Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/298497
GlobalCastMD has been impressive, with physicians from more than 70 countries participating. An average of 30–40 countries are represented per program. "When I travel to third world coun- tries, doctors tell me their only access to understanding new therapies previously was by reading textbooks that had been translated," says Dr. Ponksy. "With GlobalCastMD, they can participate in current medical education sessions and provide their patients with the same techniques we use here. So, we're teach- ing the world." Great Culture, Great Management Ask Drs. Parry, Ponsky and Soldes why they joined Akron Children's, and they all say the same thing, "It's a great place to work." "There's a welcoming and collaborative culture here that puts patients and families first," says Dr. Soldes. "And we have tremendous community support in terms of philanthropy and volunteerism." "The surgical experience, patient mix, culture, growth and opportunities at the hospital … I love the whole spectrum of what Akron Children's has to offer," says Dr. Parry. "The hospital is not attached to an adult hospital, so the administration only foc uses on p ed iat r ic ca re," add s Dr. Ponsky. "The providers and equip- ment are pediatric specific, so we can of fer a h igher level of ex per t ise and precision." Perhaps the most unique of the provid- ers at Akron Children's are the child life specialists who do pre-surgery tours to prepare children (and parents) for what they can expect to see, hear, feel, taste or smell in the hospital. "There is a lot of anxiety associated with pediatric surgery, and our child life specialists help dispel those fears," Dr. Soldes says. "So does prompt schedul- ing. We can schedule patients sooner because the efficient management of our ORs improves our throughput." For example, realistic time allowances are assigned to each surgery, which helps to maintain precise schedules. Also, equipment and instruments for each surgeon and all scheduled surgeries are set-up at the beginning of the day, instead of between surgeries, reducing OR turnaround time. As a result, more cases can be scheduled and more patients cared for in a timely manner. All three surgeons agree these efficien- cies simplify their job. By limiting the frustrations usually associated with a busy surgical practice, they can focus on providing the best possible care for their patients – which is the #1 reason they love working at Akron Children's. "It's a great place with a great culture," says Dr. Parry. "As we grow, it will be a challenge to maintain that culture, but we're all working to keep our patient and provider experiences a top priority." For more information about pediatric surgery at Akron Children's Hospital, visit akronchildrens.org. To refer a patient, call 330-543-6060. ■ To help teach new techniques to pediatric surgeons around the world, Todd Ponsky, MD, developed two programs: GlobalCastMD for group instruction and telementoring for one-on-one learning. Physicians from more than 70 countries around the world have participated in these programs. INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF AKRON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC SCHWACHTER, MD, COO, GLOBALCASTMD 2 0 1 4 M AY/J U N E ■ M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Cleveland/Akron/Canton | 1 5