A gift from Sherry and
John Phelan will advance whole-child wellness by providing
lifestyle, dietary and psychological support
ORANGE,
Calif., July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A generous
gift will help establish an innovative
integrative gastroenterology multidisciplinary clinic and a
culinary medicine program at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), enhancing the treatment
of children with gastroenterological conditions by adding
evidence-based integrative care aided by food and nutrition.
Thanks to the generosity of Sherry and John Phelan, the program will provide
patients with coordinated, holistic care and the dietary, emotional
and psychosocial support they need to cope with their symptoms and
ultimately find relief, health and healing. These additions will
incorporate multidisciplinary specialties such as psychology,
nutrition and complementary medicine into CHOC's already robust
gastroenterology program.
"We are incredibly grateful for the visionary
support of Sherry and John Phelan,"
said Dr. Ashish Chogle, who is
medical director of gastroenterology at CHOC and will lead the new
programs. "Their generous gift underscores their continued
commitment to holistic healthcare and dedication to making a
difference in the lives of innumerable children. Their generosity
will help CHOC emerge as a true leader in pediatric integrative
healthcare.
Our care model will deliver better outcomes and
an elevated family experience. Ultimately, we hope to influence
public health strategies and foster widespread acceptance of
holistic health practices, including using food as medicine in
pediatric care."
The Phelans' generous gift will allow the
integrative gastroenterology clinic to be held weekly to support
patients with various conditions, including chronic abdominal
pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal motility
disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation,
and nutrition- and obesity-related issues.
Thanks to the gift, numerous patients will
benefit from a pediatric psychologist trained in cognitive behavior
therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy; a dedicated pediatric dietician;
and other clinicians trained in various integrative treatment
modalities.
Additionally aligned with the philosophy that food is medicine,
the generous gift will establish the foundation for a culinary
medicine program to support CHOC gastroenterology patients. The
program will include educational workshops led by medical
chefs.
Longtime supporters of CHOC, John and Sherry Phelan have previously supported
the healthcare system's mental health, child life, neonatology and
research programs.
"We are excited to support this comprehensive
program at CHOC and have all the confidence in the team, which is
rapidly moving this concept into action with a brilliant clinician
and staff and plan in place," said Sherry
Phelan, PhD, an organizational psychologist and artist who
integrates her psychology training into her art. Dr. Phelan also
chairs the Advisory Board of UCI's Susan Samueli Integrative Health
Institute.
About CHOC:
CHOC, a pediatric
healthcare system based in Orange County,
California, is committed to being a leading destination for
children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. Our
growing community includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in
Orange and Mission Viejo and a regional network of
primary and specialty care clinics serving children and families in
four counties. CHOC offers several clinical programs of excellence
providing the highest levels of care for the most serious pediatric
illnesses and injuries, both physical and mental. Our research and
innovation institutes are focused on translating real patient needs
into real-world treatments so every child can live the healthiest
and happiest life possible. To learn more, visit
www.choc.org.
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SOURCE Children’s Hospital of Orange
County (CHOC)