I appreciated the opportunity to hear from so many of our members about what they love about practicing in the region, as well as the challenges they are facing. The chapter is planning upcoming events this spring in San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties. If you live in those areas, please look out for those announcements. We hope you will join us!

At the state level, the four California chapters continue to collaborate on advocacy through the AAP California State Government Affairs Committee. Our SGA representatives, Drs. Susan Wu and Marti Baum, represent the chapter’s priorities in that forum. The ongoing mental health crisis continues to demand attention; one of our highest priority bills proposes protections for children from addictive algorithms and intrusive notifications on social media. Another priority bill would increase availability and coverage for human milk for newborns. As always, we would love to hear from our members about issues that are important to you. If you would like to play a more active role in the chapter’s advocacy activities, please consider joining our Advocacy Committee, headed by Dr. Kimberly Petko (who also serves as chapter Secretary).

As reported in AAP News on March 20, national AAP is taking the lead in responding to the payment crisis prompted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. This is particularly affecting primary care private practices. National AAP is advocating for temporary funding assistance from insurance plans and for other types of assistance from public agencies. The chapter would like to hear about your experiences as well as any suggestions about how we can best assist you and your practices. Please email Dr. Tomas Torices, the chapter executive director, at chapter2@aapca2.org.

As if cyberattacks weren’t enough, measles cases are also on the rise! On March 18, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory reporting that there have been 58 cases so far in 2024—the same number as for all of 2023—and that California is one of the affected states. Because many of the cases have been associated with international travel, the CDC recommends that children over the age of 6 months that are travelling internationally receive the MMR vaccination. The health advisory provides additional guidance about vaccination of infants who received an early MMR for travel, as well as for vaccination of other children and adults.

Chapter elections for the 2024 - 2026 board of directors will take place in May. Positions up for nomination include vice-president/president-elect, treasurer, secretary, and member-at-large. If you are interested in a board position or would like to nominate someone, please complete the board nomination form. The deadline is March 31st.

The CME committee has finalized the speaker lineup for the 35th annual Advances in Pediatrics Symposium on April 27th, and registration is now open! The program will feature such engaging sessions as a keynote address by former State Senator Dr. Richard Pan, a live podcast session with Peds RAP during lunch, research poster presentations, and subscription giveaways. There will also be presentations on firearm injury prevention, atopic dermatitis, crisis management, RSV, Point of Care Ultrasound, and more. Join us in person or on Zoom!

This month’s Member Spotlight features Dr. David J. Schonfeld, Director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Schonfeld will be presenting a lecture on crisis management at the upcoming Advances in Pediatrics symposium next month.

In the Trainees’ Corner, Dr. Breige O’Donnell-Smith, Chief Pediatric Cardiology Fellow at UCLA, writes a moving piece about the power of names in strengthening the bond between pediatricians and their patients and families.

I would also like to welcome our new chapter members and encourage them to get involved by joining a chapter committee. Information about our committees and other resources are available on our website, aapca2.org. Your support makes the work of this chapter possible!

Save the date for the following event:

• 4/27 - Advances in Pediatrics Symposium held at UCLA

Best wishes,

Grant Christman, MD, MACM, FAAP

Registration Now Open

Click to Register

The latest in pediatric medicine, podcasting live from the AAP-CA2 Advances in Pediatrics Symposium on April 27, 2024

The AAP-CA2 Nominating Committee is developing the slate for the 2024-2026 term Board of Directors. There are several opportunities for involvement. Please take a moment to advise us of your interest in running for the elected positions, as well as the names of others you think may be interested or whose interest should be encouraged.

Please complete this Form by March 31, 2024

D. Rajasekhar, MD, FAAP

Immediate Past President, 2020-2022

Chair, AAP-CA2 Nominating Committee

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.



March Social Pedia Newsletter

 What’s happening this month? March is...

• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Nutrition Month.

• March 18-24 is Drug & Alcohol Facts Week.
• March 19-25 is National Poison Prevention Week.

Access all resources in This Month's Issue

Is your pediatric practice interested in improving appropriate use of antibiotics in telemedicine? 

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently recruiting practices for a no-cost, 18-month program beginning in June 2024 to promote appropriate antibiotic use in telemedicine while improving patient and family satisfaction with antibiotic prescribing. Practices will learn directly from experts in infectious diseases, antibiotic prescribing, and tele-diagnosis and receive one-on-one coaching to implement sustainable improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious syndromes over telemedicine, including those common in pediatrics such as otitis media. Participants will learn how to determine when an in-patient visit is needed, how to handle uncertainty in diagnosis over telemedicine, and how to communicate effectively with parents. Participating providers will be eligible for continuing education units (CEUs), continuing medical education (CME) credits, and American Board of Pediatrics maintenance of certification (MOC) points.

Learn more and sign up for an informational webinar on the program website:

safetyprogram4telemedicine.org

Download Flier Here

What's in a name?

By Breige O’Donnell-Smith, MD

Chief Pediatric Cardiology Fellow at UCLA

If Shakespeare were around to hear me out, he might agree a rose by any other name may truly not be so sweet. With less than four months left until the completion of my pediatric cardiology fellowship, I have spent nearly six years of training, privileged to meet and care for children of varying race, ethnicity, gender and creed, and with each encounter, I have come to appreciate the value one’s name brings to not only the individual experience but also humanity at large. Read more ...

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!

Scholarships for Medical Students/Residents

The Patient Care Foundation, the scholarship arm of the Los Angeles County Medical Association has given scholarships to medical students and residents facing financial hardship. For over a decade, PCF has helped dozens of future physicians from across Los Angeles County, while honoring them, their families, colleagues and supporters each year at the LA Healthcare Awards held in the winter. Interested students and residents can access the application on the PCF web site or contact gustavo@lacmanet.org

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 Department of Pediatrics at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is seeking an academic pediatrician with a demonstrated interest in leading our expanding ambulatory care clinic. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is a large public hospital and academic health center and is the only level 1 pediatric and adult trauma center located in the South Bay of Los Angeles County, serving 1.5 million individuals. Responsibilities include teaching fellows, residents, medical students and staff; active involvement with outpatient quality, safety and administrative activities; and academic/scholarly activities.

Read more ...

Spring Break Reading Reminder: Adventure Through Books

By Delesa Barnes

Reach Out and Read Inland Empire Program Coordinator

As spring blooms and the excitement of Spring Break is among us, parents may find themselves wondering how to keep their children engaged in enriching activities during the break. Amonst the allure of sunny days and outdoor adventures, maintaining a reading routine might not be the first thing that comes mind. Read more

March Update  

This month’s immunization newsletter includes updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations (all adults 65+ should receive 1 additional dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine), a reminder to continue immunizing against RSV through March, pre-teen vaccine week and adolescent vaccine week resources, and the early estimates of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) immunization effectiveness for infants.

View the full advisory, plus upcoming events, here

• Taha Ahmed, MD, FAAP - Rancho Cucamonfa
• Kirsten Gardner, MD, FAAP - Sierra Madre
• Alexander Geiseler, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles
• Howard Goldstine, MD, FAAP - Westlake Village
• Mizin Kawasaki, MD, FAAP - Thousand Oaks
• Christopher Jay Muntz, MD, FAAP - Woodland Hills
• Sarah Van Camp, DO, FAAP - Paso Robles
• Rachel Watson, MD, FAAP - Long Beach
• Gary Winston, MD - Ventura

MEDICAL STUDENTS

• Hayoung Ahn - Los Angeles
• Toni Aloyan - Burbank
• Harika Kottakota - Culver City
• Justin Shon - La Habra

Leadership from the four California chapters met on March 3rd in Newport Beach for the annual AAP-CA/District IX board retreat. District Chair Yasuko Fukuda, MD, FAAP and District Vice Chair Eric Ball, MD, FAAP presented national priorities and local strategies to increase collaboration at the state level, improve advocacy for children, and solidify organizational structure.

AAP-CA2 leadership, staff, members and guests attended the Chapter Social event on February 24th on the rooftop of the Riverside Art Museum. Medical students got an opportunity to discuss pediatrics as a career path option. Zuly Martinez, Director of Health and Human Services representing the office of Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, 5th District, presented a certificate of recognition to AAP-CA2 Riverside County Area Representative Tim Watson, MD, FAAP.

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.

Register for Galactic Sports Spring '24 and view the Gasol Foundation USA Galactic Sports Spring '24 programming map today! 

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

Join us on April 27 at UCLA Carnesale Commons in the heart of the UCLA Campus. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever.

• 7 lectures with exceptional speakers and panels
• Network with fellow pediatricians
• State of the art conference center/Free Wi-Fi/Great food
• Live recording of the Ped’s Ra Podcast
• Subscription giveaways
• Industry exhibitors and product demonstrations
• Parking included with paid registration
• In-person event with Zoom option

The keynote lecture will follow a panel with Dr. Pan as moderator and committee representatives discussing legislation affecting children.

Registration Is Now Open - Reserve Your Spot Below!

Gores Family Allergy Center (GFAC) Food Allergy Symposium 2024

• Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM
• Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
• Facilitator: Jonathan Tam, MD Ronald Ferdman MD, MEd
• Cost: Physicians - $50; All other attendees - $25
• CME Credits: 3.5 credits

Hosted by CHLA, this conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including, featured speaker Edwin Kim, MD who will be joining us from University of North Carolina as well as Melinda Braskett, MD, Jennifer Hershfield, PhD, Peck Y. Ong, MD, Diana Santiago, RN, and Jonathan Tam, MD. Attendees will benefit from a blend of didactic sessions and interactive breakout discussions, focusing on innovative approaches to food allergy management. REGISTER HERE

Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference 2024

June 22 - 23, 2024

The Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference features nationally and internationally renowned experts skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches who will present a diverse range of emerging clinical and research challenges, insights, and advances in the field of inflammatory brain disorders. Presentations are carefully selected to familiarize attendees with rapidly developing research and to educate clinicians on the latest understanding of treatment options. Both generalists as well as specialists in pediatric and adult medicine will find the conference valuable to their practices. The intended audience is pediatricians, family physicians, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, immunologists, neurologists, and infectious disease physicians. Though the conference is designed for physicians, all are welcome to attend. The link to register and request admission fee be waived can be found on their official website. 

Download The Event Flier

Please visit our website: aapca2.org

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

Thank you to the 1,378 who follow us on X! @AAPCA2 and Instagram