USF Health Pediatrics Newsletter Fall 2024 | |
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The past few months have been exhausting, with much disruption and uncertainty related to the devastating hurricanes and the divisive recent election. Many of us are unsettled, both physically and emotionally. Yet, as we look forward to 2025, there is hope in our ability to come together for the betterment of each other, our profession and the health of our patients.
I have been thinking a lot about finding equanimity and common ground as we face future political confrontations regarding our research institutions and public health system. Finding common ground involves identifying shared interests, beliefs, or goals, even when we may not agree on everything. This practice is crucial, not only in our interactions with patients but also in our collaborations with colleagues and leaders. By fostering a sense of unity and understanding, we can improve the quality of care we provide and promote a more cohesive healthcare environment. We are taught these skills in our training – developing relationships, practicing active listening, being curious and not judgmental. We should recognize that finding common ground often requires flexibility and a willingness to meet halfway.
In our roles as healthcare providers and academic physicians, promoting evidence-based practice is paramount. This involves not only adhering to the scientific method but also emphasizing the importance of equity and shared decision-making with our patients and their families. By doing so, we uphold the principles of modern medicine while respecting the diverse views of those we serve. The field of medicine is ever-evolving, and it is essential that we remain open to change. Our understanding of treatments and best practices shifts as new evidence emerges. To advance our field and improve patient care, we must engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. This means avoiding dismissive attitudes and recognizing the legitimacy of differing opinions. By fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, we can collectively enhance our understanding and approach to evidence based, equitable pediatric care.
I hope you find rest and peace during this holiday season and take the time to reflect on the shared goals that unite us. Together, we can navigate the changes ahead and continue to provide the highest standard of care to our patients.
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“Ted” Tedesco, PhD, 1935-2024
Dr. Tedesco passed away on Sept 6. In 1974 he was recruited by USF Pediatrics founding chair, Dr. Lewis Barness, to serve as a charter faculty member of the newly established medical school. Dr. Tedesco established the USF Pediatric Laboratories, which developed and provided cutting-edge genetic testing for chromosomal and metabolic diseases, including several rare diseases. They were the only providers for galactosemia testing in the U.S. Dr. Tedesco also established the laboratory for Tampa’s first IVF program at what was then Humana Women’s Hospital, and he served as a member of the Florida Newborn Screening Program for many years. Ted retired from his USF faculty position in 1998.
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Dr. Jennifer Takagishi was selected for membership into the American Pediatric Society, which recognizes leading experts in clinical care, medical education, advocacy and scholarship.
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Dr. Patricia Emmanuel was awarded the Dr. Frederick Reddy Memorial Award by the Hillsborough County Medical Association at their Membership Dinner held Sept 17. The award honors Dr. Reddy, who exemplified the belief of giving back to society.
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Dr. Keyur Donda was accepted for membership in the Society for Pediatric Research.
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Steven Ford, MD, has been appointed Program Director for the USF Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Program. Congratulations, Dr. Ford, and thank you, Dr. Karen Wickline, for your many years of excellent service in this key department role.
Also, Dr. Ford is the site PI for a newly funded Gerber Grant titled Limited vs Extended Trophic Feeding Trial that will investigate feeding regimens in preterm infants.
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Dr. Carina Rodriguez was recognized as a 2024 Top Hispanic and Latino Doctor by Castle Connolly.
In addition, Dr. Carina Rodriguez was elected as a voting member of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinical Affairs Committee.
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At the TGH Annual Medical Staff Meeting Robyn Eaton, APRN, received the award for Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Also, Dr. Erica Abel was elected as Chief of TGH Medical Staff, Dr. Mindy Murphy as Treasurer, and Dr. Keith Thatch as a Member at Large.
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Med-Peds resident Dr. Aaron Mennitt won the JHACH Bee Award which recognizes “extraordinary dedication, compassion and leadership”.
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Kelly Lowery, BSN, RN, CPN completed her certificate in Pediatric Gastroenterology,
Hepatology, and Nutrition Nursing.
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Congratulations to Michelle Yavelow, MS, RD, LD, CNSC, CSP who was awarded $5000 for the 2024 NASPGHAN Foundation/CPNP Nutrition Research Grant for a study titled Body Composition in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis - Pilot Study.
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Dr. Panida Sriaroon was included in the final 2024 Top Doctors list for Tampa Bay Magazine, and Drs. Jolan Walter and Sriaroon were named 2024 Castle Connoly Top Doctors. | |
Dr. Elimarys Perez-Colon is the recipient of the 2025 MPPDA Brendan P. Kelly, MD Award, given by the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine and the Medicine-Pediatrics Program Directors Association. The award is given to an Associate Program Director of a Med-Peds residency program who demonstrates teaching excellence, collaborative leadership, and compassionate care. | |
Sara Feakes, revenue cycle operations supervisor for the 17 Davis 1 and 2 locations, was recently honored. She is an outstanding team member and does so much for our providers and clinical teams – consistently going above and beyond to assist. Her leadership and dedication to our pediatric clinics is greatly appreciated!
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At the annual meeting of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Drs. Sharon Dabrow and Jennifer Takagishi were recognized by the Reach Out and Read (ROAR) Florida Clinician Learning Collaborative for their commitment and support of the program, which gives out free books at each well-child visit in the first five years of life. Dr. Dabrow started the program in 1997 at USF’s teaching sites and is the program’s medical director at 17 Davis, while Dr. Takagishi has directed the program at Health Park since 2000. Their influence has motivated the hundreds of residents they have trained to promote ROAR in their own practices.
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Dr. Tina Ho is the co-PI of a $1.2M National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke award titled Developing AI-Driven Pain Intensity and Pain Sensitization Biomarker Signature to Optimize Neonatal Pain Management. | | |
The TGH and USF gastroenterology teams have initiated the pediatric GI transnasal endoscopy procedure at the Muma Children’s Hospital – the first in Tampa to offer this sedation-free procedure. | | |
Nicole Misner, MS, RDN, has been awarded $5000 from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition for her project titled: Advancing Nutrition and Community Health through Opportunities and Resources. This partnership with the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and City of Tampa Parks and Recreation integrates nutrition education as part of their Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program, which takes place at City of Tampa Parks and Recreation afterschool sites. The grant program is a White House challenge for obesity prevention. | | |
The Riverview Clinic and 17 Davis Med-Peds Clinic achieved a 99% ranking on Press Ganey for Care Provider, Nurse/Asst and Moving Through Your Visit categories. This outstanding work demonstrates great teamwork! | |
Clinical Team Members of the Month | |
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September : Caroline Leitner, RN
17 Davis Clinic
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November : Mykaela Shaffer, RN; Curran Children’s Center Chalsty Clinic | | |
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The ribbon cutting for the Chalsty Pediatric Clinic at the Curran Children’s Center was held on Nov 1. The event honored the Chalsty and Siegal families for their generous support.
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The MCOM 50th Golden Gala was held on Nov 2 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
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2024 Curran Endowed Lectureship in Newborn Health
This annual lecture, delivered by Dr. David Burchfield, was titled Evidence-Based Medicine: Beware! Dr. Burchfield served as Chief of the Division of Neonatology at the University of Florida for over 20 years.
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As part of our 50th anniversary celebration of the MCOM’s founding, Dr. John Curran gave an outstanding lecture titled Opportunities Challenges and Triumphs in Child Health Advocacy at USF During the Last 50 Years – (Veni, Vidi, Vici). A Series of Vignettes Illustrating the Range of Advocacy. Dr. Curran presented a comprehensive description of the remarkable efforts of the individuals who have improved healthcare for Florida’s children through their tireless work and dedication. | | |
Last summer the pediatric residency program leadership enjoyed a ½ day retreat at the St. Petersburg College Collaborative Labs. They participated in planning and discussions – we greatly appreciate the expert facilitation by their team! | | |
The band-aid that adorned the Children’s Research Institute in St. Petersburg was damaged by Hurricane Milton. It is not clear if it will be repaired and reinstalled on “The Band-Aid Building”. | |
Paolo Zayas, MD, will serve as assistant professor in the Division of Nephrology. Dr. Zayas received her medical degree at Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine, and completed her residency at the University of Puerto Rico, where she also served as chief resident. She completed her pediatric nephrology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in 2024. | |
Jordan Teper, MD will serve as assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology. Dr. Teper received her medical degree at USF, completed her pediatrics residency at Children’s National Medical Center, and her neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship at New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center. She served as a clinical neonatologist at JHACH and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital from 2018-2023, and more recently was a clinical neonatologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. | |
Houriya Ayoubieh, MD, will serve as associate professor in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism. She received her medical degree from the University of Jordan School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Cleveland Clinic. She completed a Categorical Genetics Residency and Research Program at Johns Hopkins/ National Institute of Health Genetics Consortium. Since 2019 Dr. Ayoubieh has served as an assistant professor and clinical geneticist at Texas Tech Health-Sciences Center/The Paul Foster School of Medicine in El Paso Texas. She has a particular interest in medical education research. | |
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Megan Sanborn, General Pediatrics
Kayle Kerns, General Pediatrics
Tiffany Martin, MedPeds
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Desurae Pittman, RN; Genetics
Rebecca Schall, Administrative Specialist; YYC
Sasha Jane Abi Aad, Postdoctoral Scholar; Gastroenterology
Hailey Wise, Human Services Practitioner; General Pediatrics
Jayson Caines, Asst. Director; Children’s Protection Team
Joleen Keegan, Community Outreach Caseworker; Early Steps
Patricia Lombeyda, Community Outreach Caseworker; Early Steps
Benjamin Neuman, Human Services Practitioner; YYC
Adelyn Zeff, Community Outreach Caseworker; Early Steps
Je’Von Williams, Community Outreach Caseworker; Early Steps
Amy Rodriguez, Administrative Specialist; Gastroenterology & Neurology
Mayibongwe Ndebele, Student Assistant; YYC
Krystal Whitney, Huaman Services Practitioner; Children’s Protection Team
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Faculty and trainees are reminded that all investigator-initiated research proposals need to be submitted for review by the departmental Scientific Review Committee prior to being submitted to the IRB. Departmental review and approval are required before the IRB will consider the application. Please send your protocols and any inquiries about the process to Jane Carver (jcarver@usf.edu) | |
USF Internal Awards Program | |
The mission of this program is to foster excellence in research and scholarship. The highest priority is given to initiatives that may result in extramural funding and those for which the availability of extramural funding is limited. See the website for upcoming award deadlines for the Interdisciplinary Center Preparation Grant, Multi-User Research Capital Investment Award, New Research Grant, Proposal Enhancement Grant, and Faculty International Travel Grant. Internal Awards Program | Sponsored Research | Research & Innovation | USF | |
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Sanchez-Valle A, Hicks C. Treating the whole patient: Facilitation health care for patients facing health inequity. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports, August 1, 2024.
McCoy T, Dickinson S, Agazzi H. (2024, in press). One is good, but are two really better? Outcomes for dual versus individual attendees in a behavioral parent-training program for caregivers of young children. Evidence-Based Practice in Child & Adolescent Mental Health.
DeMayo K, Havlicek E, Root M, Goldman Z, Goldenberg NA, Sochet AA. Evaluating the epidemiology and risk factors for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE), including cerebral sinus venous thromboembolism (CVST), among critically ill children with diabetic ketoacidosis. The Florida Pediatrician. Vol 44, Issue 4. Fall 2024. p. 20.
Creech J, D'Arrigo S, Vlasik E, Vallabhaneni N, Torres C. Promoting water safety at the nine-month well child check: A quality improvement project. The Florida Pediatrician. Vol 44, Issue 4. Fall 2024. p. 21.
Gray HL, Jimenez C, Pang T, Kim E, Shaffer-Hudkins E, Agazzi H, Rosado A, Klinger A, Young C, Kandil J, Won S, Perez A, Sayre WD, Waters KA, Miltenberger RG, Stern M. (2024). Recruitment feasibility and dietary and behavioral patterns in toddlers with ASD: Preliminary results from the Autism Eats program. Contemp Clin Trials, 146, 107688.
Smith NDW, Jordan J, Agazzi, H. (2024). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Separated Parents of a 3-Year-Old Child with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits. Clinical Case Studies. 23(6). 512-531.
Callejas LM, Chou C, Scarimbolo K, Hammond K, Agazzi H. (2024). Using EPIS contextual elements to identify implementation barriers and facilitators of an integrated behavioral health training program. Translational Behavioral Medicine. 14(10). 611-620.
Smith NDW, Rosinski LD, Patrusky LH, Agazzi H. (2024). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with an Autistic Child and Autistic Father: A Case Study. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 1–24.
Agrawal P, Bhattar K, Rojas C, Larson J. Pediatric collagenous gastroduodenitis: A rare cause of iron-deficiency anemia. Nov 3, 2024, Cureus 16(11):e72939.
Carina Rodriguez is an author on Safety and Immunogenicity of an mRNA-1273 Booster in Children. Clinical Infectious Diseases, Aug 19, 2024
Panida Sriaroon is an author on Does comorbid food allergy affect response to omalizumab in patients with asthma?, J Asthma Allergy. 2024 Sep 17 and Fish and shellfish allergy: Presentation and management differences in the UK and US-analysis of 945 patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob. 2024 Jul 22.
Ballow M. Quality of life in primary immunodeficiency: Its contribution to shared decision-making and patient outcomes. Asthma Proc 2024 Sep 1;45(5):389-393.
Yang S, Huang S, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Ke X, Ding H, Sher MR, Jones B, Wilson DL, Lo-Cigani WH. Characteristics of US Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Cough vs. Non-Chronic Cough: 2011-2018. J Clin Med 2024 Aug 3;13(15):4549.
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Dr. Claudia Espinosa presented Advancing Care: New Frontiers in Congenital CMV Management at the 2024 BayCare Kids Pediatric Behavioral Health and Specialty Conference in September.
Kemmou N, Khalaf RT, Calhoun K, Fierstein JL and Morrison J presented Factors associated with 30-day hospital readmission in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A multicenter retrospective cohort study at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting in Philadelphia, Oct 2024
Trocchia C, Abi Aad, SJ, Mosha M, Mark J, Leung DH and Khalaf RT presented Utilizing the Trinetx International Database of Rare Disease: GI manifestations in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis in the pre and post highly effective tripe modulator therapy era at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Boston, Sept 2024
Kristin Spence presented Dietitian Support for Inborn Errors of Metabolism to registered dietitians at the Suncoast Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Virtual Symposium on September 14, 2024.
Dr. Amarilis Sanchez-Valle and Kristin Spence presented on PKU and PKU nutrition at the USF MCOM Medical Cooking Club.
Dr. Carina Rodriguez presented a poster titled Avances en la prevención perinatal del VIH: desde pre-concepción a la primera infancia at the National Ryan White Conference, Washinton, DC, August 2024.
Dr. Jolan Walter presented Basics of Genetic Testing & Variant Interpretation and Dysregulation in RAG Deficiency: Who to Transplant? at the BRAGID Conference, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 2024
Dr. Jolan Walter give a virtual talk titled Emerging CD21loTbet+Cd11c+ B cell populations in health and disease at the COBEII conference in Brazil, September, 2024, and she served as a moderator at the NICER Meeting, Chicago, Sept 2024.
Biannual Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Convention, Knoxville, TN, Sept 2024
· McCoy T, Agazzi H. Innovative Adaptations of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Older Children: A Case Study
· Smith NDW, Rosinski L, Patrusky L, Agazzi, H. Applications of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for an Autistic Child and Autistic Father
Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Porto, Portugal, Sept 2024
Dr. Sanchez-Valle and colleagues were authors on 3 posters:
· Burton BK, Vockley J, Sanchez-Valle A, et al. Evaluating the management of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD): Findings from the LC-FAOD DMP.
· Fletcher E, Sethuraman M, Bloom K, Vockley J, Racobaldo M, Sanchez-Valle A. Genotype-phenotype correlations in very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: Insights from a Florida cohort.
· Sanchez-Valle A, Font-Montgomery E, Goker-Alpan O, et al. Quality of life of migalastat-treated adolescents with Fabry disease: Results from the ASPIRE study and open-label extension.
The National Neonatal Nurses Conference, New Orleans, Oct, 2024
· Teresa Mahan-Etheridge and Gloribel Medina presented an educational session titled To Err is Human….Metabolic!
· Kara Morgan presented two lectures: Assessing the Dysmorphic Infant and Decoding Genetic Testing
| American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, Orlando FL, Sept 2024 | |
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· Takagishi, J, Ascencio M, Colen L. Innovative Funding Source for HealthySteps: County Tax Dollars
· Torriente AG, Espinosa C, Randis T. Characterization of congenital CMV screening: determining incidence and impact on clinical care
· Torriente AG, Espinosa C, Randis T. Congenital cytomegalovirus screening implementation in the neonatal intensive care unit
· Havlicek E, Root M, Goldman Z, Goldenberg N, Sochet A. Evaluating the epidemiology and risk factors for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism, including cerebral sinus venous thromboembolism, among critically ill children with diabetic ketoacidosis
· Creech J, Vlasik, D’Arrigo S, Vallabhaneni NK, Torres C. Promoting Water Safety at the Nine-Month Well Child Check: A Quality Improvement Project
· Claudia Espinosa and colleagues presented Meet the Red Book Committee
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Annual Meeting, Hollywood, FL, Nov 2024
Posters:
· Abbitt L, Crowley M, Misner N, Khalaf RT. Prolonged neonatal cholestasis in monochorionic-diamniotic twin
· Masten S, Fernandez J, Crowley M, Khalaf. Reactive autoimmune-like enteropathy in the setting of a chlamydia infection: A case report
· Choksi A, Bertran-Rodriguez C, Gomez-Esquival R. A rare cause of acholic stools and pruritic: Metastatic childhood rhabdomyosarcoma in the pancreas
· Gilles T, Agrawal P, Larson J. Exploring cerebral vasculitis in a pediatric ulcerative colitis patient
· Misner N, Panagos-Billiris P, Yavelow M, Chaphalkar C, Tsalatsanis A, Khalaf RT. Feeding hope: A quality improvement initiative to improve identification of food insecurity and associated diagnoses
· Yavelow M, Garagozlo K, McClain A. Double trouble – A case report on growth and energy needs in infant twins with DF508 mutations
· Misner N, McClain A, Khalaf RT. Diagnosis and management of vitamin A deficiency in pediatric patients: A single center experience
· Swaney K, Misner N, Khalaf RT, McClain A. Use of indirect calorimetry avoided placement of feeding tube in severely malnourished adolescent with autism
Oral presentations:
· Kemmou N, Khalaf RT, Calhoun K, Fierstein JL, Morrison J. Factors associated with 30-day hospital readmission in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
· Misner N. Missing nutrients: Monitoring for deficiencies in the gluten-free diet for celiac disease
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Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting, Orlando, August, 2024.
Congratulations to Kristin DeMayo whose poster won in the research category and Emily Vlasik whose poster won the quality category.
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· Vlasik E, Creech J, D’Arrigo S, Vlasik E, Vallabhaneni NK Torres C. Promoting Water Safety at the Nine-Month Well Child Check: A Quality Improvement Project
· Havlicek E, Root M, Goldman Z, Goldenberg N, Sochet A. Evaluating the epidemiology and risk factors for hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism, including cerebral sinus venous thromboembolism, among critically ill children with diabetic ketoacidosis
· Wiegand J, Rago A, Thompson JA. Successful use of the ONO retrieval device for stent removal in a high-risk pediatric patient
· Rago A, Singh M, Espinosa C. The future of pediatric practice 2024, congenital HHV6 infection
· Markwood J, Rago A, Ng B, Major CA. Late presentation of coarctation of the aorta in adolescent
· McGee K, Rago AR, Ayestaran F. ABCD syndrome
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Jan 10: Deadline for submitting USF Health Research Day abstracts
Jan 29-30: JHACH Child Symposium
Jan 31: Summer 2024 FAR due date
Feb 6: Pollara Endowed Lecture - Christa Martin, MD
Feb 17: Valente Research Award due date
Feb 28: USF Health Research Day
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Please send content for the next newsletter to pedicom@usf.edu by 2/10/2025 | | | | |
