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Why Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation

Posted at 12:36 PM, Jul 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-11 12:37:01-04

When it comes to healthcare and treatment options, you want to make sure your child receives nothing but the best.

U.S. News and World Report recognizes Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in the top 50 children's hospitals in the nation. Their pediatric cancer program, led by Dr. James Fahner, has kept their spot on that list for the past five years.

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital works to impact the lives of kids with cancer in West Michigan, across the country, and even around the world.

Dr. Fahner says that their pediatric cancer program stands out  from any other program because they incorporate several specialties into a child's care. This includes having multiple nurses, social workers, pharmacists, child life specialist, and many others working with the doctors to make sure the child has everything they need and are provided with the best care.

The hospital also has significant growth in their Brain Tumor program with new neurosurgeons. They also have the only pediatric orthopedic oncology surgeons in the region, along with the Haworth Innovative Therapeutics Program with phase I and II clinical trails.

Along with DeVos' medical expertise, they also offer incredible support to patients and families during their time at the hospital. They have child life specialist who engage themselves in the child's experience; they encourage kids to be kids and have fun even thought they are struggling with an illness.

They also have the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team, and offer treatment protocols of the Children's Oncology Group.

Dr. Fahner says the best part of working in the cancer program is seeing his patients after they've received treatment. He, along with many other doctors, enjoy keeping in touch with patients and their families. Children who have been cured often send invitations to graduation open house, and even weddings!

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital's Pediatric Hematology and Oncology center is located on 100 Michigan Street Northeast on Floor 10.

For more information on their programs and treatments, call (616) 391-3516.