Briefs

Le Bonheur attains Magnet recognition

Le Bonheur has attained Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the second time, a testament to continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Maller elected Secretary for Neurosonology Community of Practice for the AIUM

Le Bonheur Radiologist Vijetha Maller, MD, was recently elected secretary for the Neurosonology Community of Practice for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). The Neurosonology Community of Practice brings together individuals focused on sonography of the brain, cerebral circulation, the spine and all peripheral nerves and muscles to discuss topics of mutual interest, communicate the needs of their discipline, develop educational content and network within each area.

UTHSC College of Medicine inducts Inaugural Class of Academy of Master Educators

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Medicine inducted its inaugural class to the Academy of Master Educators. This year’s class inductees included Le Bonheur physicians Infectious Disease Specialist Bindiya Bagga, MD, Critical Care Intensivist Mark Bugnitz, MD, and Neonatologist Ajay Talati, MD. The academy recognizes and celebrates contributions to education by dedicated physicians and other medical educators.

Giel elected president elect of the Society for Fetal Urology

Le Bonheur Urologist Dana Giel, MD, was recently elected to serve as president elect of the Society for Fetal Urology. Her term will begin in fall 2021. The Society for Fetal Urology serves to improve the care of patients with fetal and perinatal genitourinary anomalies by promoting research, education and appropriate practice.

McCullers appointed to Shelby County Board of Health

Le Bonheur Pediatrician-in-Chief Jon McCullers, MD, was appointed to the newly formed Shelby County Board of Health. The board will meet regularly to provide expert advice to the Shelby County Health Department on routine issues, such as health-related policies, and responses to emerging issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. McCullers has been on the front lines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emerged as an infectious disease leader advising the local and statewide response to the pandemic.

PICU receives Gold Beacon Award

Le Bonheur’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) recently received the Gold-level Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. This designation reflects a unit with refined processes that are applied systematically with participation by key stakeholders and clear evidence of learning and improvement cycles. These approaches support quality patient outcomes and professional development.

Kerr named executive vice chair of Ophthalmology at UTHSC 

Le Bonheur Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology Natalie C. Kerr, MD, was recently named vice chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Kerr is also the endowed Roger L. Hiatt Professor in Ophthalmology at UTHSC.

Le Bonheur’s CFRI named an inaugural I-ACT for Children Trailblazer site

The Children’s Foundation Research Institute (CFRI) at Le Bonheur was named as one of eight Trailblazer sites in the Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials (I-ACT) for Children Site Network, a globally collaborative research network. Trailblazer sites will focus on improving clinical trial start-up times, enrollment and patient completion.

Corkins appointed Chairperson for AAP Committee on Nutrition

Le Bonheur Division Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology Mark R. Corkins, MD, CNSC, FASPEN, AGAF, FAAP, was recently appointed as chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Committee on Nutrition. He will begin a four-year term as chairperson in July 2021.

Cohen named to multiple national leadership positions

Le Bonheur Radiologist-in-Chief and Medical Director of Radiology Harris L. Cohen, MD, FACR, has been appointed as chair of the Neurosonology Community for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine for 2021-22. Cohen has also been named as councilor to the American College of Radiology for the Tennessee Radiological Society.

Johnson co-chairs ACR cardiac imaging education module

Le Bonheur Director of Cardiac MRI Jason Johnson, MD, MHS, co-chaired the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) “CPI Cardiac Imaging Special Edition Module.” The module reviews more than 130 images using cardiovascular MRI and CT scans to aid in diagnosis and predict outcomes related to cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and more.

Comprehensive Epilepsy Program receives reaccreditation from National Association of Epilepsy Centers

Le Bonheur’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program recently received a two-year reaccreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 epilepsy center, the highest level available for pediatric centers. Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

Le Bonheur, West Tennessee Healthcare announce collaboration

Le Bonheur and West Tennessee Healthcare recently initiated a collaboration to provide the highest levels of care for West Tennessee children from Le Bonheur pediatric experts with advanced training in pediatric subspecialties. The pediatric unit, which would be licensed to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, will be the first of its kind for West Tennessee. The proposal is pending state regulatory approval. The collaboration will improve the health status of West Tennessee children by enhancing access to expert, cost-effective care, developing more comprehensive pediatric specialty programs in Jackson and strengthening the coordination of care for patients who need to travel to Memphis. Further details regarding the scope of this work, including services provided, are expected later this year.

Finkel awarded Children’s Foundation of Memphis Chair of Excellence

Le Bonheur Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs Terri Finkel, MD, PhD, has been awarded the Children’s Foundation of Memphis (CFOM) Chair of Excellence. Through this endowed award, Finkel will receive support to coordinate cutting-edge research at Le Bonheur with the aim of improving the health and well-being of Memphis children. Finkel is also professor and associate chair of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The Children’s Foundation of Memphis Chair of Excellence was created in 2017 through a $1 million donation from the CFOM matched by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Black recognized as “10 Gastroenterologists to Know” by Becker’s Healthcare

Le Bonheur Gastroenterologist Dennis Black, MD, was recently recognized as one of “10 Gastroenterologists to Know” by Becker’s Healthcare. Black is the J.D. Buckman Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and serves as scientific director of the Children’s Foundation Research Institute and vice president of Research at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.