CARING FOR KIDS
Unsung heroes at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
For baby boomers born with a congenital heart defect, it usually meant a short life.
Today, pediatric cardiologists at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida are identifying congenital heart defects while the baby is still in the womb―in some cases, treatment can start even before the child is born!
With the opening of the brand-new, 300,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in May, and a full complement of pediatric specialists and specially trained nurses and support staff, Golisano Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope for critically ill and injured children and their families. “As we planned for the opening of the new hospital, we wanted to be sure we would have enough specialized providers to continue what we were already doing, and expand to a greater and better degree of service,” says Emad Salman, M.D., regional medical officer for the children’s hospital.
UNSUNG HEROES ERIC EASON, M.D.
Board certified in pediatric cardiology and pediatrics
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Arrhythmia diagnosis and management Cardiomyopathy Pediatric congenital heart disease diagnosis/management Adult congenital heart disease management Non-invasive imaging Fetal echocardiogram Prenatal cardiac abnormalities
WHAT HE SAYS
“We have built our pediatric cardiology practice to treat common issues such as chest pain, syncope, palpitations and murmurs. But we also have expanded to treat congenital heart disease in both children and adults. Offering a well-rounded practice means more patients get the care they need close to home, which we believe provides significant comfort for our patients and their families.”
JESSICA KOVARIK, M.D.
Board certified in ophthalmology
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Eye muscle disorders Amblyopia Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) Childhood cataracts and glaucoma Ptosis Nasolacrimal duct obstructions Ocular injuries
WHAT SHE SAYS
“Having our own children’s hospital will help us deliver the care our children need close to home. The growth of Golisano Children’s Hospital and pediatric ophthalmology has allowed us to meet the visual needs of the children of the Southwest Florida area in an exciting new way, starting from our tiniest, most fragile premature babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).”
CRAIG MACARTHUR, M.D.
Board certified in pediatrics, pediatric hematology/oncology, hospice and palliative care medicine
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Cancer Bleeding/coagulation disorders Brain tumors Leukemia/lymphoma Neuroblastoma Palliative care Sickle cell disease Soft tissue tumors
WHAT HE SAYS
“We see approximately 2,000 inpatient visits per year, and 5,000 outpatient visits per year. Before the pediatric hematology/oncology program was established at Golisano Children’s Hospital, any child with cancer or a blood disorder had to travel to Tampa or Miami for treatment. Having a program locally means families are together, close to home during treatment, which can be very difficult for the children and the entire family.”
ROBERT MINKES, M.D.
Board certified in general and pediatric surgery
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Surgical repair of birth defects Diagnosis and surgical care of tumors Gastrointestinal surgery Pediatric laparoscopy Neonatal surgery Oncological surgery Pediatric thoracic surgery
WHAT HE SAYS
“Pediatric surgical services at Golisano Children’s Hospital have grown tremendously in the past few years. We are proud to have the expertise of very talented surgeons who dedicate their practice to helping children and families.”
AMY STANFILL, M.D.
Board certified in general surgery
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Advanced minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopy Surgical repair of birth defects Diagnosis and surgical care of tumors Gastrointestinal surgery Neonatal surgery Pediatric thoracic surgery
WHAT SHE SAYS
“When a child needs surgery, pediatric surgeons know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. Our examination rooms and waiting rooms, which may have toys, videos and reading materials for children, help create a comfortable and non-threatening environment for the child. We explain details to the parents so they are well prepared for the surgery, which helps the entire family feel more at ease. ”
EVANS VALERIE, M.D.
Board certified in pediatric and adult general surgery
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Advanced minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopy General surgery Pediatric trauma da Vinci robotic surgery system
WHAT HE SAYS
“Our goal is always to provide the best treatment and get children on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. Technological advancements, such as the da Vinci robot and single-incision laparoscopic surgery, are less invasive and use smaller incisions, which r educe complications and scarring, and mean shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.”