Beyond Borders: A Pediatrician's Call to Protect Immigrant Health

In another country, I might not have become a doctor. But here I am, a Peruvian immigrant on the cusp of graduating as a pediatrician. My journey, as an immigrant child navigating a new nation, was supported by systems and individuals that believed in my potential. Yet, today, that foundation feels fragile, threatened by policies that undermine the well-being of immigrant children and families.

Migrant children face a great deal of trauma stemming from armed conflict in their motherland to discrimination and family separation in their new home. These stressors, research tells us, can have devastating consequences. For instance, the prolonged activation of the stress-response system, can alter brain development, compromising long-term health and increasing the risk of mental health disorders. To be sure, few experiences are as devastating as being separated from a parent, and as pediatricians, we often see these scars of these experiences etched into the lives of children in our care.

In recent weeks, the current administration worsened these threats with new actions: a directive from Department of Homeland Security that rolls back protections that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making arrests near hospitals and clinics. Trust between healthcare providers and immigrant families is already a tenuous thing. Removing these safeguards will instill new fears and deter families from seeking essential care. Parents who might otherwise bring their infant for a fever or vaccination may now hesitate out of fear of deportation. I can already imagine the anxiety of a child visiting a clinic for the first time, fearing they must hide, or risk being taken by ICE agents. And the consequences of these actions extend beyond immediate trauma and health concerns. They cascade into developmental, educational, and ultimately societal costs.

As a future pediatrician, I am concerned. My commitment to promoting the health and safety of all children is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a chance to flourish. It knows no borders, no documentation status. I see the well-being of immigrant children being jeopardized as a threat to the field of pediatrics. Their success is intertwined with ours. Their challenges are a reflection of our shared responsibility.

In this moment, the stakes are clear. Will we be a community that nurtures its children, regardless of where they are from, or will we remain publicly quiet? The choices we make today will echo in generations to come. As pediatricians, we must advocate for policies that protect and support immigrant children and families, ensure that clinics and hospitals remain safe havens, free from the looming threat of deportation. We must come together to support legislation and policy work that dismantles these barriers to healthcare. . . Continue reading...

Isabel Fernandez, MD, PHD

Resident, PGY-3, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford

ADHD Medication Shortages

ADHD affects millions of U.S. children, and is the most diagnosed neurobehavioral condition with a lifetime prevalence of 11.4%. Prescription stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD in children when pharmacotherapy is required. However, ADHD medications continue to be in short supply, leading pediatricians and families to spend excessive time and effort monthly to secure prescribed medications. While the national AAP and other professional organizations have tried unsuccessfully to work with the FDA and DEA to resolve these issues, there is important new information that you should be aware of regarding this issue.

The number of stimulant prescriptions for children was below levels predicted by pre-pandemic trends at the end of 2023. However, more children are being diagnosed with ADHD than ever before. As Weas and Barbaresi note in an accompanying editorial, this suggests that there is a large proportion of children with ADHD who are undertreated. In addition, there are continuing disparities, with lower rates among, Black, Asian and Hispanic children . . .

🔗Access the Controlled Substance Guidance form here🔗

Renee Wachtel MD, FAAP

Chair, Committee on Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and School Health Committee, AAPCA1

President's Column

This time of year chapters are asked to submit a year-end summary on their work and accomplishments in the past year. I want to highlight one new and innovative program of which we’re quite proud: our Care & Connect Microgrants. This is a program we launched in 2024 to support and encourage our members to operationalize passion projects supporting child health, as well as connecting and coalition building. The grants are a chapter funded initiative to increase engagement with our membership and support you in your wonderful work. The award is up to $2000 and the application, which is very straightforward, can be found here.

I’m delighted to announce the funding of our first two AAP CA-1 Care & Connect Microgrants!

Leadership Education in Advancing Diversity: Regional Cohort, led by Kerrilynn Rice, MD, MPH. This project will create a regional cohort of the nationally recognized equity, diversity and inclusion leadership program established by Stanford University, LEAD (Leadership Education in Advancing Diversity). Dr. Rice is the Associate Program Director for the Valley Children’s Healthcare Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship program, and a graduate of the Stanford Pediatrics Residency and LEAD program. Through this grant, she will partner with Stanford faculty to bring this wonderful program to pediatric hospital medicine fellows in the San Joaquin Valley, the southernmost region of AAP CA-1’s catchment and one of the most underserved regions in the US. We are thrilled to support Dr. Rice and her fellows in this amazing work.

Bridging Community and Legislative Advocacy, led by Angela Nguyen, MD and Vivien Sun, MD, MPhil. This project will implement an advocacy curriculum focused on food insecurity and child nutrition, framing it as a pediatric health equity issue and equipping residents to address it from both a community engagement and a legislative advocacy perspective. The target audience will be Stanford Pediatric residents, with a hybrid option to allow other regional pediatric residents to participate. Dr. Sun is a pediatric hospitalist, gifted medical educator and leader in resident advocacy education at Stanford. Dr. Nguyen is a pediatric resident at Stanford and we are impressed by her vision, proactive approach, and dedication. We are delighted to support this innovative work.

We hope these examples offer inspiration to many of you who may have ideas of your own. This program is meant to support you in your work, and we would love to be able to fund more projects. Please check out the website, linked above, and feel free to reach out to info@aapca1.org if you have any questions.

The other thing I wanted to highlight this month is our upcoming S aving a Life: Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Summit, which is taking place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 8AM – 12PM. It will focus on actionable strategies to prevent youth suicide, enhance mental health resources, and connect attendees with leading experts in the field. Our goal is to empower professionals to recognize warning signs in youth of self-harm and suicidal ideation, especially among high-risk groups, and enable providers to take action. For more information, and to register (small registration fee required), click the link above.

In closing, I know these are incredibly challenging times, and I hope you are taking care of yourselves and of one another. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., told us, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." We must all engage in actions each day, however big or small, to promote a more just, equitable future for kids.

Nikki Webb, MD, FAAP

President, AAPCA1

Readers Tip!

➤ March 29 - Registration now open for our upcoming Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Summit!

➤ Applications now open for AAPCA1 Board Positions, see more information below.

➤ New podcast recommendations under resources at the end of this newsletter!

State Legislative Issues Impacting Children's Health

AAP-CA State Government Affairs Committee (SGA)

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of pediatric health policies, we want to provide our members with critical updates on key issues at both the federal and state levels. The following topics highlight important legislative and regulatory developments:

Vaccinations

Ensuring access to accurate and culturally appropriate vaccination information remains a priority. Resources are available on the California Immunization Coalition website. These include translated vaccine information statements and other critical resources for families and healthcare providers. We encourage you to explore these materials at: California Immunization Coalition.

Immigration & Healthcare

AAP-CA is seeking guidance from National AAP on educating members regarding laws specific to ICE raids, particularly in healthcare settings and schools. Additionally, a website post from the California Medical Association and the California Attorney General provide essential guidelines for health facilities responding to immigration issues. For more details, visit: CMA Immigration Guidance . . . Continue reading...

Karmi Ferguson, MBA

Executive Director, AAP California

Chapter Events

Saving a Life: Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Summit

We would like to invite you to join our upcoming Youth Suicide Prevention Virtual Summit on Saturday, Mar. 29, from 8 A.M. to noon PST! This summit will focus on actionable strategies to prevent youth suicide, enhance mental health resources, and connect attendees with leading experts in the field. Your insights and participation are invaluable, and we hope you’ll join us for this important and impactful event!

Date: Saturday, Mar. 29

Time: 8 A.M. to noon PDT

Location: via Zoom

Event Page

Events Page

In Case You Missed It: See Our Past Events!

Resolutions Writing Workshop – 02/19/2025

The Landscape of Children’s Health Policy for 2025! – 02/18/2025

Climate Change, Child Health & CATCH Grants! – 10/24/2024

Past Events Page

Chapter Leadership Positions

Board Positions Applications Now Open!

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
Treasurer
Secretary
North Coastal Area Director
Monterey Area Director

You can view all role descriptions and how to apply here. The deadline to apply is EOD Monday, March 31. Contact us for more information: info@aapca1.org

Role Descriptions

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!

Apply Here

Learn More

The Social Drivers of Health: Gaps and Opportunities in Pediatrics

Join us on Saturday, Mar. 8, at the UCI Sue Gross Auditorium for a half-day conference exploring the critical role of social drivers in child health. This event will highlight the impact of social determinants at individual, family, and community levels, as well as strategies for pediatricians and healthcare providers to connect families with essential resources, including Medi-Cal programs (CalAIM, ECM), housing support, food assistance, and more.

Date: Saturday, Mar. 8

Time: 7:30 A.M. - 01:00 P.M PST

Location: 854 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617

This conference offers CME & MOC-2 credit, and successful participation may earn up to 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Empowering Tomorrow: Transforming Pediatric Care for Equitable Futures

Join this half-day virtual symposium to learn tools and strategies for clinical practice to improve healthcare disparities. Hear from practicing clinicians in busy pediatric clinics with diverse patients sharing best practices and recommendations for addressing health inequities. Attendees may receive 3.5 hours of CME.

REGISTRATION: Register by email to HHS-LEADERSHIPPOWER@hhs.sccgov.org.

Please include your name, degree, position/institutional affiliation and contact information. Registration confirmation will include login information to attend the conference.

Cost: Free!

Date: Friday, Mar. 21

Time: 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. PST

Location: Virtual

Our EDI champion Dr. Amna Khan is leading one of the lectures and co-leads this health equity working group, Pedi POWER!

Learn More

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, Mar. 27

Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. PST

Location: Virtual

Join OnCall4Kids for a day of Legislative Advocacy in Washington, DC

Healthcare workers have a crucial role in advocating for policies that protect children’s lives. On April 8, join OnCall4Kids in Washington, D.C., for a day of legislative advocacy focused on pediatric firearm violence prevention. Attendees will meet with lawmakers to discuss evidence-based measures that can improve this public health crisis.

Date: Tuesday, April 8

Location: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

💰 Stipends Available: $200 travel stipends for the first two healthcare workers per state who RSVP.

RSVP Here

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! See available jobs below.

Pediatric Jobs Available!

Full-time Pediatrician for Northern Inyo Healthcare District- Bishop, CA

Job Board

Resources

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.

Phone:

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org

Request a Consultation

California Pediatrics Podcast - 4 Chapters

2/18 - Dr. S mita Malhotra on School Health and the Wildfires

Pediatrics on Call: A Podcast on Children's Health from the AAP

Episode 55 - Pediatrics Research Roundup, Telehealth for Children with Special Needs

Episode 236 - Fractures in Child Abuse, Invalid Vaccine Doses

Your Child's Check-Ups: 3 to 5 days old

For many parents, the first visit to the pediatrician is also their newborn's first trip away from home. Read more about what to expect at your baby's first checkup and what questions to ask. . . .

Recommended by Healthy Children

Learn More

Measles outbreak urges vaccinations

The AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend children receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at age 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. Children can receive the second dose earlier if it is at least 28 days after the first dose. Each MMR dose lowers the risk of infection and severity of illness if infected. . .

Recommended by AAP News

Learn More

Feeding America: Find a Food Bank

Feeding America provides a nationwide network of food banks to help individuals and families facing hunger. Through their Find Your Local Food Bank tool, you can easily locate food assistance programs in your area. These food banks distribute meals, fresh produce, and essential groceries to those in need. Visit Feeding America to find support or learn how you can help fight hunger. . .

Recommended by Feeding America

Learn More

AAP Tools for Pediatricians

The AAP offers resources, tools, and trainings to assist pediatric clinicians – including primary care pediatricians and subspecialists - in the care for children and youth with ASD and their families. . . .

Recommended by AAP

Learn More

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.

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

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: Jeffrey Ribordy • 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