Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification

Dr. Morris Kharasch is the president of professional staff with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois. Possessing more than 25 years of experience in the field, Dr. Morris Kharasch is also a celebrated teacher and director of special programs at NorthShore’s Division of Emergency Medicine.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is among the many certification courses Dr. Kharasch has taught through NorthShore’s Medical Simulation Program. The PALS training program is designed to provide vital skills to health-care professionals ranging from pediatricians to nurses to paramedics--anyone who may come into contact with a child in need of emergency care.

Medical personnel trained in PALS recognize the signs of a child who may be at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, can help prevent it from occurring, and are able to revive and stabilize children who are experiencing respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

A classroom-based program, PALS training encourages group work, and direct interaction and feedback from the instructor. An individual seeking first-time certification is enrolled in a two-day provider course. A professional who is already certified will take a single-day refresher course to renew certification.                            

National Alliance for Mental Illness Hosts National Convention

A former professor at Northwestern University, Dr. Morris Kharasch serves as president of the professional staff at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois. To help him stay informed about changes in the medical industry, Dr. Morris Kharasch maintains membership with the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

As the largest mental health organization in the country, the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) seeks to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. Begun in 1979, the NAMI educates the public and advocates for people with mental illness at various events and activities.

Each year, the NAMI hosts a convention for members to gather and share ideas. The 2016 event, scheduled for July 6 through 9 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Colorado, has a theme of “Act. Advocate. Achieve.” This conference features the latest research as well as clinicians offering information and tools to advance recovery from mental illness, policy makers presenting strategies and tactics for improving the nation’s mental health system, and people living with mental illness and their families sharing their own perspectives.

Attendees can also partake in networking opportunities to learn how to improve the lives of those living with mental illness and how it affects their families. Continuing education credits are also available for nurses, licensed counselors, and social workers.