June 13, 2005
What are the Recommended Medical Screening Tests and Evaluations for newly adopted Post Institutionalized child?
The Pediatric Red Book of Infectious Diseases and the Academy of Pediatrics both recommend extensive screening tests for children who join their families through international adoption.
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May 11, 2005
After arriving home how can I help ease the transition from orphanage life to family life?
Providing structure, limiting stimulation, and the other suggestions are generally great things for all kids. They are especially important to remember when helping a child transition from an institutional setting to a loving family.
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April 05, 2005
Can immunization records from orphanages be relied upon, given that vaccinations in third-world nations often are not on par with accepted standards?
To revaccinate —or indeed, to vaccinate at all— is a very heated and emotional decision that all parents need to face with the help of their general pediatrician. While obviously, the safest and the most accurate way is to revaccinate every child who is adopted from another country regardless of immunization records, many parents don't like this option. Like many issues that involve our children, each case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis.
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March 01, 2005
I have a blind referral but I would feel more comfortable if a medical professional reviews my child's data and video while I am traveling overseas. How can I prepare the medical package and how do I get the data back home in a timely fashion?

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February 04, 2005
I have heard that Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more common among adoptive children than the general population. Is this true? And, if so, why?

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December 03, 2004
I have heard that many internationally adopted children are at-risk for Reactive Attachment Disorder.
What is this disorder and what are some of the signs that parents should look for?
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November 01, 2004
What are the Causes, Treatments, and Medical Problems Associated with Rickets?
I am considering this sibling group from Russia (Vladimir), two girls 5 and 8 years old. On the medical report of the younger child, it states that she has had Rickets but her health is now good. It does not state what caused rickets. My concern is that she will have future medical problems from this. What do I need to know and what should I expect?
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October 04, 2004
What are the Recommended Psychological Screening Tests and Evaluations for the newly adopted Post Institutionalized Children?
We adopted our son from Russia when he was 13 months old. We had him checked out by our pediatrician but were wondering if there were any psychological tests that we should also consider. We have no information about his background other than the fact that he is two other siblings and no real reason to worry as he seems to be adjusting to his new family and home.
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September 03, 2004
Welcome to Our New Feature
We are pleased to announce a new feature called "Ask the Adoption Doctor."

Many of us aware of serious medical issues that have affected and continue to affect our sons and daughters. Thankfully, most of our families will never endure the heartache associated with cricitcal illnesses like leukemia. Yet as a community of adoptive families we are not immune to the diseases. We mourn with members of community when illness takes a child. We pray that the family will heal. But we may wonder if our children are at greater risk because they are adopted and their medical backgrounds are unknown.

We are fortunate to have Dr. George Rogu to answer our questions and help allay our fears.
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September 03, 2004
Is Leukemia a problem specific to children adopted from China? Is there a test that could be performed for leukemia prior to adopting, and most importantly, does hereditary a play a key factor in the diagnosis?

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