Coccidioidomycosis and It’s Impact on Your Community |
 | | Frontline pediatric providers play a critical role in recognizing, diagnosing and managing pediatric coccidioidomycosis, particularly in regions with limited subspecialty services. We are seeking participants for an IRB-approved study to understand the baseline pediatric provider knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pediatric coccidioidomycosis. In the setting of limited medical and public health resources, this information is vital to guide targeted educational interventions to improve awareness, early detection, and management of this disease. If you are a California frontline pediatric provider (MD, DO, NP, PA) working at least part time in any outpatient pediatric, family medicine, or combined medicine/pediatrics clinic or urgent care, we need your help to improve care for pediatric patients with coccidioidomycosis. No prior knowledge or experience with coccidioidomycosis is necessary. To participate, you will fill out an online, one-time, anonymous survey (10-15 minutes). For more information and to enter a gift card drawing, please see the attached recruitment flyer. You can access the consent form and survey directly through this LINK or via the QR code below. in the resources section. Additional educational resources are attached.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) is a fungal infection caused by inhalation of Coccidioides spores. It is endemic to Central California and Arizona, but in the setting of climate change, it is emerging throughout the state, particularly in northern San Joaquin, Southern California, and Central Coast. Lower incidence among pediatric patients leads to reduced clinical familiarity among pediatric providers and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Pediatric coccidioidomycosis presents with a range of phenotypes that mimic more common childhood illnesses, thus complicating recognition and diagnosis. Children can have asymptomatic infection, mild self-limiting respiratory or febrile illness, CAP-like symptoms, and other constitutional signs/symptoms. A minority develop more severe respiratory symptoms or disseminated disease, which leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and long-term antifungal use among previously healthy children. To learn more about coccidioidomycosis and its impact on your community. . Continue reading...
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Ruzan Adams, MD, MPH
Fellow, Pediatric Infectious Disease
Paul and Yuanbi Ramsay Endowed Fellow
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Despite tremendous improvement in the early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the most recent CDC ASD surveillance report (2023) notes that 25% of children receive their diagnosis after 6 years of age. While access to appropriate diagnostic services have usually been blamed as the cause, a recent article in JAMA Pediatrics (Aizenberg et al, January 13, 2025; doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics 2024.6075) sought to determine whether there were child characteristics that contributed to the delayed diagnosis. This is important because evidence-based treatment is more effective when started early, and delayed diagnosis prevents many children with ASD from receiving optimal support.
The researchers used a large cohort (Simons Foundation -SPARK) of parent-reported data on 17,992 individuals who received a diagnosis before age 6 years and 5640 (29%) who received a diagnosis after age 6 years. They found that children with a timely diagnosis had a high proportion of co-occurring symptoms, such as motor delay and birth defects. In addition, they found that a large percentage of individuals with ADHD (75%) in the delayed ASD diagnosis group. There were also two subgroups of individuals in the delayed diagnosis group. The first (D2) included 2,028 individuals with restricted and stereotyped behaviors, cognitive impairment and motor delay. These children required a high level of support. The second (D1) included 3,612 individuals with milder symptoms, with impairments in general coordination and social communication, and less needed support.
The importance of this study is to alert pediatricians to consider ASD when evaluating a child for possible ADHD or other developmental diagnoses, since they often are present in the same child and require different interventions and supports. Timely diagnosis is essential for early and appropriate interventions.. . .Continue reading...
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Renee Wachtel MD, FAAP
Chair, Committee on Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and School Health Committee, AAPCA1
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California Pediatricians Travel to Washington, DC
to Advocate for Children
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Nearly 40 pediatricians from California joined 400 pediatric colleagues from around the country to travel to Washington, DC from March 2 through March 4 to speak up for child health.
At this year’s annual AAP Advocacy Conference, we pediatricians had hundreds of meetings with our Senators and Representatives and spoke to them about the importance of Medicaid in keeping kids healthy.
Medi-Cal (as Medicaid is known in California) and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) are a lifeline for more than five million California children, ensuring that they can get the care that they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Current budget proposals in the federal government could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would jeopardize access to health care and other benefits that nearly 80 million Americans rely on.
Please go to the AAP Advocacy Action Center and take action now!
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Committee Meeting on Substance Abuse and Prevention (COSUP)
The Committee on Substance Use and Prevention invites you to join our next virtual meeting on Monday, April 7 at 5:30 P.M! This meeting will focus on ongoing efforts to prevent substance use in our communities, share updates on current initiatives, and collaborate on strategies for outreach and education. Your insights and ideas are welcome—please RSVP or simply join us via Zoom.
Date: Monday, Apr. 7
Time: 05:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
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California Legislative Advocacy for Pediatricians Chapter Chat
Want to advocate for policies that improve child health? Join us for an introduction to the California legislative process led by AAP-CA’s lobbyist Bryce Docherty, followed by interactive breakout groups where pediatrician advocacy leaders will teach how to review a bill, research your legislator, and prepare your pitch as subject matter experts for immigrant child health, vaccines, and Medi-Cal. Join us April 10 from 07:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M!
Date: Thursday, Apr. 10
Time: 07:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
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Mental Health Committee Meeting
We would like to invite you to join our next Mental Health Committee meeting virtually on Monday, April 21 from 7:00-8:15 P.M! AAPCA1’s Mental Health Committee invites you to a virtual meeting focused on sharing mental health resources and strategies for both patients and providers. We’ll discuss ways to better support individuals facing mental health challenges, highlight available community resources, and explore opportunities to strengthen care in your practice.
Date: Monday, Apr. 21
Time: 07:00 P.M. to 8:15 P.M PDT
Location: via Zoom
| | Chapter Leadership Positions | | |
Seeking Applicants for AAPCA1 Board Positions!
Be a part of a dynamic team by becoming a members of the chapter board. Here are some of the volunteer positions now open!
- Vice President / President-Elect
- North Coastal Area Director
- Monterey Area Director
You can view all role descriptions and how to apply here. The extended deadline to apply is EOD Tuesday, April 15. Contact us for more information: info@aapca1.org
| | Chapter Care & Connect Microgrants | | |
Still Accepting Rolling Applications for the Care & Connect Microgrant for Up to $2,000!
AAPCA1 is excited to offer its members the opportunity to apply for a chapter microgrant. The Care & Connect Microgrant Project, offers microgrants valued at up to $2,000 (no amount is too small) which can be utilized in one of two impactful ways. The first option supports innovative community-based child health initiatives. The second option is to host member gatherings and meetings within your local area.
Along with the grant, you will have the full support of our AAPCA1 staff to carry out your grant goals. We encourage all members to take advantage of this chance to either drive community health improvements or enhance pediatric connections!
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ACEs Health Champions Gathering
This presentation explores the legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the United States. It delves into current legislation, challenges in enforcement, and the evolving landscape of digital content regulation, offering insights into how legal systems can adapt to new technological realities while safeguarding children.
Date: Thursday, Apr. 24
Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. PST
Location: Virtual
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The California Immunization Coalition Summit
The 2025 Summit – Building Trust: Strengthening Vaccine Confidence – will showcase speakers, expert panels, workshops, and opportunities for discussion with leading figures in immunization and healthcare advocacy throughout California. We’re excited to collaborate with colleagues and forge new partnerships to improve vaccination rates across the lifespan and learn more about how to effectively communicate about vaccines and public health.
Date: April 29 - 30
Time: 9:00 A.M. - 06:30 P.M PST
Location: Riverside Convention Center, Riverside
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Adolescent Immunization Action Week!
Adolescent Immunization Action Week, April 7-11, 2025, reminds us to make sure adolescents are up to date on their vaccines. This is especially important for 11- and 12-year-olds who need Tdap to start 7th grade. Stay ahead of the back-to-school rush by scheduling the preteen doctor visit now. More information about school vaccine requirements is available at ShotsForSchool.org.
Consider these strategies to reach patients now and reduce the back-to-school rush:
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Use the immunization registry and your EHR to identify children who missed well-child visits and/or recommended vaccinations. (See the CAIR Reminder/Recall User Guide.)
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Reach out to schedule appointments using a robocall, letter, or text.
- Plan back-to-school immunization clinics at convenient times for working parents, including weekends and evenings.
- Administer needed vaccines at ALL visits, not just well-child checks.
- Designate a certain number of “immunization-only” appointments each day leading up to school entry.
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Use effective communication techniques. Talk openly with parents about vaccine safety and concerns. Parents cite their adolescent’s provider as the most trusted and influential source when making vaccination decisions for their child. Continue reading. . . .
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Pediatric Careers in California!
Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.
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Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
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Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.
Take the next step in your pediatric career today! See available jobs below.
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Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources
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.
Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org
Contact Us:
Phone:
800-253-2103
Email: info@cal-map.org
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Pediatrics on Call: A Podcast on Children's Health from the AAP
3/25 - Environmental Issues in Global Pediatric Heath
| A Podcast on Children's Health from the AAP | | |
Assessing Development Delays in Children
All parents anticipate and track their child's development, and the majority of the time children meet their milestones on time. However, some parents get concerned when their child doesn't do something by the age they are "supposed to." It's even worse when a friend or relative is telling you all the amazing things their child is doing that yours is not...
Recommended by Healthy Children
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FDA Announces Review of Infant Formula Ingredients
Actions to be taken by the FDA include increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula and foods; improving transparency regarding formula nutrients and related health outcomes; collaborating with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies to address research gaps on formula-related health outcomes; and extending the personal importation policy.. . .
Recommended by AAP News
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Food Bank Partners in Northern California
With a mission to help end hunger in California, CalFoods Logistics works with the State and food bank partners to distribute and provide nutrition and emergency food assistance for people experiencing food insecurity in all 58 counties. . .
Recommended by Calfood Logistics
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Everyone BelongsHere: Resources for Providers
Everyone—regardless of immigration status—has the right to health care in the U.S. Find resources to help you make your health care setting more welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees.
Resources:
Inclusive communications
Provider Resources
Rapid Response & Warrants
Resources for the Comunity
Advocacy
Recommended by AAPCA1 Immigrant Child Health Committee
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Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
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Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
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Executive Committee:
President: Nicole Webb • Vice President: Neel Patel
• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nelson Branco
Area Directors:
North Valley: Aishwarya Taneja • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley: Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: Ryan Alanzalon • Santa Clara: Bindya Singh • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: VACANT • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Anne Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
Christy Capestany • Nicole Anderson
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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