Adolescents

100 years of insulin at The Royal Children’s Hospital – pigs, pumps and pluripotent potential

One hundred years ago the first insulin injection was given at RCH. Overnight, type 1 diabetes went from a fatal to a ‘manageable’ condition. Since that time, diabetes management has developed and evolved to a point where in the near future it is hoped that exogenous insulin will represent a treatment failure rather than a therapeutic mainstay. This Grand Round will trace the history of insulin therapy and diabetes management at RCH, and discuss the likely direction of new therapies in the upcoming decades.

.

Exploring the role of rehabilitation services in the management of Functional Neurological Disorders

The approach and attitude towards Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) has changed over the last decade and anecdotally at least, we seem to be seeing more cases in our day-to-day practice.  Patients with functional symptoms present to many disciplines and functional symptoms can co-exist with organic pathology. There is now evidence to show earlier diagnosis and treatment can lead to more positive outcomes.   

.

Every child in every community needs a fair go

This Grand Round, in the lead up to Child Protection Week 3-9th September, will focus on how as a health service we can identify children who are at risk of missing out on essential medical care. Each year at RCH thousands of health care encounters are missed when children and young people are not brought for scheduled appointments. For some children this can lead to harm, and rarely even have fatal consequences. As a health service we need to consider what the impacts are for these children and be aware of our role in reducing the risk of harm in this vulnerable group.  

.

Reddihough Symposium: Disability care in 2023

What does disability care for children and young people look like in 2023, and what could it be like in the future? In 2023 it is more holistic, more funded, more early intervention, more complex, and more positive for children and their families.

.

30 years of Musculoskeletal Research in Cerebral Palsy: From Melbourne to Basel and Boston (and back!)

In three parts, this Grand Round intends to describe the significant developments in the management of musculoskeletal conditions associated with cerebral palsy. First, the critical role that the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register (VCPR) has played in epidemiological research, clinical research, and public health policy will be outlined. The second section will discuss technical developments in the management of Neuromuscular Hip Dysplasia, including novel imaging techniques and new aids for surgeons when considering surgical treatment. The final section will focus on common gait problems in children with cerebral palsy, as well as novel treatment concepts

.

NAIDOC Week – For Our Elders: celebrating the valuable contribution of Elders in the work of the Melbourne Children’s Campus

This year’s NAIDOC Week Theme, ‘For Our Elders’ celebrates the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in all areas of Australia. Please join Melbourne Children’s Campus leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Islander healthcare in a panel discussion about the crucial role that Elders play in our services, programs, care and research. The panel aims to acknowledge and celebrate the often hidden guidance, influence and advocacy of Elders in health.

.

Medicines for ADHD: They work, but are they safe?

Meta-analyses show that medication is an effective treatment pathway in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. These medications are also commonly associated with a number of side effects and risk factors for other conditions, which are less well understood by practitioners. This Grand Round intends to balance understanding of the efficacy of ADHD medication with the potential risks, and provide evidence for the safety of ADHD medication prescription in clinical practice.

.

Racism and child and youth health: The public health crisis we can no longer ignore

Racism as a fundamental cause of health and health inequalities is increasingly recognised as a major public health crisis, echoing what First Nations peoples have been saying since colonisation. There is growing empirical evidence of the multiple ways in which racism impacts health and wellbeing for children and young people.

.