For those of us who have been through it, we remember exactly where we were. And for those matching into pediatrics, I want to say: welcome. You chose this specialty at a complicated moment. The children and families you will care for are navigating real hardship — and so, frankly, are we. But that is exactly why your presence matters, and why this community exists. You are not walking into this alone.

This issue is full of things I'm excited to share with you. Symposium registration is officially open, and the speaker lineup is one to get excited about. I hope you'll join us at The Garland on April 18th.

A few other things I want to make sure are on your radar: The Resolution Submission process is open now through March 25th — one of the most direct ways we shape AAP policy, and I'd love to see more of our members take advantage of it. There's also an important CMA update on the Flores Settlement Agreement, a federal case with real implications for children in immigration detention. And if chapter leadership is something you've been quietly considering, the Board Nominating Committee form is live through March 27th.

This issue also features an op-ed from Hannah Kwak, MD on youth vaping and sleep disruption — a connection worth your attention. And if you're local to Santa Barbara, please come to the Santa Barbara Social on March 26th. These in-person moments matter.

Thank you for everything you do for kids and families — and for each other.

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

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

5.25 CME - 5.25 MOC PART 2

Eight fabulous speakers!

Live Peds RAP recordings!

27 poster presentations!

Parking included with registration!

Be sure to head over to the official event website to register today!

​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 for Chapter support, these resolutions need to be sent to the chapter by March 25th.

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

CMA Joins Legal Effort to Protect Immigrant Children in ICE custody

February 26, 2026 / Sacramento, CA — The California Medical Association (CMA) alongside a coalition of organizations has filed an amicus brief in a federal case that could significantly affect the health, safety and legal rights of children held in U.S. immigration custody. The case (Flores v. Bondi, No. 2:85-cv-04544-DMG-AGR) centers on the Trump Administration’s effort to end the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA), a long-standing legal agreement that establishes guaranteed protections for immigrant children held in detention. The Administration argues that the agreement is no longer necessary because its own regulations already meet those standards.

Established through decades-old litigation, the FSA recognizes that children are uniquely vulnerable and requires that they be treated with dignity and respect while in government custody and that children be released without unnecessary delay, acknowledging that even short periods of detention can harm a child’s physical and emotional development.

CMA disputes the Administration’s claim that existing regulations provide sufficient protection. Even with the FSA in place, conditions in immigration detention facilities have raised serious concerns, including inadequate access to consistent, high-quality medical care. Prolonged or repeated detention can worsen mental and physical health outcomes for children and increase the risk of long-term developmental harm.

The amicus brief warns that even with the Flores Settlement Agreement’s protections in place, the present situation for children in immigration detention is already barely tolerable, raising serious concerns about their health and well-being.

CMA is reaffirming its longstanding commitment to patient health and public well-being. That commitment extends to immigrants, including unaccompanied children, whom CMA members care for across medical specialties and practice settings.

The brief also cites physician whistleblowers from within the Department of Homeland Security, who noted that “there is no amount of programming that can ameliorate the harms created by the very act of confining children to detention centers, because the risk of harm to children simply cannot be justified.” CMA is urging the court to keep the Flores Settlement Agreement enforceable to ensure continued protections for children in immigration custody.

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

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease of prematurity, representing a sentinel phenotype of pediatric vulnerability in the era of escalating wildfires and climate change. Wildfire smoke (WFS) exposure, driven by climate-associated increases in fire frequency, duration, and intensity, has emerged as a major public health threat across the United States and the world, with disproportionate impacts in California. Read More.

The Overlooked Link Between Youth Vaping and Sleep Disruption

Written By Hannah Kwak, MD, MPH and Arya Panchal

Sleep, especially for a growing adolescent, has a major foundational role in multiple aspects of their lives. Adequate sleep supports cognitive performance, emotional regulation, immune function, and overall physical health.1 As such, poor sleep quality has been strongly linked to mental health distress and poor academic performance. Not to mention, before 25, your brain is not fully developed, so impaired sleep can be a root cause of critical neurodevelopmental consequences. Read More!

Have you listened to the latest 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.

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.

Name: David Feazell, M.D.

Practice location: Santa Monica

Number of Years in Practice: 14 years 

I grew up in southwest Ohio and went to medical school at the University of Cincinnati.  I came to California for residency at UCLA and have been a primary care pediatrician at UCLA Santa Monica Pediatrics since completing my training. 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!

Filling Your Cup

"Give me a Microbreak!"

By Nirupama Madduri, MD, FAAP

Spring breaks land upon us in March and April, as we attempt to gather our families and visit a new or familiar place. Having a few days away from the office brings rest, relaxation, and the dread of returning to a stressful, high-paced office. Read More.

Department of Public Health

March Update

This month, the Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program at LA County Department of Public Health would like to highlight California Department of Public Health’s recommendation to continue RSV immunization of eligible infants and young children with RSV monoclonal antibody products through April 30, 2026.

The 2025–2026 RSV season began later than usual, and activity remains elevated in areas including Los Angeles County. RSV monoclonal antibody products remain available through the Vaccines for Children Program, and healthcare providers are encouraged to continue promoting immunization during the extended season. Additionally, we invite you join us for our next Pediatric Immunization Information Session on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Save the date and register now to stay up to date on the latest HPV vaccine trends, measles updates, and RSV immunization insights. Rread more.

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)

SPONSORING ONE RESIDENT

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!

Clinical Case: Worsening Cough and Respiratory Failure as a presentation of Chiari Type 1 Malformation - Sophia Shirzai, MD


A ten-year-old female with a history of two prior lifetime seizures, obesity, and recent rapid weight gain presented with a cyanotic coughing fit to an outside hospital where she was found to have likely acute on chronic hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Read Full Abstract.

Navigating Adolescent Decisional Capacity: A Case Study in Dialysis Refusal and Harm Reduction - Vincent Lam

Adolescent decisional capacity is nuanced, as cognitive maturity, emotional development, and external factors influence the ability to make informed, goal-aligned medical decisions. When adolescents refuse life-saving therapies, ethical analysis must go beyond traditional principles of bioethics to identify practical approaches to honor the patient’s personhood and preserve an open future. Read Full Abstract.

Comparing Provider and Adolescent Estimates of Postoperative Opioid Use - Emma Kirkpatrick, BS


Most adolescents report unused opioid pills after recovering from surgery. When surgeons receive individualized feedback comparing their opioid prescribing habits to other surgeons, excess opioid prescribing decreases. However, such interventions do not capture actual patient-reported opioid use. Read Full Abstract.

Unusual Presentation of Retroperitoneal Teratoma - Shifa Shaikh, MBBS

Teratomas are tumors that contain tissues derived from all three germinal layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). Retroperitoneal teratoma are rare and are tumors of childhood. Read Full Abstract.

Correlates of Follow-Up Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Retrospective Quality Improvement Analysis - Claire Woodrow, BS

Young adult survivors of childhood cancer (YASCC) are at risk for developing significant late effects of treatment. Guidelines indicate the need for lifelong follow-up (FU) for survivorship-focused monitoring and health promotion. 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.

We hope you are all staying safe and warm this winter. As we look ahead to warmer days, the Center is excited to share two great opportunities to bring together teens and celebrate youth.

Please share both with the young people in your life and those in your network who work with youth! Read More Here!

Upcoming Events

Santa Barbara Social - March 26

Join us in Santa Barbara county for a chapter social! This event will be held on March 26th, at 10 West Gallery, a contemporary fine art gallery located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara just 1/2 block from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. We are inviting pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, allied health professionals, nonprofit organizations, city and school officials, and legislators to attend. This will be an excellent networking opportunity accompanied by drinks, music, and entertainment. Please RSVP by clicking on the links below!

Register Here

Download Flyer

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

5.25 CME - 5.25 MOC PART 2
In-Person Event Only

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. 


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 register today.

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
How to Protect Pediatric Health with Federal Policy Dynamics

Sean Fitzwater, MD
Lecture Topic

Pediatric Vaccines - An Overview of The Evidence Behind Their Use

Michael Nguyen, MD, PhD
Lecture TopicDigital Dermatoses: From Viral Routines to Real Rashes—Addressing TikTok Skincare Trends in Clinic

Thomas Coates, MD
Lecture Topic
Anemia: Importance of Correct Diagnosis and the Approach to Common Pediatric Cases

Plus a Live Podcast Session with

Solomon Behar, MD
Peds RAP Podcast Host

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