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Research, Quality,
and Safety
Maimonides Medical Center has just become the new home of the NYC Pediatric Disaster Coalition (PDC). The PDC was established by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in 2007 in response to the threat that a mass casualty event producing a large number of critically injured pediatric victims would likely overwhelm pediatric critical care units both in New York City and the region. If the system were to become overtaxed we might not be able to provide optimal care to all pediatric victims.
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The Brooklyn Nets Visit to the Pediatric Unit was a Slam Dunk! See pictures from their visit!
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We would like to wish Dr. Yick Lee a very fond farewell, and much luck in all his future endeavors!
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Dr. Mary Rojas, Director of Pediatric Research, is inviting pediatricians to test their knowledge on Child Abuse. Click to read more and take the survey>
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Kayla Young, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor
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Message from the Chair
 Super storm Sandy in New York affected thousands of children, families and health care professionals. Entire communities have been swept away; hundreds of thousands of families lost electricity and heat; thousands needed to evacuate flooded homes and spend time in shelters. Others were stranded in their high rises, lost power and were stuck in high floors without heat or clean water. Schools were closed and children and families were overwhelmed with this unprecedented event. Health care delivery systems, community resources and other supports were completely disrupted. Major hospitals had to evacuate hundreds of patients -from the smallest premature babies to adults post-cardiac surgery. Transportation was impeded. Lives were lost with the avalanche of water that quickly engulfed the area at heights not seen before. Read More>>
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Pediatric Spotlight
Coordinated Response to Care for Our Sickest Patients: Reflections on Hurricane Sandy
The primary thing that struck me during Sandy was how "normal" everything seemed on the pediatric unit. Every resident that was assigned to the floor, day and night, was there. Rounds each morning went as per usual. We had a full complement of nurses and most ancillary staff. Each day we had two attendings available to round on the respective teams. But this apparent normalcy belied the extraordinary efforts that everyone made to ensure that the care we provided would continue. Nurses traded shifts to overcome transportation issues. Several residents, nurses, staff and attendings spent one or more nights at the hospital, or very nearby, so that they could personally ensure that they could get to the hospital and perform their duties. Even more remarkable was the fact that many of these nurses, staff, and residents stayed despite having homes and families in areas that were being ravaged by the storm and are still in recovery. Read More >>
Powering Through an Emergency
Caring for medically fragile children is a complex process, requiring the coordination of both medical and non-medical entities. In the case of children who require medical equipment such as ventilators at home, it is critical that medical staff and parents know the resources available to keep their children safe.
At the Maimonides Infants and Children's Hospital, the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology cares for over 30 children at home who require the use of this type of life sustaining equipment.
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Latest News
Nursing
 It is encouraging to know that during the darkest and disastrous of situations, goodness, kindness, compassion and sense of community shine through. In the days and weeks that have followed Hurricane Sandy, that was clearly evident within our city, our communities and the walls of MMC. Linda Lama, Neonatal ICU nurse summarized her reflection on the experience.
"In response to your request for our thoughts on of what it was like to work during and after the storm, I have mixed emotions. When I left for work on that Monday morning, I knew I wouldn't be home until at least Tuesday night or maybe longer. Leaving my husband and not knowing what was going to happen was pretty scary. However, I knew that the hospital and babies in my care would need me too. The atmosphere at the hospital was one of a "we're all in this together, so let's make the best of it." Read More>>
Education
Our Pediatric residents weathered Super Storm Sandy with grace under pressure and a dedication to their patients and their profession that made all of us proud to be part of the MICH family. All the residents stepped up and helped in so many ways; I would like to highlight just a few. The calls, text messages, and emails started Sunday morning. Everyone was ready, their common response "just tell me what you need me to do." Offers came pouring in to work extra shifts, shuttle residents between home and the hospital, and to open their homes to their colleagues. Both PGY3s on the inpatient ward live in Manhattan. Alicia Salas was on the floor Sunday, after she signed out the floor to the night team, she rushed home, packed her bags, and left early Monday morning along with Pam Del Rosario in the NICU.
Family Centered Care
 Hurricane Sandy killed nearly 200 people in the U.S, in Haiti, and in the Bahamas. It touched the lives of everyone, including the families and staff who reside in the communities we serve and live. Following are just two stories from families during this time.
Adam and Liam are six and a half week old twins who were admitted to the general pediatric floor when they both developed fevers. Like most parents, The Vydro's are adjusting to being new parents and the feeding, sleeping and eating schedules of their two newborns. This is usually a very exciting time for new parents. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Sandy, the Vydro's are now also dealing with the loss of their home and all their belongings. Read More >>
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For Your Interest
Despite Hurricane Sandy's appearance just days before, the Pediatrics Department put on their holiday faces and celebrated Halloween with the patients. It's amazing how spirits were lifted on the units! Read More >>
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