We hope you're all enjoying the long, warm days and staying hydrated! As we embrace the summer sun, we are delighted to introduce our new pediatricians who will be serving as Area Directors for 8 out of 11 of our regions within AAP California Chapter 1. This summer brings a sense of excitement, much like the energy and dedication these exceptional professionals bring to our organization. Their expertise and commitment to child health will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts and enhance the support we provide to families and communities across the state. Please join me in welcoming our new Area Directors as they embark on this exciting journey with us! |  | |
Our Area Directors are here to serve our chapter members and further connect our community to valuable resources. If you have a project or an issue you'd like our Area Directors to be aware of, please contact us at info@aapca1.org to get in touch.
We are also seeking for three more Area Directors to serve the following regions:
-
Area Director Region 1: North Valley Counties includes Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity and Yuba
- Area Director Region 5: San Francisco includes Daly City
-
Area Director Region 9: Monterey Bay Area includes Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz
If you or someone you know is interested, here’s the role description and the application form, or you can contact us to receive more information. I look forward to hearing more from you all!
| |
Yolanda Ruiz
Executive Director, AAPCA1
| |
New Treatment for Genetic Hearing Loss | |
|
Adequate hearing in neonates and infants is crucial for their development of language and communication skills. Unless hearing loss is appropriately managed early, it can cause a significant detrimental impact on the child's development. It is also the most common congenital sensory deficit, with an approximate incidence of 1.5 per 1,000 newborns, but affecting up to 11% of preterm neonates and 1.6-13.7% of neonates discharged from the NICU. Its etiologies are heterogeneous: genetic causes are involved in up to 80% of cases, while congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the leading environmental factor contributing to congenital hearing loss.
The introduction of newborn hearing screening using automated auditory brainstem response and/or automated otoacoustic emission has helped detect and manage hearing loss early. As noted by Choe et al. (Clin Exp Pediatr, Volume 66(9); 2023) current auditory rehabilitation options such as cochlear implantation can treat many degrees of hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of early hearing detection and intervention. However, rapidly developing genetic diagnostic technologies and cutting-edge treatment options, including gene therapy, will potentially change the future management of hearing loss in infants and children.
Continue reading . . . .
| |
Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
| |
Empowering Pediatricians to Tackle Mental Health Problems | |
Are you planning to sit on the beach, smile as the kids play in the sand and catch up on reading, videos or podcasts this summer? Great idea! This is just a quick note to give you reviews of the best mental health tidbits I’ve come across recently. The longer you work in a primary care setting, the more you realize that pediatricians have become, and may always have been the major source of mental health support for children and youth. So, consider expanding your skills this summer by exploring the following resources:
|  | |
Best short video:
Summer is a good time to check out new programs and activities. This short AAP video describes the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program, which is a network of state and regional programs that connect you to professional mental health resources. In Northern and Central California, our PMHCA program has been serving providers as the UCSF CAPP program. The exciting news is that now CAPP is expanding their services and plans to provide statewide teleconsultation, training and support services, as well as transition to a new name, Cal-MAP. For more information and to enroll in the program, reach out to Cal-MAP.org
I like the animation in this movie, especially when all family members and the pediatrician in the office visit are practicing deep breathing together!
Best recent AAP publications:
This is a wonderful new policy that discusses the complexity of confidential protections and practices for adolescent patients and their parents. It also goes beyond the scope of previous AAP policies and outlines the challenges of navigating EHRs, patient portals and clinician- patient messaging. I like the way the authors integrate discussion about how to both support adolescents and parents as well as recognize and address age-appropriate transitions in autonomy and decision-making for adolescents.
This is another great resource that provides information on the risk factors associated with suicidality, as well as steps to follow in both screening patients and pursuing further assessment of suicide intent. Best of all, it provides information on bolstering protective factors and accessing treatment and community resources for your patients.
Best AAP books and resources on Pediatric Mental Health:
Both available in the AAP Bookstore
https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap/shop-by-product/books/
Although books may seem outdated, they offer a solid foundation for restructuring your daily practice to effectively address mental health issues. The "Mental Health Strategies" book provides valuable insights into the skills pediatricians already possess and how to optimize them to support patients better. These skills, known as the Common Factors, are strategies we use daily to encourage positive behavioral changes in our patients. Additionally, the "Clinical Support Chart" offers step-by-step pathways for addressing pediatric emotional and behavioral problems in your practice.
Enjoy your summer and take time for yourself!
| |
Diane Dooley, MD, FAAP
Mental Health Committee Chair, AAPCA1
| |
|
I was on vacation, enjoying a hot summer day at the community pool. I had hoped to unplug from work and turn off my pediatrician brain. My 10-year-old cousins begged to go to the jacuzzi and I reluctantly joined them. What happened next has prompted me to think about our obligation as pediatricians to educate and advocate for child health and safety on and off the clock, especially in these unprecedented times when well child checks have been deferred and routine anticipatory guidance has had to take a backseat to discussions surrounding the physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic.
Two toddlers came running up to the jacuzzi, first walking along the slippery perimeter and eventually jumping in. No adults in sight! They were wearing inflatable armbands and seemed to know how to swim, but I was shocked and honestly angry that there was no one supervising these young children. Of all the adults at the pool that afternoon, no one seemed to be responsible for these two, no one was aware that they had made their way to the jacuzzi, unaccompanied.
My mind flashed to the half dozen children I’ve taken care of following near drowning and drowning accidents. The fear and the pain of losing your child, having to make the agonizing decision to withdraw care when your child is pronounced brain dead, contemplating organ donation – I have sat and cried with families who have gone through these trials. The weight and trauma of these experiences have reminded me to teach families about water safety in the clinic. But what about those times when we don’t have our badge and stethoscope when we are on vacation or simply off work? What is our obligation to speak up then?
After about ten minutes in the jacuzzi, the two kids left. I followed closely behind; pediatrician brain turned on at this point. They made their way to the pool, where they were reunited with their parents, who remained unaware that the kids had been in the jacuzzi by themselves. As I stood watching them, I thought about talking to the parents, letting them know what had happened, and discussing the importance of direct supervision when kids are in any body of water. I went through the script in my head, the one I give families about water safety during well-child visits. But ultimately, I stayed silent.
I regret not speaking up and I think part of me was angry with myself for not advocating for the children in this community. . .
| |
Ruzan Orkusyan, MD, MPH
MD/MPH Candidate at University of California, Irvine Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC)
| |
|
The following are just a few of the key bills to note of interest to AAP-CA. Visit the AAP-CA website’s Advocacy page at https://aap-ca.org/advocacy/ to see the entire list of AAP-CA tracked bills that made it to the Governor’s desk where you can read the outcome of each bill and an in-depth analysis.
For the most up-to-date information on AAP California bill positions, letters, and outcomes from the current California Legislative year, go to www.aap-ca.org/bill. If you have questions and/or are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP and Anna Kaplan MD, FAAP at info@aapca1.org.
| |
|
Coordinating with Attorneys to Advance Care for Immigrant Patients: Understanding the Policy & Legal Contexts
Immigrant Health Equity and Legal Partnerships (ImmHELP) is excited to offer a 1-hour virtual workshop for California healthcare providers across disciplines focused on information and strategies to advance care and coordination for immigrant patients, particularly asylum seekers.
Date: Monday, July 29
Time: 12PM-1PM PDT
Location: via Zoom
| | | |  | |
|
Save the date, Saturday, December 7, 2024 to join AAPCA1 at Oakland Museum of California for our 9th Annual Pediatric Puzzles CME Conference! We will have interactive lectures by experts in pediatric pulmonology, allergy, refugee experience, immigrant health, and ableism. You won't want to miss the latest updates on asthma, use of biologics in allergy, and enlightened, thoughtful ways to welcome and care for your patients.
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
Credits: 5 CME credits available
All attendees will receive free admission to the Museum!
| |
Chapter Chat on May 21
Cal-MAP Consultations: Helping You Manage Patients with Mental Health Challenges
| Missed this insightful session on managing patients with mental health challenges? Learn where to go when faced with behavioral/mental health issues. Discover clinical examples of how Cal-MAP offers free board-certified psychiatric consultations and management guidance. Catch up now! | | |
Chapter Chat on May 28
Cal-MAP: Delving Deeper into Mental Health Support for Patients
| Dive deeper into mental health support strategies with our latest Chapter Chat. Understand the resources available to clinicians for supporting patients and their families comprehensively. Explore how to access both new and existing resources for challenging mental health problems. Watch it again if you missed it! | | |
Chapter Leadership Positions | |
|
Early Career Physician Representative Volunteer Position
Overview: The Early Career Physician (ECP) representative is a volunteer chapter role. They will help improve communication between chapters and national on early career physician issues. They are a valuable resource for chapters in engaging early career physicians.
Term: Two years
Core Responsibilities:
- Serve as the contact person for chapter leadership to voice the “ECP perspective”
- Reach out to new ECP chapter members and residency programs
- Coordinate yearly presentations to residents on ECPs and the AAP (details will be provided)
- Serve as the ECP contact person for the representative from the Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT)
- Chair the ECP Committee; possibly include ECPs, resident chapter reps, and SOPT program delegates
Qualifications: An active paid chapter member of AAPCA1 and a member of the Section on Early Career Physicians. Be a physician for 10 or fewer years.
Appointment Process: The Executive Committee will review the applicant's CV and inform the applicant of the appointment.
To apply send CV and headshot to info@aapca1.org.
| |
|
CATCH Facilitator Position
The AAP Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program is seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Chapter CATCH Facilitator (CCF). CCFs are appointed by their state Chapter to serve a renewable three-year term. 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.
To apply send CV to info@aapca1.org.
| |
|
Popular Pediatric Clinical Topics Conference 2024
Join us for an enlightening educational journey at the Popular Pediatric Clinical Topics 2024 conference, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. This immersive event is meticulously curated to provide pediatric healthcare professionals with the latest insights, advancements, and best practices in the field.
Date: Sunday, September 15-18
Time: 7AM-12PM
Location: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Waikoloa Beach, HI
Credits: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (14.00 hours), ANCC Contact Hours (14.00 hours), Non-Physician Participation Credit (14.00 hours)
| |
|
Visit our Pediatric Job Posting Board!
View new available jobs or post one of your own. Visit our site to view member discounts https://aapca1.org/jobs/
Available Jobs!
| |
|
Participate in Quality Improvement with Anti-Vaping Champions at UCLA
The AAPCA2, in collaboration with Anti-Vaping Champions at UCLA, is recruiting practices interested in participating in a Quality Improvement project.
The focus is to incorporate vaping screening, counseling, and treatment referrals during visits for pediatric patients.
Recommended by AAPCA2 and UCLA
| | |
| |
|
Water Safety - Summer Replay Recs
This video from the American Academy of Pediatrics advises on ways to empower Pediatricians with adapting the Mental Health Support Program for Kids.
Empowering Pediatricians with a Mental Health Support Program
This podcast is by Kids Considered and it is about water safety for children.
Water Safety - Summer Replay
Recommended by AAP
| | |
|
AAP-CA Conference Information: 45th Annual Las Vegas Seminars
The Annual Las Vegas Seminars will be held this year at the exciting Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas representing Pediatricians, Family Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals from all parts of the United States and some foreign countries. Come join us at this in-person event!
Recommended by AAP
| | |
|
New Syphilis Screening Recommendations
According to the new ACOG Practice Advisory, obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals should screen all pregnant individuals serologically for syphilis at the first prenatal care visit, followed by universal rescreening during the third trimester and again at birth.
Recommended by ACOG
| | |
|
AAP Rural Youth Mental Health ECHO
This ECHO aims to support primary care providers and other health professionals in rural and underserved areas with identifying and treating mental health concerns among children and adolescents.
Recommended by AAP
|
| |
|
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: Nicole Webb • Vice President: Neel Patel
• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nelson Branco
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz
Area Directors:
• North Valley : VACANT • Sacramento Valley: Lena van der List • Central Valley : Deborah Shassetz • South Valley: Sireesha Palkamsetti • San Francisco: VACANT • Santa Clara: Bindya Singh • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: Jeffrey Ribordy • Monterey Bay: VACANT
• Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano : Jennifer Anne Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Christy Capestany • Mika Hiramatsu • Deborah Shassetz • Tim Sullivan
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
| | | | |
