Eight young patients recently transitioned from the Pediatric Nephrology Institute to adult care at the Nephrology Outpatient Clinics at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel. A significant milestone in their healthcare, they celebrated the transition with their families and the medical team at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s hospital.
Professor Daniella Magen, Dr. Shirley Pollack, the staff, and graduating patients celebrate their transition from the Pediatric Nephrology Institute to adult care. Photography: Rambam HCC.
Rambam’s Pediatric Nephrology Institute (Institute) delivers comprehensive care to children with kidney and urinary tract disorders from birth through adolescence. Compassionate doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, emotional therapists, teachers, clinical psychologists, spiritual counselors, and dedicated administrative staff work together to guide young patients requiring kidney transplants, dialysis, and related treatments.
For these eight children, the Institute became a second home, and the staff, their extended family. As the maturing young people approached the transition to adult care, medical and psycho-social teams worked with them to prepare for the changeover.
The event was moving and heartfelt as patients, parents, and staff shared their feelings. Professor Daniella Magen, director of both the Pediatric Division at the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Nephrology Institute, encapsulates the sentiment. “We feel like parents sending their children out into the world from the security of the nest. It’s exciting but bittersweet.”
This “graduation” ceremony was the first of its kind at Rambam. As these eight young patients transition to the adult Nephrology Outpatient Clinics, they will face many new challenges. Dr. Shirley Pollack, director of Rambam’s Pediatric Dialysis Service, added, “We are privileged and honored to have accompanied you along this journey of twists and turns, much like a rollercoaster. Thank you for the honor.”
