November 2008
This edition:
Turning brain surgery into a chance to give thanks
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It all started with a bidding war between his friends.
Teddy Schmidt knew he would have to have his head - or at least part of it - shaved before he underwent neurosurgery at MUSC. When his neighborhood buddies heard the news, they couldn't wait to break out the shaving cream.
[read more]
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Dear faculty, Children's Hospital staff and other friends,
It is nearing Thanksgiving and each of us has many things for which we are thankful. In this month's feature story, you read the story of a boy, Teddy Schmidt, who in the midst of a very difficult seizure problem, highlights the technology, caring, and heart of the patient, family, community, and healers. Teddy's story is a true symbol of the first-rate medical care provided at MUSC Children's Hospital. These healers come in many shapes and sizes. We have therapy dogs, child life specialists, and compassionate and gutsy doctors. I say this because many of the therapies that we use are new or experimental. We also have researchers who are developing new treatments and surgical procedures. What a wonderful place to see Thanksgiving all around.
[read more]
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It appears that we are facing tough times financially at the hospital again. Expenses are up with the opening of Ashley River Tower, revenue is flat with a weak economy, and fewer elective procedures are taking place. State support has been slashed yet again and the overall bottom line doesn't look good. Fortunately, the Children's Hospital has held its own, but we operate as a unit of all of MUHA and MUSC so we are all in this together.
[read more]
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Everyday, we witness the challenges in our economy through all forms of the media. At home, we are experiencing higher prices for just about everything and the ability to obtain loans is getting tougher. When this crisis began, many healthcare officials thought that the economic issues would not affect the healthcare industry. Now, that thought has completely changed. Across the country providers are seeing less elective procedures and admissions are down. Third party payers are reporting that subscribers are dropping their policies because of costs. States are cutting Medicaid programs and reimbursements because of state shortfalls.
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Making matches
Dr. Girish Shirali is ready to play matchmaker.
He's eager to introduce the 150 investigators in the DCRI to the 25 pediatric fellows who have research requirements.
"The fellows are unaware of these investigators and their needs, and the
investigators are unaware of the fellows and their interest in collaboration," he says. Currently, just one fellow is involved with research on children's issues.
As vice chairman for fellowship education, Dr. Shirali sees untapped potential in the possible successes that could result from these unions. Along with Dr. Bernard Maria, executive director of the DCRI, Dr. Shirali hosted a discussion with the fellows to talk about possible collaborations.
The timing is perfect.
[read more]
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Keep That Gratitude Attitude for Thanksgiving
It is that time of year again when Thanksgiving, Christmas, and plenty of parties in between will be tempting you and your children to indulge just a bit more than you need. Planning ahead will make a big difference and keep you from revisiting those New Years' resolutions. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where you can be in control by planning a strategy which includes favorite family traditions balanced with some moderation and exercise. Guilt is not an essential nutrient, so begin by talking to your family about what makes Thanksgiving special.
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A special thanks to the following individuals for their efforts in putting together Kids Connection each month.
Editor-in-Chief: Bernard L. Maria, MD/MBA
Editorial Assistant: Jennifer Cherock, Trio Solutions, Inc.
Publishers: Brian Dadin, Roxanne Hicks, Trio Solutions, Inc.
Feature Writer: Mary Sue Lawrence
Contributing Writers:
Lyndon Key,
Bernard Maria,
Philip Saul,
John Sanders,
Laura Cousineau
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