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The International Adoption Clinic has been established as a comprehensive clinic to address and assist in meeting the medical, physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the internationally adopted child and their new family. The clinic uniquely combines the expertise of a Pediatric Infectious Disease physician and a Developmental Pediatrician to provide a complete plan of care for your child, before and after they are ready to make their home with you.
Many families who want to adopt are looking overseas. The number of foreign adoptions has risen over the past few years. Statistics show that in 2002 alone over 20,000 children were adopted from countries outside the United States. All children deserve a loving, nurturing family to help them mature into adulthood,however, internationally adopted children come with many special health concerns and risks.
These risks and concerns must be carefully considered and addressed, prior to and after the adoption, to optimize an appropriate placement for both the well-being of the child and the family. The International Adoption Clinic at St. Vincent Children's Hospital has been established as a comprehensive clinic to address and assist in meeting the medical, physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the internationally adopted child and their new family. This clinic uniquely combines the expertise of a Pediatric Infectious Disease physician and a Developmental Pediatrician to provide a complete plan of care for your child, before and after they are ready to make their home with you.
Pre-Travel InformationPrior to making a trip overseas to join your child, there are many medical issues for parents to consider to help prevent children and parents from needing emergency care or acquiring infections while abroad. Our clinic can arrange for a family travel appointment.
This meeting provides the opportunity to discuss:
- Supplies to take, including medicines and formulas for babies.
- Immunizations needed prior to travel for parents and other family members.
- General health risks of children institutionalized in developing countries.
- Health status and special needs of the child considered for adoption. This is done by reviewing any medical documents, video tapes, photographs, growth charts, family history and other available information.
Upon Your ReturnOnce you are joined with your child and return to the United States, post-placement services are necessary to help parents and their pediatricians address the child's medical and emotional needs. The child is seen at this time for their first official medical visit by both a Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and a Developmental Pediatrician.
Some of the services included in this visit are:
- An initial and follow up examination of the child or children to assess general nutritional status, development, immunization status and any known or suspected medical conditions.
- Recommendations are also given for routine immunizations and laboratory testing, as well as any additional testing or specialty consultation that may be needed.
- A written report to the child's pediatrician detailing the assessment and laboratory studies of the child, as well as recommendations of further evaluation, testing and vaccination.
- Long term, primary care services to children with significant medical needs and coordination of the care they require with other specialists, therapists and support services.
Educational Services
Foreign Adoptions, although rewarding can be complicated. Which is why the final service of the International Adoption Clinic at St. Vincent Children's Hospital is to help educate community groups such as adoption agencies and adoption support groups, as well as the medical community on medical issues of international adoption, increasing awareness of the special needs of these children.
Our StaffDr. Chris Belcher is a Pediatric Infectious Disease physician at St. Vincent Hospital. Dr. Belcher graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Microbiology from the University of California at Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine and completed his Pediatric Residency at Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Belcher completed his Clinical Pediatric Infectious Disease fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis Children's Hospital and his fellowship research at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Fernando Escobar practices Developmental Pediatrics and Genetics at St.Vincent Hospital. Dr. Escobar received a degree in Biology as well as his medical degree from San Carlos University of Guatemala. He also received a Masters in Genetics from Indiana University of School of Medicine. Dr. Escobar completed his Pediatric Internship and Residency Training at Riley Hospital for Children along with a Fellowship with the Department of Oral-Facial Genetics and Medical Genetics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He is an active candidate for the boards in Pediatrics, Neonatology and Medical Genetics.
For more information about the Adoption Clinic at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, or to arrange an appointment, call 317-338-5288.
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