The Daily Record has recognized Aziza Shad, M.D., the Ellen W.P. Wasserman chair of pediatrics, director of The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai and director of pediatric hematology/oncology, as one of its 2017 Innovators of the Year.
Dr. Shad was acknowledged for taking a proactive, innovative approach to meet the psychological and social needs of young patients while providing cutting-edge medical care. Her philosophy is that kids need to be kids first, not just patients, as they battle life-threatening illnesses.
“I have always said that Dr. Shad must be a superhero with special powers to be able to accomplish everything she does. She has a passion and persistence that are rivaled by no other,” wrote Sinai Hospital art therapist Danielle Eichner to The Daily Record judges. Eichner is also former patient of Dr. Shad’s, who added, “Dr. Shad believes that the whole being needs treatment- physically, mentally and emotionally. She also understands that the whole family must be included in the nurturing process.”
Among the many programs that Dr. Shad has brought to the Samuelson Children’s Hospital are:
· Hope for Henry which creates programs that entertain, reduce stress and empower children to become active participants in their own care
· Tracy’s Kids which is an art therapy program that uses art to help young cancer patients and their families express their feelings and to cope with the emotional stress and the trauma of cancer
· Happily Hungry which teaches children and their parents how to cook healthy, delicious meals especially designed for kids with changing taste buds because of diseases and the side effects of treatments
· Mattie’s Miracle Cart which provides patients and their families with snacks and items to make them smile during their inpatient stays and outpatient visits
Casey Cares, which creates little moments and lasting memories for children and their families with different programs and activities, was a staple at Sinai before Dr. Shad arrived. However Casey Bayners, its founder, let The Daily Record judges know, “Dr. Shad is truly a needle in a haystack of doctors who understands the holistic picture when it comes to treating children and their families. She has worked tirelessly with her staff of social workers, nurses and organizations like ours to ensure that the entire family is treated when critical illness strikes.”
All of these efforts ensure that young patients are in an optimal state of mind to receive treatment for cancer and other serious pediatric conditions. They also create friendships and support among families who understand they are not alone on their journeys.
To further enhance quality of life programs, Dr. Shad has expanded the role of child life therapists who encourage effective coping through play, preparation, education and self-expression activities.
At Sinai Dr. Shad has also advocated a unique set of reduced pain procedures and has established a strong international reputation for her research efforts. They include being a co-founder of the ASLAN Project that focuses on the treatment and survival rates of children with cancer in low and middle income countries.
