Doctors at Duke University successfully performed the first partial heart transplant on a child with a severe heart defect, showing promising results for this innovative procedure as an alternative to risky full heart transplants in infants.
Dr. Mikael Petrosyan, a pediatric surgeon at Children's National Hospital, discusses the devastating impact of gun violence on children, emphasizing the preventable nature of these incidents. He highlights the psychological and emotional toll on families and healthcare workers, urging for a multifaceted approach to address the issue, including education, community involvement, and improving socioeconomic status. Despite the immense strain, he remains committed to his work but acknowledges the growing difficulty in continuing under these circumstances.
A Staten Island family expresses gratitude for the care their son received at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) after he endured a months-long ordeal involving two surgeries for a ruptured appendix. The 15-year-old, who lives with autism, faced frightening times, but the hospital staff provided emotional support and exceptional medical care, leaving the family with a grateful heart. The family hopes to highlight the quality medical care available in their community, and the hospital's president emphasizes the personal dedication of the healthcare team.
Kevin Eaise, a college athlete, had a brain tumor as a child and underwent successful surgery performed by Dr. Phillip B. Storm. Now 24, Eaise works as a clinical research assistant at the same hospital, helping pediatric patients and their families while pursuing a medical career. His family foundation has raised almost $1 million for brain tumor research, and Eaise hopes to make a difference in pediatric care.
Doctors and staff at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville were left feeling helpless after five victims of a school shooting were brought in, including three 9-year-olds who had already died. The hospital had prepared for mass casualty events, including school shootings, but the emotional toll on staff was still significant. Trauma surgeons said children's bodies are especially susceptible to damage from high-powered weapons like the AR-style rifle used in the attack. The hospital's mass casualty response plan was overhauled after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.