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Content on this webpage is provided for historical information about the NIH Clinical Center. Content is not updated after the listed publication date and may include information about programs or activities that have since been discontinued.
Sep 01, 2001
Employees, Patients Welcome Thompson to Clinical Center
Right: HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson stopped by the blood bank where Xin Fu, RN, prepares him to donate blood. An advocate for organ and tissue donations, Thompson launched a “Donate the Gift of Life” initiative earlier this year to encourage organ and tissue donation, as well as registration for marrow and blood donations. Middle: The grand tour would not have been complete without a walk through the CRC. Yong-Duk Chyun, project director (right), showed Thompson floor plans and designs of the new building. Nearly 60 percent of the patient rooms will be single rooms, while each of the pediatric rooms will have a space for the parents to sleep. Pictured (left to right) Secretary Tommy Thompson, Stephen A. Ficca, associate director, ORS, and CC Director Dr. John Gallin. Left: Angela Richardson tells Thompson, “I am only alive today because of the study I was enrolled in.” Nearly 20 years ago, Richardson was diagnosed with lupus. At that time the disease was considered incurable. With a series of medications, Richardson has been able to control her life without having the effects of lupus interfere.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson spent four days touring NIH last month to familiarize himself with the latest medical research and internal operations.
NIH was the fourth agency Thompson visited since being sworn into office in February.
During his visit, Thompson was escorted around NIH and the Clinical Center by Dr. Ruth Kirschstein, NIH acting director and Clinical Center Director Dr. John Gallin. Thompson spoke with researchers about the latest in medical advances and met with patients who spoke firsthand about their experiences while being treated at the Clinical Center.
Dr. Gallin and Maureen Gormley briefly speak with Secretary Thompson before touring the Clinical Center.
“No one can be more impressed with this institute than I am,” said Michael Rice. “The personalities of the people here make this place shine.”
Rice was the recipient of a peripheral blood stem cell transplant to treat colon cancer. The transplant uses significantly lower doses of chemotherapy than would be given with a bone marrow transplant.
Therefore, the procedure is tolerated much better and has fewer complications. Twelve days after the transplant, Rice was able to return home to North Carolina.
“I just wanted to have the opportunity to say thanks [to the Secretary] for supporting these new treatments that have been beneficial in my life,” said Rice.
Right: Thompson speaks to a group of fellows before lunch. Left: Dr. Stephen Katz, NIAMS director (left) and Dr. Gregory Dennis, NIAMS, show Thompson a splint that was placed on Ainsline Crawford’s finger to maintain alignment so that the finger won’t disfigure. Crawford was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1998 and is currently being prepared for enrollment into a protocol.
Right: Prior to touring the CRC, Thompson is briefed on the design and structure of the building. Thompson was most impressed with the interstitial levels of the building that will house the utility infrastructure. The interstitial levels will provide full access for easy maintenance and repairs with no disruption to the patients or employees in the occupied spaces below. Left: Rosa Ramirez shows Secretary Thompson the tough-ness of her skin caused by dermatomyositis, an acute inflammatory condition of the skin and muscle. Pictured (left to right) Rosa Ramirez, Dr. Gregory Dennis, NIAMS, Secretary Tommy Thompson, Dr. Stephen Katz, director, NIAMS.
