Medical Treatment of PKU
	PKU is a chronic illness that requires ongoing management and support of medical staff. Once diagnosed (usually within 7 - 10 days of birth), a newborn is referred to a PKU specialist. In Minnesota, PKU patients are referred to the University of Minnesota PKU Clinic. The children are placed on a highly restricted and carefully monitored diet. Treatment also includes routine exams to track growth and overall health; regular developmental assessments performed by licensed psychologists and monthly blood tests/evaluations. The individual health plan is adjusted as necessary throughout the life of the PKU patient. Aside from medical treatment, there are many social services that make management of PKU more successful. It was the demand for this level of support that established a clear need for the PKU Foundation.
	Meet the Staff
	Chester B. Whitley, PhD., MD Physician Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Human Genetics University of Minnesota MMC 46 420 Delaware SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 U of MN Gene Therapy Website (612) 624-5610
	Robert O. Fisch, M.D. Physician (612) 624-7627
	Mary Johnson, R.N. Nurse Clinician Division of Genetics and Metabolism Office: (612) 624-8482 Fax: (612) 624-2682
	Dorothy Markowitz, R.D. Registered Dietician Office: (612) 273-5508 Fax: (612) 273-5059
	Mary Ahrens, M.S. Genetic Counselor (612) 625-2134
	How To Contact Us
	You can reach us by phone at (612) 624-8482