1. WINTER 2008
A Message from the Chair
Children’s and Women’s Hospitals Replacement Project, and
Happy New Year! opportunities to help support our cause.
I hope you all are off to a wonderful 2008! Congratulations to all and keep up the good work!
This year I plan to build on the strong
foundation of the Department to continue Valerie Castle, M.D.
our successes in clinical care, research, Ravitz Foundation Professor of Pediatrics
and education. and Communicable Diseases
Chair, Department of Pediatrics
This edition of Inside Pediatrics highlights several faculty and
staff members who have received awards and honors in the
recent past, information on the ongoing C.S. Mott
New Howard Hughes Distinguished Career
Medical Institute Award
Laurence Boxer, M.D. has been chosen
Investigator to receive the 2008 Distinguished
Career Award from American Society
of Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Friedhelm Hildebrandt, M.D. has been (ASPHO).
selected as a new Howard Hughes
Medical Institute Investigator. This award is given in recognition of
outstanding service and significant
Dr. Hildebrandt was selected in a scientific contributions to the
nationwide competition that sought understanding and treatment of blood
applications from researchers who lead diseases and cancer in children. It will be presented at
patient-oriented research programs the ASPHO annual meeting in May. Past distinguished
and whose scientific work is guided by recipients include Louis Diamond, David Nathan, Frank
their interaction with patients. Oski, Elias Schwartz and Archie Bleyer.
This is an extraordinary recognition of the outstanding work Dr. Boxer has made extraordinary contributions to the
that Dr. Hildebrandt and his research team are conducting. care of children with white cell disorders most notably
those associated with low white cell counts (neutropenia).
Congratulations to Dr. Hildebrandt and his entire research Additionally, he has made seminal basic research
team! discoveries that have improved our understanding of white
cell function in normal states and in inherited and acquired
diseases. Article continued on page 2

2. INSIDE PEDIATRICS • WINTER 2008
Article continued from previous page
Shining Star Award
Dr. Boxer is most proud of the work he has done at Michigan Lisa Hammer, M.D., a general
to develop the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology pediatrician at Briarwood Health
and influence the careers of numerous young investigators Associates, has been selected for this
and clinician-scientists who have chosen careers in Pediatric quarter’s UMHS Shining Star Award.
Hematology and Oncology. Shining Stars are honored at a quarterly
Employee Recognition Reception for
Congratulations to Dr. Boxer as his extraordinary their contributions to the mission, vision,
achievements are recognized with the 2008 ASPHO and values of UMHS.
Distinguished Career Award.
Dr. Hammer is known for going the extra
mile for patients and families. Congratulations!
Help Them Make Their Mark
In partnership with Detroit-based Pewabic Pottery, the •Mott Patient Tiles - For $100, you may sponsor a Mott
community has a unique opportunity to support the new patient to create a tile which will be installed in the new
Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital with specially facility. For a $1,000 donation, a set of four Mott patient
designed clay tiles. These tiles will decorate the new facilities tiles with a border of specialty tiles may be purchased.
inside and out.
These tile sets will be used to help patients and families find
There are several ways in which the community can support their way around the new facility.
the Mott and Women’s tile project:
All charitable contributions are 100% tax deductible. For
•Tribute Gifts - For a donation of $250, you can celebrate more information on how to support the Mott and Women’s
a special occasion, honor someone special or remember a Tile Project, please visit www.mottchildrenshospital.org/tiles
loved one with a Tribute Gift to the new C.S. Mott Children’s or call 734-936-9134.
Hospital and Women’s Hospital as a distinctive way to create
a lasting remembrance.
Your Tribute Gift will help fund unique art pieces created by Grand Rounds
Pewabic Pottery that will be installed on the welcome desks Tuesdays from 8-9 a.m. in the MCHC Auditorium
of the new facility. This art work will help create an inviting
atmosphere for patients and their families. January 29 - “Update on Epidemiology and Treatment of
Fungal Infections,” Carol Kauffman, M.D.
February 5 - “Damage Associated Molecular Pattern:
Role in Innate Immunity & Potential Use as Biomarkers,”
Dirk Foell, M.D., University of Muenster, Germany
February 12 - “Macrophage Activation in Obesity -
Adipose Tissue & Beyond,” Carey Lumeng, M.D.
February 19 - “Implementing Nutrition Guidelines,” Sam
Gidding, M.D., Nemours Cardiac Center
February 26 - “Psychological Stresses Associated with
Chronic Illness,” David DeMaso, M.D., Children’s
Hospital of Boston
Future conference topics may be found at http://www.
med.umich.edu/pediatrics/edu/conference.htm
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3. INSIDE PEDIATRICS • WINTER 2008
Division at a Glance: Replacement Project
Pediatric Genetics Work continues
The Division of Pediatric Genetics provides service in on the C.S. Mott
the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of birth defects, Children’s and
structural abnormalities, inherited diseases, chromosomal Women’s Hospitals
abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, the Replacement
Division treats children with inborn errors of metabolism and Project!
metabolic disorders identified on the newborn screen.
Recent progress
Services include inpatient and outpatient evaluations includes placement
to diagnose genetic diseases, syndromes or metabolic of the first piece
diseases, and appropriate laboratory studies including of steel! A total of
quantitative amino acids, organic acids, carnitine, 10,500 tons of steel will be erected in the final project.
chromosomal microarray analysis, karyotype, DNA-based
gene sequencing, recurrence risk calculations, teratologic In the fall, Barton Mallow employee Scott Huff shared his
evaluation of abortuses, stillborns, and selected neonatal views from the top of the tower crane above the project site.
deaths, medical genetics follow-up, treatment, and genetic Scott travels 315 feet up a series of yellow ladders to reach
counseling. Website for more details: (http://www.med. the cab of the crane where he works each day - a trip that
umich.edu/pediatrics/division/genetics/index.htm). takes him an average of 25 minutes a day.
Most recently, the Michigan Medical Genetics Laboratories The crane performs four different modes of operation and
(MMGL; website in development) was established within the can lift up to 40,090 pounds. Scott depends on his co-
Division. This comprehensive laboratory provides state- worker, Phil, to help with the crane operation from his
of-the-art testing for rare genetic diseases. The MMGL position on the ground. To make certain their jobs are
is comprised of two sections, one for metabolic genetic performed safely, Phil and Scott communicate via radio.
diseases such as those on the newborn screen, and one for
DNA based molecular genetic methods. Scott’s views on clear days include downtown Detroit. And,
while working on fall football Saturday’s, he is able to view
Research efforts within the Division include the evaluation the Wolverines in the Big House with a pair of binoculars.
of long term outcomes and best practice guidelines for
management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism, You can view the progress of the replacement project from
outcomes of patients with metabolic diseases detected pre- the top of the Taubman Parking Structure.
symptomatically by newborn screening, limb malformations,
role of HOX genes in development, genetics of early For more information, please visit http://www.med.umich.
postimplantation mammalian development, adrenocortical edu/i/mottproject/.
and caudal development, neural tube defects, diagnosis of
kidney disease in diabetes and hypertension, genetic basis
of neuronal development and autism, genetics of pre-term
Cycling Gear
birth and adverse perinatal outcomes, and cystinosis.
There is still an opportunity for
The Division includes 11 faculty members, 18 staff members, bike enthusiasts to support the
and two medical genetics residents. Faculty members have C.S. Mott Children’s and Women’s
extensive collaborations within Pediatrics, the Department of Hospital Replacement Project by
Human Genetics and other UMHS Departments. purchasing a jersey or cycling
shorts. If you are interested in
Genetics Outreach Clinics staffed by Divisional faculty are making a purchase, please contact
located in Gaylord, Marquette, and Traverse City. Laura Gray at 734-936-3682.
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4. INSIDE PEDIATRICS • WINTER 2008
2007 New Faculty R.A.V.E. Awards
Members Shaney Bowers, Pediatric Cardiology,
is our Extra Mile Winner for the month
Jill Lancaster, M.D.
of July. Shaney was nominated by
Diane Gaffney, Alicia Valentini and
•Clinical Lecturer, Division of
Shelly Brown. The nominators say
General Pediatrics
“Shaney always has a smile on her
•M.D., 2001, Temple University
face; she has the foresight to anticipate
School of Medicine
problems... we would be lost without
•Residency, 2004, Children’s
her”. Shaney is appreciated for going
Hospital of Pittsburgh
the extra mile taking on additional task
in absence of co-workers and doing it with a smile.
Dr. Lancaster will be practicing in
at the Livonia Pediatrics Clinic. Her
clinical interests include preventative medicine. Kelly Hornbacher, Taubman Pediatric
Clinics, is our Extra Mile Winner
Bethany J. Sallinen, Ph.D.
for the month of August. Kelly was
nominated by Dr. Emily Fredericks for
•Clinical Assistant Professor,
her effort in going above and beyond
Division of Child Behavioral Health
to problem solve clinic space concerns
•Ph.D., 2005, University of Maine
and difficulties for obtaining dictation
•Residency, 2005, University of
and careweb access for incoming
Florida
psychology fellows. Fredericks says “
•Fellowship, 2007, Pediatric
Kelly is always willing to lend support
Psychology, University of Florida
to faculty, staff and trainees. She is truly dedicated to the
Pediatric Clinics”.
Clinical interests include pediatric
obesity, psychosocial issues and family
functioning in pediatric obesity, and health promotion. Cheng-Yu Chang, Division
Administrator for Pediatrics
Research interests include development and evaluation Endocrinology, GI and Rheumatology
of pediatric weight management programs, and family is our Extra Mile winner for the month
functioning in pediatric obesity. of September. Cheng was nominated
by 5 faculty from the various
Renee A. Shellhaas, M.D. divisions he serves; Drs. Ram Menon,
Chris Dickinson, Delia Vazquez,
•Clinical Assistant Professor, Josephine Kasa-Vubu and Vasantha
Division of Pediatric Neurology Padmanabhan. The nominators
•M.D., 2001, University of Michigan state “ Cheng consistently goes above and beyond the
•Residency, 2003, The Children’s call of duty”...”always responsive, a great listener and
Hospital of Philadelphia unflappable under pressure”...” has worked tirelessly
•Residency, 2006, The Children’s to help organize our office staff to make them more
Hospital of Philadelphia efficient”...”meets the needs of various faculty and with a
•Fellowship, 2007, Clinical very cheery attitude to help faculty meet their deadlines”
Neurophysiology and Epilepsy, The and “ he’s hardworking, competent and dedicated to the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia improvement of all the operations he performs, makes the
workplace the best it can be for all staff members.”
Clinical interests include epilepsy and neonatal seizures.
Research interests include neonatal seizures.
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5. INSIDE PEDIATRICS • WINTER 2008
Lois Hauck, Pediatric Education, is (continued)
our Extra Mile Winner for the month In addition, Kathy coordinated the Quality Assurance and
of October. Lois was nominated by Peer Review process to help make sure that the Pediatric
Kim Moosekian, Sr. Admin Asst for Cardiology team continues to deliver the best quality
Pediatric Critical Care. Kim says, service to it’s patients and care givers. She did all of this
“ Lois has done a superb job!” with in addition to her regular duties as a senior sonographer
staying on top of the things in the in the echo lab and never lost her cool or her smile.
fellowship coordination role. Lois
learns all she can about fellowship Sue Clark, Taubman Pediatric Clinics,
program’s and helps all of the was crowned Queen for a week in
fellowship coordinators do a better job. Kim goes on to October. Sue received this recognition
say, “ I have never seen an employee from the U go out for all of the consistent dedicated
of her way to help someone else do their job better. If work she provides, her incredible
we only had a few more employees like Lois, She has customer service skills and ability and
shared so much valuable information with all of us. willingness to take on “just one more
Thanks Lois, you’re the best!!!” thing” all of the time. Recent emails
from parents attest to the quality
Kathy Sundbeck, Pediatric Cardiology, and dedication provided as well as
is our Extra Mile Winner for the month the outstanding customer service skills demonstrated.
of November. Kathy was nominated Parents of patient state, “ She is always pleasant and
by Dr. Mary van der Velde for eager to help. She’s the first person I would go to with
completing the arduous and thankless any problems or questions”. This is the common theme
task of compiling/submitting the re- Sue’s supervisor, Kelly Hornbacher, hears from anyone
certification application and materials who has worked with Sue. Her attendance is great,
for the pediatric echo-cardiography she always goes above and beyond, she provides high
laboratory to ICAEL. (continued) quality work and has a pleasant attitude.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2nd Annual Susan B. Meister Lecture in Child Health Pediatric Resident Graduation - Tuesday, June 10,
Policy - Tuesday, February 12, 2008 BSRB Auditorium, 2008. For more information, please contact Denise Alton
4:30 - 6 p.m. “Bridging the Worlds of Business and (dmalton@umich.edu).
Public Health” by John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H.,
Executive Vice President for Health, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Med-Peds Resident Graduation - Thursday, June 12,
Reservations required: www.chear.umich.edu 2008. For more information, please contact Michael
Lukela, M.D. (mlukela@umich.edu).
Developmental Origin of Health and Disease - Friday,
October 17, 2008 Forum Hall, Palmer Commons. 8
a.m. - 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Division of Pediatric
Endocrinology. For more information, please contact
Amanda Howard (amanhowa@umich.edu).
Inside Pediatrics
Editor: Laura J. Gray (ljgray@umich.edu/734-936-3682)
Associate Chair for External Affairs: Gary L. Freed, M.D., M.P.H. (gfreed@umich.edu/734-615-0616)
Inside Pediatrics is published quarterly by the Office of the Chair. Suggestions or submissions
for this newsletter should be directed to Laura Gray, Editor, email: ljgray@umich.edu.