Shriners Children’s Northern California Unveils Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Hospital Tour: Preview of Imperial Session 2024 Experience

Shriners International will hold its Imperial Session 2024, convening this summer in Reno, Nevada, not far from Shriners Children’s Northern California in Sacramento, California.

Eager to share how investments in the Shriners Children’s health system advance world-class patient care and groundbreaking medical research, Shriners Children’s Northern California has created a behind-the-scenes, hands-on experience for Imperial Session attendees who tour the hospital.

An Unprecedented Opportunity

“This is a not-to-be-missed event!” said Shriners Children’s Northern California Board Chairman Michael Cornell. “This is an unprecedented opportunity to experience how our hospital's innovative treatments and compassionate approach to care is saving kids and supporting them from around the world.”

“This is not just a regular hospital tour; it is the experience of a lifetime! I learned so much about medical innovations pioneered by our doctors and saw how our medical teams are advancing research and treatments that save and change lives,” Cornell continued. “It made me so proud of our fraternity and our commitment to kids.”

A run-through of the Imperial Session immersive experience was held May 4 with more than 300 Shriners from across California and Nevada, participating in a day of exciting activities at the hospital.

Up Close in the Operating Room

The day began with a warm welcome as guests arrived at Shriners Children’s Northern California, eager to embark on a journey through the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Led by knowledgeable tour guides, Shriners and their families experienced a comprehensive exploration of the hospital, gaining insights into the specialized pediatric care programs and groundbreaking treatments.

The hospital tours highlighted Shriners Children’s Northern California’s wide range of specialties, including burns, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spine and scoliosis care, colorectal and gastrointestinal conditions, and the hospital’s growing inpatient rehabilitation program.

At each stop, guests heard from members of Shriners Children’s Northern California medical team – many of them internationally and nationally renowned medical leaders – who provided an overview of the highly specialized care the hospital provides, and the groundbreaking research conducted to advance treatment for children with complex medical conditions.

"Our service line presentations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work being done at Shriners Children’s Northern California. It’s very rare that we can bring visitors into an operating room or allow them to hold the tools we use to do very complex surgeries. My colleagues and I are honored to share what we do with Shriners. We know we could not do this life-changing work without Shriners support,” said Chief of Orthopedics Rolando Roberto, M.D. “It is an honor to share our passion and expertise with the Shriners community in this immersive way.”

"I didn’t even know our hospital is home to the only comprehensive pediatric colorectal and gastrointestinal program in the Shriners Children’s health system, and that we have the only program of its kind in the state of California,” said Michael J. Fox, Marketing and Communications Committee Chairman and member of the Shriners Children’s Northern California Board of Governors. “With Shriners International’s investments and the brilliance, dedication and hard work of our hospital leaders, we are pioneering innovative ways to help all kids live full and independent lives.”

Interactive Outdoor Expo

After the informative hospital tours, guests and attendees were welcomed to the interactive and hands-on tent outside where they could engage in a diverse array of immersive experiences, including:

• The Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute booth featuring presentations on burn research and outreach, complete with show-and-tell sessions and insights from Patient Ambassadors.
• At Inpatient Rehabilitation, guests experienced brain injury simulation, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of pediatric brain injuries.
• Pediatric Orthopedic and Prosthetic Services showcased visuals of various orthotic and prosthetic devices, providing a glimpse into the innovative solutions offered by Shriners Children’s.
• The hand and upper extremity booth offered interactive experiences such as Camp Winning Hands and a Mock Camp Experience, alongside demonstrations of 3D hand models and displays of orthotic devices.
• Visitors to the spina bifida booth had the opportunity to interact with bulldogs diagnosed with spina bifida and learn about the CuRe Trial, highlighting advancements in the treatment of this condition.
• At the cerebral palsy station, Assistant Chief of Orthopedics Vedant Kulkarni, M.D., led a demonstration showcasing innovative technology used to develop the HipScreen app.
• The anesthesia booth featured displays of a fiber scope and intubation, offering insights into pediatric anesthesia practices.
• Colorectal and gastrointestinal care included discussions on program offerings and collaborations with the Tissue Regeneration and Coagulation Laboratory.
• Patient Ambassadors were at each station to share their stories of injury and recovery.

As guests explored the immersive booths and engaged with staff, they gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable care provided at Shriners Children’s. From groundbreaking research to specialized treatments, Shriners Children’s Northern California continues to lead the way in pediatric healthcare, serving as a beacon of hope and healing for children and families in need.

"The hospital presentations, the outside hands-on activities and then visiting with our patients made this an absolutely moving, emotional and rewarding experience,” said Vice Chairman of Shriners Children’s Northern California Board of Governors Dave Kubel.

Seize the Opportunity

For Nobles and Ladies attending Imperial Session 2024, there is still an opportunity to register for this incredible immersive experience at Shriners Children’s Northern California.

Don’t miss the chance to meet Shriners Children’s Northern California's world renowned physicians, learn about our pioneering research, and talk with those whose lives we have changed.

"Because of Shriners, our hospital provides exceptional care and support to every child who walks through our doors. It is a privilege to share our passion and expertise in this unique way with the Shrines community,” said Kenny Pawlek, administrator, Shriners Children’s Northern California.

Go to imperialsession.com to secure your place as part of this extraordinary opportunity to see how Shriners Children’s Northern California fulfills Shriners’ mission to help children with the most complicated and complex medical conditions pursue their goals and reach their full potential.