Advocacy is our superpower. Dr. Ben Hoffman, president of the national AAP, reminded us of this at the national conference - “Advocacy starts in the exam room or at the bedside by addressing concerns of a patient or family and extends as influence in communities or legislation.” So let’s all continue the work, proudly wearing our capes and protecting all children.

I also have to remind myself to take a breath. I constantly have a thousand “To-do list” items running through my head at any given time and so I have to remember to truly be present in that exam room or at home during a tickle war with my boys, or when I am waiting on that last wave to take in. Please take a moment to remember to take a breath as Dr. Niru Madduri reminds us in our mindful contemplation section featuring "Filling Your Cup".

We have a leadership opportunity for an Early Career Physician to fulfill the role of ECP Chapter Representative. Please look for the details below. The deadline to apply is November 30th.

In the member spotlight we have AAP-CA2 Member At Large Ozlem Equils, MD, FAAP.

In the Trainees’ Corner, we have the work of Elizabeth Volpicelli, MD, that was presented at our annual symposium.

Remember to register for the Nov 19th webinar with Brightlife and Soluna, the two new FREE state-sponsored behavioral programs available for YOUR patients. Learn more and get your questions answered - Register now.

We are continuing to work on developing our in-person mental health conference. Please Save-The -Date for March 11, 2025 from 3 to 7 PM for this event to be held at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. In addition, we are working on developing a mental health resources space on our Chapter website. We will start uploading documents and links to helpful sites in the upcoming months.

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

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

Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP

Call for Applications

Early Career Physician (ECP) Chapter Representative

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

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

Interested candidates should submit a one-paragraph statement of interest along with their CV to Tomas Torices by November 30, 2024. The selected ECP Chapter Representative will be notified in December 2024. 

Filling Your Cup

By Niru Madduri, MD, FAAP

Chair, Newsletter Editorial Board

Many of us literally fill our cups daily with a warm drink, whether coffee or tea-based. There is something very relaxing and soothing about that first sip in the morning. One of my favorite treats is a gift card to Starbucks or Dunkin’. Coffee makers can bring .... Continue reading

Ventura California is Seeking a Pediatric Endocrinologist

Ventura County Health Care Agency is seeking a Pediatric Endocrinologist at the Pediatric Diagnostic Center (PDC), a combination primary care/specialty clinic that utilizes a team approach. If you are interested in seeing complex (and some non-complex) patients in a collaborative environment that very much has the feel of an academic position without the academic stresses, contact the Center’s Administrator, Sean Lovitt to learn more (sean.lovitt@ventura.org, 805-652-6160, or 520-329-0903).

Click here for the full listing.

Genesis Medicus - Teaching Faculty for LA & Surrounding Communities!

Genesis Medicus – Clinical Campus (“GM-CC”), has been engaged by a non-profit to facilitate MS3 and MS4 students with their clinical rotations in Los Angeles. As a result, Genesis Medicus is now seeking pediatricians that enjoy teaching and can accommodate rotation placements ranging from 3 to 6 weeks for community or hospital based Pediatric Primary Care or Specialty Practices. Make up to $1,500 for a 6-week rotation per student. Click here for the full description.

To find out more about the preceptor opportunities please email (ccintron@genesismedicus.com).

Name: Ozlem Equils, MD

Practice location: Remote—previous clinical experience was at Cedar Sinai Medical Center

Number of years in practice:  25

I grew up in Ankara, Turkey, where a movie about Madame Curie inspired me to pursue a career in science and medicine. With the encouragement of my mentor Lou Adams, PhD, from University of Cincinnati, I moved to the U.S. after medical school, completed pediatric residency... Read more

The Member Spotlight is written to highlight our chapter membership. Chapter members can submit personal narratives about themselves with a focus on how they maintain their physician wellness in the face of everyday struggles and challenges. Authors may also choose to highlight a practice, volunteer activities, QI projects, etc. The purpose of the spotlight series is to encourage and foster unity and support within the chapter.

Please complete THIS FORM to be considered for a future Member Spotlight in the AAP-CA2 Newsletter!

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

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

25 points of ABP MOC Part 4 credit

$750 at the end of the 4th cycle

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

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

Election Day marked the beginning of momentous change for our country. Our democratic process of choosing the next leader strives to allow voters to contribute to the election process, though can also lead to many feeling isolated, distressed, or experiencing prejudice. The change that will accompany this election can also be felt by the children we care for at work and in our families. As the District’s EDI Champions, we strongly encourage engagement in the civic process that can give our communities a change to express their opinions. Similarly, we support members and families taking steps to preserve their emotional wellbeing during times of uncertainty. Protecting your wellbeing can include: 



• Limiting notifications from breaking news on mobile devices
• Replacing time on social media with time spent in person with family and friends doing activities
• Choosing local, community-centered news resources when engaging in political updates
• Prioritizing meaningful self-care activities to help manage stress or anxiety
• No matter what the election results, find ways to promote specific initiatives or advocacy efforts important to you. APA 

Through the upcoming days and week, we remain committed as your EDI Champions to provide support and counsel to our members and leaders. We stay committed to serving as a bridge to understanding differences we may encounter while also remaining focused on our mission to ensure all children feel cared for in a society that respects diversity and inclusion. 

Jeanne Delgado, MD | District IX & AAP-CA2

Chandani DeZure, MD | AAP-CA3

Amna Khan, MD | AAP-CA1

Candice Lucas, MD | AAP-CA4

Proposition 35 Coming out of the November 5th election, the AAP-CA2 supported Proposition 35 successfully passed! This proposition makes permanent a tax on managed health care insurance plans. It was an initiative sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The measure would hold Newsom to a promise to permanently secure that tax money for health care for low-income patients.

Read this article on the CalMatters website.

Access the full initiative here.

Checkout the full results by clicking on the image below. A big congratulations to the chapter's leadership and advocacy committee members who helped the chapter champion this ballot!

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

We congratulate two California pediatricians for being elected to serve as president and president-elect of the CMA: AAP-CA1 member Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D, and AAP-CA2 San Luis Obispo County Representative René Bravo, M.D. The installation of officers took place on October 25, 2024 in Sacramento.

San Francisco pediatrician Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., installed as CMA president.

San Francisco pediatrician Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., was installed as the new California Medical Association (CMA) president at the association’s annual House of Delegates in Sacramento. “I am invigorated to have the opportunity to advocate side by side with my physician colleagues to improve the medical profession and the health of our patients and communities… Read more.

San Luis Obispo physician René Bravo, M.D., becomes CMA president elect.

San Luis Obispo pediatrician René Bravo, M.D., was named California Medical Association (CMA) president-elect at the association’s annual House of Delegates meeting in Sacramento. He will serve on the executive committee in that role for one year, and will be installed at the conclusion of next year’s annual meeting.  “The model of finding agreement from differences of opinion in order to meet the goals of a group is my guide, … Read more

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:

November Social Pedia Newsletter

What's happening this month?

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, along with Antibiotic Awareness Week. There are also updates on social media and holiday health tips!

Access all resources in This Month's Issue.

A Resident Informatics Project to Improve Early Identification and Intervention of Adverse Childhood Experiences during Pediatric Well-Child Visits

Elizabeth Volpicelli (UCLA)

The Office of the California Surgeon General and the California Department of Health Care Services founded ACEs Aware, a statewide initiative calling on primary care providers to screen for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and to provide appropriate. Read More!

We'll Come To Your School or Hospital

Dear Medical Schools and Pediatric Residency Programs in AAP California Chapter 2, 

Are you interested in learning more about local advocacy efforts? Do you want to hear more about getting involved in AAP California Chapter 2? If yes, then please consider inviting our chapter leadership to your local pediatric interest group meeting, pediatric residency noon conference, or any other gathering. Our chapter leadership wants to connect with the trainees in the area so reach out to chapter2@aapca2.org to schedule an event at your medical school / residency program! 

October 29 - UCLA Department of Pediatric Noon Conference.

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

CATCH Applications for 2025 Opening Soon!

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

CATCH Application Timeline

A Gratitude-Fueled Commitment to Early Childhood Literacy Ongoing Commitment to Early Childhood Literacy

By Delesa Barnes

Reach Out and Read Inland Empire Program Coordinator

November is National Gratitude Month and at Reach Out and Read Inland Empire (RORIE) we reflect on the many things we are thankful for. We are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, and we know that our efforts are more impactful with the continued support of others and we are reminded that our mission is only possible through the support of so many dedicated individuals. Read More!

We would like to recognize the following members, recipients of a 2023 Special Achievement Award, for their work and commitment to children and the communities we serve. National AAP held the awards ceremony virtually in September. Congratulations!

Emma Burdekin, MD - For her enthusiastic dedication to excellence as Resident Representative leading the Advances in Pediatrics Research Awards, and editor of the Newsletter Editorial Board for the Trainees Corner of Peds@CA2

Kamaal A. Jones, MD, FAAP - For outstanding leadership as Policy and Legislative Affairs Analyst representing the interests of children and pediatricians in the California State Legislature, publishing the monthly Quorum, and leading the AAP-CA2 Advocacy Committee.

Nirupama Madduri, MD, FAAP - For her enthusiastic dedication and leadership as Newsletter Editorial Committee Chair, incorporating meaningful and relevant content to over 1,550 pediatricians in the monthly publication of Peds@CA2 eNews.

November Update

Welcome to VPDC Pediatric Immunization Updates!



As we move into November, it's vital to stay ahead of the respiratory virus season, ensuring your patients and communities are well-protected. This month’s update highlights important immunization news, including the latest recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

View the full update, here.

Do you have any concerns, questions or ideas that we can discuss and address during upcoming board meetings? This form is anonymous and confidential, with the option of entering your personal information and/or receive a call from a board member, staff, or any other chapter representative.

If you have any concerns, questions, or ideas that you would like to share, please complete This Form.

Cal-MAP’s team of mental health specialists supports primary care providers (PCPs) treating youth with mental health needs through education, consultation, and resource navigation. This includes advice on screening, diagnosis, and treatment from a child psychiatrist and guidance on resources and referrals from a social worker.

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

Cal-MAP Resources:

PCP Resources

Family Resources

800-253-2103

Email: info@cal-map.org

NAMI Westside Los Angeles is an affiliate of National Alliance of Mental Illness, a grassroots mental health advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health conditions, as well as their families and loved ones. To find out about NAMI's support groups and courses, which are free of charge to participants, please go https://www.nami.org/findsupport/ to identify the NAMI affiliate that is most local to you. NAMI Westside Los Angeles has also been developing a Children's Mental Health Toolbox, which includes materials that can be used in the home, the classroom, the counseling office, and other settings for youth recreation and education. This resource can be found here- https://namiwla.org/childrens-mental-health-toolbox/.

To learn more about the Children's Mental Health Toolbox, or how it might be used for your specific context, please feel free to reach out to ohakak@namila.org.

CDPH and LACDPH have put together guidance for schools around when symptomatic children can return to school. The intent of this guidance is to limit the potential for spreading harmful diseases to others while taking into consideration the educational, social, and other losses that might occur due to unnecessary or excessive absence. Click the image below to access it, or download the guide here!

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events

Save The Dates!

November 19 - 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Webinar

FREE Mental Health Resources for Kids, Teens & Young Adults

Join us on November 19th to learn about two new state-sponsored behavioral health programs that are FREE for your patients. These programs offer live parent coaching or adolescent and young adult coaching. Presented by BrightLife Kids (Personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12) and Soluna (The space to destress, bounce back, and reset - free and anonymous for Californians ages 13 to 25).

Designed with input from more than 1,000 unique and diverse stakeholders, in January, 2024 DHCS released two platforms - BrightLife Kids for parents and caregivers, young children, and adolescents, ages 0-12, and Soluna for teens and young adults, ages 13-25.

Speakers:

Mallissa Watts

BrightLife Kids

Manager, Community Engagement

Laura Tully, Ph.D.

Vice President, Clinical Integrations & Partnerships

Kooth Digital Health (Creator of the Soluna App)

January 9, 2025 - In Person at the California Endowment

Prevention of Infection in Schools: From Mythbusting to Implementation

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

In-Person: Register Here!

Zoom Option: Register Here!

Thursday, January 9, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM

The California Endowment

1000 North Alameda Street 

Los Angeles, CA 90012

*This event is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for medical advice or professional services. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. No physician-patient relationship is created by this event or its use. No contributor to this event makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided or to its use.

January 27, 2025

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

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

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

Register Here!

Los Angeles Social Flyer

Village Well Books & Coffee

9900 Culver Blvd

Culver City, California

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

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

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

Thank you and see you in New Orleans!

Thomas C. McPheron

Manager, PR and Communications

March 11 - Mental Health Conference Save the Date! In-Person Event At CHLA, Saban Theatre 3-7 PM

Join us at the Pediatric Mental Health Conference 2025 Empowering professionals, transforming care. 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 students, as well as allied mental health professionals. Together, we can make a difference!

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

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

• Help Me Grow LA website: www.HelpMeGrowLA.org 
• Help Me Grow LA Call Center phone number: (833) 903-3972 

You can help improve the system by partnering with Help Me Grow LA to make sure all young children in your care are supported and provided resources to benefit their development. 

Contact Help Me Grow LA leadership via email: HelpMeGrowLA@ph.lacounty.gov. We look forward to working with you!

Please visit our website: aapca2.org

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

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