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5 75 Years of Rebuilding Lives | 1941-2016 Customized care Chief of Pediatrics Dr. John Pelegano studied aeronautics be- fore medical school, earning two degrees in the study of space. But it's the world of complex pediatric medicine that offers him astronomical reward and challenge, especially working at Hospital for Special Care, where he has worked for over two decades. Children and babies referred to the hospital's 28-bed pedi- atric unit are often in need of rehabilitation, after an accident or illness. Some are dependent on technology for their medical condition or conditions. All get individualized, comprehensive care including physical, educational and social therapeutic ef- forts with a common goal: getting that child home as soon as possible. Pelegano said a common referral for the unit is a premature infant with severe lung disease. "ey require ventilation sup- port and will ultimately get off the ventilator and grow healthy lungs," he said. e pediatrics department also sees children with more rare conditions, such as genetic syndromes and mul- tiple disabilities, such as seizures and feeding tubes. But whether a more common diagnosis or a rare condition, whether a child is at the hospital for weeks or for their lifetime, comprehensive care is a team effort in Hospital for Special Care pediatric department. In addition to social workers, dieticians, speech therapists, psychologists and a network of other specialists, parents are a major part of this team. Pelegano says training parents in caring for their child doesn't start when the child is discharged, but begins on the day they arrive — which brings huge emotional benefits for the patient. "e best day is when everyone goes home," he said, noting it can be difficult at times for team members who bond closely with the children in their care. n MEDICALLY COMPLEX PEDIATRICS Our Highly Specialized Team Includes: • Board-certified pediatricians • Case managers • Dieticians • Nurses • Occupational therapists • Physical therapists • Psychologists • Respiratory therapists • Social workers • Speech and language pathologists • Recreation therapists and other healthcare professionals Therapeutic Recreation Program The therapeutic recreation staff provides an individualized activity program designed to meet the needs of each patient. Children participate in individual and/or group sessions with the goal of maintaining or improving their current level of leisure functioning. Recreational opportunities include arts and crafts, music, sensory stimulation, socialization, reading, games, gross and fine motor activities, outdoor experiences and community trips as appropriate.