Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

Pediatrics
Taking On a Major Role in Caring for Children

Dr. Peter Sherman, MD, Chairman, Pediatrics
Bronx-Lebanon’s Department of Pediatrics is providing state-of-the-art care in a family friendly environment, including important follow-up for newborns from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its totally modern Children’s Wing includes expanded space for inpatient services, and a Pediatric Outpatient Center.
“We are taking on an essential leadership role and clearly succeeding in caring for the children of our community.” -Dr. Peter Sherman, Chairman, Pediatrics.
INPATIENT SERVICES A wide range of services are provided to pediatric patients requiring hospitalization. Among the many problems treated are acute respiratory and cardiac illnesses, the complications of asthma and diabetes, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. A multidisciplinary team of pediatricians, specialists, and nurses address each child’s unique medical needs. Social workers and teachers also provide an important dimension to the care-giving process, offering bedside and classroom instruction, as well as activity therapy. A certified Child Life Specialist helps these children alleviate their fears and resolve potential problems through recreational and educational activities. Weekly visits by The Big Apple Circus ClownCare™ program are an important part of the recovery process.

Dr. Yudhistra Persaud, Attending, Pediatrics, at BronxCare at Poe Medical and Dental Practice, instructing pediatric patient.	Dr. Roy Vega, Director, Pediatric Emergency Department, following-up on patient in Pediatric ICU. Alina Ispas, RN, is assisting him.
PEDIATRIC ASTHMA CENTER Bronx-Lebanon’s Pediatric Asthma Center is providing a breath of fresh air for children suffering from this disease. Asthma rates in the Bronx are among the highest in the nation, with almost one in four children affected. The Asthma Center’s Pediatric and Adult Allergists, Pediatricians, Asthma Educators, and Program Managers are helping patients and families gain control over the disease and live fuller, more active lives. Significant progress is being made in reducing the need for ER visits and subsequent hospitalizations related to asthma episodes, as well as school absenteeism. Bronx-Lebanon’s partnership with the South Bronx Asthma Partnership (SOBRAP) serves as an important contributor to the health educational efforts in the community. Bronx- Lebanon is also the lead organization in this partnership of 60 community agencies. SOBRAP offers an opportunity for patients and providers to learn strategies that improve asthma outcomes. JUVENILE DIABETES PROGRAM Bronx-Lebanon’s unique “Sugar Babes Place” pediatric diabetes program continues to be most successful in responding to the epidemic of obesity and diabetes in children. The program focuses on monitoring, stabilizing, and reducing diabetic complications. It is empowering patients with juvenile diabetes, through self-management and peer education, to take control of their disease. Patients are provided state-of-the-art care with the use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring. ORTHOPAEDIC CONDITIONS The Pediatrics Department works closely with the Orthopaedics team in identifying and treating bone and joint problems in children. These include scoliosis, an abnormal curving of the spine that often affects adolescent girls and club-foot, an abnormality usually present at birth, as well as fractures caused by minor falls, sports injuries, and traumatic events.

Dr. Mario Iraheta, Resident, Pediatrics, examining patient.	Cynthia Walter Glickman, Child Life Specialist, Pediatrics, reading to patient.
AUTISM Autism is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the United States, affecting approximately one in 110 children (one in 70 boys). It is primarily a genetic disorder characterized by severe defects in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors that interfere with educational development and achievement. Bronx-Lebanon’s Department of Pediatrics, through its Autism Treatment and Advocacy Center and Autism Parent Support Group, is making important progress in increasing awareness and providing the resources to address this demanding disorder. BUILDING HEALTHY TEEN RELATIONSHIPS Bronx-Lebanon’s Start Strong Bronx initiative is one of 11 programs funded throughout the United States by the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Start Strong is making significant progress in addressing teenage dating violence, one of the nation’s most serious health problems. Bronx-Lebanon and its grant partners, including the Borough President’s Office, New York City Department of Education, Violence Intervention Program, Pregones Theatre, Bronx Clergy Task Force, Men Can Stop Rape, and Sanctuary for Families, have implemented a comprehensive plan which focuses on four core strategies: education, policy change, community outreach, and social marketing campaigns. CHILD STUDY CENTER The Child Study Center, a collaborative effort between the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, is achieving positive outcomes for such conditions as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school failure, and depression, among other behavioral and neurological problems. PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES Bronx-Lebanon’s Pediatric Infectious Disease Division has successfully utilized a family centered approach where children, their parents, and siblings receive medical treatment, case management, education, and other supportive services. The division was awarded significant grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and pharmaceutical industry to implement new treatment protocols, medications, and vaccines. The infectious disease specialists are also responding to medical needs to address patients traveling to as well as emigrating from other countries. OTHER INITIATIVES Among the Department of Pediatrics’ many other initiatives are its Community Health Education Center, as well as its Autism Treatment and Advocacy, Sickle Cell, Reach Out and Read, and Cultural Diversity programs.