Growing Stronger Together with Expert Pediatric Rehabilitation Care

Dr. Mary Craig, a Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Medical Group physical medicine and rehabilitation physician based at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, has an important role in enhancing the lives of Hawaiʻi’s keiki. She specializes in rehabilitation for children, including some who may need extended rehabilitation to help them become as independent as possible.

She and the dedicated Kapiʻolani team provide essential services for kids and families year-round. Here, Dr. Craig discusses her work with young patients, their families, and her coworkers.

I treat children and teenagers with conditions that affect physical development, movement, and independence. These include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Spina bifida
• Other neurologic or musculoskeletal conditions

My goal is to help each patient reach their greatest potential using nonsurgical treatments such as therapy, medications, adaptive equipment, and braces to support mobility.

For patients with lifelong conditions, I care for them for years, sometimes from infancy through young adulthood. Others recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery may have a shorter treatment plan.

One of the things I enjoy most about pediatric rehabilitation is getting to know my patients and their families over time. As children grow, their goals and needs change, so our rehabilitation plans change with them. My role may look very different when a child is 2 years old compared with when they are 14 or 18.

Children are constantly growing and developing, so we adjust equipment, plans, and goals as they transition to adulthood. Pediatric rehabilitation is very family-centered. Parents, caregivers, and siblings are all important parts of the team. We often work closely with school administrators, therapists, and other specialists to help kids do well and find activities they love.

We have an amazing team at Kapiʻolani. I collaborate daily with physical, speech, and occupational therapists; assistive technology specialists; and other providers to structure patient rehabilitation plans. We may order custom adaptive equipment and braces, as well as provide recommendations to schools for accommodations.

I also see patients in our complex care clinic, work with orthopedic providers from our Bone & Joint Centers, and treat kids who are admitted to the medical center.

I absolutely love the patients and families I have the privilege of caring for here in Hawaiʻi. I feel incredibly honored to work with children from every neighborhood and to have a small role in helping to shape their lives.

Donations are incredibly valuable in helping us provide the best possible care. Funds go toward specialized equipment, adaptive technology, therapy, and other services that may not otherwise be readily available.