2017 - August Edition
Edward Curry, MD, FAAP   President, AAP-CA2
I hope everyone is enjoying the last bit of summer as we venture into the new school year. Just in time as a back-to-school topic, we have an article from Dr. George Monteveri, MD, FAAP. Dr Monteverdi is Co-Chair of the School Health Committee in Northern California and works very closely with the AAP on school related issues. Please see his article below.

We also have an article from Paula Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP on the most recent developments related to the dental anesthesia hearings at the State Senate and Assembly in Sacramento.

On the Spotlight! ... this month we have a video of Leila M. Yoonessi, MD, MPH, FAAP highlighting her wonderful efforts to engage her patients in practicing a healthier lifestyle in Long Beach.

We have been working hard on creating an exciting calendar of events for the next few months.  Please be sure to look at the Save The Date section for our scheduled Town Halls, the first being on September 13.

As mentioned previously, we have received funding from First 5 Los Angeles to conduct a series of Town Halls in each of the areas served by the Service Centers within Los Angeles County. Pictured below, our executive director, Tomás Torices MD met with representatives from North LA County, Westside, and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Centers.


AAP-CA2 Executive Director Tomás Torices, MD with representatives from the following Regional Centers: (Top) From North LA RC, Margaret Swaine, MD and Carlo DeAntonio, MD, FAAP. (Left) With Westside RC Executive Director, Carmine Manicone. (Right) From San Gabriel/Pomona RC Larry Yin, MD, FAAP and Regional Center Executive Director Joe Alvarez, MS, LMFT (on far right).


The intent of these events is for pediatricians to learn Best Practices directly from the clinical staff of each Regional Center; sort of an inside look , from Regional Centers and therapists, to strategies used by local pediatricians. CME is available for these events. Be sure to look for the one near you and register.

That's it for now. Thank you for everything that you do for children, and for your ongoing support of the Chapter. 
 
Please feel free to get involved locally by contacting our Chapter 2 executive director.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
 
Sincerely,
Ed
Screen Tip



Are you reading this on your mobile device?

If so, turn your phone or tablet sideways for optimal font size.

This eliminates the need for zooming-in to read content.
Feature Article

Pediatricians: Actively Reduce Asthma-related School Absences
George Monteverdi, MD, FAAP
Extracted from an article by:  George Monteverdi, MD, FAAP

Poor school attendance is associated with failing academic performance and school dropout.  Children with suboptimal control and persistent asthma are absent from school more frequently and perform worse on test scores compared to students with mild and intermittent asthma. Avoidable absences drain our public schools of much needed revenue they need to operate. Pediatricians in California can be part of the solution to this problem, and the American Academy of Pediatrics at all levels has resources for its members in this regard.


District IX
AAP-CA (District IX) is an affiliate member of the California School Environmental Health and Asthma Collaborative, or SEHAC  [ www.sehac.org ].  Its AAP District IX representative is George Monteverdi, MD, FAAP.  Resources include educational videos to help schools and parents improve asthma management and improve the environment, both at home and schools.
 
National AAP 
AAP's online course on asthma management for pediatricians includes a module: "Schooled in Asthma" with helpful tips such as taking school-relevant asthma history and how to open lines of communication with school personnel regarding patients with asthma. [https://shop.aap.org/eqipp-asthma]

To facilitate implementation of SEHAC and other programs, busy pediatricians can learn how to collaborate with school and community professionals using "A Guide to Community School Health Councils",  jointly developed by AAP, American School Health Association, and American Cancer Society. This guide instructs pediatricians, schools, and communities how to develop collaborative advisory groups.  You may also contact Dr. Monteverdi at gigi4george@yahoo.com
 
Statewide Advocacy
Advocating Before the State Senate and Assembly - Sacramento
Paula Whiteman
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP CFMC Representative, AAP District IX
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP
Representative, AAP-District IX CFMC  
Immediate Past President, AAP-CA2 

On July 10, 2017, I journeyed back up to Sacramento to speak again in front of the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee. This time, however, it was to speak in support of an amended version of AB 224 (Thurmond). Politics is very intriguing.
 
With me was Dr. Annie Kaplan, Caleb's aunt, and Dr. Charles Coté, Professor Emeritus Harvard University, co-author of the AAP-AAPD Sedation Guidelines.  He spoke to his over 30 years involvement with these guidelines, the impetus for their creation, the literature, and the need to offer children the highest level of care when undergoing sedation and general anesthesia, especially in dental settings.
 
When AB 224 initially went through the Assembly B&P, the chair of that committee made hostile amendments to it in essence dummying down the most important safety components.   Read more...

Please visit the AAP-CA website for more information on the most current Advocacy Priorities and High Priority Bills list for the 2017-2018 Session.


In The Spotlight!


Meet Leila M. Yoonessi, MD, MPH, FAAP, pediatrician in Long Beach, California. Just as many clinicians are going the extra mile to improve the health outcomes of their patients, Dr. Yoonessi established a "Fit and Fun" class at a local park. Her patients, accompanied by their parents, attend fun and dynamic exercise sessions every Wednesday at 5PM. Activities include yoga, kickball, and soccer. Every moment is an opportunity to discuss school life, food choices, and to share words of wisdom with parents who are challenged daily with raising healthy children while struggling financially. Please watch the video!
District IX Chapter Forum Management Committee
Resolutions for the 2018 Annual Leadership Forum (ALF)
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP
Representative, AAP-District IX CFMC  
Immediate Past President, AAP-CA2 

If you are passionate about a particular idea or topic that you feel should be a priority for the National AAP, then please consider writing a resolution. Here's how!!!

Please Click here to view the full report, including Submission Deadline (November 15, 2017), Sponsorship, and Late Resolutions.


Advertisement  Pediatrician Needed
 
Pediatrician needed  part time for busy "PPO only" practice in Thousand Oaks.

Some Saturday mornings, as well as some hospital well newborns. 
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Ken Saul at docksaul@aol.com  


Save The Dates!
August 12, 2017 in Pomona

The San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center is hosting a  Multidisciplinary Conference For Healthcare Professionals:

Breaking Barriers, Developing Possibilities: 
Bridging Pathways To Quality Healthcare  For People With Special Needs (ID/DD) 

Keynote Speaker: Larry Yin, MD, MSPH
Director of USC UCEDD, USC Associate Professor Keck School of Medicine

Featured Speakers:
 Paul Glassman, DDS 
Darlene Sweetland, Ph.D, Psychology 
Nirupama Madduri, MD 
Wade Banner, DMD 
Gladys Njuguna, Ph.D, Nursing 
Marwa Moustafa, MD 

This Conference is a wonderful opportunity for Physicians to learn about the unique healthcare needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and how to collaborate with Regional Centers.

Registration:

September 8, 2017 in Santa Barbara  

Symposium on Child Abuse: Prevention, Recognition, Education

Presented by Cottage Children's Medical Center

Friday, September 8, 2017 at the Corwin Pavilion, University of California, Santa Barbara 
This event is co-organized by AAP-CA2 Santa Barbara Area Representative, Brian Santacrose, MD, FAAP.

CLICK HERE to see the agenda and to register
September 13, 2017 in Sherman Oaks - Town Hall / Dinner Meeting
Daniel Bruckner_ MD_ Member-At-Large AAP-CA2
 
Please join AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large Daniel Bruckner, MD, as he hosts an evening of professional development at Panzanella Ristorante.
 
Topic: "Eucrisa in the Treatment of Eczema"
Speaker: Hal Weitzbuch, MD

Date: September 13, 2017 at  6:30 PM. 
LOCATION: Panzanella Ristorante - 14928 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
 
RSVP: Please Click Here to reserve your seat.  
  

October 11, 2017 in Woodland Hills -  Town Hall / Dinner Meeting
Ken Saul, MD, FAAP Member-At-Large AAP-CA2
 
Please join AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large Ken Saul MD, FAAP as he hosts an evening of professional development at Maggiano's.
 
Topic:  "What You Need to Know About Vitamin D"

Speaker: TBA

Date: October 11, 2017 at  6:30 PM. 
LOCATION: Maggiano's of Woodland Hills.  
 
RSVP: Please email Dr. Ken Saul  to save your seat.
 
 

Multiple Events in Los Angeles County 
 
Best Practices in Developmental Screening - Town Halls  
An inside look, from the systematic approach of Regional Center clinicians and therapists, to strategies  used by local pediatricians. Funded by First 5 Los Angeles. 
   
 
This series of events in Los Angeles County are an opportunity for pediatricians to connect face to face with clinicians and staff from each of the six Regional Centers. In a multidisciplinary approach, attendees will learn best practices in developmental screening and early detection of autism spectrum disorders, and engage with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists. 
Representatives from Los Angeles Unified School District will address the services provided once a child enters the public school system. 

On the schedule are events covering the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, North Los Angeles Regional Center (Both San Fernando and Antelope Valleys), and Westside Regional Center. Events to include Eastern LA, Lanterman, Harbor and South Central LA Regional Centers will begin in January.   
 
CME Accreditation: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

REGISTER: Click Here to register for any of the events listed below.

 
October 5 (6PM Tour, 6:30 PM Dinner) In POMONA  
LOCATION: San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center - 75 Rancho Camino Drive, Pomona, CA
Guest Speakers: Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP and Marwa Moustafa, MD
 
This event will take place at the San Gabriel Valley/Pomona Regional Center. You are invited to begin the evening with a tour of the facility, followed by dinner and lecture. Regional Center clinicians Larry Yin,  MD, MSPH, FAAP and Marwa Moustafa, MD will discuss best practices in developmental screening and early detection of autism. Regional Center staff will be present to share internal processes.
Also expected to attend are PT/OT/SLP and LAUSD representatives. Click to Register 
 
 
   
      
October 19 at 6:30 PM In LANCASTER
LOCATION: Antelope Valley Country Club - 39800 Country Club Dr, Palmdale, CA 93551
Guest Speakers: Carlo DeAntonio, MD, FAAP and Margaret Swaine, MD
 
This event will take place at the Antelope Valley Country Club, just six miles South of the Lancaster Regional Center offices. 
Carlo DeAntonio, MD, FAAP and Margaret Swaine, MD, both clinicians at the North Los Angeles Regional Center, will discuss best practices in developmental screening and early detection of autism. Also, guest speaker Christine Park, MD, FAAP of Northeast Valley Health Center will share the highly efficient screening and referral process implemented in her clinic. Also expected to attend are PT/OT/SLP and LAUSD representatives. Click to Register 
 

November 15 at 6:30 PM In CULVER CITY
Location TBA.
Guest Speakers: Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH and Ari Zeldin, MD, FAAP, FAAN. 
 
This event will take place in Culver City near the Westside Regional Center and will be lead by their own clinical staff, Dr. Bazzano and Dr. Zeldin. Topics will be best practices in developmental screening and early detection of autism,
Intellectual Disabilities, and the services provided  by the Achievable Foundation. 
Also expected to attend are PT/OT/SLP and LAUSD representatives. Click to Register 
  
   


 

November 30 at 6:30 PM In WOODLAND HILLS
LOCATION: Maggiano's  - 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Guest Speakers: Carlo DeAntonio, MD, FAAP and Margaret Swaine, MD
 
This event will take place at Maggiano's Little Italy, in Woodland Hills, just six miles South of the Regional Center offices in Chatsworth.  Carlo DeAntonio, MD, FAAP and Margaret Swaine, MD, both clinicians at the North Los Angeles Regional Center, will discuss best practices in developmental screening and early detection of autism. Also, guest speaker Christine Park, MD, FAAP of Northeast Valley Health Center will share the highly efficient screening and referral process implemented in her clinic. Also expected to attend are PT/OT/SLP and LAUSD representatives. Click to Register 
 
 
Advertisement  Preceptors Needed
USC Looking for Preceptors for PA Program

Become an Associate Professor/personally train a PA whom you may want to hire. Our master's level physician assistant program is 33-months in length and includes three semesters of didactics, a full year of clinical clerkships and a final senior semester with students graduating in May.  The core clinical year is comprised of eight six-week clerkships: Family Medicine 1&2, pediatrics, emergency medicine, general surgery, women's health, internal medicine and orthopedics.   Each clerkship is full-time with the expectation that the students receive approximately 220 hours of patient care experiences. 

Our program is somewhat unique in offering our students an additional 220-240 clinical hours in their senior semester, and we also provide three pre-clinical semesters of medical Spanish, and behavior science.  The clinical skills students acquire prior to their clinical year include BCLS and ACLS certification; suturing, casting, bandaging & splinting, oral case presentations, office laboratory methods, pediatric, clinical breast, pelvic, and male genital physical examinations; OR etiquette, injections, IV's and arterial puncture; and fire safety certification.  Students also meet all CDC requirements for health clearances, complete extensive criminal background checks, and have professional liability coverage while in an approved clinical site.

To get started, please provide a copy of your   current CV  and complete this   Office Practice Profile .
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Darryl Mayo MPAS, PA
Clinical Coordinator &  Instructor of Clinical Family Medicine
Keck School of Medicine of USC
University of Southern California
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
Ph. (626) 457-4119

Mass Casualty Triage Training

Dear AAP-CA2 member:
  1. Do your practitioners know what to do in a Mass Casualty situation?
  2. Do they know how to rapidly Triage patients?
  3. Do they know the difference between START and JumpSTART?
If the answer to any of these questions is "NO", your facility needs our Mass Casualty Triage PPT and Tabletop Exercise presentation!
 
Please contact Dr. Millicent Wilson at (562) 347-1648 or milwilson@dhs.lacounty.gov if you would like for us to present at your healthcare facility. 

AAP-CA2 Video: We Are The AAP-CA Chapter 2 -  2017


CDC Updates & LAHAN Alerts
Join the CDC Listserv
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is happy to offer a free email subscription service, which allows CDC.gov users to receive alerts by e-mail when new information is available. With a subscription profile, you get the updated information on the items of interest to you automatically without having to return to the Web site and check for changes. Click to Subscribe 

Join the LAHAN Listserv  
To receive communications from the Health Alert Network, Sign-up here.
It takes less than two minutes to sign up.  
 
Visit the LAHAN website.

Submitting Articles for Publication in Our Newsletter


 

Have you written original clinical work you would like to share?

Do you have any news that you would like to publish in our newsletter?


AAP-CA2 invites you to submit your ideas, accomplishments, news, pictures...

For article submission guidelines, please click here.

 
Advertise in Our Newsletter

AAP-CA2 invites you to advertise in our newsletter
AAP-CA2 publishes its electronic newsletter, Peds@CA2, which is emailed to its 1,700+ members on the first weekend every month. Chapter members and non-profit organizations receive a 50% discount. Please follow the link below for more information.

For advertisement rates and guidelines, please   click here.
If you are interested in advertising, please  email the Chapter.
Charitable Donations
AAP-CA2 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please consider a tax-deductible charitable donation to one of our many programs. 
  • The Medicine-Biological Sciences Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to exceptional high school students each year.
  • The Committee on Service, Education, and Mentoring, which awards scholarships to pediatric residents for outstanding research projects. 
  • The S. Michael Marcy Memorial Lecture, which helps sponsor a portion of our annual Advances in Pediatrics Conference in his honor.

Thank you for your support
Sincerely,
AAP-CA2
PO Box 94127 Pasadena, CA 91109
(818) 422-9877
Please visit our website at  http://aapca2.org/