Leadership Update

Mark Scheurer, M.D., and Andrew Atz, M.D.
January 11, 2022
Dr Mark Scheurer and Dr. Andy Atz
(Left to Right) Mark Scheurer, M.D., and Andrew Atz, M.D.

Dear Friend,

We hope you and your family had a healthy and peaceful holiday season. We are bracing for the inevitable post-holiday COVID-19 surge that will endure most of January. Our advice is to obtain the third shot for all eligible household members as soon as possible. You can schedule a booster through your MyChart or by calling 843-876-7227.

Time for some good news. Despite many 2021 challenges, MUSC Children’s Health continued to innovate and improve patient and family care, secure substantial research grants and expand the diversity of our faculty and care team members.

These featured articles below provide a snapshot of a few of 2021’s advances in care. There were many more, and we know 2022 will continue the exceptional care and innovation that your support helps facilitate.

An 18-hour RV trip for hope: Pediatric neurosurgeon Libby Infinger performed a rare pineal cyst excision on one of the youngest patients to undergo this type of brain surgery. The patient’s family lives in Houston.

COVID-19 clinical trial at the MUSC Children’s Health R. Keith Summey Medical Pavilion: One of the 100 children’s hospitals chosen globally to participate in the trial.

Cryotechnology: A postsurgical pain game-changer that is as cool as it sounds.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Pediatric cardiologist Jason Buckley and certified pediatric nurse practitioner Frances Woodard help a patient beat the odds.

Playing nice in the sandbox: Denis Guttridge, cancer researcher and director of Darby Children's Research Institute, and pediatric cardiologist John Costello collaborate on research projects to benefit our patients and families.

Severe burn injuries clinical trials: Advanced technology provides faster recovery with better outcomes.

Can transplant be avoided? The CAKUT program with pediatric urologist Shumyle Alam indicates that may be possible.

When does an infant sound like a washing machine? When she has a hiatal hernia.

We look forward to sharing more amazing stories throughout 2022. Your continued generosity for children both near and far provides hope for families who very much need answers. We thank you for changing what’s possible.

Happy New Year!

Mark Scheurer, M.D., and Andrew Atz, M.D.
MUSC Children’s