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abnormalities, spine or brain malfor- mations, abnormal growth patterns or genetic conditions. These conditions are of ten f irst detected during a routine ultrasound. "Our Maternal Fetal Medicine and Fetal Treatment centers work closely together," says geneticist Haynes Robinson, MD, co-director of the Fetal Treatment Center. "We make it easier for a family to understand their child's abnormality, and we help them anticipate issues the baby will face after birth. We can also direct them to appropriate specialists and ensure a smooth continuum of care." Specialists may include neona- tologists, and pediatric cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, orthope- dists, surgeons, psychologists and counselors. All work collaboratively to offer the highest level of family- centered care before and after birth, along with peace of mind throughout the pregnancy. "We have a great deal of experience coordinating all the care that may be needed in these cases — from diagnosis to scheduling other tests, providing genetic counseling or fetal interventions, preparing for a compli- cated birth, and shepherding patients through the system," says Dr. Crane. "And, we are available around the clock for consultation or collaboration with referring physicians to ensure optimal care for mother and child." A Multi-Boarded Team In addit ion to Dr. Crane and Dr. Robinson, Akron Children's mater- nal fetal medicine team includes Melissa Mancuso, MD, Dawn Pekarek, MD, and Angela Silber, MD. Dr. Crane has been providing maternal fetal medicine services in the Akron area since 1997. All of the team's specialists are board certified in Ob/Gyn and have fellowship train- ing and/or board certifications in maternal fetal medicine and genetics. Haynes Robinson, MD, is co-director of Akron Children's D. Gary Benfield, MD, Fetal Treatment Center. Established in 2002, the center provides education, counseling and a range of fetal diagnostic tests and interventions. The practice is also accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Genetic anomalies and familial risk factors often play a critical role in high- risk pregnancy. Having physicians with multiple board certifications means patients dealing with the implications of genetic conditions can receive consultative services and treatment in one location from the same group of physicians. "Few programs have physicians who are dual-boarded in genetics and mater- nal fetal medicine," says Dr. Crane. "Patients receive full counseling and treatment in one place as opposed to being scheduled at multiple sites. Our physicians know both aspects and can explain the ultrasound in great detail as well as the genetic implications." "Genetic conditions are pretty rare. If your caregivers don't have genetic experience, certain things may be missed," says Dr. Mancuso. "We have training in medical genetics, and we've worked with moms and babies with genetic conditions. We understand the implications and can offer a level of knowledge and education that is not available in many Maternal Fetal Medicine centers." MARCH-APRIL 2012 n MDNEWS.COM n MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 19 PHOTOS © SMITHBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY, NORTH CANTON