No child should have to go through cancer. Children and families that are faced with a childhood cancer diagnosis deserve extraordinary care delivered by the very best experts in their field. In fact, these brave children deserve an entire medical team at their side every step of the way.
At AdventHealth for Children, we understand the uncertainty and fear of the unknown our cancer patients and their loved ones feel, and we’re committed to walking this journey with them. Here, your child has a collaborative care team behind them with specialists across disciplines coming together to treat their body, comfort their mind and nurture their spirit.
With so many experts working side by side under one roof, families can focus on what truly matters — being there for their child. From pediatric oncology to bone marrow transplant (BMT), head and neck surgical oncology, radiation oncology, endocrinology and more, our programs are deeply connected and designed to ensure every child receives comprehensive, whole-person care tailored to their unique needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a collaborative care approach for childhood cancer by hearing from some of our top experts in pediatrics and oncology, including our Medical Director of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology , Fouad Hajjar, MD; radiation oncologist, Afshin Forouzannia, MD; Medical Director of Pediatric Endocrinology, Konda Reddy, MD; and Chief of Pediatric Head and Neck Surgery, Joseph Lopez, MD, MBA.
What are some of the whole-person benefits of collaborative care?
Experts from different fields working together to heal one person creates a powerful impact through cross-communication. According to Dr. Fouad Hajjar, “Collaboration brings with it several essential components of whole-person care, such as interdisciplinary teams that bring expertise from various fields, improved communication between team members and families, and a shared decision-making process to gain the trust of the patients and their families.”
Why is multidisciplinary teamwork important?
Dynamic treatment plans based on each patient’s needs are more possible with a collaborative team working together. Dr. Afshin Forouzannia says, “Multidisciplinary teamwork brings together many perspectives to create the best treatment plans, helping improve outcomes and quality of life. This provides families with confidence that their child is receiving the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible.”
How does collaborative care work?
Different specialists communicating about their patient and what they need for all parts that encompass the body, mind and spirit facilitates complete, cohesive care that wouldn’t be possible without experts coming together. Dr. Konda Reddy explains, “Our pediatric endocrinology team works alongside pediatric oncology, head and neck surgery, nuclear medicine, pathology and ear, nose and throat specialists to deliver a comprehensive, coordinated approach. By integrating endocrine expertise into the clinic, we address the hormonal and metabolic effects of these tumors, optimize both surgical and medical treatment plans, and provide long-term follow-up care long after treatment.”
Why choose collaborative care?
A special magic happens when a whole team of top experts care for your child together with the common goal of healing them. Dr. Joseph Lopez states, “When we join hands as physicians in caring for children with cancer, our varied expertise and shared trust become one, making us instruments of hope and light for every child we serve.”
A Collaborative Spirit Heals in Body, Mind and Spirit
We are proud to be the number one Pediatric Oncology program in the state according to Newsweek. Our spirit of collaboration aims to provide the best whole-person care for our childhood cancer patients and make it easy for their families during this difficult time. We’ve built programs that work together to provide all children's care in one place. Our level of collaboration, expertise and compassion allows families to stay in the same network to receive top-quality care. It is our greatest honor to serve in this way.
Learn more about our oncology program, providers and cancer heroes at: AdventHealthforChildren.com/Cancer.
