News, Pediatric Services

Norton Children’s pioneer passes away

A local icon in the pediatric world has passed away. Richard S. “Dick” Wolf, M.D., who served as medical director of Norton Children’s Hospital from 1983 through 1995, passed away Oct. 17, 2023. In addition to being a well-known local pediatrician for 30 years, Dr. Wolf was instrumental in building Norton Children’s Hospital into what…

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Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

Thyroid weight gain myths and surprises

Patients often suspect a thyroid condition is responsible for their weight gain or their weight loss struggles. Much of the stimulus for this belief is based on the internet, according to Lisal J. Folsom, M.D., M.S., a pediatric and adult endocrinologist with Norton Community Medical Associates and Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with the UofL School…

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Cardiovascular, Pediatric Services

Intraoperative electrophysiology mapping allows surgeon to steer clear of invisible conduction tissue

The patient A 4-year-old girl presented with congenital heart disease consisting of partial atrioventricular canal defect. Surgical repair was necessary. The challenge Injury to the cardiac conduction system during cardiac surgery may result in complete heart block in 25% of patients with the most complex congenital heart defects. The injury interrupts the electrical signals transmitted from…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

August 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Rebecca M. Callahan, D.O. ­ Pediatric Hospital Medicine Logan M. Eberly, M.D. Pediatric Cardiology Dominique C. Elmore, D.O. ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Allison N. Lyle, M.D. ­ Neonatology Aaron J. Samide, M.D. Pediatric Hospital Medicine Kathryn E. Weakley, M.D. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Mary E. Brehm, M.S., LPA Pediatric Psychology Breanna N. Bader, APRN Child Abuse…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

July 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Laura L. Voegele, M.D. ­ Pediatrics Sarah L. Simpson, APRN­ Neonatology ASara B Cochran, APRN ­ Pediatric Urology Soraya A Morris, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Andrew Thomas, LMFT Pediatric Endocrinology

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Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Services

Norton Children’s collaborates with patients’ providers for high-risk pregnancy care

If a congenital heart condition is expected for a high-risk pregnancy, referring providers still can  retain their patients through delivery by collaborating with Norton Children and Norton Healthcare. We use an integrated approach for collaborative care among obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and fetal cardiology specialties. Referring providers will remain the primary contact for the patient,…

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Cardiovascular, Pediatric Services

Second opinion process for fetal cardiology patients

We know it’s a stressful time for parents when they learn their child will be born with a congenital heart condition, and it is normal for patients to want to seek a second opinion. Other providers may encourage a second opinion, and we welcome patients seeking second opinions at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with…

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Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

Timely diagnosis, effective treatment and follow-up are keys to managing congenital hypothyroidism

Successful management of congenital hypothyroidism requires timely confirmation of the diagnosis, accurate interpretation of thyroid function testing, effective treatment and consistent follow-up. “Severe intellectual impairment typically does not occur in patients who receive the diagnosis and are treated early and adequately,” said Kupper A. Wintergerst, M.D., chief, pediatric endocrinology and director of the Wendy Novak…

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Oncology/Hematology, Pediatric Services

When to refer a pediatric anemia patient

Infants and children can be prone to anemia for a variety of reasons throughout their first years of life and adolescence. Anemia can be caused by diet, blood loss or other health conditions. Signs and symptoms may include pallor, jaundice, scleral icterus, exercise and/or feeding intolerance and general fatigue. Anemia can be detected during a…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

June 2023 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Laura L Voegele, M.D. Pediatrics Kayla N Brenzel, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine ASara B Cochran, APRN ­ Pediatric Neurology Soraya A Morris, APRN ­ Pediatric Emergency Medicine Amy L Watson-Reese, APRN Neonatology Laura A Zeller, APRN Pediatrics

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Cardiovascular, Pediatric Services

Physical uncovers potentially deadly aortic aneurysm in Indiana teen

Dominick Smith spent the first week of summer break at Norton Children’s Hospital. While it wasn’t the ideal way to wrap up the school year, the junior from Petersburg, Indiana, was grateful. On the last day of school, a doctor discovered Dominick had an aortic aneurysm with aortic dissection — a potentially fatal time bomb…

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Neonatology, Pediatric Services

Music therapy helps NICU babies bond with their families

Have you ever turned to headphones or your radio after a rough day? Did you feel better afterward? Music is a proven resource for comfort. It calms, it enriches and, in a hospital setting, is part of the care that heals. Alex Ruffner, M.S., MT-BC (NICU-MT), a board-certified music therapist at Norton Women’s & Children’s…

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