This year was extra exciting as California’s District IX had 22 of 61 resolutions. Six of those were from chapter 2, of which one was in the top ten! And I was able to reunite with my residency program director, Michelle Barnes - Illinois Chapter president, and one of our interns during my chief year, Matt Magyar - DC’s Vice-president, as they are also serving in chapter leadership roles! 

This year's timing for this push couldn't be more perfect. Our board retreat this month will focus on strengthening our chapter, strengthening our collaboration with the other three California chapters, and outlining our goals for the next several years. 

Additionally, August is Civic Health Month, highlighting the connection between voting and health. Let's celebrate efforts to empower every voter to improve their community's health.

Increasing voter engagement expands representation in shaping health-related policies. Healthcare institutions and providers can significantly impact both community and individual health by encouraging voter registration and participation.

We should all vote in local, state, and national elections, and encourage the families we serve to do the same. This is essential for advancing legislation that prioritizes children. My AAP "VOTE KIDS" button serves as a daily reminder of our responsibility to put children first. As pediatricians, we excel at prevention and building strong individuals. Let's extend this approach to the ballot box. Please contact Tomas for AAP "VOTE KIDS" buttons. 

In terms of AAP presidential elections, voting will open on September 11. This year, members of the four California chapters will also have an opportunity to vote for our District Chair, a leadership position that guides our state in pediatric issues that affect us and our patients. The district chair is a one-term 4-year position. Please learn about the two phenomenal candidates running for this position: Dr. Eric Ball and Dr. Alice Kuo. Join us on September 9th for a town hall to meet them via Zoom. See more details below.

In the member spotlight we have Paula Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP, emergency medicine physician in Los Angeles and author of a 2024 top 10 resolution!

In the Trainees’ Corner, we have an article by UCLA pediatric resident Meredith A. Ware, DO, MS.

We are also continuing to showcase the research poster presenters of the 2024 Symposium.

I would like to welcome our new chapter members and encourage them to get involved by joining a chapter committee or reaching out to Tomas or myself to find where your passion - your voice - might best fit in Chapter 2. Information about our committees and other resources are available on our website, https://aapca2.org.

In addition, the Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP eligibility is within 10 years of residency/fellowship graduation) and Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT) are BOTH looking for Assistant District Representatives (ADRs) - both positions on their executive committees - and the CATCH program is looking for a resident liaison. Details below about all three positions. I started as a CATCH resident liaison and eventually became the SOECP ADR for District 9. 

Please spread the word!

Your support and engagement makes the work of this chapter possible.

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

Join us for the Popular Pediatric Clinical Topics 2024 conference, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. Brought to you by Stanford Medicine, this event is designed to provide pediatric healthcare professionals with the latest insights, advancements, and best practices.

Through expert-led sessions and engaging networking opportunities, participants will explore diverse and impactful pediatric clinical topics, including the latest guidelines on obesity, managing sleep in adolescents, and caring for LGBTQIA patients.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a budding professional, this conference offers a unique platform to enhance your clinical skills, stay updated on emerging trends, and elevate your practice. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the forefront of pediatric medicine while enjoying the beauty and serenity of Waikoloa Beach.

Register Here!

August is Breastfeeding Month

Denise M. Nunez, MD, MPH

AAP-CA2 Breastfeeding Champion

Nutrition is central to sustaining life and core to the development of a healthy human child.  As August is National Breastfeeding Month, it is an occasion to reflect on the marvel and power of nature and the profound bond between the parent-infant breastfeeding dyad.  As physicians, our role to support this dyad and the opportunities provided thereafter, are ones of great significance.  Our ability to assess and support successful breastfeeding has the potential to make a lifetime of difference for all individuals involved.  This year’s National Breastfeeding Month theme is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive”, which shines a light on why protecting, promoting and supporting lactation is so important in the human life cycle, as well as methods of creating a sustainable environment for families on this path. 

Please visit the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee for more information.   

Multiple strategies and assessments are available to us as physicians, which commonly include the evaluation of ankyloglossia/ “tongue tie”. The AAP's article of the month, Identification and Management of Ankyloglossia and Its Effect on Breastfeeding in Infants, reviews best practices and the latest guidelines from the AAP which continue to  advocate for a team based approach.  On behalf of your AAP chapter, I am pleased to wish you a Happy National Breastfeeding Month!  May we continue to support and celebrate parents on this journey, along with the families and teams that support them and the cherished infants who are at the center of this process.

Name: Paula Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP

Practice location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Number of years in practice:  20+ years

My name is Paula Whiteman. For background, I am board certified in Emergency Medicine with subspecialty certification in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. I am native to southern California, but did my Emergency Medicine residency and Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) fellowship at NYU/Bellevue Medical Center. I returned to Los Angeles and have been here ever since. I have been actively involved with the AAP for over 20 years, Read more...

The Member Spotlight is written to highlight our chapter membership. Chapter members can submit personal narratives about themselves with a focus on how they maintain their physician wellness in the face of everyday struggles and challenges. Authors may also choose to highlight a practice, volunteer activities, QI projects, etc. The purpose of the spotlight series is to encourage and foster unity and support within the chapter.

Please complete THIS FORM to be considered for a future Member Spotlight in the AAP-CA2 Newsletter!

The voting period for district chair is timed with the national AAP presidential elections, starting on September 11. Please save the date for a District IX Town Hall on Monday, September 9 at 6:30 pm to meet the candidates for the position of District Chair. A separate email will include the Zoom link. You will also get a separate email from National with a voting link when we get closer to that time.

Eric H. Ball, MD, FAAP - View Bio

Alice Kuo, MD, MBA, PhD, FAAP - View Bio

25 points of ABP MOC Part 4 credit

$750 at the end of the 4th cycle

• Baseline Data Collection (10 random charts)
• Three PDSA Cycles + Data Collection
• Monthly QI/data review calls

Please contact ucla.avc@mednet.ucla.edu or complete this Interest Form.



Proposition 35

Make permanent a tax on managed health care insurance plans. This initiative is sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The measure would hold Newsom to a promise to permanently secure that tax money for health care for low-income patients.

Read this article on the CalMatters website.

Access the full initiative here.

Executive directors from all AAP chapters met for three days in Itasca prior to the start of the Annual Leadership Conference. Topics included nonprofit management strategies from human resources to grants management. During this event, AAP-CA2 Executive Director Tomas Torices (Bottom center) received a recognition for 10 Years of Service. Also from District IX, AAP-CA3 Executive Director Meredith Kennedy (Top left) received a recognition for 20 Years of Service. Congratulations to Meredith and Tomas!

Chapter Presidents, Vice Presidents, Section Chairs and Executive Directors representing AAP District IX (California Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4) at the 2024 Annual Leadership Conference.

Leadership from all four Chapters in District IX joined hundreds of pediatricians from July 25 - 28th at AAP Headquarters in Itasca, IL for the Annual Leadership Conference. 193 eligible voting members voted on 61 resolutions and 54 were adopted. Congratulations to Dr. Paula Whiteman for the number 9 resolution (AAP Position on Banned Books), and to Dr. Ozlem Equils (Education to reduce cyberbullying) and Dr. Robert Vinetz (Medicare Advantage: Risky for Pediatricians and All Seniors) for their resolutions being adopted. Resolutions provide input from members to the Board of Directors on the direction of policies and activities.

Following discussion of the resolutions, 166 voters (86% response rate) ranked the top 10 resolutions they felt were of the utmost importance to AAP members. Read the AAP News article here

1. Supporting Providers in Areas Where EDI is Banned or in the Process of Being Banned 
2. Advocacy for Children and Adolescents Exposed to Military Conflict and Major Disaster Zones  
3. Formation of an AAP Innovation Center to Position the U.S. to Lead the Transformation of Pediatric Health Care 
4. Public-Health-Informed Firearm Injury Prevention Curriculum for High School Students 
5. Advocating for Child Safety Packaging and Labeling of Edible Cannabis Products 
6. Encouraging Mentorship of American Indian and Alaska Native First Nations, Inuit and Metis Trainees in Pediatrics 
7. Shortages of ADHD Medications 
8. Create a Task Force for Gender Equity Within the AAP 
9. The AAP Position on Banned Books 
10. Support Newborn and Other Health Care Provided by Rural Pediatricians 

Top 10 Resolutions from District IX

Five of the top 10 these year were authored or co-authored by District IX members. Congratulations!

(2) Res. #58: Advocacy for Children Exposed to Military Conflict (Lama Rimawi - Chapter 1)

(6) Resol. #46: Encouraging Mentorship of American Indian and Alaska Native Trainees in Pediatrics (Alec Calac, medical student - Chapter 3)

(7) Resol. #33: Shortage of ADHD Medications (John Takayama - Chapter 1)

(8) Resol. #53: Create a Task Force for Gender Equity within the AAP (Julie Kim - Chapter 1)

(9) Resol. #4: AAP Position on Banned Books (Paula Whiteman - Chapter 2)

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. 

Children are counting on us; vote like their future depends on it.

Candidates elected to positions up and down the ballot will shape policies that directly impact the health of young people, families and communities. Pediatricians can use their voices to elevate the importance of voting for elected leaders who put children first. 

The AAP is partnering with Vot-ER , a nonpartisan, health professional-driven organization working to integrate civic engagement into healthcare. Join the AAP’s nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaign and share with patients and families the importance of voting.

View key “Vote Kids” messages, social media samples and Graphics by visiting AAP’s Spread the Vote page. You may access additional resources on the Get Out the Vote Tools page.

At the recent 2024 AAP Leadership Conference held in Itasca, Illinois, the AAP awarded the Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP) the 2024 Section Recognition Award for Membership. Our District 9 Representatives, Drs. Christine Thang (AAP CA Chapter 2) and Bhavin Doshi (AAP CA Chapter 1), attended the conference, alongside our district and chapter leadership advocating for children's health and supporting pediatricians. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to Dr. Doshi for his service on the SOECP, with his term concluding this fall. Please reach out to our early career representatives if you are interested in getting more involved!

The Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP) is seeking six (6) members to join the SOECP Executive Committee. Nominations for the Assistant District Representatives (ADRs) leadership positions are now being accepted through August 31, 2024.

Please refer to the position description HERE for additional information and the AAP District Map for information on District territories.

LINK TO APPLY Deadline: August 31, 2024

The Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP) is seeking a candidate for 6 Assistant District Representatives (ADRs). Nominations for the ADR positions will be accepted through August 31, 2024. The appointed candidates will begin their term on November 1, 2024, and can serve up to 4 1-year terms. The Section EC and nominations committee will review all nominees and select candidates for appointment.

Term: One year, (November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025) with the option for re-appointment for additional year(s), allowing for a maximum tenure of 4 years in the role as ADR on the Executive Committee.

Time Commitment:

• Monthly 60-minute virtual meetings, on a weekday evening
• Quarterly review activities, averaging 2-4 hours independent work
• Monthly 30–60-minute virtual workgroup meetings
• Bi-annual 4–6-hour meetings (may be in-person, dependent on availability for travel, may be divided into several shorter meetings over several weeks if presented virtually)

Qualifications: Must be a member in good standing of National AAP and the SOECP for the full duration of service. ADR Position Description: For more details, click here. (SOECP membership and AAP login required).

Learn more & apply HERE!

August Social Pedia Newsletter

What's happening this month?

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Help us spread the word: children’s access to routine vaccination reduces the impact of health disparities and benefits their long-term wellness. Also includes updates on back to school, and the upcoming AAP National Conference.

Access all resources in This Month's Issue.

The Evolution of a Doctor:

From Medical Student to Intern

By Meredith A. Ware, DO, MS

“If you can picture yourself being happy doing literally anything other than medicine, you should do that.” This advice was one of many warnings I received about my desire to become a physician. Even though I listened to countless physicians' and family members’ words of wisdom about why I shouldn’t go into medicine, I always veered back to this career path. Read more ...

Implementing A Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum For Pediatric Resident Physicians

Danielle Hamilton, MD (LLU)

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is the utilization of ultrasound imaging at the patient’s bedside. POCUS has been shown to improve outcomes in both adult and pediatric populations, particularly in the critically ill. Emergency medicine residencies have largely pioneered ultrasound education over the past decade. Despite its far reaching benefits, POCUS has not been widely implemented in pediatrics. There is a need for an effective POCUS curriculum within pediatric residency programs. Read More!

Implementing Family-Centered, Strengths-Based Interventions: Lessons Learned From Adapting The Parent-Child Care Model For Families With High Caregiver Chronic Disease Burden

Samantha Zimmer, MS, BS (UCR)

The impact of a caregiver’s chronic illness burden on childhood psychosocial dysfunction (CPD) is not well understood. Data obtained by our research team using validated questionnaires found strong associations between high caregiver chronic illness burden, high perceived stress levels, and CPD.

Read More!

Danielle Hamilton, MD (LLU)

Samantha Zimmer, MS, BS (UCR)

We'll Come To Your School or Hospital

Dear Medical Schools and Pediatric Residency Programs in AAP California Chapter 2, 

Are you interested in learning more about local advocacy efforts? Do you want to hear more about getting involved in AAP California Chapter 2? If yes, then please consider inviting our chapter leadership to your local pediatric interest group meeting, pediatric residency noon conference, or any other gathering. Our chapter leadership wants to connect with the trainees in the area so reach out to chapter2@aapca2.org to schedule an event at your medical school / residency program!

Section on Pediatric Trainees 2024 Leadership Application

Leadership Council Position

As a training stage interest group of the AAP, the Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT) works to connect our members to varying opportunities within our section. The SOPT is currently seeking members to fill the role of Resident Assistant District Representative (ADR)

Open District IX Position

• Resident Assistant District Representatives (ADR) 

Term*: September 29, 2024 - September 27, 2025

*Term for all positions with the exception of the Clinical Case Abstract Program Co-Chair

Position Descriptions: Click here or links above

Do you know a resident who would be a great CATCH leader? CATCH is seeking applicants for District Resident CATCH Liaisons (up to 12 DRL positions) in all AAP Districts. 

"Interested in developing your skills as a leader and learning more about community pediatrics?" 

The AAP Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is seeking applications for the position of District Resident CATCH Liaison (DRL) in all AAP Districts. The term for this position is 2 years starting in October 2024. CATCH’s mission is to support pediatricians to collaborate within their communities to advance the health of all children. Our vision is that every child in every community reach optimal health and well-being. Learn more about the responsibilities and activities of the position. The deadline to apply online is August 31, 2024. Note: At the end of the online application, you must upload a current copy of your CV and a letter of support in PDF format. Questions regarding this position and how to apply can be directed to Maggie Kelly.

Cucamonga Pediatrics is a busy private practice serving low-income and under-served residents in the Inland Empire for 20 years. We aim to build an enjoyable workplace by valuing teamwork and work-life balance. We are looking for a candidate who has a passion to care for our patients and will treat all team members with respect and kindness. To help achieve work-life balance, this position may be part-time immediately or in the future.

If you enjoy community-based pediatrics and are seeking a long-term flexible position, please apply by sending a cover letter and CV to: admin@cucamongapediatrics.com.

• Full time salary: $225,000-260,000 (equivalent to ~$120-140 per hour)
• 22-28 patients a day; Light mommy calls
• 3 to 4.5 days a week
• 3 weeks of PTO annually plus holidays
• Retirement IRA, Medical and dental insurance
• AAP membership, CME stipend www.cucamongapediatrics.com
• Malpractice insurance, Medical license, DEA, board certification stipends

Empowering Parents Prepares Children for Back-to-School Success

By Delesa Barnes

Reach Out and Read Inland Empire Program Coordinator

Back-to-school season is here! Parents and children alike are preparing for the excitement and challenges of a new academic year. Reach Out and Read Inland Empire (ROR-IE) plays a vital role in ensuring that children are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the classroom. For parents involved in Reach Out and Read (ROR), this preparation starts well before the first day of school, with the simple yet powerful act of reading together. Read More!

August Update  

This month’s immunization newsletter includes August Immunization Campaigns: National Immunization Awareness Month, California HPV Vaccine Week, and Back to School resources. Please review these timely updates and scroll to the bottom for upcoming immunization webinars. 

View the full update, plus upcoming events, here.

Tanya Alam, MD - Los Angeles

Laurel Barrios, MD - Los Angeles

Andy Chan, MD, FAAP - Monterey Park

Megan Chang, MD, FAAP - West Hollywood

Judy Chen, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles

Michael Culbert, MD - Los Angeles

Konrad Feng, MD - Los Angeles

Danielle Granholm, DO - Los Angeles

Veronica Harrington, MD - West Hollywood

Isabel Haviland, MD - Los Angeles

Daniel Ichwan, MD - Pasadena

Spandana Induru, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles

Petrus Jansen Van Rensburg, MD - Los Angeles

Katherine Juskiewicz, MD - Los Angeles

Steffi Khurana, MBBS, FAAP - Upland

Stephanie Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP - Upland

Olivia Leventhal, MD - Los Angeles

Elizabeth Lewis, MD -  Los Angeles

Gene Liu, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles

Matthew Marcelino, MD - Los Angeles

Mary Masek, DO - Downey

Matthew Miller, MD - Los Angeles

Nare Minaeian, MD - Glendale

Kyle Mistretta, MD - Los Angeles

Juan Francisco Molina De La Garza, MD - Los Angeles

Melody Nazarbegian, MD - Los Angeles

Kyra Newmaster, MD - Los Angeles

Diana Nielsen, MD - Los Angeles

Rohini Nott, MD - Los Angeles

Stephan Ortiz, MD - Los Angeles

Mikaela Panza, DO - Los Angeles

Sophia Park, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles

Priynt Patel, MD - Los Angeles

Hannah Pavlov, MD - Los Angeles

Pauline Portes, MD - Los Angeles

Namita Raghavan, MD - Rancho Cucamonga

Teja Sebastian, MD -  Los Angeles

Puja Shah, MD - Los Angeles

Julia Su, MD - Los Angeles

Max Sutherland, MD - Los Angeles

Diana Tang - Los Angeles

Madeline Tomlinson, MD - Los Angeles

Sophia Trinh, MD - Long Beach

Hao Wang, MD, MS - Los Angeles

Cal-MAP’s team of mental health specialists supports primary care providers (PCPs) treating youth with mental health needs through education, consultation, and resource navigation. This includes advice on screening, diagnosis, and treatment from a child psychiatrist and guidance on resources and referrals from a social worker.

Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org

Cal-MAP Resources:

PCP Resources

Family Resources

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org

Gasol Foundation (founded by NBA Champions Pau and Marc Gasol) is a nonprofit that works through programming, research, advocacy, and awareness to promote children’s wellness, with a focus on eliminating childhood obesity.



Every Gasol Foundation program incorporates physical activity and sports, healthy eating, sleep, and emotional well-being to improve the health of our children and their overall development. 

The Galactic Sports program consists of basic sports skills and wellness lessons for children ages 6-12. The program takes children through 10 weekly one-hour lessons in a sport (basketball, track and field, or soccer) while also engaging them on the importance of healthy habits.

LEARN MORE: https://gasolfoundation.org/galactic-sports/

Upcoming Events

Save The Date!

September 9 at 6:30 pm - District IX Town Hall

Meet the candidates for the position of District Chair. A separate email will include the Zoom link. You will also get a separate email from National with a voting link when we get closer to that time.

Eric H. Ball, MD, FAAP - View Bio

Alice Kuo, MD, MBA, PhD, FAAP - View Bio

Make sure you mark your calendars for next year’s

36th Annual Advances in Pediatrics Symposium!

May 17, 2025

Please visit our website: aapca2.org

Past issues of Peds@CA2 eNews: https://aapca2.org/publications/

Thank you to the 1,370 who follow us on X! @AAPCA2 and Instagram