Banner – Unversity Medicine Annual Report

Dunkin’ Partnership: 2023 PROM: Banner – University Medicine held the second annual Diamond Children’s Medical Center Prom thanks to a partnership with the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation who provided us with a generous gift to host the event. Held on March 4, 2023 at Arizona Stadium, patients enjoyed a “Glow” themed night which included Gadabout glow in the dark glam sessions, appearances by University of Arizona mascots – Wilbur, Wilma and the cheerleaders, a DJ, arcade games, a glow in the dark silent disco, Beads of Courage bracelet making, a Ben’s Bells painting activity and lots of raffle items that included flatscreens, hover boards, Nintendo Switch’s, designer purses, Kendra Scott jewelry, Bose headphones and several themed baskets donated by our healthcare teams. Diamond Children’s Play Zone: We broke ground! On October 27, we celebrated the groundbreaking for the new 7,000 square foot play zone that will provide space for Banner Child Life specialists to help hospitalized children build coping skills, decrease anxiety, address their psychosocial well being, and prepare them for procedures and treatments, while serving to reduce trauma and recovery time, lifting the spirits of young patients.

Clinical Impact Our clinical impact upon the communities we serve is felt each day by our patients and their families. We also impact the health and wellness of our community and the nation through research, clinical excellence and awareness. Here are a few outstanding examples of our clinical contributions.

Fetal Medicine Program: We established the Fetal Medicine Program at Diamond Children’s Medical Center, becoming Arizona’s first center for comprehensive fetal diagnosis and treatment. The absence of a fetal surgery center and limited national services prolong uncertainties for families facing congenital anomalies - this groundbreaking initiative brings newfound hope to families in need. This also eliminates the need for out of state travel, revolutionizing care for Arizona. This center brings cutting - edge capabilities to the Southwest, along with our compassionate team of fetal/pediatric surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, geneticists, social workers, and pediatric/fetal subspecialists in various fields. Led by Kenneth Liechty, MD, we are proud to be transforming fetal medicine in Arizona.