2017 Founders Award Winner

Dr. Vu writes:

Barb is the moral compass that guides the program and spearheaded the tremendous endeavor for the program to be designated as California Children’s Services special care center this past year, the only surgical outpatient program to receive that designation at our hospital.

Patients come to UCSF and, in one day, are seen by appropriate specialists in genetics, surgery, pediatrics, nutrition, pulmonary, and occupational therapy. Families obtain a comprehensive examination and plan of care. The importance to the child/family is well understood, but medically we are now able to critically examine our practice of the pediatric surgery population and reliably measure outcomes. The data obtained--both medical and psychosocial information--will have significant implications for and impact on the care of children with chronic conditions.

Recognizing inadequate teaching tools for parents caring for children with surgical needs, Ms. Bratton has sought ways to bridge this gap. Teaching videos on ostomy care and the development of I-books for specific birth defects, updating website materials are many examples of the unique projects Barbara has completed. Barbara understands the obstacles families face when they have a child with special needs. To assist families overcome barriers Barbara has taken the time to fundraise to provide gas cards and food vouchers for families to be able to come to their clinic appointments.

In addition to all of this is Barb has funding from 3 grants: two from the FDA to support a trial of a novel device to treat pectus excavatum in children, and one as the Principal Investigator from ConvaTec to develop education material for children with stomas.