Global Patient Services
An Upstart on the Global Stage.
A Consistent Leader in the U.S.
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Welcome to Nationwide Children's
See why patients and families from around the world turn to us for help.
Global Patient Services
Recognized among the top 10 best children’s hospitals in the United States, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a leader and a global destination for pediatric health care. Providing care for hundreds of international families each year, our fully dedicated leadership, physicians and staff are ready and equipped to support the unique needs of our international patients who travel from far distances to receive our innovative medical care and treatment.
With our one team approach, we can help navigate all aspects of your care. It takes a village to make healing happen. We recognize the challenges associated with traveling internationally for care, and the team in Global Patient Services is designed to support our patients and families as they evaluate, prepare and navigate treatment decisions here at Nationwide Children's.
To ensure accommodations are seamless and appropriate, we account for all aspects including coordination of appointments and care, financial resources and any individual needs of our patients and families. From arrival to a safe transition back home, our goal is to offer quality care and support that fulfills each family’s unique needs.
International Medical Inquiries
For international medical inquiries, please contact Global Patient Services directly at GlobalPatientServices@NationwideChildrens.org
A Global Destination for Complex and Rare Conditions
Nationwide Children’s is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children not only in Columbus, Ohio, but across the country and around the world. In our pursuit of the advancement of pediatric outcomes globally, Nationwide Children's has played an instrumental part in reimagining the traditional role of a children’s hospital in impacting child health beyond its campus. We serve over 1.9 million patients from around the world each year, and we bring together a diverse team of talented people to keep advancing pediatric health care.
Nationwide Children's is passionate about making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. People come to Nationwide Children's for many reasons.
- World-class medical staff and many medical specialties available on one campus.
- Treating patients from all 50 states and 49 counties
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital ranks among the Top 10 National Institutes of Health Funded freestanding pediatric research facilities in the United States
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Recognized Among Best of the Best
Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll for the 11th consecutive year. The Honor Roll is a top distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide. Nationwide Children’s has been named by U.S. News as tied for the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Ohio and the Midwest and is ranked among the nation’s best in all 11 specialties, with seven ranked in the top 10.
Learn more about our rankings
One of the Largest Pediatric Hospitals in the United States
With more than 1.9 million patient visits each year, Nationwide Children's is America's third largest pediatric hospital. Families travel from around the nation and around the globe to access life-saving treatments – many unavailable anywhere else. We are 80 facilities extending out across Ohio and beyond. Here, we have the pediatric expertise every child needs.
Five-Time Magnet Designation for Nursing Excellence
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® - which recognizes health care organizations worldwide for their commitment to nursing excellence and innovation - has awarded Nationwide Children’s Hospital its fifth consecutive Magnet Designation. There are just over 600 Magnet designated hospitals in the world, with less than 1% having achieved this honor five or more times.
What to Expect
Looking at medical treatment options or second opinions for your child can be challenging, especially if you are considering options in another country. We understand. We can't make it stress-free. But we can make it a little easier. Before you leave home, our team works with you to understand about your family's needs and what services we can offer at Nationwide Children's. Your family is our priority. We want to make sure you feel confident and prepared for the treatment plan that is right for you. You will work directly with the same team member from start to finish: from the minute you connect with our office until you arrive back home. Questions or concerns? We're here for you at every step.
Pre-Arrival/Planning
Gather all medical information. You will need this information before completing the medical inquiry form.
- U.S. families should fill out the medical inquiry form/
- For international medical inquiries, please contact Global Patient Services directly at GlobalPatientServices@NationwideChildrens.org.
The team will review your request. A care coordinator will reach out with a proposed treatment plan and cost estimates. This care coordinator will serve as your contact throughout your entire experience with Nationwide Children's. Once the intake and financial process has been completed, your care coordinator will help prepare for travel and onsite arrangements.
Onsite at Nationwide Children's
The Global Patient Services team will ensure your child's appointments are as seamless as your travel and stay in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide Children's is a global destination for pediatric care. While your child's medical team takes care of your child, Global Patient Services' comprehensive approach to case management serves as your trusted navigator throughout your time in the hospital network. From the time you leave your home country until the time you get back home, your care coordinator will be with you every step of the way.
Follow-up Until Return Home
When your family's time at Nationwide Children's has concluded, Global Patient Services will continue follow-up for 90 days past your return home date.
Global Patient Services Team
Nadeem Khan, MD
Medical Director, Global Patient Services
Aarti Chandawarkar, MD
Associate Medical Director, Global Patient Services
Hillary Donkin
Director of Global Patient Services
Ashley Henney
Operations Manager, Global Patient Services
Amy Koruna, MSN, RN
Global Patient Services Nurse Clinician
Meghan Keller, RN
Global Patient Services Nurse Clinician
Mohammed Jabari
Embassy Coordinator
E Landusky
Patient Experience Coordinator
Resources for Families
Preparing for Your Stay
Hotel Accommodations – Nationwide Children's Hospital has a relationship with many area lodging options and may be able to get you a reduced rate. You must book through Nationwide Children's to receive the discounted rate.
Life in Columbus – Vibrant neighborhoods. Unlimited arts and entertainment. Learn why Columbus, Ohio is a great place to live, work and play.
Ronald McDonald House – Families who are interested in staying at the Ronald McDonald House should work directly with their clinical team for help in placing the request.
Transportation Partners – The team will work with you to find the best transportation and ride sharing options to meet your needs. If you need a car seat during your stay, contact your patient experience coordinator.
Inside Nationwide Children's
Hospital Map and Wayfinding – There is a path-based wayfinding system for the entire main campus. The wayfinding system includes a simplified path map, colored path flooring stripes and simple, three-part directions.
Animal Therapy – The Butterfly Paws program is dedicated to bringing comfort, joy and therapeutic support interventions to patients, families and staff. This is achieved through the power of specially-trained facility and therapy dogs.
Art Therapy – Art therapy helps patients and their families cope with hospitalization and provides support throughout the treatment journey.
Butterfly Wagons – Our unique butterfly wagons are available for families to use at no cost. They are parked at all entrances.
Computer/Internet Access – At Nationwide Children's we provide free guest wireless Internet access. You are welcome to surf the web according to the terms of our user agreement. You can also access computers and internet at the Family Resource Center. Learn more about our guest internet access.
Dining Options – Your child and family deserve meals that are nutritious and appealing, and that's what we provide at Nationwide Children's. We offer several options, including hotel-style room service, a cafeteria, food court, two coffee shops and other choices. Nationwide Children's also offers a Kosher kitchen for families. This space is located near the main cafeteria. Contact your patient experience coordinator for information and access instructions. Vending areas are available 24 hours a day and offer drinks and food. Vending locations include:
- First floor of the Outpatient Care Center near one of the ATM machines (behind Clementine’s Coffee) Tower 2 Lobby
For questions about dining options, call Nutrition Services 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (614) 722-1517 or (614) 722-1521.
Gift Shop – There are two gift shops in the main hospital. Both offer health and beauty items, snack foods, drinks, balloons, plush animals and postage stamps. The main gift shop offers gift items, logo merchandise, toys and arts & crafts. This is a favorite spot for many of our patients and families to find something to remember their time at Nationwide Children's, from animal friends and Nationwide Children's merchandise to items for use on your trip home.
Language/Interpreter Services – To help effectively communicate with care providers, all patients/families are offered and provided access to language services for essential health-related communications at no cost. Languages services are provided through a combination of staff interpreters, contractors, and video and telephone services.
Library Services and Columbus Metropolitan Library – Find magazines and newspapers at the library located on the second floor of the education building at Nationwide Children's. Books are available in the Family Resource Center. The Columbus Metropolitan Library is just blocks away from the hospital.
Local Banking Options – There are onsite ATMs as well as other local banks with convenient access nearby the hospital.
Music Therapy – Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music-based interventions are used to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages and levels of functioning. Music therapists serve all inpatient areas as well as some outpatient areas.
Spiritual Care – Chaplains in the Department of Spiritual Care provide emotional and spiritual support for patients, families and staff. Support is given to those of all faiths and cultures.
Resources for Professionals
Services Available
Clinical Research at Nationwide Children's
Currently, Nationwide Children’s is actively involved in more than 1000 clinical research projects, ranging from small studies that are designed to simply collect information about a disease, to those that investigate the potential new treatments or procedures that are at the forefront of clinical innovation.
