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Immigrants come in all shapes and sizes — documented, undocumented, first generation, second generation, temporary visa holders, permanent residents, citizens. Some are called “illegal” now, even though the land they stand on once belonged to their ancestors.
What feels like distant headlines and political debate becomes deeply human when you move closer. That was my experience after moving to Central California eight years ago. This region, built on the labor of farm workers and migrant families, had once been just another story on the news to me. Then I began caring for these families every day.
As an immigrant myself, witnessing immigration unfold in real time gave the experience an entirely new meaning. I watched lives being rebuilt quietly in front of me — families carrying histories, sacrifices, fears, and hope across invisible borders.
In the busy mediocrity of everyday life, we often stop seeing what is happening around us. We move through routines without truly noticing the people beside us or the burdens they carry.
To leave one’s home country and make another land feel like home is no small task. Some make that journey by choice; others out of necessity...continue reading...
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Sireesha Palkamsetti, MD, FAAP
Immigrant Child Health Committee Co-Chair, AAP-CA1
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AAP California Chapter 1 leaders recently attended the AAP National Leadership Conference, where pediatricians from across the country gathered to discuss, debate, and vote on resolutions addressing important issues affecting children, families, pediatricians, and the future of pediatric healthcare.
Past President Dr. Nikki Webb, Vice President Dr. Saul Martinez, and other pediatrician leaders represented our chapter throughout the conference. They joined colleagues from multiple AAP chapters and districts to exchange perspectives, review proposed resolutions, and help identify priorities that may guide the Academy’s future advocacy and policy efforts.
The conference created an important space for pediatricians to share the challenges they are seeing in their communities and bring those concerns to a national audience. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, attendees considered how the AAP can respond to emerging child health needs and better support pediatricians in their work.
Our chapter leaders also had the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, strengthen relationships across the Academy, and learn from the experiences of pediatricians serving diverse communities throughout the country.
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Neel Patel, MD, FAAP
President, AAP-CA1
| | Developing Concerns: DDCareConnect is Coming Soon! | |
Are you struggling to connect kids with autism, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges to care? Your voice matters - DDCareConnect is coming, and we need your input.
As healthcare clinicians on the front lines, you know how crucial it is for children to receive timely access to the critical early intervention and behavioral services for autism, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges and receive the support they and their families need. However, it can be difficult to effectively refer and connect families to the services they need. AAP CA1 and Stanford’s Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics have started to work together to address this critical need in our new project, DDCareConnect.
We are conducting a Needs Assessment survey to gather valuable feedback from pediatricians like you. The survey is estimated to take about 15-20 minutes to complete, and we're offering a $50 appreciation gift card for the first 60 respondents, after which the survey will close.
We want to hear from you about what you would find helpful in DDCareConnect: Link to survey.
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Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
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Ingrid Lin, MD, FAAP
Clinical Associate Professor, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University of School and Medicine
| Traditional Dance Promotes Mental Health and Healing from Trauma for African American Youth | |
In honor of Minority Mental Health Month, I’m writing about the power of traditional African dance to promote mental health and healing from trauma for African American youth. For the past several years, I've had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for Diamano Coura West African Dance Company. Now in its 51st year, Diamano Coura brings world-class artistic performances and master dancer-led classes to youth and adults of all levels and backgrounds in Oakland. Diamano Coura means “those who bring the message” in the Senegalese Wolof language.
According to Diamano Coura co-founder Naomi Diouf, in African tradition, dance is how communities come together to heal and maintain mental health. I’ve seen the impact that hearing this message and experiencing it physically has on youth. Experts in trauma physiology, including Dr. Bruce Perry, recognize the value of rhythmic, patterned movement in self-regulation and healing from trauma. The AAP National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care, along with Dr. Perry, also recognizes the healing value of connection and community. Dawn Williams Ferreira, PhD, Diamano Coura's incoming Board President, is currently the lead teacher of the African Diaspora Dance and Drum Program at Berkeley High School. Her doctoral work looked at how to teach students who experience ongoing trauma and the secondary trauma of teachers who serve them. She has found that the most healing classroom is the dance studio...continue reading...
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Elizabeth Grady, MD, FAAP
Chair, Mental Health Committee, AAP-CA1
| Medi-Cal's Asthma Preventive Services and Asthma Remediation: Changing Lives One Breath at a Time | |
It’s an all-too-common sight at pediatric offices across California: the child who coughed and wheezed all night long and needed an urgent care appointment in the morning; or the kid who went to the ED recently for asthma and mom scheduled a follow-up appointment; or the child whose parent needs frequent refills for rescue medication as the wheezing just won’t seem to stop.
Fortunately, Medi-Cal now covers evidence-based asthma services in the home that complement high-quality clinical care provided by pediatricians: comprehensive asthma education and environmental trigger remediation in the home. The Department of Health Care Services recently evaluated these services and reached the same conclusion as numerous research studies: these services reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Read on to find out how you can refer your patients to these important services...continue reading...
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Anne Kelsey Lamb, MPH
Director, Regional Asthma Management & Prevention (RAMP)
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Pediatric Practice Support Office Hours
Aug. 25 & Nov. 3 | 6 - 7 p.m | Virtual
Join fellow local pediatricians for informal peer-to-peer sessions designed to strengthen your practice and your community. Organized by our Practice Support Committee, these gatherings are a space to share best practices, tackle shared challenges, and stay informed on local, regional, and national issues shaping pediatric care. No agenda, no pressure, just collegial conversation with the people who understand your work best.
Additional Practice Support Office Hours:
11/3/26 from 6 p.m - 7 p.m - register here
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Think Like a Shrink: Cal-MAP Pediatric Mental Health Bootcamp for Primary Care Providers
Friday, Sept. 18 | 8:30 - 4:30 p.m | UCSF Nancy Friend Pritzker Building, 675 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Join Cal-MAP for an interactive, full-day training designed to strengthen primary care providers’ skills in recognizing, diagnosing, and managing common pediatric mental and behavioral health conditions. Through practical guidance from pediatric mental health experts, participants will learn to use validated screening tools, apply trauma-informed communication and behavior-management strategies, safely prescribe and monitor commonly used psychotropic medications, and coordinate additional care when needed.
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Advocating for Children (ACT) Conference
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 8 - 5 p.m | Kaiser Permanente Medical Center | 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Join us for a one-day CME-eligible conference designed to build a community of pediatric providers who are engaged and equipped to influence child health policy. Participants will experience dynamic, TED-style talks on timely advocacy topics, engage in mentorship sessions, and take part in interactive workshops focused on media training, writing for advocacy, AI, strengthening community advocacy skills, and more!
Registration prices:
Chapter Members $100
Non-Chapter member $150
Trainees $35
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Your Feedback Can Shape Life After Residency Support
Hello Pediatric Residents!
AAP California Chapter 1 is committed to supporting residents across the seven residency programs in our region. We know the transition out of residency can be challenging, which is why we are developing a Life After Residency program to help guide you through this important next step in your career.
We'd love to hear from you! Please take 2 minutes to complete our short survey so we can tailor the program to your needs.
As a thank-you, we will raffle a $25 gift card to each residency program that responds, so encourage your fellow residents to participate!
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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!
Applications will continue to be received and reviewed until funds are allocated.
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Centennial Celebration Weekend
September 4 - 7 | Oakland, CA
Join the Centennial Celebration Weekend as they celebrate a remarkable milestone—their beloved CHO GME program is turning 100! This September, we’re thrilled to bring together residents, fellows, and alumni for an unforgettable weekend at the CHO Centennial Celebration! Don't miss out on the fun—bookmark this website and click the button below to join the CHO alumni members page for event updates and to connect with fellow CHOmies from all the years! Let’s make this centennial celebration a memorable one!
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2026 National Conference & Exhibition
Friday, Oct. 2 - 6 | San Diego Convention Center| 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) invites you to soak up the sun and sharpen your skills at the 2026 National Conference & Exhibition, happening October 2–6 in beautiful San Diego, California.
Registration is now open for members.
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42nd Annual Current Advances in Pediatrics
Friday, Oct. 16 - 18 | The Irvine Marriott Hotel | 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
The seminar is intended for Pediatricians, Family Practitioners, and Allied Health Professionals. It will emphasize newer treatments and their practical applications for both the office and hospital practice of pediatrics. This year’s program will focus on topics that include: Dermatology, Endocrinology, General Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Urology & Newborn Medicine.
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47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars
Friday, Nov. 13 - 15 | Caesars Palace, Las Vegas | 3570 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Join AAP California for the 47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars, an engaging educational experience designed for pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals. This year’s program features expert-led updates in Pediatric Nephrology, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Pediatric Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Adolescent Gynecology, and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, with a focus on practical, evidence-based care for both office and hospital settings.
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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!
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Pediatric Jobs Available!
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UC Davis Health: Kids Considered Podcast
Kids Considered podcast features two pediatricians who discuss child health topics of interest to parents in plain, non-medical language. New subjects are considered in every episode, discussing issues that apply from healthy pregnancy to birth to teen years.
Recommended by Area Director Lena van der List, AAP-CA1
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One on One time with the Pediatrician
Aside from all the physical changes, adolescents are developing skills that help prepare them for adulthood. Part of this means participating more in their own health care. The adolescent well-child visits are tailored to support your family in this process.
Recommended by
Healthy Children
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Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources
Cal-MAP helps primary care providers support youth with mental health needs through consultation, education, and resource navigation.
Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org
Recommended by AAP-CA1, Mental Health Committee
| | | | | | CDC Offers guidance on cyclosporiasis outbreaks for clinicians | |
More than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in 34 states with thousands more under investigation, health officials said Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not identified the source of the outbreaks and issued a health advisory with recommendations for clinicians and the public.
Recommended by AAP
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Reach Out & Read is on the Air
An award-winning podcast centered on the belief that children’s books build better brains, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Join Reach Out & Read as Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and children’s librarian, explores early childhood health, literacy, brain development, and the power of reading together.
Recommended by Reach Out & Read
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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: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez
• Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb
Area Directors:
North Valley: VACANT • Sacramento Valley: Jihey Yuk • Central Valley: VACANT • South Valley: Nadeem Mousa • San Francisco: VACANT • Santa Clara: Swetang Shah • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett Lee • North Coastal: Ozlem Equils • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Nicole Anderson • Dipti Kamath
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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