Akron Children’s Hospital’s Future in Academics and Pediatric Care aided in part by CMN
As Akron Children’s chief academic officer and the William H. and Rebecca D. Considine Endowed Chair for Pediatric Research, Dr. Michael Forbes spends a lot of time thinking about our obligation to the children we serve.
“Akron Children’s is responsible for the public health of children. That is the ultimate report card of the effectiveness of our pediatric health care system,” he said. “If northeast Ohio is unhealthy, it can have far-reaching effects on our community. It all starts in childhood. To be successful, we must facilitate the development of children who are fully engaged in their families and fully engaged in their community.”
Dr. Forbes recognizes that when you consider the numerous challenges that impact pediatric public health – from obesity and behavioral health to addiction and infant mortality, it can become overwhelming.
“That is why we cannot do it alone,” he said.
With the help of Akron Children’s Hospital’s donors and Children’s Miracle Network, Akron Children’s can focus on their implementation for improvement. Dr. Forbes plans to do this through establishing a leadership position in translational science, elevating our academic profile, and training our future physician-scientists.
“The National Institute of Health spends a lot of time, money and effort in advancing scientific knowledge, but that knowledge is not improving public health. As a hospital dedicated to pediatric public health, we have an opportunity to be a leader in applying that science to improve patient outcomes and the health of the children in our community,” he said.
These plans are possible in part by aid from Children’s Miracle Network. Akron Children’s Hospital is forever grateful.
