Symposium emphasized bench-to-bedside-to-community approach
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Roberta G. Williams, Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, was honored at the Saban Symposium, an annual event at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Roberta Williams, MD at the 2011 Saban Symposium. Photo courtesy of The Saban Research Institute
“At a time when the transition from pediatric to adult-centered care has become part of the national agenda, it is only fitting that we acknowledge and honor Dr. Roberta Williams, who is truly a pioneer in this field,” said D. Brent Polk, MD, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Director of The Saban Research Institute. Morning lectures were held in the Anderson Pavilion of Children’s Hospital with afternoon lectures given across the street at The Saban Research Institute, in order to emphasize the importance of a “bench to bedside to community” approach to this health care issue.
Medical breakthroughs have allowed young people with chronic and complex medical issues to survive to adulthood in greater numbers, with the expectations of leading long and productive lives. Now, the challenge is to facilitate the transition of these adolescents from the pediatric health care system where they have flourished, to adult-centered care. Although the transition is essential, it does put increased responsibility on the young person at a time when they are dealing with other transitions involved with growing up. During this time, medical care is often delayed and health can deteriorate. Physicians and allied health professionals can provide patients with skills and tools that will facilitate their receiving uninterrupted, timely and appropriate care.
Dr. Roberta Williams, Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, formerly held the positions of chair of Pediatrics for the Keck School of Medicine at USC and chair of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She has long shown her interest and commitment to developing best practices for managing the transition of care for children with lifelong health challenges. In 2001, she was instrumental in helping to establish the highly successful Institute for Fetal and Maternal Health, where cardiac surgery can now be performed in utero. Children such as these with certain cardiac issues, as well as children with other medical conditions, will continue to require care for these conditions throughout their lives.
“We have been building strength in transitional healthcare services available at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Now, we are pulling these resources together into a coherent program. This program will provide our patients the opportunity to develop into adults with the skills to manage their health in order to enjoy the best possible futures,” said Dr. Roberta Williams.
“Regardless of whether young people have heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease or autism, they will require comprehensive and coordinated care. Our goal is to advance the agenda for developing a formal, knowledge-driven approach in this important next step to a fulfilling and productive adult life,” said Dr. Brent Polk.
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About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital in California and among the best in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News & World Report Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States, is one of America's premier teaching hospitals and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.
For more information, visit www.CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: www.WeAreChildrens.org.
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| Roberta Williams, MD at the 2011 Saban Symposium. Photo courtesy of The Saban Research Institute |