Children's National Health System

Enhancing CARE Through Collaboration TWO FACILITIES, ONE WORLDCLASS PROGRAM Through a partnership with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Children's National Health System is able to offer pediatric patients in need of liver or small bowel transplantation access to a well-established, highquality transplantation center. When transplantation becomes necessary, patients are referred to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where liver and small bowel transplants are performed. "Our close relationships with physicians at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital allow us to routinely discuss complicated cases," says Clarivet Torres, MD, Medical Director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at Children's National. "Through this joint program, our patients have access to multiple clinicians working together to provide the best care." When 5-week-old Benny Stanley began exhibiting signs of biliary atresia, his primary care physician referred him to Children's National Health System for an evaluation. Through physician teamwork at every level of care, Benny received a successful liver transplant and is now enjoying an active, healthy life. AT 4 WEEKS old, a routine weight check revealed that Benny was underweight. Because he was born with a cleft palate, his weight was attributed to feeding difficulties. When he began exhibiting worsening signs of jaundice, however, James Lee, Jr., MD, Benny's primary care physician, became concerned. "Dr. Lee called me through our paging system to discuss an infant with jaundice," says Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH, pediatric gastroenterologist with Pediatric Specialists of Virginia and Director of the Endoscopy/ Procedure Unit at Children's National. "Benny's blood work seemed to indicate he had biliary atresia, so I suggested they bring him to the Children's National Emergency Department." A liver biopsy and ultrasound confirmed Benny's diagnosis. Two days later, he underwent a Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, which allows bile to drain out of his liver properly. Although the procedure was successful, he began experiencing frequent episodes of cholangitis during the next few months, necessitating liver transplantation. The transplant was performed on July 11, 2013, at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in collaboration with Children's National, using a portion of his mother's liver. Since his successful liver transplant, Benny has thrived. "Benny is doing fabulously," says his mom, Angela Stanley. "He gained five pounds in two months and is full of energy." PARTNERING FOR EXCEPTIONAL OUTCOMES At Children's National, Benny saw a variety of clinicians, including radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, and gastroenterologists. "The constant collaboration among physicians was evident," Angela says. "The connection between local providers and specialists made a world of difference to us and made us feel very well supported." "Our physicians are a team," Dr. Khan says. "Our greatest strength is collaboration." TO ACCESS GASTROENTEROLOGY, Hepatology, and Nutrition referral guidelines, visit www.ChildrensNational.org/GIReferral. To refer a patient to Dr. Khan at Pediatric Specialists of Virginia, call 703-876-2788 or visit www.PediatricSpecialistsVA.org. GASTROINTESTINAL 11

• Cover