In the heart of San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, a groundbreaking facility is set to open its doors this spring: the Stad Center for Pediatric Pain, Palliative & Integrative Medicine. This innovative clinic, part of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals network, aims to redefine pediatric pain management by integrating Eastern and Western medical practices.
A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Pain
The Stad Center’s mission is clear: to treat the whole child. By combining evidence-based integrative therapies, the center seeks to reduce the need for medication and promote faster healing with fewer side effects. This approach acknowledges that children experience pain differently than adults and emphasizes the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.
Dr. Stefan J. Friedrichsdorf, a leading global pediatric pain, palliative, and integrative expert, serves as the medical director of the Stad Center. Under his leadership, the center has assembled a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, acupuncturists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists. This diverse team collaborates to develop personalized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
State-of-the-Art Facility Design
The design of the Stad Center reflects its commitment to creating a healing environment. The clinic features open spaces that eliminate the need for a traditional waiting room, an interactive 10-foot-tall digital waterfall, abundant natural light, and maple wood throughout. These elements are thoughtfully incorporated to provide a calming and welcoming atmosphere for both patients and caregivers.
Culturally Competent Care for a Diverse Community
Established in 2020 through a generous donation from Elisa and Marc Stad, the center also aims to serve San Francisco’s large Asian American community with culturally competent care. Elisa Stad, inspired by her visit to the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, championed the integration of Eastern and Western therapies to provide holistic care for children. This vision has been realized through the Stad Center, which stands as a testament to the Stad family’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare.
Setting a New Standard in Pediatric Care
The Stad Center is not just a clinic; it’s a model for the future of pediatric pain management. By integrating Eastern and Western medical practices, the center aims to set a new standard for children’s hospitals both in the United States and globally. Its comprehensive approach addresses the complex needs of children experiencing pain and other serious illnesses, focusing on the whole child and their family.
References
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New children’s pain clinic to open in SF this spring. Axios. (axios.com)
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Stad Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals to Open Doors to Treat and Teach Integrative Therapies for Pediatric Pain. PR Newswire. (prnewswire.com)
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Pain management in children. Wikipedia. (en.wikipedia.org)
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