Putting a smile on the faces of our littlest patients One of the most important decisions expectant parents will make during the course of their pregnancy is where to go for prenatal care and where to deliver their precious bundle of joy. That decision is even more vital when potential complications exist. While other area hospitals have shown a decline in maternity and labor & delivery care — in fact, some have closed their departments altogether — St. Mary has experienced a dramatic increase in the need for these services, a trend that promises to continue well into the future. Dr. Prem Marlapudi, Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Chairman of Pediatrics, is a strong supporter of the plans for the upcoming expansion and renovations to the Labor & Delivery Unit including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and together with his wife, Dr. Grace Marlapudi, recently gave a generous donation to these projects. “These renovations are long overdue. It is critical that parents and babies have access to the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment and qualified medical professionals.” These modifications and expansion of the NICU will allow for the best care in a semi-private setting, a component that is crucial in allowing these babies to thrive and bond with their parents. Dr. Marlapudi explained that in effect, Labor & Delivery is the backbone of a community hospital. It is generally a department where lifelong relationships begin and many decisions for the future are made. Based on what a family experiences, they will encourage other family members, friends and community members to utilize the services of St. Mary for everything from a...
41 Great Years and Counting Doctor finds inspiration in the compassion and integrity of St. Mary staff Dr. Milton Schwartz has been practicing medicine for 51 years. After graduating from Temple Medical School and working as a flight surgeon in the Air Force he opened a practice in Bucks County. That’s when he met Sister Clare Naughton, the first hospital administrator at St. Mary, and she quickly recruited Dr. Schwartz to help care for the patients at St. Mary. Dr. Schwartz’s relationship with St. Mary has lasted 41 years and counting. Over those 41 years a lot has changed in Bucks County and in medicine. But some things remain constant, his commitment to his patients and his belief in St. Mary’s mission to provide quality care to all who need it. When Dr. Schwartz was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 he turned to St. Mary and the medical staff for his care. His doctor, Judith Gallagher-Braun, discovered the lump in his throat and referred him to Dr. Robert Reilly. An aggressive treatment plan of chemotherapy and radiation was prescribed, but doing his due diligence, Dr. Schwartz sought a second opinion at Fox Chase. The doctors there concurred with the treatment plan and told him to go back to St. Mary for his care. Dr. Schwartz turned to a team of experienced physicians, technicians and nurses at St. Mary for his eight week radiation therapy. St. Mary was and still is a leader in advanced cancer care. During his five months of recovery, Dr. Schwartz turned to his second profession and love — playing the violin — to find...
