North Dakota Medicine Holiday 2006

HOLIDAY 2006VOLUME 31, NUMBER 5www.ndmedicine.org

The Gift of CaringGrads Provide Excellent Health Care Services Regionwide

Needle in a Haystack

From Tragedyto Triumph

The Gift of Knowledge

SEARCH Party

Three-DimensionalTextbook

Donor Appre

ciation Is

sue

2 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Holiday 2006

WHEN I MOVED TO NORTH DAKOTAnearly twelve years ago from Kentucky,our executive team set out with distinctand immediate goals for the UNDSchool of Medicine and HealthSciences; one can�t help but reflect andmarvel at the end of another successfulyear to appreciate just how far we�vecome together.

From Dreams to RealityOur patient-centered learningcurriculum continues to be a nationalrole model. Mayo Medical School isrevising their curriculum to be like oursand others have taken notice. To be

one of only eightmedical schools inthe entire nationstudied by theCarnegie Foundationas an example of howto educate doctors forthe 21st century isboth an honor andtestament to ourstrong program.

We have beenoutspoken on theimportance ofprofessionalism andoffer one of just a fewcourses oninterprofessionalismin the country; othersare following our lead.

Our Center forRural Health is, nodoubt, one of the bestin the world. Wehave the only RuralAssistance Center inthe nation and over46 projects underway,connecting resourcesand knowledge tostrengthen the healthof people in ruralcommunities.

Progressive research continues in theareas of cancer, diabetes, alcoholism,neurodegenerative disorders, eatingdisorders, drug addiction, andpreventative medicine and behaviors. Iam so very proud of our faculty who

are not only excellent teachers but alsocontribute to new knowledge fortreatment and prevention of diseases.We have increased outside funding forresearch from $4-6 million to $16-25million; attracting excellent faculty andfueling North Dakota�s economy.

Moving ForwardLike most deans across the country, amajor goal of mine for the next fewyears is to raise endowment money forthe school. Our tuition is now at thenational average for public medicalschools and student debt for theincoming class upon graduation willaverage $125,000. We are committedto asking our alumni, friends,foundations and businesses to join us infinancial partnerships. Endowments forprofessorships, chairs, scholarships andtechnology will help us retain andattract outstanding students and facultywhile minimizing tuition increases.

So, where does that leave us? Withour record of success, we continue toset lofty goals and are striving to be thetop community-based school in thecountry. We must assure throughprivate philanthropy that we have theresources to maintain a qualityinstitution and assure future studentsthe outstanding education we continueto deliver. I hope you will join me inthis quest.

Best wishes for a happy, healthyholiday season!

H. David Wilson, M.D. Vice President for Health Affairs andDean

DEAN’S LETTER

NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Holiday 2006 3

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For address corrections:ND Medicine Address Correction UND School of Medicine and Health SciencesOffice of Administration and Finance Attn: Kitty Monley501 North Columbia Rd. Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037e-mail: [email protected]: 701-777-2431

NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE and past issues of THE REVIEW are available at www.ndmedicine.org

FEATURESThe Gift of Caring 4

Many graduates of UND’s health professions programs are drawn topractice in North Dakota; some even return to their hometowns

Needle in a Haystack 10For Gretchen and Mark Noah, the elusive correct diagnosis byProfessor John Martsolf means improved health and a brighter futurefor their son, Markie

From Tragedy to Triumph 12Athletic training students experience continuation of care throughUND Center for Sports Medicine

The Gift of Knowledge 14Unique partnership teams UND basic scientists with MeritCarephysicians in quest to create test for earlier detection of bladder cancer

Three-Dimensional Textbook 16Given for the education of health professionals, the human bodyrepresents a gift to teaching that cannot be duplicated

SEARCH Party 18Center for Rural Health program brings together students andcommunities

DEPARTMENTSGuest Columnist 20Student Profile 22News Briefs 24Alumni Notes 26In Memoriam 28Opportunities 29Parting Shots 30

NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

CHARLES E. KUPCHELLA, President,University of North Dakota

H. DAVID WILSON, Vice President for Health Affairs Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences

WRITERS Pamela Knudson, Amanda ScurryCONTRIBUTORS Blanche Abdallah, Wendy OpsahlGRAPHIC DESIGN John Lee, Victoria SwiftPHOTOGRAPHY Megan Anderson, Chuck Kimmerle,

Pamela Knudson, Wanda WeberCOVER ART Chuck Kimmerle

www.ndmedicine.org

DESIGN Eric WalterCONTENT Amanda Scurry

NORTH 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, Grand Forks, 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 our WEB EXCLUSIVES site:www.ndmedicine.org


Regional and North Dakota communities such as Carrington (above) rely on UND graduates toprovide health care services.


S ARA SOLBERG, M.D. ’00, IS EXUBERANT.She fairly bubbles over when talking about herpractice, her patients and the path which led herto medical school at UND and eventually home

again to Williston. Solberg practices the full range of obstetrics-gynecology

with Beverly Tong, M.D., at Great Plains Women’s HealthCenter. The practice also includes a certified nursemidwife, Kerry Raghib, BSN ’76, and a certified women’shealth nurse practitioner, Sheri Skalsky. Solberg and Tongare faculty members in obstetrics-gynecology with the UNDmedical school.

“We have great patients,” Solberg says, noting thatfrom the moment they opened the doors in 2004, “It waslike ‘boom!’ we had a practice. It’s going well.”

The clinic draws from a wide area spanning easternMontana and Stanley, Crosby, Noonan, Kenmare, WatfordCity and Mandaree, ND, she says. “We have the NewTown IHS (Indian Health Service) contract, so we take careof those patients too.”

A native of Helena, MT, Solberg has lived in Williston“since second grade on,” she says. She graduated highschool there in 1991 and enrolled at Montana StateUniversity where she majored in microbiology.

“I really didn’t make the decision to go to medicalschool ‘til my fourth year of college. I was going to go intoresearch,” she says, probably in a university setting. Aftercollege, she worked for a year teaching chemistry andmicrobiology lab classes at UND-Williston State College.

“Back then I was doing a lot of virology andrecombinant DNA.”

But she thought about the researcher’s life, the constantpressure to secure grant support for one’s work, and thenecessity of living in a metropolitan area.

“I had a change of heart,” she says. “I knew (as aresearcher) I’d be somewhat limited in where I would live.It’s a tough way to make a living.

“I began to think about what I could do with my loveof science and something with more ‘people contact’.”

Medicine fit the bill.She was admitted to the UND medical school where

“the quality of the education was excellent,” she says. “Thebasic sciences as a whole were very good.”

She credits Tom Hutchens, M.D., clinical assistantprofessor of obstetrics-gynecology, Bismarck, and CraigJohnson, M.D., a former faculty member who practiced inBismarck, as influencing her decision to pursue obstetrics-gynecology.

Like most UND medical alumni, upon graduation shereceived one of her top choices in residency training; sheheaded off for four years in Amarillo, TX. But she stayedon the radar screen of Williston physician, Joseph Adducci,M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology, who wasdetermined to convince her to return home.


Sara Solberg, M.D. ’00, enjoys practicing obstetrics and gynecology in her hometown.

“Dr. Adducci started talking to meearly on” in her residency training, sheremembers. Although she and herhusband, Russ, considered other places,they chose to settle in Williston.

Family “had a huge impact on ourdecision” to come back to the area, shesays. She and Russ have a three-year-olddaughter, Emma, and nine-month-oldson, Garrett. Russ farms with his parents,Glenn and Donna Solberg, near Williston.Sara’s parents, Bill and Marilyn Rudoph,also reside in Williston.

They “are a huge help,” she says. “Icouldn’t do it without them.”

Devils Lake is a Grad MagnetFor Derek Wayman, M.D. ’03, a familyphysician with a strong interest inobstetrics and pediatrics, choosing topractice in Devils Lake fit his lifestyleand career goals.

“I enjoy the Midwest and wanted towork in a small town where I canconcentrate on obstetrics,” he says.Since starting his practice this fall atAltru Clinic-Lake Region, “it’s alreadybeen very busy; it’s fun.”

Originally from Montana, Waymanattended the UND medical schoolthrough the Western InterstateCommission for Higher Educationprogram. As a medical student hereceived numerous awards for academicachievement and high potential forsuccess in family medicine.

During his third year of medicalschool, he received training at WestRiver Health Clinics in Hettingerthrough the school’s RuralOpportunities in Medical Education(ROME) program which he saysreinforced his desire to practice familymedicine in a rural community.

He and his wife, Abbey, have twochildren, a son, Bridger, 3, anddaughter, Brooke, five months.

“He’s great!” Elonda Nord, managerof Altru Clinic-Lake Region, says ofWayman. “We’re so happy to have him.He knows his stuff, and people like him.”

Residents of the Devils Lake areaalso benefit from other UND alumniwho have chosen to practice there,Nord says, including physicianassistants Ginger Collins, PA ’00, andJodi Melander, PA ’97, and nursepractitioners Stephanie Zieman, MSN’05, and Amy Cox, MSN ’97.

The medical school “has been verygood for the state,” says Marlene Krein,president and CEO of Mercy Hospital inDevils Lake. “And we always hope wecan have doctors come back andpractice here,” like Wayman; HeidiBittner, M.D. ’91; Richard Johnson,M.D. (B.S. Med. ’72); JamesKlinkenbeard, M.D., and Terry


Klinkenbeard, M.D., both 1988psychiatry program grads, and others.

Since Mercy Hospital is a teachingsite for the medical school, she said,ªHaving the students here, really, it'sbeen a blessing because it keeps ourstaff on their toes. It's good because itprovides an exchange of newknowledge that's being taught and ourcurrent ways of providing care.

ªIt helps us build a newerfoundation,º she says, ªand keeps us onthe cutting edge of health care.º

ªWe've been lucky to recruit`homegrown physicians',º she notes,adding that ªit's just an added bonus Ðthey understand the culture, they knowthe expectations of the patients.º

In addition to medical and mid-level practitioners, hundreds of alliedhealth graduates of UND are providingcare for people around the region, suchas Jennifer Pederson, DPT � 06, who isexcited to be working as a physicaltherapist at Select Therapy in Devils Lake.

ªIt's something different every day,ºshe says. ªThere's always a newchallenge.º

Pederson is the daughter of Rogerand Carol Pederson who farm nearStarkweather where she was born,raised and attended high school. Shestarted out at UND as an accountingmajor, but soon realized this was notthe career for her.

ªI like numbers but I thought, Ì don'tthink I'll be happy with this long-term'.º

After observing a few physicaltherapists around the state, sheswitched to physical therapy and seemsvery pleased that she did.

ªIt's an opportunity to make adifference in these people's lives,º shesays. ªIt's amazing how much theyappreciate what you do for them. Ifyou can make a person feel even 50percent better, you can make a hugedifference in this person's life.

ªThat's what makes it for me!ºThe education she received in

preparation for her career in physicaltherapy was ªtop notch,º Pederson says,noting that all the faculty memberswere excellent. In particular, ReedArgent, MPT �94, of Minot, was

ªspectacular; he's very much aboutquality of care. He probably had thegreatest influence (on me) clinically.º

As a recent graduate, she is also

Derek Wayman, M.D. ’03, began his family medicine practice this summer at Devils Lake.He cares for patients of all ages, but has a special interest in obstetrics and pediatrics.


grateful for the ªstrong networkº offaculty members and classmates.

ªEven out of school, I feel 100percent comfortable to call professorsand say, `Hey, I've got this situation.What do you suggest?'

ªThat's huge for me!º

Enhancing Psychiatric Care for Native AmericansIn Belcourt, much-needed services inmental health care have enhanced thelocal medical community with thedecision by Eric Swensen, M.D. �02, toestablish his medical practice at theQuentin N. Burdick MemorialHealthcare Facility in Belcourt.

Swensen recently completed fouryears of training in psychiatry at theUND medical school's residencyprogram in Fargo. At Belcourt, he ispracticing general psychiatry, providing carefor adults, children and adolescents.

A member of the Aleut Tribe ofAlaska, he was enrolled at the UNDmedical school through its Indian IntoMedicine (INMED) program.

ªThis is more evidence for theUND medical school and the INMEDprogram that the partnership is working,serving North Dakota Indianpopulations especially well,º saidRichard Larson, M.D. �82, actingclinical director at the BurdickHealthcare Facility and clinical assistantprofessor of family and communitymedicine with the medical school.

Garrison and Valley City�s New DocsJon Dornacker, M.D. �02, began hispractice in September at the GarrisonMemorial Hospital and Clinic. Hecompleted family medicine residencytraining at the UND Center for FamilyMedicine-Bismarck in July.

A native of Mayville, he earned theBachelor of Science degree with amajor in biology and chemistry in 1987at Mayville State University. He alsoearned a law degree from the UNDSchool of Law in 1991 and practicedlaw for seven years in Grand Forks,Carrington and Bismarck.

Becoming a physician wassomething ªI have always wanted todo,º he says, so eight years ago heenrolled at the UND medical school.

He chose to pursue training in familymedicine because ªYou're on the frontlines, where you get to see the people,ºhe says. ªYou do a little bit ofeverything, helping infants to the elderly.You're not specialized into one niche.º

“It’s always something different every day,” says Jennifer Pederson, DPT ’06, a physicaltherapist in Devils Lake. “It’s an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”


Dornacker, who has been doinglocum tenens work at Garrison for thepast year got to know the staff at thehospital and found that the ªnurseswere great, the people were great, thetown was great Ð it was just a greatexperience.º

He and his wife, Kristy, have twochildren, Alexander, 8, and Cassandra,6. The family resides in Garrison.

In Valley City, JithenderKandimalla, M.D. (Surgery Residency�06), a recent graduate of the UND'sfive-year general surgery residencyprogram has established his practicewith MeritCare Clinic Valley City.

Kandimalla earned the medicaldegree at Osmania Medical College inHyderabad, India in 1991 and amaster's degree in general surgery fromGhandi Medical College in Hyderabadin 1995. He took advanced training inLiverpool, United Kingdom; Glasgow,Scotland; and the Bronx, NY.

Kandimalla specializes in thesurgical treatment of a wide range ofdiseases and conditions which involvethe breast, stomach, esophagus,pancreas, gall bladder, lower intestines,hernia and abdomen.

His wife, Sridevi Gowravaram,M.D., a pediatrician, also practices atMeritCare Valley City Clinic. They andtheir two sons, Akhil and Praval, residein Valley City.

Essential ElementªWe know that our state's medical

school has made a huge difference onthe impact of our entire system,º saysJim Long, chief executive officer at

West River Health System (WRHS) in Hettinger.

The extraordinary medical center,where 15 physicians practice, hasbenefitted greatly from the infusion ofUND medical grads who years ago builtit into a premiere rural health care facility.

An important teaching site for UNDmedical students, the WRHS maximizesits time with students to begin tointerest them in a possible future careerbased in Hettinger.

ªIt's a good experience for studentsto see us, and consider us in thefuture,º he says.

ªUND is a prime source ofrecruiting for us. It's a prime source forinformation and support through theCenter for Rural Health.º

ªWe give a lot of credit to theexistence of the medical school for oursuccess.º

That success has spurred the WRHSto launch a $7 million building andrenovation project, which is expected toget under way in earnest next spring.

ªThe UND School of Medicine andHealth Sciences and its graduates areimperative to the future of delivery ofhealth care in the state of North Dakota,ºsays Kim Miller, president and CEO ofMercy Hospital in Williston. Peoplewho have grown up here and whoknow the state are more likely topractice here and to stay here. ªIt'sso critical.º

-Pamela D. Knudson

“Its graduates areimperative to the future ofdelivery of health care inthe state of North Dakota,”

Kim Miller, president and CEO of

Mercy Hospital in Williston

The University of North Dakota School of Medicine andHealth Sciences currently provides North Dakota with:

41% of its Physicians

91% of its Physical Therapists

62% of its Occupational Therapists

75% of its Physician Assistants

45% of its Clinical Laboratory Scientists

30% of its Athletic Trainers

88% of its Cytotechnologists


WHEN HER SON, MARKIE, WAS STILLan infant, Gretchen Noah of Fargoknew something was wrong.

ªI have three older children and Iknow what a child does at what stage,ºshe says.

The family consulted physicians inFargo and Rochester, MN.

ªWe went through many eyes, andthey'd say, `he's fine; he's just tiny,'ºshe says. People told her and her

husband MarkNoah, BSPT �87,`you've been toMayo; let it rest.'º

But Gretchencould not beplacated.

ªIt's lonely atundiagnosed. It'sfrustrating.º

Markie was notcorrectly diagnoseduntil John Martsolf,M.D., professor ofpediatrics, GrandForks, recommendedthe child be tested forSmith-Lemli-OpitzSyndrome (SLOS), agenetic disorder thatoccurs in one of40,000-60,000 birthsand results in thebody's inability toproperly metabolizeprecursors ofcholesterol.

In the ten stepsthe body uses toproduce cholesterol,Markie ªdoes thevery last step

wrong,º Gretchen says, sounding everybit as knowledgeable and well-read asthe health professional. Because thebody is missing a specific enzymenecessary in the production of cholesterol,the result ªis toxic to the brainº andleads to various abnormalities.

ªHe had a number of thesymptoms,º she says. ªHe had globaldelays (developmental delays spanningmany areas), a heart condition, apushed-up nose, his thumb and firstfinger are dwarfed... (yet) he's one ofonly 10 percent who does have a regularcholesterol level,º making his a verymild case and therefore difficult to detect.

In the fall 2004, at the age of 11months, Markie was brought by hisfamily to see Martsolf, North Dakota'sonly clinical geneticist, to help unravelthe mystery.

Martsolf recommended the familyseek a second opinion and requestedtests be conducted by laboratoryscientists at Mayo, where Markie'sresults showed slightly elevated levelsof a particular cholesterol precursor thatsuggests the existence of SLOS.

Markie's ªbloodwork was so mildthat they wouldn't positivelyº diagnosethe syndrome, Gretchen says. Thefamily went further to seek advice fromthe Kennedy Krieger Institute at JohnsHopkins University School of Medicinein Baltimore where more elaborate,sensitive tests were conducted.Eventually they were invited to theclinic of Forbes Porter, M.D., Ph.D., aninternationally recognized specialist inthis field at the National Institutes ofHealth in Bethesda, MD, where theSLOS diagnosis was confirmed.

Markie has ªone of the mildestcases (the doctors) have ever seen,ºGretchen says. ªDr. Porter told us itwas à great find' for Dr. Martsolf tohave spotted it, and that even he, Dr.Porter, would have had a tough timeseeing it.º

Needle in

Geneticist Gives Family Answer to Elusive Diagnosis

a Haystack

Professor John Martsolf, M.D., made “a very good call” byrecommending that Markie Noah (left) be tested for a raregenetic disorder, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome.


Generally, ªpediatricians,neurologists and developmentalpediatricians tend not to recognizeSLOS in the mild form,º Forbes says.ªThe mild presentations are the hardestto diagnose since they do not have theclassical appearance, so this was a verygood call by Dr. Martsolf.º

ªChildren with SLOS have autisticfeatures, thus understanding thepathophysiological processes that underlieSLOS could provide insight into a morecommon disorder such as autism,º heexplains. ªIf there is a connectionbetween cholesterol metabolism andautism, understanding thepathophysiological problems in mild casesof SLOS will potentially be very helpful.º

Forbes ªwas just giddy aboutMarkie,º Mark recalls, because his caseªmay help drive the treatment forthousands of kids with autism,º thefocus of a very large, new initiative.Because symptoms of autism and SLOSare similar, there's speculation thatsome children with SLOS may beincorrectly diagnosed as autistic.

Why is it so important to have thecorrect diagnosis in such cases?

According to Martsolf, ªYou can'treally talk to the parents about what toexpect and about the chances that itwould occur again in future childrenuntil you have the right diagnosis.º

ªAs awful as the syndrome is, it's somuch worse to be undiagnosed,ºGretchen says. ªWe slipped throughevery crack... It took a geneticist to say,`yes, he has the almond eye, he has thepincher grip.'º

ªWe're very, very fortunate. WhenMarkie was first diagnosed, he wasseverely delayed. Now everything'sgoing great. He runs, he talks, he's onto four-word sentences ± and we expectgreat things from him.º

ªOur son wouldn't have beendiagnosed (with SLOS) without Dr.Martsolf,º Mark says.

ªI'm so unbelievably grateful thatDr. Martsolf picked it up,º saysGretchen. ªI'm so grateful to him for anumber of things he did right.

ªI'd love for everybody possible toknow that we have an excellentgeneticist!º

-Pamela D. Knudson

The Department of Pediatrics has received a $10,000 grantfrom the Dakota Medical Foundation to conduct aconference on genetics and health care next spring in Fargo.

The grant will be used to organize and present theconference, ªHearing Hoofbeats and Thinking Zebras:Screening, Testing and Management of Children withGenetic Disorders,º set for April 23-24 at the FargoRamada Inn.

Sponsored by the Division of Medical Genetics, part ofthe pediatrics department at the UND medical school, theevent is intended for primary health care providers,especially family physicians, pediatricians, nursepractitioners and physician assistants.

It will focus on North Dakota's newborn screeningprogram as well as the diagnosis, treatment and managementof infants who have been identified as having Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) or other metabolic disorders.

By law, every infant born in North Dakota is screenedfor 37 disorders, some of which ªare difficult to treat and somemust be treated quicklyº to avoid sickness or death of thechild or potentially serious, lifelong consequences, according

to John Martsolf, M.D., professor of pediatrics and directorof the Division of Medical Genetics at the medical school.

ªIt is important that front-line, primary care healthproviders know what to do if they have a patient who'sbeen detected with a disorder from the newborn screen,ºhe said. ªProper emergency management of children withmetabolic disorders is critical.º

Martsolf, North Dakota's only clinical geneticist, saysconference participants will also explore ªhow the state'snewborn screening program is working and how thefollow-up has gone,º he said. The event also will provideªa forum for discussion of the resources available in NorthDakota for these children.º

The title of the conference, ªHearing Hoofbeats andThinking Zebras,º refers to the need for health careproviders, when presented with common signs andsymptoms, to think of the unusual or uncommonpossibilities, Martsolf said.

Pediatrics Department to Host Genetics Conference

With Dr. Martsolf’s (above) help, “Noweverything’s going great” for Markie, saysMarkie’s mother, Gretchen Noah of Fargo

WEB EXCLUSIVE: visitwww.ndmedicine.orgto learn more aboutMarkie Noah

WEB EXCLUSIVE: visit www.ndmedicine.orgfor more information or to register


Tragedy

FEW KNOW OR EVEN THINK ABOUTwhat happens after an athlete is injuredduring a game. No matter the side, thecrowd supplies the requisite applauseas the hobbling competitor is helped tothe sidelines by the athletic trainer.However, the athletic trainer's workdoes not end there. In the weeks, oreven months, ahead, both the athleteand the trainer work hard to get him orher back in the game.

The Division of Sports Medicinewithin the Department of Family andCommunity Medicine at the Universityof North Dakota (UND) School ofMedicine and Health Sciences has beenoffering a Bachelor of Science inAthletic Training degree since 1991.

According to the National AthleticTrainers' Association, certified athletictrainers are health care professionals whospecialize in preventing, recognizing,

Athletic training student Brie-Anne Woitas measures the strength of a patient’s leg using an isokinetic testing machine, one of the manypieces of rehabilitation equipment students become familiar with while doing rotations at the UND Center for Sports Medicine.

Athletic Training Students Experience Continuation of Care through UND Center for Sports Medicine

From

toTriumph


managing and rehabilitating injuriesthat result from physical activity. Aspart of a complete health care team, thecertified athletic trainer works under thedirection of a licensed physician and incooperation with other health careprofessionals, athletics administrators,coaches and parents.

The athletic training degree at UNDis one of just a few in the country to bepart of a medical school and the onlyone in the nation to be in a family andcommunity medicine department.

ªI came to UND because I reallyliked that the program was based at themed school,º said Brie-Anne Woitas, asenior athletic training student whogrew up in Albert Lea, MN.

ªOur connection to the medicalschool is very important,º said StevenWestereng (BSAT �94), director of theDivision of Sports Medicine. ªIt allowsus to truly educate our students as partof the health care team.º

Center for Sports MedicineNot all programs have a sportsmedicine clinic, either. Whererehabilitation experience is limited forstudents in other athletic trainingprograms, UND students do regularrotations at the division's Center forSports Medicine located in the HyslopSports Center on the UND campus.

The Center for Sports Medicine isan outpatient physical therapy clinicproviding comprehensive care for sport,recreational and orthopedic injuries. Thecenter also serves as a teaching facilityfor sports injury care for athletic training,physical therapy and medical students.

Both physical therapists andcertified athletic trainers, Cathy Zieglerand Robin Paine supervise the students.For eight weeks at a time for about fiveshours a week, athletic training studentsshadow physical therapy staff and do

some independent work with thecenter's patients. They also learn abouta variety of assessment andrehabilitation equipment that they willuse in their profession.

ªWorking in the clinic gives usmore in-depth experience,º saidWoitas, who has already been throughseveral clinic rotations. ªIt allows us totake information from the classroomand apply it to real-life situations.º

About 30 percent of the center'spatients are UND athletes, but thecenter also treats referred patients withsport-related or orthopedic injuries fromUND Student Health Services and thegeneral public.

ªWhat students get here that theydon't necessarily get in other schools isan opportunity to treat patients ofdifferent ages,º said Ziegler, whomanages the clinic and has been therefor 15 years. ªBecause we treat thepublic, we have patients as young aseight and patients on Medicare.

ªThat's important, because athletictraining isn't just treating collegeathletes,º she continued. ªThey mightbe working with younger children oreven in an industrial setting.º

From start to finishWhile athletic training students also dorotations with the 21 UND athleticteams, it is at the Center for SportsMedicine where they experience theprocess of recovery. In the clinicstudents are exposed to the rehabilitationprocess from start to completion.

ªIt is important that students spendtime in the clinic because injuryassessment is such a small part of whatthey will be doing,º said Ziegler. ªTherecovery time and what you do to aidand speed the recovery is an importantaspect of what we do.º

ªRehab isn't a cookbook formula,ºsays Westereng. ªSome need to bepushed and others need to be held back.º

ªIt's amazing seeing an athlete returnto the playing field after they experiencea devastating injury,º said Woitas.

-Amanda Scurry

What are athletic trainers?Certified athletic trainers arehealth care professionals whospecialize in preventing,recognizing, managing andrehabilitating injuries thatresult from physical activity.

National Athletic Trainers’ Association

“Rehab isn’t a cookbook formula.Some need to be pushed andothers need to be held back.”

Steven Westereng, director of the UNDDivision of Sports Medicine


Donald Sens, Ph.D., professor ofpathology, has secured a $1.4 milliongrant from the National Institute ofEnvironmental Health to studybladder cancer with MeritCare HealthSystem in Fargo.

PROFESSOR DONALD SENS, PH.D.,and his colleagues are betting that theirstudies will lead them to a new, moresensitive screening test that will revealbladder cancer earlier.

The National Institute ofEnvironmental Health Sciences, adivision of the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH), is backing that bet with a$1.4 million grant to fund a four-yearstudy, conducted in partnership withMeritCare Health System in Fargo.

ªThe short-term goal of the researchis to improve the diagnosis of bladdercancer,º according to Sens, professor ofpathology at the UND School ofMedicine and Health Sciences, GrandForks. ªThe long-term goal is todevelop a rapid, inexpensive and non-invasive screening test for early bladdercancer in the general population.º

The screening test would be a newtool to determine the reoccurrence ofbladder cancer in patients who

The

Seeking a Test for Earlier Detection of Bladder Cancer

Gift of

Knowledge


previously have been diagnosed andtreated for the disease, Sens said.Bladder cancer is the fifth mostcommon cancer in North Dakota.

ªWe want to develop a test that'smore sensitive than what's currentlybeing used,º he said. Such a test ªwillhelp us spot recurrence (of cancer)earlier so it can be successfully treated.Pretty much, with cancer, the smallerthe better.º

The test would detect early bladdercancer by determining the presence orabsence of metallothionein isoform 3(MT-3) in cells from a urine sample,Sens said. The collaborative researchhis team will work on is aimed atdetermining if MT-3 can be used as anearly warning sign, or ªbiomarker,º forthe diagnosis of bladder cancer in newpatients and the reoccurrence ofbladder cancer in patients previouslydiagnosed and treated for the disease.

Those involved in the grant project,titled ªMetallothionein Isoform 3 (MT-3)as Urinary Marker for Bladder Cancer,ºwill investigate the role of arsenic andcadmium, known heavy metalenvironmental pollutants, in causingbladder cancer.

Exposure to arsenic is known toincrease the risk of developing bladdercancer, Sens said. Both arsenic andcadmium are known to increase thelevel of MT-3 in bladder cells. SeemaSomji, Ph.D., a researcher in Sens' lab,has shown that both arsenic andcadmium can cause normal bladdercells to turn into cancer cells in thelaboratory setting.

ªOur goal is to find out howarsenic and cadmium can turn normalcells into bladder cancer cells and therole of MT-3 in this process,º he said.

ªLike many other states, NorthDakota has areas with increased levels ofarsenic and cadmium,º Sens said. ªThisinitiative should lead to earlier detection,screening and understanding of basicbiologic behavior in bladder cancer.º

The grant reflects the recent NIHinitiative to improve human health byincreasing teamwork and partnershipsin the research enterprise, Sens said.The new initiative supports

interdisciplinary, translational researchcollaborations between scientists withbasic and clinical expertise to advanceunderstanding of the causes, preventionand treatment of environmentally-induced human diseases.

ªThe idea is to get the basicscientists and the environmentalscientists working with physicians andother health professionals who dealwith patient cases,º he said. Thefederal government is encouraging aninterdisciplinary approach to researchthat is believed to hold greater promisein unraveling the questions stillposed by diseases.

This is one of the first grantsthat links the UND medicalschool and MeritCare HealthSystem for the purpose ofclinical research at the NIHlevel, he noted. ªThis is really anew collaboration.º

The project requires the activeparticipation and cooperation ofseven key clinical and basicscience researchers at twoindependent institutions.

At the UND medical school,faculty members involved in theproject, in addition to Sens, are:Seema Somji, Ph.D., assistant professor;Mary Ann Sens, M.D., Ph.D., chair andprofessor; Lucy Zheng, M.D., assistantprofessor, and Xu Dong Zhou, M.D.,postdoctoral research fellow, all of theDepartment of Pathology, Grand Forks.

The lead clinical investigator of theresearch is Conrad Toni, M.D., of theDepartment of Urology at MeritCareHealth System and clinical associateprofessor of surgery at the UNDmedical school.

The clinical sample preparation,correlation with pathology specimenand the analysis of the MT-3 in theurine sample are under the direction ofJerry Baldwin, M.D., clinical assistantprofessor of pathology with the UNDmedical school and executive partner ofpathology and laboratories atMeritCare Health System, Fargo.

-Pamela D. Knudson

Xu Dong Zhou, M.D. (left), and Seema Somji,Ph.D., of the Department of Pathology, analyzesamples in the NIH-funded study.


TextbookªTHE PURPOSE OF THE DEEDEDBody Program is to give the opportunityfor people in North Dakota and theregion to begin or to continue theirteaching career after they're gone,º saysEdward Carlson, Ph.D. (Anatomy �70),Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor andchair of anatomy and cell biology, GrandForks. ªThese bodies are teachers.º

Teaching is the only role of thesedeeded bodies, he asserts. ªWe don'tdo medical research on them; we don'tlook at them as experiments orcommodities, but as acting teachers ±three-dimensional textbooks.º

ªBecause they are human, and havea human quality, they are far moreeffective than published texts orsoftware. They are not fabricated (likemanmade teaching devices); they haveemotional, physical and spiritual ties.And every body is a little bit different.º

Anatomy textbooks, Carlson notes,ªpresent the `typical' (physical form)variation that occurs most frequently.By analyzing 15 to 20 bodies, studentscan see the normal range of variation.When you get out of that range, itbecomes `sick.'

ªYou can't get that from a textbook± the pictures always look the same;the textbook can't show youeverything... Students need to see therange of what is normal.º

In addition to medical students,those who benefit from learning fromthe deeded bodies include students inphysical and occupational therapy,nursing, athletic training, psychology,forensic sciences and others.

On occasion, a surgeon may requesttime to come in to study dissection andpractice a particular procedure toenhance their skills or prepare for aspecific operation, Carlson notes.

The extreme care and concernafforded the donor and family has builtthe Deeded Body Program an excellent,widespread reputation that has enduredover the past half-century or more.

ªI really treat these donors like myown family,º says Denelle Kees, medicallaboratory technician, Department ofAnatomy and Cell Biology, GrandForks. ªWe treat them with respect,sensitivity and sympathy. Theyrepresent a great gift to teaching.º

-Pamela D. Knudson

1) Upon a donor's death, families work with funeral homes regarding their loved ones' wishes to leave their body to the UNDmedical school, which requires that the funeral home deliver the body to UND.

2) There is no limit to the geographic location from which donors will be accepted. Deeded bodies have, on occasion, been flownto UND.

3) All bodies used in the education program at UND are cremated at the end of the study. If they wish, families can have acomplete funeral before the donor is received at UND or they may choose to conduct a burial after the cremation occurs. (TheUND medical school hosts an interment ceremony every three years for those who wish to have their cremains interred at theschool's gravesite at Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks. Family and friends are invited to this ceremony which isconducted by a member of the clergy.)

4) Disease does not disqualify a person from the Deeded Body Program (except for individuals who have hepatitis B or C, HIV-AIDSor Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).

5) Bodies could be part of the education program of the medical school for up to three years, and possibly longer.6) UND does not pay for the body; it does, however, slightly subsidize the funeral home's cost of embalming and transportation.

For more information, please contact: Annette Rieder, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 501 N. Columbia Road Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037 or phone: 701-777-2101 or visit www.ndmedicine.org.

For Donors and Families to Consider:

Dimensional

At the UND medical school’sgravestone in Grand Forks, aninterment ceremony is conducted tohonor those who donated their bodiesfor the benefit of education.

Three-


ªTHE DECISION TO DONATE HISbody makes us all proud and, threeyears later, I'm still just as proudtoday,º Kim Polries, Grand Forks, saysabout her father, Robert Miller whopassed away Oct. 11, 2003, at age 69,from complications of diabetes.

A small-grains farmer near Heaton,ND, Miller was hospitalized manytimes in his final months and alwaystook an interest in the UND medicalstudents and residents-in-training whotook care of him in the hospital wherehis daughter visited him daily.

ªHe loved having the students andresidents come in,º she recalls. ªHe'dsay, `They have to learn somewhere...'

ªEvery one who came into theroom, he'd have to ask them wherethey were from and other things... Hewas very much a `people person,' hewas curious about people, and socomfortable around the students.º

Concerning his arrangements withthe medical school's Deeded BodyProgram, he had told his daughter, ªÌfanything happens to me, here are mypapers. Just take me to the medicalschool,'º she remembers.

Because of that decision, ªtherewasn't a lot of stress involvedº in hispassing, Polries says. It ªcompletelyanswered the questions of what Dadwould want us to do at his death.º

She's come to understand howimportant it is for a student to haveªthat opportunity to see how the bodyworks and is put together, and how itfunctions,º she says. It's much betterthan ªlooking at things in a book.º

Throughout their association withthe medical school, ªas a family, we feltour loved one was very respected andvery appreciated by the university,º shesays. They did ªnot look at thesebodies as something disposable, butreally that they are human beings.º

That feeling was reaffirmed at thegraveside ceremony in September 2005

when her father's cremains were interredalong with those of 14 other donors.

ªJust the way they planned it, the waythey handled it, it was very respectful,very dignified,º she says. ªI was justpleased with what I saw myself. Ithought it was very, very nice.º

-Pamela D. Knudson

Kim Polries is “very proud” of her father, Robert Miller (in photo), for his decisionto donate his body to the education program at the UND medical school.

Dad’s Last Wish


MANY NORTH DAKOTA communities are searching for emerginghealth care professionals who have aninterest in practicing in rural areas. Manyhealth profession students are searchingfor practical experience in a clinical setting.

For more than 15 years, theStudent-resident Experiences andRotations in Community Health(SEARCH) program, run out of theUniversity of North Dakota (UND)School of Medicine and HealthScience's Center for Rural Health, hasprovided health profession students anopportunity to spend a month workingin interdisciplinary teams in rural NorthDakota communities.

ªThe medical experiencesreinforced things I learned this year inmedical school,º said second-yearmedical student Anna MarieDePompolo in a letter to the editor ofthe Herald-Press in Harvey at the end ofher SEARCH rotation there thissummer, ªand I had the opportunity tolearn a ton of new things that will aidme as I continue my studies.º

Through a federal grant from theNational Health Service Corps,SEARCH is open to health professionstudents from across the country. Theycome from a variety of programsincluding medicine, nurse practitionerstudies, physician assistant studies,social work, dentistry and, for the firsttime this year, psychology.

Most of the SEARCH rotations aredone over the summer.

ªThis allows the students to keeplearning in a fun environment,º saidMary Amundson (�95), who runs theprogram at the Center for Rural Health.ªNorth Dakota offers a learningexperience other places don't have. Allof our preceptors in all areas are eagerto teach and share with the students.º

Mental HealthThe addition of doctoral-level psychologystudents supplies much-needed mentalhealth expertise into communities.

Holly Dannewitz (�02, �05) is afourth-year doctoral candidate at theUND psychology department andchose to participate in SEARCH to gainmore experience in health psychology.Where most of her clinical work hasbeen in the typical mental healthsetting, she went to Valley CommunityHealth Center in Northwood in hopesof something a little different.

ªI was looking to experience theinterdisciplinary setting,º said Dannewitz,who now works regularly with a widearray of health care professionals fromphysicians to administrators todieticians. ªI also wanted to workwithin a health care setting.º

But small-town residents are skepticalabout utilizing Dannewitz's experience.

ªThey don't want to go tocounseling,º said Roxanne Jonas, M.D.,

Center for Rural Health program brings together students and communities

SEARCH students arestudying to become:

PhysiciansNurses practitionersPhysician assistantsSocial workersDentistsPsychologists


Holly Dannewitz (left), a fourth-year doctoral candidate at the UND psychologydepartment, consults with Family Nurse Practitioner Sheri Krogstad.

“We treat it as a long-termrecruitment tool. If we canshow these students thebenefits of living andpracticing in a ruralcommunity, maybe they willcome back.”

Sharon Ericson, CEOValley Community Health Center,

Northwood

�00, a physician in Northwood. ªTheywant to take a pill for a week and havetheir problems go away.º

So, instead of sitting down one-on-one, Dannewitz is discovering differentways to help people.

Filling the NeedWhile half of the students' time in thecommunity is spent working in a healthcare facility, the other half is dedicatedto a community project.

This project could be anenhancement of a program the healthcare facility is already doing, orsomething completely new. Someexamples include health educationbrochures or audits of patient records.

Sharon Ericson (�73, �80), CEO ofValley Community Health Center inNorthwood remembers previousSEARCH students' projects including adental clinic, a diabetes collaborativeand an end-of-life clinic.

Dannewitz is working with thefacility's weight management program.The program includes experts such asoccupational therapists, dietitians,nurses and licensed practical nurses,but until Dannewitz's arrival, did notinclude mental health representation.

ªThe metal health aspect of weightloss is important,º said Dannewitz, whospends every Wednesday evening withthe weight-management group. ªIt ismore than just physical. It has a lot todo with mental and emotional issues.º

Now Dannewitz will be doingpresentations to the group on issuessurrounding the mental aspects ofweight loss including body image andemotional eating.

ªBut, all the projects are notnecessarily health-related,º explainsAmundson. ªStudents have coachedlittle league teams, volunteered at theBoys and Girls Club and worked atsummer camps.º

Students participating in SEARCHare meant to experience life in thecommunity as a whole.

Two-way StreetNearly 30 communities throughoutNorth Dakota host SEARCH students

including Beulah, Bottineau, Belcourt,Bowman, Carrington, Cavalier,Cooperstown, Crosby, Elgin, Ellendale,Fort Totten, Fort Yates, Grafton, Harvey,Hazen, Hettinger, Linton, Mayville,New Town, Northwood, Oakes, Rolla,Rugby, Stanley, Trenton, Wahpeton,Watford City and Wishek.

SEARCH serves as an opportunityfor these communities to show theadvantages of small-town practice andliving to potential recruits.

ªFrom the second I arrived in Harvey,people opened their homes and hearts tome and went out of their way to includeme in activities,º said DePompolo. ªIhad a good time getting involved withthe community and participating insuch things as the track meets, Relay forLife¼ and the Women's Way booth atthe county fair¼ It was wonderful tosee the talent and community supportbehind these activities.º

As SEARCH is a federal program, italso brings in students from other statesto experience life in rural NorthDakota, expanding a recruitment base.

Ericson has hosted three medicalstudents and the first two psychologystudents in Northwood through SEARCH.

ªWe treat it as a long-termrecruitment tool,º she said. ªIf we canshow these students the benefits of livingand practicing in a rural community,maybe they will come back.º

-Amanda Scurry

WEB EXCLUSIVE:to read SEARCH studentjournal entries, visit:www.ndmedicine.org

910

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54

3By Donald Hensrud, M.D., M.P.H.(’80, B.S. Med. ’82), chair of theDivision of Preventive, Occupationaland Aerospace Medicine and associateprofessor of preventive medicine andnutrition at the Mayo Clinic inRochester, MN.

People gain, on average, just over apound through the holidays. Thisdoesn’t sound like much but this weightgain usually stays and is cumulative.However, it is possible to enjoy theholidays with family and friends whilemaintaining weight - and health. It justtakes a little planning. Here are the TopTen Tips for Maintaining Weight, Health,and Enjoyment During the Holidays:■ Eat something healthy such as apiece of fruit, salad, or some vegetablesbefore going to a party. You’ll havepart of your ‘five-a-day’ goal met andare less likely to overeat later.■ Decide ahead of time what andhow much to eat when going to parties.Don’t hang out by the buffet table allnight. If you’re still hungry after thefirst helping, snack on something healthy.■ Eat breakfast. Studies show eatingbreakfast is associated with a lowerdaily calorie intake and better weightmanagement. It doesn’t have to bemuch; even a couple pieces of fruit (ata whopping 60 calories each!) will helpkeep the engines burning.■ Watch portion size. I know, sameold advice. But it’s true for highenergy-dense foods, not vegetables andfruits (see next item).■ Fill up on the good stuff. Studieshave shown that consuming largeamounts of vegetables and fruits canlead to a lower calorie intake.■ Go for quality instead of quantity.Instead of indulging in a bowl full ofM&M’s, have a small piece of the bestgourmet dark chocolate you can find.■ Don’t be too strict. Too muchrestraint can lead to binging. Allowyourself that special treat – just keepthe big picture in mind.■ Stay active with exercise andincrease daily activity. We’re all busy -it’s not lack of time, it’s lack ofpriorities. By going for a walk afterlunch, parking farther away whilerunning errands, and making other


GUEST AUTHOR

Healthy Holiday Tips

Hensrud performed cooking demonstrations during grand opening events at thenew UND Student Wellness Center. He served as editor in chief for “MayoClinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody,” a comprehensive and sensible approach toeating healthy, “The Mayo Clinic Plan – 10 Essential Steps to a Better Body andHealthier Life,” and the award-winning “The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook.” Healso was instrumental in developing the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Food Pyramid.

Recipe:


21

The mix of gourmet salad greens called mesclun may include oakleaf lettuce, arugula (rocket), frisee, mizuna, mache, radicchio, and sorrel.Here it is brightened with the red flesh of blood oranges.Serves 6

2 small blood oranges or other oranges1 tablespoon rice vinegar½ teaspoon Dijon mustard1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper6 cups (6 oz/185 g) mesclun or mixed young salad greens4 red radishes, trimmed and very thinly sliced½ small avocado, peeled and thinly sliced2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

Working with 1 orange at a time, cut a thin slice off the top and bottom,exposing the flesh. Stand the orange upright and, using a sharp knife,thickly cut off the peel, following the contour of the fruit and removing allthe white pith and membrane. Holding the orange over a small bowl,carefully cut along both sides of each section to free it from the membrane.As you work, discard any seeds and let the sections and any juice fall in thebowl. Repeat with the second orange. When both oranges are sectioned,squeeze the membranes into the bowl to extract all of the juice.

To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoonsof the captured blood orange juice, the vinegar, and the mustard. Whilewhisking, slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream until emulsified. Whiskin the salt and pepper. Reserve any remaining orange juice for another use.

In a large bowl, combine the mesclun, radishes, and orange sections.Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to mix well and coat evenly.

To serve, divide the salad among individual plates. Top each portionwith slices of avocado and sprinkle with the cheese.Per Serving: 105 calories, 3 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates, 5 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 g monounsaturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.

‘excuses’ to take the long way around,you can burn even more calories thanin an exercise session.

And the number 1 tip is: Have fun.If you’ve followed the first 9, you’rehome free. There isn’t any magic when itcomes to weight management – calories

in versus calories out determinesweight. But planning in a number oflittle areas can add up to a big differencein weight, health, and feeling a wholelot better while enjoying the holidays.

From The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook

Recipes by Cheryl Forberg R.D. &Maureen Callahan, R.D.

Photography by Sheri Giblin

Copyright © 2004 Weldon Owen Inc.and Mayo Foundation

Mesclun Salad with Radishes, Avocado and Blood Oranges


The friendship of David Monson of Osnabrock, ND, and Lei Ding, a graduate student from China, began in an Internet chat roomdedicated to the discussion of science. He encouraged her interest in UND, his alma mater.

STUDENT PROFILE

THEY LIVED WORLDS APART - SHEin China, he in North Dakota. Shewanted to improve her spoken English,come to America and study science.He wanted to help her realize her dream.

From him, she heard stories of �ice��fishing� (she pronounces as two separate

words) and says, �� hockey� was a wordI didn�t know before meeting him.�

Lei Ding of Jinan, China, and DavidMonson (BS � 72, MEd � 83) in Osnabrock,ND, met in an Internet chat room onbiology several years ago. They sharedmuch about their interest in science

Online Friendship Leads Chinese Student to UND

Realizinga Dream


and their respective cultures. It wasgood to practice her English with him,she says, because he speaks clearly andnot too fast. Their friendship grew.

She mentioned she was thinkingabout attending a school in theMidwest, �not a well-known one, likeHarvard.� They were both stunnedwhen she said she was planning toattend UND and he told her that schoolis his alma mater and he lives not farfrom it.

�� What are the odds?�� sheremembers him repeatedly saying.

He says, �Of the billions of peoplein the world, the odds are phenomenal�that he�d connect with someone aimingto attend UND.

In 2001 when more than 50 percentof Chinese student applications werebeing rejected (probably due to 9-11,she says), Ding became very frustrated.

�I had applied for my visa fourtimes!� she said. �Mr. Monson offeredto write letters� to officials on herbehalf, but she decided to try again onher own. She finally obtained her visaand arrived in the United States in thesummer of 2002.

�Our first stop was Cabela�s (localsporting goods store),� she says ofDavid and Mary Monson who, withtheir three sons have taken her in,almost as one of their own.

�I have learned a lot from them,�says Ding who�s been included in thefamily�s holiday celebrations andadventures for fishing and sightseeingthroughout the area. �They want me toknow about American culture.�

Her gratitude shines through as sherecalls Monson telling her, �Just think ofMary and I as your American parents.�

Her �American father� maintains ademanding schedule as a teacher andsuperintendent of the Edinburg SchoolSystem, a farmer and state legislatorwho has represented District 10 inconsecutive terms since 1992. He isthe assistant majority leader in theNorth Dakota House.

Monson and his wife haveencouraged other foreign students, fromJapan and Thailand, in the past. �It�sfun learning something about their

cultures,� he says, �and we�ve tried toteach them about ours.�

They get together with theirChinese friend regularly and �we wantto show Lei more of North Dakota, takeher around the state.�

He believes she will excel in thefield of science, noting that she �has fitin very well with everyone at UND; sheloves the culture and is so eager to learn.She is so dedicated to her studies and toscience, here and in the world.

�She has the ability, intelligenceand drive - she can do about anythingshe wants to.�

Ding is working toward herdoctoral degree in the lab of GeneHomandberg, Ph.D., professor andchair of biochemistry and molecularbiology, Grand Forks. He too is gratefulto Monson who helped him obtain cowcartilage for his research related toosteoarthritis.

She plans to complete her doctoratein August 2007 and then go on forpostgraduate studies, probably at anotheruniversity in the United States. But sheis firm about staying in the Midwest,�because the people are so friendly�.

-Pamela D. Knudson

Lei Ding, who shares her research experience with her “American father,” David Monson,is working on her graduate degree in the laboratory of Gene Homandberg, Ph.D.


NEWS BRIEFS

H. David Wilson, M.D., dean of the University of NorthDakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences,was elected �chair-elect� of the Council of Deans at theAssociation of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) annualmeeting Oct. 30.

The first North Dakota dean to hold such a high officein the AAMC, Wilson will assume duties as chair of theCouncil of Deans next fall.

The AAMC Council of Deans represents the deans fromall 125 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medicalschools. The group identifies issues affecting academicmedicine and develops strategies to achieve the variousmissions of medical schools.

�The AAMC Council of Deans is instrumental inguiding the association�s efforts toward excellence inmedical education, research and patient care,� said Dr.Darrell Kirch, AAMC president. �He is a wise andexperienced leader, and we at the AAMC, as well as hiscolleagues across the country, look forward to DavidWilson�s leadership on the Executive Council next year.�

�This is a terrific honor for Dean Wilson and for theUniversity of North Dakota,� said UND President CharlesKupchella. �To be named � Dean of Deans� by the deans isclearly no small matter. It surely shows that he is highlyrespected as a leading figure in American medicaleducation. We�re lucky to have him.�

This is not Wilson�s first service in national medicalassociations. He was elected to the AAMC ExecutiveCouncil in 2004 and has served as chair of the AAMCSection on Community-Based Deans since 2002.

From 2001-2004 Wilson was an elected member of theAmerican Medical Association�s Council on MedicalEducation and served as a member of the LiaisonCommittee on Medical Education, the 17-member

committee that is authorized by the U.S. Department ofEducation to accredit all U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Wilson grew up in Johnston City, Ill. He graduatedfrom Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. before goingon to medical school at St. Louis University School ofMedicine. He spent 22 years at the University of KentuckyCollege of Medicine in Lexington and was serving as fullprofessor and associate dean for academic affairs when heleft to join the UND in 1995.

The AAMC is a nonprofit association representing all125 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medicalschools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and healthsystems, including 68 Department of Veterans Affairsmedical centers; and 96 academic and scientific societies.Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMCrepresents 109,000 faculty members, 67,000 medicalstudents, and 104,000 resident physicians.

Wilson to be “Dean of Deans”

New Program Gives Communities a VOICEA new program through the Center for Rural Health at theUND School of Medicine and Health Sciences will giverural communities a voice in their futures.

The Center for Rural Health received an $80,000 grantfrom the Otto Bremer Foundation to implement the new,two-year Vision, Opportunity and Inspiration through CivicEngagement (VOICE) program, to draw rural communitiestogether to build healthier communities.

UND is the only community medical school to participatein an American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)initiative looking at how professionalism is addressed in themedical curriculum.

One of only 12 U.S. and Canadian medical schoolschosen to participate in this project, UND played host toAAMC Robert G. Petersdorf Scholar Linda Blank in August.Blank is writing a report titled �Leadership and Transformingthe Culture and Environment to Educate for MedicalProfessionalism.�

�The senior staff at AAMC chose UND for the studybecause it already has professionalism programs in place,�said Blank during her visit. �The leadership is transformingand sustaining a professional culture here.�

Blank also cited a few of her observations including theNorth Dakota work ethic, the success of the school�spatient-centered learning curriculum, the large group ofvolunteer faculty and the school�s extraordinarycommitment to education.

UND Part of AAMC Professionalism Initiative


NEWS BRIEFS

ROME Gets Students to Choose Primary CareA study, conducted at the UND School of Medicine andHealth Sciences and published in the July 2006 issue ofAcademic Medicine, the Journal of the Association ofAmerican Medical Colleges, showed that UND medicalstudents who participated in the Rural Opportunities inMedical Education (ROME) program performed about thesame as their classmates on national board examinations.

As a group, ROME students appeared to have a bettergrasp of patient care compared to students who wereeducated in the urban hospital-based program.

After earning their medical degrees, a total of 62percent of the ROME graduates selected primary careresidencies for further training, compared to 36 percent oftraditional program graduates.

Federal Health Advisory Committee Visits RegionThe Center for Rural Health at the UND School of Medicineand Health Sciences hosted members of the NationalAdvisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services,which advises the Secretary of the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services.

During the meetings in Grand Forks, Devils Lake andCando, the committee gathered information on rural issuesinvolving substance abuse, Medicare Advantage and Headstartprograms to include in their annual report to the Secretary.

Brown-Borg Named Gerontological Society of America Fellow

Holly Brown-Borg, Ph.D., a facultymember at the UND School ofMedicine and Health Sciences, hasbeen awarded the status of fellow inthe Gerontological Society of America(GSA).

The GSA Fellows represent thehighest class of membership and arerecognized by their peers foroutstanding contributions to the field

of gerontology, the branch of science that deals with agingand the special problems of aged persons.

A Grand Forks team comprised of physicians, medicalstudents, dieticians, nurses, teachers, college and highschool students traveled to Honduras in July on a missiontrip for the purpose of delivering medical care, teaching,construction and Christian education. For several members,this is their second or third trip. The medical teammembers included UND medical students: Nancy Longfors,Kris French, Rebecca Rameden and Heidi Jordheim. RaNaeDoll, M.D., �96 (clinical assistant professor) and Jon Allen,M.D., �84 (associate professor of internal medicine), led themedical component. Dieticians Brenna Kerr (UND) andMarla Love (The Kidney and Hypertension Center), dieteticsstudent Lindsey French (UND) and Stephanie Olson, RN(Altru) provided support for the medical team. TeachersLynn Christianson (Mohall, ND), Julie Larson (Thompson,ND), and Jodi Larson (Twin Cities) assisted Honduranteachers in a remote kindergarten and students KatherineAllen (Concordia) and Kristen Allen (Red River HS)provided medical and teaching assistance. All teammembers participated in construction and nutritionprograms. The team is just one of many teams from GrandForks traveling to El Triunfo, Honduras. Past teams haveincluded several medical students from UND and WarrenJensen, M.D., (B.S. Med. �80), clinical associate professor offamily and community medicine, and Lucia Romuld (EERC).

Rural Assistance Center Announces New State Information ResourceThe Rural Assistance Center (RAC), a national resource forrural health and human services information, has launchedState Resources on its Web site, allowing easy access tocontinuously updated demographics and statistics,documents and resources, contacts and success stories forall 50 states.

The new State Resources features an overview of eachstate and its rural health and human services environment.

$1 Million Addition Expands Neuroscience Research FacilityConstruction has begun on a $1 million addition to theNeuroscience Research Facility at the UND School ofMedicine and Health Sciences.

The new building will add 2,200 square feet oflaboratory space to the research facility at Hamlin and FifthAvenue North, just west of the medical school on the UNDcampus. When the addition is completed, the entireNeuroscience Research Facility will include 17,000 squarefeet of space.

Funding for the structure came from the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, which providedan initial $3 million for the original building three years ago.Senator Byron Dorgan was most helpful in securing thisoutstanding research facility.

Medical Mission to Honduras

WEB EXCLUSIVE:Visit www.ndmedicine.org to read the study

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Visit www.ndmedicine.orgto access the RAC State Resources Web site


ALUMNI NOTES

Kevin Longie, M.D. � 05 and Kelly Longie, M.D. �05,second-year residents in the UND family medicine programat Bismarck, were recognized during the annual Doctors�Day �Best of the Best Awards� event this spring at St.Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. The twins received the�Most Helpful Residents� award, given to physicians who�have gone above and beyond� during the previous year.

Candelaria Martin, M.D. �04, third-year resident at theUND Center for Family Medicine, Minot, received theAmerican Academy of Family Physicians/Bristol MyersSquibb Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education.Award recipients represent the most outstanding familymedicine residents in the country. Their performance inresidency training has proven to be the finest and brightestamong a large group of highly qualified applicants.

Audrey Kost, PA-C �03, was recognized as the �OutstandingVA Healthcare Provider of the Year� for 2006 by theDepartment of South Dakota Disabled American Veterans.Kost works at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

NEWS BRIEFS

WEB EXCLUSIVE:Visit: www.ndmedicine.org for a completelist of communities who received an AED.

North Dakota Students Show Interest inHealth Care FieldsHigh school students in North Dakota are very interested inpursuing careers in the health care field, according to astudy by the Center for Rural Health at the UND School ofMedicine and Health Sciences.

Nearly 40 percent of North Dakota high school studentsindicated an interest in health care in a survey done in 25schools throughout the state. Of those interested in healthcare, top career picks were to become a nurse, physician orphysical therapist.

The survey was done as part of the North DakotaNursing Needs Study, an ongoing project at the Center forRural Health, funded by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

Markland Achieves Distinguished StatusMary Markland, Southeast Clinical Campus librarian, Fargo,has been awarded membership in the Academy of HealthInformation Professionals at the Distinguished Memberlevel. The academy is a peer-reviewed professionaldevelopment and career recognition-credentialing programof the Medical Library Association. Distinguished Memberstatus is the highest level of recognition in the Academy.

Markland was also recently elected chair-elect of theMidwest Chapter of the Medical Library Association.

Dickson Receives National Service AwardLynette Dickson, project director atthe UND School of Medicine andHealth Sciences� Center for RuralHealth, received the DistinguishedService Award at the annual NationalOrganization of State Offices of RuralHealth (NOSORH) meeting recently.

Dickson received the award formaking outstanding contributions toNOSORH and for being actively

involved in the state office of rural health. She was also re-elected as treasurer to the Board of Directors for theorganization. North Dakota Communities Receive AEDs

Just over 100 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) havebeen purchased by the Center for Rural Health (CRH) at theUND School of Medicine and Health Sciences anddistributed to 78 North Dakota communities.

In the past four years, CRH has placed 550 AEDs inapproximately 275 rural North Dakota communities.Through this Rural Access to Emergency Devices GrantProgram, funded by the federal Department of Health andHuman Services, every county in the state has at least one AED.

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ALUMNI NOTES

Heidi Philpot, M.D. �03, joined the faculty at Altru�s FamilyMedicine Residency in Grand Forks, ND. She completedher residency at the same facility and is now one of sixfaculty physicians and 18 resident-doctors available topatients. Philpot was recently awarded the WilliamBuckingham Outstanding Resident Award, sponsored by theNorth Dakota Academy of Family Physicians.

Robin Hape, M.D. �02, a fifth-year resident in the UNDSchool of Medicine and Health Sciences� surgery residencyprogram, Grand Forks, received a travel grant to attend anational meeting on the treatment of gastrointestinalcancers. The grant supported his participation in the FifthAnnual Symposium on Gastrointestinal Cancers: IntegratingRecent Advances into Clinical Practice, sponsored by theAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, inOctober in St. Louis, MO.

Clayton Fetsch, M.D. �01, began his practice at St. LukeHospital in Hillsboro, KS. He is trained in general surgerybut has a special interest in laparoscopic procedures. Fetschcompleted his surgical residency and internship at theUniversity of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita.

David Burt, M.D. �99, has joined the School of Medicine atthe University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, as anassistant professor. He is working as an attending physicianin the emergency department and is engaged in teaching,research and administration. His area of special interest iscardiovascular emergency medicine, particularly thetreatment of acute MI (myocardial infarction). Aftergraduating medical school at UND, Burt served as avolunteer physician in Guatemala, completed residencytraining in emergency medicine at Butterworth Hospital inGrand Rapids, MI, and was the nation's first graduate fromthe University of Virginia's unique fellowship incardiovascular emergency medicine.

Christa Andrews-Fike, M.D. �96, joined ThedaCarePhysicians-Shawano in Green Bay, WI. Andrews-Fike iscertified in family medicine, advanced trauma, life support,advanced cardiac life support, neonatal and pediatricadvanced life support. She completed her residency at theUniversity of Tennessee Department of Family Medicine,where she was the chief resident. She is a member of theAmerican Academy of Family Physicians and the AmericanMedical Association.

Kent Diehl, M.D. �93, has joined the Kidder CountyPrimary Health Care Corporation in Steele, ND, as aprimary care physician. He completed his residency inBismarck at the UND Family Practice Center.

Andrew McLean, M.D. �87, is the new medical director ofNorth Dakota�s state mental hospital in Jamestown. Hewill continue to hold his position as medical director of theSoutheast Human Service Center in Fargo while serving inhis new job in Jamestown. McLean also serves as a clinicalprofessor of clinical neuroscience for the medical school.

Timothy Henry, M.D. (B.S. Med. �80), of Wayzata, MN,received an Innovator Award from the American College ofCardiology, Minnesota Chapter. Henry has been a pioneerin organizing innovative strategies to treat acute myocardialinfarction in community hospitals. He established a levelone heart attack program for Abbott Northwestern Hospitalwith the results cited by hospitals around the world as theyseek to replicate what he has done. He also has been aleader in understanding how to reduce door-to-balloontimes for patients suffering from heart attacks.

Mark Wiest, M.D. �77, has been named medicalmanagement executive for CIGNA HealthCare. Based inGreen Bay, WI, Wiest is the medical lead for CIGNA�shealth benefits plans throughout the region, includinghealth advocacy, disease management and medicalmanagement. Wiest joined CIGNA from Prevue HealthServices in Green Bay, WI, where he served as senior vicepresident and chief medical officer since 2003. Previouslyhe was medical director for CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona.He has a master�s degree in administrative and preventivemedicine from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Glenn Thoreson, M.D. (B.S. Med �64), of Mayville, ND,received the Community and Professional Services Awardfrom the North Dakota Medical Association. Having spentover 35 years as a family physician, Thoreson is retired andworks part-time with a clinic in Valley City, ND.

Patrick Kavaney, M.D. (B.S. Med. �63), joined NorthCountry Urology, a new service opened by North CountryHealth Services in Bemidji, MN. Kavaney completed hisdegree at Northwestern Medical School, an internship atDenver General Hospital, a general surgery residency at theUniversity of Minnesota and a urology residency at StanfordUniversity. Prior to joining North Country Urology, heworked as a urologist at MeritCare Clinic-Bemidji.

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IN MEMORIAM

David Richter, M.D. (B.S. Med. �50), of Virginia, MN, diedSept. 3, 2006.

After earning the Bachelor of Science in Medicine (B.S.Med.) degree at the UND medical school, he went on toearn the Doctor of Medicine degree at the University ofIllinois-Chicago Health Sciences Center. He practicedinternal medicine.

Dennis Trzpuc, M.D. (B.S. Med. �66),died April 12, 2006 in Minot.

A native of Edgeley, ND, hegraduated from Wilton (ND) HighSchool and earned the Bachelor ofArts degree from Dickinson StateUniversity in 1964. He received theB.S. Med. degree at UND in 1966and went on to complete the Doctorof Medicine degree at Wayne State

University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. He tookinternship training at then-St. Luke�s Hospital in Fargo from1968 to 1969.

Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, from whichhe was honorably discharged as a captain in 1971, he tookdiagnostic radiology residency training at Indiana University

Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. He completed thattraining in 1974 and moved to Minot. He became board-certified in radiology.

A former staff member of St. Joseph�s Hospital andTrinity Medical Center in Minot, he was an affiliatedmember of Medical Arts Clinic where he had served aschairman of the radiology department from 1985 to 1993.He was on staff at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck,Mercy Medical Center in Williston and several othercommunity hospitals in North Dakota, and was a memberof the North Dakota College of Radiology, for which heserved as president.

At the time of his death, he was self-employed, doinglocum tenens practice at the Quentin M. BurdickHealthcare Facility in Belcourt, ND; Heart of AmericaMedical Center in Rugby, Mercy Hospital in Devils Lakeand Fairlight Medical Imaging in Williston.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, Minot, and children:Shelley (Hani) Trzpuc, M.D. �00, Franklin, TN; TrentTrzpuc, M.D. �00, Milwaukee, WI; Blake Trzpuc (BS �99),Plymouth, MN, and Shane (Michelle) Barber, Minot. Hewas preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Angela(Weinmann) Trzpuc, and first wife, Patty.

The Government Documents Roundtable of the North DakotaLibrary Association has named North Dakota, Heal Thyself, byJohn W. Vennes and Patrick A. McGuire and issued by theUniversity of North Dakota School of Medicine and HealthSciences Press, as the most Notable Document published inNorth Dakota during 2005-2006.

Order your copy today! Holiday Sale = $38.04 (price includes tax and shipping)

Order online at www.med.und.edu/alumni, call Wendy at(701) 777-2003, or fill out the information below and returnwith your payment to:

UND School of Medicine and Health SciencesOffice of Advancement and Alumni Relations501 North Columbia Road Stop 9037Grand Forks, ND 58202

Name: ________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City/State/Zip: _________________________________________

Phone/Email: __________________________________________

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Expiration date: __________ V-code (3 digits on back of card): _________


ND OPPORTUNITIES

NORTH DAKOTA FOCUS ONPROVIDERS

The following is a listing ofcommunities in North Dakotawith current openings for allspecialties. Please contact thesite directly or MaryAmundson, M.A., at the Centerfor Rural Health, UND Schoolof Medicine and HealthSciences for more informationabout these opportunities at(701) 777-4018 [email protected].

BelcourtQuentin N. Burdick MemorialHospitalVina Bohling, IHS Recruiter,(605) [email protected] LaVerne Parker, [email protected]

Family medicine

BottineauSt. Andrew’s Health CenterJodi Atkinson, CEO(701) [email protected]

Family medicine,Registered nurses

CandoTowner County Medical CenterTim Kennedy, administrator,(701) 968-4411,[email protected]

Family medicine

CarringtonCarrington Health CenterSarah Aberle, (701) [email protected]

Nurse practitioners, physicianassistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist

CavalierAltru Cavalier ClinicJean Keller, Recruiter, (701) 780-6000, [email protected]

Family medicine

Pembina County MemorialHospitalK S Sumra, M.D., (701) 265-8461,[email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine, general surgeon

CrosbyCrosby ClinicKeith Baker, manager(701) 965-6349,[email protected]

Family medicine

DickinsonDickinson Clinic / MedcenterOneRod Mitzel, (800) 695-7245,[email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery

ElginJacobson Memorial HospitalDoug Wamack, administrator,(701) 584-2792,[email protected]

Family medicine, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses,clinical laboratory science (MT)

Fort YatesFort Yates Indian HospitalVina Bohling, IHS Recruiter,(605) 226-7581,[email protected]

Family Medicine

HazenHazen Family ClinicDennis Goebel, Administrator,(701) 463-6505,[email protected]

Family medicine or internal medicine

KenmareKenmare Community HospitalShawn Smothers(701) 385-4296,[email protected]

Family medicine or internal medicine, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse

LisbonFamily Medical Clinic, PCLynn Otterson, manager, (701)683-4711, [email protected]

Family medicine

OakesSoutheast Medical CenterTheresa Kelly, administrator,(701) 742-4113,[email protected]

Family medicine or internal medicine

RollaRolla ClinicJune Banse, manager, (701) 477-3111,[email protected]

Family medicine with obstetrics

Presentation Medical CenterKimber Wraalstad, CEO(701) 477-3161,[email protected]

Internal medicine, registered nurse - ER/OR, speech pathology

RugbyJohnson Clinic, PCBonnie Mattern, administrator,(701) 776-5235 ext. 407,[email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics

Heart of America Medical CenterSandy Hageness, ExecutiveAssistant,(701) 776-5455 ext. 2218,[email protected]

Family medicine with obstetrics

StanleyStanley Community HospitalMitch Leupp, Administrator,(701) 628-2442,[email protected]

Family medicine, registered nurse

TiogaTioga Medical CenterRandall Pederson, CEO, (701)664-3305, [email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse

Valley City:MeritCare Health SystemJill Gilleshammer, PhysicianRecruiter, (701) 280-4851,[email protected]

OR

MeritCare Valley CityLinda Lane or Brad BraunagelMD, (701) 845-6000,[email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine

Dakota Clinic/Valley CityConnie C. Long, Director ofPhysician Recruitment (800)882-7310 or (701) 364-6141,[email protected]: (701) 364-8181, #1273

Family Practice

Wahpeton:MeritCare Health SystemJill Gilleshammer, PhysicianRecruiter, (701) 280-4851,[email protected]

Family medicine, surgery

Dakota Clinic/WahpetonFamily medicine or internal medicine

Watford CityMcKenzie County HealthcareSystemsKris Pacheco, administrator,(701) 842-3000,[email protected]

Family Practice physician

WillistonMercy Medical CenterJanice Arnson, (701) 774-4788,[email protected]

Family medicine, internal medicine, general surgeons, pediatrics, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, clinical laboratory science, x-ray technician, orthopedic surgeons

30 NORTH DAKOTA MEDICINE Summer 2006

PARTING SHOTS

Classmates from the M.D. class of ’96 gathered fora reunion during Homecoming 2006

Milissa McKee, M.D. ’92, director of the Yale-New HavenChildren’s Hospital center for pediatric minimally invasivesurgery, was the first graduate of the School of Medicine andHealth Sciences to receive a Young Alumni Achievement Awardfrom the UND Alumni Association and Foundation in October.

The annual Malpractice Bowl is the highlight of the friendly rivalry between UND’s School of Law and School of Medicineand Health Sciences. Both men and women field teams in this flagfootball game played in the fall on the UND campus. The men lost 6 to19, the women won 13 to 7.

’96 Reunion

Young Alumni Achievement Award

Malpractice Bowl


Nearly 30 volunteers from the occupationaltherapy department at the UND School ofMedicine and Health Sciences participated inthe Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk inGrand Forks this fall.

Photos provided by Rob Carolin, UND School of Law; Cindy Janssen, occupational therapy department; Megan Anderson, UND Alumni Association and Foundation and RaNae Doll, M.D. ’96, Spearfish, SD.

Memory Walk

AAMC Annual Meeting

Faculty and staff shared informationon the UND School of Medicine &Health Sciences with participants ofthe Association of American MedicalColleges annual meeting in Seattle in October.

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health SciencesThe Nation’s Leader in Rural Health - Serving North Dakota Since 1905501 North Columbia Road Stop 9037 ● Grand Forks ND ● 58202-9037701-777-2516 www.med.und.edu

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