171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
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January 2006
Letter From Our Chair
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L. Lyndon Key, MD
Professor and Chairman
Department of Pediatrics |
Dear Faculty:
The year has flown past. The Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute opened with a wonderful tribute to children
and Dr. Darby's vision for a full-service children's hospital complex. Investigators from across the campus and from
around the country have moved into the building - bringing an increase in funded research for children from $10 million
up to $24 million. The research has spawned three major clinical trials:
- Improved preservation of kidneys for transplantation.
- Neuroprotection of infants with low birth weights.
- Neuroprotection of infants with intrauterine infections.
In addition, a new company was formed on the basis of patents created by Dr. Singh. These studies promise to move
towards reducing the inflammation of the pancreas to prevent the progressive loss of insulin production in type 1
and 2 diabetes. Work published by Dr. Singh was used to secure a grant to protect the spinal cord from further damage
by inflammation after severe trauma.
In the area of bone biology, Dr. Reddy demonstrated the role of the "Osteoclast Inhibitory Peptide" as a possible treatment
for osteoporosis.
The CRI is creating an environment that is catching the attention of faculty across the country. A wonderful example is the
melding of an adult rheumatology research program and the recruitment of a stellar young pediatric rheumatologist (see this month's feature
story). The collaborative nature of this facility is improving the development of translational research for our children.
Dr. Silver has been a fantastic help to the children of South Carolina and now he has attracted Dr. Tasha Ruth to the department
to do research and clinical work.
The atmosphere in the building is electric. The translational momentum is extremely high-all because of children's needs.
In addition, the department dedicated itself to excellence at its first annual faculty retreat. At the retreat, nearly 50 faculty
members expressed their desires for improving the departmental focus and mission. We defined our passions, discussed our needs,
and decided that we need to focus our activities in one of three areas: Translational Medicine, Transitional Medicine, or Preventive
Medicine. Again, the electricity flowed in the words of each faculty member as they reached for and explained their passion.
As we move into the New Year (or the second half of our academic year), I want to encourage everyone to help us attain greatness.
The CRI is here. The hospital is changing and bursting at the seams. The ED has continued to grow steadily and has become the center
for emergency care for all children in our region.
I would like to thank our faculty, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Children's Hospital. We have made phenomenal progress in
completing our Capital Campaign. Our quest is to bring the best health care to the children of South Carolina. The year has been good,
but is just a start as we move towards greatness.
Here's to another "Happy New Year" to one and all.
Sincerely,
L. Lyndon Key, MD
Chair, Department of Pediatrics
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