Waco Pediatric Specialties

When your child's heart is broken, you want the best possible pediatric cardiologists available to mend it. The vast technology and expertise available in our innovative heart programs, combined with the depth of knowledge and skill of our cardiologists, gives Cook Children's a superior level of outcomes.

Cook Children's is one of the few pediatric facilities in the nation to offer full-service cardiology care. Our rapidly growing heart center is quickly becoming one of the leading centers for newborns, children, adolescents and young adults with acquired or congenital heart and cardiovascular disorders and diseases. At Cook Children's, our goal is to work closely with our patients, their families and referring physicians to determine the best plan of treatment for the one thing that matters most: your child's well-being.

As part of our collaborative nature, we have access to the full support of a wide array of our pediatric specialties including neurosciences, genetics, hematology and other specialties that might be required to support your child's specific issue. Your child will also have access to state-of-the-art testing and diagnostics with a focus on technology that is minimally or noninvasive whenever possible. And that means giving you and your child the best treatment options and care choices available to repair their heart and help them grow and lead active lives.

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Cardiology Information

Cook Children's Endocrinology team treats infants, children and teens with conditions that are caused by or affect the hormonal balance of the body. We understand the importance of working together and that's how we approach the care of our children.

As part of our collaborative nature, we have access to the full support of a wide array of our pediatric specialties including genetics, hematology-oncology and other specialties that might be required to support your child's specific issue. Your child will also have access to state-of-the-art testing and diagnostics. And that means giving you and your child the best treatment options and care choices available to help them grow and lead active lives.

Our team, comprised of board certified pediatric endocrinologists, certified pediatric nurse practitioners, certified educators, psychologists and other pediatric specialists, creates individualized treatment plans incorporating the latest technological advances in diagnosis and care.

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Endocrinology Information

The physicians and staff that makeup Cook Children's Genetics help patients and their families understand the disorders and related recurrence risks.

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders.

We offer a wide array of specialized genetic services, including:

• Gathering relevant birth, medical and developmental history of the patient, including their detailed family history.
• Evaluation by a board certified geneticist.
• Relevant diagnostic testing.
• Detailed explanation of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.
• Discussion of reproductive and recurrence risks.
• Dietary management for metabolic disorders.
• Psychosocial support.
• Referral to appropriate medical specialists and community resources.
• Communication with the patient's primary care physician and related specialists.

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Genetics Information

The Hematology and Oncology Center provides high-quality, family and patient-centered care to children and teenagers with cancer and blood disorders. We also provide access to leading-edge therapies and research.

Childhood cancer and certain blood disorders in children can be extremely rare. And even those that are found in adults require a very different approach when it comes to treating kids, teens, and young adults. Choosing a board-certified pediatric specialist for your child's care ensures that your doctor has highly specialized training both in your child's diagnosis and in treating that diagnosis specifically in children.

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Hematology and Oncology Information

Cook Children's Nephrology and Dialysis Services uses a team approach to help kids with kidney-related conditions. Patients and their families have a wealth of support available to them from many resources, including specialized nurses, nutritionists, social workers and Child life specialists.

Whether your child needs inpatient care, outpatient care, dialysis or even kidney transplantation, our nephrologists provide continuous care through the entire process. With Cook Children's nephrology, your child will have access to a wide range of medical treatments and technology available at all times.

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Nephrology Information

When it comes to your child's brain, spinal cord and nervous system, you want the very best team of neuroscience specialists available.

The doctors at Cook Children's are some of the best minds in the nation, and our programs are head and shoulders above the crowd.

As part of our collaborative nature, you have access to the full support of a wide array of Cook Children's pediatric specialties including cardiovascular, genetics, hematology and other specialties that might be required to support your child's specific diagnosis.

Your child will also have access to state-of-the-art testing and diagnostics with a focus on technology that is minimally or noninvasive whenever possible.

And that means giving you and your child the best treatment options and care choices available to help them grow and reach their greatest possible potential.

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Neurology Information

When a child's thinking or behavior is impacted by neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions, life can get pretty frustrating for the child, parents, caregivers, schools–even friends. The neuropsychology team here at Cook Children's is here to help. We work with your child and family to design an individualized plan that will help your child develop their abilities and both your child and family to cope with these challenges.

Our team of neuropsychologists is highly trained and skilled in evaluating the needs of children, teens and young adults. When a child's diagnosis may affect thinking, his or her doctor will refer the child to us. We assess multiple areas of your child's cognition, such as thought, experience and the senses, in order to determine if deficits exist and what is causing the problem. Evaluations provided by our team can help you, your pediatrician, teachers and therapists assist your child in the most effective ways, based on your child's strengths and weaknesses so the he or she can achieve their full potential.

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Neuro-Psychology Information

Our psychiatry department helps children, ages 2-17, and their families who are experiencing behavioral, neurodevelopmental and emotional challenges. Our staff is specifically trained to work with young patients and our psychiatrists are board certified in child and/or adolescent psychiatry.

Our treatment team works together to help re-establish the family unit as the most important influence in the child's life. That way, the child's care can be maintained at home whenever possible.

Areas of expertise:

• Attention deficit disorder/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Developmental delays
• Anxiety disorders
• Behavior issues
• Bipolar disorder
• Coping with medical conditions
• Depression
• Abuse and trauma
• Stress
• Schizophrenia
• Family issues
• Suicide attempts
• Learning disabilities and intellectual delays

Depending on the severity of the child's situation, we

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Psychiatry Information

Our team includes board certified pediatric pulmonologists, clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, Child Life specialists, clinical dieticians and social workers.

The professional opinion of each team member, including parents, is considered in developing a plan of care for your child. We place a high value on continuity of care with your primary pulmonologist.

Cook Children's Pulmonology team provides specialized expertise in several areas.

Cystic Fibrosis
Cook Children's Cystic Fibrosis (CF) center is nationally accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Our pulmonologists work with the CF team to provide care for children, adolescents and adults, which include age-specific education for patients and their families. Cook Children's is working diligently to identify patients earlier in age through enhanced state-required newborn screening requirements.

Asthma
Working with primary care physicians, our pulmonologists provide comprehensive care to asthmatics, particularly high-risk cases, educating patients and family members on protocols to manage his or her asthma more independently.

Sleep Center
Cook Children's is an accredited Sleep Center for those pediatric patients with sleep apnea and other breathing disorders.

Chronic Lung Disease of Infancy (CDLI) or Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
BPD is a lung disease that may develop in premature infants. Physicians, respiratory therapists, a nutritionist and members of the Gastroenterology team work to care for BPD patients and may offer rehabilitative therapy.

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Pulmonology Information

The Cook Children's urology/genitourinary team specializes in providing advanced care for newborns, infants, children, teens, and young adults with acquired or congenital urologic and genitourinary ailments. We treat a wide variety of conditions, some of them very rare.

At Cook Children's our goal is to constantly improve the care we deliver to our patients. To keep that commitment we provide the absolute latest technology and treatments available. Today that means making complicated surgeries simpler, so kids can get better, heal faster, and be home quicker.

Because of its complexity, the genitourinary system often affects other systems in the body. This means your child may be seen by other pediatric specialists such as: a urologist, nephrologist, neonatologist, perinatologist, pediatrician, surgeons, transplant surgeons, geneticists, endocrinologists, neurologists, neurodevelopment specialists, psychologists, nutritionists and/or dietitians and social workers. You and your child also have access to variety of patient and family support such as our Child Life specialists and parent mentors.

Our team is made up of world renowned specialists who have undergone rigorous education and training in pediatrics, urology, and other related specialties. Many of them are also noted educators and pioneers in research. All of which make our urology/genitourinary programs among the most advanced in pediatric care.

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Urology Information