Pediatric Update Newsletter - Summer 2023 - University of Mississippi Medical Center

A Message from the Chair

Summer may bring thoughts of vacations, but for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, June, July and August are busy months. July 1 brings new pediatric and med-peds residents for an important part of their medical training, and August marks the start of a new academic year in the School of Medicine.

Pediatric obesity subject of Aug. 30 Grand Rounds

Dr. Jarrett Morgan, assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, will present “Obesity Management for the Pediatric Population” during Pediatric Grand Rounds from noon to 1 p.m. on Aug. 30 in S123 or via Webex.

The Department of Pediatrics welcomes new faculty

The start of a new fiscal year brings new faculty to the Department of Pediatrics.

Takia Hampton of Jackson, cradling newborn daughter Isabella, talks with Dr. Leigh Campbell, director of the lactation clinic at Children's of Mississippi.

Newborn care at UMMC includes new lactation clinic

Monday, August 21, 2023

Support throughout the breastfeeding journey is offered at a new lactation clinic at Eli Manning Clinics for Children. Led by Dr. Leigh Campbell, lactation clinic visits can be paired with newborn care.

New pediatric and med/peds residents at UMMC

In July, the University of Mississippi Medical Center welcomed this year’s new pediatric and med/peds residents. We wish them well as they begin this vital part of their medical education.

Congratulating medical student Deja Pegues, third from left, are, from left, Dr. David Gilliam, Dr. Mary Taylor and Dr. Cindy Karlson.

Pediatric Research Day boasts record number of posters

Pediatric Research Day, held July 21 in the BankPlus Community Room of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, featured a record 23 posters showing research from our faculty, pediatric residents and medical students who participate in the Pediatric Research and Clinical Education Program, or PReCEP.

Dr. Sandra Camacho, left, assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology, and surgical tech Derexie Cosby gather a sample for research.

UMMC researchers help map gut health in children

Monday, June 12, 2023

International GI experts are studying gut samples from healthy pediatric patients to better understand how ancestry, geography and environment impact health and create disease-fighting interventions.

Pediatrics professor Dr. Kimberly Paduda, center, talks with medical students inside the new meeting space opened for medical students and pediatric residents.

Pediatric team rooms built for educational collaboration

Inside the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi, third- and fourth-year medical students work with residents and attending physicians during the clinical portion of their education. Having space to discuss patients’ conditions and the best treatment options is essential. Now medical students and pediatric and med-peds residents have space for the Department of Pediatrics’ four teams to collaborate, study or just get a cup of coffee. Two conference rooms in the Sanderson Tower have been converted to space for pediatric education.

Dr. Lauren Tucker, associate professor of pediatrics and Emily Fratesi, research nurse manager, stand among isolettes in the Wiser NICU.

Study: Babies with opioid addiction go home earlier with family-focused approach

Monday, May 22, 2023

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that opioid-addicted newborns responded better when the care approach emphasized increased family presence, holding, swaddling and rocking in low-stimulus environments as the first line of treatment.

Children's of Mississippi patient Malekhi Smith is immersed in a virtual reality game.

Children’s of Mississippi patients calmed by VR voyages

Monday, August 7, 2023

Virtual reality is bringing real results to Children’s of Mississippi patients. During imaging and treatment, VR headsets can transport children to undersea adventures and more, reducing anxiety. Studies have shown that using VR headsets can also reduce pain.

Spring 2023