Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Spring 2015 - (Page 2)

Pediatric cardiologist Carissa Baker-Smith, MD 8:30 a.m. As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Wat- kins treats issues like inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, reflux, and milk or soy allergies. Her first patient is a 6-year-old girl with celiac disease, a digestive disorder triggered by the protein gluten, which is found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. An upper endoscopy completed a couple of weeks ago used a small camera to look at the upper digestive system and confirmed the diagnosis. The child must now avoid all foods and products with gluten, but dietary restrictions are just part of the solution. "The treatment involves caring for the whole patient and the family, too-including the diet, emotional issues and the overall picture," says Dr. Watkins. 9:00 a.m. Dr. Baker-Smith sees her second family of the morning. Her pediatric patients can have a range of issues, including chest pain, heart murmurs, complex congenital heart disease, hypertension, lipid disorders, syncope (fainting) and even heart failure so severe that the child needs a heart transplant. This morning's teenage patient is physically fit but has high blood pressure, which she thinks back on the day, she's pleased by concerned his pediatrician so much that the doc- the positive impact she's making in the lives of tor recommended the family see a specialist, like her patients. Dr. Baker-Smith, to address the problem. 4:00 p.m. Dr. Baker-Smith, Most pediatric patients can be cared for effectively who's also an assistant profes- as outpatients, which means they may never have sor of pediatrics, leaves Carroll to set foot in the UM Children's Hospital location County and heads to UM Chil- in Baltimore. There are times when a diagnostic dren's Hospital in Baltimore test, a surgical procedure or sophisticated round- to check on a patient who the-clock care may be necessary, requiring a visit needed to be admitted to downtown or a hospital stay, but it's the goal of the hospital. the UM Children's Hospital clinical teams to treat children as outpatients whenever possible to make While a significant part of the it easier on the patient and family. day revolves around caring for 3:30 p.m. patients and families, there's Dr. Watkins finishes with her much more to being a pediat- final patient-but her workday is far from over. ric specialist at the University of Maryland. She must complete paperwork and charts. As "I also work on quality-of-care projects for the umm.edu/children and under "Health Information," select "About Children's Health." http://www.umm.edu/children

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Spring 2015

Maryland's Health Matters - UMMS - Spring 2015