From Inside Duke Medicine
Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center (Duke Children's) has been named a Certified Duchenne Care Center by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).
Duke Children's is the ninth center to be certified by PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program, which supports standardized, comprehensive care, and services for all people living with Duchenne. It began certifying qualifying centers in March 2013.
The certification means PPMD recognizes the development of Duke Children's multidisciplinary care team and their dedication to providing the best care and services for people and families living with Duchenne.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births.
Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center features the Duke Children's Neuromuscular Clinic co-directed by Edward C. Smith, MD, and Richard M. Kravitz, MD, and coordinated by Jennifer Olson, RN, BSN. Both Kravitz and Smith specialize in pediatric neuromuscular disorders, including Duchenne.
"We are pleased that PPMD has recognized Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center and our neuromuscular clinic as a leader in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy," Smith said.
"Duke has had a long commitment for the care of patients with neuromuscular weakness," Kravitz said. "We look forward to working in partnership with PPMD in further improving the care and quality of life of boys and young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We are committed to providing our patients and their families with quality, comprehensive care as we continue to develop the best and most innovative models for treating this disease."
"Dr. Smith, Dr. Kravitz, and their team have shown a true commitment to providing optimal comprehensive care to people with Duchenne in their community and beyond," said Kathi Kinnett, MSN, CNP, PPMD's Senior Vice President of Clinical Care and co-director of Transforming Duchenne Care Initiative (TDCI). "They have created a wonderful facility and program that incorporates the patient and family voice, and where patients and families truly come first. We congratulate everyone on the Duke team and thank them for the dedication to the fight to end Duchenne."
To learn more about PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program, visit PPMD's website. For more information about the Neuromuscular Program at Duke Children's, visit their website.
