We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Dr. Randy Siegel Medical Humanitarian of the Year is being awarded to
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
– and –
The Staff of the Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and Child Life Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Award will be accepted by Dr. Richard Drachtman
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of subspecialists. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and child life therapists tends to all aspects of care for the patient and family. In addition, there are full-time teachers on staff, so children can stay current with their schoolwork while receiving treatment.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers the most advanced approaches to cancer care and the treatment of blood disorders using sophisticated techniques in diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy – outsmarting cancer with science. Care is provided in a comfortable setting designed specifically for young children and adolescents, with laboratory, pharmacy and transfusion services on site. Patients who need to stay overnight are admitted to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital/RWJ Barnabas Health.
Components of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program
- Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Program
- Neuro-Oncology Program
- Pediatric Solid Tumor and Bone Program
- Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
- Consultative Hematology
- Thalassemia Program
- Bone Marrow Failure Program
- Transfusion Program
- Pediatric Hemophilia Center
- Bleeding Disorder Program
- Pediatric Thrombosis Program
- Psychosocial Services
- PACCT – The David E Zullo Pediatric Advanced Comprehensive Care Team (Palliative Care Program)
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
The BristolMyers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), offers children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders the most advanced, comprehensive pediatric oncology and hematology program in the state of New Jersey.
BMSCH’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program provides state-of-the-art approaches topediatric cancer care and the treatment of blood disorders using sophisticated techniques in diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, social workers, case managers, pharmacists, child life specialists, nutritionists, and other healthcare providers who are devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of children with cancer and blood disorders.
All of our patients receive personalized care and attention in an atmosphere that is child friendly and family focused. Our pediatric oncology physicians work closely with BMSCH’s Pediatric Advanced Comprehensive Care Team (PACCT) Program to provide individualized care and support to patients and families. PACCT is a unique program that provides a seamless continuity of care from the time of initial diagnosis and throughout the patient’s treatment. This program provides nursing care and psychosocial support for the patients and families when they are at home, by the same healthcare providers who care for them in the hospital and outpatient clinic.
“We are deeply grateful to Sherrie and Michael Wells and the Hugs for Brady Foundation for the generous support that the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital receives through the Hugs for Brady Foundation,” said Linda Palkoski, MPH BSN CCRN NE-BC, Nursing Director for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at BMSCH. “Whether it is donating Brady Buggy® Wagons, helping us renovate the activity room on our pediatric hematology/oncology unit, toy and equipment donations, or funding groundbreaking research that one day will end pediatric cancer, Hugs for Brady provides us with essential funds that we need to provide exceptional care to the children and families we serve.”
- Age appropriate preparation for surgery, medical procedures, tests and treatments
- Hands-on learning experiences to teach children and siblings about all aspects of hospitalization
- Therapeutic art and recreational sessions in the activity centers and at the bedside
- Activities to help “normalize” the hospital stay, including play, special events, holiday celebrations and parties
- Emotional support to help patients and family members minimize the stress that often surrounds hospitalization
- Guided imagery, relaxation and distraction sessions
- Community outreach programs for preschool through high school students
Dr. Richard Drachtman
Dr. Richard Drachtman is a Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and Clinical Section Chief and Medical Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Dr. Drachtman is also the Director of the Regional Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at the Bristol Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital/Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Principal Investigator for The Children’s Oncology Group at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS). Dr. Drachtman has been with Rutgers (formerly UMDNJ) since 1991 following the completion of a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York.
He is actively involved in research regarding new modalities of treatment and methods of improving quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease. He also is involved in monitoring the newborn screening process for sickle cell disease at the New Jersey Department of Health. Under his auspices, the division currently cares for about 500 patients with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Drachtman is the Institutional PI for Rutgers University – Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Dr. Drachtman is on the Steering Committee for Hodgkin ’s Disease for the Children’s Oncology Group and is on other study committees and actively involved in the planning of retrieval studies.
Dr. Drachtman is the Vice Chair of RBHS’s Institutional Review Board, New Brunswick, NJ and in 2014, was appointed as Vice Chair on the National Cancer Institute’s Pediatric Central IRB.