December 2024

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!

John S. Rhee, MD, MPH, MBA, Interim Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

"Dear Colleagues,

It has indeed been an eventful period for the PM&R department with many transitions; and all the while, there has been tremendous effort in laying the groundwork for the rebirth of the next great version of this proud department. The present state is a transitory one with our eyes focused on a bright future that is becoming increasingly more visible and tangible as we welcome some of our team members into new leadership roles and await the outcome of the Chair search that is drawing near to conclusion.

We are indebted to our departing colleagues who have contributed so much and deeply to the department, medical school, and health systems.  Their impact will never be forgotten, and they will leave an indelible mark in the storied history of this department.  In the coming weeks we will be formally recognizing Dr. Diane Braza’s remarkable service as Chair of the department over the past 12 years.  This evening event will be held at the Blue Mound Golf & Country Club on December 17^th, with tribute speeches and toasts by our faculty and alumni – it will be a special night!

On behalf of the PM&R department, I wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday season.  We are so blessed to have great colleagues and friends across our health sciences university and health systems.  Thank you to all of you!"

With gratitude and appreciation,

-John S. Rhee, MD, MPH, MBA

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” — Socrates

Congratulations to Dr. Christopher White on his Promotion! 

Dr. Chris White will succeed Dr. Olivia Park as the Bluemound IPR Medical Director. Dr. White will have a transition date of 12/1/2024 to help Dr. Park ensure successful handoff during the month of December. He will then assume the full-time medical director role on 1/2/2025. Dr. White will continue his role as the SCI Fellowship Director. Dr. White has been serving in a full-time capacity at the VA since May 2021. Please be sure to congratulate Dr. White on this exciting promotion!

Dr. Olivia Park's Future Plans

Dr. Olivia Park has announced her plans to step down from MCW and as IPR Medical Director effective 1/2/2025. Dr. Park joined MCW in January 2020. Dr. Park played an instrumental role in the launch of Froedtert Bluemound Rehab Hospital, which opened in the summer of 2022. Dr. Park has been the medical director since the hospital’s inception and was a key leader driving increases in average daily census and referrals. Additionally, under Dr. Park’s leadership, the hospital achieved outstanding trends in key quality metrics such as 30-day readmissions rates, discharge self-care scores, case mix index, and overall patient satisfaction scores. We thank Dr. Park for her contributions to MCW and Froedtert Health and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Dr. Anjum Sayyad's Future Plans 

Dr. Anjum Sayyad shared her plans to resign from her dual assignment with MCW and Froedtert Health, effective 1/2/2025. Dr. Sayyad joined MCW in May 2021 with a primary focus on TBI management and consultation before making the move to IPR full time in 2022. In 2023 Dr. Sayyad accepted the appointment of Associate Chief Medical Office at Froedtert Hospital where she split her time between IPR and hospital administration. Likewise, we thank Dr. Sayyad for her contributions and wish well in the future.

A Farwell to Catherine Yang 

Since joining us in March 2022 as our Administrative Educational Coordinator, Catherine Yang has been an indispensable part of our team. Originally from Wausau, WI, Catherine brought with her extensive experience, having worked for five years as an Assistant/Coordinator at Northcentral Technical College. With over 15 years of administrative experience, primarily in healthcare and education, Catherine has been a true "jack of all trades" – a versatile and knowledgeable asset to our department. Her dedication, expertise, and positive spirit have greatly contributed to the success of our team, and she will undoubtedly be missed by all of us in the PM&R department. While we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her next chapter and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!

LeeAnna Conner to Re-join PM&R Team in January 

We are excited to share that LeeAnna Conner will be re-joining our team in a full time capacity on January 20^th, 2025. LeeAnna’s role will consist of outpatient clinic and consult service coverage. As we get closer to her start date, we will distribute an onboarding itinerary and schedule. LeeAnna is extremely excited to return. Please welcome her back when you have the opportunity!

This year’s MCW Community Giving Campaign to support United Way and UPAF was a success! Our department's generous participation has contributed to PM&R raising a total of $3,080!! 

Also, a special congratulations to the following Price Drawing Winners! 

• Coffee Beanery Basket – Dr. Chris White
• Blakemore Winery Chardonnay Basket – Alan Young
• Ultimate Snack Box – Sarah Golus

AAPM&R Annual Assembly Conference in San Diego

This year's AAPM&R Annual Assembly took place in San Diego California. The annual AAPM&R event is physiatry’s premier educational and networking event. Below are some photos from our very own faculty, residents, staff and medical students who shared their experience.

Drs. Kenneth Lee, Karin Goodfriend, Christopher White and Charlotte Ball at our MCW booth during the AAPM&R Conference.

Drs. Angela Taylor and John McGuire pose for a photo with Research Coordinator II-Sarah Golus.

AAPM&R Annual Assembly Alumni Reception in San Diego

This year’s AAPM&R MCW Annual Alumni Reception was held in San Diego at the Meze Greek Fusion, located in proximity of the San Diego Convention Center where the Annual AAPM&R Assembly took place. The reception had a great turnout with faculty, alumni, residents, and medical students. The alumni reception was an excellent opportunity for those who attended to network, reconnect and engage with other colleagues from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Matt Durand's Future Plans

Matt Durand, PhD will be transitioning from our department to become the Vice Chair of Research in the MCW Department of Anesthesiology as of January 1, 2025. This is high-profile and impactful role for Dr. Durand as he will now have a larger leadership platform to manage a substantial research portfolio. Recently, Dr. Durand was selected as a recipient for the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Service Award for the second year in a row for his contributions to the Research Affairs Committee at MCW. Please be sure to congratulate on Dr. Durand on his award and his next venture here at MCW!

Clinical Researcher II - Jennifer Nguyen, Clinical Researcher I - Gabe Merkow, Research Assistant - Amanda Wietrzny and Postdoctoral Researcher I - Alicen Whitaker-Hilbig, PhD will be following Dr. Matt Durand in relocating to the MCW Department of Anesthesiology. When you see them, please be sure to wish them well on their next endeavor! 

Whitney Morelli, PhD to Assume role as Research Director for the PM&R Department

Alicen Whitaker- Hilbig, PhD Accepted into the TIGRR Workshop 

Alicen Whitaker- Hilbig, PhD 2nd Place Best Poster Award 

Research Attends the Spasticity X Conference in Houston, TX

The first ever Spasticity X conference was hosted in Houston, TX in October! Over 300 spasticity experts, from over 35 counties attended. Our research team participated in a Cryo Workshop, Ultrasound Lunch and Learn, poster presentations, and networking! They even had a little fun checking out the Museum of Illusions. Attendees included Research Coordinators Sarah Golus, Alan Young along with Drs. John McGuire and Angela Taylor. 

Featured Study of the Month 

partnerships between the Rehabilitation Physicians, departments of Neurosurgery, Family Medicine, the Research Department at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana as well as the rehabilitation physicians and trainees based in Accra, Ghana. She spent considerable time collaborating with these local partners to establish definitions for description of injury/mode of injury, and address inconsistencies in assessment techniques. A robust database was built, and her local partners worked to populate the first spinal cord injury data set in Ghana. The data set quickly reached the 200-record target, and the team intends to amend the IRB approval to be allowed to collect additional records. Dr. Nelson-Biersach’s local partners are enthused over the progress of this data set, and the potential multidisciplinary care implications. Despite a population of 33.5 million persons, Ghana has only 7 physicians who have completed or are currently in training in Ghana as PRM providers. All 7 (past and current) physicians received training through the IRF’s partnership with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. Progress is being made in developing a full residency program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Ghana and the data from the current SCI study is expected to contribute to metrics to better understand both the patient population as well as the workforce development needs of the region. The long-term objective for this pilot work is to lead to development of a sustainable registry of Spinal Cord injury for Ghana with eventual expansion to Cameroon, Ethiopia and South Africa. If you wish to learn more about the IRF and its programs or to contribute support the website is www.rehabforum.org. Congratulations Dr. Nelson-Biersach on this groundbreaking work

 Recent Presentations/Publications

Dr. Karin Goodfriend and Dr. Brooke Slavens’ submission "Transdisciplinary Approaches for Preserving Shoulder Health in Children and Adults with Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction" was selected as a podium presentation at the NIH Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource (MR3) Network’s 4th Annual Scientific Retreat, September 19-20, 2024. Congratulations!

Dr. Karin Goodfriend and Dr. Brooke Slavens’ poster “Pain and life satisfaction in adults with spinal cord injury and dysfunction” was presented at the 63rd ISCoS Annual Scientific Meeting, which took place in Antwerp, Belgium, September 22-25, 2024.

Dr. Karin Goodfriend and Dr. Sam Nemanich’s submission “Differences in symmetric and asymmetric bilateral coordination in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy” was selected for a Free Paper Presentation at the AACPDM 78th Annual Meeting at the Quebec City Convention Center, October 23-26, 2024. Congratulations, Dr. Nemanich and Dr. Goodfriend!

Dr. Ragav Sharma was invited to be a Session Director at a symposium “Resistance Exercise: The What, Why, and How to Get Your Patients Training” at AAPM&R in San Diego, CA, November 6-10, 2024. Congratulations, Dr. Sharma!

Dr. Hans Anderson presented his poster “Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Discharge to Acute Care from Inpatient Rehabilitation” at AAPM&R in San Diego, CA, November 6-10, 2024. 

Dr. Ryan Shields presented his poster “An Unusual Pain Management Diagnosis: Incidental discovery of suspected low-grade glioma in a patient presenting with cervicothoracic pain” at ASRA, Las Vegas NV, November 21-23, 2024.

Research Radio

Dr. Matt Durand and Dr. Julie Freed have developed an informational resource in collaboration with the Clinical Mentoring Board (CLiMB) Program, sponsored by the Office of Research at MCW. Their podcast series explores broad research topics to enhance the knowledge of trainees, junior faculty and physician investigators. The program launched summer 2024 and already has three episodes. You can catch the series here: https://infoscope.mcw.edu/research/Research-Resources/Research-Radio.htm

iovera Study Team

The iovera Study Team consists of Research Coordinators Sarah Golus and Alan Young, along with Dr. John McGuire and Dr. Karin Goodfriend. Together, they are exploring the potential of the iovera System, a cutting-edge pain relief treatment that uses extreme cold to temporarily block nerve signals, preventing pain from reaching the brain.

So far the team has successfully enrolled and treated a total of three patients! This marks an exciting first step in evaluating the efficacy of Iovera for managing spasticity, a condition characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, often due to neurological disorders.

The research team is enthusiastic about the future of this treatment and looks forward to expanding the study, with the goal of bringing Iovera to the clinic. This innovative approach has the potential to offer patients a new, non-invasive option for managing spasticity and improving their quality of life.

Congratulations to Dr. Angela Taylor!

Congratulations to our department's spasticity fellow Angela Taylor, DO on passing her boards! She was congraulted with a giant cookie that said " One Smart Cookie". 

Research Celebrates Barbie's 65th Birthday with Krispy Kreme!

Krispy Kreme celebrated Barbie’s 65^th birthday on September 5th, so naturally the research team celebrated with delicious Barbie-themed decorated donuts! 

Therapy Dogs Vist MCW

On September 5th, volunteers with certified therapy dogs from Guardian Angels Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs visited the MCW campus. The event was a big hit, with many people from the MCW community showing up to take a much-needed break from their busy day and spend time with these adorable, anxiety-reducing furry friends. The cuddly cuties brought joy and comfort to everyone who participated, offering a moment of relaxation and stress relief.

Halloween Fun

For the Halloween ocasssion Research Coordinator II Sarah Golus, dresses as Barbie and poses for a photo with Adminstrative Supervisor Monika Szczerba who includes our department Halloween skeleton in the photo. 

Fellows and Residents Attend Cadaver Lab

In October, PM&R residents and fellows had the opportunity to attend a cadaver lab hosted by Ipsen, with Dr. Nicholas Ketchum serving as the instructor. This hands-on session provided valuable learning experiences for the participants, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and skills in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

PM&R Philanthropy Case 

Please contact Meg Bilicki, Senior Director of Development  mbilicki@mcw.edu for more information.

To support Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation click on this link!

Department Mascot's Outfit for this Quarter

In this quarter's newsletter, our beloved department mascot, Randy the Rhino, shares a photo from an exciting ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that he recently returned from. Check out this shot of him catching some jumps on the slopes — proving that even a rhino can have some fun in the snow! 

The answer to the riddle below will be provided in our next newsletter. This riddle is courtesy of Alan Young, Clinical Research Coordinator:

"What asks no questions but must be answered?"

Answer to our last newsletter's riddle: "the man is self employed"

Wellness Feature: Seven Tips for Staying Healthy During the Winter

Drink Water

Winter may be a good time for hot cocoa and cider, but always make water your drink of choice. While hot beverages can be great for warmth, remember to keep it balanced with at least 8 cups of water per day. A glass of water with and between each meal can keep you hydrated, healthy and ready to fight off any germs winter may bring.

Stress Less

Over-the-top holiday excursions can be stressful, which isn't how you should feel in this joyful season. Focus on your holiday traditions — don't worry about the rest. Make time for friends, family and good cheer, and embrace relaxation when you can.

Get Adequate Sleep

Don't neglect the value of sleep. Do all that you can to stick to your typical sleep schedule, even around all the celebrations and traveling. Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, daytime napping and large meals before bed. These factors can interfere with a good night's rest.

Dress Warmly

Remember headwear that fully covers your ears, wear mittens rather than gloves and pull on well-insulated socks when dressing for the weather. Instead of wearing one big coat, dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing. This will better protect you against wind, snow and rain. If your clothes become wet, change them as soon as possible.

Limit Time in the Cold

Pay attention to weather forecasts and windchill readings. Dress accordingly, but also watch for signs of frostbite, such as red or pale skin, prickling and numbness. Seek emergency help right away if you experience any signs of hypothermia, including intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination or fatigue. You can avoid these cold-weather hazards if you take measures to protect yourself against the cold, such as packing an emergency supply kit and warm clothing while traveling.

Exercise

Cold air sometimes can discourage you from keeping up with your fitness routines. It's easy to let these habits slide for the season, but remember that regular activity can keep you healthy, both mentally and physically. Choose an indoor exercise if the temperature is below zero or the windchill is extreme. Workout apps or online exercise programs are great tools to get you moving in the comfort of your home. If you prefer to exercise outside, dress appropriately. Too many layers can make your overheat, so choose layers you can easily remove.

Keep the Germs Away

Three words: Wash your hands. This is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading common winter illnesses, such as colds. Germs accumulate through nearly everything you do or touch, so wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces and rinsing well. Also, get flu and COVID-19 vaccines to avoid being sick during the coldest time of year.

You can find more information on prevention and treatment here.

Featured Healthy Recipe  -  Cranberry, Pomegranate & Brie Bruschetta

Ingredients

•                     3/4 cup fresh or frozen, chopped cranberries, thawed

•                     1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

•                     2 Tablespoons sugar

•                     1 teaspoon orange zest

•                     Dash salt

•                     6 ounces baguette-style French bread, cut diagonally into 16 slices

•                     Cooking spray

•                     1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

•                     1 (6 ounce) log brie cheese, cut diagonally into 16 slices

•                     1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. Combine cranberries, pomegranate seeds, sugar, orange zest, and salt in small bowl. Cover and chill up to 3 days.
2. To serve, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place bread slices in a parchment paper-lined 15X10 inch baking pan. Lightly coat both sides of bread with cooking spray of your choosing, sprinkle with pepper. Bake 8 minutes, turning once. Top with cheese. Bake 4 minutes more or until cheese is softened.
3. Stir basil into cranberry mixture and spoon on top of bruschetta. Serve warm.

*If you would like to share a favorite healthy recipe in next quarter's newsletter please email Rhiannon Shewczyk at Rshewczyk@mcw.edu

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a way to bring advocates across the nation together to end domestic violence. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country will connect with one another in a true sense of unity to end domestic violence for good.

October Month-long Observations:

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Bullying Prevention Month
• Filipino-American Heritage Month
• German-American Heritage Month
• Italian-American Heritage Month
• LGBTQ History Month
• National Work and Family Month
• Polish-American Heritage Month
• Family History Month

Important October DE&I calendar dates:

• October 2 – International Day of Nonviolence
• October 2 – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
• October 3 – Navrati begins (Hindu)
• October 10 – World Mental Health Day
• October 11 – National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
• October 11 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
• October 14 – National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States)
• October 14 – Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
• October 16 – Sukkot (Jewish)
• October 16 – Bosses’ Day
• October 19 – Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying)
• October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
• October 20 – Sikh Holy Day (birth of Guru Granth)
• October 21 – Waste Reduction Week
• October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day
• October 31 – Halloween
• October 31 – Diwali (Hindu)

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Each November is designated National Diabetes Month. It's a time to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans. Here in Kentucky, 1 in 8 adults has diabetes, but many more have it and don't know it.

November Month-long Observations:

• National Guide Dog Month
• Suicide Prevention Month

Important November DE&I calendar dates:

• November 1-2 – Dia de Muertos
• November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Roman Catholic)
• November 1 – National Stress Awareness Day
• November 2 – All Souls' Day
• November 5 – Election Day (USA)
• November 9 – World Freedom Day
• November 9 – World Adoption Day
• November 11 – Remembrance Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day
• November 12 – Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
• November 13 – World Kindness Day
• November 16 – International Day for Tolerance
• November 19 – International Men’s Day
• November 20 – Transgender Day of Remembrance
• November 20 – World Children’s Day (Human Rights, U.N.)
• November 28 – Thanksgiving
• November 25 – Day of the Covenant (Baha’i)
• November 27 – Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)

December is Universal Human Rights Month

Universal Human Rights Month is an annual designation observed in December. This month and every month to follow, people across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. December is a time to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document stating the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. These rights include freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

December Month-long Observations:

• HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

Important December DE&I calendar dates:

• December 1 – World AIDS Day
• December 3 – International Day for People with Disabilities
• December 3 – Giving Tuesday (USA)
• December 5 – International Volunteer Day
• December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (USA)
• December 9 – International Genocide Prevention Day
• December 10 – International Human Rights Day
• December 18 – International Migrants Day
• December 21 – Yule Winter Solstice (Pagan)
• December 25 – Christmas (Christian)
• December 25 - Hanukkah begins at sunset (Jewish)
• December 26 – Kwanzaa week (Celebration of African Customs & Cultures)
• December 26 – Boxing Day
• December 31 – New Year’s Eve
• January 2, 2025 - Hanukkah ends at sunset (Jewish)

COVID-19 Guidelines 

MCW and our affiliate hospital partners are committed to containing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. MCW includes COVID-19 vaccination in our Mandatory Vaccination Program requiring students and learners who participate in clinical care to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption accommodation to be considered compliant. The COVID-19 vaccine requirement has been discontinued for employees effective June 13, 2023, following recent guidance from the CDC and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Learners who participate in clinical care will submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencement of their educational program at MCW or MCWAH (residents). To be compliant, individuals must have received both doses of a two-dose vaccination.

To submit proof of vaccination, please send a picture or screenshot of one of the following documents to IOHCovid@froedtert.com:

• CDC vaccine card
• Epic record
• Wisconsin Immunization Registry record (or other state registry)

MCW continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to protect against COVID-19, but vaccination is not required as a condition of employment with MCW. While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for employees at this time, MCW reserves the right to modify requirements under this program at any time.

Learners who obtain boosters somewhere other than Froedtert IOH should submit their documentation to IOHCovid@froedtert.com with the subject line, “ COVID Vaccine Records.” Additionally, School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy students should upload documentation to CastleBranch, and Graduate School students should email it to Angela Backus.

You can learn more information here.

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