Lately, I'm trying to make sure that I stay in that snuggly hug from one of my sons as long as they want and truly relish in their loud silly moments - it's amazing how reenergizing a good hug or laugh can be. So I wish you all lots of hugs and laughter this holiday season and hope they rejuvenate you and give you energy as we plow into 2025!

I also find engaging in our AAP energizing! On that note, we have a leadership opportunity for an Early Career Physician to fulfill the role of ECP Chapter Representative. Please look for the details below. The deadline to apply is January 6th.

In addition, if you are interested in engaging in a national AAP committee or council in a leadership capacity, please see Lead@AAP (AAP Login Required) for the board vacancies as applications are due February 2025. There are 17 committees with vacancies and the Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health is looking to fill two board positions.

In the member spotlight we have AAP-CA2 Ventura County Area Representative Ken Saul, MD, FAAP, who exemplifies truly loving being a community pediatrician!

In the Trainees’ Corner, we have a Section On Pediatric Trainees health equity grant opportunity, with a deadline of January 30, 2025.

And please take a look at our Mental Health Corner. There is information around the Cal-MAP consultation program. 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. We are also continuing to work on developing our in-person mental health conference! Please Save-The -Date for March 11, 2025 from 3 to 7 PM for this event to be held at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Details regarding topics covered below.

I would like to welcome our new chapter members and encourage them to get involved by joining a chapter committee or reaching out to Tomas or myself to find where your passion - your voice - might best fit in Chapter 2. Information about our committees and other resources are available on our website, https://aapca2.org.

Your support and engagement makes the work of this chapter possible.

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

Call for Applications

Early Career Physician (ECP) Chapter Representative

Our chapter is seeking an enthusiastic Early Career Physician (ECP) Chapter Representative to join the board, with a term effective upon selection through June 30, 2026. This role offers an opportunity to represent and advocate for early career physicians within the chapter, strengthen communication with the national SOECP, and engage new ECP members.

Responsibilities include attending chapter meetings, contributing to chapter activities, and leading ECP engagement efforts. View the full description.

Interested candidates should submit a one-paragraph statement of interest along with their CV to Tomas Torices with the email subject line "ECP Rep Position" by January 6, 2025.



Filling Your Cup

By Niru Madduri, MD, FAAP

Chair, Newsletter Editorial Board

As everyone declares, “’tis the season”, pediatricians are reminded of the presence of pathogens in our ecosystem, the human body produces a large quantity of mucus in a variety of colors, and darkness becomes our friend.  Our longer work days bring more work than we can accommodate and less sunlight than we should have.  Continue reading

Health Equity For The Holidays

The holiday season is officially underway and so are the multicultural celebrations it brings. This time can be used to connect with loved ones and take joy in long-lived traditions. Additionally, some may also find themselves with an urge to reflect on the year that has passed ... Continue Reading

Name: Ken Saul, M.D.

Practice location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Number of years in practice: 42

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I did undergrad at Northwestern University, medical school at Ohio State University and internship and residency at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. I started pediatric practice in Thousand Oaks in 1982... 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!

ADHD: How General Pediatricians Can Properly Diagnose It | AAP News

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, can be diagnosed and assessed by any general pediatrician who has the proper workflow set up in their office. AAP-CA2 Past President (2016-2018) Edward Curry, MD, FAAP has been helping families whose children have ADHD for decades. He discusses the current ADHD toolkit and the American Academy of Pediatrics survey for the next edition, which will help guide pediatricians moving forward. Watch the video and access the ADHD Toolkit and Survey: https://publications.aap.org/toolkits

25 points of ABP MOC Part 4 credit

$750 at the end of the 4th cycle

• Baseline Data Collection (10 random charts)
• Three PDSA Cycles + Data Collection
• Monthly QI/data review calls

Please contact ucla.avc@mednet.ucla.edu or complete this Interest 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:

December Social Pedia Newsletter

What's happening this month?

December features National Influenza Vaccination Week. With the respiratory virus season in full swing, it is even more important to encourage flu vaccination. Find graphics, videos and other resources to share important messages about the importance of vaccination, and information on holiday safety.

Access all resources in This Month's Issue.

For the 4^th year, we are excited to invite SOPT members to submit a proposal to receive up to $3,000 for research, programs, or education addressing health disparities and inequities. To apply, you must be current medical student, resident, or fellowship trainee member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and AAP Section on Pediatric Trainees.

Up to 12 proposals will be selected. The review committee is accepting proposals of varying types - program implementation, research studies, community initiatives, etc. ​​More information on past funded projects is ​available here. View the application for the timeline, eligibility, and reporting required.

This program was made possible through the generous support of AAP donors to the Friends of Children Fund.

Deadline: January 30, 2025 | Learn more & apply

Questions? Contact Britt Nagy. 

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! 

October 29 - UCLA Department of Pediatric Noon Conference.

Pediatric residents, fellows and medical students, with Christine Thang, MD, FAAP (AAP District IX Early Career Representative) and AAP-CA2 staff Tomás Torices and William Barboza. Presentations to residency programs provide an overview of the organization, ways to get involved and opportunities for advocacy.

AAP Resolutions Workshop

The AAP's Section on Pediatric Trainees will be hosting its online resolutions writing workshop on January 8, 2025 at 5PM PST. Please use this form to upload your draft resolution by February 16, 2025. The AAP' Section on Pediatric Trainees has a whole infrastructure for supporting resolutions authored by trainees. 

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of children's health! 

CATCH Applications for 2025 Opening Soon!

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to request support as they develop a CATCH project proposal from the CATCH network of Chapter CATCH Facilitators (CCFs) and District CATCH Resident Liaisons (DRLs). 
• Friday, January 10, 2025 is the deadline for applicants to initiate requests for support from Chapter CATCH Facilitators (CCFs) & CATCH District Resident Liaisons (DRLs)
• CATCH network contact rosters and the Call for Proposals are available at www.aap.org/CATCH (2025 Call for Proposals will be posted by Nov. 1)

CATCH Application Timeline

5 Ways to Make Reading the Heart of Your Holiday Celebrations

By Delesa Barnes

Reach Out and Read Inland Empire Program Coordinator

This holiday season, embrace the magic of storytelling and give your family the gift that keeps on giving—the joy of reading together. At Reach Out and Read Inland Empire (RORIE) we remind you of this timeless gift that strengthens bonds, sparks imagination, and fosters lifelong learning.

Making reading a holiday tradition can involve thoughtful planning and

creativity. Read More!

December Update

Welcome to VPDC Pediatric Immunization Updates!



As we wrap up the year, this month's update focuses on pediatric immunizations, seasonal reminders, and strategies to ensure your patients stay protected during the winter months. We are committed to supporting you in delivering the best care for your pediatric patients.

View the full update, here.

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.

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. This includes advice on screening, diagnosis, and treatment from a child psychiatrist and guidance on resources and referrals from a social worker.

Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org

Cal-MAP Resources:

PCP Resources

Family Resources

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org

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.

Gasol Foundation (founded by NBA Champions Pau and Marc Gasol) is a nonprofit that works through programming, research, advocacy, and awareness to promote children’s wellness, with a focus on eliminating childhood obesity.



Every Gasol Foundation program incorporates physical activity and sports, healthy eating, sleep, and emotional well-being to improve the health of our children and their overall development. 

The Galactic Sports program consists of basic sports skills and wellness lessons for children ages 6-12. The program takes children through 10 weekly one-hour lessons in a sport (basketball, track and field, or soccer) while also engaging them on the importance of healthy habits.

LEARN MORE: https://gasolfoundation.org/galactic-sports/

Still Recruiting! AAP PROS invites pediatric primary care practices to refer children to an NIH Long COVID observational study. Why are some children sick months after having COVID?

• We invite you to take a look at the research findings from the first manuscript out of the NIH RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery) pediatric cohort, “Characterizing Long COVID in Children and Adolescents,” published August 21, 2024, in The Journal of the American Medical Association. Practices in the PROS network supported this work.
• We are still recruiting practices to the national RECOVER study to improve our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID. Practices refer families with (a) children and adolescents 17-years-old and younger suspected to have had prolonged symptoms of any kind after having COVID and (b) children 3-5 years-old who have NEVER had COVID. Each practice that refers families receives $1,500 and families receive up to $100 per child. If you are a practice interested in joining this study please contact Kristin Davis, kdavis@aap.org.

Still Recruiting! AAP PROS invites pediatric primary care practices to join the NIMH HEART+ teen suicide prevention study.

• Did you know? Findings from a new study revealed a significant increase in the suicide rate among U.S. preteens between the 2001-2007 and 2008-2022 periods.
• If you are a pediatric primary care practice with NO embedded/co-located mental health services interested in joining the RCT phase of the NIMH-funded HEART+ (HElp At-Risk Teens Thrive) study, contact Ali Torres, atorres@aap.org.

Questions? Ideas? Contact Everly Macario, ScD, Director of Primary Care Research, AAP, emacario@aap.org.

Upcoming Events

Save The Dates!

January 9, 2025 - In Person at the California Endowment

Prevention of Infection in Schools: From Mythbusting to Implementation

Please join AAP-CA2 Infection Prevention Ambassador, Ken Zangwill, MD, FAAP and LAUSD Medical Director Smita Malhotra, MD, FAAP as they discuss the latest in infection prevention in schools. This is an in-person event with Zoom options. Save the Date. Registration open now!

In-Person: Register Here!

Zoom Option: Register Here!

AAP-CA2 LAUSD Event Flier

Thursday, January 9, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM

The California Endowment

1000 North Alameda Street 

Los Angeles, CA 90012

January 23, 2025 - Virtual Pediatric Lecture Series: Typhus

Don't miss the Virtual Pediatric Lecture Series, in partnership with CHOC Business Development, on January 23! This virtual event will feature Dr. Delma Nieves speaking on the topic of Typhus.

Learning Objectives

• Apply exam finding and exposure history information to determine risk or murine typhus.
• Be able to use laboratory data, signs, and symptoms to decide who needs to be referred to the hospital vs. who can remain as an outpatient.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (PDT)

To learn more and register, download the official event flier.

January 27, 2025

AAP-CA2 is continuing with networking events in each of the counties in our region. Members from all counties are invited, so if you are in the area, please join us on January 27, 2025 any time between 6:30 and 8:30 PM in Culver City.

• Meet chapter board members and committee chairs
• Learn about chapter projects and opportunities
• Connect with pediatric subspecialists. Bring your business cards!
• Medical students, residents/fellows, early career physicians, join us!
• Mental Health Professionals, join us to network together!
• There will be food and music!

Bring a Guest: Invite a pediatrician who is not a current Chapter 2 member and receive 10% off symposium registration for you and your guest.

Register Here!

Los Angeles Social Flier

Village Well Books & Coffee

9900 Culver Blvd

Culver City, California

January 28, 2025 - Save The Date

The day after the Los Angeles social, we will be traveling to Santa Barbara for another amazing chapter social. Members from all counties are invited, so if you are in the area, please join us on January 28, 2025 any time between 6:00 and 8:30 PM in Santa Barbara.

• Meet chapter board members and committee chairs
• Learn about chapter projects and opportunities
• Connect with pediatric subspecialists. Bring your business cards!
• Medical students, residents/fellows, early career physicians, join us!
• Mental Health Professionals, join us to network together!
• There will be food and music at an incredible art gallery venue.

Bring a Guest: Invite a pediatrician who is not a current Chapter 2 member and receive 10% off symposium registration for you and your guest.

Register Here!

Santa Barbara Social Flier

10 West Gallery

10 W Anapamu St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

February 14 - 16 - Council on Communications and Media In-Person Media Training

The Council on Communications and Media (COCM) is proud to invite you to its in-person media training program in 2025. The program February 14 – 16, 2025 “Harnessing the Power of Media in Health Care” will offer a deep dive into on-camera interviewing, crisis communication, writing, putting together effective talking points, evaluating and pitching media, dealing with burnout and tough interview questions and much more. The training program will be at the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.

In addition to the trainings, there will be tremendous opportunities for networking and meeting like-minded pediatricians and health care workers interested in the power of communications. Registration will start soon. For information, email COCM@aap.org.

Thank you and see you in New Orleans!

Thomas C. McPheron

Manager, PR and Communications

March 11 - From Screening To Treatment: A Case-Based Exploration Of Pediatric Anxiety And Depression

In partnership with Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Join us at The Saban Research Institute on March 11, 2025 for the inaugural AAP-CA2 Mental Health Conference, From Screening To Treatment: A Case-Based Exploration Of Pediatric Anxiety And Depression. This conference brings together leading experts, clinicians, and researchers to explore the latest advancements in pediatric mental health. Gain practical insights, discover innovative treatments, and connect with a community dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families. It will be open to pediatricians, residents, and medical students, as well as allied mental health professionals.

Event Location

The Saban Research Institute

Across from CHLA

4650 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90027

Event Date

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Event Cost

In-person attendance: $35 members/$50 non-members

Virtual/Zoom: $50 members/$60 non-members

(Higher cost for virtual attendance offsets the high cost of A/V logistics)

Speakers to be announced. Topics for the event are listed below.

• Anxiety/Depression Pediatric Screening Tools
• Lifestyle Medicine Treatments/Pharmacological Strategies
• Case-Based Review With Q&A

Download Event Flier

CME Accreditation In-Process

Registration Opens January 15, 2025

May 30 - 36th Annual AAP-CA2 Advances In Pediatrics Symposium - Date Change

Please note that the Advances in Pediatrics Symposium has been rescheduled to Friday, May 30, 2025 (originally set for May 17th). We sent a poll to our members and the vast majority of respondents preferred a Friday event. Stay tuned for more details. We can't wait to see you there!

• 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!

Please visit our website: aapca2.org

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

Thank you to the 1,370 who follow us on X! @AAPCA2 and Instagram