171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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January 2009
Dear faculty, Children's Hospital staff and other friends,
While we contemplate the New Year, we must look back on a very disappointing year financially. However, the good work that has been done this year has been amazing. We have made major strides in treating inflammation in neonates. Usually, the inflammation from in utero infections cause brain damage. With the study that has now started treating neonates in utero by infusing an anti-inflammation medication into the mother to treat the child and reduce chances of brain damage. We have also been running a trial in animals that show that spinal cord injuries can be cured in animals and most likely in humans.
We have had very few resources this year, but the Children's Hospital Fund has helped us to recruit 14 new faculty members, whose help was desperately needed. We have recruited a new head of hematology-oncology, Dr. Hudspeth. We have hired two new nephrologists, Dr. Shatat and Dr. Sas. We were able to recruit Dr. Passo to work with Dr. Ruth to round out a pediatric rheumatology program that will build toward starting a fellowship. Dr. Tim Givens has joined the ED faculty and is heading up the pediatric emergency department. Dr. Randazzo has become one of the most popular faculty members running the newborn nursery. Just this past week, we have recruited a new faculty member in ID, Dr. Terry Dixon. Other faculty recruits, include Dr. Amaya who is now working with Dr. Able to serve children who have been abused or neglected.
It is at this time of the year that all of us think about how we have done our job. Have we reduced suffering, given love and hope, and increased happiness? I think we have. We have had more help than you can imagine from friends who have given to the Children's Hospital Fund. We will keep out doors open. We will do what we have to do to help our patients and our fellow workers. I am very proud of our wonderful group of physicians, nurses, and staff who make things run smoothly throughout the year.
Perhaps, the new year will be better financially, but it could not have been better this year from the goodwill that has been sent into our path. Thank you all for all you do.
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Sincerely,
L. Lyndon Key, MD
Chair, Department of Pediatrics |
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