Dr. Aziza Shad Named Among Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2024
Baltimore - Aziza Shad, M.D., the Ellen W. P. Wasserman chair of pediatrics and chief, pediatric hematology oncology, at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, has been recognized as one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” by The Daily Record.
Maryland’s Top 100 Women honor was established in 1996 and has recognized more than 1,500 women for their outstanding achievements demonstrated through professional accomplishments, community leadership and mentoring.
Dr. Shad was nominated for her care, compassion and expertise in caring for children facing cancer and blood disorders, both in the United States and around the world. With more than three decades of experience, she brings a holistic approach and creates a welcoming atmosphere for her young patients and their families.
She has introduced “reduced pain” protocols for children getting blood draws, IVs or other minor procedures because she believes that no child should face pain when it is not necessary. She has established a comprehensive psychosocial program for patients, their siblings and families by bringing in Child Life, art therapy, music therapy and pet therapy in addition to programs providing everything from yoga and meditation to cooking lessons and support groups. She is now replicating this model of psychosocial support for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries in Africa.
“If you don’t address the emotional and social needs at the time of diagnosis or hospitalization, the trauma for the child and family may never go away. I cannot imagine treating a child with cancer without having the needed psychosocial support so desperately needed at this time by the patient and family,” says Dr. Shad.
Dr. Shad and her fellow honorees were recognized at a celebration on May 6 at the Lyric in Baltimore.
About LifeBridge Health
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and related subsidiaries and affiliates, including ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers and LifeBridge Health & Fitness. For more information, visit lifebridgehealth.org.
Contact: Theo Hayes, 410-601-2296, lbhmedia@lifebridgehealth.org