2020 - February Edition
Alice Kuo, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAP   President, AAP - CA2    2018 - 2020 
President's Message
 
These are sobering times we live in. This past week, Los Angeles has been mourning the loss of a legend, Kobe Bryant. I have been struck by the numerous stories of what a wonderful father he was. My heart goes out to the families of the victims.
 
On January 22, I testified at a Los Angeles City Council meeting to prevent the construction of a private detention center in Arleta that would have housed children separated from their parents. A video clip of my testimony is available (here). This private prison company is now going to try to open a private detention center in Hemet, in Riverside County. We are working with local officials to prevent that from happening. The AAP has taken a strong stance that no child should be separated from their parents for any reason; and furthermore, no one should profit from the detention of children. Thus far, there are no private detention centers in California, and our chapter will work with immigration advocates to make sure that there are no private detention centers for children within the seven counties of our chapter.
 
Last Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration is able to enforce the proposed changes in the public charge rule that would expand the government's view of who can be deemed as a "public charge," or dependent on public assistance. Ultimately, immigration officials could deny green cards or visas to legal immigrants if they have used Medicaid, food stamps or other safety-net programs, or if they are considered likely to do so. For those of us who work with underserved or immigrant populations, this ruling will likely decrease access to care for children and families who need it. The federal affairs office of national AAP has released a response to the Supreme Court ruling (here) and our chapter's Immigrant Health Committee continues to be active in this space, working to create an online directory for all providers working in Los Angeles and surrounding areas to connect immigrant families to needed resources. Their goal is to unveil this online directory by the end of the summer. If you are interested in joining the Immigrant Health Committee on these issues, please contact Tomas.
 
This past Thursday, January 30, the Trump administration unveiled its Medicaid block grant plan which caps funding for the program and limits benefits to millions who became eligible under the Affordable Care Act. National AAP immediately issued a statement calling for CMS to rescind the plan, and is leading a coalition of children's health groups that oppose the proposal. Stay tuned for more information as the AAP shares state-specific advocacy strategies that can be used to mitigate the impact of these waivers on children.
 
On January 31, the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus a global health emergency, as the virus continues to spread outside of China. For the latest information on this emerging threat, we encourage all of our members to sign up for the Los Angeles Health Alert Network. Please see below for instructions on how to sign up.
 
We had a wonderful Life After Residency event at the Andaz Hotel this past week, with residents from half a dozen programs and exhibitors looking for new pediatricians to join their practices. For those of you who could not make it, we are developing a new job board with the exhibitors' contact information. Please feel free to send them your CV if you are interested in a full-time, part-time, locums position or a job change.
 
Our ACEs committee has been busy at work, and California Surgeon General, Nadine Burke Harris, MD will be the featured speaker at our ACEs Town Hall meeting on February 25 at Magnolia Place, just southwest of downtown Los Angeles. I hope you have also found the series published in our newsletters on ACEs as informative as I have. Starting this year (January 1, 2020), providers can submit for Medi-Cal reimbursement if they do screening for ACEs in their clinics. Part of this Town Hall is to hear from Dr. Burke Harris how providers can successfully do this and what she expects will happen once all providers are regularly screening for ACEs. Please consider joining this mighty and multidisciplinary group if you are interested in ACEs.
 
A piece of good news-we have been selected again to be a finalist in the Very Large Chapter of Excellence competition at national AAP! Thanks to all of you who contribute to our robust menu of activities within our chapter, in all seven counties. On behalf of the chapter, I will be interviewed at the Annual Leadership Forum in mid-March to share all of the good work that you all do. As much as the recognition would be nice, I think more importantly is just knowing that our chapter is doing amazing things to improve children's health in our communities.
 
Our Annual Symposium will be held next month at UCLA, and it promises to be an amazing event. Please join us during the noon hour for our annual membership business meeting, when we will hear from both national presidential candidates, our own candidates for chapter office, and from the CHLA resident advocacy initiative.
 
Also, we are planning an Early Career Physicians social networking event in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA)-stay tuned for what promises to be a fun-filled evening of networking with other pediatricians and physicians in our area.
 
Please check out the rest of our newsletter for information on our Town Hall meetings and other CME opportunities, ways to get Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points with Quality Improvement (QI) projects, and statewide advocacy priorities that the AAP is working on behalf of children.
 
Thanks for all that you do on behalf of children in our communities!
 
Alice Kuo, MD, PhD, MBA, FAAP
Chapter President
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Smart Inhaler Attachment  
New advances in inhaler sensors can help answer decades long inhaler technique issues
Chris Landon, MD 
Chris Landon, MD, FCCP, CDM

Chronic lung diseases such as asthma affect over 35 million Americans and its prevalencehas increased drastically in the past fifteen years [1]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 13 people in the United States alone suffer from asthma, with 8.3 percent of children diagnosed [2,3]. Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases. However, almost 90% of patients use their inhalers incorrectly resulting in suboptimal medication delivery to the lungs [4-7] which in turn leads to poor asthma control, missed school days, work days and adverse health outcomes (exacerbations, emergency department visits, hospitalizations) [7-9].
 
To tackle this issue, patients need to be frequently educated on correct inhaler use technique.  Read more... 
Pediatric Dentistry  
Medical Consultations
Catherine Pham, DDS, MPH
Catherine Pham, DDS, MPH
 
Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care for children beginning with eruption of the first tooth and continuing until the transition to adult care with a general dentist. An important part of this pediatric population includes children with special health care needs (SHCN). The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines SHCN as including any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. As pediatricians are aware, these children require individualized care and the dental providers that treat them require coordination with their medical providers to ensure the safety and appropriateness of dental treatment rendered.
Please provide feedback
How you would prefer to receive medical consultations from your dental colleagues? The California Society of Pediatric Dentistry appreciates any feedback and looks forward to maintaining long-lasting relationships. Please complete THIS FORM
 
Immunizations Resources  
 
Five Vaccine Updates from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Candace Gragnani, MD, FAAP
Candace Gragnani, MD, MPH, FAAP
AAP-CA2 Immunizations Representative 
 
1. Recruitment for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Childhood Immunization Flipchart Pilot is now open!
 
Would you like to conduct efficient, productive conversations with families about childhood vaccination and give a strong recommendation for childhood vaccines? The AAP Childhood Immunization Support Program, a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developed a childhood immunization flipchart... Read more

2. It is time to pre-book vaccine for the 2020-2021 influenza season! 
 
Although still currently in the thick of the current influenza season, it's already time to think about your vaccine needs for the 2020-2021 season. View the AAP Influenza Implementation Guidance section on Prebooking to help you determine your needs for next year. This section will help you prebook influenza vaccine for next year by reminding you to consider:
  • How many patients will need 2 doses of influenza vaccine
  • What the ages of your patients will be (depending on which manufacturer you order from, patients ages should be considered), and more

3. The AAP Section on Infectious Diseases (SOID) Award for Lifetime Contributions in Infectious Diseases Education

The SOID recently issued a call for nominations/applications for the 2020 SOID Award for Lifetime Contributions in Infectious Diseases Education. This award is given annually to a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) who has made outstanding contributions to education in infectious diseases. The candidate's contribution should be indicative of a substantial long-term dedication to the highest ideals of education. Preference will be made for those who have focused on education of practitioners. The candidate need not be a member of the AAP SOID. The recipient will receive complimentary travel to the 2020 AAP National Conference and Exhibition or ID Week 2020 for him/herself.
 
Click to learn more about this award and submitting a nomination, which are due February 28, 2020.

4. The AAP SOID 2020-21 Visiting Professor Program Call for Applications

The Visiting Professor Program provides support for a pediatric infectious diseases physician to visit an institution for one to two days. The Visiting Professor provides lectures and discusses clinical problems that may enhance the infectious diseases training of health care providers including but not limited to attending medical and surgical staff, faculty, fellows-in-training, residents, etc.
 
Click to learn more and submit an application for this program. Applications are due Friday, March 6, 2020.

5. AAP Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative - Deadline extended!

The AAP is offering a Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative to support pediatricians, other primary care physicians, and all practice staff in making strong recommendations for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and pediatric influenza vaccination. This initiative is designed to connect immunization experts to organizations around the country that may not have or have limited access to this expertise.
 
The Visiting Immunization Expert Initiative will provide support for an immunizationexpert to visit an organization and address immunization-related topics chosen by the organization that best fit their immunization-related needs. Travel expenses and a stipend for the visiting immunization expert are funded by AAP. Applicants are not expected to incur any expenses. Applications are open to AAP chapters, health departments, immunizationcoalitions, health care systems, and organizations with limited access to this expertise. Note: Priority will be given to applications supporting pediatricians, other primary care physicians, and practice staff in rural and underserved areas. Applications are due by February 7th, 2020 . For more information, contact Melissa Ponce at mponce@aap.org or 630/626-6209.

Get Involved - Chapter Committees  
Chapter committees 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 for any of the Committees/Sections listed below, please visit aapca2.org/committees 
 
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Committee
Anti-Smoking/Vaping Committee   Immigrant Health Committee
 Immunizations Committee  Membership Committee  Physician Wellness Committee
 Practice Management Committee  Section on Early Career Physicians  Section on Pediatric Trainees
Advocacy Highlights

January 22 in LA Against Building Youth Detention Centers 

The Los Angeles City Council met on Wednesday, January 22 for its regular Council Meeting at LA City Hall in the John Ferraro Council Chamber, room 340. On the agenda was item 41 - A motion (MARTINEZ - WESSON - RODRIGUEZ - PRICE) relative to instructing the Department of City Planning (DCP) to prepare an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) to prohibit the issuance of any demolition, building, grading, and any other applicable permits to prevent the construction or operation of private detention centers. Representing AAP-CA2 and the best interest of our youth, AAP-CA2 President Alice Kuo, MD.... And AAP-CA2 Executive Director Tomas Torices, MD were among over fifty individuals who supported the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.



Watch Dr. Alice Kuo's statement in the video below.
 
Dr. Alice Kuo at LA City Council 

 


January 30 - Hollywood
Life After Residency &
Pediatric Career Fair 2020
 
Employers, Residents and practicing Pediatricians met at the Andaz West Hollywood Hotel for the AAP-CA2 Pediatric Career Fair. Dr. Thomas Jacob presented the "Life After Residency" segment during which attendees have an opportunity to ask questions about the road ahead. We thank David Dinette and Abbott Nutrition for supporting this event.  


Thank you to the following organizations for participating in this event:
 
Agoura West Valley Pediatric  
Medical Group 
Kaiser Permanente - Southern
California Permanente Medical Group 
AltaMed Health Services Corp.  KPG Provider Services 
Carey Chronis, MD  L. A. County Medical Association 
Cedars-Sinai Academic and
Leadership Search 
Los Angeles County Department of
Health Services 
Children's Hospital Los Angeles 
Pediatric Associates Medical Group 
Community Clinic Association of Los
Angeles County (CCALAC) 
Riverside County Medical Association 
Just 4 Kids Pediatrics, Inc  Rolling Oaks Pediatrics 
 
.
Upcoming - Events
 
February 4, 2020
     
Immigrant Youth Task Force Speaker Series
Tuesday, February 4th at UCLA
Topic: DACA (formal title and speakers to be announced)  
 
 
Save the Date! 
  
 
February 5, 2020 in Woodland Hills - Town Hall/Dinner Lecture
Kenneth Saul, MD, FAAP 
     
Join AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large Ken Saul, MD, FAAP for an evening of professional development and networking.
 
   Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Health and Well Child Visits
 
Speaker: Dr. Lisa B. Nguyen  
 
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
At Maggiano's in Woodland Hills
 
What: Learn about preventive oral health services you can incorporate into well-child visits.
When: February 5, 2020 at 6:30PM
Where: Maggiano's Little Italy 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Promenade, Westfield, CA 91367
Why: February is National Children's Dental Health Month! To commemorate, join us for an evening about the importance of oral health for your patients. Dental caries is the most prevalent childhood disease, more than asthma or obesity.
 
RSVP:
Email Dr. Ken Saul at docksaul@aol.com
 
  
 
 
February 19, 2020 in Santa Barbara - Town Hall/Dinner Lecture
Kenneth Saul, MD, FAAP 
 
Brian Santacrose, MD, FAAP   
 
Join AAP-CA2 Area Representative Brian Santacrose, MD, FAAP and Member-At-Large Ken Saul, MD, FAAP for an evening of professional development and networking. Sponsored by Sobi.
 
 
Understanding the Importance of Immunoprophylaxis for Infants and Children at High Risk for Severe RSV Disease
 
Speaker: Kenneth Saul, MD, FAAP    
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
6 PM 
Opal Restaurant and Bar 
 
 
Opal Restaurant and Bar
1325 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
 
Please Click Here to register, or email Chapter2@aap-ca.org  
  
 
February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles - ACEs Training
     
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Essentials, Screening Implementation, and Clinical Integration Training for Pediatric Providers
 
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
2 PM - 5 PM
 
At Magnolia Place
(Magnolia Community Initiative) 
1910 Magnolia Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
 
The AAP-CA2 ACEs Committee invites you to attend the first Town Hall on Adverse Childhood Experiences. All pediatricians and family medicine providers are encouraged to attend.  
 
Keynote Speaker:
Nadine Burke Harris, MD
Surgeon General of California 
 
We Will Cover:
1. Introduction to ACEs and Resilience 
2. The Role of Health Professionals and Trauma-Informed Systems 
3. Screening for and Addressing ACEs in Health Care Practices 
4. Avoiding Burnout and Vicarious Trauma 
 
 
Please visit the event website:   http://bit.ly/ACETownHallLAhome 
Register for the event on Eventbrite:  http://bit.ly/ACETownHallLA 
 
And share on your social media-verse!
 
Twitter: @ACESTownHallLA      Instagram: @ACESCommitteeAAPCh2
#ACESTownHallLA
 
 
 
March 12, 2020
     
Immigrant Youth Task Force - Speaker Series  
Thursday, March 12 at UCLA
Topic: Medical-Legal Parnterships and Academic Advocacy featuring Alan Shapiro, MD, FAAP, Medical Director and co-founder of Terra Firma  
 
Save the Date  
  
March 28, 2020


ADVANCES IN PEDIATRICS
31st Annual AAP-CA2 Pediatric Symposium    


Mobeen H. Rathore, MD, FAAP
of Jacksonville, Florida. 
 
Moira A. Szilagyi, MD, PhD, FAAP, of Marina Del Rey, California.
 
Both candidates for AAP president-elect, will be guest faculty at the 31st Annual Advances in Pediatrics Symposium at UCLA on March 28. 
 
Also, as candidates for AAP President-Elect, they will both speak during our Annual Business Luncheon.
Mobeen Rathore, MD, FAAP

Dr. Rathore will speak on infectious diseases.
Moira A. Szilagyi, MD, PhD, FAAP

Dr. Szilagyi will speak on
Childhood Trauma and Resilience

QI Opportunities - CME and MOC Part 4
More LA Smiles CME and MOC Part 4 Opportunities
  
In a state-funded effort to improve the oral health of Los Angeles County children on Medi-Cal, UCLA's More LA Smiles Dental Transformation Initiative invites medical providers and their staff to participate in clinical trainings and improvement opportunities.  
 
Oral Health Integration in Primary Care
 
Primary Care Practice Quality Improvement is a program led by UCLA More LA Smiles focused on integrating oral health preventative services in well-child visits.  Participating providers receive up to 30-50 CME and 20-25 MOC Part IV credits at no cost upon meaningful participation in the program.  Participation includes the implementation of oral health assessments and fluoride varnish applications during primary care with the help of a quality improvement specialist.  
Email QI@morelasmiles.org to learn more!    
 
 
Overview Training: This 1-hour training explains the Medi-Cal 2020 Dental Transformation Initiative and provides contemporary understanding of dental caries and systems-based approaches to improving children's oral health. Participating providers may earn 1 CME credit online by visiting https://morelasmiles.org/medicaloverview or can request an in-person training for their office by emailing training@morelasmiles.org.

Advanced Training: The 3-hour training includes in-depth instruction on performing caries risk assessments, applying fluoride varnish, utilizing self-management goals and contemporary approaches for prevention and management of dental caries as a chronic infectious disease. Participating providers earn 3 CME credits. We welcome the opportunity to provide an in-person training for your organization; please email training@morelasmiles.org to coordinate.
 
Join today!
 
Stay Connected!  @moreLAsmiles    
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Please Donate
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.

Please contact Tomás Torices, MD (Chapter executive director) for all Chapter 2 related matters.
Cell. (818) 422-9877
 
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