Duke Health has launched its first Adult Spina Bifida Clinic at Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital, expanding access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care for adult patients. Established in March 2025, the clinic is led by an interdisciplinary team of Duke physicians, including Dr. Alexa Bramall, assistant professor of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Pathology; Dr. Joan Jasien, associate professor of Pediatrics; Dr. Ankit Patel, a physiatrist and assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; and Dr. John S. Weiner, a professor of Urology and Pediatrics. They bring expertise from Orthopaedics, Physiatry, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Urology, and Neurosurgery—collaborating with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nutrition—to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. This collaborative effort addresses a longstanding gap in medical services for adults living with spina bifida—a condition traditionally managed within pediatric medicine.
For decades, Duke has operated a robust pediatric spina bifida clinic. But thanks to advances in medicine, many patients with conditions once considered fatal in childhood are now thriving into adulthood. This shift has created a new challenge: ensuring these adults receive coordinated, comprehensive care beyond age 18.
“Pediatric patients often benefit from a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach,” said Dr. Patel. “But as they transition into adulthood, that same level of care often disappears. Our goal is to change that.”
The new clinic is part of a larger initiative at Duke to support adults with complex childhood-onset conditions. It follows the successful launch of the Adult Cerebral Palsy and Related Conditions Clinic in 2024. Currently operating as a half-day clinic every two months, the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic is already making a positive impact.
In a recent CBS17 interview, Donna Jones shared her inspiring journey—from being told she wouldn’t survive infancy to now preparing to receive care at the new adult clinic. 'This will not just be life-changing,' she said. 'This will be lifesaving.'
Dr. Patel aims to expand the clinic’s reach with more space, providers, and equipment, while also integrating research and academic training. “We hope to become a national leader in transitional and adult spina bifida care—from a research, teaching, and clinical perspective.”
As Duke continues to innovate in care delivery, the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic exemplifies holistic, integrated healthcare—where patients are supported not just to survive, but to thrive.