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Get to Know Our Staff: Dominic Chittilappilly, Shared Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Dominic Chittilappilly, Shared Services

by | Nov 11, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am an application coordinator on the IT Empower team. I mainly work in Epic and write the structured query language (SQL) reports for the Research team.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I contribute to the mission of Scottish Rite by supporting the applications that help deliver world-class pediatric care. I feel proud knowing my work plays a part in helping the Research team develop innovative solutions, which improves the lives of children and their families.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special because every person here is united by the mission. No matter your role, you know your work is making a difference in a child’s life.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I chose health care because it is meaningful to know that even though I don’t work in the clinic, the systems I support will help clinicians and researchers provide the best care possible for children and their families.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to bridge the gap between technology and health care by creating reports in Epic to support research. It is rewarding to assist researchers and clinicians by gathering data more efficiently and in the form of a report, which ultimately contributes to advancing patient care.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to watch action and thriller movies in my free time. I also love listening to various types of music.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I like to sing songs in my native Indian language, Malayalam.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am from South India. I came to Texas in 2001 to live here with my family.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I want to travel to Greece to see the wonderful architecture and stunning natural beauty.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would love to eat homemade Indian foods for the rest of my life. It reminds me of my home back in India.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I highly recommend everyone to watch all the movies from the “Mission Impossible” series at least once in their lifetime.

What is the first concert you attended?
My daughter took my wife and I to see Twice, a K-pop girl group, as my first ever concert.

What Is your favorite DFW hidden gem?
I like to walk and shop around Legacy West in Plano. There are many restaurants to eat at.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Harrison Ford or Matt Damon. They are some of my favorite actors.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Your past failures do not determine your success in the future.

Kyler Finds Her Own Rhythm With Cerebral Palsy

Kyler Finds Her Own Rhythm With Cerebral Palsy

by | Nov 10, 2025 | Neurology

As a member of her school’s drill team, Kyler has an unmatched love for dance that shines. Before she could learn her first routine, the 12-year-old had to overcome challenges that made moving around difficult.

When Kyler took her first steps as a toddler, her parents noticed her walking pattern, or gait, was unusual. It prompted her family to search for answers in their area. Eventually, Kyler underwent surgery to help improve her gait and release muscle tension. The issue returned when Kyler turned 6 due to a large growth spurt. To find answers, Kyler’s pediatrician referred her to Scottish Rite for Children.

“When we came to Scottish Rite for the first time, I remember thinking, ‘Oh my, this is different,’” says Chelsea, Kyler’s mother. “I can’t help but think of how blessed we are to be able to come to a place like this.”

Initially, Kyler saw a range of pediatric orthopedic experts to address her gait. She and her family met with Scottish Rite’s Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine team for further testing. Kyler was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), which is one of the most common childhood disorders that affects muscles and movement. Kyler’s form of CP causes weakness in her muscles on the right side of her body, known as right hemiparesis, which affected her gait.

“Honestly, we rely on our team at Scottish Rite in regard to Kyler’s CP and how to manage it,” Chelsea says. “They are always here for Kyler. If there is something going on, I know I can call our team at any time about anything.”

At the forefront of Kyler’s care team is pediatric physical medicine & rehabilitation physician Fabiola I. Reyes, M.D. Dr. Reyes monitors Kyler’s condition for muscle tightness and administers injections to relax Kyler’s muscles and relieve pain. Additionally, Kyler wears a custom foot orthosis on her right foot that helps her alignment and stability when walking.

“Kyler enjoys getting to visit with her CP team,” Chelsea says. “They have all gotten to know her so well and value her input on her treatment.”

Under Dr. Reyes’ care, Kyler’s range of motion and alignment when walking has improved. Now, Kyler can focus on what she loves most — dancing, shopping and spending time with her friends and family.

“Yes, CP is a lifelong condition, but at Scottish Rite, your team is there for you through it all,” Chelsea says. “With the right guidance and plan of care, the pressure and uncertainty you feel as a family can be lifted at Scottish Rite. The staff is truly exceptional, phenomenal and one-of-a-kind!”

Do you have a story? We want to hear it! Share your story with us.

Scottish Rite for Children Physicians Earn Top National Research Honors

Scottish Rite for Children Physicians Earn Top National Research Honors

by | Nov 5, 2025 | Research & Innovation

Scottish Rite for Children is proud to announce that our physicians have received three of the most prestigious awards in pediatric orthopedic research in 2025 — the POSNA Best Clinical Research Paper Award, the SRS Hibbs Award and the PRiSM Hank Chambers Award for Best Scientific Presentation. Earning all three in the same year is a rare and extraordinary recognition of the impact our doctors are making on children’s health. 

These awards are significant because they highlight research that transforms the way children are cared for. They recognize studies that provide new evidence, guide treatment decisions and directly improve outcomes for patients and families. By earning top honors at the most respected academic meetings in our field, Scottish Rite physicians are advancing knowledge that directly translates into better outcomes for patients. 

POSNA Best Clinical Research Paper Award — Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., and David A. Podeszwa, M.D. 

This honor was awarded by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) to a study led by chief of staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., and pediatric orthopedic surgeon and clinical director of the Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction David A. Podeszwa, M.D. Their research, Open vs Closed Treatment for Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Outcome and Complications, compared two surgical approaches for treating this serious hip condition. The study found that the open surgical approach resulted in better outcomes and fewer reoperations compared to the closed approach, while the risk of avascular necrosis remained low in both groups. For families, this means children facing SCFE have a better chance of preserving hip function, avoiding additional surgeries and enjoying a higher quality of life. 

SRS Hibbs Award — Amy L. McIntosh, M.D., Karina Zapata, Ph.D., and Charles E. Johnston, M.D. 

This honor was awarded by the Scoliosis Research Society to a study led by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Amy L. McIntosh, M.D., senior scientist Karina Zapata, Ph.D., and assistant chief of staff emeritus Charles E. Johnston, M.D. Their research, Wait to Operate: Surgery Demonstrated No Pulmonary Benefit Compared to Non-Operative Treatment in EOS Patients, reviewed nearly 20 years of data and found that pulmonary function declined at similar rates whether patients had surgery or were treated non-operatively. For families, this helps set realistic expectations and supports individualized care planning, ensuring treatment decisions balance risks and benefits for each child. 

PRiSM Hank Chambers: Best Scientific Presentation — ROCK Study Group, Henry B. Ellis, M.D. 

The Hank Chambers Award for Best Scientific Presentation at the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Annual Meeting was presented to the Research in Osteochondritis of the Knee (ROCK) Group, represented by pediatric orthopedic surgeon, medical director of clinical research and program director for the Orthopedic Sports Fellowship Henry B. Ellis, M.D., for their study The Role of Unloader Bracing in Non-Operative Treatment of Stable Medial Femoral Condyle Osteochondritis Dissecans: An Analysis of the ROCK Study Cohort. The ROCK Group is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in osteochondritis dissecans.

Ellis and assistant chief of staff and director of the Center for Excellence in Sports Medicine Philip L. Wilson, M.D., are primary contributors to the group, with Ellis set to become its president this winter. The study found that the use of valgus unloader bracing did not improve healing or patient-reported outcomes compared to other non-operative treatments. For families, this provides clearer guidance on when bracing may or may not help, ensuring treatment plans are evidence-based and tailored to each child. 

Advancing Research, Improving Care 

Winning these awards in the same year underscores Scottish Rite’s role as a national and global leader in pediatric orthopedics. Our research is not only shaping the field but also helping children and families receive the very best care here in Dallas and around the world. 

Fueled by Hope: How Andrew Returned to the Game After Perthes

Fueled by Hope: How Andrew Returned to the Game After Perthes

by | Nov 4, 2025 | Hip Disorders

Previously published in Rite Up, 2025 – Issue 3

The hope of winning is what fuels 10-year-old Andrew, a passionate multisport athlete of Redmond, Oregon. He always plays with a heart full of ambition, unaware that this same spirit would be a guiding force throughout his treatment process.

In second grade, Andrew developed pain in his knee and began to limp. A local provider diagnosed him with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, or Perthes disease, a rare childhood hip disorder. The condition affected the ball of Andrew’s right hip joint. The blood supply to the ball of his hip joint was disrupted, which caused his bone to die in a process known as osteonecrosis.

“We were devastated,” says Megan, Andrew’s mother. “I watched Andrew’s heart break right in front of me, especially when we learned he couldn’t play sports for a while. I didn’t know how we would get through this.”

Initially, Andrew underwent surgery and wore a cast, but his condition did not improve. Megan searched for other treatment options and discovered Harry Kim M.D., M.S., a world-renowned expert in Perthes disease and director of the Center for Excellence in Hip at Scottish Rite for Children.

After a flight from Oregon to Dallas, Andrew’s family found solutions to their son’s condition at Scottish Rite. Andrew underwent a perfusion MRI that revealed he had only 30% to 40% of blood flow to the ball of his hip joint. Dr. Kim performed surgery on Andrew’s thigh bone and repositioned the ball of his femur into the hip socket. Then, he installed metal plates and screws to stabilize the hip and promote blood flow.

“In older patients like Andrew, surgery reduces the chance of needing additional surgeries later on,” Dr. Kim says. “Some people assume Perthes disease negatively affects children’s lives. However, families should always stay hopeful. With the right treatment, we can help children return to the activities they love.”

After a year of healing, Dr. Kim cleared Andrew to walk, run and play again. Andrew made a grand return to his Little League team and continues his path of becoming a sports legend, thanks to the hope his care team and family kept throughout his care.

“Dr. Kim is not just knowledgeable about Perthes disease, but he also understands the mental toll it takes on kids and their families,” Megan says. “You can feel Dr. Kim’s passion. It’s not just his job — it’s his calling. Thanks to Scottish Rite, I finally can relax because I know Andrew is in the best hands.”

WFAA: Scottish Rite’s Luke Waites Center Drives Dyslexia Research and Education

WFAA: Scottish Rite’s Luke Waites Center Drives Dyslexia Research and Education

by | Nov 3, 2025 | Dyslexia & Learning Disorders, Press Coverage

WFAA recently featured the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children in honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month.

For more than 60 years, the Center has transformed the lives of children with dyslexia through innovative, research-based programs like the Dyslexia Laboratory School and the Take Flight curriculum.

Developed and piloted at Scottish Rite, these programs provide individualized instruction that builds reading skills, confidence, and independence. Now implemented in districts like Fort Worth ISD, their impact continues to grow.

Watch the full story on WFAA here.