Pediatric Crier

Volume 13, No. 2, February, 2010

The Grand Opening Continues

Family Resource Center Opens at GCH

Editor's Note: The new Family Resource Center is now open on the 12th floor of the GCH.  Melissa McElroy-Elve shared the details of this wonderful new facility:

The UPSTATE Health Sciences Library is continuing a tradition of excellent service to the Central New York community by expanding its consumer health information services to an additional location with expanded hours.   We are pleased to announce that starting on 1/20/10, the Family Resource Center in the Golisano Children's Hospital is open seven days a week from noon to 8pm.

The Health Information Center (HIC), our service for consumer health questions for over 15 years in Upstate's Weiskotten Hall, is growing and changing.  Now a vital member of the health care team on the 12th floor of Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, HIC has been renamed the Family Resource Center (FRC), and is designed to be a warm, welcoming environment for patients and families as they research health questions with the support of professional librarians, nurse educators, and volunteers.  Complete with a fireplace, the FRC also features a business center that provides computers and printer, fax, scanner, copier services to help families take care of life's everyday demands during their child's stay.  Another FRC site is being planned for the main Hospital as well. Concierge information is also available to the many patients and families who travel long distances to UPSTATE and Syracuse and need assistance in getting around an unfamiliar campus and city.

The FRC's collection of approximately 300 volumes in pediatric consumer health and the entire range of databases provided by the Health Sciences Library are available.  The health literacy expertise of professional library staff ensures that patients and families will find reliable, current and credible information.  Our Family Resource Center staff acts as a "bridge" between the patients, families and their healthcare providers. This supports our shared goal of patients making well-informed choices with their team of doctors and clinical staff, leading to better outcomes.  In other words, Knowing Changes Everything.

Something old; Something new

The GCH may be brand new but its first exhibition now on display in the Tree House is prehistoric.  Mesozoica: The Age of Dinosaurs features laboratory cast specimens of fossils and dinosaurs and will be on display through March 31st for patients and their families. The exhibit is on loan from the International Museum Institute of New York. While some of the creatures give new meaning to a toothy grin, they are all quite harmless (though, just to be safe, spectators are encouraged to keep their distance). 

Dinosaurs Visit the Golisano Children's Hospital

For more info you can visit the Mesozoica website.

Hospital Hears a Horton

One of the many exciting features of the new GCH is having its very own Tim Hortons and Cold Stone up on the 11th Floor.  The Crier had the honor of an exclusive interview by the store’s managers, Dave and Joan Pelz. The Pelzes tell the Crier that the GCH has the exclusive privilege of having the first and only Tim Hortons located in a Children’s Hospital and the only Cold Stone located in any hospital anywhere.  That makes another first for the GCH (and a very nice one, at that).

The Pelzes were both former employees at GM in Buffalo, NY. When the plant downsized they decided, being the self-proclaimed top two patrons of the local Tim Hortons, to look into purchasing a franchise.  After spending two months in Canada training for their new career, they packed up their seven kids and moved to Syracuse to open a Tim Hortons in Cicero/North Syracuse. Shortly after getting their first store up and running, they were approached by Headquarters and asked if they would be willing to open another store in the new Children’s Hospital (they were given 24 hours to make their decision).  They obviously decided to give it a go, and the rest is history-in-the-making. 

When asked who their typical customers are at this 24-hour operation, their first response was that they are the friendliest customers ever.  They have a wonderful rapport with their customers who range from patients and their families, to construction workers, to staff.  Many are regulars. Compared to their other store, the Pelzes said that their GCH customers are generally much more relaxed than the typical on-the-way-to-work customer at the drive-thru window in Cicero.  And unlike outside stores, weather has no effect on sales.  As far as sales go, they are doing very well, 24-hours a day. As Dave put it, "we have a captive audience."  Not surprisingly, they say that their best selling items are coffee and ice cream. However, gift cards have been going very well as have their travel mugs (first cup comes free). In fact, they mentioned that over the holidays a few of the nurses bought them in cases as gifts.  Think green caffeine.

Wanting to clear up a longstanding rumor, we asked the Pelzes about the Canadian urban legend of Tim Hortons coffee being so addictive that they were accused of putting nicotine in it.  Dave laughed that off and said that the rumors were all false saying, "It was actually Crack Cocaine."  We are fairly certain Dave was trying either to pull our leg or to perpetuate the urban legend. As for any additional fun facts, they mentioned that Tim Hortons is so popular in Canada it has frequently been used for weddings and funerals. In fact, one man’s last request was for his funeral procession to go through the drive-thru window for one last time on the way to the cemetery.  The request was happily met.

Within the next few months you will start to see tables, chairs and a sitting area across from the counter. Out of obligation to its readership, the Crier plans to closely monitor the situation with frequent visits.

GCH - Alive with the Sound of Music

By Ann Minton
You can probably imagine the friendly comments I hear from people as I push my cart full of instruments in and out of elevators and down long hallways here at University Hospital. They ask, "Are you the music lady?" "Are you doing a gig for the patients?" and, even more interesting, "Can you come play for us?"  These comments tell me that even though a guitar or keyboard or any other instrument may seem at first glance out of place here, there is at the same time a great receptivity to the idea of inviting music into the sterile walls of a hospital. I believe this receptivity comes from the deep appreciation that all of us as human beings have for that mysterious and magical gift of music that is so powerful and moving to us.

 Historically, music and medicine have always been unlikely companions in man’s pursuit of healing, beginning with the medicine man in ancient cultures who used music in its various forms as he tended to the sick. But fast-forwarding to the 20th century here in the U.S., it may be interesting to note that a music program which the Army called a Reconditioning Program was employed by every V.A. hospital in the country after World War II to help with the rehabilitation of wounded war veterans. Furthermore, these programs were instituted by the Surgeon General himself at the request of a Special Services Music Officer who believed in the untapped therapeutic power of music. This program was extensive, and included the formation of instrumental ensembles, bands, choruses and small singing groups in the V.A. hospitals.  It also included classes in music history and theory, instruction on instruments, the use of music for physical rehabilitation as well as for psychiatric cases, and the provision of in-house live performances by other musicians. The first official study of the benefits of the therapeutic use of music was documented in 1944, and by 1950 the National Association for Music Therapy (now named the American Music Therapy Association) was formed to govern professional and research standards, educational requirements, and certification.  This governing organization also produces two research journals and oversees the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

So then, what exactly is a music therapist?  A music therapist is a professional who has been educated and trained to use music and music therapy techniques to attain therapeutic goals.  These goals include the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social well-being of persons in all settings, from hospitals, to nursing homes, to rehabilitation centers,, to schools and programs for persons with special needs, to name a few.  Music therapy can have a positive effect on the respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation of premature infants; it can improve memory function and quality of life in persons with Alzheimer's disease; it can increase function in gait-training for stroke and brain-injured patients in rehab hospitals; it can reduce perception of pain and enhance analgesic effects of medication in cancer patients; and it can be used as a mood-elevator and facilitator of self-expression with persons recovering from addictions, to name a few.

What role does music therapy play here in pediatrics at the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital? Speaking in a general way, music used by a trained music therapist can act as a powerful mood-enhancer for patients by normalizing the environment for pre-school and school-age children; it can keep young patients’ minds stimulated despite their physical limitations; it can boost self-esteem, help with self-expression, and provide diversion and distraction from pain and anxiety. It can create times of laughter and recreation for patients and families, and break the cycle of anxious and disease-focused communication for a time period.

Because a music therapist is trained to assess patients and design a treatment plan, as well as function as a member of the multidisciplinary team, the goals for each patient will be different, as well as the methods used to attain the goal.  At times a music therapist may do a song-writing activity with a patient, or discuss song lyrics and their impact. A music therapist may support an anxious mother by singing her infant to sleep, and educate her about the positive effects of music on brain and language development. A music therapist may also provide instruction on guitar or keyboard to a bored teenager, or sing age-appropriate songs to a toddler whose parents are absent, or perhaps design a treatment plan that includes activities that support the PT/OT goals for the patient.

 It is my hope as I conclude this discussion that I've provided a basic sketch of what music therapy is, and of its many benefits for those who participate not only in the music therapy program here at Golisano, but also in the many settings where it is available nationally and world-wide. In my own experience in working with the children who are hospitalized here, I have found that they are amazingly resilient, resourceful and adaptable. Because children have the unique ability of being able to dwell in the present moment, they can derive pleasure and relief from music activities in all forms despite their circumstances.  Most of these young patients know intuitively what will help them feel better in the situation.  Although not all children choose music therapy as a way to cope in the hospital, those who do not only enjoy music therapy, but seem to thrive in the places where the music takes them, and to derive the strength to return to their harsh reality with renewed ability to persevere and to endure. It is truly an honor to be able to facilitate meaningful times through music therapy here at Golisano, and to help these brave patients as they navigate their way through their challenging journeys.

Certifiably Proud

Congratulations to Zafer Soultan who was just notified that successfully passed the certifying examination in sleep medicine.  As per the Weekly Welch-letters, "This, combined with the mentored work he has been doing over the past years, has qualified him for the American Board of Pediatrics' certificate of added qualification in sleep medicine.  This makes Zafer one of only a handful of pediatric pulmonologists who have recognized credentials in sleep medicine." Dr. Soultan tells the Crier that he has been interested in sleep medicine since his pulmonary fellowship. It was his interest and research field. He says that "the plan is to establish a comprehensive sleep center that will treat and prevent a wide array of sleep-related problems in children and adolescents."

In addition, Ann Botash and Alicia Pekarsky were among the first group of pediatricians nationally to become Board Certified in Child Abuse.  Again quoting Dr. Welch, "My understanding is that this first certifying examination was quite difficult, and that many individuals who have been practicing this specialty for years were not successful.  This makes the accomplishment of these two faculty even more impressive." 

Congratulations, Drs. Soultan, Botash, and Pekarsky. We are very proud of all of you!

What is a Tunnessen?

Editor's Note: There has been some questions as to why the GCH Blue Team patients were called the Tunnessen Service. In answer to that question, Sherri Clarry shared the following:

"When Dr. Weinberger was moving his office, he found the attached tribute to Dr. Tunnessen that appeared in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. I thought if this could be published in the Crier it could answer the question for some people and also put a face to the name.  Thanks". 

Mid-Winter Party

On Saturday, January 23, 2010 over 100 residents, faculty and staff enjoyed the annual Pediatric Midwinter Party, at Traditions at the Links in East Syracuse.  Thanks, largely, to the efforts of Beth Nelsen along with the generosity of the faculty who covered the costs of the residents, a wonderful time of food, dancing, music, fun and more dancing, was enjoyed by all. 

The Annual Mid-Winter Dinner/Dance

 Dr. Lebel's Life of Crime

Editor's Note: Ever since last month's issue of the Crier we have been deluged with people wanting to know why the head of our genetics division spent two weeks in jail (as revealed in the True or Lies contest). After graciously accepting his prize (a mini-hacksaw and a copy of Bonhoeffer's Letters and Papers from Prison), Dr. Lebel offered the following explanation in an attempt to clear his slightly tarnished reputation:

"There has been some curiosity about my two weeks in jail.  It was 1973, and I was just completing a religious meeting with many other 'persons of the cloth' in San Francisco the evening before.  We were approached as a group by members of the Farm Workers Union movement, who were going to stage a major event.  They sought volunteers to picket with them.  We filled a bus and were on our way to Fresno, arriving in the morning.  We were shown that there were two ways to participate, one of which would likely lead to arrest while the other would not.  Many of us chose the former, and were taken into custody.  The next day we were offered a chance to sign out 'on personal recognizance', which means a promise to show up for a court date.  We'd been tipped off that this might be offered to those of us who were conspicuously NOT farm workers (no callouses on hands, no chronic sunburns).  Most of us refused to sign unless assured that all those arrested were being given the same option.  It took two weeks before the authorities tired of their over-crowded cell blocks being filled with song and laughter, and we thought it meant something to them that many of us also entered a liquids-only fast.

The entire affair was wonderful from my perspective; I enjoyed getting to know some of the workers, and believed that as a group we had done something useful with our time.  It was more difficult for our families who had very little news about us during that time.  National news media covered it somewhat spottily, and after the first phone call we had no opportunity to communicate.  To this day, I think my parents have never quite figured out why they had to go through that while I had fun learning how to play dominoes and to count in Spanish.  It's my only jail time (so far).  All charges were eventually dropped so there never was a court date or a 'record'.  Of course, no one knows what the future may hold.  Viva la Causa!"
Robert Roger Lebel, MD, FACMG

Pediatric Star-of-the-Month

By Lisa Blystone
Congratulations to Gloria Kennedy, who is the Pediatric Star-of-the-month. After paying to come to the midwinter dinner/dance (both for herself and to cover the cost of residents), at the last minute Dr. Kennedy found out several of the residents were unable to attend due to coverage so she covered both floors, herself and sent the residents to the dinner in her place.  Dr. Kennedy, you are a true star. Please contact Patty Mondore or Lisa Blystone to pick out your Stars prize.

Medical Mission Update

Thanks to everyone's generous help and participation, Carol Christiansen and Lauri Rupracht's departure date for their medical mission trip to Ghana, Africa, is February 26, 2010. The winner of the Flat Screen TV was Tina DeRocha. They are currently having a new raffle for a Dell Laptop and two gift baskets. Winners will be announced at the Valentine Ball.

Don't forget the Father/Daughter Valentine Ball - Tuesday, Feb 9th.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
2/3 Kevin Ragosta
2/11 Charlie Bergstrom
2/14 Steve Blatt, Greg Liptak
2/17 Trisha Tavares
2/18 Leonard Weiner
2/24 Manny Karjoo, Richie Cantor

Questions? Rave Reviews? Article suggestions? Contact Patty Mondore, Dept. of Pediatrics.
Criticisms and Complaints