Meet Dr. Vanderford, MD, FAAP
“It is an honor to be a part of the team caring for babies and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. ”
Tell us about you
I am a pediatric critical care doctor who has been taking care of kids for over 30 years. I love taking care of kids, trail running, and playing the banjo.
What called you to the pediatric intensive care unit
I started out being a general pediatrician in the Navy. When taking care of a critically ill child, and I had to transfer them to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, I was always sad that I could not continue to provide their care. I wanted to be able to continue to fight with them, and be a part of their recovery. It is an honor to be a part of the team caring for these children and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
“Patient “rounds” or bedside discussions with the medical, nursing and support team also include the family”
What is a typical day like for you in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
My day typically starts with reviewing patient charts at home around 5:30 am. At 7 am, at the hospital, I get an overview from the doctor who was in the PICU taking care of the patients all night. Patient “rounds” or bedside discussions with the medical, nursing and support team also include the family and start at 7:30 and may last several hours. The day is then filled with examining and interacting with patients, and talking with families and other doctors involved in the patient’s care. We often get admissions during this time from the Operating Room, other units in the hospital or Emergency Room, and may get called to the bedside to evaluate a patient who has become unstable. Later in the evening, when the night doctor comes in, I talk with them about the events of the day, letting them know the plan of care for each patient and any specific concerns. My day ends with writing notes to document events in the medical record.
What has surprised you about caring for babies
One of the things that drew me to caring for kids is how strong they are. While adorable and tiny, babies are mighty. After 30 years of doing this work, this still astounds me.
“The single most useful way to provide comfort to your baby is to hold them”
What are the reasons a baby might stay in the PICU?
Despite their strength, a baby may need a certain type of support that can only be offered in the PICU. This may be due to the close monitoring required during the therapy, or the training required to perform the therapy. Sometimes during critical illnesses, the baby may be unstable, and need close monitoring and rapid interventions should they struggle (for example, if they are having trouble with their breathing). It is important during those times that a specially trained ICU team be immediately available to help them.
What have you learned from babies throughout your career
Caring for critically ill children has taught me important lessons about resiliency, and especially about finding joy in the little things in life in the midst of struggle. In circumstances where they are away from home in a very foreign atmosphere, surrounded by strangers, and not feeling well, babies seem to be able to find and focus on things that are comforting to them. I am often surprised by a big smile from them, despite their fears, brought on by a familiar song, a favorite toy or just being held.
One of the things I remember most about Cypress, and treasure, were his smiles. Due to some irritation of his airway causing some blockage to the airflow, for a period of time he intermittently struggled with his breathing. As we worked to help him, Cypress would give us one of his smiles, as if saying, “this won’t get me down!” “I am Cypress and I am strong!” He remains an inspiration to me. Regardless of what was happening, he had a joy and peace about him
How have you seen babies find comfort during their admission
Familiar objects seem to be quite soothing, such as toys or favorite blankets. Music can be very comforting, be it a parent singing, playing a guitar, or a favorite recording. Vibration may be helpful, and we have some devices and chairs that can provide that. We all (babies included!) have different personalities, and preferences, and things that your child found soothing at home, will likely also be helpful in the hospital setting. If you are not able to stay with your baby for whatever reason, share your baby’s preferences with the care team, so we may provide them while you are away. The single most useful way to provide comfort to your baby is to hold them. The support they may require in the PICU may make that challenging, but usually we can find a safe way to make that a possibility. It may be a bit scary at first, but the team will be there to help you.
KAT, ADD PHOTO OF YOU HOLDING CYPRESS IN THE PICU?
Cypress and Kat in the PICU
What might people not understand about living in the PICU?
The PICU is a pretty bright noisy place, with things happening 24/7. Despite efforts to keep things calm, it can be a pretty difficult place to get good rest. If your baby is very sick they may need frequent assessments, treatments and tests around the clock that may disturb their sleep. We believe sleep is vital to healing, and we have to balance that need with the care that may be important for recovery. We do our best to minimize disturbances, though it may seem like they are all too frequent. If you have any concerns please raise them with the team caring for your child. We will work with you to try to resolve them.
“While adorable and tiny, babies are mighty”
