For Physicians

Chesney wins international nephrology honor

Russell Chesney, MD, professor and chair of Pediatrics for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has been selected to receive the Ira Greifer Award – the top honor bestowed by the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA). Chesney is also an endowed professor who holds the Second Le Bonheur Chair of Excellence in Pediatrics. The IPNA is recognizing him for the remarkable research he leads to improve the care of children with kidney disorders worldwide, and for his vision and leadership in educating and training future pediatric nephrologists. Recipients are selected for this prestigious award every three years.

Chesney will receive the award in New York City on Sept.1 during the 15th Congress of the IPNA. He has practiced as a pediatric nephrology expert for 38 years and has served as chair of the UTHSC Department of Pediatrics for the past 23 years. In this capacity, he leads a national pediatric nephrology research network and is involved in teaching and patient care at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. Chesney has also been fundamental in the recruitment, mentoring and retention of more than 100 faculty members in the Department of Pediatrics.

“Dr. Chesney’s record of research, clinical care and instruction has a tremendous impact on the prevention and treatment of kidney disease in children around the globe,” said Steve Schwab, MD, chancellor of UTHSC.

Chesney has published more than 320 original peer-reviewed articles and 200 chapters and is a preferred visiting professor at medical schools across the nation. He has received numerous awards over the years and was recently bestowed the Founders Award by the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology. Additionally, he is an active member of several boards focused on the work of pediatric nephrologists.

A graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Chesney is married to P. Joan Chesney, MD, a distinguished expert in pediatric infectious disease. Although he has announced plans to step down from his role as chair of UTHSC Pediatrics, he will remain in that capacity until a new chair is selected. Dr. Chesney will then continue his role as a UTHSC professor – teaching, providing patient care and performing research at Le Bonheur.

Hixson, Kraus honored with Living Awards

Doug Hixson, MD

Gordon Kraus, MD

Doug Hixson, MD, Le Bonheur’s medical director of Perioperative Services, and Gordon J. Kraus, MD, of Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis, were honored last month during the Methodist Healthcare Foundation’s 2010 Living Awards.

Hixson, who was honored as the “Physician Inspiration in Faith and Health,” received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in 1973. He completed his residencies in General Surgery at UT Memphis and in Pediatric General Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. In 1981, he returned to Memphis and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital where he has served as Le Bonheur’s chief of staff, chief of surgery, and eventually medical director of Perioperative Services. He is also the senior member of Pediatric Surgical Group, which serves as the teaching practice of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Division of Pediatric Surgery.

Hixson is a strong advocate for families and children and epitomizes patient- and family-centered care that Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare values so strongly. Watching movies at home with Pam, his wife of 38 years, is one of Hixson’s favorite pastimes. The couple has two children and six grandchildren. His strong Christian faith shines through in how he treats his patients and in his commitment to caring for children, his family, and his community.

Kraus was honored for “Community Inspiration in Faith and Health.” He had the vision and commitment to help one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti. About 12 years ago, he went on a medical mission trip to Louverture Cleary School in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti. After returning several times to the Port au Prince area on mission trips, he, along with Genie Ashworth and Marion Bailey, helped create Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis.

In 2001, the organization built a permanent clinic in Haiti. The clinic survived the catastrophic earthquake this January and became a center for relief aid. It was the focal point for the relief team sent from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Today, the clinic continues to provide free medical care for Haitians. Kraus tirelessly works to raise awareness of the clinic through fundraisers and building relationships, while also serving on the medical staff of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

A native Memphian, Kraus earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and entered private practice as an internist in 1984. He and Susie, his wife of 31 years, have three children.

Kraus has inspired hundreds of Mid-Southerners to come together to change and save the lives of humanity’s neediest. He has also helped empower poverty stricken communities by encouraging Haitians to volunteer, employing local staff, promoting health education, public health hygiene, and environmental conservation. Through Kraus’ extraordinary vision and the compassion shown by Haiti Medical Missions, the poorest of the poor are shown God’s love.

Acute care conference scheduled

The Ninth Annual Update in Acute and Emergency Care in Pediatrics Conference is scheduled for Oct. 1-2 in Sevierville, Tenn. The conference, scheduled at the Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel and Waterpark Resort, will provide clinical information on urgent and emergent pediatric issues. For more information, or to register, visit www.tnemsc.org.

Physicians can now attend Le Bonheur Grand Rounds via teleconference at Methodist Germantown Women’s Hospital. Le Bonheur Grand Rounds is transmitted via satellite to the Women’s Center Pavilion Building, Classroom A, from 8-9 a.m. each Wednesday. For more information, contact Helen Leitner at 901-287-5685.

Watch Grand Rounds in Germantown

Hospital move set for December

In the best interest of its patients and families, the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital move date has been set for Dec. 4-5. By extending the move date, hospital staff will have more time to extensively test all systems and technology. Associates and physicians will also be able to spend more time familiarizing themselves with the new hospital and their specific departments.Transition teams are currently working to update the move timeline. Check www.lebonheur.org/physicians for regular updates, or e-mail questions to physicians@lebonheur.org.

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