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Ask the Expert: Managing Food Allergies in School

In response to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) release of the Clinical Report, Management of Food Allergy in Schools, the Academy is launching an “Ask the Expert” session tailored for primary care clinician members this spring. California 1 Chapter members are encouraged to invite school health staff and community partners in their networks, such as community allergists, school nurses, state nurse consultants, and departments of education and health.


Experts from the AAP Section on Allergy and Immunology and the Council on School Health released the clinical report in mid-September 2025 and plan to participate in the Ask the Expert.



This clinical report is for like-minded practitioners committed to improving care in diagnosing, treating, and managing food allergies in students. The goal of this work – creating the clinical report and 'Ask the Expert Sessions' – is to explain the role of primary care clinicians in supporting and collaborating with students, families, and schools to manage food allergies and reduce the risk of anaphylaxis in schools.


The Ask the Expert session allows AAP chapter members and school and community partners to log in, listen to the report review, and ask questions to expert faculty. This 30-minute session will be held virtually.  



Register here for the California 1 “Ask the Expert” session happening on May 11 from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. PT.



For more information about the Ask the Expert session, contact Sophie Elsenbast at selsenbast@aap.org


Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP

State Government Affairs (SGA) Representative, AAP-CA1

Physician Lead, AAP Strengthening Food Allergy Resources in Schools Grant


Readers Tip!


Register for the in-person event Training Program Early Autism Diagnosis by the Pediatrician - April 25


Register for the 7th Annual Teaching Cannabis (and other Drugs) Awareness and Prevention Virtual Conference - April 22-23


Visit our events page to view all of our upcoming events!

President Column:

Making Our Voices Heard Together



This spring, we are excited to welcome you back to our 10th Annual Pediatric Puzzles CME Conference, centered on the theme Innovation and the Art of Caring for Kids in a Changing World. As pediatric care continues to evolve, this gathering offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and reconnect with colleagues across Northern California.



Join us on Saturday, May 2, for an engaging, in-person program at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Attendees will hear updates on timely topics, including Autism, Adolescent Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, GLP-1 therapies, Relational Health, and Advocacy, with opportunities for discussion and connection throughout the day. Participants can earn 4.5 hours of CME credit, and the unique setting makes it an ideal event to pair with a family outing. Register here.


In addition, we are so excited to unveil a new AAP-CA1 perspective series highlighting the diverse experiences of the children and families we serve. We are seeking brief personal narratives (approximately 350 words) that reflect on caring for a specific population, along with an optional companion article (300–500 words) that provides further context, insight, and guidance for colleagues...continue reading...


Neel Patel, MD, FAAP

President, AAP-CA1

Chapter Events

Training Program Early Autism Diagnosis by the Pediatrician

Saturday, Apr. 25 | 8:30 - 4:00 pm | Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, 3697 Mt Diablo Blvd #175

Lafayette, CA


We’re excited to share a unique opportunity for pediatricians interested in expanding their skills in early autism diagnosis and care. AAP-CA1 is offering a specially designed Early Autism Diagnosis by the Pediatrician training program, taking place in person on April 25, 2026, from 8:30 AM–4:30 PM in Lafayette, CA. 


$45 for Chapter Member

$75 for Non-Chapter Member

$25 for Residents

7th Annual Teaching Cannabis (and other Drugs) Awareness and Prevention Virtual Conference

Wednesday-Thursday Apr. 22-23 | 8:00 - 2:30 pm | Virtual


We’re excited to share AAP-CA1 will be a Co-Sponsor of the upcoming 7th Annual Teaching Cannabis (and other Drugs) Awareness and Prevention Virtual Conference, being held on April 22nd-23rd, 2026.

10th Annual Pediatrics Puzzles Conference

Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 - 2:00pm | San Francisco Zoo & Gardens


Join us on May 2 at the San Francisco Zoo for the 10th Annual Pediatric Puzzles Conference. Pediatricians, primary care providers, nurses, family medicine practitioners, residents and all AAP members are invited to attend!


  • Chapter members get a discount of $55 off your registration!
  • 4.5 CME credit available
  • Scholarships for physicians in training available!

Ask the Expert Session: Food Allergy Management in Schools 

Saturday, May 11 | 10:30 - 11:00am | Virtual


Join the AAP-CA1 Ask the Expert session focused on food allergy management in school settings. This discussion will provide practical insights on supporting students with food allergies, navigating safety protocols, and addressing common challenges in school environments.


Life After Residency Series: Finding Your First Job and Negotiating Like a Boss

Thursday, April 29 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Virtual


Finding your first job and negotiating a contract can be tricky when you've never done it before. This chapter chat will be offered by professor Michael Northrop, MD, FAAP and will cover life lessons they didn't teach you in residency. Learn what you need to advocate for, as well as things you do and don't need to worry about in contract negotiations. Tail coverage, umbrella policies, practice variations, Dr. Northrop will break it all down for you. Whether you're finishing residency, applying for your first position, or advising trainees, this chapter chat will provide the tools to negotiate confidently and start your career on the best possible terms.

Chapter Leadership Positions

Apply for Area Director Positions!



As an Area Director, you'll be part of a dynamic team representing one of our 11 diverse geographic areas. You will become a voting member of our chapter board and engage with local pediatric providers to advocate for children's health through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Volunteer alongside a supportive leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of pediatric care.


Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month


Perks and Benefits:

  • Membership on AAP Board: Gain valuable experiences and networking opportunities
  • Discounted CME Events: Access quality education at reduced rates.
  • Advocacy Day in Sacramento: Participate in impactful advocacy efforts.

Apply for Immigrant Child Health Chair/Co-Chair Position!



The Immigrant Child Health Committee Chair provides leadership in advancing the health and well-being of immigrant children and families across Northern and Central California. This role focuses on fostering collaboration, promoting education, and supporting advocacy efforts that ensure immigrant communities have access to safe, welcoming, and equitable pediatric care. The Chair works closely with chapter leadership, community partners, and national initiatives to strengthen pediatrician engagement in immigrant child health.

Time commitment: Approximately 2–4 hours per month, including participation in quarterly Board meetings, committee meetings, and committee-related activities.


Term: Determined by appointed chair

Apply by sending your CV to info@aapca1.org

Apply for the Care & Connect Microgrants 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!

California Children's Caucus Launch February 17, 2026


Assemblymember Mia Bonta, founding Chair of the California Children’s Caucus, formally launched the bipartisan and bicameral caucus alongside child advocates and an inaugural class of legislators. 

 

“It’s about time California focused on children. That’s why we decided to found the California Legislative Children’s Caucus. We are over 40 members strong across the Assembly and Senate including Democrats and Republicans. We are going to be focused on solutions – child-centered solutions,” said Assemblymember Bonta. “Nearly one in every five children in California are living in poverty in the fourth largest economy in the world. We know that in California, we can do better for our kids.

 

The California Children’s Caucus represents more than 8 million children across the Golden State and will organize its work around key pillars, including: childcare access, foster youth, children’s health, education, civic engagement, youth justice, housing security, environmental sustainability, economic security, financial literacy, and overall child welfare.

 

Bonta mentioned a few children’s advocate partners that included: Children’s Partnership, First Five, Children Now, CA Alliance of Child and Family Services, End Child Poverty CA, Oakland Promise, and CalKids.

 

Assemblymember Bonta was joined by some members of the California Legislative Children’s Caucus, who shared their commitment to advancing the caucus's goals and their current legislative priorities to achieve them... continue reading...


Karmi Ferguson, MBA

Executive Director, AAP California


Pediatric Careers in California!


Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.


  • Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
  • Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.


Take the next step in your pediatric career today!

Pediatric Jobs Available!

Medical Director - San Leandro, CA

Primary Care Pediatric Opportunity, FT/PT – SF Bay Pediatrics - Marin County, CA

BE/BC Pediatrician - Modesto, CA

Resources

California Pediatrics Podcast


In episode 10 of California Pediatrics, AAP-CA2 president Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP discusses free access to mental health consultations with Josiah Cox, MD, PhD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist for Cal-MAP, California's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal.



Free Mental Health Consults in Primary Care (Ep. 10)



Recommended by California Pediatrics Podcast

Resources for Healthcare Providers and Institutions


Rights for Health Providers

Information about 4th amendment rights against unreasonable search and more


(National Immigrant Law Center, NILC)

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All - NILC​ 


Model Policies and Protocols

Guide for Policy Makers IL Alliance for Welcoming


Doctors for Immigrants Toolkit


Physician for Human Rights Toolkit


Everyone Belongs Here example policies


Recommended by Mental Health Committe Chair, Dr. Lisa Leavitt, AAP-CA1

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


Recommended by AAP-CA1 Mental Health Committee

Adolescent Immunization Chapter Week


 This national campaign has replaced California’s own “Preteen Vaccine Week” to become the adolescent immunization campaign we observe statewide. Thank you for helping us gather more support through your members – and keep preteens and teens protected from disease!


Recommended by CDPH

Pediatric Research in Office Settings (AAP PROS)

Celebrating 40 Years of Pediatric Primary Care Research!


What you'll read: 

- New Steering Committee Chair

- Upcoming PAS Presentations & Posters

- Recent AAP PROS Publications

- Kaiser Permanente & PCORI Funding

- AAP PROS Research Featured on National

& more!


Recommended by AAP PROS

AAP News 2026 Champion Immunization Awards Program


California has launched the nomination period for the 2026

Immunization Champion Award! We look forward to receiving

your nomination of a 2026 Immunization Champion for

California by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026. Nominations

must be sent directly to the California Immunization Program at

MyVFCVaccines@cdph.ca.gov.



Recommended by AAP

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Twitter: @AAPCA1

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Facebook: California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics

Linkedin: American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 1

Website: https://aapca1.org/

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.


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.

Executive Committee:

President: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez

Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb



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: Swetang Shahm • 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