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News from Michael D. Babcock, Director of Public Relations, Shriners Hospitals for Children–Salt Lake City:

Chief of Staff Dr. James Roach Elected President of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America

As Chief of Staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children–Salt Lake City, leadership is part of the job for Dr. James Roach. But soon his influence will extend to a few more physicians—1,000 more to be precise. Dr. Roach was recently named president of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). While he doesn’t take command of his new post until 2010, he’ll have on-the-job training as 2nd Vice President this year and 1st Vice President next year.

POSNA is not only a national organization as the name might imply. It is regarded as the international authoritative source for pediatric orthopaedics, with a mission to develop the highest quality education for doctors and ultimately ensure the best possible care for patients. Dr. Roach says the privilege to serve the organization came out of the blue.

“It’s a surprise. There are so many competent people in the organization, and so many people to choose from. It’s not an honor everybody gets,” notes Roach.

The decision to name him to the presidential line is not a surprise to anyone who knows his work.

“He has all the ‘right stuff’: top rate surgical skills, great passion and compassion, terrific leadership ability and unusually good business acumen,” says hospital Administrator J. Craig Patchin. “My peers both in and out of the Shriners system would love to have a chief of his caliber.”

Dr. Roach earned his medical degree from Georgetown and completed his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. He chose to specialize in pediatric orthopaedics and for the next two decades built a respected reputation through his work at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas and Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth before joining SHC in 2001. Dr. Roach’s presidency brings prestige to SHC–Salt Lake City as well as the entire system.

“I’m thrilled with the fact he will be president in 2010,” notes SHC Vice President of Medical Affairs Peter Armstrong, M.D. “We’re trying to raise the awareness of Shriners in the pediatric community and once again, this appointment further emphasizes the caliber of physicians we have in our hospitals.” Dr. Roach plans to address several issues as president, such as how to balance the need for untainted medical education against the product-driven industries that often pay for training. He also hopes to boost education in developing countries where surgeons have little opportunity for postgraduate study and lack the resources to bring experts in to teach them.

Although Dr. Roach will be taking on new challenges, he expects the same satisfaction his job as a surgeon has provided him for more than 30 years; which is the ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. If the successful outcomes he’s reached with thousands of young patients are any indication, there is no doubt that as Dr. Roach prepares to lead POSNA, the organization will be in good hands.

Telemedicine Connects Shriners Hospital to Patients in Eastern Wyoming

Children in Eastern Wyoming used to travel more than 400 miles one-way for pediatric orthopaedic check-ups, but now those appointments are only a phone call away. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Shriners Hospitals for Children–Salt Lake City are bridging the gap with telemedicine.

Cheyenne officially went on line at the end of May, making it the 18th site on the telemedicine network.

Approximately 600 Wyoming children receive care at SHC–Salt Lake City every year. 16-year-old Jacob Hawkins is one of them. He’s also the first patient to receive treatment through the new telemedicine clinic. The Cheyenne teenager has flat feet and knocked knees. In the past, Jacob and his mother had to spend time and money traveling out of state for medical care. Now, the same short clinic appointments can be taken care of through telemedicine consultations.

Telemedicine uses a combination of video cameras and computers. It works like a phone call, but with images. The communication is real time, thereby allowing patients to receive immediate care from orthopaedic specialists. The technology provides a convenient and relatively inexpensive setting for routine follow-up visits.

Telemedicine has become an effective means for SHC–Salt Lake City to continue providing care to patients spread out across seven states and northern Mexico. The hospital provides expert medical care for a wide range of bone, muscle and joint diseases such as scoliosis, club foot and limb length discrepancies.

Although patients are never charged for their care, telemedicine saves money. Parents don’t have to take time off work or spend money on gas, lodging, and meals for a trip to Salt Lake City.

Jacob Hawkin came to the telemedicine clinic because he was experiencing pain when he spent a lot of time on his feet. A physician’s assistant in Salt Lake City was able to examine the teen with the help of a physical therapist in Wyoming. Camera angles helped the PA visually examine Jacob laying down, walking and standing on tip toe. It turns out Jacob’s discomfort is normal, and would be better treated with a good pair of shoes rather than surgery.

Both Jacob and his mother Carla agree, the telemedicine clinic gives them the best of both worlds. Carla says, “Having someone here to look at him, and having someone there to watch was great. I didn’t have to take off work and we got a decent diagnosis.”

Cheyenne is one of three telemedicine sites in Wyoming. The network also includes clinics in Lovell and Casper. For more information about telemedicine services call (801) 536-3500 or toll-free (800) 313-3745.