The economic crisis, strife around the world, natural disasters and the latest celebrity scandal may feature big in the daily news but eavesdrop on any group of parents of preschoolers and one of the top topics under discussion will probably be – potty training! Questions abound from when you should start training to the best way to go about it. The most important thing for parents to know is that much like crawling or walking, potty training readiness is a developmental milestone. According to Iris Kaddis Hanna, M.D., a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, every child will reach this step at a different age, when they are physically and emotionally ready to ditch the diapers and take the trip to the toilet. In this blog post, Dr. Hanna answers some commonly asked questions.
Radiosurgery is a noninvasive treatment, where doctors use advanced technology to deliver a precise dose of radiation to a cancerous tumor – without having to cut into the body. Radiosurgery destroys the targeted area without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
“The technology allows us to track the patient’s position in real time – so we can be sure we’re hitting the target every single time,” said Pauling Chang, M.D., a radiation oncologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Another benefit for patients, Dr. Chang says, is the convenience of one-day treatment. “I had a patient who had radiosurgery in the morning, and was able to attend a dinner party that same night.”
PAMF is an early adopter of innovative technology – and was the first health care organization in the world to offer this new, precise, radiosurgery technology as part of its comprehensive Cancer Care Program. Learn more about radiosurgery and take a virtual tour with Dr. Chang in this video.
“I get to be in people’s lives,” says Pediatrician Melissa Braveman, M.D. “Whether it’s in trying to continue in good health, or in illness trying to provide support and make sure that kids get the treatment they need. I also get to interact with parents and help parents find their way – no matter how little or much experience they have in parenting – or in life.”
Dr. Braveman looks forward to Halloween, where she occasionally shows up at the hospital as a ladybug. She creates stickers for the children, tells jokes and enjoys role playing. “It gets me up in the morning – I get excited to come and to learn about kids and be a part of their lives as they grow. I actually imagine myself here until the very end. If this is the last job as a primary care pediatrician, I’ll be thrilled.”
56-year-old Franklin was legally blind in one eye due to cataracts. And, because of a large amount of astigmatism, she also had to wear thick, uncomfortable glasses.
Two years previously, Dr. Shiuey had performed a successful corneal transplant on Franklin. But now a worsening cataract threatened to steal Franklin’s sight. “I recommended a new astigmatism-correcting lens that would permanently fix her vision as well as her cataracts,” says Dr. Shiuey.
“When you know your grocer or the person that works at your gas station for 20 years, it does become personal and you do become attached to people,” says Dr. Namath in this philosophy of care video. “I take care of people who used to teach me when I was in school 20 years ago.”
As an interventional cardiologist Dr. Rammohan performs minimally invasive procedures to improve his patients’ quality of life. “It’s really exciting being in the forefront of these cutting edge techniques and seeing how they help people every day.”
“I get to interact daily with people and share their experiences and stories,” says Dr. Rammohan in this video, which is part of a series highlighting the diverse voices of PAMF physicians. “The best part of this job is seeing people who are really sick get better quickly.”
Ongoing Project Provides Insights into Best Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers
Knowing that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for you and your baby is one thing – but what motivates moms to start and continue breastfeeding and what makes them stop? To learn just that and tailor our support for new mothers and their families, PAMF’s Education Division is conducting a large, ongoing survey of breastfeeding mothers called the Bay Area Breastfeeding Experience Survey (BABES).
The project, which follows BABES participants until they stop breastfeeding, has now been underway for two years. You’ll find the most recent highlights from the survey on our BABES website. Data is updated regularly by the team.
The Palo Alto Center Radiation Oncology Department’s three newest employees bring some very special qualities to work – gentle natures, soft fur and wet noses! Therapy specialists Sparky, Sunny and Wallie are the first three dogs who are part of PAMF’s Irene Davidson Animal Assisted Therapy Program that launched in January 2012.
Although Gordon Ray, M.D., medical director of the Palo Alto Center’s Radiation Oncology Department, had read about the benefits of pet therapy for cancer patients in scientific journals, it was a real live dog visit to his department that inspired him to start PAMF’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
“You’ll often hear me say, ‘If I were you…,’ or ‘If this were me,’ – I put myself in my patient’s situation and try to live my advice,” says Ritika Aulakh, D. O., a family medicine doctor at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Fremont Center. Dr. Aulakh is a doctor of osteopathy which means she has additional training in musculoskeletal care as well as being board certified in traditional medicine.
“The most rewarding part of being a doctor is the relationship I develop with my patients and the trust they give me,” says Dr. Aulakh in this video, which is part of a series highlighting the diverse voices of PAMF physicians. “Health is the most important thing in your life. I look forward to seeing patients and finding out about their personal life and keeping up with their health.”
Lauren Brave, M.D., Pediatrician, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatric Urgent Care
A bump on the head is one of those painful yet common childhood experiences that can happen at any age – whether it’s the newly mobile baby rolling off the bed, the elementary school kid falling off the jungle gym, or the teenage athlete colliding with an opposing team member during a high school football game. Pretty scary stuff for parents – should you rush straight to the emergency room? If your child loses consciousness, even briefly, you should seek immediate medical attention. For many minor head bumps, however, careful observation of your child for the first 36 to 48 hours is the most important thing you can do. If you are at all in doubt, don’t hesitate to follow your instincts and consult your doctor.
Welcome! This blog is designed as a forum for engaging patients, their families and the community in conversations about health care, and to help promote health education and wellness with articles and tips from our doctors and staff from different departments. We welcome your comments and insight, however, please remember that this blog does not address specific patient medical issues or provide personalized medical advice. If you have a specific medical question, please contact your doctor directly.Thank you for visiting our blog.
