GROWING PAINS: The Newsletter of Pediatric Specialists of Foxborough and Wrentham WINTER 2001

Asthma Project: Pediatric Specialists is participating in the Equis Asthma program. This program is developed to help practices follow high standards in the management of their patients with asthma. Thanks to the efforts of our staff and especially to Judith Shea-Vaillancourt our practice has been mentioned as one of the top performers in this project. We have always been proud of our care but this is more tangible evidence. We are actively evaluating our asthmatic's needs, adjusting medications and monitoring response. We have purchased state of the art spirometers for both offices so that we may better assess severity and responsiveness to medication. We at Pediatric Specialists are proud of this program that brings cutting edge asthma care to your child.

Flu Vaccines: Pediatric Specialists has held several flu clinics at both offices. We have ordered additional private supplies of the vaccine and anyone wishing to receive the vaccine should contact the office while doses are still available.

Education: Dr. Giuliano recently attended an all day conference at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for school physicians and school nurses. This conference coveraged numerous topics including dealing with meningitis outbreaks, food allergies in the schools, and emergency preparedness. The afternoon session focused on dealing with crises in the schools and was centered around a panel presentation by members of the administration and emergency team from the Oak Hill Middle School in Newton which confronted the tragedy this past spring in which a bus carrying students to a band competition in Canada went off the road, killing several students. This was a most touching and informative exercise. Dr. Giuliano serves as school physician for the Foxborough Public Schools, the Wrentham Public Schools and the Sabis Regional Charter School.

Staff Changes: Two of our nurse practitioners will be leaving their regular hours at the practice. Karen Wesselhoeft who worked Wednesdays in the Wrentham office has departed due to a move to New Hampshire. She may continue to work on some weekends in the future. Connie Norton who worked on Monday evenings in Wrentham has left her position with mutual regrets as her regular work has occupied more of her time of late. Both Connie and Karen will be missed.