November 2007 eNews
Sanford Health Expanding Research, Creating Hope Dr. Ben Perryman, Ph.D. is responsible for developing the research structure of Sanford Health. "This is a phenomenal time for healthcare in this community," says Sanford Health’s Vice President of Research Ben Perryman, Ph.D. On February 3, 2007, Sanford Health announced four initiatives that will transform healthcare in this region and beyond. Those plans include building pediatric clinics, developing the Sanford Pediatric Research Center which will focus on the healthcare needs of children, building the healthcare campus of the future, and the Sanford Project which will focus on resolving one of the most pressing health issues of our day. "I often hear people ask us 'why is Sanford Health devoting so much energy to research?"' adds Perryman. "Research improves patient outcomes because it expands the options. Research allows you to be on the cutting edge, and it connects patients to new drugs and technology.” Sanford Health is currently involved in several studies including cardiovascular, pediatrics, health disparities, nutrition and metabolic disorders, women’s health, cancer, and signal transduction (which is the biological, chemical, and physical processes controlling all aspects of cellular, tissue, and metabolic communication). "These studies have added to our knowledge about the mechanisms involved in heart failure, the role of omega fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, new insights into sudden infant death syndrome, and the identification of candidate genes for congenital heart disease," said Perryman. "Those research projects and discoveries are continuing." In June 2008, research will expand again at Sanford Health when the Sanford Project is announced. The Project will make a significant impact on a disease or condition within the next few years. Sanford Health is currently working with a consulting group (Battelle Technology Partnership Practice) to help narrow down the possibilities. "But we aren’t waiting until we announce the Project or until we add facilities to expand our research programs. It's happening now," adds Perryman. "We're rapidly recruiting physician researchers and expanding programs." What's bringing these researchers to Sioux Falls? It's the challenge and opportunity. It is also flexibility. "Recruitment is already improving because of the excitement to be part of something so significant," says Perryman. "There is a lot of flexibility here, and our goal to keep red tape minimal so researchers can do what they do best – research." It's research that is Improving the Human Condition. "We see this as part of our commitment to providing the best patient care possible," says Perryman. For more information on Sanford Research/USD, call 605-328-1300 or visit www.sanfordresearch-usd.org. Watch the Sanford Initiatives video to learn more. Ben Perryman, Ph.D. is responsible for developing the research structure of Sanford Health across all aspects of healthcare research. Dr. Perryman is a well respected scientist in the area of pediatric cardiovascular disease, led the technology transfer efforts for the University of Colorado and has been successful in the start up of a bio technology company. Dr. Perryman holds a BS from Emory University, a MS in Microbiology from the University of Montana and a PhD in Microbiology from Texas A & M University. Ventricular Septal Defect Closure Performed at Sanford Heart & Vascular Dr. Loyd Solberg performs South Dakota's first percutaneous procedure. Sanford Heart & Vascular now offers a new minimally invasive procedure for people with septal heart defects. Lloyd Solberg, MD, PhD, FACC, FASA, FSCAI, of Sanford Clinic Heart Partners was the first cardiovascular physician in South Dakota to perform a Percutaneous Ventricular Septal Defect Closure on Friday, September 28, 2007. Septal defects are sometimes called a "hole" in the heart. A defect between the heart's two lower chambers (the ventricles) is called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Typically, smaller defects will close in childhood or adolescence on their own. However, if the defects do not close, they are covered with a patch or sewn closed, which is usually an open heart surgical procedure. A Percutaneous Ventricular Septal Defect Closure is a non-surgical option for patients with a VSD. "Repairing a VSD using this minimally invasive procedure means quicker recovery time, less pain, and fewer complications for patients," says Dr. Solberg. "To be able to provide this procedure close to home is important for our patients and their loved ones." Patients or physicians seeking more information can contact Sanford Clinic Heart Partners at 605-328-2929 or visit our Heart and Vascular Centers of Excellence section. Sanford Neonatologist Honored for Pioneering Spirit Dr. Dennis Stevens honored with the 2007 Pioneer Award. The Pioneer Award recognizes the efforts of those who break ground in caring for new families and educate others about the South Dakota Perinatal Association’s mission. Association members cited Dr. Stevens’ excellence as an educator, mentor and researcher. Dr. Stevens' current research focuses on the developmental impact of light and sound in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Dr. Stevens joined Sanford Children's in 1980. He is a professor of pediatrics at Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. He also serves as the medical director of Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic. For more information on Sanford Children’s call 605-333-7188 or 1-800-850-0064 or visit www.sanfordchildrens.org.  Sanford Health is Excited to Announce an Expanded Newsroom Section on our WebsiteThe Sanford Health Newsroom now features audio and video clips available for employees, members of the media and the general public. The Newsroom also includes a new video segment called Under the Blue Lights which is an opportunity to learn more about what’s happening at Sanford Health directly from our leaders. In addition to the audio and video files, the Sanford Health Newsroom also includes the latest press releases.To check out the new features, visit www.sanfordhealth.org/Newsroom. Patient Travels Thousands of Miles to See Sanford Cardiologist Dr. Adam Stys with Sanford Clinic Heart Partners. "I was very impressed with his thoroughness and cardiology expertise. But since he moved to South Dakota, I decided to visit him here, I contacted him and he said you can come," Kaz said. Kaz and his family flew more than 1,500 miles from Huntington Station, NY to Sioux Falls to see Dr. Stys at Sanford Clinic Heart Partners for a check up that included an echocardiogram and a look at Kaz's pacemaker. "I'm being checked from time to time by the VA hospital, which is good, but I must say I'm more impressed with his cardiology experience," said Kaz. While Kaz speaks five languages, works six days a week and runs his own laboratory, he considers top notch medical care a personal and professional priority. "Speaking frankly, I deal with many hospitals because I'm a physicist and I check the analytical instruments, pharmacology, instruments, precision instruments, I see the difference between New York City, it's very famous but not as one would expect, there's a lot of neglect being observed there," Kaz added. With that dedication to detail, Kaz believes whole-heartedly in the care he found with Dr. Stys at Heart Partners. Expanded Drug Access Means Expanded Diet for Salem Teens Dr. Laura Davis-Keppen with teen patients Shelly and Nick Heumiller. People with PKU like Nick and Shelly are born with a deficient enzyme, and they are unable to metabolize an essential amino acid which is found in most foods including meat, eggs, dairy, nuts, pasta, and bread. The only way PKU patients can manage their disorder and prevent severe complications is by diligently monitoring their diet. "It’s been tough not being able to eat most of the things my friends were eating," said Nick. Shelly added, "I was never able to try pasta, pudding, or even an ice cream cone." That changed this past July when Nick and Shelly became two of the first patients in this region to participate in an expanded access program for a new medication now available at Sanford Children’s. Under an expanded access program, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows early access to drugs that are being developed to treat serious diseases based on certain circumstances. Nick and Shelly and four other area patients are currently testing a drug called sapropterin. "One of the most exciting aspects of this new drug is that patients with PKU may be able to enjoy foods that have never been allowed before. This is an entirely new concept in treating PKU," said Laura Davis-Keppen, MD with Sanford Children's. Results are preliminary, but so far Nick and Shelly are thrilled. The medication has allowed them to try new foods without worry. "The first time I ate a piece of pizza, all of my friends stood up and cheered! It was unforgettable," said Nick. At age 18, Shelly is also discovering new foods. "SpaghettiOs® was my first test under this new medication. Since then, I’ve been able to try other pasta, even ramen noodles. And, all my friends begged to come along for my first taste of ice cream." Sanford Children's patients participating in the expanded access program will closely monitored with bloodwork and diet records. They will also have frequent clinic appointments to follow their response to sapropterin. Patients and their families who need more information can call Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic at 1-800-850-0064 or 605-333-7188. Physician Spotlight
The Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center in Worthington opened a few months ago. How’s it been going? It's been very challenging and satisfying. We have seen 54 patients in less than four months. By completion of recommended therapy, they will collectively save 169,000 miles of travel. That makes all the difference in the world for somebody who’s not feeling well. How did you get interested in radiation oncology? I worked with a biochemist in graduate school treating rat sarcomas (cancer) with chemotherapy. That gave me a "skyhook" when I went through the first couple years of medical school. Always looking at the cancer angle and with a machine trade background, the hands-on nature of radiation medicine fascinated me. I’ve loved it ever since. You grew up in California but now make Minnesota your home. How did you get from the West Coast to Worthington? Medical school in California led to residency and fellowship in Utah and then to my first academic position in Michigan. I spent 15½ years in the Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio Region always missing mountains on my horizon. We returned to northern California for four years, but it wasn't "home". When Sanford Clinic needed a physician for the Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center, we investigated the opportunity, first coming to the tri-state area last fall and knew we were home. Having done most everything else, I wanted to join a large multi-specialty group and the fit of the Sanford team was just what I had been lacking in my professional life. What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend time with my family, cook and grilling. When I have quiet time, I like to read. We have acreage in rural Nobles County near Rushmore. The property was fairly rough and we’re trying to make it habitable. |
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