American Academy of Pediatrics - California Chapter 2 | | |
Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP | |
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2025 February Edition
President's Message
| I don't know how everyone else is feeling, but I'm feeling tired. The rain (which I know we desperately need) definitely gets to me. But most of all, these erratic policy shifts are taking a toll on everyone, from our loved ones to the families we care for. | |
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The AAP is where I always come back to feel re-energized. While I feel frustrated or helpless at times in the exam room, we inherently feel stronger advocating together. I was so appreciative of being able to connect with so many chapter members at the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara events. If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or drained, please connect and engage with your colleagues on one of our chapter committees or at one of our in person events.
We also just launched our new AAP-CA podcast - California Pediatrics! We are interviewing various guests with a goal of discussing pediatric health topics and sharing various pediatric career pathways. Grant Christman and I were lucky enough to interview Dr. Smita Malhotra - the medical director of LAUSD. Look for it on your preferred podcast platform and let us know what you think!
Mentorship is another avenue that fuels me. Please take this super quick survey to give input for a new AAP-CA2 Pipeline Program. This program would allow members to mentor students interested in healthcare careers. Help us tailor the program to your needs. Checkout the survey here!
Register here for the mental health conference! March 11, 2025 from 3 to 7 PM at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Details regarding topics covered below.
The AAP California Chapter 2 symposium will be on Friday May 30th. We are accepting abstracts on scholarly projects by pediatric residents and medical students enrolled in the 7 counties we span. See below for details. Submissions due March 14th.
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.
And please click here to access the Member Input form to convey any questions, concerns or ideas you want discussed at our upcoming board meeting.
Your support and engagement makes the work of this chapter possible.
Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Podcast: California Pediatrics
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We are excited to share the first episode of California Pediatrics, now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, and iHeart Radio. 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. 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, visit our platform on Libsyn or watch it on Youtube by clicking the image below.
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Webinars: In the Aftermath of the Wildfires
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Dr. David J. Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, from The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, will be leading two webinars: One for parents (Supporting Children), and one for educators (Supporting Students). Please share these resources with your patients' families and other networks. Click the images to view/print the flyers. Follow the links below to register. | |
This session will provide practical advice to parents and other caregivers on how to talk to children of all ages related to adjustment difficulties associated with the recent wildfires ... Register here | |  |
This webinar will outline some of the common adjustment reactions among children in the aftermath of crisis and loss and practical suggestions that educators can use to support students ... Register here | | |
Air Quality Resources For Residents Affected By The Palisades And Eaton Fires - Local Resources | |
Wildfire Resources From National AAP | |
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Resources For Those Impacted By Wildfires
During this time of emergency, we want to ensure resources available to all those impacted by the California wildfires. These resources, provided by AAP National, are available to those who need assistance. Additionally, statewide recovery resources can be accessed here.
AAP Parenting Resources – Information To Share With Families
Physician Wellness Resources
CalHHS Emergency Resources Guide
Helpful information regarding prescriptions, mental health support and more.
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A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT FOR CHILDREN FIGHTING CANCER
Among the most devastating consequences of childhood cancer is the loss of future fertility. If they survive, the high levels of chemotherapy needed to save young lives often make it impossible for survivors to have children of their own. Most infants and young children who develop cancer before puberty have no eggs or sperm cells to collect. Recent breakthroughs have changed the landscape. Read more.
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General Pediatrician Job Opening - Advertisement
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Join the Antelope Valley region of Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG) and experience a unique, collaborative environment where physicians thrive. Enjoy a close-knit community, flexible schedules, and the option to live locally or in the LA metro area. With a competitive salary, sign-on bonus, mentorship programs, and full administrative support, you’ll have the tools you need for a fulfilling career. SCPMG offers a fully integrated electronic medical record system (EPIC) and AI support, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: exceptional patient care.
Read the job description and apply today!
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Microaggressions
By Jeanne Delgado, MD, FAAP
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion
This year has started with difficult headlines directly affecting communities in our Chapter and nationally. Direct attacks on a group’s wellbeing and livelihood can lead to an expected impairment in coping and increases in anxiety. Continue reading.
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Filling Your Cup
By Niru Madduri, MD, FAAP
Chair, Newsletter Editorial Board
February is associated with love, as we focus on heart health and the loves in our lives on Valentine’s Day. As pediatricians, we forget to direct that love to ourselves. The inimitable Thich Nhat Hanh has said that when we are seeking relationships with others, the love we share should begin with ourselves. Only then, will we be able to effectively love others. Continue reading.
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Healthy Tomorrows Program Funding Opportunity – Due March 17
The purpose of the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program is to support community-based projects that promote access to preventive clinical and public health services for underserved children.
For more information on the funding, please refer to the grants.gov website. If you have any questions about the grant, please email HealthyTomorrows@hrsa.gov.
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Chapter 2 Socials | Culver City & Santa Barbara | |
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January 27 |Los Angeles County Social
We want to thank all those who attended our January 27th social event in LA County at Village Well Books & Coffee, in Culver City. We had an excellent turnout and insightful conversations with pediatric professionals from across the spectrum. It was a night of networking and connection. A big thank you to the event's hosts, Dr. Kim Petko and Dr. Ilan Shapiro!
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January 28 | Santa Barbara County Social
The day following our Los Angeles event, the chapter travelled to Santa Barbara for another social! We would like to thank the pediatric community for joining us at 10 West Gallery at this phenomenal event, and we want to thank our special guest Dr. Kimberly Wolf, who demonstrated osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques specific for the viral season. Thanks to all who attended and made this social a success!
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LAC DPH | Vaccine Preventable Diseases Control Program | |
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February Update
In this month's update, information on respiratory virus season, COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Additionally, resources for new adolescent immunization and vaccination social media toolkits are available. View the full update here.
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Anti-vaping QI Project | $750 + MOC Credit | |
Participate in Quality Improvement with Anti-Vaping Champions at UCLA!
AAP-CA2, in collaboration with Anti-Vaping Champions at UCLA, is recruiting practices interested in participating in a Quality Improvement project. The focus is to incorporate vaping screening, counseling, and treatment referrals during visits for pediatric patients.
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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.
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Call for Resolutions
2025 AAP Resolution Submission Process – Due April 1
Resolution submissions are being accepted for the 2025 Leadership Conference. All resolutions must be submitted through the online submission form. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT. For complete resolution information—including submission guidelines, writing tips, and your district’s Chapter Forum Management Committee (CFMC) representative—please visit the Leadership Conference website.
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Have an idea to improve child health or AAP policies? Learn how to turn it into a powerful resolution!
Join us for a workshop on drafting and submitting resolutions for the AAP Annual Leadership Conference (ALC). Resolutions are a formal way to introduce new ideas, address critical issues, and advocate for system-wide change within the AAP at the Chapter, District, and National levels.
Led by Dr. Nicole Webb, AAPCA1 President and District IX Chapter Forum Management Committee (CFMC) Representative, this workshop will provide expert guidance on crafting a compelling proposal. You are also encouraged to bring your resolution ideas to discuss and refine them! Please note, this is a collaborative event between all 4 AAP Chapters in California.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Virtual via Zoom
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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
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State Legislative Issues Impacting Children's Health
AAP-CA State Government Affairs Committee (SGA) Update
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of pediatric health policies, we want to provide our members with critical updates on the following key issues at both the federal and state levels.
- Vaccinations
- Immigration & Healthcare
- Legislative Updates for the 2025-2026 Session/Bills and Positions Taken
- AB 228 (Sanchez) - Epinephrine Delivery Systems
- AB 350 (Bonta) - Fluoride Treatments in Primary Care
- SB 68 (Menjivar) - Major Food Allergens Labeling
- E-Bike Legislation
View the Full Report
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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:
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TRAINEES CORNER
SOPT Health Equity Grant Program
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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - Now Open!
Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025 at 11:59PM PST
The AAP California Chapter 2 will accept abstracts on scholarly projects by pediatric and medicine-pediatric residents and medical students enrolled in training programs in the Southern California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. This is your chance to present your work live at the 36th Annual Advances In Pediatrics Symposium!
Abstracts can be on original research, quality improvement, clinical cases, or any other scholarly project conducted during residency training or medical school.
Abstracts previously presented at another meeting or published in a journal can be submitted. For more details, download the guidlines.
Download/Print the Submission Guidelines
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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!
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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.
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Welcome New Chapter Members
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Welcome NEW members who joined the chapter in January.
Thank you for your support!
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- Grace Achepohl - Pasadena
- James Askew, PNP - Hauula
- Brandon Brizuela - San Diego
- Iris Castaneda-Van Wyk, MD - Santa Barbara
- Miriam Chan, MD - Encino
- Kevin Diaz - Reseda
- Mona Gera, MD - Studio City
- Drew Kutcher, BS - Ashland
- Jessica Lutz - Loma Linda
- Abbey Masonbrink, MD - Los Angeles
- Jennifer Miles, MD - Valencia
- Yash Nagpal - Davie
- Pooja Sheladiya, MD - Eastvale
- Jakob Von Morgenland - Los Angeles
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We Want to Hear from You | Member Input Form | |
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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.
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MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Cal-MAP | Mental Health Support Resources | |
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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
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NAMI | Support & Mental Health Resources | |
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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. And, make sure to download this free activity packet for children affected by the recent California wildfires.
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AAP | Research in Office Settings (PROS) | |
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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.
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Upcoming Events
Save The Dates!
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February 19 - Town Hall With Ken Saul - Diabetes Prevention: New Testing & Treatment Options, Plus Real Life Implications
Join the AAP-CA2 on February 19th for an informative Town Hall with Dr. Ken Saul. This in-person event will take place at 6:30PM, and feature a keynote discussing "New Testing & Treatment Options, Plus Real Life Implications."
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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
Speakers
- Stephanie Marcy, PhD
- Christine Mirzaian, MD
- Lingie Chiu, MD
- Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH
- Emily Wood, MD, PhD
Event Cost
In-Person Attendance: $50 (AAP-CA2 members will receive free parking)
Zoom: $60
Topics for the event are listed below.
- Childhood Anxiety: Avoidance Is Not An Option
- Before You Refer Out: Depression Diagnosis and Management in Pediatric Primary Care
- Lifestyle Medicine in Pediatric Mental Health: Practical Strategies for Clinicians and Suicide Prevention Advocacy
- Pharmacologic Interventions
- Case-Based Review With Q&A
Download Event Flier
Click Here To Register!
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36th Annual AAP-CA2 Advances In Pediatrics Symposium
Save The Date
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Watch on our YouTube Channel | |
Fridays - Miller Children's Grand Rounds
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Pediatric Grand Rounds
Fridays at 8 AM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 924 5224 4153
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,92452244153# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,92452244153# US (Houston)
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RESOURCES Help Me Grow LA
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Help Me Grow LA website: www.HelpMeGrowLA.org
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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!
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Membership Options | Large Groups
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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.
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Los Angeles County Immigrant Youth Resource Toolkit
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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.
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Chapter Committees and Sections | |
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, please visit aapca2.org/committees.
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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.
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Article submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The newsletter is published the second Sunday of each month.
You may direct questions and article submissions to the "American Academy of Pediatrics - CA Chapter 2" <chapter2@aapca2.org>.
| The AAP-CA2 Newsletter Editorial Review Board | Established in July 2020 to highlight educational content and resources of value to chapter members, and to showcase our chapter membership. | |
AAP-CA2 Board of Directors 2024-2026 | | | | |
