrollment SoarsClinical Laboratory Science ProgramStudents Enrolled1996 2006Bachelor of Science Program (on-campus) 100 100Master of Science Program 12 60Mayo Cohort Program 0 100WCACLS Program 3 40The UND-Mayo partnership represents a new model in clinical laboratoryscience education; it demonstrates how an academic institution can work withhealth care providers to tailor education programs to meet specific needs.The growing shortage of clinicallaboratory scientists nationwide, whichthe federal government has declared acrisis, has fueled increased demandand pushed up salaries. The shortage isexpected to become more severe as thefirst wave of baby-boomers hits their60s and 70s.The wages are excellent and thejob opportunities are unlimited, saysPaur, noting that many students whoare enrolled in or have earnedbachelors degrees in other sciences arediscovering CLS, especially because ofbright prospects for employment.WEB EXCLUSIVE:For more information onthe CLS program, visit:www.ndmedicine.org-Pamela D. KnudsonNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 13

Antioxidants:The body’s warriors against the effects of diabetesEdward Carlson, Ph.D. ’70,Chester Fritz DistinguishedProfessor and chair of theanatomy and cell biologydepartment at UND, and hisstudents study the effects ofantioxidants on the cells andbasement membranes ofdiabetic mice.IN THE BATTLE AGAINST DIABETES,researchers are still searching for theultimate warrior: A material that willprevent the chronic effects of diabeteson the body. A researcher at theUniversity of North Dakota (UND)hopes that he and his co-workers havefound just such a warrior.The Diabetes DilemmaMost of the food we eat is turned intosugar, or glucose, for our bodies to useas energy. The pancreas, an organ thatlies near the stomach, makes a hormonecalled insulin to help glucose get out ofour blood and into our cells to be usedas energy. The body of a person withdiabetes either does not make enoughinsulin or cannot use its own insulin aswell as it should. This causes sugar tobuild up in the blood, or diabetes.According to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC), diabetesis the sixth leading cause of death in theUnited States. Just over six percent or18.2 million people in the U.S. havediabetes. More than a quarter of thosepeople have not been diagnosed.The long-term effects of having toomuch sugar in the blood, or hyperglycemia,can be chronic complications in fourmain areas of the body: the eyes,nervous system, heart and kidneys.14 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

Killing the KidneysThe most recent research ofEdward Carlson, Ph.D. 70, ChesterFritz Distinguished Professor and chairof the anatomy and cell biologydepartment at UND, looks at the longtermeffects of diabetes on the smallblood vessels of the kidney.Although these tiny blood vessels,or capillaries, are only a tenth thediameter of a human hair, they play animportant role of fencing protein in theblood stream. The capillary walls ofthe kidney include a tube-like structurecalled the basement membrane, whichworks as a filter allowing the blood tojettison things that are not needed andkeep what is. However, long-termhyperglycemia caused by diabetes canstart to make the basement membranerigid, brittle and more permeable,allowing protein to leave the capillary.This results in renal disease, or diseaseof the kidney.Diabetes is the leading cause ofend-stage renal disease, accounting for44 percent of new cases, according tothe CDC. In 2001, nearly 143,000people with end-stage renal disease dueto diabetes were living on chronicdialysis or with a kidney transplant.Carlson and his research partner,former UND pharmacology chair PaulEpstein, Ph.D., are looking at ways tocounteract the effect high blood sugarhas on the basement membrane ofkidney capillaries.We can estimate your age bylooking at your capillaries, explainsCarlson. Diabetes is sometimes calledthe disease of premature aging. Thecapillaries of a person with diabetes willlook much older than they actually are.Epstein, an animal geneticist who isnow professor of pediatrics at theUniversity of Louisville, has developedtwo types of mice for their work. Thefirst type of mouse is born withdiabetes. The second kind of mouse isalso diabetic, but it also creates moreantioxidants than a typical mouse.Significantly, in the diabetic mousethat creates more antioxidants thanusual, basement membranes areprotected against increasedpermeability and other characteristics ofadvanced diabetic kidney disease.Carlson and his students are examiningthe cells and basement membranes inthese genetically engineered mousemodels using the UND medicalschools electron microscope. Theyhave demonstrated several new findingsincluding changes in basementmembrane thickness as well as alteredcell shape and number.It seems that the excessantioxidants are eating away at the freeradicals that cause the filteringmechanism in the kidney to ageprematurely, explained Carlson.Carlson hopes that their work willinspire clinical trials in which peoplewith diabetes could be treated withantioxidants and, hopefully, have thesame results as these mice.We hope that it can be shown thatantioxidants successfully prevent thechronic complications of diabetes,he said.This is truly exciting work, saidCarlson. It is so much fun. I get upevery morning and I can hardly wait toget here to see what is happening now.-Amanda ScurryAntioxidants AttackCarlson and Epstein are studyingthe effects of antioxidants on thispremature aging of the capillaries,which causes them to become rigid andmore permeable much sooner than theyshould. This premature aging of thecapillaries is caused by an unusuallyhigh level of free radicals in the bodiesof people with diabetes.●●●●●CranberriesBlueberriesBlackberriesRed, black, pintoand kidney beansArtichoke heartsSources of Antioxidants●●●●●Russet andsweet potatoesSpinachEggplantApplesPeaches● Mangos● Melons● Green andblack teas● CoffeeSource: WebMD.comNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 15

Finding a SolutiontoGene Homandberg, Ph. D.,professor and chair ofbiochemistry and molecularbiology (back), DanpingGuo (left) and Lei Ding(front) take turnsexamining cartilagethrough a microscope.16 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

MANY OF US IN OUR LATER YEARSsuffer from a disease that is mostnoticeable when getting up in themorning, walking down stairs or simplyspending time on our feet. The diseaseis osteoarthritis and most of us feel itseffects as we age or as our jointsexperience excessive wear. For some,the pain can be unbearable.Disease of the Bone and JointsOsteoarthritis is caused by agradual deterioration of cartilage, thetough yet elastic tissue that covers theends of long bones and cushions joints.This very common disease can becaused by an injury or by the agingprocess.At least 50 million adults in theUnited States alone and close to 15percent of the worlds adult populationsuffer from this painful and disablingdisease. There is no cure and there arefew treatments that have been shown toslow the progression of the disease.Current treatments mostly decrease thepain that results when the cartilagewears away and bone rubs against bone.Since joining UND in 2002, GeneHomandberg, Ph.D., professor andchair of the biochemistry and molecularbiology department, has formed a team toinvestigate cartilage damage. They arehard at work studying osteoarthritis inorder to provide a better understandingof the diseases progression and to testpossible treatments that may slow theprogression or even reverse the damageof osteoarthritis.One of his teams recent studiesthat looks at the effects of glucosamineand chondroitin sulfate on cartilagedamage soon will be published in thejournal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage,one of the two top journals thatpublishes biochemical studies ofosteoarthritis.Supplemental TreatmentGlucosamine and chondroitinsulfate are naturally occurring foodsupplements that many take in over-thecounterpill form to alleviate joint pain.In their study, Homandbergs teamincluding Danping Guo, M.S., LindaRay, B.S. and graduate student, LeiDing, B.S. found that these agents notonly prevent cartilage damage, but canactually restore cartilage in theirlaboratory model for the disease.Prior to this study, many researchersbelieved that a patient cant get enoughglucosamine and chondroitin sulfatethrough supplements to make adifference, said Homandberg.However, he and his teamdemonstrated that these agents, atconcentrations as low as found in patientstaking these supplements, are effectiveat preventing cartilage damage and evenrestoring tissue in cultured cartilage.Recent clinical studies havesuggested that these supplements dohave a weak effect but only in patientswith severe cartilage damage, saidHomandberg. However, our resultsstill leave open the possibility thattaking these supplements earlier couldslow the progression of cartilagedamage in those patients predisposed tosevere osteoarthritis.This work will bring attention toUND, Homandberg said. More andmore people are interested in the roleof nutrition and supplements inmaintaining healthy cartilage and payattention to new discoveries that theythink may provide a higher quality oflife. Babyboomers are especiallyinterested in staying active in their lateryears and so many magazines and Websites provide extensive coverage ofobservations such as ours.-Amanda ScurryWEB EXCLUSIVE:To learn more aboutosteoarthritis and Homandbergsresearch, visit: www.ndmedicine.orgNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 17

Medicine with a Mission“It is incredibly important tous that the UND Center forFamily Medicine (CFM) isteaming up with us on thisresearch. There’s been noshortage of interest on thepart of residents and facultymembers at the CFM. It wastheir enthusiasm that allowedus to go forward...“From a public healthperspective, this study is ofgreat benefit to NorthDakota... and, it gets theresidents thinking.”John Hagan, M.D.North Dakota Department ofCorrections and RehabilitationClinical assistant professor ofinternal medicine, UND School ofMedicine and Health SciencesIN THE STATES PRISONPOPULATION, we knew we had anissue, and we knew we had to dealwith it.The issue, said KathleenBachmeier (MSN 90), director ofmedical services at the North DakotaPenitentiary in Bismarck, is theexplosion in the number of inmateswho have contracted active hepatitis Cdue to drug use (mostlymethamphetamine) or infection fromtatooing with dirty needles.Research conducted by a team offour physicians and two nurses hasdemonstrated that an alternative, lesscostly drug regimen is effective fortreating prisoners with hepatitis C. Theteam includes Kent Martin, M.D.,clinical associate professor of familymedicine; Jeff Hostetter, M.D.(Bismarck Family Medicine Residency03), assistant professor of familymedicine and assistant program directorat the UND Center for FamilyMedicine-Bismarck; Olimpia Rauta,M.D. (Bismarck Family MedicineResidency 06); John Hagan, M.D.,clinical assistant professor of internalmedicine, with the North Dakota StatePrisons Division; Bachmeier, and BethTaghon, a nurse at the statepenitentiary, all of BismarckAt the Center for Disease ControlsNational Hepatitis C Conference lastyear, they presented a poster on theirpreliminary findings about the efficacyof a hepatitis C treatment that is givento prisoners in the states correctionalfacilities. They explained their initialsuccess in treating hepatitis C withconsensus interferon rather thanpeginterferon alpha-2b, the morecommon regimen.Spike in meth use reflected in prisonpopulationThe epidemic rise inmethamphetamine use in North Dakotahas fueled a huge increase in thenumber of prisoners who have activehepatitis C in North Dakota prisons.The increasing prevalence of thedisease is striking, said Hagan, whoteaches UND medical students andresidents in Bismarck. Its been explosiveas the rate of IV meth use has grown.In order to address this publichealth emergency, the medical staff atthe states Department of Correctionsand Rehabilitation (DOCR) enlisted thehelp of Martin, infectious diseasespecialist with the Quain & RamstadClinic in Bismarck. Martin andHostetter, who have been working inthis area for several years, agreed totrack and write up the results.Initial treatment with peginterferonalpha-2b proved to be too costly tomaintain for the large number ofprisoners who require treatment, Martinsaid. In addition, the side effect rate inthe prison population was unacceptablyhigh, and treating these side effects iscostly. His research uncovered littleknowndata that showed consensusinterferon could be equally efficaciousand has a much lower side effect rate.The DOCR implemented thistreatment regimen and Hostetter, Haganand Rauta have tracked the results.Alternative treatment reduces costInitial data is very promising andpatients are tolerating the therapy muchbetter, according to Martin. Addedadvantages are: the cost of medicationsis 35 percent less and the need forsubspecialty referral has declined tonear zero.Using the standard regimen, thecost of treating a prisoner was $22,000per year; with the alternative treatment,that cost has been lowered to $14,000.The result has been an effectivetreatment regimen that is sustainablewithin the current medical budget ofthe DOCR.18 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

We were able toshow excellent treatmentresults, he said. Ourresults of success andtreatment are as good orbetter (than the traditionalregimen). We are able totreat many more peopleand bring more effectivetreatment to morepeople.Even if we haventchanged behaviors, theinmates weve treated --when theyre released --wont be able to infectanyone else, heemphasized.The group is pleasedthat initial findings havebeen well-received. Datacollection is ongoing andthere are plans to submitfinal results forpublication. Really a team effortIts a wonderfulpartnership, saidBachmeier, who championedthe project and requestedthe state legislature to fund it. Theprison couldnt have done it alone.This is really a team effort... Wevedone all this with no extra money. Itstarted from very, very humble, modestbeginnings.We work with people who reallywant to change their lives, she said.We want to be good stewards of thestates money; we select prisoners whoare compliant with the drug andalcohol treatment and are stableemotionally, based on psychiatricassessment. Prisoners must go throughsix months of close monitoring beforeever entering into treatment.In what might be described as asnowball effect, Martin and Hostetterwere invited to present their findings at ameeting of the American CorrectionsAssociation in August at Charlotte, NC.And the CDC has approached theresearchers about putting our programon their Web site as an outstandingBeth Taghon, a nurse at the state penitentiary, gives inmate Stuart Kelly an injection of consensusinterferon, an alternative treatment for hepatitis C.prisons hepatitis C model, Hostetter said.A resouce for the stateOne of the roles of physicians,residents and faculty in state-supportedacademic medical institutions is to be aresource for the state, Hostetter said.This is the perfect setting where theUND Department of Family andCommunity Medicine can assist anotherstate agency by utilizing our resourcesto enrich their programs.It is important for residentphysiciansto be involved in research inorder to teach them how progress inmedicine is truly made, he emphasized.Most significant medical advances canbe traced to community clinicians whohave made astute observations thatresearchers have only furtherelucidated.It is important for faculty to giveresidents the skills to function in thisarena of family medicine as well asday-to-day clinical practice.-Pamela D. KnudsonNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 19

STUDENT PROFILEBoise PT Alumni convince D1 football player to pursue DPT degree at UNDBRIAN O'NEALDoctorate in Physical TherapyCLASS OF 2008HOMETOWN:Galveston, TexasPARENTS:David and Coretha ONealand Rita ONealWHERE MOST SERIOUS ATHLETESsee an injury only as a hindrancekeeping them from playing the game,Brian ONeal used inevitable injuriessustained while playing years of highschool and division one college footballas an opportunity to learn about afuture career.Red-shirting the 1998 season after atransfer from another school, ONealplayed wide receiver for the Boise StateUniversity Broncos in the 1999, 2000and 2001 seasons.I became interested in physicaltherapy when I was treated by aphysical therapist for football injuries,said the Galveston, TX, native who stillseems honored to have had the chanceto play on Boise States unique bluefootball field.ONeal, now a sophomore physicaltherapy (PT) student at the University ofNorth Dakota (UND) School ofMedicine and Health Sciences, was oneof the few of his teammates at BoiseState University to take his competitive20 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

nature off the football field and into theclassroom.I always knew what I wanted todo, ONeal explained when askedwhy he took class work more seriouslythan most of his teammates. When Iwas playing football, people called mea perfectionist. I was just ascompetitive in the classroom.ONeals hard work paid off,earning him a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in athletic training in 2003.Following graduation, ONeal waslucky enough to work with both theNew York Giants and the WashingtonRedskins football teams on athletictraining internships. These experiencesfurthered his interest in PT.At the Redskins I worked with aPT/ATC [physical therapy/athletictraining-certified] and I really enjoyedeverything I did, he said. Theexperience showed me that PT waswhat I wanted to do.When he returned to Boise he tooka job as an ATC/rehab tech at St. LukesIdaho Elks Rehabilitation Services. Itwas there that he learned of thephysical therapy program at UND.I worked with so many PTs fromUND and they were all just great,ONeal said.Some of the UND alumni heworked with in Boise included WilliamMoats (BSPT 82), Scott Billing (BSPT94, MPT 95), Jerret Hopstad (BSPT97, MPT 98), Kelly Jorschumb (BSPT02, MPT 03), Eric Paur (BSAT 01,MPT 04, DPT 04), Lynae Jost (DPT05), and Kristi Kjellgren (DPT 05).When I was looking at PTprograms they convinced me to applyto UND, he said.I was accepted into twoprograms, he said. UND and theprogram in my hometown.He chose UND, even though itwould cost more and he had neveractually been in North Dakota.First of all, it was a doctorateprogram instead of just a mastersdegree, he explained. Plus, I thinklearning is more than reading the wordsin books. It is about new experiencesand different people. I left Texas forcollege to experience something newand I came to North Dakota for thesame reason. I love it here, he said,hesitating. Ok, not the weather, butthe people and the school are great.Even though I have a relateddegree and I have been working inphysical therapy for a while, Im stillchallenged here, he says. What welearn is very practical. It is informationthat we can apply directly to our work.-Amanda ScurryO’Neal’s Career at Boise State University● One of seven WRs to see extensive playing time in the 1999 season● Made nine catches totally 99 yards and two TDs in 1999 season● Played in all 11 games of BSU’s 2000 season● Caught seven passes in 2000 season totaling 81 yards and one TD● Clocked as the fastest Bronco during spring 2000 testing(4.45 sec 40-yard dash)● Western Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete Award 2001XUND sophomore physical therapy student Brian O'Neal played wide receiver forthe Boise State University Broncos in the 1999, 2000 and 2001 seasons.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 21

ALUMNI PROFILEInfectious ExcitementFor the students and by the students, the 107,000-square-foot UND Student Wellness Center houses 79 cardio and 180 weightmachines, a 200-meter running track, three professional quality basketball courts and a 32-foot rock-climbing wall.Recent physical therapy gradshares her enthusiasm for lifewith UND students throughwellness programming.Youd better wear your Depends,girl!That was the response of theUniversity of North Dakota (UND)sAssistant Vice President of WellnessLaurie Betting (BSPT 98, MPT 99,DPT 04) when this writer expressedher excitement at seeing the universitysnewest addition.The UND Student Wellness Center,set to open with a week-long series ofevents starting September 25, is causingof a wave of rising excitement on campusand Betting is leading the charge.A Grand Forks, ND native, Bettinghas always found importance inwellness. It is all about having fun,she says, admitting she is the silliestperson at work. It is this positiveattitude that has allowed her to lead thebuilding of a state-of-the-art universitywellness program and facility for thestudents of UND while overcoming aninconvenience along the way.22 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

An InconvenienceIn July 2004 Bettings positiveoutlook was put to the test. She wasfinishing up her Doctorate of PhysicalTherapy degree and in themiddle of developing the newStudent Wellness Center whenshe found a lump in one of herbreasts. Initially dismissed by herphysician, she was persistent andwas eventually diagnosed withbreast cancer, had a mastectomy,chemotherapy and radiationtreatments. Still, she continuedto work.I tend to see the good inthings, to look through a differentlens, she said. Really, I sawhaving cancer as aninconvenience.I would go in for radiationtreatment at 7 a.m., right beforework, she explained. I saw thetreatments as just something toget done before I could go towork. There were others who,for them, the trip to get radiationwas the only thing they had thatday. It was apparent that theywere not nearly as well off as Iwas. I had a building to finish!Physical Therapy outside the ClinicBetting decided to earn herDPT degree from UND becauseI was drawn to it by those whowere doing it, she said.The program has highstandards for their students, sheexplained. They always call formore, but not the impossible. It mademe recognize that I had more in methan I had thought.PTs are people doing the rightthings for the right reasons, she said.I am not seeing patients in a clinic, buthopefully I am still touching lives.Not Your Parents GymnasiumFor the students and by thestudents, the 107,000-square-foot UNDStudent Wellness Center is much morethan a gym.Even before its completion, it hasbeen called The Engelstad of WellnessCenters, and The Best in the Nation,with which it is easy to agree whenBetting starts to explain the facility and thepainstaking care she put into every detail.Her face lights up. She sits at the edge ofher chair. She explains all the aspects ofthe building as if she is reading a childa story about a wonderful fantasyland.She gazes off as she describes facilities,architecture and resources.I learned it was not a good idea totake pictures in the womens room ofan airport when I found some greatfaucets, she remembered, laughing.She designed the facility, and herwellness programming, to be more thanjust a way to get fit.We are co-curricular, sheexplains. We are part of the learningthat takes place at the university.The new Student Wellness Centeranticipates 300 student employeepositions and internships will beavailable upon opening the newbuilding. More than just part-time jobs,Betting provides these students with achance to develop professionally beforethey even leave college, offering regularperformance evaluations, a network ofprevious wellness center employeesand supervising positions.She isnt having any trouble findingstudents to fill these position orvolunteers from the campus community.Wellness is a magnet, sheexplained. People are volunteeringleft and right, from physicians at themedical school to steam plant workers.Jon Allen, M.D. 84 (B.S. Med.82), assistant dean of the medicalschools Northeast Campus, GrandForks and Jonathan Geiger, Ph.D. (MS74, Ph.D.82), professor and chair ofthe Department of Pharmacology,Physiology and Therapeutics, are two ofmany members of the campus communitywho are lending their services to thenew center. They both will be leadingspin, or stationary bike, classes.We call them the spin doctors,quipped Betting.They will be biking in style, too.The spinning room boasts 21 stationerybikes where bikers can virtually tournational parks and other naturalLaurie Betting (BSPT ‘98,MPT ‘99, DPT ‘04) serves asAssistant Vice President ofWellness at UND.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 23

The Center’s cardio deck overlooks the weight room containing nearly 100 pieces of cardio equipment. A running track encircles thearea, allowing runners a view of the outdoors through huge windows.WEB EXCLUSIVE:To take a video or virtual tour of thenew UND Student Wellness Centerand see a listing ofgrand opening events, visit:www.ndmedicine.orgattractions displayed via a largetelevision screen at the front of the room.Around Seven Dimensions in Seven DaysEach day of the Student WellnessCenters opening week will be themedaround one of the seven dimensions ofwellness. Based on a model from theNational Wellness Institute at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point,the seven dimensions of wellness arephysical, intellectual, emotional, social,spiritual, environmental and occupational.Starting with physical wellness, thegrand opening will kick off onSeptember 25 featuring nutrition andhealthy cooking. For the event, Bettingis bringing back Grand Forks nativeDonald Hensrud, M.D., M.P.H. (80,B.S. Med. 82), chair of the Division ofPreventive, Occupational, and AerospaceMedicine and associate professor ofpreventive medicine and nutrition atNew Student Wellness Center Highlights and Facts●●●●●●●●●107,000 square feet15,000 square feet for 79 cardio and 180 weight machines200-meter running trackThree professional quality basketball courtsMultipurpose Activity Court for roller hockey and indoor soccer32-foot rock-climbing wall and a 12-foot bouldering wallSpinning room with 21 stationery bikes and virtual toursDemo kitchen and juice barQuiet and resource loungesthe Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.Hensrud served as editor-in-chieffor Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight forEveryBody, a comprehensive andsensible approach to eating healthy, TheNew Mayo Clinic Plan - 10 EssentialSteps to a Better Body and HealthierLife, and the award-winning The NewMayo Clinic Cookbook. He also wasinstrumental in developing the MayoClinic Healthy Weight Food Pyramid.Because of my work, I am veryaware of the importance of building thisfacility, said Hensrud. Being analumnus makes me very proud of UNDfor undertaking it. Im very muchlooking forward to attending the GrandOpening of this exciting event.After giving a presentation duringthe opening ceremony, Hensrud will bedoing a cooking demonstration in thecenters demonstration kitchen.The new Wellness Center at UNDis the right thing to do for so manyreasons, said Hensrud. It will begreat to see students come to UNDfrom many places, obtain an excellenteducation while taking care ofthemselves in the process, and leavewith the knowledge and tools theyveacquired - for their mind and theirbody. The UND Wellness Center is aprogressive and visionary endeavor; itssignificance will become more andmore apparent as time goes on.-Amanda Scurry24 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

NEWS BRIEFSMedical School Fully Reaccredited- Dean, Faculty, Curriculum PraisedThe University of North Dakota (UND)School of Medicine & Health Scienceswas fully reaccredited recently receivingpraise for its dean, faculty andcurriculum.Liaison Committee on MedicalEducation (LCME) voted to reaccreditthe UND medical school for eightyears.The committee listed several areasof institutional strength at the schoolincluding the vision and energy ofDean H. David Wilson in implementingthe Patient Centered Learning (PCL)curriculum at the school.PCL is innovative and preparesstudents exceptionally well for theirclinical (third and fourth years)education and the practice ofmedicine, the committees letter toUND President Charles Kupchella said.UNDs PCL curriculum teachesmedical students using real patientcases, where lectures, labs and smallgroup work help the students learn thebasic sciences behind the patientscondition and others like it.The committee also cited thecommitment and cooperative spirit ofthe volunteer faculty. More than 900clinical faculty members serve on apart-time or voluntary basis teachingmedical students in 30 communitiesthroughout the state during their thirdand fourth years of medical school.In addition, the schools RuralOpportunities in Medical Educationwas said to help address the statesphysician workforce needs in ruralareas and that it provides studentswith excellent opportunities foreducation in rural communities.The committee also applauded themedical schools focused and selfsustainingresearch program for itsgrowth and strength saying it is amodel for community-based medicalschools.The Indians into Medicine programwas also commended stating it has awell deserved national reputationwhile the schools Clinical EducationCenter is a model for clinical skillslearning, assessment andimprovement.We are very pleased our medicaleducation program has earned thisextraordinary vote of confidence fromthe accreditation body for all medicalschools in the nation, said Kupchella.I am so proud of all the great workthat our administrators, faculty, staff andstudents do here every day, saidWilson. Our full reaccreditation showsthat this small medical school has bigideas that produce great results.This is by far the best evaluationthe UND medical school has had, saidAssociate Dean for Administration andFinance Randy Eken, who has beenwith the school for more than 25 years.Accreditation is an evaluation thatdetermines whether an institution meetsestablished standards while encouragingimprovement. The process includesgathering school information to submitto the committee, conducting a selfstudyand a several-day site visit whenseveral members of the committee visitthe school.“We are very pleased ourmedical educationprogram has earned thisextraordinary vote ofconfidence from theaccreditation body for allmedical schools in thenation.”Charles E. Kupchella, Ph.D.President,University of North DakotaThe UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences is located on four campuses throughout North Dakota (from left): Bismarck, Fargo,Grand Forks and Minot.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 25

NEWS BRIEFSCenter for Rural Health Part ofNew Grassroots Rural Policy ProjectThe Center for Rural Health at the UND School of Medicineand Health Sciences is one of the first participants in thenational Rural People, Rural Policy program.The new five-year national initiative, funded by theW.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, MI, builds andstrengthens networks of local organizations to developpolicy that will help rural communities and small towns.This initiative intends to grow from regional networksinto a national network of rural organizations and nationalservice groups working on a variety of economic and socialissues that impact rural America, according to a statementby the Kellogg Foundation announcing the awardees.The foundation funded only 24 of the 190 proposalsthey received for the first year. The Center for Rural Healthis the only health-related organization selected toparticipate. The remaining 23 are primarily communitydevelopment, youth or policy organizations.New Program to Provide Better Care forTraumatized ChildrenMental health professionals with the NeuropsychiatricResearch Institute (NRI) and the UND medical school aredeveloping a program to train their colleagues to providemore effective treatment for children who are victims oftrauma, particularly in the form of abuse and neglect.In a new two-year program, the NRI will offer trainingfor North Dakota mental health clinicians in new treatmentsthat have been found to be effective in assisting childrenwho have been victims of abuse and neglect.NRI has received funding support for this initiativetotaling $150,000 from the Otto Bremer Foundation and$50,000 from the Dakota Medical Foundation.Women’s Health Conference Held Sept. 18The first North Dakota Women's Health Connection will beheld Monday, Sept. 18 from 1-5 p.m. at the Alerus Center inGrand Forks. The event, sponsored by the North DakotaWomen's Health CORE located in the UND Department ofFamily and Community Medicine, will address a variety ofissues affecting women across their life spans includingpreconception planning, depression, healthy relationships,fibromialga, varicose veins, incontinence and healthy aging.NASA Consultant Saralyn Mark, MD, will provide thekeynote address on women's heart health. Tickets are $10in advance, $15 at the door, for more information pleasecontact Alicia Sandbakken at 7-3264 orasandbakken@medicine.nodak.eduBismarck Radiologist Appointed ChairEdward (Ted) Fogarty, M.D.,a Bismarck radiologist, has beenappointed chairman of theDepartment of Radiology at the UNDSchool of Medicine and HealthSciences effective July 1.Fogarty, who joined the UNDmedical school faculty in October2003, will continue to live andpractice in Bismarck at MedcenterOne Health Systems.Fogarty completed an undergraduate degree, withhonors, at the University of Chicago in 1993 and thenworked as a research assistant at the Howard HughesMedical Institute in Chicago. He went on to earn the Doctorof Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Collegeof Medicine in Omaha in 1998.After medical school, he took one year of training inUNDs transitional year internship program based atMeritCare Hospital in Fargo and, in 2003, completed a fouryearradiology residency program at Creighton UniversityMedical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, in Omaha. Duringresidency training, he served as chief resident and receivedthe RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award. Hewas also elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor societyas a resident while at Creighton University Medical Center.In 2003, he joined the Medcenter One Health Systems as astaff radiologist.Feds Fund Mental Health First AidProgram in StateThree North Dakota health organizations have teamed toreceive a $375,000 federal grant to establish a mental healthfirst aid program in North Dakota.The Tribal Health Program of the Standing Rock SiouxTribe in Ft. Yates, ND, partnered with the Center for RuralHealth at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciencesin Grand Forks, ND, and West River Health Services inHettinger, ND, to apply for the competitive grant from thefederal Office of Rural Health Policy. The grant program isdesigned to encourage the development of new andinnovative health care delivery systems in rural communitiesthat lack essential health care services.The mental health first aid program developed throughthis grant over the next three years will be the first of itskind in the nation. Similar to basic first aid courses thatmany Americans take to provide immediate help to physicalinjuries, mental health first aid helps people learn how toprovide initial support to those showing signs of mentalhealth problems or in a mental health crisis until appropriateprofessional treatment is received.26 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

NEWS BRIEFSINMED Summer Institute Prepares StudentsNative American junior and high-school-level students fromacross the country were at UND for six weeks this summeras part of the Indians into Medicine (INMED) SummerInstitute program.The annual Summer Institute is designed to bolsterparticipants math and science skills, teach students abouthealth careers, and help them develop their potential toachieve in health science classes.Approximately 90 Native American junior and highschool-levelstudents from 10 states attended INMEDSummer Institute this year.The program includes daily group and individualizedinstruction in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology,communication and study skills. Indian health professionalsand experts who represent a variety of health disciplinesserve as guest speakers, giving an overview of health careersopportunities. The Summer Institute experience alsoincludes field trips, recreation, pow wows, and Indianawareness workshops.Cornatzer Receives Research FellowshipEric Cornatzer, a medical student atthe UND School of Medicine andHealth Sciences, received a MedicalStudent Fellowship from the AmericanDermatological Association (ADA) toconduct research this summer.The son of Dona and BillCornatzer, M.D. (B.S. Med. 79), ofBismarck is one of only eight studentsselected to receive the award this year,according to the ADA which accepts applications from U.S.and Canadian medical students. Eric recently completed hisfirst year of medical education at UND.With this fellowship, he conducted research on alopeciaareata, a scalp condition characterized by patches ofbaldness in affected areas, with Maria Hordinsky, M.D. 76,at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Hordinsky, anative of Drake, ND, is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs.Bohdan Hordinsky.Singh Nets Awards from NIH and NSFBrij Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor ofbiochemistry and molecular biology,Grand Forks, has received a five-year,$1.2 million grant from the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH) to studycalcium's multiple, complex roles inhuman health and disease.Singh's research involves the studyof vital calcium mechanisms in thebody that can, when they don't workproperly, lead to diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's..disease and Sjorgens syndrome, a salivary gland dysfunction.The former NIH researcher has also received a threeyear,$405,000 grant from theNational Science Foundation(NSF) to pursue related research that could define themechanism and regulation of these channels, which maylead to tools that could quickly, accurately andnoninvasively diagnose an individual's chances of gettingcancer and other diseases related to calcium signalingdysfunction."Everything you do requires calcium," says Singh. "Evensomething as simple as lifting a pencil requires a veryspecific calcium balance." If that calcium mechanism getsout of whack, things can go seriously wrong in the body,he says."When the calcium transport channel gets out ofbalance -- and we're not sure why that happens -- then thebody goes into a disease state. That can be Alzheimer's,Parkinson's, heart disease - they're all related to a calciumdeficiency - or cancer, which can result when too muchcalcium is released.""The NIH grant is very prestigious and extremely hardto get," says Gene Homandberg,Ph.D., professor and chairof biochemistry, Grand Forks. Singh's RO1 grant was rankedin the 2.5 percentile, a level that "no one in North Dakotahas ever gotten.""It is almost unheard of " for a researcher to obtainawards from both the NIH and the NSF, Homandberg says."It's a clear testament to the high regard in which Dr.Singh's peers and other NIH and NSF scientists hold hiswork."ND OPPORTUNITIESThis feature offers information for physicians and other health care professionals interested in practice opportunities in NorthDakota. For more information about these listings or loan repayment programs, please contact Mary Amundson, M.A., at701-777-4018 or mamundsn@medicine.nodak.edu.This is a partial list; for the complete list, go to: http://www.ndmedicine.org.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 27

ALUMNI NOTES67Lloyd Everson, M.D. (B.S. Med 67), vice chairman of USOncology, has been appointed by President Bush to theNational Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB). The NCABadvises, consults and makes policy recommendations to theSecretary of Health and Human Services and the Director ofthe National Cancer Institute on issues related to cancercare. He is one of 18 members appointed by the Presidentto serve rotating six-year terms.Everson has served in many roles throughout his career,including the practice of oncology and hematology, cancerresearch, academic and administrative medicine. He wasone of the founders of US Oncology as well as the USOncology Research Network, one of the largest communitybasedresearch organizations in the nation.He earned a B.S. in Chemistry in 1965 and a B.S. inMedicine in 1967 from the University of North Dakota. Hereceived his M.D. degree from Harvard University in 1969,completed his internship and residency at CornellCooperating Hospitals, New York and Memorial Hospitals,and was a senior resident in Medicine in Oncology atMemorial Sloan Kettering.This is an incredible honor and I am very excitedabout the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigiousand influential board, said Everson. In my role as vicechairman of US Oncology, I work with approximately 1,000oncologists across the country and I am inspired by theirinnovation and dedication to advancing the quality of careavailable to cancer patients. I look forward to providing acredible voice for their important work and for theirpatients.87Kirsten (Andresen) Peterson, M.D. 87, a board-certifiedinternist, has joined Altru Health System in Grand Forks.After earning the Doctor of Medicine degree at UND,she completed internal medicine training at GundersenLutheran in La Crosse, WI.Prior to joining Altru in July, she had been on staff atGundersen Clinic in La Crosse.92Rance Hafner, M.D. 92, has beennamed full-time medical director atUnity, a not-for-profit partnership ofhealth care facilities in Green Bay,WI. He will oversee Unitys newresidential hospice facility inLedgeview, WI; construction beganon this facility in June.Unity, dedicated to hospice andpalliative care, was establishedthrough a partnership of Green Bays three not-for-profithospitals: Bellin Health, St. Marys Hospital Medical Centerand St. Vincent Hospital. Its staff provides hospice, palliativecare and grief support in 12 counties in northeast Wisconsin.I have a special affinity for end-of-life care, he said. Ibelieve in the team approach to patient care, working withour nursing staff, social workers, chaplains, grief counselorsand volunteers to deliver the highest quality care possible topatients and their families at such a critical time.Hafner, certified as a palliative care physician by theAmerican Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, is amember of the American Academy of Family Physiciansand the American Academy of Hospice and PalliativeMedicine, among other medical societies.He resides in Green Bay with his wife, Kristin, andsons, Samuel and Max.Milissa McKee, M.D. 92, will be receiving the YoungAlumni Achievement Award at the Sioux Awards Banqueton October 5, 2006. The UND School of Medicine andHealth Sciences will host a reception in her honor in theVennes Atrium on Thursday, October 5, 2006 from 2-3p.m. The public is invited to attend.McKee, originally from Minnesota, graduated from theUND School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the age of19. She completed her general surgery residency at LomaLinda University Medical Center in California and earned amasters degree in public health from Johns HopkinsUniversity School of Medicine. McKee was a fellow inpediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, ChildrensMedical and Surgical Center and University of MarylandMedical Systems.McKee is a member of the American Medical Association,the Candidate Group of the American College of Surgeons,the American Pediatric Surgical Association, and theInternational Pediatric Endosurgery Group. She is boardcertifiedin general surgery and pediatric surgery. She has alsoauthored several research publications and book chapters.McKee currently resides in Branford, CT, where she isan assistant professor of pediatrics and surgery at YaleUniversity School of Medicine. She is an attending surgeonand director of pediatric trauma services at Yale-New HavenChildrens Hospital, director of pediatric minimally invasivesurgery, and surgical co-director of the pediatric intensivecare unit at the hospital.28 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

IN MEMORIAMBenjamin Ginsberg, M.D. (B.S. Med. 47), of St. Petersburg,FL, died June 2, 2006. He was 87.A native of Grand Forks he earned the Bachelor ofScience in Medicine degree at UND in 1947, and went onto earn the Doctor of Medicine degree at Loyola Universityof Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in 1949.The board-certified anesthesiologist was director of theanesthesiology departments at Little Company of MaryHospital in Chicago and Palms of Pasadena Hospital inSouth Pasadena from 1970 to 1988.Edwin Hemness, M.D. (B.S. Med. 51), a retired orthopedicsurgeon, died June 12, 2006, at his home in Clarksdale, MS,after a lengthy illness. He was 82.The Fargo native attended the UND medical school fortwo years prior to enrolling at the University of LouisvilleSchool of Medicine where he earned the M.D. degree. Hetook medical internship at the Puget Sound Naval Hospitalin Bremerton, WA, and took residency training in adultorthopedics at the National Naval Medical Center inBethesda, MD. He also trained at DuPont ChildrensHospital in Wilmington, DE.In the 1960s he practiced orthopedic surgery atPensacola, FL, and Millington, TN, before military servicewith the U.S. Navy in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Hereturned to Millington where he practiced until 1972 whenhe moved to Clarksdale. He retired in 1986.Robert Ivers, M.D. (B.S. Med. 53),former clinical professor of internalmedicine, died July 19, 2006 inFargo. He was 76.A native of Christine, ND, he earnedthe Bachelor of Science in Medicinedegree at the UND School ofMedicine and went on to completethe Doctor of Medicine degree atNorthwestern University School ofMedicine. He took internship training at then-St. LukesHospital in Fargo and practiced general medicine in PelicanRapids, MN, before deciding to pursue training inneurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.After residency he returned to Fargo where he joinedThe Neuropsychiatric Institute in 1961 as the firstneurologist in North Dakota. A board-certified neurologist,he was a member of the medical staffs of Fargo andMoorhead hospitals and consultant to the North DakotaState Hospital in Jamestown.During his career, he served in several leadership rolesincluding president of the First District Medical Society andchair of the North Dakota Developmental DisabilitiesCouncil, the Impaired Physicians Committee of NorthDakota and the board of the former Lutheran Health Systems.William McCullough, M.D. (B.S. Med.50), retired clinical professor ofradiology, Mandan, died June 11,2006, after a short, courageous battlewith cancer. He was 78.A native of Bottineau, he was raisedthere and graduated from theBottineau School of Forestry and laterattended UND where he earned theB.S. Med. degree before going on tocomplete the M.D. degree at the University of Colorado.He took training at the University of Minnesota School ofRadiology in Minneapolis and additional training in surgeryand obstetrics-gynecology at St. Lukes Hospital in Fargo.He practiced in Bottineau for five years before movingto Bismarck where he joined Central Dakota Radiology atSt. Alexius Medical Center. He served as a flight surgeon inthe U.S. Air Force for two years and in the North DakotaNational Guard for 25 years. In 1987, he retired as a FullBird Colonel from the Happy Hooligans. An avidsportsman, he was a life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited.Dr. McCullough was one of our very much lovedfaculty members, said Lonna Augustadt, administrative officer,Southwest Campus of the UND medical school, Bismarck.Susan Stenehjem-Brown (BA 70), clinical instructor ofclinical neuroscience, Fargo, died June 27, 2006. She hadbattled Picks disease and ALS (Lou Gehrigs) disease sinceJune 2005. She was 58.Originally from Williston, ND, Ms. Stenehjem-Brownearned a bachelors degree in social work at UND in 1970and a master of arts degree in counseling and guidancefrom the University of Nevada in Reno in 1972.She served as director of addiction counseling atMemorial Health and Retardation Center in Bismarck. Shewas an addiction counselor at Heartview Foundation andWest Central Human Services Center in Bismarck beforebecoming assistant clinical director at Heartview where sheserved for a time as its only female acting executive director.A pioneer in the addiction counseling profession onnational and state levels, she drafted many of the nationaladdiction counseling licensure regulations and wrote NorthDakotas laws governing her professionNORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 29

PLANNING AHEADA Kaess of GratitudeAN INSTITUTION IS ONLY AS GOODAS ITS FACULTY is a statement DeanH. David Wilson, M.D. uses time andagain. Its a continuum, really, becauseexceptional university programsrequire excellent faculty--whichstimulate student excellence--and sothe cycle continues.Meet Carolyn Kaess, San Diego,CA. Her beloved husband, the lateKarl Kaess, M.D. (B.S. Med. 38), wasa long-time physician who served inthe United States Navy medical corefor 32 years, holding distinguishedpositions as chief of dermatology atnaval hospitals in Camp Pendleton,Chelsea, Newport, Guam andBremerton.Dr. Kaess had a longtimefriendship and admiration for Dr.Harley French, who taught anatomy atthe medical school and served as itsdean for many years. It is in his honorthat Carolyn establishes the Dr. Karland Carolyn Kaess Professorship ofAnatomy for the benefit of the anatomy program at theUND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Theprofessorship will be awarded to an individual who is anoutstanding teacher with great dedication to the students.Named professorships provide a donor the opportunityto create a legacy in honor and memory of a loved one,while assisting the university in building the endowmentfunds to strengthen and grow programs for the future.Blanche E. Abdallah and Carolyn KaessOn behalf of the students, faculty and staff, it is withrespect and gratitude that we thank Mrs. Kaess for herkindness and generosity.For more information on the named endowmentprogram, please contact Blanche E. Abdallah, Director ofDevelopment, 701.777.2004 orbabdallah@medicine.nodak.edu.Endowment funds are invested for growth, and a portion ofthe earned interest is used each year to fund a facultyposition named by the donor:Karl Kaess, M.D., and Carolyn KaessEndowed Professorships - Earnings fund a professorship to recognize afaculty member for quality and dedicated teachingand research (donor may select the department);established with gifts beginning at $300,000.Endowed Chairs - Undeniably the most distinguished position for afaculty member to hold; established with giftsbeginning at $1.5 million.30 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006

PARTING SHOTSM.D. Class of 2010 Arrives on CampusFront row (seated from left): Daniel Morgan, Katrina Gardner, Ashley Hagel, Emily Koeck, Ashley Gorby, Sara Mayer,Amanda Johnson, Stephanie Jellen, Tiffany Weber, Mahale Parker, Allison Rouillard, Benjamin WilkensonSecond row (seated): Kendra Siefken, April Catudio, Rachel Redig, Lacey Sauvageau, Megan Miller, Ana Tobiasz, Jocelyn Mattson,Jessica Lichter, Jennifer Johnson, Erica Martin, Christian Buhr, Ian LalichThird row (seated): Tracey Sollin, Priyanka Singh, Gillian Lavik, Anneel DamieFourth row (two seated, the rest standing): Kyle Hoffert, Jennifer Mullally, Brett Whistler, Miran Blanchard, Jason Halle,T. Joseph Gaddie, Kathryn Kingsley, Stacie Wellman, Rachel Sullivan, Lacey Armstrong, Jonathan Eklof, Matthew McCleod,Jared Darveaux, Nathan Bro, Matt Heffty, Michael Bagan, K.K. MiyagawaBack row (all standing): Evan Kemp, Daniel Gullickson, Jason Halls, Dustin Leigh, Justin LaBlanc,Patrick Stevens, Rodrigo Rios,Kelsey Hoffman, Justin Gorss, Aaron Jones, Josh Eken, Jeff Nelson, Luke Van Alstine, Mark Eaton, Charity Bishop,Lindsay Bogardus, Chad Hanson, Daniel Dixon, Aaron Van NingenSIXTY-TWO NEW FRESHMAN MEDICAL STUDENTS,members of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) class of 2010,began their medical education Aug. 7 at the University ofNorth Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences.The 62 new freshman medical students range in agefrom 21 years to 42 years, with the average age being 24years. Half of the class members are women.These students come to the UND medical school withdegrees in a variety of disciplines including biology,chemistry, anthropology, engineering and global studies."It's always exciting when a new class of medicalstudents arrives on campus," said Judy DeMers, associatedean for student affairs and admissions at the UND medicalschool. "It's a brand new beginning and a whole world isopening up for them that they have never experiencedbefore."Medical students' first week is dedicated to orientation,which includes an introduction to the four-year, patientcentered-learningcurriculum. Special emphasis is placedon the students' new roles as health care professionals andexpectations of them as professionals.The students' orientation week concluded with theM.D. Class of 2010 White Coat Ceremony. During theceremony, students were "cloaked" in white coats, thetraditional garment of the physician, which were donatedby the North Dakota Medical Association. They recited theOath of Hippocrates, an ancient vow to uphold basicprofessional principles.Dr. Robert Beattie, professor and chair of theDepartment of Family and Community Medicine at themedical school, presented the keynote address to thestudents, their families, friends, and faculty and staff.Each student also received the book, "On Doctoring,"edited by Drs. Richard Reynolds and John Stone anddonated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and apin engraved with the words, "Humanism in Medicine,"from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Fall 2006 31

CALENDERSeptember 18:Deans HourSaralynn Mark, M.D., senior medical advisor, Office onWomens Health, Department of Health and HumanServices. Noon - 1 p.m., Reed Keller Auditorium. Open tothe public.North Dakota Women's Health Connection1-5 p.m. at the Alerus Center in Grand ForksThe event, sponsored by the North Dakota Women's HealthCORE located in the UND Department of Family andCommunity Medicine, will address a variety of issuesaffecting women across their lifespans.September 25:Deans HourDonald Hensrud, M.D., Chair, Division of Preventive andOccupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.Noon - 1 p.m., Reed Keller Auditorium. Open to thepublic.October 5:Deans HourDon Vereen, Jr., M.D., MPH, Special Assistant to theDirector, National Institute on Drag Abuse, NationalInstitutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Noon - 1 p.m., ReedKeller Auditorium. Open to the public.October 5:The Sioux Award Banquet,5:30 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. dinner and program, AlerusCenter Ballroom; register online at www.undalumni.org, orcall Barb at (701) 777-4078.October 6:School of Medicine and Health Sciences Open House2 - 5 p.m., Vennes and Fercho Atriums. Open to the public.Class Reunions for the MD Classes of 96, 86 and 76 andthe B.S. Med. Class of 76.5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Alerus Center. Register online atwww.undalumni.org or call Barb at (701) 777-4078.October 7:School of Medicine and Health Sciences Alumni Brunch8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Vennes Atrium. Register online atwww.undalumni.org or call Barb at (701) 777-4078.Homecoming Parade10 a.m., University AvenueFor a complete listing of Homecoming activities, visitwww.undalumni.org or call (701) 777-4078.Reception for Young Alumni award recipientMilissa McKee, M.D.2 - 3 p.m., Vennes Atrium. Open to the public.............................................................................visit our website at WWW.MED.UND.EDU/University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health SciencesThe Nations Leader in Rural Health - Serving North Dakota Since 1905501 North Columbia Road Stop 9037 ● Grand Forks ND ● 58202-9037701-777-2516 www.med.und.eduPeriodical POSTAGE PAIDADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED