VirtualMedicalPractice,LLC
expanding genetic horizons...

Today, the number of diseases in humans known to be attributable to inherited inborn errors of metabolism exceeds 500. While individually rare, collectively these disorders account for a significant proportion of illness particularly in children. A recent study in a major US pediatric hospital found that an underlying disorder with a significant genetic component was found in 71% of admitted children. The vast majority (96%) of underlying chronic disorders in children in this study were either clearly genetic or had a genetic susceptibility. Over recent years, their contribution to disease in adults is becoming better characterized and understood thanks to advances in diagnostic technology, in particular molecular genetics (DNA testing). As a group, inborn errors of metabolism present clinically with a vast array of problems, can affect any organ system of the body and can present at virtually any age. Accurate diagnosis is important for both treatment and prognostic information for the affected individual but also for the prevention of disease in other family members.

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Advocacy & Care Assistance

This area has various links to groups and we believe that good medicine does not end with the consult. Patient Advocacy services assist patients and families to access necessary care and resources to improve their quality of life - click here for more information.

A mother's moving letter describing a visit for her and her daughter with the services that Care Assistance brings – access, disability letter, specialized and individualized protocol letters, lining up various services, contact with her PCP, and referral for wheelchair – click here for the full letter.

Articles, Publications, Brochures & Media

News and scientific papers containing Dr Fran Dougherty Kendall or Virtual Medical Practice plus VMP brochures and flyers - click here

Many recent studies have linked Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to poor mitochondrial functioning. Understanding these disorders, their symptoms and evaluation may help ASD families determine if further testing is important for their child - click here.

Helpful information if someone is suggesting a muscle biopsy. For many years, muscle biopsy has been considered the "best" way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of mitochondrial disease but much is changing.  Muscle biopsy is costly, it is invasive, and is occasionally controversial with results that can be difficult for patients and families to understand. VMP believes in empowering our patients so they can make informed decisions - click here for more information.

• Click here for Dr Kendall's in depth presentation and discussion to MitoAction on muscle biopsies.
  
• Clink here for a pdf of our 15 pg FAQ report on muscle biopsies full of information to be aware of and questions you can ask the provider before a muscle biopsy.

The information contained in this PDF is not meant to be comprehensive and definitive in all circumstances but merely to offer guidelines and assistance to physicians and health care providers in their evaluation of and approach to patients with possible genetic and metabolic disorders. Further assistance should be sought by contacting a qualified genetic metabolic specialist. Click here for download.

Answers to common questions regarding our practice, genetics, and genetic testing.

Important information to be aware of when mito families are directly contacted by a lab regarding having their child(ren) undergo repeat spinal taps.

Lectures and Presentations

Hear & see Dr Kendall's presentations to various audiences and on various subjects: Do you have Mito?, Mito and Autism, Our Bodies' Powerplants, Dosing Debate of CoQ10 and Creatine in Mito Disorders. Click here for Lecture & Presenation page.

www.umdf.org
To promote research for the cure and treatment, and to provide support to families.

Northside Hospital Specimen Collection Locations
Locations throughout the Atlanta area.

LabCorp Specimen Collection Locations
1600 locations nationwide

There is no one size fits all as all individuals tolerate and absorb supplements and medicines are different rates. The attached pdf talks about and provides tips on gaining insurance coverage for the Mito Cocktail and other supplements. Click here for the pdf.

see section above under Biopsy for information.

Poem created by Dr Kendall in memory of one of her little angels that taught her to understand that the most brilliant comets often streak the sky only briefly - click here for a pdf of the poem

Current and past versions of VirtualNews covering various topics of interest to patients, parents, and professionals - click here for Newsletter page

Whom better to have than our patients share their perspectives on our services. Click here for testimonial page.

Helpful info if you are traveling to our clinic - click here for pdf