Upcoming Events- MMI's Pediatric Neurologic and Orthopaedic Support Group

March Support Group Meeting

When: Monday March 8th from 6pm-7pm
Where: Suite 184 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 104
Topic: What Is On Your Mind??

Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute has created a Pediatric Neurological and Orthopaedic Support Group. The Pediatric Team at MMI has developed the support group to provide information, educate, and offer a forum for local families of children with congenital or developmental orthopaedic or neurological problems. Monica Johnson, DPT, MMI’s pediatric physical therapist, and Jennilee Ambush, MS, OTR/L, MMI’s pediatric occupational therapist, will be integral parts of the support group. Dr. Johnson explains, “we hope this program will allow families from the Frederick area to meet other families that have similar concerns, as well as be a source of education and support.”

The support group will meet once a month, on the second Monday of the month at MMI’s Pediatric Physical & Occupational Therapy office located at 184 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 104.; The meetings will grow and develop based on the group’s interests. The meetings will include guest speakers, facilitated discussions, and question and answer periods. Recognizing that some parents may need to bring their children, crafts and activities will be provided to entertain the children who may attend.

When asked about why MMI decided to start this new initiative Dr. Johnson explained that the idea came from interacting with many of her patient’s family members. “Many parents would see other families coming in and out of the building and they would ask questions and want to know where the other parents were getting the equipment for their children. I also had families giving me information about local resources and we began to develop the idea of bringing these groups of people together.” Dr. Johnson explained the group is open to families who have both orthopaedic and neurological concerns. “These concerns can include anything from intoeing and outtoeing, sports and overuse injuries, abnormalities of legs and feet, to developmental delay, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, etc”... she explained. MMI hopes that the group will help bring local parents and families together in a supportive and educational environment. “We hope that this new program will be a valuable asset to families, give them a renewed energy, and really allow them to build friendships and relationships that will assist them in caring for their children.”

The meetings are open to families of MMI patients and community members who may have an interest in the neurological and orthpaedic care of their children. Interested individuals can register by email or telephone. Please contact MMI at 301-694-8311 ext 178 or email at mmipediatricsupportgroup@gmail.com.