Mayo Clinic

New research shows adolescents and young adults with cancer, particularly males, have higher rates of suicide compared to their peers. Dr. Allison Rosenthal, hematologist and medical director of the AYA Cancer Program at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, and Melody Griffith, AYA social worker, discuss why specialized and proactive mental health care is critical to help AYAs thrive after cancer. Via MedPage Today https://bit.ly/41LEbLd

This holiday season we're reminded of the universal joy that Christmas brings to billions worldwide, transcending differences in faith and culture. At Mayo Clinic, we honor the spirit of Christmas and the message of hope, love and compassion it represents. Whether you're celebrating on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25, may this time be filled with warmth, togetherness and moments of joy with loved ones. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, abundant with blessings and goodwill!

The second Leadership Intensive Retreat at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in Hangzhou, China, was a resounding success! Led by Richard Winters, MD, director of leadership development for the Mayo Clinic Care Network, this two-day interactive workshop brought together over 120 healthcare leaders. The program focused on key leadership development topics, fostering collaboration and shared commitment to advancing patient care. The event was an inspiring opportunity to engage with compassionate and dedicated healthcare leaders, united by their mission to make a meaningful impact in their community. A special thank you to Royston Lek and Yue Xu who made the event possible!

At a routine 20-week prenatal ultrasound, Lauren Zima’s doctor noticed that something wasn’t quite right with her baby’s stomach. After being referred to a specialist, Lauren and her husband Jake were told their baby boy had a condition found in only one in 4000 births — a type C tracheoesophageal fistula. ⁠ ⁠ This meant the baby’s esophagus and trachea were abnormally connected, which would result in the inhalation of food and liquids into the lungs once the baby was born. The baby’s esophagus had also developed into two separate sections that didn’t connect.⁠ ⁠ Lauren delivered Bode at 35 weeks. After multiple procedures, including an 8-hour operation when he was just 2 days old, Bode was able to go home. ⁠ ⁠ “The Mayo Clinic care team was invested in us as a family and cared about us as a family. We’re just so lucky,” Lauren says.⁠

Earlier this month, Dr. Srinivas Thati, Director and Head of Orthopedic Surgery at AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, India— a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network— visited the Mayo Clinic Arizona campus. Dr. Thati had the privilege of being hosted by Dr. Henry Clarke, Chair of Orthopedic Surgery. During his visit, Dr. Thati had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Anikar Chhabra, Vice Chair of Clinical Practice, Orthopedic Surgery. He also observed advanced surgical procedures in both arthroplasty and sports medicine, gaining insights from world-class specialists. This exchange underscores our commitment to collaboration and shared learning to improve patient care globally.

In 2024, collaborative efforts with Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine led to significant advances in understanding the biology that shapes health and disease. From new treatments for rare diseases to artificial intelligence-powered tools that help personalize care, these 10 studies exemplify this year’s transformative progress. Learn more about the studies: https://mayocl.in/3VVjxo5

This is Piper, a fluffy, long-haired sheepadoodle who is a cherished member of our Mayo Clinic Caring Canines program. For over 20 years, therapy dogs like Piper have been helping to bring smiles, comfort and healing to patients, visitors and staff. ⁠ ⁠ Piper frequently visits the Inpatient Rehabilitation and Intensive Care Units at Saint Marys Hospital. She serves alongside care teams to help meet clinical goals, provide support and improve the well-being of patients, families and staff. ⁠Show Piper some love in the comments! 🐾⁠ ⁠ Read more about the Animal Assisted Services program at Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/4fChOLf

Congratulations to John, who recently received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses!⁠ Here is an excerpt from the nomination: "John was my post-op nurse. He was very professional throughout the process, and he never left my side during the entire process. I was admitted overnight, and he made sure he not only took care of me but also kept my family fully informed of the status of the move. I told John that I was going to provide some feedback on his extraordinary service, and he kept trying to downplay his exceptional care. I think he not only "did his job", but he also went well beyond the norm and provided comfort and service that was truly extraordinary." Mayo Clinic is among over 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide committed to the DAISY Award program. The DAISY Award is presented each month to an extraordinary nurse.⁠ ⁠ ⁠If you know someone looking for a career in nursing, explore available opportunities today: https://mayocl.in/4gPe0Y6

A heartwarming mission in Rochester, Minnesota — Around 20 active-duty soldiers visited 5-year-old Gabe Downey at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Gabe, who is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, has been receiving incredible support from soldiers worldwide after his mom shared his journey on social media. A "field promotion" ceremony was organized for Gabe, who was also presented with gifts from both the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Read more: https://mayocl.in/4fuMZrO

Santa and Mrs. Claus helped spread some holiday cheer at Mayo Clinic Children's Center this week with a special delivery of 670 colorful balloons from Hy-Vee. These balloons brought smiles to our child patients across Mayo 16, Baldwin Building, and our St. Mary’s campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Thank you, Hy-Vee, for your generosity, and to Santa and Mrs. Claus for making the day extra magical! 🎄 Watch full coverage of the special day: https://bit.ly/3VKZoRK