I also urge you to read the latest immunization update from CMA President Dr. René Bravo, which strongly reaffirms the full, evidence-based AAP immunization schedule at a time of federal rollbacks and widespread misinformation.

This issue is full of opportunities to engage and stay informed. There’s a new episode of the California Pediatrics Podcast, which includes details about the February 27 AAP-CA2 and Cal-MAP Think Like a Shrink mental health conference, as well as information on an upcoming town hall with Dr. Ken Saul. You’ll also find updates on rising measles cases, key Medi-Cal policy changes, and advocacy opportunities—including becoming a legislative key contact. And don’t miss registration links for upcoming social events in Los Angeles (3/19) and Santa Barbara (3/26), plus the newly opened Symposium event website.

We are excited to welcome our newest Chapter 2 members. If you’re looking to get more involved—through advocacy, education, or committee work—Tomas and I are always happy to help you find where your passion and skills can make the greatest impact. You can explore committees on our chapter website or share ideas through the Member Input Form. Member engagement continues to directly guide our chapter’s priorities and board discussions.

As you read through this issue, I hope you’ll find ways to turn concern into action—advocating for evidence-based policy, mentoring the next generation, and showing up for children and families when it matters most.

Thank you for your continued commitment, especially when the work feels heavy. Your voice matters—and together, it drives real change.

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

​Resolutions provide a formal mechanism whereby the members of the AAP can give input concerning Academy policy and activities. All resolutions submitted to the Leadership Conference are considered by the Board, but are advisory and not binding. We encourage all members to consider writing resolutions for this year's leadership conference.

To write a resolution for submission to AAP National, please follow these steps:

1. Complete your resolution using this template and submit it to chapter2@aapca2.org. This template needs to be submitted to the chapter first to receive chapter support.
2. Once approved, you will need to submit through this 2026 Resolution Submission Form, providing all the information included on your original template. This document also features guidelines and more helpful information relevant to resolutions.

Submission deadline for AAP National is April 1st, however, to be considered, these resolutions need to be sent to the chapter by March 27th.

AAP-CA2 is looking forward to reviewing your resolution submissions!

CMA Endorses AAP’s Evidence-Based Immunization Schedule Amid Federal Rollbacks


January 26, 2026 / Sacramento, CA — In response to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) releasing its 2026 immunization schedule – which continues to recommend 18 science-backed vaccines in contrast to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) significantly reduced schedule – California Medical Association President and pediatrician René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement:

"The California Medical Association unequivocally endorses the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended childhood immunization schedule as the trusted standard for patient care. In a landscape of shifting federal guidance, it is vital that families have a stable, evidence-based roadmap to protect their children. The AAP’s schedule is thoroughly researched and rooted in science, ensuring that routine vaccinations continue to provide the strongest possible defense against preventable diseases without interruption or confusion.”

Rise in Measles Cases Prompts CDPH Alert and Urgent Vaccination Push


February 12, 2026 - California public health officials are responding to a rise in measles cases across the state, including an outbreak in Shasta County and confirmed exposures at Disneyland in Anaheim.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), eight cases have been identified in Shasta County — making it the state’s first measles outbreak since 2020. All reported cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown — underscoring the role of immunization gaps in the outbreak. Read More.

Are you interested in serving on the 2026-2028 AAP-CA2 Board of Directors? 

The AAP-CA2 Nominating Committee is developing the slate for the 2026-2028 term Board of Directors. There are several opportunities for involvement. Please take a moment to advise us of your interest in running for the elected positions, as well as the names of others you think may be interested or whose interest should be encouraged.

Please complete this form by March 27, 2026.

Grant Christman, MD, MACM, FAAP

AAP-CA2 Immediate Past President

Chair, AAP-CA2 Nominating Committee

Current federal government officials are promoting misleading information to minimize the severity of seasonal influenza (flu) for children. They are also spreading the false claim that there is no evidence indicating the flu vaccine prevents serious illness, hospitalizations or death in children.

Misconstruing research, federal officials incorrectly concluded it “may be better” if fewer children receive a flu shot, and the federal vaccine schedule no longer advises routine immunization against flu for children. 

In reality, flu season is always serious: Tens of thousands of children end up in the hospital sick with flu every year. The 2024-2025 season was one of the worst on record, with more than 280 flu-related deaths in children, and the 2025-2026 season reached the high severity classification for children. Decades of real-world evidence show that seasonal flu vaccines decrease the risk of illness, hospitalization and death in children. Learn More Here!

Have you listened to the new episode of the California Pediatrics Podcast? Streaming on Amazon Music/Audible, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and YouTube. In episode 10, AAP-CA2 president Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP discusses free access to mental health consultations with Josiah Cox, MD, PhD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist for Cal-MAP, California's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal.

Did you know that you can get a free consultation with a pediatric psychiatrist over the phone? Dr. Cox provides an overview of the three main components of Cal-Map, including Cal-MAP’s mental health education in pediatric residency programs, as well as how primary care providers can access real-time consultations with a mental health clinician.

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.

Free Mental Health Consults in Primary Care (Ep. 10)

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.

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!

Filling Your Cup

"Giving Yourself Grace"

By Nirupama Madduri, MD

We celebrate February by commemorating love in various forms. Valentine’s Day reminds us of the superficial aspects of romance which fund florists, candy companies, and jewelry stores. In addition to giving and receiving love to and from our partners, as pediatricians, we tend to give more than we receive. Balancing our family members’ needs and our patients’ needs can be very tricky. If there is an imbalance, we may hear the repercussions. Read More.

Key Medi-Cal Updates for Pediatricians

2026 is now well underway and so are several significant changes to Medi-Cal insurance

benefits that a majority of our pediatric patients and their families have relied on. Although to

some Medicine and Politics do not seemingly have overlapping similarities in expertise,

decision-making, and scope, the ever-changing federal budget changes directly affects how we

perform our jobs as Pediatricians. Read More!

Take advantage of an Immigration Enforcement and Healthcare study that is going on now. You may qualify for this study if you're working at an outpatient healthcare delivery organization in LA County, and are 18+ years or older.

Participation involves a one-time 45-minute interview about how changing immigration enforcement policies affect healthcare access. Compensation is a $50 gift card. If interested please reach out to the contact below.

Patrick Smith, PhD

Phone: (310) 206 - 0655

Email: pdsmith@mednet.ucla.edu

Download Research Flyer

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

AAP-CA 2026 Legislative Day (May 4th - 5th)

Leadership from the four California chapters will convene in Sacramento on May 4th and 5th for the annual Legislative Day Conference and legislative visits. This year, AAP-CA2 will sponsor one pediatric resident from each of the residency programs in our region to attend this advocacy event. If you are a residency program director and have not yet designated the trainee representing your program, please contact AAP-CA2 Executive Director (chapter2@aapca2.org).

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:

As part of our 2025 Advances In Pediatrics 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!

Implementing Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening in Rural Karnataka, India - Aneesha Pydi MD (UCLA)


Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening is a non-invasive, low-cost assessment that can detect potentially life-threatening structural heart disease. CCHD affects 3 in 1,000 newborns and often requires catheterization or surgery for treatment. Read Full Abstract.

Immunotherapy Responsive Recurrent Post-Infectious Ataxia Associated with Recurrent ATP2B2 Gene Variant - Jenae Vancura, BS (USC)


Acute cerebellar ataxia is a rare, para-infectious or post-infectious, phenomenon occurring in both children and adults. In the past, a variety of genetic, infectious, and antibody-mediated causes of acute cerebellar ataxia have been identified. Read Full Abstract.

Foreign Body Ingestion: A Lead Pellet’s Migration to the Appendix - Lauren Miranda-Cacdac, DO (Cottage)


Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common pediatric problem, occurring in more than 100,000 patients in the United States each year. Most cases involve children under 5 years old and, compared to adults, are accidental. Management of pediatric foreign bodies remains one of the most challenging endoscopic dilemmas faced by pediatric gastroenterologists. Read Full Abstract.

Family Perceptions of Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Young People with Severe Obesity - Lauren Howard, MS (USC)


The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) as an effective treatment for youth with severe obesity. Despite this, MBS is underutilized. Read Full Abstract.

Stepping Outside the Classroom: Increasing Medical Students’ Confidence Caring for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - Samantha Zimmer, MS (UCR)

One in six children has one or more intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)1. Individuals with IDD experience significant healthcare disparities due to barriers such as ableism, inaccessible facilities, and inadequately trained providers. Read Full Abstract.

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! 

We are including the links to SOPT Trainee Tribune eNews so that you may get a glimpse of their content. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining National AAP via This Link so that you may receive these benefits regularly.

• E-News for Residents & Fellowship Trainees
• E-News for Medical Students

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

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) released a new version of what are often called the "screen time guidelines" earlier this week.

However this time, the new policy statement, "Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents," goes way beyond the amount of time children, teens and parents spend on screens. Instead of asking how much media children and teens use, the new guidance asks how, why, and within what context digital media shows up in their lives. Read More.

Upcoming Events

Town Hall With Dr. Ken Saul - February 25

Don't miss this month's AAP-CA2 Town Hall with Ken Saul, MD. Details are below, make sure you RSVP!

Speaker: Stephanie Culler, PhD
Topic: What’s New with Probiotics and the Microbiome


Event Date: 2/25/26 @ 6:30PM

Location: Morton's The Steakhouse (6250 Canoga Avenue, Ste. 111 Woodland Hills, CA 91367)

RSVP via email to docksaul@aol.com or call: (805)-494-1948. You can download the official town hall flyer by clicking on the image below. We hope to see you at this exciting and informative event!

CHOC Virtual Pediatric Lecture Series: Pectus Deformities - February 25

CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, is proud to introduce a Virtual

Pediatric Lecture Series, an ongoing effort to keep community providers

informed with the latest and most relevant medical updates. Unless

otherwise noted, all sessions are eligible for CME credit.

The next virtual lecture will take place on February 25th, with Dr. Mustafa H. Kabeer (Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery) speaking on Pectus Deformities. You can learn more and register by using the links below!

Download Official Flyer

"Think Like A Shrink" In-Person Bootcamp - February 27 @ CHLA

AAP-CA2 Annual Mental Health Conference
Think Like a Shrink: Cal-MAP Pediatric Mental Health Bootcamp for Primary Care Providers

February 27, 2026 (8:00am - 5pm)

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (The Saban Auditorium)

‌You're invited! California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal (Cal-MAP), in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 2 (AAP-CA2), is hosting a FREE in-person Pediatric Mental Health Bootcamp for Primary Care Providers in Los Angeles, CA, on February 27, 2026.

Earn free CME/CE credit while learning the fundamentals of pediatric mental health to better support your patients. This bootcamp covers core topics in childhood and adolescent mental health including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism, as well as advanced topics such as supporting high-risk youth with disruptive behaviors, addressing complex psychiatric comorbidities, and managing treatment-resistant cases. This activity is jointly provided by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and Cal-MAP, and co-sponsored by CHLA and AAP-CA2.

Download the Official Flyer Here!

Not familiar with Cal-MAP? Watch the podcast!

• Module 1: ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression: The Basics
• Module 2: Disruptive Behavior, Complex ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Module 3: Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors

Join Us At The Los Angeles Social - March 19 - Registration Now Open!

AAP-CA2 Social in Los Angeles!

The AAP-CA2 social is coming to The Penmar in Venice on March 19. This LA-based networking event will feature incredible guests, educational opportunities, and time to connect with your fellow chapter members. Check out the materials below to download the event flyer or register today!

Download Official Event Flyer


Register Here!

Join Us At The Santa Barbara Social - March 26 - Registration Now Open!

AAP-CA2 Social in Santa Barbara

The AAP-CA2 social will be returning to Santa Barbara on March 26th at 10 West Gallery. Members from all counties are invited, so if you are in the area, please join us any time starting at 6 PM in Santa Barbara. There will be food, drinks, and networking opportunities. We encourage everyone to spread the word and register using the link below.

Download Official Event Flyer

Register Here!

37th Annual Advances In Pediatrics Symposium @ The Garland Hotel - April 18 - Website Now Open!

This year's Symposium will be returning to the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood on April 18, 2026. This stunning venue and event will feature speakers on a wide-range of topics, along with exhibitors, live podcasting sessions, and much more. Make sure you save the date on your calendar! Below are just a few of the speakers you can expect to be in attendance. Be sure to head over to the official event website to learn more.

Rene Bravo, MD, FAAP
Keynote Lecture
Healthcare in California - CMA's Strategy for Children

Douglas Vanderbilt, MD, FAAP
Lecture Topic
Autism Facts in the Age of Misinformation

Mona Patel, MD, FAAP
Lecture Topic
Pediatric Advocacy and National Policy

Sean Fitzwater, MD
Lecture Topic
Impact of Vaccines

Thomas Coates, MD
Lecture Topic
Anemia

Plus a Live Podcast Session with

Engaging presentations, local panel discussions, and a resource fair will focus on connecting care systems from pregnancy through early childhood to support optimal family development. Pediatric & maternal health providers, and other child & family serving professionals are encouraged to attend this professional development event, including dinner and networking.

For more information or to register, contact Maggie Payne (mpayne@first5slo.org or 805-781-4058). You can also download the flyer below. Venue details will be coming soon!

Download Official Event Flyer

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

Area Representatives

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