Each month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an excellent patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Dr. Kevin Watson, a pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Watson recently received these kind comments from an appreciative parent: “Dr. Kevin Watson is incredible! My poor kid has been suffering with gastrointestinal problems for years (most of his life, […]
Cyclospora: What parents need to know
With recent reports of cyclospora infections making headlines, it’s understandable that parents have questions about what this parasite is, how it spreads and whether they should be concerned. While cyclospora can cause prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, it remains an uncommon cause of illness in children. To help separate fact from fear, Evelyn Pangonis, […]
APP supervisor transition: new responsibilities, new impact
The Advanced Practice Center at Akron Children’s recently added a new leadership model that expands clinical leadership across teams. The APP supervisor role was developed to support a stronger, more intentional clinician-to-clinician reporting structure across all specialties and settings. “This model was created to strengthen communication, accountability and collaboration across Akron Children’s,” said Jenny Michel, […]
Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) transforms testing for gastroenterology patients
Jackson Mead of North Canton, age 16, is on his high school robotics team and loves to figure out how things work. When he became the first Akron Children’s patient to undergo the TNE procedure, which doesn’t require anesthesia like a traditional “upper endoscopy,” he excitedly asked a lot of questions. Stomach issues start Jackson […]
How food choices and cultural traditions affect kids living with inflammatory bowel disease
For many people, food is more than just nourishment – it’s an expression of who they are. What they eat reflects their traditions, identity and connection to their culture. But for families who have a child living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), navigating food choices can be stressful, especially when beloved cultural dishes trigger symptoms. […]
Helping your child cope with a pediatric Crohn’s disease or colitis diagnosis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that result in inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcerative colitis in children affects the colon (large intestine) while pediatric Crohn’s disease can affect anywhere in the GI tract. Diagnosing IBD Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Kevin Watson says that being diagnosed with one […]
