ABOUT THE EXPERT
Dr. Glaze Vaughan | East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been providing high quality pediatric care since 1937. A comprehensive regional pediatric center accredited by the Joint Commission, Children’s Hospital ensures that children receive the best health care possible in a positive, family-centered atmosphere.
Dr. Glaze Vaughan, Chief of Staff, has been with Children’s Hospital for the last nine years, but has been a Pediatric Surgeon since 1995. With more than two decades of experience working with children, Vaughn ensures Children’s Hospital remains the gold standard in pediatric care by striving for excellence in staffing.
Children’s Hospital offers more than 30 pediatric sub-specialties, treating patients from birth to age 21. With so many subspecialists in one location, children receive comprehensive medical care close to home and support systems, ensuring no extra burdens are placed on families caring for children with extended illnesses.
Why is it important for a child to see a pediatric surgeon?
Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. Pediatric surgeons know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative, using equipment and facilities specifically designed for children. All pediatric surgeons are board certified in general surgery and complete two years of additional training before eligible to be certified in pediatric surgery.
What pediatric procedures can be found only in our area?
Pediatric cancer surgeries are a unique set of procedures done only at Children’s Hospital because of the expertise required for diagnosing and treating these children. The foundation for all types of surgery done at Children’s Hospital is Pediatric Anesthesia. I cannot over-stress the importance of having well-trained anesthesiologists who understand the physiologic and anatomic variations that children possess.
What facet of child recovery is not always talked about?
Healing a child is about more than just medicine alone. We take a patient- and family-centered care approach which is all about partnerships among health care providers, patients and families. We treat family members as part of the medical team. Parents know their child best and can provide important information for how to best help their child be happy and comfortable.
What else can be done to ensure a child feels supported?
Everyone at the Children’s Hospital is an expert for children, and attuned to their special needs and emotional support needs. Our Child Life program aims to ease anxiety through the power of play. Child Life staff members are specially trained to communicate with children on their developmental level while playing.
What is on the horizon for the future of pediatric medicine?
Convenience and access to quality pediatric health care is of paramount importance to parents. Telehealth is maturing and becoming the norm for many of our physicians, allowing families to receive advice and counseling from home. Wearable medical devices that allow remote monitoring have a great impact, and 3D printing and nanotechnology are revolutionizing medical product design and function.
It’s good to know that telehealth is starting to become more widespread even in pediatric care. I’m thinking about looking for a good pediatrician because I’m going to be a mother soon. I’d like to make sure that I have an expert that I can consult in so that I can make sure that I can be the best mom that I can be.