NewsBriefs

Changes on Campus

Jefferson's 1995 Annual Report - Changes - is ready to read.

Opening with a quote from Heraclitus, "Nothing endures but change," the report examines the changes we anticipate in the future as well as Jefferson's response to those we have faced over the last year.

"Changes sets the stage for the upcoming challenge of continuing to conduct research, educate future healthcare professionals and provide the innovative and quality care our patients expect while responding to competitive demands that we reduce costs," says University president Paul C. Brucker, MD.

For a copy of the University's 1995 Annual Report, written and designed internally by Jefferson's communications, marketing and public relations staff, call 6204.

Vital Signs

Admissions for six months of this fiscal year (July ­p; December) were 1.6 percent below budget and 3.3 percent below last year. In addition, the average length of stay for the hospital was only 6.29 days, which is also below budget. Patient days are another critical indicator of the need to save costs since approximately one half of the insurers now pay a daily rate. The hospital's patient days were 5,813 below budget, reports Walter E. Moore, assistant executive hospital director for fiscal operations.

New Inpatient Pediatric Unit Open

The Children's Rehabilitation Hospital inpatient pediatric unit has just opened on the 11th Floor of the Foerderer Pavilion. This eight-bed unit is designed for the effective and efficient management of medically fragile infants up to one year of age and their transition from the hospital to home. Jay S. Greenspan, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and director of the division of neonatology, is the unit's medical director, and Kathy Sibre, RN, BSN, is the unit's nursing care coordinator. Questions related to the day-to-day operation of the unit should be directed to Ms. Sibre at 8004 or beeper 410-0958.

Daffodil Days Celebrate Spring, Assist Cancer Research at Jefferson

It's Monday, March 18, and suddenly the air is sweet and wherever you look there's "a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils." That's because the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Daffodil Days have begun and will continue through Friday, March 22.

Jefferson is one of the area institutions that benefits directly from this event, which generates more than $185,000 locally through the sale of daffodils. The proceeds further cancer research, contribute to patient care and promote public education about cancer, according to Carlo M. Croce, MD, director of the Jefferson Cancer Center of Jefferson Medical College, professor and chairman, microbiology and immunology and a board member of the ACS, Philadelphia Division.

You'll be proud to know that for the seventh consecutive year, Jefferson ranked first in Daffodil Days purchases, raising almost $9,000 in 1995.

How can you buy a bit of spring and at the same time fight cancer? Order cut daffodil bouquets or pots of 8 to 10 mini-bulbs ­p; for $5 each from your department's Daffodil Days volunteer. Get some for yourself or give them to your relatives and friends.

Your departmental volunteer will take your orders, which must be accompanied by cash, check or money order, made payable to the American Cancer Society and designated "Daffodils." Just be sure that your order is in by the deadline, Wednesday, February 28.

Jefferson Daffodil Days chairperson and Jefferson retiree, Marie Wilk, will notify the department coordinators when their group's daffodils arrive so they can be picked up in the lobby of the Bluemle Life Sciences Building, 233 South 10th Street. Orders for one-half box or more will be delivered directly to your department by Federal Express.

Mrs. Wilk can be reached through 1050 Bluemle; the extension is 4645 and the fax is 923-3528.

Professional Chefs Showcase Culinary Talents in Dining With Heart Recipe Competition

On Tuesday, February 27, professional chefs across the Delaware Valley will get out their mixing bowls, saute pans and baking dishes and whip up mealtime masterpieces that are low in fat and sodium but big on taste. No, it's not the Betty Crocker bake-off. It's Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's first Dining With Heart culinary competition at Founders in The Bellevue Hotel.

This exciting event celebrates culinary innovation and rewards chefs committed to heart-healthy eating. Dining With Heart is the popular program featuring delicious low-fat, low-sodium menu items in many renowned Philadelphia area restaurants. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, in cooperation with the Greater Philadelphia Restaurant & Purveyor Association and the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Restaurant Association, sponsor Dining With Heart.

A panel of expert judges, including Le Bec Fin's Georges Perrier, will select one winning recipe in the entree and dessert categories. Recipes must meet Dining With Heart nutritional guidelines for fat and sodium. (If you would like a copy of the winning recipes, please call 5077, press "1" at the prompt and leave your name and internal mailing address.)

The winning chef in the entree category will enjoy a trip to the California Wine Country, compliments of Margolis Southern Wine & Spirits. The dessert category grand prize is a Fante's basket of cooking essentials, valued at $250, plus $500.

The Dining With Heart Culinary Competition is made possible through the generous support of Margolis Southern Wine and Spirits, The Bellevue Hotel, Jefferson Bank's ChefSmart Visa, Chorus Communications, Ellis Coffee Company and Fante's.

Faculty Wives Present 'A Walk Through Philadelphia'

The Faculty Wives Club of Jefferson Medical College will meet on Wednesday, March 6, in room 105-107 Bluemle, beginning with a reception at 11:30, followed by luncheon at noon and a business meeting.

The afternoon's program will consist of a presentation by tour guide, Jacqueline Bagley, "The Discerning Traveler: A Walk Through Philadelphia."

The Faculty Wives Club provides educational and cultural programs for spouses of JMC faculty and sponsors the Jefferson Art Show every spring. In addition, the members have established an Emergency Loan Fund to meet unexpected expenses Jefferson medical students may incur.