The Division of Pediatric Pulmonology was established in 1979 by Dr. Richard Honicky, and has since evolved into a comprehensive care center, which offers diagnostic testing, treatment, and research in an array of pulmonary ailments in children.
The division includes a Cystic Fibrosis Center fully accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which promotes multicenter clinical trials, and other sponsored clinical studies in Cystic Fibrosis.
A state-of-the-art Pulmonary Function Diagnostic Laboratory has been maintained for 20 years and is also open for use of other physicians in the community.
In 2007, Dr. Eliane Eakin, MD, PhD, joined the Division, as the Cystic Fibrosis Center Director. Dr. Eakin brings expertise not only in Cystic Fibrosis, but also in General Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Flexible Bronchoscopy, and a holistic view of pulmonary diseases care.
Each year, the Cystic Fibrosis Center obtains grants from different sources, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other charitable ones that support the implementation of new techniques, buying of computer equipment, laboratory equipment, and research development. The Clinic also is completely equipped with an electronic medical records system, as part of the MSU Health Team which promotes easy integration between different providers.
The MSU Cystic Fibrosis Center continues to maintain its place in the upper quartile of Cystic Fibrosis Centers for reported data. It also ranked the highest in percent of patients with a body mass index greater than the fiftieth percentile, and the lowest percent of patients with nutritional failure, and pulmonary function within the top tenth percentile for the United States. Focusing on the interplay of pulmonary function and nutrition has been one of the center's focuses. The Center is also implementing the transition of our young adult patients into the care of expert adult pulmonologists who work under the direct supervision of our center, as part of the compliance with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines.
The Division is also involved with the Michigan State Department of Community Health in the planning and implementation of Cystic Fibrosis Testing into the State Newborn Screening Program.
Our Pulmonology Team includes personnel certified to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of lung diseases. Shawn Jennings, RN, BSN, CCRP, the Cystic Fibrosis Care Coordinator is in charge of facilitating patient continuity of care, and supporting our clinical research projects and trials. A close partnership with Sparrow Hospital is also maintained through the work of Dr. Autumn Clos, who assists in the direction of the Cystic Fibrosis Center. Michele Nikolai, registered dietician, and Wendy Bouck, respiratory therapist are also Sparrow associates. Pediatric Psychological Services are provided by Judith Brady, PhD, social work services are provided by Marguerita Sanchez, and genetic counseling by Elizabeth Butler, MS, all affiliated with MSU. The MSU and Sparrow associates provide services for both the inpatient and outpatient settings. All staff are encouraged and supported to attend appropriate continuing education events to remain updated in their respective disciplines.
Teaching by the Division members includes all four years of medical students in college of Human Medicine, as well as the College of Nursing and College of Human Ecology. Pediatric residency teaching continues in both the inpatient and outpatient arenas, aiming excellence in forming professionals equipped for clinical care and research.