Maryland Heights, Mo. (October 5, 2023) - Recently on its YouTube channel, TEDx published a talk from Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Chief Medical Officer Nick Holekamp, MD, in which he issues a call to action to the medical community.
In his presentation titled “The Road to OZ: Taking Care Beyond the Bedside for Really Sick Kids,” Dr. Holekamp shares why more resources and research should be devoted to studying how we treat children with complex medical needs.
He tells the story of a Ranken Jordan patient, Lisa Wana, who was born with serious heart defects. When Lisa first came to Ranken Jordan, she had a Do Not Resuscitate Order (a DNR).
But during her stay at Ranken Jordan, Lisa’s DNR was reversed, something Dr. Holekamp credits to the hospital’s unique Care Beyond the Bedside model, based on the idea that the more time patients spend outside of their hospital bed, the more likely they are to have a better recovery.
“It is stories like Lisa’s that inspired me to do a TEDx Talk,” Dr. Holekamp said. “I have been with Ranken Jordan for more than 20 years and over that time, I have treated more than 2,000 patients. I have seen firsthand how treating the whole child, not just their physical needs, makes for better healthcare outcomes and a healthier child.
“Through platforms like TEDx, it is my goal to introduce Ranken Jordan to more people around the world and to therefore spark further innovation within the pediatric community. If we share solutions and hold each other accountable for how we treat children with complex medical needs, we will get more kids to adulthood.”
For more information about Dr. Holekamp’s TEDx Talk and his work at Ranken Jordan, he wrote about what he hopes most people take away from it on Ranken Jordan’s new Beyond the Bedside Blog.
Dr. Holekamp’s TEDx Talk was recorded at the TEDxStLouis Imagine That! event May 13, 2023, at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade College Prep. To learn more about TEDxStLouis, visit tedxsaintlouis.org.
To learn more about Ranken Jordan, visit rankenjordan.org. Those interested in supporting the hospital can attend the second annual 5K for Play Saturday, Oct. 7, at Ranken Jordan. Visit Ranken Jordan’s website for more detail.
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Media Contact:
Haley Raymond
Leigh Walters Communications
(207) 227-7850
Ranken Jordan
Ranken Jordan is a pediatric bridge hospital in St. Louis, specializing in care for kids with complex medical cases during their transition from an acute care hospital to home, serving as a “bridge” for patients and families.
TEDxStLouis
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Founded in 2013, TEDxStLouis provides the community with events, connections, and ongoing information. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tedxsaintlouis.org.
