Cook Children’s Pediatrics Plano

Conjoined Twin Girls Separated at Cook Children’s

JamieLynn Rae and AmieLynn Rose, 16-week-old sisters who were born under unusually challenging circumstances, made history Monday after becoming the first conjoined twins ever to be separated at Cook Children’s Medical Center following a successful 11-hour surgery.

Learn about ’s incredible journey to separation here: https://fal.cn/3vnW8

Conjoined Twin Girls Separated at Cook Children’s Sisters JamieLynn and AmieLynn underwent surgery on Monday, becoming the first conjoined twins to be separated at Cook Children’s Medical Center.Jamie and Amie lay face-to-face and shared a liver, which was successfully separated during the 11-hour procedure.After the surgery, the girls returned t...

You won’t want to miss this!

Tune in for a press conference TODAY at 11:45 a.m. to hear from a team of our medical experts from across multiple specialties as they discuss a unique and complex surgery performed for the first time at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

We’ll be live on Facebook and checkupnewsroom.com. See you there!

We would like to congratulate the nurse residents of Cohort 35 for graduating from the Cook Children’s Nurse Residency Program yesterday! These nurse residents have spent the last year learning, growing, and practicing as pediatric nurses.

We are proud of each graduate for skillfully serving the patients and families here at Cook Children’s. We can’t wait to watch you continue your journeys as pediatric nurses. Congratulations!

Learn more about the nurse residency program at Cook Children’s: https://fal.cn/3vm6n

It’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) Week!

This is a time to celebrate and appreciate our registered nurses with specialized training in anesthesia. They excel in safely getting our patients sleeping and pain free and deliver incredible care before, during, and after procedures. CRNAs work collaboratively with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and proceduralists to ensure that each anesthetic meets the needs of each patient. CRNAs also respond to hospital emergencies.

Cook Children’s has 47 CRNAs, with five more in the onboarding process, and they work in more than 45 locations. They are one of the largest groups of Advanced Practice Providers at Cook Children’s. CRNAs are involved in every anesthetic, from closed reductions of broken bones, to kidney transplants, to complicated congenital heart cases.

We are so grateful for our CRNAs!

Mattel Donates Barbies, Toys in Memory of Athena Strand

On Thursday, Mattel donated 2,000 Barbies and toys to patients at Cook Children's Medical Center in memory of 7-year-old Athena Strand.

Patients were invited to join representatives from Mattel and Maitlyn Gandy, Athena’s mother, to pick out a “You Can Be Anything” Barbie or toy and participate in arts and crafts.

“This was a special event in memory of my daughter,” Maitlyn said. “I’m grateful for everyone who helped make it happen.”More here: https://fal.cn/3vh8S

Mattel Donates Barbies, Toys in Memory of Athena Strand On Thursday, Mattel, Inc. donated 2,000 Barbies, toys and infant toys to patients at Cook Children's Medical Center in memory of 7-year-old Athena Strand. She was killed in December while a package of “You Can Be Anything” Barbies was being delivered to her home. At the event on Thursday, patie...

recipients! Have you recently moved, had a baby or changed jobs? Visit YourTexasBenefits.com and update your account details.

Beneficiario de Medicaid. ¿Se cambió de casa, tuvo un bebé o cambió de trabajo recientemente? Visite YourTexasBenefits.com y actualice los datos de su cuenta.

Clinic Watches out for Respiratory Trouble After Prior RSV Care

A surge in and cases has hit hard in North Texas and nationwide in recent months, contributing to long wait times in health care settings. The Respiratory Outpatient Clinic at Cook Children’s can allow families to avoid returning to the crowded ED or Urgent Care locations where their child was recently treated!

The clinic serves children ages 2 months to 2 years old who were recently treated at the Cook Children's Emergency Department, Medical Center or Urgent Care Clinics and received a referral for respiratory therapy.

The clinic is designed to give guidance and reassurance to parents whose little ones are continuing to recover from severe bronchiolitis. If a child has trouble breathing or other complications within seven days of being discharged, the experts at the clinic can do an evaluation.

Learn more about the clinic and read about a family's experience here: https://fal.cn/3veDS

Clinic Watches out for Respiratory Trouble After Prior RSV Care Editor’s Note: The Respiratory Clinic is limited only to patients who were recently treated at the Cook Children's Emergency Department, Medical Center or Urgent Care Clinics and received a referral for respiratory therapy.Story by Jean Yaeger. Video by Tom Riehm.Babies and toddlers treated for vi...

Dodson Specialty Clinics Expansion: New Facility Coming

What has enough concrete to fill eight Olympic-sized swimming pools, duct work that equals the weight of 32 male African elephants and 160-miles of wiring that could circle a football field more than 600 times?

It is the newest addition to the Cook Children’s Medical Center campus, which adds 240,000 square feet and six new services to the existing Dodson Specialty Clinics building!

Read all the details about the expansion opening in March 2023: https://fal.cn/3vd14

Dodson Specialty Clinics Expansion: New Facility Coming Beginning March 2023, we'll begin moving many of our specialty clinics. You can keep up with the latest changes by visiting our Cook Children's Dodson Specialty Clinics page on cookchildrens.org. 

Meet the Dad at the Helm of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper

At Cook Children's, we're more than a health care system––we're your friends, neighbors and even family members. And we're parents too, so we can see the world through your eyes.

Consider Kevin Greene as an example.

Every day that he walks into work as vice president and administrator at Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper, his two young sons are on his mind. Greene sees them in every face he encounters throughout the corridors of the new medical center. They are what makes Cook Children’s Promise to improve the well-being of every child in its care and communities a personal mission, just like he’d want it for his own children.

“I look at every child that comes through these doors like it's one of my boys, and I think that’s not just unique to me,” Greene said. “Everyone here thinks that way. It’s what I’ve always loved about Cook Children’s.”

Read more about Greene’s journey at Cook Children’s: https://fal.cn/3vb0b

Meet the Dad at the Helm of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper By Ashley AntleFor Kevin Greene, business is personal.Every day that he walks into work as vice president and administrator at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper, his two young sons are on his mind. Greene sees them in every face he encounters throughout the corridors of North Texas’ ne...

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy continues to help us remember to focus on making the world a better place.

Patients and their families have shared their dreams outside of the Cook Children’s Medical Center Child Life Zone. What is your dream?

Short Survey: Share Your Thoughts on the Joy Campaign

The Podcast is nearly ONE year old! 🎧 In the last year, we’ve shared incredible conversations with experts who encourage hope and resilience among children and teens.

We would love to hear from our listeners. ☀️ Please take 1 to 2 minutes to complete this anonymous survey intended to help guide Cook Children’s and the podcast: https://fal.cn/3v48L

Short Survey: Share Your Thoughts on the Joy Campaign The Raising Joy podcast is nearly one year old! We would love to hear from our listeners. This short 1 to 2 minute survey is anonymous and intended to help guide Cook Children's Joy Campaign and the podcast.Go here to complete this short survey. The Raising Joy podcast is part of the Joy Campaign,...

Teen Physicals: What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Teen

and may be awkward for teens and parents, but Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O., a pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Haslet, explains what to expect and how to prepare your teenager. More here: https://fal.cn/3v41G

Teen Physicals: What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Teen By Ashley AntleThey grow up so fast. One minute you’re rocking your baby in your arms and breathing in their sweet baby smell from the top of their head, and the next you’re carting them off to the doctor for their teen physical and wellness check.In many ways, for both parents and kids, it feel...

COVID-19 Cases Increase at Cook Children’s

Cases of the and are declining at Cook Children’s, but positive cases of are increasing.

As children return to school after the holidays, there could be an increase in respiratory viruses and illnesses over the next two weeks and beyond, so it’s important to remain watchful and proactive. Wear a mask indoors if you or your child feel sick, wash your hands frequently and get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Read about the new subvariant of COVID-19 and prevention tips here: https://fal.cn/3v0qA

COVID-19 Cases Increase at Cook Children’s By Eline WigginsAs cases of the flu and RSV decline at Cook Children’s, we are experiencing an increase in positive cases of COVID-19. Families are encouraged to remain vigilant against respiratory illnesses and make sure their children have the latest COVID booster vaccines, especially as a new d...

Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper Opens its Doors to Patients

Jan. 9 marks a milestone in the almost 105 year history of Cook Children's Health Care System.

This morning, Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper opened its doors to the community! 🎉

We are honored to be able to offer families in the northern sector of the Metroplex the care they’ve come to expect and trust from Cook Children’s.

Check out some from opening day here: https://fal.cn/3uYF9

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Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper Opens its Doors to Patients It was a historical day for Cook Children's Health Care System! Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper opened up its doors to the community at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9. Our team members in Prosper have already served patients in the community under Cook Children’s signature blue peaks. Larger th...

Texas Country Artist Josh Abbott Visits Patients, Staff at Cook Children's

Josh Abbott, a Texas country artist and the voice for Dairy Queen TX, stopped by Cook Children’s Medical Center today to meet patients, perform songs and hand out Dairy Queen Dilly bars!

“I loved visiting Cook Children’s to meet the kids and the team caring for these incredible human beings,” Abbott said.

Thank you Josh Abbott Band for bringing smiles to everyone at Cook Children's!

Check out photos and videos of Abbott’s visit here: https://fal.cn/3uVrT

Texas Country Artist Josh Abbott Visits Patients, Staff at Cook Children's Texas Country artist Josh Abbott visited patients and staff members at Cook Children’s Medical Center on Jan. 6 to share his music and to bring some smiles. While at the children’s hospital, Abbott talked about his partnership with the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. In June 2022, Abbott...

Project ADAM Trains School Staff for Cardiac Emergencies

After Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a Monday Night Football game, team doctors and paramedics rushed to his aid and began administering to keep his heart pumping before transporting him to the hospital. On Tuesday, the Bills said Hamlin had suffered a cardiac arrest and was in critical condition.

This incident stunned the sports world and community at large, and reiterates the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency, especially in sports and school settings, with CPR and an .

Danielle Moyé, M.D., pediatric cardiologist and physician director for Project ADAM at Cook Children’s, answers common questions about cardiac arrest, CPR and AEDs here: https://fal.cn/3uRZ0

Project ADAM Trains School Staff for Cardiac Emergencies By Eline WigginsBuffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after a hit during Monday evening’s game. The Bills said in a statement that he was given CPR on the field and his heartbeat was restored. On Tuesday, the Bills said Hamlin was in critical condition.This incident stu...

The Cook Children’s Story: A New Chapter Unfolds in Prosper

We have exciting news!

Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper is set to open to the community on Monday, Jan. 9 at 8 a.m. We are ready to deliver care that connects to those from Prosper and beyond!

Larger than life-size digital displays, storybook murals, walking paths that invite exploration and play, and spaces bathed in every color of the rainbow — it’s what childhood daydreams and imaginations are made of. These are also a few of the moments of magic kids and their families will feel, see and experience when they walk through the doors of the new Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper.

Learn more about the new medical center here: https://fal.cn/3uQh8

The Cook Children’s Story: A New Chapter Unfolds in Prosper By Ashley AntleLarger than life-size digital displays, storybook murals, walking paths that invite exploration and play, and spaces bathed in every color of the rainbow — it’s what childhood daydreams and imaginations are made of. These are also a few of the moments of magic kids and their famil...

Top 10 Stories on Checkup Newsroom in 2022

Over 1 million people visited checkupnewsroom.com this year! Visitors found a variety of pediatric health news, with topics ranging from inspiring patient stories to information on keeping children healthy.

Here are the stories that were the most viewed in 2022: https://fal.cn/3uLm3

Thank you for reading and we look forward to sharing many more exciting stories in the new year!

Top 10 Stories on Checkup Newsroom in 2022 Checkup Newsroom is the top source for news about Cook Children's Health Care System and pediatric health care. From a story of kismet to the opening of a new Medical Center, these are the stories that were the most viewed in 2022.1.     Baby Formula Recall: Here's What Parents Need to Know:Star...

Child Life Specialist: Embrace Hope Now

The last few years have been filled with collective challenges. Joy and sadness shared space just like they always have and always will.

As 2022 comes to an end and many of us look forward to starting over in the new year, Ashley Pagenkopf, a child life specialist in the Cook Children’s emergency department, reminds us that hope is here now.

“Hope – the beauty that is to be had – doesn’t have to be next year. You can be hope to someone, and you can find hope in the simple.”

More here: https://fal.cn/3uJzR

Child Life Specialist: Embrace Hope Now Child Life Specialist Series: We're diving deeper into children’s expression of emotions, the validation of children’s emotions and experiences (including tears), and what it looks like to advocate for our children in all settings.By Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Cook Ch...

Happy from Cook Children’s! We hope the celebration brings you and your family joy, warmth and togetherness.

Santa brought season’s greetings to the patients and families who are celebrating their first Christmas in our NICU! 🎅

Santa, also known as Randall Grubbs, M.D., a neonatologist at Cook Children’s, says each one of these little ones is on the nice list!

View more photos of our tiniest patients all snuggled up and ready for the holidays: https://fal.cn/3uF6Q

Local Student Blazing New Trail for Peers

Funny, charismatic, kind and big-hearted are a few of the words people use to describe the 18-year-old Parker Vickers. He’s a trailblazer, too. As the first to participate in a Cook Children’s pilot internship program designed to employ students from the Child Study Center at Cook Children’s Jane Justin School, he’s paving the way for his current and future classmates to join the ranks of the medical center’s workforce.

You will have a hard time finding someone better suited than Parker to help children choose and build a cuddly friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Cook Children’s Medical Center! 🐻 Read his story here: https://fal.cn/3uEJl

Local Student Blazing New Trail for Peers Story by Ashley Antle. Video by Tom Riehm.You will have a hard time finding someone better suited than Parker Vickers to help children choose and build a cuddly friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Cook Children’s Medical Center. Funny, charismatic, kind and big-hearted are a few of the words pe...

Safe Toys & Gifts Month: What Parents Need to Know

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts month, and as parents are scrambling to find the perfect holiday gifts for their kids, we’re providing some guidelines to help create a happy, healthy, and safe gift-giving experience for all involved. 🎁

Last year, more than 200,000 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments with 74% of those sustained by children 14 years old or younger. Forty-six percent of the injuries were to the head and face – the most commonly affected areas of the body.

Use these safe toy guidelines when shopping or inspecting toys for your children: https://fal.cn/3uDJB

Safe Toys & Gifts Month: What Parents Need to Know By Heather DugeWith Christmas around the corner, parents are scrambling to find the perfect gifts for their kids. December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and many of the toys sold in stores and online pose significant dangers to kids of all ages including water beads recently highlighted in....

Baylor Bears and Air Force Falcons Visit Patients Ahead of Armed Forces Bowl

We had a great time in the Child Life Zone with the Baylor Athletics Bears and the Air Force Falcons ahead of the Armed Forces Bowl game! 🏈

Thank you to these teams for taking the time to visit and play with our patients! Good luck in the game tomorrow!

https://fal.cn/3uBVO

Baylor Bears and Air Force Falcons Visit Patients Ahead of Armed Forces Bowl Football players and team members with the Baylor Bears and the Air Force Falcons came to visit patients at Cook Children's Medical Center on Tuesday. The Bears and the Falcons face off in the Armed Forces Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 22 at Texas Christian University's historic Amon Carter Stadium.Photos....

Patients Enjoy Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus

We had a tree-mendous time at our annual patient Christmas party today! 🎄🎅🤶

Patients and their families were invited to join us in the Atrium to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in arts and crafts activities and pick out a special gift!

Thank you to our incredible Child Life department for spreading all the holiday cheer!

View photos and video from the event: https://fal.cn/3uAuD

Patients Enjoy Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus Cook Children's patients enjoyed a Christmas party on Tuesday morning with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. They received gifts and participated in arts and crafts activities. 

Arctic Cold Front: Preparing Your Children for the Coldest Temperatures of the Season

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) says arctic air and bitter wind chills will spread across the U.S. this week. By Thursday night, temperatures will fall into the single digits across most of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. ❄️

As the arctic front makes its way to North Texas, read about the steps you can take to make sure your family stays safe and healthy: https://fal.cn/3uAqz

Arctic Cold Front: Preparing Your Children for the Coldest Temperatures of the Season The coldest temperatures of the season are headed to North Texas later this week with an Arctic cold front. The best thing you can do is to prepare you and your family to stay safe and healthy.Wind chills are expected to be below zero degrees on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. B...

Huge congratulations to Debbie Boudreaux and Jack Sosebee for being recognized as Health Care Heroes by Texas Hospital Association!

We are so grateful for all you do to support the patients, families and employees at Cook Children's!

It’s day 8 of THA’s 12 Days of Health Care Heroes. Today’s heroes are Debbie Boudreaux and Jack Sosebee from Cook Children's Health Care System. 🎉

In addition to their full-time jobs as AVP and VP respectively, Boudreaux and Sosebee have been taking round-the-clock patient transfer calls from hospitals across the country.

“They have missed sleep and gone above and beyond, but they have never complained because they understand how important this activity is to fulfilling our promise for the children we serve,” said Stan Davis, president of Cook Children’s Medical Center.

Happy Hanukkah from all of us at Cook Children’s! As the eight-day Festival of Lights begins, we wish you and your families light and love! 🕎

All aboard! 🚂 The Polar Express stopped by Cook Children’s Medical Center to take patients and their families on a train ride to the North Pole! ❄️

Everyone got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, play games, decorate mugs and pick out their own pair of pajamas to keep!

Thank you to Southside Bank, Pajama Rama, MAMAS Creative Sweets and EECU Credit Union for supporting this joyful event.

“It’s so much fun when Christmas comes to town!”

We’re deeply saddened by the death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who was known for creating joy with his dance moves and infectious smile. Twitch and his wife, Allison Holker, were celebrity representatives through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and were very active in raising money and awareness for children’s hospitals. We took this photo of the two during a visit to our hospital in 2017.

We remember tWitch as a kind soul who loved our patients and our facility dogs – and brightened every room he entered. Our prayers are with his family and friends.

We know this time of year can be difficult.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 by calling 988.

If you’re worried about your child, we have resources here, including crisis numbers, articles, videos and podcast episodes: https://fal.cn/3urbQ

Just breathe. Open up. You matter.

If you ask our patients, they’d say today’s visitors hit it out of the park! ⚾️⚾️

Thank you to the Texas Rangers for bringing joy to patients and families at Cook Children’s Medical Center this afternoon! 🎄❤️

View more photos and a video here: https://bit.ly/3Fr2ukH

Happy Halloween from the Plano Crew!!

The technical issues with our main phone line have been resolved!

Please continue to use our main phone number, (972)596-2131, to reach our office.

Thank you!