Get to Know our Staff: Madelyn White, Therapy Services

Get to Know our Staff: Madelyn White, Therapy Services

by | Jan 13, 2023 | Therapy Services

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
I’m a sports physical therapist at our Frisco campus.
 
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I work with youth athletes with various injuries to get them back to their sports safely. My job consists of examining and assessing athletes and coming up with a plan to get them back to their sports. I spend most of the day in our sports therapy gym, leading patients through exercises tailored to their injury and their sport. 
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I worked at an ice rink teaching young kids how to skate and play hockey. 
 
My first job as a physical therapist was here! I was a student physical therapist at Scottish Rite for Children for my final clinical rotation, and I started working as a full-time physical therapist about a year later in March 2021. 
 
My family lives in this area, and I remember seeing the Frisco facility being built. I thought it was really unique to have such a specialized clinic for youth sports, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. After having my clinical rotation here, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I feel very lucky to get to work in such a great facility.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The people! Whether it’s my patients or my colleagues, it’s always fun to be here. We have such a great staff in the Therapy Services department and beyond, and my patients always brighten my day!
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
I think most people don’t know how hard physical therapy (PT) sessions are for patients. A lot of people think PT is just massages and stretching, but most patients spend the majority of sessions lifting weights, running and jumping. There is a lot more strength and conditioning involved than people expect.
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
I went to Europe for the first time last summer and loved it. Paris was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. 
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Ice hockey! I grew up in a hockey family, and I played and/or coached ice hockey until I went to college. I’m a big Dallas Stars fan and go to (almost) all the home games.
 
I also had a brief stint as a gymnast/cheerleader, and I ran track throughout high school. 
 
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any kind of sushi.
 
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I am currently on a daily running streak and have run at least one mile a day for more than 450 days in a row. I haven’t missed a day!
Share Your Story: Cambryn Mannos – Redefining Myself

Share Your Story: Cambryn Mannos – Redefining Myself

by | Jan 12, 2023 | Hip Disorders

Blog written by Cambryn, and Cambryn’s mom, Amy.

Go back a year and you could find me, Cambryn, age 9, training with the best team and best coaches in all of New Mexico. My sport is gymnastics — the sport of all sports that defines toughness, perseverance and dedication. Winning competition after competition, I was defined as the best in my age group, hardworking, fearless, fireball, hotshot and destined to be counted among some great gymnasts. I was born into gymnastics, raised at Gold Cup Gymnastics School and the true definition of a “gym rat” with two older siblings competing. The gym is where you could find me all day, every day! Until the day it all came crashing down. It began with hip pain surging with every landing and movement in any backwards motion, including back walkovers, back tucks, back handsprings and back layouts.

My ability and stability were gone, just like that. I visited my orthopedic doctor right away at the request of my head coach, and on the X-ray, the doctor saw a fracture on the head of my left femur. An MRI was ordered, and while waiting, my ability to walk was gone by Christmas Eve. My MRI was now on stat order, and BAM, with all its glory, my MRI lit up black spaces through the head of the femur, showing avascular necrosis and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, big words that I did not understand.

I struggled to find words to define my thoughts. I was referred to another orthopedic doctor in pediatrics, and “wait and see” was the advice. Then, my hip collapsed. All that I was and all that I thought I could be vanished, my definition of myself was gone. I lost it all! And yet again, “wait and see” was the approach. Now I needed a wheelchair, except after three months, I was still on a waitlist to get a wheelchair. 

Nothing seemed to happen but waiting, and I could see nothing in my future to be but that same blackness or death of what I was and what I could be. Gymnasts don’t “wait and see,” they are proactive and always in a constant state of motion. This is where my redefining journey begins with Scottish Rite for Children. With help from my teammate’s dad, who is a doctor, we found Dr. Harry Kim and his nurse Ms. Kristen. Their knowledge and dedication are a priceless need for us Perthes kids. They gave light to the blackness I saw because they had a game plan! 

Now, the beginning of the fight to redefine myself is not my proudest moments. I have had to do some soul-searching and letting go of a lot of pride and previous definitions of myself to build the “Perthes” me. Because at first, I freaked out at Dr. Kim. “He wants what? Six weeks in a huge cast? Nope, not doing that,” was my response. Yet, this summer, I did the tenotomy and petri casting, and I survived and even thrived with some new adventures. Dr. Kim is amazing, kind, patient and willing to fight my battle with me. Because of him, I know that Scottish Rite for Children is the place for me to get better and be a part of something bigger. You become family at Scottish Rite. I gained family. My care each time I go has been top of the line care. It’s worth the 1,400-mile trip to see my Scottish Rite family and to belong to something big, progressive and healing. 

Today, I find myself in stage 3 of Perthes disease, rebuilding new bone and redefining myself in all that I lost and in all that I have gained. I can grieve what I lost, and I can work hard to regain most of what was lost, but mostly I can seek moments that empower myself so I can empower others. I recently took photos for gymnastics. At first, I was embarrassed at the thought of gymnastics photos with a wheelchair. But the photographer, Kevin Lange, helped me see a bigger picture. I embrace Perthes disease because it is a part of me now, and I can’t change that, but I can choose what I do with it. I choose to find joy and strength in my Perthes journey. To me, Scottish Rite means the chance to regain and redefine myself! It means a new family of people who care about my health. It means everything to my future self who cannot fight this battle alone.

Thank you, Dr. Kim and Ms. Kristen, for your time and energy, for your dedication and expertise. 

Other than gymnastics, I enjoy rock climbing, math, animals, bike riding, hiking and art.

Photo Credits to Kevin Lange

 

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Clubfoot: What Parents Need To Know

Clubfoot: What Parents Need To Know

by | Jan 7, 2023 | Clubfoot & Foot Disorders

What is a clubfoot?
A clubfoot is a congenital (present at birth) foot abnormality. It is one of the most common pediatric orthopedic conditions.

  • The heel tilts in and down, and the forefoot is turned in.
  • Without treatment, it is possible for a child with a clubfoot to walk on the outside of the foot which may produce pain and/or difficulty walking.
  • A clubfoot is usually smaller than an unaffected foot.
  • The calf is also usually smaller on the side of the clubfoot.
  • One or both feet may be affected.

Why does it happen?

  • The exact cause of the clubfoot is unknown.
  • It cannot be prevented, but it is treatable.

How is clubfoot treated?
The goal of treatment of the clubfoot is to have a functional, pain-free foot with good mobility and strength. Two nonsurgical techniques are used in newborns and young infants:

  • Stretching, Taping and Splinting Program
    • Specialized physical therapy program consisting of stretching, stimulation and taping of the foot.
  • Serial (“Ponseti”) Casting Program
    • Involves positioning of the foot followed by application of a cast.
    • The cast extends from the toes to the top of the thigh, with the knee bent.
    • The cast is changed every one to two weeks in clinic.
    • After the casting program is complete, your child will wear a special brace full time for three months, then at night until two or three years of age.
    • Wearing the brace is crucial to prevent the clubfoot from recurring.
  • Surgery – If nonsurgical treatment does not completely correct the foot position or if the foot deformity recurs, surgery may be recommended.

Learn more about the care & treatment of clubfoot. 

Share Your Story: Strong and Independent

Share Your Story: Strong and Independent

by | Jan 4, 2023 | Scoliosis & Spine

Rhudi, a strong and independent 18-year-old from Natalia, Texas, had her life turned around when she was diagnosed with congenital kyphoscoliosis, a severe form of scoliosis that causes the spine to curve both to the side and forward or backward. Rhudi was an infant when her mom first noticed a curvature to her spine. Initially, Rhudi was monitored by a local South Texas orthopedist, but when she became a teenager, her spinal curve progressed, and they sought care and treatment from the experts at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas.

Her condition took her away from her school, her friends and her family, but Rhudi’s parents were determined to get her the best treatment possible and to get her back home and active. In 2019, Rhudi underwent surgery with Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., which included the application of halo gravity traction, a device that attaches to the head and gently stretches the spine using a pulley device.

Rhudi was an inpatient at Scottish Rite while she continued treatment for her scoliosis and was in a wheelchair for about six months. While she was an inpatient, Rhudi made many friends and built relationships with the other inpatients and the staff who cared for her. During her physical therapy treatment, she was encouraged to go to college after graduating high school to become a physical therapist. She is now a senior in high school. She does all the things she loves, which includes Color Guard, mariachi, playing the violin and singing! She has learned a lot through her journey and hopes to keep helping others to work hard for their success.

“This hospital has taught me a lot and has made me who I am today. I have learned how to be a strong and independent person by working really hard for my successes.” – Rhudi

Learn more about our Center for Excellence in Spine.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Adam Jamnik: Medical Student Research Fellow, Research

Adam Jamnik: Medical Student Research Fellow, Research

by | Dec 29, 2022 | Research & Innovation

Scottish Rite for Children offers a Medical Student Research Fellowship (MSRF) for medical students interested in gaining experience in clinical research. Fellows work with a lead faculty mentor throughout the year and several project supervisors who are pediatric orthopedic faculty at Scottish Rite. Fellows work as a crucial part of the research teams in various Centers for Excellence at Scottish Rite and are responsible for a variety of research projects.

Meet Adam, a MSRF at Scottish Rite in 2022 who works with Brandon A. Ramo, M.D., in the Center for Excellence in Spine.

What inspired you to apply for the MSRF position?
I am currently applying to residency in orthopedic surgery and have long felt that I would want to make research a part of my future career. Though I have had the opportunity to conduct research in medical school and as an undergraduate, I knew that a year-long research fellowship position would dramatically enhance my research skills, ultimately benefiting me for years to come. The MSRF position was a perfect fit for me. I am primarily interested in pediatric orthopedics, so Scottish Rite for Children, as a preeminent clinical and research facility, was always on my radar. I knew that the amazing physicians and research infrastructure here would provide me the support and learning opportunities to make the most of this year.

Have you always been interested in medicine and/or research?
I primarily became interested in medicine during high school, where I loved my science classes. During that time, I was also a ski instructor for children ages 3-7. That experience made me realize that I would really enjoy a job working with people and helping others.

When I was thinking of ways I could combine my passions for science and making a direct impact on peoples’ lives, medicine seemed like a natural fit. As for my interest in research, that began during college. The laboratory components for my biology and chemistry classes were great learning experiences, but I wanted the experiments I was conducting to further our understanding of the world around us and to have the experience of formulating my own questions. I ended up getting involved in two research labs — one that studied epigenetics and another that studied the interaction between hunger and sleep.

What is it like working at Scottish Rite for Children?
Working at Scottish Rite has far surpassed my expectations. First, I think the organization in general has an incredibly positive atmosphere. The people seem genuinely happy to come to work and are excited to help children dealing with orthopedic conditions. The attendings have given me invaluable career guidance and research mentorship. The research coordinators have been instrumental in supporting my projects and making sure I can make the most of my year here.

Can you share a few sentences about someone at Scottish Rite who has been a mentor to you and how they have impacted your experience? What project are you working on with that mentor?
One of my primary mentors at Scottish Rite is Dr. Brandon Ramo. From the outset, Dr. Ramo has supported me through every step of the research process. One of the projects we are working on is determining how adolescents’ experience with scoliosis has changed over the past two decades. During that time, Scottish Rite has given a survey (known as the SRS-30) to patients prior to their surgery to gauge their level of pain, how they feel about their appearance, activity levels and mental health. We determined that some of these metrics have taken a turn for the worse and hypothesize this may be related to changing societal pressures and norms.

How do you think this experience will impact your career path?
As I mentioned, I am hoping to make research a part of my future career. My experience at Scottish Rite has allowed me to further develop an understanding of the research process as well as the skills needed to conduct research, such as developing good research questions, selecting appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, identifying the variables needed to answer a given research question and ultimately publishing results. I am confident that this experience will improve the quality of the research that I conduct throughout my career and will likely influence the practice setting I ultimately select for my career.

What progress have you made towards your career goal since beginning the program?
I am applying for residency this year, and interview season just started at the beginning of December! My research experience at Scottish Rite will likely be brought up in all my interviews, so I am grateful that the team here has helped me have such a productive time thus far.

What is your favorite project that you are currently working on or have worked on at Scottish Rite?
My favorite project has been the one I mentioned earlier, on the evolution of SRS scores. Another project that I am proud of looks at the performance of magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR), which is a newer scoliosis treatment for patients that are still growing. It involved reviewing hundreds of X-rays, but I am really happy with the end product and think it adds significantly to the conversation on a newer treatment modality.

What advice do you have for future MSRF participants?
My advice would be to really dive in! A year is a short period of time, especially in research when there are so many moving parts. Don’t be afraid to juggle a few projects at once because each project will demand different amounts of attention at different times.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love trying different restaurants! I am originally from New York, so it has been great exploring the Dallas food-scene.

Anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to reiterate my thanks to Scottish Rite! I am so grateful for all the resources they’ve provided me. The work that is done here for patients is absolutely incredible, and it is very rewarding to have played a small part in that. This one year will benefit me and my career for decades to come. I am confident that through those years, I will leverage this experience for the benefit of my patients.

We’re recruiting Medical Student Research Fellows for 2023! If you are a third-year medical student looking to take a gap year before applying to residency, take advantage of this unique opportunity! Only three positions are available for 2023.

Learn more and apply here on our Careers page.