Page 22 - MidWeek - Nov 24, 2021

22 MIDWEEK NOVEMBER 24, 2021
A though Dr. Natascha Ching’s family is from Honolulu, she was born in New York City as her parents’ jobs as a surgeon
DR. NATASCHA CHING, Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Group pediatric infectious diseases specialist based at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children
Interviewed by Don Robbins
Tackling Keiki Infectious Diseases
and immunologist led them there. “We moved home to Hawai‘i when I was in the second grade, which was great for me to grow up with my cousins as I was an only child,” Ching
What is your role as a pediatric in- fectious diseases specialist?
shares.
“Although my father was a tho-
Dr. Natascha Ching and Bryscen “Makana” Prothero, pediatric infectious diseases nurse practitioner, review clinical status and treatment plans for pediatric infectious diseases patients on rounds at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP
visory working group. I have also worked with our local pediatricians in the Hawai‘i American Academy of Pediatrics to make sure we can keep our local keiki across the state safe as we’ve closed and reopened.
racic and general surgeon, family and friends would seek his advice about medical issues. This reminds me how patients and families need an advocate in complicated medical situations, especially when a keiki is ill,” Ching notes.
During this pandemic, I have been involved in the treatment of pediat- ric patients with COVID-19 and the rare disease after COVID-19 called Multisystem Inflammatory Syn- drome in Children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a hyper-inflammatory condition where multiple organs stop working effectively.
Besides the clinical care and col- laboration with other physicians, I really enjoy being involved in the training of our future physicians.
Ching attended Punahou School, obtained her undergraduate degree at Columbia University, and then re- turned home to receive her medical degree from the University of Ha- wai‘i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. She completed her pedi- atric residency at New York-Presby- terian Weill Cornell Medical Center, and a pediatric infectious disease fellowship at University of Califor- nia, Los Angeles Mattel Children’s Hospital.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Here’s what else she had to say about her career:
As a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, I help diagnose and treat patients with illnesses that are ongo- ing without a clear cause when they have prolonged fevers or recurrent in- fections. Then, there are very young babies that I care for with congenital infections that occur during preg- nancy, many of which may not be as clearly defined until the infant is born and more tests can be done.
that prevent infections and keep them healthy. Honest discussions with keiki to prepare them for the day will help families address their questions and worries. They should be aware of possible arm discomfort, body aches, fever and feeling tired, but these side effects mean that the vaccine is teaching your body’s im- mune system to protect you if you are exposed to COVID-19 so you don’t get sick. Keiki should know that this vaccination will allow them to be more protected in school, par- ticipate in sports and extracurricular activities, and spend time with family and at community events missed in this pandemic. Plan a fun activity to do after the vaccination as a family. If parents have questions, I encour- age them to speak with their health care provider to get their questions answered so they feel comfortable with COVID-19 vaccination.
are most vulnerable overcome medi- cal problems and ensure they have the best chance to live their lives. I chose pediatric infectious diseases as a spe- cialty because I was completely fasci- nated with the infectious organisms in microbiology and how different types of antimicrobial agents can be used to treat infections. However, what I re- ally love is the mystery and detective work that is required in infectious dis- ease, trying to find out what organism causes an infection in the body and what exposures cause children to be at risk for certain infections.
As a specialist in this field, I have also served as a health partner in- forming various committees with the Hawai‘i Department of Health School and Sports Committee and COVID-19 vaccine medical ad-
Hawai‘i just started offering the COVID-19 vaccine for keiki ages 5-11. What advice do you have?
What inspired you to pursue your career?
I also help high school students gain a better understanding of the role of a pediatrician and the path of medical education, before college and medical school. I have organized a program called Careers in Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at Ka- pi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children for high school students.
Parents can help their keiki under- stand that the COVID-19 vaccination is similar to other childhood vaccines
I have always loved working with children and science was my favorite subject in school, so the field of pedi- atrics allows me to help children who
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