Peds@CA2 eNews - August 2025

American Academy of Pediatrics - California Chapter 2

2025 August Edition

President's Message

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of attending the AAP Annual Leadership Conference, where leaders from across the Academy come together to collaborate and chart the future of child health. One highlight of the meeting is voting on member-submitted resolutions that help guide the AAP National Board.

The energy is always inspiring, and I am especially proud that Chapter 2 had several resolutions rise into the Top Ten nationally. It could be YOUR resolution next year! These top resolutions reflect the breadth of issues facing children and pediatricians today—from protecting immigrant and transgender youth, to addressing misinformation, health care reform, and pay equity, to preparing our profession for the future through AI training and a child rights–based advocacy framework. See the Top Ten list below.

This month’s newsletter also includes a special in memoriam for Dr. Marti Baum, whose unwavering commitment to equity and justice in pediatrics leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire our chapter and the broader medical community. Please also see the new AAP site, FACT CHECKED, a trusted, science-backed resource that debunks common medical and vaccine-related misinformation by presenting clear, evidence-based explanations and expert insights. If you need some centering, see the thoughtful article by Dr. Nirupama Madduri on mindfulness at the Huntington Gardens. You’ll also find the newest episode of California Pediatrics Podcast (with a feedback survey), details on the Sanofi “Let’s Talk About Diabetes” lecture series, a Q&A on Cal-MAP resources, and registration information for the 6th Annual Updates in Hospital Pediatrics Conference.

I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our new chapter members! We invite you to get involved — whether by joining one of our chapter committees or reaching out to Tomas or me to explore where your passion and voice can make the greatest impact within Chapter 2. You can learn more about our committees and access other resources by visiting our website. And as always, we encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, or ideas through our Member Input Form, which helps guide discussion at future board meetings.

Your support and engagement are what make the work of this chapter possible—thank you for being part of it.

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

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Marti Baum, MD, FAAP - In Loving Memory

Dear AAP-CA2 Members,

It's with heartfelt condolences we remember Marti Baum, MD, FAAP, who recently passed on July 21. Dr. Baum was a dedicated pediatrician, educator, advocate, and chapter member whose life's work impacted families in all the areas the AAP-CA2 serves, and beyond. Dr. Baum also worked heavily with the chapter's SGA efforts. She served on the CMA Board of Trustees and was an articulate voice for public health. The innumerable children she impacted will carry on her legacy, and she will be deeply missed. We send our thoughts and condolences to her family and friends.

Please read more about her life, as well as memorial services information, here

If you have any stories to share about working with Dr. Baum, please feel free to share them with the chapter via email (wbarboza@aapca2.org). We are looking to gather experiences/stories to share how impactful Dr. Baum's work was.

Fact Checked: The Measles Vaccine is Safe and Effective - AAP National

Wellness influencers and anti-vaccine advocates falsely assert that receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is as dangerous as contracting measles itself.

Extensive research demonstrates that the MMR vaccine is safe and significantly reduces the risk of contracting measles, a disease that can lead to severe complications and death. Learn More Here!

Immunization Schedule - AAP National

The American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Its Own Evidence-Based Immunization Schedule

Schedule includes updated AAP recommendations for vaccines for fall respiratory viruses

ITASCA, IL— As respiratory virus season approaches, the American Academy of Pediatrics has published an evidence-based immunization schedule that includes updated guidance for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 immunizations for children and adolescents from birth to age 18. Read more

AAP-CA2 Statement on Immigration Enforcement Actions and Community Response in Los Angeles

Letter From AAP-CA2 President

To our AAP-CA2 members, in light of recent immigration enforcement actions and community protests in Los Angeles, we at AAP-CA2 reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of all children and families, regardless of immigration status. Read More.

California Pediatrics - Podcast

Have you seen the newest episode of the California Pediatrics Podcast?

Streaming on Amazon Music/Audible, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and YouTube...

California Pediatrics is a podcast by pediatricians from the four California chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics presenting current affairs, highlights on career paths, and tips for parents. Please Follow!

This project is funded by the AAP Healthy People 2030 grant. Produced by Chapter 2 executive director Tomas Torices. Search for California Pediatrics on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our page for direct links.

Episode 4 - Medical-Legal Partnerships in Pediatric Residency (YouTube)

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE CALIFORNIA PEDIATRICS PODCAST!

Help the AAP-CA2 shape the future of the California Pediatrics Podcast by taking a brief evaluation created by the Chapter. You'll be able to share your thoughts on the episodes produced so far, along with technical aspects of the program.

Share Your Feedback Here!

Member Spotlight

Name: Jon D'Andrea, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Practice location: Westlake Village

Number of years in practice: 21 Years

I grew up in Burbank, CA, trained at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and have been in the same private group practice (with one other CHLA trained pediatrician, and two pediatric nurse practitioners) my entire career as a general pediatrician.

I have three adult children: both of my sons are in church ministry, and my daughter is a Hematology/Oncology nurse at CHLA. My oldest son is married, and they are expecting their first child (my first grandchild). Read More.

The Member Spotlight is written to highlight our chapter membership. Chapter members can submit personal narratives about themselves with a focus on how they maintain their physician wellness in the face of everyday struggles and challenges. Authors may also choose to highlight a practice, volunteer activities, QI projects, etc. The purpose of the spotlight series is to encourage and foster unity and support within the chapter.

Please complete THIS FORM to be considered for a future Member Spotlight in the AAP-CA2 Newsletter!

Mindful Reflections

Filling Your Cup

"An Urban Oasis"

By Nirupama Madduri, M.D

Living in Southern California, we are fortunate to have beautiful weather 99% of the time. The sun shines through a gorgeous blue sky. Part of the mindfulness practice is walking in nature. Although we are in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, there are beautiful spaces with remnants of nature dispersed between the concrete and stucco. With all of the beautiful neighborhoods, the options for a mindful stroll are endless. Read More.

LAC DPH | Vaccine Preventable Diseases Control Program

August Update

This month’s newsletter highlights the upcoming RSV season, along with details on the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). This issue also spotlights National Immunization Awareness Month and available resources to promote it.

View the full update here.

Upcoming Election

The AAP National Nominating Committee has selected Marsha D. Spitzer, M.D., FAAP, of San Diego (left), and Terri D. McFadden, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, of Atlanta, as candidates for president-elect. The winner will serve as AAP president in 2027, succeeding Andrew D. Racine, M.D., Ph.D., FAAP, who will serve as president in 2026. AAP members can cast their ballots from Sept. 3-17.

2025 Open District Positions: District IX members will also have the opportunity to vote on two additional positions, each with two running candidates.

District IX National Nominating Committee Representative

Jonathan D. (Jon) Klein, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP

Christine K. Thang, M.D., FAAP

District IX Vice Chairperson

Grant Christman, M.D., FAAP

Edward Susumu Curry, M.D., FAAP

To learn more about the six candidates, please visit the National AAP Election Center: https://www.aap.org/en/members/home/national-aap-election-center

Advocacy Corner

Chapter leaders from across the nation convened in Itasca, IL for the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference. Chapter executive directors met two days prior to discuss strategies for strengthening operations and advocacy efforts in our state. Presidents, vice presidents, and chairs of committees, councils and sections participated in engaging discussions of resolutions, culminating in the vote of the top 10 resolutions that become advisory to the AAP Board of Directors, helping guide the organization's priorities and initiatives.

2025 AAP Top Ten Resolutions

We would like to congratulate Dr. Whiteman and Dr. Vinetz of AAP-CA Chapter 2, and Dr. Marks and Dr. Owen of AAP-CA Chapter 1 for having authored a total of five resolutions ranked in the Top 10 at the recent AAP Annual Leadership Conference, in Itasca, IL

Paula Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP – No. 1 & No. 5 Resolutions:

1. Recognizing Transgender Patients and Providing Gender Affirming Care

5. Addressing the Ramifications of Misinformation

Robert Vinetz, MD, FAAP – No. 6 Resolution:

6. Educating Pediatricians About the U.S. System of Financing Healthcare to Drive Reform.

Katrina Marks, MD of UC Davis (AAP-CA1) co-authored the No. 2 Resolution

2. Reinstatement of Healthcare as a Protected Area Policy From the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Protection of Nuclear Family Units in Immigration Policy

Mikah Owen, MD, FAAP (AAP-CA1) - No. 9 Resolution

9. Adopting a Child Rights Framework to Guide the American Academy of Pediatrics' Advocacy Strategy

Teamwork is an integral part of success. Thank you to our District Chair Eric Ball, MD, FAAP, District Vice Chair Grant Christman, MD, MACM, FAAP, Chapter 2 president Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chapter 2 vice president Mitchell Goldstein, MD, FAAP, and to the presidents and vice-presidents of chapters 1, 3 and 4 in California, as well as all committee/section/council chairs for supporting the resolution process at the Academy.

View the Top 10 Resolutions here

(From AAP News) Leadership conference: Top 10 resolutions focus on vulnerable children, misinformation, payment and more

Recognizing transgender patients and providing gender affirming care (GAC) was voted the top resolution by attendees of the 2025 AAP Leadership Conference. The resolution was sponsored by California Chapter 2 and asks the Academy to reaffirm its commitment to advocating for … Read more

AAP-CA2 Legislative Contacts Form

As part of our AAP-CA2 Advocacy Committee, we're calling for members interested in advocacy to consider serving as legislative key contacts for the chapter with their local elected officials!

As the state level legislative season progresses, there will be opportunities to contact state senators and assembly members when bills come up for consideration in committees or on the floor. We need to develop a core group of members who are ready to call or email their legislators when opportunities arise, and accompany pediatric residents on their annual local legislative visits.

If you would be interested becoming a key contact, please fill out the form below with the requested information! Thanks again for your support of the chapter's advocacy efforts.

Legislative Contacts Form

Reach Out & Read Inland Empire

Ready to Read?

Reach Out and Read Inland Empire (RORIE), a program of AAPCA2, is made possible by the support of amazing partners like First 5 Riverside and First 5 San Bernardino!

Peds RAP | Discount

The latest in pediatric medicine.

High yield. High entertainment.

AAP-CA2 members may now Subscribe to PedsRAP with a 15% Discount.

Be sure to use the link by clicking the button below in order to have the discount applied at checkout:

Peds RAP 15% Discount

Trainees Corner

We'll Come To Your School or Hospital

Dear Medical Schools and Pediatric Residency Programs in AAP California Chapter 2,

Are you interested in learning more about local advocacy efforts? Do you want to hear more about getting involved in AAP California Chapter 2? If yes, then please consider inviting our chapter leadership to your local pediatric interest group meeting, pediatric residency noon conference, or any other gathering. Our chapter leadership wants to connect with the trainees in the area so reach out to chapter2@aapca2.org to schedule an event at your medical school / residency program!

Welcome New Chapter Members

Welcome NEW members who joined the chapter in July.

Thank you for your support!

Edgar Alfaro-McField, MD - San Bernardino
Patricia Almaguer Auchard, MD, FAAP - Ventura
Toni Aloyan, MD - Los Angeles
Hayley Avol, MD, FAAP - Manhattan Beach
Jadd Bahaaldin - Bakersfield
Michelle Bao, MD - Los Angeles
Corinne Bernhard, MD - Chicago
Amrita Bhat, MD - Los Angeles
Ana-Lucia Caceres, MD - Los Angeles
Kaitlin Cappetto, DO - Seattle
Timothy Counce, DO - Los Angeles
Kimberly Dawes, DO - Los Angeles
Emilie Dellit, MD - Charlotte
Kylene DeSmith, MD - Aurora
Starina D'souza, MD - Los Angeles
Nelson Eslao, MD, FAAP - Bakersfield
Shannon Fang, MD - Los Angeles
Asantewa Franklin, MD - Los Angeles
Christian Garcia Hernandez, MD - Sun Valley
Benjamin Goldstein, MD - Los Angeles
Irene Gonzalez, MD - La Habra
Judith Gonzalez, MD - Ontario
Laura Goy, MD - Los Angeles
Derek Gross, MD - Cottage Grove
Sara Haro, MD, FAAP - Studio City
Alejandro Hermida - Los Angeles
Brigit-Alexandra High, MD, PhD - Los Angeles
Clarice Ho, MD - Los Angeles
Michael Hoenack, MD - Los Angeles
Kate Hwang, MD - Valencia
Stephanie Johnson, MD - Los Angeles
Jacqueline Juarez, MD - Los Angeles
Sarah Kremer, MD, BS - Los Angeles
Cagla Kutukcu, MD - Los Angeles
Kelsey Lassen, MD - Los Angeles
Domeg Moore, MD - Seattle
Youmna Moufarrej, MD, FAAP - Los Angeles
Charles Newcomer, MD, FAAP - Santa Barbara
Aimee Nguyen, MD, FAAP - Valencia
Nul Oh, MD - Los Angeles
Tanaya Pampattiwar, MD - Houston
Meera Patel - Corona
Sheila Razdan, MD, MPH, FAAP - Los Angeles
Joshua Rivera, MD - Los Angeles
Shirin Salehi, MD - Los Angeles
Charlotte Sevy, MD - Manhattan Beach
William Sevy, MD - Los Angeles
Talia Subar, DO - Los Angeles
Julie Thamby, MD - Durham
Tiffany Thein, MD - San Clemente
Serena Tsai, MD, MS - Boston
Elena Tsemberis, MD - Washington
Helena Vervaet, MD - Los Angeles
Natalia Yakobian, MD - Saint Louis
Brandon Yeshoua, MD - Los Angeles
Marjel Zaldivar, DO, FAAP - Northridge

Committees Interest Form | Please Sign Up

Chapter committees, like the new mental health committee, are great opportunities to get involved in areas that interest you the most. Furthermore, if you are a Fellow member (FAAP), local involvement could position you for leadership opportunities at National AAP. To learn more about our various Committees and Sections, and to sign up, please visit aapca2.org/committees.

Click Here to Sign-up For Chapter Committees

We Want to Hear from You | Member Input Form

Do you have any concerns, questions or ideas that we can discuss and address during upcoming board meetings? This form is anonymous and confidential, with the option of entering your personal information and/or receive a call from a board member, staff, or any other chapter representative.

If you have any concerns, questions, or ideas that you would like to share, please complete This Form.

Program Spotlight | ENRICH - LAC

ENRICH-LAC is transforming pediatric care in Los Angeles County by embedding Family Partners-caregivers with lived experience-directly into clinics. In its pilot, FPs worked with over 1,673 families, successfully connecting 86% to early intervention and school-based services. By streamlining referrals and reducing administrative burdens, FPs free providers to focus on clinical care while helping families feel supported and confident navigating complex systems. Building on this success, ENRICH-LAC is expanding countywide, enhancing FP training, refining workflows, and scaling this innovative model to ensure every child gets timely access to crucial developmental services. ENRICH-LAC Webpage

Mental Health Corner

Cal-MAP Resources | What is Cal-MAP and Why Should I Use It?

Free services for pediatric practices. Enroll and refer patients at no cost to you - at no cost to them!

Imagine a hypothetical scenario. A stressed mom brings in her daughter to see you for new severe anxiety since the birth of a new baby sister weeks ago. The patient briefly stopped eating due to fear that she might vomit and make the baby sick. She has intense tantrums and has been resistant to going to school. She has started writing letters expressing guilt and feeling lost and asking for help. Her weight is stable, and she is without self harm or suicidality. She has started weekly therapy, but her anxiety seems to be getting worse. You are considering starting an SSRI but are wondering if it might be too soon.

You have a few minutes in between patients, should you:

Avoid calling Cal-MAP because you have not had a chance to use an evidence-based rating scale for this patient’s anxiety.
Avoid calling Cal-MAP because you don’t have enough time to consult with the Cal-MAP psychiatrist.
Avoid calling Cal-MAP because you have not had a chance to register with Cal-MAP yet.
CALL Cal-MAP for a consultation.

The scenario above is a great example of when to reach out and utilize Cal-MAP!

We've provided a Q&A linked through the button below, which we hope will convince you to use Cal-MAP for a free, prompt, provider to provider consultation for your patients with mental health concerns. Here is the Cal-MAP phone number so you can write it down and keep it handy: 800-253-2103. You can also sign up for the consultation service and educational resources at Cal-MAP.org. Or, for more educational resources and webinars from Cal-MAP, head over to the program's trainings schedule page.

Access Cal-MAP Q&A Information

NAMI - Mental Health Support Resources

NAMI Westside Los Angeles is an affiliate of National Alliance of Mental Illness, a grassroots mental health advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health conditions, as well as their families and loved ones. To find out about NAMI's support groups and courses, which are free of charge to participants, please go https://www.nami.org/findsupport/ to identify the NAMI affiliate that is most local to you. NAMI Westside Los Angeles has also been developing a Children's Mental Health Toolbox, which includes materials that can be used in the home, the classroom, the counseling office, and other settings for youth recreation and education. This resource can be found here- https://namiwla.org/childrens-mental-health-toolbox/.

To learn more about the Children's Mental Health Toolbox, or how it might be used for your specific context, please feel free to reach out to ohakak@namila.org.

Also, please checkout this "Life Rocks" book created by NAMI which is about coping strategies and a great resource for patients of all ages. Click here to check it out.

Upcoming Events

August 28 - Chapter Chat: Back to School, Back to Stress, Supporting Pediatric Patients with Anxiety

AAP-CA1 invites you to join the Chapter Chat: Back to School, Back to Stress, Supporting Pediatric Patients with Anxiety. In our current national climate of funding being cut for mental health, school health and public health, our most vulnerable children in California will need additional sources of support for their anxiety. Learn about the resources available to help pediatricians better assist our patients with anxiety.

All attendees will receive free Cal-MAP laminated “Tips for Primary Care Providers” with screening tools, medication dosing and titration, and common side effects and management considerations.

Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PDT
Location: via Zoom

September 19 - 22 - Society for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Annual Meeting

Come to the Society for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Annual Meeting, in San Diego, for an incredible educational experience! Many presentations are of strong relevance to primary care pediatrics, including sessions on parenting support, behavior management, genetics for non-geneticists, and misinformation in social media. Pre-meeting symposia (separate registration) run on Sept 19 & 20 (Friday & Saturday), and the main meeting from Sept 20 - 22 (Saturday - Monday).

More detailed program and registration information can be found at https://sdbp.org/annual-meeting/.

October - "Let’s Talk About Diabetes" Dinner Lecture Series - Registration Open

This October, Sanofi will be presenting an incredible lecture series entitled "Let's Talk About Diabetes", featuring Swati Elchuri, MD. A full rundown of the events and registration links are below!

Ventura/Oxnard – Tuesday, October 7

Topic: Let’s Talk About Diabetes

Speaker: Swati Elchuri, MD

Location: Larsen’s Steakhouse | 6:30 PM

Santa Barbara/Montecito – Wednesday, October 8

Topic: Let’s Talk About Diabetes

Speaker: Swati Elchuri, MD

Location: Lucky’s | 6:30 PM

Long Beach – Tuesday, October 14

Topic: Let’s Talk About Diabetes

Speaker: Swati Elchuri, MD

Location: Ruth Chris Steak House | 6:30

El Segundo – Tuesday, October 21

Topic: Let’s Talk About Diabetes

Speaker: Swati Elchuri, MD

Location: Fleming’s | 6:30 PM

For more information, email cheryl.lacsina@sanofi.com or franchesca.Quevedo@sanofi.com.

October 24 - 6th Annual Updates in Hospital Pediatrics (UHP)

6th Annual Updates in Hospital Pediatrics

In-Person Conference

October 24, 2025

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

This one-day event held at CHLA will feature experts in the field of PHM presenting an instructive and interactive program aimed at increasing knowledge and skills related to the practice of inpatient pediatrics. Presenters will provide a well-rounded, accessible program that includes lectures, case-based learning and live Q&A. A networking reception will follow the talks on October 24th at 5:30pm.

For additional information, contact mmclane@chla.usc.edu or mtrost@chla.usc.edu.

November 14 - 16 - AAP-CA's 46th Annual Las Vegas Seminars

46th Annual Las Vegas Seminars

Date: November 14 – 16, 2025

Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas

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

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. The usual attendance at our conference is between 500-600 practitioners representing Pediatricians, Family Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals from all parts of the United States and some foreign countries. You can access the official brochure here.

We’re excited for your return to the comradery of combining in-person interactions with friends, colleagues, and faculty with continuing medical education, and we are excited to welcome you back!

Learn More And Register Here

Watch our YouTube Channel

Grand Rounds

Join us for Pediatric Grand Rounds, where expert pediatricians and healthcare professionals come together to explore the latest advancements in child health! These engaging, evidence-based learning series feature top specialists sharing insights on a variety of clinical topics, from cutting-edge treatments to emerging research.

Visit the Grand Rounds Page

Resources Help Me Grow LA

Help Me Grow LA website: www.HelpMeGrowLA.org
Help Me Grow LA Call Center phone number: (833) 903-3972

You can help improve the system by partnering with Help Me Grow LA to make sure all young children in your care are supported and provided resources to benefit their development.

Contact Help Me Grow LA leadership via email: HelpMeGrowLA@ph.lacounty.gov. We look forward to working with you!

Membership Options | Large Groups

Enterprise Membership - Did you know?

Signing up your entire practice (clinical and non-clinical staff) qualifies for a 20% discount on Chapter membership dues. Contact us for details.

Resources

Los Angeles County Immigrant Youth Resource Toolkit

The Immigrant Youth Task Force (IYTF) at UCLA and the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 2 (AAP-CA2) invite you to visit The Los Angeles County Immigrant Youth Resource Toolkit, a website consolidating community resources in the greater LA area for immigrant youth and families. Our goal is to help professionals from all disciplines address the needs of their immigrant youth patients/clients with regards to health care, legal services, education, social services, and more. As our toolkit continues to evolve, we encourage you to explore and use it in your practice going forward.

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 1,500+ members on the second 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.