View in your browser here

It is with the deepest gratitude and humility that I assume the role of President of AAP California Chapter 1, following my tenure as Vice President. We are a strong, mighty, and beautifully diverse group representing 48 counties across Northern and Central California. Our strengths are many, and over the next two years, I am eager to harness the immense power that lies within our chapter.

First and foremost, I want to express profound appreciation for Nikki Webb, MD, FAAP, who has led us with grace and wisdom as AAP California Chapter 1 President for the past two years. For those of you who know Nikki, you know she is a kind, fierce, and intelligent leader who leads with heart and unwavering integrity. I am so grateful she will remain on the Executive Board as Past President, where her impact will continue to be deeply felt. Let’s celebrate her numerous accomplishments in the past two years. Under her leadership, AAP California Chapter 1 created:

• A strategic plan while inviting the voices of over 20 chapter leaders
• Spearheaded the intentional integration of our EDI champion, Amna Khan, MD, FAAP
• Has been the AAP California Chapter 1 voice at the yearly AAP California Advocacy Day in Sacramento, CA
• Has led our resolution process and is our next District IX Chapter Forum Management Committee (CFMC) Representative 
• Hosted more AAP-CA1 in-person events after COVID
• Started the micro-grants program to empower AAP-CA1 members
• Advocated for greater integration of our 5 residency programs in Chapter 1
• Increased AAP marketing with the addition of a marketing and communications assistant, Arathzy Portillo
• Empowered the Executive Board and Executive Director, Yolanda Ruiz, to grow our chapter leadership and implement strategic initiatives

I also want to recognize Nelson Branco, MD, FAAP, who has completed his dedicated service as Vice President, President, and Past President Nelson leaves behind a strong foundation and a chapter ready to meet the challenges ahead. Resham Kaur, MD, FAAP will finish her term as Secretary. I thank her for her invaluable contributions to our chapter, and I’m sure they will continue. While their time on the Executive Board has come to a close, I know they will continue to be a valued presence in our work.

With every ending comes a new beginning. I am thrilled to welcome Saul Diaz, MD, FAAP, as our new Vice President and President-Elect. Kerrilynn Rice, MD, FAAP, joins us as Secretary, and Dr. Niki Saxena will continue her excellent work as Treasurer. Niki is an asset to our chapter like no other, and her outright expertise in practice management has made her the best treasurer. Finally, the person who remains a constant as our executive board forever evolves is Yolanda Ruiz, our Executive Director. She and her staff all share a passion for supporting children, which is what drives this organization. I look forward to partnering with this dynamic team and leading together.

Our chapter’s strength is built on the vibrant fabric of our Board and Committee Leaders. These individuals bring depth, passion, and diversity to all that we do. You will be hearing more from them as we continue our work together. Without them—and without each of you, our members—we would not be the organization we are today.

Looking ahead, I know the next two years will bring both challenges and opportunities. In collaboration with Yolanda Ruiz and the Executive Board, we will focus on sustaining our foundation while growing strategically. Our priorities include membership, microgrants, member engagement and fellowship, and advocacy. In a time when the broader landscape can feel overwhelming, we choose hope. We aim to transform challenges into positive energy, strengthen our roots to withstand adversity, and lean on each other to inspire meaningful change. Our children and families need us to stand strong—for them and with them. Please see us as your partner in this work.

I am often asked: What does the AAP really do? At its core, we are a national professional organization committed to supporting pediatricians and pediatric clinicians. But we are much more than that. We are a collective of passionate individuals who care deeply about children’s health and well-being. Through our chapter’s efforts, we come together to learn from experts, support each other as colleagues, and advocate fiercely for children and families.

Let us remember the sacred calling that brought us to the field of pediatrics. Let’s reignite our passion, elevate it to the stratosphere, and find joy in the work we do. That joy will sustain us as we navigate murky waters and continue to fight and advocate for what is right.

In the spirit of hope, joy, and courage, I ask each of you—and every pediatrician you know—to join us. Share the mission. Share the passion. The more we grow, the greater our impact. And the children we serve will be all the better for it.

With gratitude and hope,

Neel Patel, MD, FAAP

President, AAPCA1

Despite strong opposition from pediatricians nationwide, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the budget reconciliation bill (218–214), sending it to the President's desk for signature. AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly emphasized that this legislation "fails our country's children and families," threatening programs like Medicaid and SNAP that are essential to child health...continue reading...

The passage of the budget reconciliation bill brings deeply disheartening news for the children and families we care for. As pediatricians, we know that access to health care and basic supports like Medicaid and SNAP are essential to a child’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive. This legislation moves us in the wrong direction, putting critical lifelines at risk and making it even harder for vulnerable families to meet their children’s needs. Yet even in moments like these, our community’s advocacy reminds us of what is possible. I’m incredibly proud of the tireless efforts from pediatricians across the country who raised their voices with compassion and conviction. At AAPCA1, we remain committed to championing child health and working together to build a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish.

Nicole Webb MD, FAAP

Past President, AAPCA1

Understanding the Impact on Our Patients

Many immigrant families in our community avoid seeking essential healthcare and nutrition services due to misconceptions about the Public Charge rule. This fear can significantly impact children's health outcomes, making it crucial for pediatric providers to understand and address these concerns.

What is Public Charge?

The Public Charge rule applies only when certain individuals apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) or specific temporary visas. Immigration officials assess whether an applicant might depend on government assistance, considering only two types of benefits:

1. Cash assistance programs (CalWORKS, SSI, General Assistance)
2. Long-term institutionalization at government expense (skilled nursing facilities)



Critical Points for Patient Care

Most benefits are SAFE to use:

• Medi-Cal and other healthcare services
• WIC and CalFresh (food assistance)
• Head Start and childcare assistance
• School lunch programs
• Housing assistance (Section 8)
• Educational support and tax credits

Family member protections:

• Only the applicant's benefit use matters, not their family members'
• A parent applying for status won't be penalized if their U.S. citizen child receives benefits

Many immigrants are exempt:

• Green card holders applying for renewal or citizenship
• Refugees, asylees, and special immigrant juveniles
• Victims of trafficking or domestic violence

Current Status

The Biden Public Charge rule (effective December 23, 2022) remains in effect as of June 2025. While policy changes are possible, any modifications must follow formal rule-making processes.

Clinical Guidance

When families express concerns about using benefits:

• Reassure them that healthcare services like Medi-Cal are safe to use
• Emphasize that children's benefit use doesn't affect parents' immigration cases
• Direct them to approved resources for detailed information
• Consider involving social work or legal partnerships when needed
• Understanding Public Charge helps us ensure that fear doesn't prevent children from receiving the healthcare and nutrition services essential for healthy development.

Special thank you to my colleagues, Dr. Catherine Nelson and Dr. Lee Anna Botkin for their collaboration in creating this month's Equity Column.  

Amna Khan, MD, FAAP

EDI Champion, AAPCA1

California Advocacy

AAP-CA (our California AAP District advocacy group) follows California-specific bills of related to child health. Visit the AAP-CA website’s Advocacy page at https://aap-ca.org/legislative-bills/ 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.

If you are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Anna Kaplan, MD, FAAP, and Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP at info@aapca1.org.

Project ECHO Programs - Registration Opening Soon!

The Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) tele-mentoring series offers monthly virtual sessions designed to support primary care providers in managing common mental health conditions. Each session includes a brief evidence-based lecture followed by real-time case discussions with peers and mental health experts.

Topics include:

• Screening and diagnosis
• Medication management
• Psychosocial and pharmacological treatment approaches
• Anticipatory guidance
• Measurement-based care
• 
  

Core Series Cohort: 2nd Fridays 12-1pm, August 2025 - January 2026

Advanced Series Cohort: 2nd Fridays 12-1pm, February 2026 - August 2026

CME, APA, ACE, and ASWB credits available

Some sessions may also qualify for MOC Part 2 and AAFP CME credits.

📌 Visit Cal-MAP to access program details and session recordings.

EveryoneBelongsHere Series: Immigrant Health Symposium

AAPCA1's Immigrant Child Health Committee is partnering with EveryoneBelongsHere to bring you the "Immigrant Health in the Bay Area Learning Series." This talk focuses on helping pediatricians navigate privacy and documentation in the healthcare practice.



Date: Friday, September 19

Time: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M PDT

Location: UC Law SF, 200 McAllister St, San Francisco

41st Annual Advances in Pediatric Conferences

Join us for our annual CME/MOC-2 Conference featuring six great speakers, exhibitors, networking opportunities and more. This year’s program will focus on topics that include: Allergy, Child Psychiatry, Dermatology, Developmental Behavior, Endocrinology & Nutrition and Infectious Diseases.

PROGRAM FACULTY

• John C. Arnold, MD, FAAP
• Betsy Busch, MD, FAAP
• Michael M. Chu, MD, MHS
• Dawn Z. Eichenfield, MD, PhD
• Ronald M. Ferdman, MD, Med, FAAP
• Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL

Date: September 19-21

Location: Irvine Mariott Hotel

AAP-OC Event!

AAP-CA's 46th Annual Las Vegas Seminars



We personally invite you to attend this year’s Annual Las Vegas Seminars at the beautiful Caesars Palace Las Vegas! This meeting is the largest regional Pediatric Conference in the country, thanks to the continued support and participation of individuals like you.

Date: November 14-16

Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ available

Chapter Members receive a $75 discount!

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!

Resources

Add our social media accounts to get the latest chapter updates!

Twitter: @AAPCA1

Instagram: @AAPCA1

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.

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: 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