A Biannual Publication of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
FALL 2015
FALL 2015 GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
CHAIRMEN’S NOTE
DEAR READERS, Do you feel it? That fresh crispness can be a sign of only one thing: Fall is here, a season of change. And it couldn’t come at a better time as we celebrate several exciting changes at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. First is our newly redesigned Pediatric Radiology imaging suite, which many parents have described as being not at all like a visit to the hospital, where color and light play an important role. We’re also proud to launch a new intermediate care unit, a step down from our Pediatric ICU, and recently held a grand opening for a new outdoor playground — with the generous support of Walmart & Sam’s Club — where children can race around an outdoor fountain surrounded by gracefully diving dolphins. In addition, we are continuing to celebrate you and your support, which enabled our CMN Celebration to surpass the $1 million mark for the very first time this year.
We’re also welcoming a number of new surgical faculty: Pediatric Otolaryngologists Dr. Jack Borders and Dr. Drew Prosser, both of whom are returning to CHOG, Dr. Borders from a practice in UAE and Dr. Prosser who recently completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Both of these individuals have special expertise in the management of neonatal and pediatric airway disorders, as well as multiple congenital and acquired ear, nose and throat issues. Pediatric Orthopedist Dr. Greg Kalv (recently completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics) is offering new, early treatments for congenital scoliosis; Dr. Andrea Prosser joins Dr. Stephanie Goei to offer a full array of surgical care for pediatric eye disorders; and Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Anastasios Polimenakos, and Pediatric Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Zahid Amin are celebrating their one-year anniversaries at CHOG, after a remarkable year of impeccable results in pediatric interventional cardiology and traditional heart surgery for infants and children. All of these talented individuals complete their good work inside our specially designed operating rooms, sized just for kids — complete with a full complement of seven pediatric anesthesiologists for every family’s peace of mind and even a seamless day surgery program. One very important change took place recently with the renaming of Georgia Regents University to Augusta University. This new name recognizes the crucial partnership that exists between this institution and our local community — which we see and recognize every day. The Childrens Hospital of Georgia will retain its name and continue to strive to care for Georgia’s children. As we embrace this new season, it is changes like these that invite us to look forward to continued growth and a bright future. Happy fall! Best,
Dr. Charles Linder Dr. Charles Howell
Drs. Charles Linder (left) and Charles Howell (right) with CHOG mascot, Roary
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IN THIS ISSUE CHOG RANKS NO. 1 IN NATION_________4
FALL 2015
PRESS ON GIVES $2.5M TO FUND PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH________5 Georgia Kids First is published biannually by Children’s Hospital of Georgia and the Division of Communications and Marketing. Please direct comments or questions to Editor Emily Renzi at erenzi@gru.edu or 706-721-3213.
A NEW TAKE ON PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY__________________________6 INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT OPENS NEW POSSIBILITIES____________________8 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT__________________9 NEW FACULTY_________________________10
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FALL 2015
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
FALL 2015 GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
CHOG RANKS NO. 1 IN NATION Children’s Hospital of Georgia is the highest performing children’s hospital in the nation in quality and safety. When pediatric patient care at CHOG is compared to that provided at 122 peer hospitals across the country, Augusta’s only children’s hospital ranks at the top. “We take care of some really sick children here at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. These aren’t just kids with aches and pains and temporary illnesses; although those are a significant part of what we do,” said CHOG Administrator Jim Mumford. “We’re talking about
kids who need heart surgery, brain surgery and cancer treatments, as well as ECMO; and kids with chronic diseases, like asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. These UHC quality and safety indicators and our national ranking is a testament to the outstanding care that our physicians, nurses and staff provide to these children and families across the Southeast on a daily basis.” According to the latest Quality and Safety Management Report from the University HealthSystem Consortium – an alliance of the nation’s
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leading nonprofit academic medical centers, CHOG ranks first in pediatric care for all of 2014 in an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) integrated measure on pediatric quality. “Being recognized for the highest quality and safety outcomes on a national level is certainly a significant honor,” said Dr. Charles Howell, co-medical director and surgeon-in-chief of CHOG. “It speaks volumes about the compassion and expertise that we provide to each and every patient at Children’s Hospital of Georgia.” The 154-bed not-for-profit Children’s Hospital of Georgia is the second-largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care, as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children. Donations help fund the many resources needed to enhance and maintain the quality of care children receive – from the smallest bandage to the most precise surgical instruments. “It takes a remarkable team effort centered on children and their families to be the best of the best in children’s care,” said Dr. Charles Linder, chairman of pediatrics for GRU’s Medical College of Georgia and co-medical director at CHOG. “We just celebrated a year of record-breaking donations in 2014 that culminated last weekend with our telethon. Now we have another reason to celebrate, and our supporters can take pride in these accomplishments, too.”
PRESS ON GIVES $2.5M TO FUND PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 10,000 children under age 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Pediatric cancer research, however, is underfunded because less than 1 percent of people with cancer are children. “When you hear there are no curative options for your child, it stops you in your tracks,” said Tara Simkins, who runs Press On with her husband Turner and Stephen and Erin Chance. “What options can we create for our children? That’s been the driver behind Press On. ” A $2.5-million gift will fund the development of the Press On Translational Pediatric Oncology Program at the GRU Cancer Center to boost the discovery and deployment of new treatment alternatives for childhood cancers. This
grant was made possible with the long-term commitment of Tony and Jeannie Loop and the JANUS Research Group. “Children are our future, and we have to help them,” Jeannie Loop said. “JANUS is looking forward to working with Dr. Samir Khleif, director of the GRU Cancer Center, and Press On to help children everywhere.” “The Chance and Simkins families have seen firsthand the traumatic physical and emotional effect cancer can have on children. I can’t thank them and the Loop family enough for making the Press On Translational Pediatric Oncology Program a reality and for ‘pressing on’ in partnering with us on innovative research,” Dr. Khleif said. “Their generosity and devotion will positively impact the lives of our youngest patients for years to come.”
For more information on “Press On” and how to donate to the cause, visit
cancer.gru.edu/presson.
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FALL 2015
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
FALL 2015 GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
A NEW TAKE ON PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY
Highest-quality scans combine with award-winning, patient-friendly touches
The Children’s Hospital of Georgia has a new take on pediatric radiology that’s ensuring scans for our smallest patients can be done more quickly, more safely and more effectively. “Not only can we capture images with the most active child, but our new equipment allows us to reduce the amount of radiation used,” said Dr. James V. Rawson, chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University. “These are
OUR SERVICES We offer a wide array of pediatric imaging exams and image-guided procedures, both inside the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and in conjunction with Georgia Regents Medical Center, including: n n n n n n n
X-ray Fluoroscopy Computed tomography (CT) Ultrasound Interventional radiology Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Nuclear medicine
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also the highest-quality images available, thanks to our newly designed, state-of-the-art imaging suite, offering some of the latest Philips diagnostic imaging technology in the Southeast.” But here’s the fun part: The redesigned imaging suite makes a child’s visit completely unlike a visit to the hospital. In the main waiting area, patients and siblings can reach for objects on a giant interactive video wall, making corn kernels “pop” into popcorn or any of about 80 other scenarios.
Inside the procedure rooms, young patients choose their favorite lighting color and in some cases, sound too, such as waves crashing on the beach, to help them feel more comfortable during their study. So children can better understand their procedure (and in many cases, reduce the need for sedation), children can also play with a “Kitten Scanner,” which demonstrates exactly what happens during a scan with the help of a friendly stuffed animal. In fact, GRHealth recently earned a Patient-Centric Imaging Award from Health Imaging magazine for its makeover of the pediatric imaging suite at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Want to make a referral? Call our Radiology Customer Care Center today at 706-721-9729. 7
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FALL 2015
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
FALL 2015 GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT OPENS NEW POSSIBILITIES During the height of respiratory season — typically the busiest time for a children’s hospital — the Children’s Hospital of Georgia collected two months of data on its
hospital to adopt an intermediate care unit, featuring three new ICU beds. “The new unit allows us to admit more critical patients, stay off diversion and better serve our community,”
most critically ill patients and found that 40 percent would be candidates for intermediate, or step-down, care. As a result, CHOG recently became the latest children’s
said Ann Neal, RN, nurse manager of the intermediate care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric vascular access team and pediatric ECMO and transport team.
“THE NEW UNIT ALLOWS US TO ADMIT MORE CRITICAL PATIENTS, STAY OFF DIVERSION AND BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.” 8
“As the region’s only children’s hospital, we’re now better able than ever to care for critically ill patients both near and from outlying areas.” Located on the hospital’s fourth floor — adjacent to the general pediatric unit — the new unit provides a comfortable environment for patients and families who no longer require PICU care yet are not quite well enough to go to the general floor. Families can enjoy a more private setting with en-suite bathrooms, while the same monitoring equipment as in the PICU allows medical staff to provide the same level of care available in a critical care setting. “As an academic medical center with a Level I trauma center and the region’s only dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency department, the ability to accept critically ill patients more quickly is vital,” said Jim Mumford, CHOG administrator. “This new unit does just that, while increasing our critical care capacity by nearly 25 percent and improving our ability to provide care to children and ultimately get them home.”
FACULTY and STAFF SPOTLIGHT
CARLA ALLEN, RNC-OB,BSN It may sound a little unusual, but as a staff nurse in the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Carla Allen is a nursing leader. Unusual perhaps at other institutions, but business as usual at CHOG thanks to an environment that promotes the leadership of bedside nurses. Allen in fact was elected this past January as the first senior staff nurse to hold the chair of the Nurse Coordinating Council for Shared Governance at GRHealth — and also chairs the Clinical Ladder Council. She was also recently awarded the Aspiring Nurse
Leader scholarship from the Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders East Central District, which covers a 20-county region. “Not only do we have a cutting-edge academic medical center, but we also have a center that is urging our nurses to use evidence-based practice, to be involved in research, to be involved in excellence at the bedside,” said Allen, who was recently promoted to NICU charge nurse. “Those nurses who are coming and working 12hour shifts, who are at the bedside taking care of your patients, we are promoting excellence and growth for them.”
As a nurse, Allen always knew she wanted to work with moms and babies, inspired by a baby brother lost to SIDS and a sister who suffered a pregnancy loss. After spending a decade in labor and delivery, she’s come full circle in a way with her role in the NICU, where she helps care for the sickest of tiny preemies. In her off time, she also volunteers as an instructor for Safe Kids Greater Augusta. “We treat families like they’re our own family when they come here,” said Allen. “And if I can make a difference for just one family, that would make all the difference to me.”
“WE TREAT FAMILIES LIKE THEY’RE OUR OWN FAMILY WHEN THEY COME HERE. AND IF I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR JUST ONE FAMILY, THAT WOULD MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO ME.” 9
grhealth.org/chog
FALL 2015
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
FALL 2015
NEW FACULTY
J. Drew Prosser, MD
Jack C. Borders, MD
Gregory Kalv, MD
Andrea Prosser, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology
Pediatric Otolaryngology
Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia
Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia
Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia
Medical Degree: Medical College of Georgia
Internship: Johns Hopkins Hospital (General Surgery)
Residency: Medical College of Georgia
Internship: Medical College of Georgia
Internship: Medical College of Georgia
Fellowship: Emory University
Residency: Medical College of Georgia
Residency: Medical College of Georgia
Clinical Interests: Infantile, early onset and adolescent scoliosis, developmental hip dysplasia, clubfoot, pediatric deformity, cerebral palsy and pediatric trauma
Clinical Interests: Comprehensive eye care for both adults and children, diagnosis and management of cataracts, glaucoma, refractive error and strabismus, diseases of the anterior segment, diabetic retinopathy screening, cataract surgery, laser procedures, glaucoma surgery, and strabismus surgery.
Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Chief, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital (Otolaryngology) Fellowship: Sydney (Australia) University, (Airway Management) Clinical Interests: Airway obstruction and management, pediatric sinusitis
Pediatric Orthopaedics
Clinical Interests: Airway reconstructive surgery, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, otologic procedures and surgical treatment of benign and malignant pediatric head and neck masses
A RECORD BREAKER The local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration, which aired from noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, on WRDW-TV News 12, celebrated a record-breaking $1,356,058 in donations to benefit the services and programs at Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The total represents an accumulation of all CMN Hospitals fundraisers, campaigns and other donations in 2014 to the children’s hospital from various supporters and partners, as well as new pledges and donations raised over the weekend through a telethon.
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CHOG PEDIATRIC CONSULTATION
Allergy/Immunology 706-721-3531 William Dolen, MD Betty Wray, MD Child Abuse/Neglect 706-721-2456 Maureen Claiborne, MD General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 706-721-2456 Reda Bassali, MD Lynnette Bauza, MD Alice Little Caldwell, MD Maureen Claiborne, MD Jacob A. Eichenberger, MD Davidson Freeman, MD Lisa Leggio, MD Charles Linder, MD Kathryn McLeod, MD Donna Moore, MD Lauren Newhall, MD Bejal Patel, MD Robert Pendergrast, MD Nirupma Sharma, MD Leila Stallworth, MD Christopher White, MD Pediatric Cardiology 706-721-2336 Zahid Amin, MD William Lutin, MD, PhD Kenneth A. Murdison, MD Mac Vining, MD Henry Wiles, MD Pediatric Endocrinology 706-721-4158 Chris Houk, MD Linnea M. Larson-Williams, MD Traci Scott, RN, CDE Pediatric Gastroenterology 706-721-4724 Joyce Dorman, PNP Vita Goei, MD Katy Slagle, PNP Jamie Wolf, DO Pediatric Genetics 706-721-2809 Carolyn Lovell, MAT, MS, CGC
Introducing a new physician referral tool making it simple for you and your patients–grhealth.org/referral
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/ Sickle Cell 706-721-3626 Afshin Ameri, MD Leila Clay, MD Theodore Johnson, MD Colleen McDonough, MD David Munn, MD Betty Pace, MD Pediatric Infectious Diseases 706-721-4725 Fred Cox, MD Chitra S. Mani, MD Christopher White, MD Pediatric Neonatal Follow-up Clinic 706-721-2331 Chantrapa Bunyapen, MD Pediatric Nephrology 706-721-0177 Obioma Nwobi, MD Luis Ortiz, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery 706-721-2849 Styles Bertrand, MD David Cearley, MD Gregory Kalv, MD Luke A. Shiver, MD Pediatric Otolaryngology 706-721-6387 George Harris, MD Anthony Hughes, MD Pediatric Plastic Surgery 706-721-2198 Jack Yu, MD Pediatric Surgery 706-721-3941 Diane Bairas, PA Robyn Hatley, MD Charles Howell, MD Walter Pipkin, MD Christian Walters, MD Pediatric Urology 706-721-0982 Ronald Lewis, MD Durwood Neal, MD Pastelle Walston, NP
Pediatric Neurology 706-721-3371 Mary Gregory, MD Yong Park, MD Elizabeth Sekul, MD Pediatric Pulmonology 706-721-2635 Maxine S. Eikani, MD Valera Hudson, MD Kathleen T. McKie, MD Nicole Wimmer, RN, MSN, CPNP Pediatric Rheumatology 706-721-8950 Rita S. Jerath, MBChB Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery 706-721-0982 Anatasios Polimenakos, MD Pediatric Neurosurgery 706-721-3071 Ian Heger, MD Cole Giller, MD (Pediatric Epilepsy) S. Dion Macomson, MD
Other Pediatric Services Neonatology 706-721-2331 Jatinder J.S. Bhatia, MD Chantrapa Bunyapen, MD James Holcomb, MD Azif Safarulla, MD Brian Stansfield, MD Pediatric Critical Care 706-721-4402 William Cagle, MD Lyle Fisher Jr., MD Renuka Mehta, MBBS Mary Lynn Sheram, MD Pediatric Radiology Office: 706-721-5201 Reading Room: 706-721-5209 Kristopher Lewis, MD
Pediatric Ophthalmology 706-721-1150 Stephanie Goei, MD Andrea Prosser, MD
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FALL 2015
GEORGIA KIDS FIRST
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OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently opened and dedicated a new outdoor fountain in front of the building for patients and families. The project – which includes sculpted dolphins hovering above the water – was funded through about $250,000 in donations from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partners Walmart and Sam’s Club. The idea for the fountain came about from a dying child’s desire to spend time with his dog in his last days. This new outdoor feature will provide a great place for patients to experience the outdoors.