UofL opens new pediatric and dental offices at Sam Swope Kosair Charities Centre
By Julie Heflin
The University of Louisville and Kosair Charities have entered a new partnership, opening general pediatrics and pediatric dentistry practices at the Sam Swope Kosair Charities Centre, 982 Eastern Parkway, where children with disabilities and chronic health conditions and children from the community can get expert care from UofL pediatricians and pediatric dentists.
Kosair Charities has donated the rent amount over a five-year period, providing a combined 12,500 square feet of renovated space in the Kosair Charities headquarters building for the two clinics: University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics at Kosair Charities and University of Louisville School of Dentistry at Kosair Charities. The university may opt to renew the lease for two additional five-year terms, bringing the estimated value of this agreement to $3.7 million over 15 years.
The patient mix for both practices include children receiving services elsewhere on the Kosair Charities campus, children from surrounding neighborhoods, children whose families participate in the Family Scholar House program and children who are uninsured or under-insured.
The UofL Department of Pediatrics at Kosair Charities office has nine exam rooms, a laboratory and separate sick-and well-child reception areas. Pediatrician Erica Labar, MD, began seeing patients in the Eastern Parkway office on July 1. A second physician will join Labar in 2014. Medical students and pediatric residents will also rotate through the clinic.
“What could be more fitting than to provide a medical/dental home on the grounds of the former Kosair Crippled Children Hospital, where thousands of children were once treated for disabling diseases such as polio and smallpox,” said Gerard Rabalais, MD, MHA, chairman, UofL Department of Pediatrics. “I’m confident that Dr. Labar and her team will continue the tradition of compassion and excellence long associated with this historic location.”
The UofL School of Dentistry at Kosair Charities pediatric office recently opened under the leadership of Ann Greenwell, DMD, MSD. The clinical space is outfitted with six dental chairs and equipped to meet the special needs of autistic and physically-challenged children.
“We know good oral health is integral to overall health and wellness. Coordination of care is the future of health care in this country, and we are removing many of the logistical barriers for the children of the community,” said John Sauk, DDS, MS, dean of the UofL School of Dentistry.
The dental clinic provides comprehensive dental care– including routine exams, fillings, treatment for trauma, mouth guards for athletes and orthodontic care.
New patients are being accepted at both clinics. For an appointment with a pediatrician call 502-852-7170
For an appointment with a pediatric dentist call 502-852-5642.