At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), you’ll find countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 22,000 Breakthrough Makerswill inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.
CHOP’s global impact on pediatricsUntil 2017, there were no pediatric radiologists in Ethiopia. Our Department of Radiology established partnerships to support education in Addis Ababa, leading to the establishment of a two-year fellowship program—the first of its kind worldwide.
Since 2008, more than 50 CHOP staff have helped grow this partnership and enable its success. There are now five pediatric radiologists out of the 350 practicing in Ethiopia, a country with 120 million people (40% of whom are children).
Attention to detail saves lifeChief Medical Technologist Sue Allizzo was called to examine the blood cells of a patient bleeding after dental work. Under the microscope, she recognized a rare type of leukemia that can have dire consequences if not treated quickly.
After confirming her findings with Technical Specialist Marybeth Helfrich, the duo knew there wasn’t time to collect additional samples. With expert knowledge and communication, they worked around this protocol, sent the same sample for definitive testing, and expedited the delivery of lifesaving care.
Compassion and collaborationWhen a patient showed signs of distress before a routine EKG, social workers and mental health clinicians—who happened to be at the Specialty Care site that day—stepped in to support. They employed multiple techniques, from breathwork to stress balls, to comfort the patient and normalize his feelings.
After reassuring him that it was ok to reschedule, the patient's nurse practitioner and social workers developed a plan for his next visit. Thanks to their compassionate and collaborative efforts, the test was completed in 15 minutes, without incident.
Become a Breakthrough MakerAt CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.