New Leadership and Expanded Pediatric Specialty Services continued
primary pediatric cardiology clinic is in Temple , with outreach clinics in Waco , Killeen , Round Rock , and soon , College Station . Adding pediatric cardiology outreach clinics at Scott & White locations enhances our ability to care for more patients ,” he says . He also plans to further collaborate with perinatologists — obstetric and neonatal specialists who care for pregnant mothers — diagnosing cardiac fetal heart disease , and helping to create a plan for the baby ’ s delivery in order to provide the best care possible .
Dr . Pliska also seeks to expand the pediatric cardiac catheterization service within the next three years . In the meantime , Scott & White patients and their families will benefit from a recently announced 20-year partnership between Children ’ s Hospital Scott & White and the Houston-based Texas Children ’ s Hospital .
The partnership will help Children ’ s Hospital Scott & White build a pediatric cardiac surgery program , Dr . Pliska says , as well as boost the education missions of both hospitals . Dan Penny , MD , PhD , chief of cardiology at the Texas Children ’ s Hospital , says , “ We will learn from each other . We ’ ll be paying close attention to Scott & White ’ s expertise in how to deliver community-based care . Our partnership helps both organizations and , ultimately , the children we care for .”
Pediatric Pulmonology Pediatric pulmonologists treat children with lung and breathing disorders . With almost 40 years ’ experience , Felix Shardonofsky , MD , brings his expertise to the Children ’ s Hospital as the new chief of pediatric pulmonary medicine . He joins Alma Chavez , MD , MPH , who was recruited by
Scott & White in 2010 , and longtime pediatric nurse practitioner Michele Prater .
“ Our goal is to develop a pediatric pulmonary division that has an advanced capability to deal with complex patients ,” says Dr . Shardonofsky . He plans to develop new respiratory care programs to join Scott & White ’ s Cystic Fibrosis Center . Another goal is to develop a dedicated asthma program for patients with that life-threatening disease , as well as multidisciplinary programs with the Division of Pediatric Cardiology to treat patients with cardiopulmonary problems , such as pulmonary vascular disease . He also plans to create a pediatric sleep program and recruit a pediatric pulmonologist certified in sleep medicine ; sleep disturbances often affect breathing .
Dr . Shardonofsky looks forward to the opening of a pediatric pulmonary physiology laboratory , as well as a cardiopulmonary exercise laboratory , both scheduled for 2012 . These labs will mean that patients in Central Texas will no longer have to travel to big-city hospitals for specialty tests . “ They will give us the capability to perform a very thorough evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary problems ,” says Dr . Shardonofsky . Pediatric respiratory medicine clinics also will expand at Scott & White locations in Round Rock , Killeen , and Waco , with a new clinic opening in College Station .
Pediatric Hematology / Oncology The Division of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology recently welcomed new leader Javier Kane , MD , who came to the
Dr . Felix Shardonofsky , chief of the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine , brings specialty pulmonary services to the children of Central Texas at the new Children ’ s Hospital .
16 THE CATALYST Fall 11 | sw . org