national geographic magazine thursday, october 27, … · 2 thursday, october 27, 2005 today proton...

Volume 18, Number 16Thursday, October 27, 2005

• LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY


MEDICAL CENTER


CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL


MEDICAL CENTER–EAST

CAMPUS


BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

CENTER


HEALTH CARE

• FACULTY MEDICAL GROUP

OF LLUSM

• FACULTY PHYSICIANS &SURGEONS OF LLUSM

Growth, Innovation, and Touching the World • Fulfilling the Vision a Century Later1905 – 2005

BY RICHARD WEISMEYER

The November 2005 issue ofNational Geographic magazine fea-tures the Loma Linda UniversityAdventist Health Study in an arti-cle titled “The Secrets of LivingLonger.”

Written by Dan Buettner andphotographed by David McLain,the article interviews residents ofOkinawa, Sardina, and LomaLinda, who according to the article,

National Geographic magazinefeatures Adventist Health Study

“live longer, healthier lives thanjust about anyone else on Earth.”

In his column, “From theEditor,” National Geographic editor-in-chief Chris Johns writes: “Weyearn to live if not forever, then atleast for a very long time….Historical figures, like the Spanishexplorer Juan Ponce de Leon,searched for the fountain of youth,convinced that it held the secret tostaying young.

“Perhaps he was on to some-thing: The Seventh-day Adventistsof Loma Linda, California, whorank among America’s longevityall-stars, promote drinking at leastfive glasses of water a day….Answers, complex but fascinating,can be found in our article.”

Author Buettner made severaltrips to Loma Linda interviewing anumber of individuals about theirlifestyle.

Linda Valley Vista residentMarge Jetton, age 101, is featuredprominently in the article, as isGary Fraser, MD, PhD, a cardiolo-gist and professor of epidemiologyand biostatistics in the School ofPublic Health and School ofMedicine. Dr. Fraser is principalinvestigator for the Loma LindaUniversity Adventist Health Study.

Photographer David McLainspent numerous days in LomaLinda taking literally hundreds ofphotographs.

His photographs include a two-page photographic spread featuring

Mrs. Jetton filling up her automo-bile with gasoline at a self-servestation. Mrs. Jetton was married fornearly 77 years to James A. Jetton,MD, a 1934 graduate of the Schoolof Medicine.

Others pictured in the article areEllsworth E. Wareham, MD, emeri-tus professor of surgery, School ofMedicine, who at 91 still assists withheart surgery; Scott Smith, formerassociate pastor at the UniversityChurch of Seventh-day Adventistsin Loma Linda, and now a first-yearstudent at Loma Linda UniversitySchool of Dentistry, and KimRawson, an LLUMC nurse wholives in Colton.

Health Care Congress draws healthy crowdBY HEATHER REIFSNYDER

On October 18, the AmericanHealth Care Congress broughttogether some of the best mindsin health care to discuss improv-ing the American health caresystem.

More than 320 individualsattended the second annualevent, held at Ontario Conven-tion Center.

The day was empowering tohealth care professionals, saysDora Barilla, MPH, chairpersonfor the congress, doctoral studentin the School of Public Health,and a health care consultant.

“I think that was the consis-tent theme throughout the day:We are the leaders, and we need

to make the change,” Ms. Barillasays.

The day’s keynote addresswas given by Robert Brook, MD,ScD, FACP, of RAND Corp-

oration. Other speakers includedWanda Jones, MPH, president ofNew Century HealthcareInstitute in San Francisco; JamesKyle II, MD, MDiv, dean, LLU

School of Public Health; andKathleen O’Connor, MA, founderand president of CodeBlueNow!

Congress attendee VickiBradley, AuD, an audiologist atJerry L. Pettis VA MemorialMedical Center, noted that theVA management offered to sendits senior leadership to the con-gress because of the “caliber ofthe speakers.”

The day also included work-shops and a health policy panel.

“People had a chance tostep back and think about‘What are the problems inhealth care?’ ‘What are ourchallenges?’ and ‘What can wedo as individuals to help the

BY PRESTON CLARKE SMITH

More than 200 patients andalumni from across the countrycame to celebrate the ProtonTreatment Center’s AlumniHomecoming on Sunday, Octo-ber 16. Held in Wong KerleeInternational Conference Cen-ter, current and former patientsgathered to hear stories of howproton treatment helped thembeat cancer.

B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, presi-dent of Linda University MedicalCenter, welcomed the audience.

“I want to testify that there aredifferent kinds of mountains toclimb,” she said, referring to theprogram the evening before featur-ing blind mountain climber ErikWeihenmayer. “Those that stretchus physically like Everest, but youhave faced mountains of despairand doubt. I am glad you foundhope and healing in the ProtonTreatment Center to help youclimb those mountains. I am com-mitted to continue our journey toreach out and touch the world withhope and healing.”

Jerry Slater, MD, chair of thedepartment of radiation medicine,was encouraged to show theprogress proton treatment hasmade in the past 15 years. Thecenter treated its first patient inOctober of 1990. Since then morethan 250,000 individual treatmentshave been done on more than10,000 patients.

“We treat more patients a yearthan all other proton centers doaround the world combined,” Dr.Slater was proud to report. “At firstwe treated three or four types oftumors. Now we treat 50 types.”

Amongst the weekend celebra-

tions of the centennial for LomaLinda University and MedicalCenter, as well as the ProtonCenter’s 15th anniversary, Dr.Slater pointed out another anniver-sary of importance. The 35th

Please turn to page 2



Proton Treatment Center celebrates15th annual proton patient homecoming

James Kyle II, MD, MDiv, dean, LLU School of Public Health,speaks to the audience on the need for innovation in health care.

The November 2005 NationalGeographic magazine featuresthe LLU Adventist HealthStudy.

J. Lynn Martell, DMin (left), vice president of advancement at LomaLinda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, presents a sym-bolic chair representing the continuing cancer research made possi-ble by several funds to James Slater (seated), MD, and his son, JerrySlater, MD, chair of the department of radiation medicine.

2 TODAYThursday, October 27, 2005

Proton Treatment Center celebrates 15th annual homecoming…Medical Center and were over-whelmed by the support theyreceived while Mr. Haley was intreatment.

“I’m most thankful to theSeventh-day Adventist communityfor their generosity and vision for ahealing ministry,” said Mr. Haley.

Melodi and Enrique Velezshared their story next. Mrs.Velez was diagnosed with a tumorin her eye that was threatening todetach her retina. After multipletests to determine the cancer wasonly local to her eye, doctorsbegan to tell her about treatmentoptions, surgery being the toprecommendation.

“The thought of getting rid ofthe eye completely wasn’t tooexciting,” said Ms. Velez, fromMoreno Valley. Through carefulresearch she discovered protonbeam therapy in Loma Linda, andas she says, soon after “got a won-derful mask as a souvenir.”

One week of treatments andone year later, her tumor is shrink-ing and doctors as well as the Velezfamily are glad it is moving in theright direction.

Charlie and Judy Eberhardtthen came on stage to share aboutMr. Eberhardt’s bout with prostatecancer. He was glad to report thathis cancer was gone thanks to“climbing into my [treatment] pod41 times in 2003.” The Eberhardtschallenged everyone present toshare their knowledge of theProton Treatment Center witheveryone they know.

Catherine Blakeley and her son,Xavier, then told of his story ofcoming to Loma Linda for protontreatment of his brain tumor foundduring his senior year of highschool.

“I knew we had to get to LomaLinda,” said Ms. Blakeley.

“When I first heard I had cancerI immediately thought I was goingto die,” remembered Mr. Blakeley,affectionately called the X-man bystaff at Loma Linda. “Then when Ifound out I was going to LomaLinda, and I’d seen on the newsand knew that it was the best hospi-tal around, I knew I was going to beokay.” Xavier is now pursuing adegree in architecture.

Craig and Debra Warren fol-lowed with the story of Mr.Warren’s search for treatment ofhis prostate cancer. He visited mul-tiple physicians and was not satis-fied with the answer they alwaysgave about being happy to be aliveto see his grandchildren—he

wanted to preserve his quality oflife. It was at a prostate cancer con-vention in Los Angeles that hemet a previous patient of LomaLinda University’s Proton Treat-ment Center, who pointed him tothe Proton Homecoming inNovember 2003.

“I saw the portraits of JesusChrist looking over the surgeonsand knew this was the place,”

the person it made me become,”she said. “Thank you, Dr. Slater,for a second chance at life.”

At the end of the program Dr.Martell reported on the progress ofthe different funds set up for can-cer research. The Foresters havedonated $1 million. The Del E.Webb fund has $1.7 million. TheKen Venturi Endowed Chair forProton Therapy Research hasreached $2.4 million. And theJames Slater Chair has a total of$2.1 million.

As a symbolic representation ofthe academic chairs being estab-lished, Dr. Martell presented anactual chair to Dr. James Slater.

Dr. Martell then closed thehomecoming program by invitingall the former patients up on stageto have a prayer of celebration andthanksgiving.

Mr. Buettner writes that from1976 to 1988, the NationalInstitutes of Health “funded astudy of 34,000 CaliforniaAdventists to see whether theirhealth-oriented lifestyle affectedtheir life expectancy and the risk ofheart disease and cancer.”

The study found that consum-ing beans, soy milk, tomatoes, andother fruits lowered the risk ofdeveloping certain types of cancers.

Mr. Buettner writes: “In theend the study reached a stunningconclusion, says Gary Fraser ofLoma Linda University: The aver-age Adventist lived four to tenyears longer than the averageCalifornian. That makes theAdventists one of the nation’s mostconvincing cultures of longevity.”

The article also presents a briefhistory of the Seventh-dayAdventist health message, notingthat the Adventist Church ex-pressly “forbids smoking, alcoholconsumption, and eating biblicallyunclean foods, such as pork. It alsodiscourages the consumption ofother meat, rich foods, caffeinateddrinks, and ‘stimulating’ condi-ments and spices.”

Mr. Buettner concludes his arti-cle with one last question, notingthat after interviewing more than50 centenarians on three conti-nents, “I’ve found every one like-able; there hasn’t been a grouch inthe bunch. What’s the secret to acentury of congeniality?

“‘Well, I like to talk to people,’she [Mrs. Jetton] says. ‘I look atstrangers as friends I haven’t metyet.’ She pauses to rethink heranswer. ‘Then again, people maylook at me and wonder, Why doesn’tthat woman keep her mouth shut!’”

Continued from page 1


Longevity article…

system?’” Ms. Barilla says.The American Health Care

Congress was sponsored by

CodeBlueNow!, Inland EmpireHealth Plan, Loma LindaUniversity Medical Center, andLoma Linda University School ofPublic Health.

Sponsors also included theCalifornia Endowment, the Cityof Ontario, First 5 of SanBernardino, San BernardinoCommunity Hospital, and VistaGuidance Center.

The signature sponsor was theInstitute for Healthcare Advance-ment (IHA).

“Congress participants left theevent committed to making surethe annual event continues togrow in the future,” Ms. Barillasays.


Wanda Jones, MPH, speaksabout the future of health care.Ms. Jones is the president ofNew Century HealthcareInstitute in San Francisco.

Health Care Congress…

Some of the 22 members who walked with the Loma Linda team in AIDS Walk LosAngeles gather for a photo at the October 16, 2005, event. The walk followed a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) path through West Hollywood.

LLU students, employees participate in AIDS walk

Zaida Cordero-MacIntyre,PhD, assistant professor of nutri-tion, School of Public Health,attended the In Vivo BodyComposition conference held inSeptember in Southampton,England, where she presented apaper titled “Comparison ofBody Composition by BIA andDXA in Obese PostmenopausalWomen.”

SPH professorpresents paper

anniversary of the creation of thedepartment of radiation medicineby his father, James Slater, MD.He aptly noted that without the35th anniversary, there would beno 15th for the Proton TreatmentCenter.

J. Lynn Martell, DMin, vicepresident of advancement atLoma Linda University AdventistHealth Sciences Center, pro-ceeded to introduce the patientswho would be sharing their storiesof encouragement.

David and Jan Haley were thefirst to speak of Mr. Haley’s experi-ence with prostate cancer.

“Our experience, like most ofyours, was life-saving and life-changing,” began Mr. Haley. Fromthe Seattle area, the Haleys learnedhe had prostate cancer and thatsurgery was the only option.However, through their ownresearch they discovered LomaLinda University Medical Centerand the Proton Treatment Center.

“Our surgeon told us if wedidn’t have surgery and went toLoma Linda, he’d never see usagain,” recalled Ms. Haley. “Andso we never saw him again.”

The couple came to the

recalled Mr. Warren. After payingfor all the consults and beginningto pay for proton treatment out ofpocket, Mr. Warren’s employeroffered him a chance to enroll in anew insurance company that wouldcover proton treatment. “We knewwe were blessed,” Mr. Warren saidemphatically.

“This bad news brought us on ajourney of hope,” said Ms. Warren.

The final patient story sharedwas that of Jennifer Gardner. Sherelated how she went from runningtrack in high school to fighting twotumors in her brain in 1997. Nowshe has been working in the LomaLinda University Medical Centeremergency department as an emer-gency medical technician for fiveyears and is in classes to become aregistered nurse.

“I thank God for the cancer and

Patients and alumni of the Loma Linda University ProtonTreatment Center gather at the end of the homecoming cele-bration for a picture.

Craig Warren shares his storyof finding the Proton Treat-ment Center on his quest forridding himself of prostatecancer.

BY NANCY YUEN

Each year Loma Linda Uni-versity is well represented at thestatewide student table clinic com-petition at the California DentalAssociation (CDA) annual ScientificSession in Anaheim, California.

This year 14 research teams fromthe School of Dentistry captured 8 of12 possible awards during CDA andCalifornia Dental Hygiene Associa-tion annual meetings.

Students who capture first placeduring the CDA scientific sessionreceive certificates, cash awards, andare invited to submit an abstract oftheir research to appear in The Jour-nal of the California Dental Association.

They are dental students David F.Hou and Tyler S. Pritchard, “Themultifocal characteristics of odonto-genic keratocysts”; and dental hygienestudents Tracy Adams, JeannetteAviles, and Ryan Cochrane, “Bacterialgrowth in ultrasonic unit waterlines.”The students graduated in May 2005.

CDA journal featuresSD student research

TODAY 3Thursday, October 27, 2005

School of Allied Health Professions staff were ready toassist students during orientation September 26 atRandall Visitors Center. From left: Joe Hallgren, PamMermon, Karen Rieley, Margie Martinez, SteveLarsen, and Barbara Parton.

Allied health orientation held

Christie Lee, MBA, RN,CPHQ, took on the position ofinterim director for quality resourcemanagement on September 16. Ms.Lee began working at Loma LindaUniversity Medical Center as anurse coordinator three years ago.

Christie Lee assumes qualityresource management position

Clinical engineering obtains new service vanLarry Feenstra (center), director, Loma Linda University Medical Center clinical engineering,explains features of the new service van to Steven Mohr, CPA (right), LLUMC senior vice pres-ident for finance; and Jesse Mock, LLUMC vice president for facilities and environment. Thenew van is used to transport staff and equipment on a daily basis and supports the inspection andservicing of emergent problems with new, rental, and existing medical equipment located at off-site institutional facilities. The new Dodge Sprinter van is ideal for the clinical engineering depart-ment, according to Mr. Feenstra, because the vehicle can carry tall equipment such as incubatorsand ventilators, and has a cargo lift that accommodates up to 600 pounds. The previous clinicalengineering van was bought 14 years ago and was deemed unreliable for long-distance travel.

Ms. Lee brings more than 25years of experience and knowledgein the health care environment tothe interim position. Ms. Lee canbe contacted at extension 44637 orvia e-mail at <[email protected]>.

BHPSA welcomes new studentsThe Black Health Professional Students’ Association(BHPSA) participated in the School of Science and Tech-nology new student orientation on Wednesday, September 21.Greeting the students was BHPSA representative TelekaPatrick. Four students from the School of Science andTechnology signed up to join BHPSA. Students who signedup received personalized bookmarks as well as a booklet con-taining information about BHPSA. In the top photo, EletteBenoit and Emily Ann Tamano, both marriage and familytherapy master of science students, sign up for BHPSA mem-bership. In the lower photo, BHPSA representative TelekaPatrick (right) welcomes Tenesha Berry, a psychology mas-ter’s degree student, to Loma Linda University.


Fulfilling the Healthcare Vision

Approximately 800 guests attended Loma Linda University Medical Center’s 100th anniversary gala held at Drayson Center on Sunday, October 16. Theprogram, “Fulfilling the Healthcare Vision,” featured vignettes from throughout the institution’s 100 years of serving patients throughout the Inland Empireand around the world.


LLUMC celebrates 100th anniversary

Gerald R. Winslow, PhD, vice president for spiri-tual life and wholeness, honors Pauline MarieNeal Becker (seated) as one of the many individ-uals who were patients or born in the originalsanitarium.

James M. Slater, MD (left), head of the ProtonTreatment Center, and Leonard L. Bailey, MD,chair, department of surgery, relate the ministryvision of LLUMC’s earliest innovative pioneers.Drs. Slater and Bailey were honored for theirinnovative research at Loma Linda.

Emily Jane Brown Corbett, MD, a 1953 graduate ofthe School of Medicine, relates some of her experi-ences when she served as a nurse in the hospital onthe hill (now Nichol Hall). Dr. Corbett served in thePacific during World War II as a nurse. She was hon-ored for her service as a physician and nurse.

Loma Linda University Chancellor Richard H. Hart,MD, DrPH (left), honors Milton Murray, CRFE, forhis contributions to the years of growth to the institu-tion. Mr. Murray served as vice president and startedthe advancement program at Loma Linda.

David B. Hinshaw Sr., MD, thanks gala atten-dees for honoring him with an award for his partin consolidating the School of Medicine on theLoma Linda campus and for his leadership indeveloping what is now LLU Medical Center.

H. Bryant Nguyen, MD, receives an award rep-resenting the international outreach of LomaLinda University Medical Center. Dr. Nguyenwas among the Vietnamese who fled Vietnam in1975 and ended up as a refugee at Loma LindaUniversity’s Gentry Gymnasium.

Lowell C. Cooper, MDiv, MPH (behind podium), reads a citation honoringLoma Linda University Medical Center clinicians and researchers James M.Slater, MD (far left), head, Proton Treatment Center; and Leonard L.Bailey, MD, chair, department of surgery.

Renee Osterdock, MD, a Loma Linda University Medical Center neurosurgeon,who led a team of health care professionals in separating the Molina conjoinedtwins this spring, interviews Michelle Roderick and twins Shawna and Janelle.The girls were conjoined at the chest and were separated at LLUMC in 1996.

Irish tenor Ronan Tynan, MD, presents the evening’s entertainment. Dr.Tynan is known for singing at many high-profile events. Nancy Reaganinvited him to sing “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria” at President Reagan’sfuneral.

B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS (left), president, Loma Linda University AdventistHealth Sciences Center, and Ruthita J. Fike, MA, chief executive officer andadministrator, Loma Linda University Medical Center, welcome guests tothe Medical Center’s 100th anniversary celebration.


BY DUSTIN JONES

Loma Linda UniversitySchool of Nursing took to thestreets Sunday, October 9, for theCity of Loma Linda parade.

“We wanted to do somethingspecial this year in celebration ofour 100 years,” says Helen EmoriKing, PhD, RN, dean of theSchool of Nursing.

Several School of Nursing stu-dents were on hand to pass outcandy and wave to paradeonlookers.

Two vintage cars and a truckwere graciously lent to the School

for use in the parade by EddAshley, EdD, chair of the depart-ment of physical therapy, Schoolof Allied Health Professions.

A special banner was madethat read “Nurses are everydayheroes,” following the paradetheme of local heroes.

A special guest, Anabelle MillHills, MS, RN, who served asassociate professor for the Schoolfrom 1945 to 1987, and wasmade emeritus associate profes-sor in 1996, was part of the fes-tivities and waved from one ofthe vehicles.

WARREN EUGENE HOWELL

First president, 1906-1907

Elder Howell was an edu-cator, missionary, author,and editor, known fondly

to his circle of friends beltingthe globe as “Professor Howell.”

Throughout his variedappointments, his service wasmarked by earnest devotion andcareful efficiency, and he wasalways highly esteemed at what-ever he did. He was called by theGeneral Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to be administra-tive officer of the Loma LindaCollege of Evangelists during itsfirst year of operation. In 1907, heleft to answer a call to Greece as amissionary.

Returning to the UnitedStates in 1909, he became principal of the FiresideCorrespondence School, nowHome Study International, forfour years. For 12 years he trav-eled widely as GeneralConference secretary in thedepartment of education. From1930 to his death in 1943 he wassecretary to the president of theGeneral Conference. His largestand most effective contributionto the work of God was his clearvision of the high ideals andlofty purposes of true Christianeducation, which he expoundedby pen and voice. He wasindeed a Christian gentleman.Though deep in his convictions,he was always gracious, kind,and willing to respond to the callof duty.

GEORGE K. ABBOTT

Second president, 1907-1909

George Knapp Abbott,was a nationally knowneducator, physician, sur-

geon, author, and hospital execu-tive for the Seventh-dayAdventist Church.

He was a graduate of theAmerican Medical MissionaryCollege at Battle Creek,Michigan, in 1903. He served aspresident of Loma LindaCollege of Evangelists from1907-1909, and was the firstdean of the College of Medical

Evangelists and medical superin-tendent of the Sanitarium from1911 to 1914.

Dr. Abbott was engaged indenominational work for morethan 32 years, serving as medicaldirector of several Adventist sani-tariums and hospitals, retiring atthe ripe age of 71.

A man of progressive interestsand vigorous leadership, Dr.Abbott was the author of a dozenbooks on physical therapy, diet,and nutrition.

WELLS A. RUBLE

Third president, 1910-1914

Wells Allen Ruble was a physician and missionary. He, like

his predecessor, was a graduateof the American MedicalMissionary College in 1906.

From 1906 to 1910 he wassecretary of the GeneralConference medical depart-ment as well as editor of thejournal Life and Health. Hebecame the first president ofthe consolidated College ofMedical Evangelists in 1910.He continued as president

until the summer of 1914. Inaddition to his duties as presi-dent, he was professor ofpathology and director of theLoma Linda Sanitarium.

During his term as president,a number of significant facultymembers were hired, which wasa difficult task since theAmerican Medical Associationwas closing medical schoolsrather than encouraging theopening of them.

Dr. Ruble’s next significantpost of duty was in Europe until 1929.Apparently destined to be amedical director, his remainingyears of service were in thatcapacity. This man is a part ofSeventh-day Adventist medicalhistory—as much a part ashands are to a clock. From theearliest minutes of the denomi-nation’s entrance into a med-ical program until hisretirement in 1943 at age 75, hegave an uninterrupted term ofservice. Most of these 50 yearswere in an administrativecapacity.

EDWARD HENRY RISLEY

Fifth president, 1927-1928

Edward Henry Risley wasa physician, minister,administrator, teacher,

and brilliant chemist. He established the first

chemical research laboratory atW. K. Kellogg food company. Itis reported that he was theyoungest medical student toever be admitted to theAmerican Medical MissionaryCollege in 1904.

He was professor of chem-istry at CME for nearly 30 years.He became president of theCollege of Medical Evangelistsin 1927. He helped to establishthe CME School of Dietetics.

Early presidents of CME

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entennial

oments

PRESENTED BY THE HERITAGE ROOM, DEL E. WEBB MEMORIAL LIBRARY

School of Nursing celebrates100 years with parade entry

Marilyn Herrmann, PhD, RN, associate dean of the under-graduate program, School of Nursing, chauffeurs other nursingprofessors dressed in period costume from the past 100 years.From left is Bonnie Thiel, MS, RN, assistant professor of nurs-ing; Deleise Wilson, MA, RN, assistant professor of nursing;and Dynnette Hart, DrPH, RN, associate professor of nursing.

Myrna Reyes, student in the School of Nursing, passes out candy toparade onlookers.

BY DUSTIN JONES

Five concerts are planned forthe 21st annual CalimesaCommunity Concert Series spon-sored by the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The first concert of the seasonwill feature Steve Green, gospelrecording artist from Nashville,Tennessee. Mr. Green’s concertwill be held Saturday evening,November 19, at 7:30 p.m. in theUniversity Church of Seventh-dayAdventists on the campus of LomaLinda University.

On Friday night and Saturdayafternoon, December 16 and 17,the annual Christmas Festival ofMusic and Lights will be held atthe Calimesa Seventh-dayAdventist Church in Calimesa.The festival will feature TimZimmerman and the King’s Brass.

On February 4, 2006, theMasters of Harmony, a 100-voice

male chorus, will be presented inconcert at the Mesa GrandeAcademy auditorium. The acad-emy is located in Calimesa.

A reunion concert of Ponder,Harp, and Jennings will be held onSaturday, March 4, in the Uni-versity Church of Seventh-dayAdventist in Loma Linda.

The last concert in the serieswill be held Saturday night, April22, 2006, and will feature GaryBonner and his internationallyacclaimed California BaptistChorus from California BaptistCollege, Riverside. The concertwill be held in the CalimesaSeventh-day Adventist Church.

Further information on the con-cert series may be obtained byphoning (909) 795-4960 or by writ-ing Calimesa Community ConcertSeries, P.O. Box 647, Calimesa,California 92320. Please enclose astamped, self-addressed envelope.

Calimesa concert seriesplans five local events

James R. Nix, director of theEllen G. White Estate, Inc., willpresent a special CentennialVespers at the University Church

Sabbath, November 5, 2005, at4:00 p.m.

Elder Nix, a consummate sto-ryteller, will show early pictures

of students, faculty, and build-ings that illustrate what life waslike at Loma Linda during thepast century.

White Estate director will present vespers on November 5


BY NANCY YUEN

The School of Dentistry officeof academic affairs has released thelist of students who achieved dean’slist status for summer quarter.

The eligibility requirements tobe placed on the dean’s list are:achieve a term grade point averageof at least 3.5 with no grade lowerthan a B-; receive no incompletegrades for the quarter; and completeat least 12 units of courseworkduring the quarter.

The School of Dentistry acade-

mic review committee reviewed theperformance of each studentenrolled for summer quarter andvoted to include the following stu-dents on the dean’s list:

DENTISTRY—CLASS OF 2008Melissa Bassham, Matthew Cil-

derman, Jennifer Clark, ChristopherHanson, Philip Horsley, JeffreyHwang, Neal Johnson, Tera John-son, Nathan Latimer, Jaime Lee,Thomas Lee, Brian Lin, AudreyMojica, Jeffrey Rho, Shayna San-

chez, David Self, Daniel Siriphongs,Elisa Song, and James Willis

DENTAL HYGIENE—CLASS OF 2006

Ashley Ellison, KeriAnneKubrock, Rachelle Reaney, Kim-berly Thielen, Randy Valencia, andThuan Vuong

INTERNATIONAL DENTIST

PROGRAM—CLASS OF DECEMBER 2006

Shuchita Gupta


The department of neonatologyhonored neonatologist Nidia RhysVyhmeister, MD, on October 10,after 35 years of service. Colleaguesand friends from the community allgathered to share memories fromthroughout the years.

“I will always remember her asthe most passionate of the team andwe will all miss her,” said StephenAshwal, MD, chief of pediatric neu-rology at Loma Linda UniversityChildren’s Hospital.

“Through the years, Nidia hasbecome one of the most knowl-edgeable people in infant nutritionin the world,” offered Douglas

Deming, MD, former resident andnow colleague of Dr. Vyhmeister.“I have been blessed that Nidia hasbeen my teacher, my mentor, mycolleague, and friend.”

“This is not a story, it’s a factthat when Nidia sees a child shelights up,” said Ricardo Peverini,MD, head of the neonatal intensivecare unit.

Anees Razzouk, MD, chief ofsurgery, recalled Dr. Vyhmeister’sability to teach. “There’s no arguingwith Dr. Vyhmeister,” he said. “Shetaught me to place a chest tube.”

“You expected the best, youtaught us the best, and you alwaysdid the best,” said Lorraine Fisher,

BY DUSTIN JONES

To celebrate 100 years of nurs-ing education, the School ofNursing began this school yearwith a special chapel program.Held September 28 on the lawnbetween the heritage cottages, theSchool welcomed new and return-ing students back to campus.

Helen Emori King, PhD, RN,dean of the School of Nursing, offi-cially welcomed the students andgave them a brief history on theSchool, and why this year is soimportant.

A special encore presentation ofthe drama “A Century of Caring”was then performed for the students.Alexandria Harter, religion anddrama teacher at Loma LindaAcademy, wrote the script aboutfour nurses from four different timeperiods. Each nurse describes indetail the issues that she currentlyfaces.

Dynnette Hart, DrPH, RN, asso-ciate professor, School of Nursing,portrayed Grace Jennings, one of thefirst nursing students. Grace was amember of the graduating class of

1907. Though she was a transfer stu-dent from Glendale Sanitarium andHospital, Loma Linda School ofNursing granted her credit for threeyears of work.

Portraying Winifred F. Lindsaywas Deleise Wilson, MA, RN,assistant professor in the School ofNursing. Ms. Lindsay was thesuperintendent of the Loma Lindacampus and the Los Angeles cam-pus from 1923 to 1926.

The story of Irene Andersonwas portrayed by CatherineComilang, a student in the Schoolof Nursing. Ms. Anderson was amember of the class of 1955, wholater served as president of thealumni association for the School.She served a longer term than nor-mally required because the presi-dent-elect was unable to take office.

Joanelle Adajar, a student in theSchool of Nursing, played the partof Karen, a present-day student.

Following the drama presenta-tion was “A Legacy of Pro-vidence,” a historical recount byRichard Schaefer, historian forLoma Linda University.

Marcia Dunbar, MS, RN, assistant professor of nursing,School of Nursing, introduces the four actresses for the drama“A Century of Caring.” From left is Dynnette Hart, DrPH,RN; Deleise Wilson, MA, RN; Catherine Comilang; andJoanelle Adajar.

Helen Emori King, PhD, RN, dean of the School of Nursing,welcomes nursing students for the first chapel of the year.

School of Nursing begins yearwith special centennial chapel

a pediatric dietician, who hasworked with Dr. Vyhmeister formore than 20 years.

Dr. Peverini was proud to let Dr.Vyhmeister know that the depart-ment would continue her long-livedtradition of excellence in mentoringand teaching through a neonatalnutritionist fund established in hername to further the knowledge inneonatal nutrition.

A very appreciative Dr. Vyh-meister accepted a sculpture and aplaque before the evening wasended.

“I enjoyed every minute ofworking in this place and with all ofyou,” smiled Dr. Vyhmeister.

Dr. Nidia Rhys Vyhmeister honored for 35years of service by pediatric department

Douglas Deming, MD, formerresident of Dr. Vyhmeister,recalls some of the experi-ences he shared with her atLoma Linda.

Dr. Vyhmeister holds a statue presented to her that representsher competent and compassionate care of little children duringher time at Loma Linda University Medical Center.


On the evening of October 6,the School of Allied HealthProfessions held the jacketingceremony for the physician assis-tant class of 2007 in RandallVisitors Center. The event corre-sponded with the nationalPhysician Assistant’s Day.

Kenrick Bourne, MT, DrPH,department chair of the PA pro-gram, updated the gathered stu-dents and family members on theprogress in the professional worldof PAs. Physician assistants practiceall across the medical field in 61different specialities.

“Our students leave here armedwith a profession that is marketableand personally satisfying,” Dr.Kenrick told the group. Hereminded the students specificallythat they had “joined a professionof perpetual learning.”

Billy Hughes, PhD, director ofeducation support service and asso-ciate clinical professor of pathologyand human anatomy, presented thekeynote address, “Your Jacket’sJourney.”

Dr. Hughes equated the whitejackets to several other jackets

found in a range of different activi-ties, from life jackets for water sportsto leather motorcycle jackets to atuxedo jacket worn at weddings.Many of the associated characteris-tics associated with these variousjackets are combined in the PA’sjacket, said Dr. Hughes. Those ofcompassion, protection, safety, love,and longevity are all wrapped up inthe jacket the students were aboutto receive, he said.

Following the keynote address,the students got some real worldadvice from a recent graduate ofthe program, James Mathey, class

of 2004. His advice was to stickwith the program.

“Everything you’re about toexperience, everything you’reabout to go through is worth it,” hesaid.

The students received theirjackets from Allan Bedashi, MS,MPAS, didactic coordinator, andYasmin Bracho, MPA, MT, associ-ate clinical coordinator. Onceattired in the jackets, GeraldGlavaz, MPAS, clinical coordinator,led the 22 students in the class of2007 in the physician assistantpledge.

Physician assistant class receives jackets in ceremony

The 22 students in the physician assistant class of 2007 pose fora group picture after receiving their jackets in a ceremony onOctober 6.

Dentistry releases summer quarter’s dean’s list

CALL Rey (951) 368-8572


Volume 18, Number 16October 27, 2005

Executive editor W. Augustus Cheatham, MSWEditor Richard Weismeyer

Issue managing editor Richard Weismeyer

Advertising coordinator Carol Berger

CORRESPONDENTS

Nicole R. CheathamLoma Linda University Medical Center–East CampusSchool of Pharmacy

Dustin R. JonesSchool of NursingFaculty of Religion

Heather ReifsnyderSchool of Public HealthSchool of Allied Health Professions

Preston Clarke SmithSchool of MedicineLoma Linda University Medical CenterLoma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Patricia K. ThioLoma Linda University Behavioral Medicine CenterFaculty of Graduate StudiesSchool of Science and Technology

Nancy L. YuenSchool of Dentistry

TODAY is a nonprofit news publication of Loma LindaUniversity, Loma Linda University Medical Center, and LomaLinda University Adventist Health Sciences Center, operatedunder the auspices of the General Conference of Seventh-dayAdventists.

Advertising accepted for publication in TODAY is intendedto be a service to the students, staff, employees, and faculty ofall three entities.

The management, at its sole discretion, reserves the rightto refuse, without explanation, any advertisement. The accep-tance of advertising in this publication does not represent anendorsement or guarantee of any kind by Loma LindaUniversity, Loma Linda University Medical Center, or LomaLinda University Adventist Health Sciences Center.

Questions about advertising, circulation, and subscriptionsshould be directed to TODAY, Burden Hall, Loma LindaUniversity, Loma Linda, California 92350. Phone (909) 558-4526.

World Wide Web address: www.llu.edu

Volume 18, Number 16Thursday, October 27, 2005


On Thursday, October 6, a group of commu-nity members led by Chris Lopez delivered newstuffed animals to the patients at Loma LindaUniversity Children’s Hospital between 1:00 and2:00 p.m.

The group collected the toys throughout the

month of September in preparation for the dropoff to Children’s Hospital

Mr. Lopez arranged to have drop-off boxesplaced at Starbucks in Colton and Rialto, at SpreenHonda in Loma Linda, and at Our Town and theRadisson Hotel in San Bernardino, where commu-nity members could donate toys.

Community delivers stuffed animals to LLUCH

Noe Figearoa, 10, from Fontana, stands withChris Lopez and Joseph+D+Fernandez+,who brought stuffed animals from the commu-nity to the Children’s Hospital on October 6.

Mr. Lopez and Mr. Fernandez share a moment with Gerardo Alverez, 12, from RanchoCucamonga, after letting him pick out a stuffed animal.

Joshua Longdin, a 7 year old from Phelan,was quite happy to find out Mr. Lopez wasgiving out stuffed animals.

Neonatologist named 2005HALL alumnus of the year

BY RICHARD WEISMEYER

Associate professor of pediatricsRicardo L. Peverini, MD, wasnamed the 2005 Hispanic Alumniof Loma Linda University (HALL)alumnus of the year at the Sunday,October 9, HALL banquet.

Born in Uruguay, Dr. Peverinicompleted his bachelor’s degree inbiophysics and mathematics atPacific Union College, Angwin,and a master’s degree in computingscience in 1980 from the Universityof California at Davis.

Dr. Peverini completed hismedical degree at Loma LindaUniversity School of Medicine in1984. Following graduation, hetook a pediatric residency andneonatal fellowship at Loma LindaUniversity Medical Center.

After completing a three-yearfellowship in general internal medi-cine concurrently with a secondmaster’s degree in medical infor-matics at Stanford University,Stanford, Dr. Peverini returned toLoma Linda in 1992.

In 1998, he became the chief ofthe division of neonatology in thedepartment of pediatrics and headof the neonatal intensive care unitat Loma Linda University Chil-dren’s Hospital.

In 1999, he was named themedical director of LLUMC’sinformation systems for inpatients.

Dr. Peverini also holds theposition of associate dean for clini-cal faculty in the School ofMedicine. He has lectured andpublished extensively in bothareas where he has expertise—neonatal intensive care and med-ical informatics—at variousuniversity hospitals throughout

the United States and abroad.He is married to Kathleen Lau,

MD, who specializes in obstetricsand gynecology. They have twosons, Daniel and Andrew.

Seventeen Loma Linda Univer-sity students were awarded scholar-ships. This year’s recipientsinclude Frankis G. Almaguel,School of Science and Technology;Michelle Bernal, School of AlliedHealth Professions; Claudine Brito,School of Medicine; Sandy Cabal-lero, School of Medicine; IsabelCantu, School of Allied HealthProfessions; Brian Hutchins-Morales, School of Medicine; PabloMleziva, School of Allied HealthProfessions; Daniel Morgan, Schoolof Dentistry; Lisandra Perez,School of Medicine; WendaleeRivera, School of Medicine; JorgeRojas, School of Dentistry; Angel-ica Rubalcava, School of Nursing;Elizabeth Zacarias, School of Scienceand Technology; and CynthiaZacarias, School of Pharmacy.

International recipients enrolledin off-campus programs includedJudith Mabel Choque, School ofNursing, Argentina; Tula PebeDiaz, School of Public Health,Peru; and Susana Wainz, School ofNursing, Argentina.

Guest speaker at the HALLbanquet was Humberto M. Rasi,PhD, director of special projects,department of education of theGeneral Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

HALL scholarship recipients pose for a group photograph with their respective deans or school repre-sentatives following the HALL banquet. Seventeen Loma Linda University students received awards.

Humberto M. Rasi, PhD, pre-sents the evening address to theapproximately 300 attendees atthe HALL banquet.

HALL 2005 alumnus of the year Ricardo L. Peverini, MD (right),associate professor of pediatrics, receives his Alumnus of the YearAward from Sidney Torres, MD.

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