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BIRMINGHAM (April 15, 2021) – Mike Warren, president and chief executive officer of Children’s of Alabama, is retiring from the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital, effective June 1, 2021.

Warren, who has served as CEO at Children’s since January 2008, will be succeeded by Tom Shufflebarger, currently serving as chief operating officer and senior executive vice president. The announcements were made by the hospital’s board of directors today.

“Together, we have accomplished a great deal over these past 13 years, the crown jewel of which is the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. That addition transformed our campus and allowed us to move transplant surgery and cardiovascular services to Children’s – truly making us a comprehensive pediatric medical facility. Along the way we greatly expanded many services, making tremendous progress in fulfilling our mission to the children and families of Alabama. With Tom set to take the helm, Children’s is positioned to achieve even greater things,” Warren said.

“Under Mike’s leadership, Children’s has thrived, and we are grateful for his service. We are confident in Tom’s ability to continue to carry out the mission of Children’s and guide the organization as a leader in pediatric healthcare here in the state, the region and beyond,” said Temple Tutwiler III, chairman, Children’s Board of Trustees.

Shufflebarger joined Children’s in 1992, having previously served as the budget director and director of physician recruitment and development for Brookwood Medical Center. At Children’s, Shufflebarger has managed the hospital’s daily operations and policy decisions. He also directs the operations and development of Children’s Physician Services, including Pediatric Practice Solutions (Children’s primary care practices), Hospital Ambulatory Care Services, and business relationships with Health Services Foundation and hospital-based physicians.

Shufflebarger is an honors graduate of Duke University where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts in economics and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served as a Trustee of the Alabama Chapter of the American Hospital Association. He currently serves as chairman of the Child Health Patient Safety Organization, an affiliate of the Children’s Hospital Association. Active in numerous community organizations, he has served in volunteer leadership roles with the United Way of Central Alabama, American Red Cross, Magic Moments, the Lakeshore Foundation, Riverchase United Methodist Church and Hoover City Schools.

“I am honored to be named the next CEO of Children’s of Alabama,” Shufflebarger said. “It is a humbling experience to be part of the strong legacy of providing care for ill and injured children from throughout the region. As the past year has taught us, Children’s of Alabama stands ready to face the challenges of modern healthcare, while remaining firmly dedicated to providing the highest standards of care for our patients and their families.”

Under Warren’s leadership, Children’s of Alabama has grown both in size and standing.

In May 2009, the hospital broke ground on an expansion that would become the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. The 12-story building was designed to accommodate projected growth in patient volume, anticipated medical technology needs and the planned consolidation of pediatric services including cardiovascular surgery and comprehensive solid organ transplant care. The $400 million facility opened to patients in August 2012.

In 2010, six of the hospital’s programs were ranked for the first time among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The most recent ranking released in June 2020 marked the 11th consecutive year that Children’s has been included.

The relationship between Children’s and the University of Alabama at Birmingham strengthened under Warren’s leadership as the two institutions worked together to offer world-class pediatric health services in an environment that fosters world-class research, excellence in medical education and access to leading-edge treatments for pediatric illnesses and injuries.

Warren has long been a leader in Birmingham’s business community, previously serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Energen Corporation and its two primary subsidiaries, Alagasco and Energen Resources. Prior to that, Warren practiced law with the Birmingham firm of Bradley, Arant, Rose & White. Warren served 22 years on the Children’s of Alabama board of trustees before he was named the hospital’s CEO. He has been in involved in many state and local efforts and served as chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, the United Way, Leadership Birmingham and Leadership Alabama. He has also been chairman of the Metropolitan Development Board, and the area American Heart Association. He has twice chaired the general campaign for the United Way and the United Negro College Fund. In 2004, Warren was inducted to the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state. With more than 3.5 million square feet, it is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. Children’s offers inpatient and outpatient services at its Russell Campus on Birmingham’s historic Southside with additional specialty services provided at Children’s South, Children’s on 3rd and in Huntsville and Montgomery. Primary medical care is provided in more than a dozen communities across central Alabama. Children’s is the only health system in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

Recent advances in genetics research are providing doctors with promising avenues for diagnosing and treating genetically based illnesses. “As genetic testing has become more and more advanced, we can really focus on smaller pieces of DNA, and even read individual letters of DNA, to look for answers to health conditions,” states Anna Hurst, Pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Alabama–Birmingham.

The “Diagnostic Odyssey”

Although geneticists can be critical contributors to diagnosis, they are rarely the first health professionals patients visit when searching for answers to medical conditions.  “Usually another doctor, whether that’s a primary care physician or a subspecialist, has noticed there is something different about that individual’s health or development that might make a genetic condition more likely,” explains Dr. Hurst.

When the patient meets with a geneticist, tests are done to try to diagnose the condition. By “putting a name to it,” patients and their families can not only find guidance toward possible treatment, but also feel empowered to seek advice and comfort from national foundations and other support groups.

“I tell my families that those parent organizations can be so important, because other parents know things they don’t teach us in medical school. I always tell my families, if you hear anything in those support groups you think might help your child’s journey, let us know,” advises Dr. Hurst.

Recent Medical Advances

Great strides have been made in recent years to pinpoint location of genetic disorders, thereby leading to greater success in diagnosis and treatment. Among the most important advances has been exome and genome sequencing.

“Ten or 15 years ago, we would look gene by gene and read maybe a few genes at a time. But now, with exome and genome sequencing, we can simultaneously look at almost every gene in the body at once, to be able to take a more comprehensive approach,” says Dr. Hurst. 

There are approximately 6,000 rare diseases, with perhaps 70% of genetic origin. And, with estimates of as many as one in ten people having a rare disease (defined as an illness affecting fewer than 200,000 people), genetic research provides potentially enormous benefits for diagnosing and treating illness. 

Pilot Project and Public Information

Among the most important elements of advancing genetic diagnosis of illness are facilitating patient participation in, and promoting understanding of, the testing process. Because some types of genetic testing may not be covered by insurance, the cost can be prohibitive.

“Children’s Hospital of Birmingham has committed funding for at least 200 children to have whole genome sequencing. To date, we have enrolled about 75, and of those patients, we have a diagnosis of about 30%,” notes Dr. Hurst.

Unlike patient administered home testing, which can be helpful but often does not provide full genetic sequencing, professional medical testing combines completeness in testing with follow-up consultation. “The genome testing really makes things more personalized, and truly individualizes health care plans,” adds Dr. Hurst. 

Public information efforts are another important element of advancing genetic diagnosis and treatment. Among the programs designed to promote public awareness are Rare Disease Day, an international event held on the last day of February, and the Rare Disease Genetics Symposium, an annual two-day seminar hosted by the UAB Department of Genetics, Children’s of Alabama and Alabama Rare, an advocacy group.

“The first day of the symposium has a physician-scientist focus, and on the second, we have a parent and caregiver focus. The theme this year was using technology and collaboration to navigate the rare disease journey,” shares Dr. Hurst. Further information can be found on the National Institutes of Health website (GHR.NLM.NIH.gov), rarediseaseday.org, and Alabamarare.org.

Offering Hope and Direction

Genetic research and testing will continue to be powerful tools to combat illness, and with further medical advances will come greater empowerment for families seeking answers.

As Dr. Hurst says, “We try to help the family where they are in their journey, and how that information is affecting them. Oftentimes, when they are able to see the benefit, it becomes a very empowering experience. They might feel validated that they have an answer, and then go forward with planning medical care tailored to their specific needs.”   

**To listen to an interview on this topic with Anna Hurst, Pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Alabama—Birmingham, follow this link: https://radiomd.com/childrensalabama/item/41786

By Dan Marullo, Ph.D.

With COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, we are now tasked to change our personal and collective behavior. It is understandable that many will experience fear, anxiety and anger in the coming days and weeks. This is normal and certainly a typical reaction to a crisis. However, whether we respond with grace or with terror is in our individual and collective control.

It is normal to be afraid. It is OK to acknowledge that fear and to take steps to cope with anxiety. Please consider the following:

1. Fear of the unknown is normal. We are each subject to feeling a host of emotions such as anxiety, worry, irritability and sadness. We can also experience poor sleep or appetite, trouble with concentration, a tendency to withdraw from other people and perhaps even feeling hopeless. These can be normal reactions to the situation and it helps to recognize this in ourselves and in others. For example, recognizing that your spouse or child is uncharacteristically moody or snappish may mean that they are feeling overwhelmed and need support. Certainly, anyone feeling suicidal may need immediate attention.

• Seek reliable information. There is much that we still do not know about COVID-19 and that alone increases fear and anxiety. Gaining reliable information is key to addressing this uncertainty. Reputable websites for updates and information include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization. Websites for good psychological information related to COVID-19 include the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.

• Practice self-care. Because we are all susceptible to emotional distress, it becomes more important to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. This may be complicated by social distancing given that social activities are commonly used by people to cope. We may not be able to attend religious services, go to work or school, the gym, shopping and so on. However, we can adapt and remain connected. Many churches are hosting online services, you can exercise at home using YouTube classes, and so on. A few things to keep in mind:
  • Maintain a typical routine as much as possible. Try having your kids do schoolwork at home at the times they would at school. Do the same if you are working from home.
  • Take a media/social media break. Depending on what you read or watch, COVID-19 is either the world’s biggest hoax or the end of the world. Neither is true. Seek accurate information and take a break from all the chatter.
  • Social distance does not mean social isolation. We may not be able to go out, have play dates or travel, but we can maintain contact with family and friends via Facetime and other platforms. This is especially critical for our most vulnerable family and friends, those that must be on isolation because of health concerns such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.
  • Consider volunteering in some way. The simple act of giving has been shown to reduce distress in the giver. It is gratifying to see people organizing food drives and other activities to support their communities.
  • Find ways to maintain your spirits. A good sense of humor goes a long way. Our Italian brothers and sisters are singing from their balconies in defiance of their isolation. People are amazing. Find your path.

• Be a role model. Our children are watching how we react to this crisis. What do you want them to see? Children and teens rely on the adults in their lives to model and teach behavior. A child’s coping often relies on how adults cope. Now is the time to teach resilience, compassion, self-sacrifice and healthy coping. These are lessons children will remember for the rest of their lives. We adults should manage our emotions and fears, and be the leaders our children need us to be.

• Support our children. Our children are responding to this crisis as well and need support during this time. How children cope and what they need varies by their age and level of development. For example, small children respond to the distress around them and need comforting and security. School aged children, tweens and teens need information that is tailored to their age (Younger children need the basic facts, older kids can deal with more detail and abstraction). Recognize that a change in behavior may be a sign of distress and an opportunity to engage and support. Please consider:
  • Maintaining a typical routine as much as possible. This includes schoolwork, bedtimes and mealtimes.
  • Giving age-appropriate information and answering questions honestly.
  • Monitoring use of TV and other media, particularly if your child is constantly looking at COVID-19-related content (Remember, bad information is scary).
  • Providing opportunities for kids to give and contribute. Help them organize a food drive or a video chat with nursing home patients. This promotes a sense of engagement and teaches resilience.
  • Managing your own emotions. Remember, our kids are watching. What do you want them to learn?

• Acknowledge and recognize grief. Many of us are experiencing loss and uncertainty and it is OK to acknowledge that fact. As this process unfolds, we may lose people we love, jobs that we depend on, perhaps even that sense of safety that we once enjoyed. Coming to terms with loss is necessary and healthy. Now is the time for each of us to reach out as individuals and as a community to support one another, in small ways and in large.

• Look for the lesson. I, like many of you, have experienced tragedy in my life. From that experience I have learned valuable lessons. I have learned much about myself and what I value and treasure. I do not know what lessons each of us may learn from this pandemic, but I do know there is something of value to learn if we leave ourselves open.

As I conclude this message, I feel a tremendous sense of community and hope. In some perverse way, this event has given all of us a “time out.” Perhaps this is our time to reflect, reconnect with others and remember what is truly of value in this life. I wish you all well.

Dan Marullo, Ph.D., is a pediatric psychologist and neuropsychologist at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.