It's About Children - Spring 2013 Issue by East Tennessee Children's Hospital

“Dear Children’s”

On The Cover: Emily Whitfi eld of Knoxville. Read her story on pages 4-6.

Rebecca is our youngest of three children. She was born prematurely on Valentine’s Night 1996 at 28 weeks gestation, weighing two pounds. My mother had just passed away three weeks before. Children’s Hospital gave us hope and Becca life. We are so thankful to God for having you all there. As you can see, she is a lovely young lady today. Even though she was so tiny, she now is 5’8” and is actually graduating from Christian Academy of Knoxville a year early. She is very involved in community service and helping others. Again, we are so thankful for all you did to keep her alive!

Regina Helton

gestation, weighing two pounds. My mother had just passed away three weeks before. Children’s Hospital gave us hope and Becca life. We are so thankful to God for having you all there. As you can see, she is a lovely young lady today. Even though she was so tiny, she now is 5’8” and is actually graduating from Christian Academy of Knoxville a year early. She is very involved in community service and helping others. Again, we are so thankful for all you did to keep her alive! I brought my 17-year-old to your facility on Wednesday,

September 5, calling in advance a� er talking to his doctor

at Knoxville Pediatric Group. Your sta� directed me on how

to proceed, as I was coming straight from work here at UT.

He had been the passenger in a car accident that morning

and was still complaining of a severe headache. From the

minute I called your facility to our arrival and departure

time at Children’s, it was in one word incredible. � e sta� ,

outstanding; the doctor on call, outstanding; nursing sta� ,

everyone who was involved in our visit, oustanding. I cannot

thank you enough for the superior service we received.

� ank you and God Bless you all,

Suzanne Sawicki

Posted on the Children’s Hospital website:


Dennis Ragsdale, Chairman • Bill Terry, M.D., Vice Chairman • Michael Crabtree, Secretary/Treasurer • John Buchheit, M.D. • Debbie Christiansen, M.D. Randall Gibson • Keith D. Goodwin • Steven Harb • Lewis Harris, M.D. Dee Haslam • Gale Huneycutt • John Lansing • A. David Martin • Larry Martin Christopher Miller, M.D. • Steve South • Jim Bush, Chair Emeritus • William G. Byrd, M.D., Chair Emeritus • Don Parnell, Chair Emeritus

Mark Cramolini, M.D., Chief of Staff • Barbara Summers, M.D., Vice Chief of Staff Cameron J. Sears, M.D., Secretary

Kevin Brinkman, M.D., Chief of Medicine • Glaze Vaughan, M.D., Chief of Surgery

Keith D. Goodwin, President/CEO • Bruce Anderson, Vice President for Legal Services & General Counsel • Laura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N., NEA-BC, Vice President for Patient Care • Joe Childs, M.D., Vice President for Medical Services Zane Goodrich, CPA, Vice President for Finance & CFO • Carlton M. Long, Vice President for Development and Community Services • Rudy McKinley, Vice President for Operations • Sue Wilburn, Vice President for Human Resources

Board of Directors

Medical Staff

Chiefs of Services

Administration

It’s About Children StaffEllen Liston, APR, Fellow PRSA, Director of Community Relations Neil Crosby, Contributing Photographer

“Because Children are Special…”…they deserve the best possible health care given in a positive, family-centered atmosphere of friendliness, cooperation and support -- regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.”…their medical needs are closely related to their emotional and informational needs; therefore, the total child must be considered in treating any illness or injury.”…their health care requires family involvement, special understanding, special equipment and specially trained personnel who recognize that children are not miniature adults.”…their health care can best be provided by a facility with a well-trained medical and hospital staff whose only interests and concerns are with the total health andwell-being of infants, children and adolescents.

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

www.etch.com


Emily Whitfi eld of Knoxville. Read her story on pages 4-6.

Children’s Hospital NOTESPosted on the Children’s Hospital website:

Volunteers donate $50,000 to Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital depends on more than 250 volunteers who give their time and energy to make the hospital a special, inviting place for patients and their families. � ese volunteers not only brighten patients’ days with their care and attention but also assist hospital departments with various tasks. In addition to the services they provide daily, volunteers also give generous gi� s to the hospital every year. � is winter, the Children’s Hospital Volunteers presented Children’s Hospital Administration with a donation of $50,000. � e money was raised from Gi� Shop sales and was allocated as follows:• $40,355 – For renovation and physical improvements to the NICU III (part of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)• $8,535 – For the Child Life department to use for the SWANK Movie System which brings age-appropriate movies to all patient rooms• $1,110 – For the Pastoral Care department to purchase memorial ornaments Children’s Hospital would like to extend a special thank you to the many dedicated volunteers who donate their valuable time to the hospital and their � nancial donations that support Children’s Hospital’s numerous projects, programs and departments. If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, visit www.etch.com or call (865) 541-8136.

Children’s Hospital NOTESChildren’s Hospital NOTESChildren’s Hospital NOTESNew Ambassador Program Begins

� is year, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is recruiting

12-15 patient families to be the hospital’s Miracle Ambassadors.

� ese families will be trained and supported by Children’s

Hospital and will serve as “living examples” of why the work of

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and all Children’s Miracle

Network Hospitals matters. During their time as ambassadors,

the families will share their personal stories and re� ections

about Children’s Hospital and their experiences here to the local

community. � ey will represent the hospital throughout East

Tennessee speaking to groups about their children’s unique health

care situations, and the Miracle Ambassador Program will give

the � exibility for families to attend events that best � t into their

schedules. In upcoming issues, It’s About Children will feature a

“Meet the Ambassadors” section to share these special families’

stories.

Hope Tichon, left, is thrilled to be a child ambassador for Children’s Hospital. She is shown here with brother Luke and sister Jordan. Th e entire family has played a role in her treatment and will serve with her as ambassadors.Bryan Cody is excited to serve

as an ambassador for Children’s

Hospital.

3 Donate at www.etch.com

Articles by Jessica Boyd and Cassidy Duckett

Promote Children’s Hospital

on the Road To celebrate its milestone of serving this area’s children

for 75 years in 2012, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

introduced a new specialty license plate. Vehicles can own

one of Tennessee’s most colorful plates to ever be bolted on a

bumper – and help Children’s Hospital in its mission to provide

the best pediatric health care to the children of this region.

� e colorful new license plates are now available for pre-

order and will be printed once pre-orders reach 1,000; cost

is $35 per license plate, and payment is required when pre-

ordering. Purchasers are able to choose numbers 0001 – 1000

to appear on their plate. All proceeds from sales of the specialty

license plates will bene� t Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Hospital employees chose the look for the new

license plate from several designs by the Tombras Group, who

created and donated the art for the license plate.

For more information or to reserve your specialty license

plate, contact the Children’s Hospital Development

Department at (865) 541-8441 or visit www.etch.com under

the “Ways to Give” tab.

Children’s Hospital NOTESChildren’s Hospital NOTESChildren’s Hospital NOTESChildren’s Hospital NOTES

Hope Tichon, left, is thrilled to be a child ambassador for Children’s

New Ambassador Program Begins

Tennessee speaking to groups about their children’s unique health

Bryan Cody is excited to serve

as an ambassador for Children’s

4

Emily


Emily during her Children’s Hospital stay.

ast summer, Emily Whitfi eld and her family headed to Litchfi eld Beach, South Carolina for a relaxing week of sun and surf. Th eir vacation took a scary turn, however, when Emily, then eight, woke up with a swollen and painful right eye. She was running a fever, so her mom, Katie, took her to the local pediatrician. “Th e doctor did an orbital CT to see if there was an abscess, but nothing showed up,” Katie explained. “She was put on an antibiotic, but the swelling didn’t totally go down.” When the family of six returned home to Knoxville, Emily’s swollen eye began to turn red. She visited her family pediatrician and was immediately sent to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “Emily had never spent the night in the hospital,” her mother said. “She was scared to death and cried the whole way there. When we got to Children’s Hospital that evening, the nurses were so comforting and so understanding.

Nothing was going to make her happy, but they handled it perfectly.” Because Emily could not move her eye normally, she was sent to Allyson Schmitt, M.D., of Knoxville Pediatric Eye Care at Children’s Hospital. After Dr. Schmitt did a second orbital CT, it was determined that Emily had an abscess due to a strep infection in her sinuses. Dr. Schmitt explained, “Th e infection had extended to involve the orbit eye socket. Th is is a very dangerous condition because it can lead to blindness, intracranial extension or meningitis if untreated.” Th ough her vision was in jeopardy, Emily’s sinuses were the source of the problem. Dr. Schmitt called upon Dr. Mark Ray, pediatric ENT, to address this issue. She said, “Emily had extensive sinus disease, so it doesn’t make sense to just address the eye socket. Dr. Ray got involved so he could drain the abscess and eye socket at the same time.”

“We only see situations like Emily’s a few times a year at Children’s Hospital,” Dr. Ray explained. “Dr. Schmitt and I worked as a team so that she could evaluate Emily’s vision pre- and post-surgery, and I could drain the abscess and perform endoscopic sinus surgery.” Th ough Katie and Emily were facing multiple doctor visits prior to surgery, they felt comfortable at

ast summer, Emily Whitfi eld and her family headed to Litchfi eld Beach, South Carolina for a relaxing week of sun and

L

6

scare. Her eye movements are back to normal, and the only reminder of Emily’s ordeal is the small half-inch scar on her eyelid. Th e outgoing third-grader is back to her regular activities, including basketball and swimming, and back to being her bubbly self. “She’s never met a stranger,” her mother said. “So we knew this was scary because Emily didn’t want people to see her eye.” Th ough the Whitfi elds have four children, this was their fi rst inpatient experience at Children’s Hospital. Th e situation was frightening, but the family felt reassured by the hospital staff . Katie explained, “Th ey never seemed stressed. Instead, it was more like, ‘Th is is what we do every day.’ Th ey made us feel like we were the most important thing at that time. It is such a blessing as a parent to have that right in my backyard.”

by Cassidy Duckett

Children’s Hospital. “It’s a scary time when there’s an unknown cause and there are many risks,” Katie said. “When you have your eight-year-old hearing things, it’s scary. Th roughout the whole process, they (the staff at Children’s Hospital) handled it so well with our questions and emotions. It was a whirlwind, but they coordinated the specialists and did a great job of getting us what we needed when we needed it.” Emily went into surgery on Wednesday, August 11, just one week after the swelling appeared in her eye. Dr. Ray drained the abscess and the eye socket after consulting with Dr. Schmitt about the risks. “When Emily came out, it looked like she had been in a boxing match, but all the pressure was gone. She had immediate relief,” her mom remembered. Emily’s vision is now back to 20/20, and she has had no complications since the late summer

about emilyFavorite color Blue

Favorite movie Matilda

Favorite school subjects Math & writing

Heroolder sister Mary Kate

What I do for funDance, sing, cheer,

basketball, swimming, play with my friends & cousins

What I want to be when I grow upTeacher, Dancer, Basketball player or pediatrician

Dr. Katy Stordahl

ER Doctor Profi le:Children’s welcomesphysician back home

Dr. Katy Stordahl knew she wanted to be a doctor as a three-year old growing up in Sevier County. She explained, “I don’t remember, but apparently I told my mom that I wanted to be a pediatrician. I do remember loving a doctor’s kit that I had and giving my mom fake shots. Becoming a doctor is something that I thought about on and off during my entire adolescence and into college.” Th e Gatlinburg-Pittman High School alumna made her dream come true by attending Vanderbilt University for both her undergraduate and medical degrees. However, Dr. Stordahl did test the waters of other careers. Th e summer before her senior year at Vanderbilt, she interned at CNN in Atlanta. As a member of the Science and Technology and Medical departments, Dr. Stordahl produced fi ve stories that aired on the Next@CNN program in the summer of 2002. Additionally, she wrote a medically-based article for the Health Section of CNN.com about middle-ear implants. Dr. Stordahl explained, “I interned at CNN to decide if I wanted to be a medical journalist or if I wanted to go to medical school. It was through that experience that I realized I defi nitely wanted to be a physician.” After graduating from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2007, Dr. Stordahl moved to Cincinnati to complete her residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She stayed for two years after graduating to work in the Emergency Room as a staff physician. Moving back to East Tennessee was a no-brainer for Dr. Stordahl. “I wanted to be closer to my family, and I love the Smoky Mountains. My husband, Erik, and I love hiking and biking and other outdoor activities,” she said. Working at Children’s Hospital is quite a change from her experience in Cincinnati. She explained, “I love the patient population and treating people from East Tennessee. Th ere are so many good parents who love their children very much.” In addition to respectful, grateful parents and patients, Dr. Stordahl appreciates the helpfulness of her colleagues at Children’s Hospital. “Th ere is a transition period any time you go to a new hospital or new job, and people have been so helpful to me here. I had a very warm welcome, and the

staff have been willing to teach me and provide help and assistance.” Th ough she loves her role as a board certifi ed pediatrician in the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, Dr. Stordahl hasn’t given up her ambition to become involved in medical journalism. Working with the Children’s Hospital Marketing Department, she has appeared locally on WBIR-TV and WATE-TV medical segments representing the expertise of Children’s Hospital for this area’s families. “I’ve been able to fulfi ll a decade-long dream,” she said, “and it’s wonderful to be back home with the people and the culture of East Tennessee.”

by Cassidy Duckett


Turning In to Outsideby Katy Stordahl, M.D.

I am so thankful to be back in my home of East Tennessee. We are very blessed here to have the resources of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My love of the Park and outdoors grew in me as a child because of the time I spent with my family outdoors, mainly in the Smoky Mountains. We have so much beauty and so many activities that we can enjoy in this area. As both a nature lover and a doctor, I encourage everyone, but especially families, to enjoy all the hiking, biking, fishing, camping, walking, picnicking and swimming that the Smokies have to offer. While camping last summer in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota, I read a book by Richard Louv called Last Child in the Woods about what the author calls nature-deficit disorder (this while fending off mosquitoes, swimming in pristine waters and canoeing among wooded islands). As a physician, I knew that this is not a psychiatric disorder listed in any textbook, but Louv’s research showing that fewer people, and hence, fewer children, are spending time outdoors is indeed accurate. U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Data corroborates this. Data from 1998 to the present shows that the national park system is down 10 million visitors; 2012 data shows that while some parks experienced an increase in visitors in the past year, people are staying 2-50 percent less time than in the past (depending on the particular national park). Louv’s hypothesis is that, for reasons too numerous for

a brief article to name, many children are growing up without exposure to the beauty of our country, our national parks, and even just the backyard. As a result, his research shows that children have increased obesity, shorter attention spans, and possibly less use and development of their imaginations. Some of his hypotheses are undeniable. A 2007-2008 study published by the National Survey of Children’s Health showed that Tennessee ranks 6th in the nation for childhood obesity. At least 36 percent of schoolchildren in this state are obese. The long-term complications of obesity are serious and include hypertension, joint pain and disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and type II diabetes mellitus. Outdoor activities are a good source of exercise for children, helping to ward off obesity. While we need more research in regards to Louv’s hypotheses that lack of exposure to outdoor time can shorten attention spans or limit the bounds of imagination, his hypotheses clicked with me based on what I see in the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital ER every day. Many children have iPads, iPods and smart phones that act as distractions; this can be very helpful in the ER with procedures to calm a scared child. Our Child Life personnel, experts in child development who help the medical personnel in the ER and other departments at Children’s Hospital, use technology for this purpose. Smart electronics can also be learning aids. But while I see many children who willingly sit still and concentrate on an electronic screen, many exhibit very different behavior without the same device. Some can’t sit still, can’t have a conversation or make eye contact, and won’t listen to their parents’ commands because they are so distracted by technology. The latest technology is no substitute for making up stories or jokes with children while waiting, talking about the day, or reading a book and discussing it. Even the time waiting in an ER or doctor’s office can be valuable parenting time, helping to develop children’s conversation and thinking skills and teaching children how to interact appropriately with other people. We have the perfect place to enjoy time outdoors. So as we head into a beautiful Tennessee spring, I encourage everyone to turn off the iPad and tune into the beauty of a sunset, a bird calling or the clouds. Your children will thank you for it, and your whole family will be healthier because of it.

In My Own Words

8

Ways We Get Kids

Members of the Children’s Hospital Cleft Palate Team gather at the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic. From left are Coordinator and Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Judy Marciel, RN, MSN, PCNS, CPNP; Medical Social Worker Kathy Fowler, LCSW; Registered Dietician Laura Shamiyeh, MS, RD, LDN; Pediatric Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgeon, Cleft and Craniofacial Surgeon and Medical Director R. Mark Ray, M.D.; Speech-Language Pathologist Jennifer Mach, MS, CCC/SLP; and Orthodontist James Pickering, DDS. Not pictured are Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Turner Emery, DDS, MD; Audiologist Kristie Johnson, AuD, CCC-A; Clinic Nurse Linda Dyer, RN; and Clinic Nurse Kathy Rucker, LPN.


Craniofacial Association, and then the approval process began. � e American Cle� Palate-Craniofacial Association evaluated research, outcomes, patient volume and other factors to determine the approval or denial of the Children’s Hospital team. “Our clinic has a high patient volume,” Dr. Ray said. “� ere are currently more than 200 patients, and it’s growing.” � is approval is important to the Cle� Palate Team because it makes them more visible nationally, and the American Cle� Palate-Craniofacial Association will now refer patients to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s team. To the team, the approval means something else, too. It sets the standard for treating patients e� ectively and with the best possible care, something Children’s Hospital and the Cle� Palate Team are proud to do.

by Jessica Boyd

In January 2013, the Children’s Hospital’s Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic was o� cially approved as a Cle� Palate Team by the American Cle� Palate-Craniofacial Association and Cle� Palate Foundation. Dr. Mark Ray, pediatric ENT at Children’s Hospital, and the team received information last November about the approval, a� er they had worked together to achieve recognition in meeting standards set forth by the American Cle� Palate-Craniofacial Association. � e Children’s Hospital Cle� Palate Team is the only group to achieve this approval in the state of Tennessee. � e American Cle� Palate-Craniofacial Association’s research shows that patients born with craniofacial conditions such as cle� palates can face complex health issues, and an interdisciplinary team is the most e� ective way for a patient to be treated. “Cle� patients are treated as a team, and functional components set forth by the American Cle� Palate Association must be met to standard,” Dr. Ray explained. “It’s not easy to become approved.” All teams are required to go through a rigorous approval process that involves completing an in-depth application process, where all components listed on the form must be present within the team. � ese components are: • Audiology • Cleft surgery • Nursing • Dentistry • Orthodontics • Otolarygologistics (ENT) • Social work or psychology • Speech-language pathology • Nutrition • Genetics • Oral surgery • Pediatrics

“� e interdisciplinary component is what’s important (for approval),” Dr. Ray said. “Having all the specialties as part of one team where a patient doesn’t have to go to multiple doctor’s offi ces for diff erent appointments – that’s important.” � e team at the Children’s Hospital clinic has been practicing together for three and a half years. � ey achieved preliminary approval in January 2010 from the American Cle� Palate-

Cleft Palate Team Recognized by National Association

In this series in It’s About Children, we are sharing with our readers some of the many “Ways We Get Kids.” Outstanding practices by Children’s Hospital departments are highlighted—things that are, although quite commonplace at our pediatric medical center, actually rather unique. � is series showcases the exceptional

work done at Children’s Hospital and demonstrates how the hospital is a great place to work.

Small Talk Around

The Joint Commission surveyed Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Home Health Care in an unannounced visit in November 2012; this survey takes place every three years. The survey team was pleased with the hospital’s work and facilities, which were examined in a comprehensive three-day visit. The Joint Commission indicated they were impressed with the care, compassion and coordination of services provided within the hospital, at the Rehabilitation Center and with the Home Health program.

Joint Commission Survey successful During their visit, the surveyors followed patients, traced the path of care delivery, evaluated care processes and evaluated how Children’s Hospital assures it has the best team in place. Keith Goodwin, CEO/President of Children’s Hospital, said the Joint Commission visit provides an opportunity to validate the ways Children’s Hospital employees care for patients and highlights best practices to share with other organizations. Children’s Hospital is proud of its entire staff’s commitment to the hospital mission and values that were demonstrated during the Joint Commission visit.

Amanda Evans

10

Usually, global positioning systems (GPS) tell us when to turn right, left or make a U-turn. For Dr. John Little, M.D., Children’s Hospital Pediatric Otolaryngologist, though, the destination is a bit more complicated. “� e satellite navigation system shows you on a monitor where you are in the patient’s head,” he explained. “Typically, we use anatomic landmarks to guide endoscopic surgery, but the navigation system provides additional con� rmation you’re in the right spot.” Dr. Little and his team are using the Stryker navigation system which is, essentially, a GPS for the operating room. � is technology uses a mask and CT scanning technology. When combined with a balloon sinuplasty, it allows physicians to access the sinuses and complete surgery safer and more e� ectively than before. It is attached to a patient’s face during surgery and provides an accurate map of the sinuses on a monitor in view of the surgeon. � is navigation system provides an even safer alternative to traditional endoscopic surgery, which is especially helpful in more complicated cases. For patients like Amanda Evans, a University of Tennessee sophomore, the complex navigation technology means one thing: a safer surgery. � e 19-year-old Cosby, Tennessee native had sinus surgery during her freshman year in high school due to chronic headaches. However, her sinus troubles did not stop. She explained, “When I started college last year, I started getting headaches again and had them for over a year.” A� er being referred to Children’s Hospital by her family doctor, Evans learned about the Stryker navigation mask.

“Dr. Little told me we were going to use this method because my sinus cavity was full of mucus, and it was close to my right eye,” she said. “Because it was there, he had to be care-ful to not hit anything.” Dr. Little explained, “Th is technology allows the physicians, patients and families to feel safer and more comfortable. It is especially important for younger children, who have smaller anatomy and are more surgically precarious.” Unlike her surgery experience in high school, Evans recovered quickly. “� is time, two days later I was able to go out and go downtown,” she said. “It was a big di� erence. � e surgery has helped quite a bit.”

by Cassidy Duckett

A right turn for sinus surgery

continued on page 22

Th ough Janice Mays’ favorite movie is the 1993 hit “Cool Runnings,” she’s not an aspiring bobsledder. Instead, Mays is drawn to the message of the � lm. She explained, “� ey had a ‘We can do it!’ attitude.” Clearly, Mays has taken this sentiment to heart in her role as Care Coordinator for the inpatient � oors at Children’s Hospital. “Generally,” she said, “I see my role as helping any way I can.” To do so, she works with patients and their families on a global and individual level. On the larger scale, Mays identi� es process gaps and facilitates improvements to these processes to decrease the length of patient stays. Additionally, she reviews patient populations by both diagnosis and triggering event to identify ways to improve. Mays’ role includes working with other departments to eliminate these barriers to e� ective care. On an individual level, Mays assists patients and families with complex discharge needs. � ese responsibilities include obtaining authorization for ground and air ambulance transports and coordinating inpatient transfers. During her nursing career, Mays has accumulated almost half of the alphabet in terms of credentials. She has an RN license, a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee (BSN), a Masters of Art in Organizational Management (MAOM) and is a Certi� ed Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). In addition to these achievements, she is a connoisseur of one delicious dessert: ice cream. When asked her favorite � avors, Mays said, “I love them all! But Rocky Road or Butter Pecan top the list.”

by Cassidy Duckett

Nursing Spotlight: Janice Mays

Small Talk Around

Nine-year-old KelliAnn Corbett wanted to help. And she had something specific in mind – Christmas gifts for patients at Children’s Hospital. So she told her sisters, seven-year-old Emily and six-year-old Victoria, and her parents, AnnMarie and Kevin, who called the hospital to see what they could do. The Children’s Hospital Volunteer Services Department explained to the Corbetts how patients watch DVDs in their rooms and often take a movie home with them when discharged. “We thought that was something we could help with,” AnnMarie said. KelliAnn was determined to collect as many DVDs as possible, so her family created a flyer that went out to all students at the Corbetts’ school, Linden Elementary. They called their project DVDs for Joy and created a collection point in the school lobby as well as where Kevin works: at Bechtel in Oak Ridge. After the 10-day collection period, the Corbetts had more than 500 DVDs to donate. “We were really pleased,” AnnMarie said. Now, her husband Kevin plans to create a website about DVDs for Joy to help spread the word on how others can start their own programs. She continued, “I can’t imagine what it would have been like if we had more time and were in other schools what the outcome would have been.” Children’s Hospital thanks this special family for providing joy and entertainment for our young patients.

From left: Victoria, Emily and KelliAnn Corbett show off boxes of movies they’ve collected for their “DVD’s for Joy” project.

DVDs for Joy


New ads highlight friendliness of hospitalAs part of the new branding and marketing campaign

highlighting Children’s Hospital, new print, radio and television ads are now featured in local media and new billboards can be seen throughout East Tennessee. � is is the second step in the new marketing e� ort, following a change to the hospital logo’s look last fall. All the new ads emphasize that Children’s Hospital is “not just a hospital,” but a specialty pediatric facility that focuses on improving the health of young patients. � rough lighthearted television spots, the community can see the fun, friendly nature of Children’s. � ese commercials include doctors playing hopscotch, nurses having a tea party and patients jumping rope in the lobby. In print, this campaign re� ects the di� erences between

treating children and adults, as children require simpler and more patient explanation. Instead of complex medical terms, these ads show x-rays with simple words like “boo boo” scribbled across. For radio, the Marketing Department showed the persistence of a curious child. He repeats, “Why?” a� er each answer from the doctor, demonstrating the patience needed to treat children. � e billboards in and around Knoxville feature members of the Children’s Hospital sta� . � e next step in Children’s Hospital’s marketing campaign will feature speci� c messaging about the breadth and depth of the hospital’s services and specialties and will also feature a robust digital media campaign using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

by Cassidy Duckett

Small Talk Around

Left and Below: New television ads show the child-friendly atmosphere at Children’s Hospital.

New billboards feature hospital staff .

12

Left and Above: Trace Adkins cuddles an NICU patient while fi lming GAC’s

Great American Heroes. Photos courtesy of GAC Great American Heroes

and Rivr Media.

Going Global:Hospital’s NAS program covered worldwide

Most people in East Tennessee may not realize it, but Children’s Hospital has developed a groundbreaking protocol right here in Knoxville that has garnered national and even international attention. � e subject? Treatment for infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), de� ned in simpler terms as a baby born dependent due to the mother’s substance abuse. � e NAS program has been an item of interest since Knoxville area media began coverage of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s e� orts several years ago. � at led to several major national media outlets picking up the story of what was being done in Knoxville. “First, it was CNN, and a story that appeared there and on Headline News and on cnn.com last April,” Marketing Director Seth Linkous said. “� en ABC News Nightline followed.” � e ABC coverage turned the Children’s Hospital NAS program into international news, when News Channel 9 Australia, the largest network in that country, saw the Nightline piece and called to ask about also covering the

story. Last summer, News Channel 9 Australia reporter Denham Hitchcock and his crew traveled to Knoxville to see � rsthand what Children’s Hospital is doing to establish this protocol. In the fall, the work being done for babies born with NAS was featured on “Great American Heroes,” a television show on GAC (the Great American Country cable network owned by Scripps Networks, the parent company for � e Food Network and HGTV) hosted by country music star Trace Adkins, who highlights people he believes are heroes. On the show, he spent time with Children’s Hospital nurse practitioner Carla Saunders, one of the catalysts for the NAS team. A� er learning about the protocol and equipment needed to make a di� erence in the lives of patients, the country singer turned TV star presented Carla and the rest of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sta� with a room full of infant seats, swings, clothes and other useful items for the hospital’s tiniest patients. Children’s Hospital is proud of the attention that the sta� is receiving for these e� orts that are positively impacting

Small Talk Around

14

continued on page 39

Trace Adkins and Carla Saunders discuss the NAS

treatment on GAC’s Great American Heroes. Photo

courtesy of GAC Great American Heroes and Rivr Media.

babies born into a less than ideal situation. “People are waking up to this issue, and a lot more people are realizing what can be done because of national media coverage of what Children’s Hospital is doing,” Linkous said. “Th e work our sta� has done is taking this from a social diagnosis to a medical diagnosis.” � e NAS team is made up of Children’s Hospital sta� from the pharmacy, nursing and volunteers. “Most departments are involved in some way,” Linkous said. Th e program started small, with sta� members asking how they could help with the problem for the patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital when there was no protocol to follow. � at simple “What can we do?” from sta� members began the process, raising awareness of the condition in the region before the story of the NAS program became national and even international. “Our community should be proud of what the NAS team at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has done,” he said. “� ey saw a problem that needed a solution

when there wasn’t one, and came up with one since no one else was taking the lead.” “You expect a protocol like this out of a large medical center in a big city,” he said. Instead, larger organizations are now asking for the advice of the NAS team based in Knoxville. “� is is a point of pride for everyone at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital – to be part of a solution to a big problem for our tiniest patients.” While having the story about the work being done by Children’s Hospital’s neonatal specialists on a national and international scale is exciting and rewarding for those involved and de� nitely helps spread the word about ground-breaking work being done locally, that’s not the primary purpose for sharing this information. “We want every family in this region to know more about the important work being done locally that benefi ts the children who we serve,” Linkous said. “We share this to tell the mom in Oak Ridge or the dad in Morristown that this is your child’s hospital in East Tennessee. � at’s the goal.”

by Jessica Boyd

Trace Adkins and Carla Saunders discuss the NAS

Great American Heroes. Photo

Dr. John Buchheit, Director of

Neonatology, discusses NAS

on CNN.


When your child is at Children’s Hospital, you’ll get to know a wide variety of sta� including doctors, nurses and Child Life specialists. However, many parents never consider a team that is an essential part of their child’s care: pediatric anesthesiologists. � is specialized medical sta� is present at all of the major and minor surgeries that take place at Children’s Hospital almost every day. Because they are trained in pediatric anesthesiology, these special physicians are prepared

for the unique needs of children. At Children’s Hospital, patients range from premature infants to young adults. � e anesthesia team creates a plan for each patient based on allergies, medical conditions, family history and size. � is plan includes how the child will wake up from anesthesia and how pain and nausea will be managed. � e anesthesia team at Children’s Hospital spends each day caring only for infants, children and adolescents. To learn more on pediatric anesthesiology, visit www.etch.com.

The A Team

Upcoming community education classes

CPR Certifi cation CourseDates: March 4, April 8, June 3Time: 6-10 p.m. � is certi� cation course teaches the American Heart Association chain of survival -- from when to call 911 to how to e� ectively administer CPR to an infant, child or adult. � is course is designed for anyone who may be expected to respond to emergencies at home or in the workplace. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Following the course, participants will receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver certi� cation card. � is course is $25 per person.

Safe SitterDates: March 9, April 13, May 18, June 8Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch is provided) Safe Sitter is a national organization that teaches young adolescents safe and nurturing babysitting techniques and the rescue skills needed to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. Instructors are certi� ed through Safe Sitter

nationally. Participants must be ages 11-14. Th is course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so preregistration is required. All classes are o� ered in the Koppel Plaza at Children’s Hospital unless otherwise noted. For more information, to register for any of these classes or to get our free online Healthy Kids parenting newsletter, call (865) 541-8262. Announcements about upcoming classes can be seen on WBIR-TV 10 and heard on area radio stations. Or visit our web site at www.etch.com and click on “Healthy Information” and then “Healthy Kids Calendar.” Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Campaign, sponsored by WBIR-TV Channel 10 and Chick-Fil-A, is a community education initiative of the hospital’s Community Relations Department to help parents keep their children healthy.

Ask the Specialist

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About the featured performers:Performing together since 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band’s party sounds have entertained audiences and music lovers for 40 years now with their fun and infectious dance and disco tunes. � e band has had multiple hit singles, including “Get Down Tonight,” “Th at’s the Way (I Like It)” and “Boogie Shoes.” From number one records to Grammy Awards, People’s Choice Awards and American Music Awards, KC and the Sunshine Band has sold more than 100 million records over the past 37 years.

Laura Bell Bundy portrayed the lead role in the Broadway productions of Legally Blonde, Wicked and Hairspray before she turned her talents to another area of performance – country music. Th is Tony Award-winning entertainer currently � nds herself rising up the charts with her second country album released last summer, Another Piece of Me. She won an American Country Award and CMT Music Award for her song “Giddy On Up” from her � rst album, Achin’ and Shakin’, in 2010. She currently plays the character Shelby on the CW television show Heart of Dixie.

A black tie gala to bene� t the Goody’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Saturday, April 20 Knoxville Convention Center — beginning at 6:00 p.m.

For details or tables/tickets, contact Pat Scott at (865) 541-8244 or [email protected].


21st annual Center Stage is April 20Photo: A. Streiber

McKensee Robinson of Newport, Tenn. was making plans to celebrate her 12th birthday last December. � at’s when her mother, Mechelle, told her that a� er her birthday, she could ask for three things for Christmas, since the three Wise Men had each brought a gi� to Jesus when he was born. Narrowing down a wish list for the holidays can be tough at any age, but McKensee decided that she would like some money tobuy what she wanted. � e sixth grader at Newport Grammar School told her mother that she wanted some time to think about it, and a� er re-thinking, McKensee came back to Mechelle in tears, and what this girl came up with as what she really wanted as a Christmas present touched her mother’s heart. “McKensee said she wanted to spend time with the kids at Children’s Hospital, because they might not have as many friends and family as she does,” Mechelle said, “and she then handed me the $100 she received for her birthday and wanted me to buy twenty $5 McDonald’s cards for her to give as gi� s. I was just so impressed with the thought she put behind her decision and how she thought of others over herself.” � e morning a� er McKensee displayed her giving spirit to her mom, Mechelle Robinson attended a Newport Chamber of Commerce meeting where she met a representative from Children’s Hospital and relayed her daughter’s desire to help other children during the holidays. “I spoke with the Children’s Hospital representative, who told me that although McKensee was too young to serve as a volunteer in the hospital, there were a couple of options that would allow her to participate and get her Christmas wish.” � e option to help at Children’s Hospital that appealed most to the Newport youngster was to do a coloring book collection to donate. “Children’s Hospital explained that during the holiday season, many donations are received, but a� er the � rst of the year when it is cold outside, they still need donations and need activities and things for the children

who are patients to stay occupied.” So McKensee set a goal of getting at least 100 coloring books and boxes of at least 24 crayons in a box to take to the children who are receiving treatment at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to deliver to the hospital in February. Not only did McKensee meet her goal, she met it within days of asking her many friends and family to help with the donation project. She just kept collecting, and by early January had already received over 300 coloring books to donate to Children’s Hospital, including many from Ball Corporation employees where Mechelle works. McKensee’s goal now is to get over 600 coloring books and crayon packs to give to Children’s patients. � e assistance that Children’s Hospital receives from throughout the East Tennessee community makes such a di� erence in the lives of the tens of thousands of patients that are treated at the pediatric facility every year. Whether it is coloring books and crayons or purchasing a ticket to an upcoming event like “Dancing with the Knoxville Stars” on March 22 to giving a cash donation that will help purchase much needed pediatric medical equipment, community support has kept Children’s Hospital growing, thriving and serving this area’s families for over 75 years. If you would like to know more about how you can help Children’s Hospital or make a donation, contact the Development Department at (865) 541-8441 or at [email protected].

12-year-old McKensee Robinson at Newport Grammar School

Giving Begins Early:The Christmas Wish

18

Dancing with the Knoxville Stars Dancing with the Knoxville Stars is coming back to the Knoxville Expo Center on March 22 for a night of smooth moves and friendly competition. � e event will feature many local celebrities showing o� moves learned from their dance instructor partners over a few weeks of intense training. Celebrities raise money through online voting and donations at the event. Reservations for tables and general admission seats will be available soon. Last year, Dancing with the Knoxville Stars raised $87,000 for Children’s Hospital and featured local personalities including: WBIR-TV 10 Sports Anchor Kris Budden; Former UT Football Player Robert Peace; Renita Stinnett, Knoxville Expo Center/Graham Corporation Sales Team; WVLT-TV Anchor Lorena Estrada; Knoxville News Sentinel Writer Jamie Satterfi eld; Former First Lady of Knoxville Janet Testerman Crossley; Fitness Expert Missy Kane; Star 102.1 DJ Sha� er; Master of Ceremonies at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Jay Teter; Local Singer/Songwriter Logan Murrell; and WATE Anchor Bo Williams. For more information on the event, contact Pat Scott at (865)-541-8244.

Star 102.1 Radiothon � e 12th annual Star 102.1 Radiothon is April 11-12 at West Town Mall. Radio personalities Marc & Kim and Frank will be on hand from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day to encourage listeners and those who stop by to make a pledge to help Children’s Hospital. � e Radiothon will include inspirational patient stories, an extensive silent auction and visits from local celebrities. All proceeds bene� t Children’s Hospital Home Health Care and the Emergency Department.

Peyton Manning Golf Classic � e Peyton Manning Golf Classic bene� ting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and the PeyBack Foundation will take place Monday, June 17 at Fox Den Country Club in Knoxville. Th e format is a 4-player team swat (or best ball) and will be � ighted by team handicaps. Golfers can enjoy either a morning or a� ernoon round, and each round is considered a separate tournament with three � ights. Manning, quarterback for the National Football League’s Denver Broncos, will visit with golfers throughout the day. All proceeds bene� t East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Manning’s PeyBack Foundation. To register for the event or for information on sponsorship opportunities, contact the Children’s Hospital Development Department at (865) 541-8441.

Calendar of EventsMark your calendars NOW for several upcoming events to entertain families and bene� t Children’s Hospital.

� anks to the generous people of East Tennessee who host and participate in these events, Children’s Hospital can continue to provide the best pediatric health care to the children of this region.

It’s About Children recaps the events and friends that support East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Donors who contributed from October 1 – December 31, 2012 are listed on the Children’s Hospital website at www.etch.com, and a complete list of donors appears in an annual report each fall.For more information regarding the fund-raising efforts of Children’s Hospital, contact:

Children’s Hospital Development OfficeP.O. Box 15010Knoxville, TN 37901-5010(865) 541-8441


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If for any reason you should receive a duplicate issue or need to update your address, please notify the hospital at(865) 541-8165 or eliston@

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Frank, Kim and Marc of

Star 102.1 radio at Dancing

with the Knoxville Stars.

Jay Teter, Master of Ceremonies at Dixie Stampede, and dance partner Taryn Escobar won Judges’ pick award at the 2012 Dancing with the Knoxville Stars.

Local singer Logan Murrell and dance partner Hayden Escobar perform at the 2012 Dancing with the Knoxville Stars.

dancing Knoxville stars!

with thedancing Knoxville stars!

with the

presents the 5th Annual

Frank, Kim and Marc of

Local singer Logan

Jay Teter, Master of

Local singer Logan Murrell and dance partner Hayden Escobar

Friday, March 22, 2013Knoxville Expo Center

Join us for a night of live music, dancing, friendly competition with local celebrities

and their professional dance partners.

Stay tuned to Star 102.1 radio for BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS of the 2013 celebrity lineup!

All proceeds benefi t

Reserve individual tickets or a table by contacting Pat Scott at (865) 541-8244.

It's About Children - Spring 2013 Issue by East Tennessee Children's Hospital

Health & Medicine

Transcript of It's About Children - Spring 2013 Issue by East Tennessee Children's Hospital