2026 August Edition

President's Message

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Name: Emma Burdekin, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Practice Location: Los Angeles, CA

Number of Years in Practice: 1 year!

Dr. Emma Burdekin is a general pediatrician at UCLA. She earned her undergraduate degree from Pomona College before attending the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed residency and served as Chief Resident at UCLA before joining the faculty in the Division of General Pediatrics at UCLA in July 2026.

She practices at the UCLA Children’s Health Center and the Venice Family Clinic Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Center. She is also completing the second year of the Medical Education Fellowship at UCLA. 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!

As part of the 2026 Symposium, residents and medical students were invited to present educational abstracts and posters. Through the chapter newsletters, the AAP-CA2 will be sharing this year's submissions and materials with membership. Please see this month's abstracts below!

Beyond Borders: Neurocysticercosis Case Report 

Sayali Shelke, MD



Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium in the larval stage acquired by ingestion of eggs shed in the feces of a human tapeworm carrier. Cysticercosis may be acquired from the fecal-oral route through ingestion of eggs in contaminated food/water or by person-to-person spread.

Cysticerci can migrate to the central nervous system and cause neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is associated with serious neurological manifestations including seizures and focal neurologic deficits. Read More.

Hypoventilation at Peak Exercise in People with Congenital Central Hypoventilation 

Mona Makhlouf, BS


There is a paucity of data on exercise in individuals with genetically confirmed congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). We hypothesize that 1) these individuals hypoventilate at peak exercise and 2) PHOX2B gene variant and/or BMI affect hypoventilation during exercise. Read More.

Association of Lymphatic Abnormalities by T2-weighted MRI with Late Complications After Fontan Operation

Aryan Desai


T2-weighted (T2w) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to assess for lymphatic abnormalities among single ventricle patients.

While studies have shown an association between lymphatic patterns on T2w MRI and early Fontan outcomes, robust data linking lymphatic abnormalities to long-term Fontan outcomes are sparse. The primary objective of this study is to determine if lymphatic abnormalities assessed by T2w MRI in Fontan patients are associated with long-term adverse outcomes. Read More.

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!

UCLA Pediatrics, see you on August 28th!

Filling Your Cup

"Happiness is in the Present Moment"

By Nirupama Madduri, MD, FAAP



One of my friend groups has a group text exchange where we can share happy moments, vent about concerns, and support each other as we travel on our life journeys. A friend in the group lamented about Halloween decorations being sold at stores in August. Read More.

Recognizing Exceptional Leadership and Impact in Vaccine Advocacy

We are delighted to announce Daniel R. Brennan, MD, FAAP, CLC as California’s recipient of the 2026 Immunization Champion Award.

Dr. Brennan’s leadership and dedication have significantly improved immunization rates and vaccine confidence across Santa Barbara County and beyond. After a tragic pertussis loss in his community, he launched the “Strive for 95” initiative, joining healthcare, public health, and schools to boost vaccine uptake. His outreach—including town halls, media campaigns, and StriveFor95.org—helped raise local kindergarten vaccination rates above the community immunity threshold. See the full announcement here.

The AAP is currently seeking Chapter Champions in the area of adolescent and young adult care for upcoming initiatives. Click here to learn more about the qualifications and how to apply.

Emerging forms of online exploitation are creating new challenges for the professionals who care for children.




Thorn's latest research examines how sadistic online exploitation challenges child safety systems and identifies opportunities to strengthen the coordination of response to protect young people.

For pediatricians, the findings offer practical insight into emerging warning signs, behavioral changes and the role child safety systems play in recognizing risk and responding to this harm. Read More.

News Article

CMA Statement on Trump Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines

(August 10th, 2026)

Sacramento, CA—In response to President Donald Trump's Executive Order on childhood vaccine recommendations, California Medical Association (CMA) President René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement:

“I have spent 40 years as a pediatrician reassuring parents that vaccines are safe. No medical intervention is perfect, but childhood vaccines are among the most thoroughly studied and closely monitored tools we have to protect children from serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

The president’s decision to use an executive order to promote a vaccine schedule based on personal beliefs rather than decades of medical evidence is deeply irresponsible. Unnecessarily delaying vaccines or spreading them out across multiple visits can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases when they are at greatest risk. This decision creates confusion and fear for parents who are trying to make the best decisions for their children.

The overwhelming scientific evidence is clear: vaccines do not cause autism, and decades of research have repeatedly confirmed their safety and effectiveness.

Parents should be able to trust that vaccine recommendations are based on medical evidence by physicians and medical experts, not political agendas or the personal views of elected officials. When political leaders undermine established medical science, they erode public confidence in vaccines and put children at risk.

A physician's responsibility is to follow the evidence and protect our patients. I urge parents to talk with their child’s physician and follow the vaccine recommendations developed by medical experts to keep their children healthy and protected.”

AAP members also received a direct communication from Dr. Racine on August 11th, Executive order to reduce childhood vaccines unscientific, dangerous. You may view that communication here.

The Pediatric Firestorm TEAM (PFire) is a transdisciplinary collaborative dedicated to advancing children's health in the face of the growing impacts of wildfires and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) disasters. Learn more about this group and their mission through the handout document linked below. Included are links to their meetings and resources.

Have you listened to the newest episode of the California Pediatrics Podcast? Streaming on Amazon Music/Audible, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and YouTube. In episode 13 of California Pediatrics, hosts Grant Christman, MD, MACM, FAAP and Eric Ball, MD, FAAP have a conversation with special guest Ilan Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACHE, FAAP as he shares, from a personal perspective, the challenges faced by International Medical Graduates.

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.


Available on audio and video, streaming on all platforms.

International Medical Graduates in Pediatrics, 
with Dr. Ilan Shapiro (Ep. 13)

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.

Chapter leaders from every District convened in Itasca, IL for the 2026 Annual

Leadership Conference. Chapter executive directors met two days prior to discuss strategies for strengthening operations and local advocacy efforts. 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.AAP announced the 2026 Top 10 Resolutions at the culmination of the annual Leadership Conference. You may view the resolutions document here.

We would like to congratulate Dr. Vinetz of AAP-CA Chapter 2, for having his resolution ranked 2nd out of the top ten. Additionally, a congratulations to Chapter 1 for their resolution coming in third.

Bob Vinetz, MD (AAP-CA2) – No. 2 Ranked Resolution: 

Res #16 - Fixing Medicaid: Removing the Middlemen –How to Improve & Expand Medicaid for Kids & Pediatricians… And Save $ Billions!


J. Raul Gutierrez, MD, FAAP & Genesis Trejo, MD (AAP-CA1) – No. 3 Ranked Resolution: 

Res #9 Advocate for the Discontinuation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Action on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults (CAYA) 

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 Mitchell Goldstein, MD, FAAP, Advocacy Committee chair Kimberly Petko, MD, FAAP, and to the presidents and vice-presidents of chapters 1, 3 and 4 in California for supporting the resolution process at the Academy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is encouraging pediatricians, families, and communities to participate in the 2026 election through its Vote Kids initiative. The nonpartisan campaign highlights the important connection between civic engagement and children’s health.

The goal is reminding us that elected leaders at all levels of government make decisions that impact the health and well-being of children, families, and communities.

Pediatricians can help promote civic engagement by encouraging others to make a voting plan, check their voter registration, and share the message that children’s health matters. Learn more about how you can get involved and help amplify the #VoteKids message.

Created by AAP-CA2's new Vice President, the Dr. Kamaal Jones Show is a podcast breaking down the high stakes political battles impacting patients and providers. Dr. Jones has a simple mission: "Pull back the curtain on the forces shaping our well-being, so that we can mobilize for the healthcare we actually deserve."

In the latest episode, linked below, Dr. Jones breaks down Dr. Fauci's congressional hearing and the signal it sends to citizens everywhere.

You can click on the button below to head over to the show's official YouTube page to find your preferred podcast platform, like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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

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:

On Monday, August 17, 2026, the CDC released a report showing declining vaccination rates among kindergarteners in the US. In response, AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, issued a statement, writing that, "What today’s data show is that over 92 percent of kindergarteners in the United States are vaccinated. When it comes to vaccination rates, however, anything less than achieving an A+ grade is not good enough." AAP News also published an article emphasizing the decline in kindergarten measles vaccination rates last school year as measles cases surged. Access the talking points document that addresses common concerns regarding the decline in kindergarten vaccination rates.

Vaccine Related Resources

Communicating About Vaccines

The AAP partnered with the FrameWorks Institute to develop 5 evidence-based recommendations to help physicians, advocates, and others effectively build understanding of and support for child and adolescent vaccinations.

Immunization Fact Sheets for Families

The new Immunization Facts for Families resources are designed to help clinicians facilitate immunization conversations. The influenza fact sheet is now available to download. New fact sheets will be available soon.

Vaccine Confidence Campaign

Each toolkit within the Vaccine Confidence Campaign contains a set of key messages, social media graphics and copy, and related resources to share.

How to Spot Misleading Health Claims

This parent handout, developed by AAP in partnership with the Center for Unbiased Science and Health, is a simple resource to help families navigate today's flood of online health information.

Neonatology Today is the only peer reviewed monthly journal that is available free to Neonatologists, Perinatologists, Neonatal Nurses, Neonatal Respiratory Care Specialists, Parents and anyone interested in the Neonatal Perinatal space.

The mission of Neonatology Today is to provide peer reviewed publications, timely news, and information to Neonatologists and Perinatologists as well as other members of the neonatal/perinatal community regarding the care of newborns and the diagnosis and treatment of premature and/or sick infants.

Fun Fact: Did you know? AAP-CA2 President Dr. Mitchell Goldstein is the Editor in Chief for Neonatology Today.

Toward Evidence-Based Antidepressant Tapering in Children

By Laura Farach, MD, FAAP

Antidepressant tapering and deprescribing are gaining increasing attention across psychiatry, pediatrics, and public health. This momentum reflects a broader shift toward giving medication discontinuation more explicit attention as part of safe, developmentally informed psychiatric care. At the 2026 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, Read more...

Mothers’ Milk Bank California is pleased to announce the release of the Pediatrician’s Guide to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk.




This guide is designed to help equip pediatricians, and any physicians caring for the youngest and most vulnerable patients, with the knowledge and tools necessary to safely and effectively incorporate pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) into their practice. Request the guide here.

Chapter committees, like our 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

New Study Opportunity! Developing Routines for Early Adolescent Media and Sleep (DREAMS) Will Soon Need 4 Practices to Participate In Its First Phase

• For this PROS study, we’ve designed a version of the AAP Family Media Plan that focuses on helping teens 12-15-years-old who experience challenges with both sleep and screen use to develop healthier sleep and screen use habits.
• Later this summer, we’ll invite pediatric clinicians, parents, and teens from 4 practices to take part in a 1-hour virtual interview to walk through the Sleep Family Media Plan we’ve built.
• Interested in learning more about participating? Contact Ali Torres, atorres@aap.org.

New AAP PROS Publication

• Garg A, Brochier A, Torres A, et al. A Social Care Intervention in Pediatric Practices: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Trial. Pediatrics. Published online July 1, 2026. doi:10.1542/peds.2026-076146
• The WE CARE study was conducted across 18 pediatric practices and 14 states in the AAP PROS and Academic Pediatric Association Continuity Research networks.
• The study evaluated how a social screening and referral intervention can be implemented in real-world pediatric settings.
• While families receiving the social screening and referral intervention were more likely to discuss social needs and receive referrals, enrollments in new community resources did not differ from usual care after 3 months.
  

AAP PROS at the 2026 Physician’s Computer Company (PCC) Users’ Conference

• AAP PROS and PCC have maintained a strong partnership since 2012, working together to advance child health through primary care research.
• Dr. Alexander Fiks, PROS Director, presented at the 2026 PCC Users’ Conference in South Burlington, Vermont, July 14-17. He shared findings from PROS’ TIPP-C (telemedicine) and Text4Vax (influenza vaccination text reminders) studies and highlighted research from PROS’ Comparative Effectiveness Research through Collaborative Electronic Reporting (CER2) program.
  
• TIPP-C Study Abstract Selected as a Top Abstract for NCE 2026
  PROS’ Telemedicine Care Integrated into Pediatric Primary Care and Child Outcomes (TIPP-C) Study’s abstract, “Association between practice-level telemedicine use and antibiotic prescribing in primary care practices,” was selected as a top abstract for the 2026 AAP Section on Telehealth Care educational program, AAP National Conference and Exhibition (NCE), San Diego, California, October 2-6.
• We will provide more details as the NCE date nears.

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.

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 check out 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.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) invites you to join them for the 2026 National Conference & Exhibition, taking place October 2–6 in San Diego, California. Experience over 350 educational sessions in more than 70 topic areas, and earn up to 97 CME Credits!

There will be plenty of opportunities for networking, in addition to the largest pediatric technical exhibit of its kind.

Join AAP California for the 47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars, an engaging educational experience designed for pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals. This year’s program features expert-led updates in Pediatric Nephrology, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Pediatric Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Adolescent Gynecology, and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, with a focus on practical, evidence-based care for both office and hospital settings. A rundown of speakers and the agenda can be accessed here.

PFire hosts an annual transdisciplinary working conference that brings together healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers, public health experts, educators, policymakers, community leaders, students, and families to address one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.

Unlike traditional conferences, Pediatric Health on a Burning Planet is designed to generate actionable solutions through collaborative discussions, research development, clinical innovation, community engagement, and policy recommendations. See the upcoming conference details below, registration coming soon.

• Saturday, November 21, 2026 - Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
• Hybrid (In-person & Virtual)
• Free!

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.

• 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!

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.

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.

Members-At-Large

Please visit our website: aapca2.org

Past issues of Peds@CA2 eNews: https://aapca2.org/publications/

Thank you to the 1,883 who follow us on X (@AAPCA2) and on Instagram.