In February, We Gather
In February, we gather our friends and families together,
During this month of love and care, we build connections that will last us forever,
Joining Pediatric Resilience Circles and other opportunities,
We do committee work that strengthen our communities,
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President's Column
Nelson Branco, MD, FAAP
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It’s hard to predict what will be happening when you receive this newsletter. Will the post-holiday (and school break) lull in the Tripledemic persist, or will another wave of Flu, RSV, COVID and all of their viral colleagues be crashing into our offices? Like all of you, I hope for the former but will be preparing for the latter. February was always a dreaded month for pediatricians, but in the COVID era, who can predict anymore? |
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February is Black History Month. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization that began the commemoration that eventually became Black History Month, has chosen Black Resistance as the theme for this year. I encourage you to follow that link to learn more about the ASALH and Black Resistance. As all of us work to understand our history and the structural racism, implicit bias and discrimination that Black Americans face every day, we must all work for equity and inclusion for all. As stated on the ASALH website:
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As societal and political forces escalate to limit access to and exercise of the ballot, eliminate the teaching of Black history, and work to push us back into the 1890s, we can only rely on our capacity to resist. The enactment of HR 40, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the Breathe Act, and the closure of the racial wealth gap is not the end. They too will require us to mobilize our resources, human and material, and fight for “freedom, justice, and equality”; “self-determination”, and/or “social transformation.” |
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This month we are also re-starting our Pediatric Resiliency Circles. I know that many of us have been experiencing emotional fatigue, stress and exhaustion. These sessions are designed to help us connect, recharge and take a step back. There are six one-hour sessions, beginning on February 23. The chapter is pleased to be able to offer this important resource to our members, and I encourage you to click the link and check it out.
As I have said in the past, I find my work with all of you and my involvement with the AAP to be an important source of connection and satisfaction.
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I hope that you will take a look at our chapter website and explore all of the options for getting involved. There are many different committees, champion roles and opportunities to join chapter leadership. Please email me or Yolanda if you’re interested and want more information. I recently received my copy of Pediatric News in the mail, and was pleasantly surprised to see our Chapter 1 Oral Health Committee Chair Dr. Susan Fisher-Owens on the cover. Take a look at the article: “Tackling Oral Health, A task that’s worth the time” and join me in congratulating Dr. Fisher-Owens. You may not end up on the front page of Pediatric News, but if you get involved with the AAP, you never know!
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How Can Pediatricians Reduce Suicide Risk in their Patients? Part 2
Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Committee on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Chair
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The possibility of one of our patients committing suicide, or making a serious suicide attempt, often gives pediatricians nightmares, especially after a day in the office seeing adolescent patients with depression. We know that teenage suicide is on the rise, especially after the past two stress-filled years. We want to reduce the risk, but don’t know how to start. We may also be afraid to start down a path if we feel inadequately trained or supported.
Our AAPCA1 is participating in a national AAP sponsored campaign to provide you with practical information and resources to enable you to begin the process. Dr. Amy Dolinar and myself are participating in this campaign as Suicide Prevention Ambassadors for our chapter. The first steps are to know WHO to screen for suicide risk, WHAT screens for suicide risk are available, and HOW to respond to positive screens.
In my previous newsletter, I reviewed why we should screen from suicide risk and possible tools to use. I will review the background here, and then focus upon what you can do (first steps) if your patient screens positive.
BACKGROUND (from The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) 7/2022):
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. Shockingly, in 2018 more than 6,800 American youth killed themselves and over 2 MILLION young people in the US attempt suicide each year. While studies show that the majority of individuals who die by suicide have had contact with a healthcare provider in the preceding 3 months, most are seen for physical complaints and infrequently discuss suicidal thoughts and plans unless asked directly. A recent study by Rady Hospital (San Diego) pediatricians (Crandal etal 2021), which implemented universal screening for patients 12-17 years of age, found that among 95,613 patients, 45% of all elevated suicide risk screens were from patients with a primarily medical concern.
If your patient has a positive screen, your next step is to perform a Brief Suicide Safety Assessment. The initial steps of this assessment are worth reviewing:
Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BASA) from the NIMH Toolkit:
- Praise the patient for discussing their thoughts with you. Some suggested language is “I’m here to follow up on your responses to the suicide risk questions. These are hard things to talk about. Thank you for telling us. I need to ask you a few more questions”
- Review the patient’s responses to the suicide risk screening questionnaire with the patient.
- Assess the frequency of suicidal thoughts. Ask the patient “In the past few weeks, have you been thinking about killing yourself?" If yes, ask how often. Ask “When was the last time you had these thoughts? Are you thinking about killing yourself now?”
- If the patient responds that they are thinking about killing themselves now, the patient indicates imminent risk and requires an urgent mental health evaluation. However, more information should be gathered, if possible, before deciding how to obtain the evaluation.
Next steps will involve assessment of a suicide plan, past behavior of self-injury, other mental health symptoms and social support and stressors. These will be discussed in our following newsletters. The NIMH AsQ Suicide Screening Toolkit is available here.
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New Year's Resolution: Write a Resolution!
John I. Takayama, MD, MPH, FAAP
Chapter Forum Management Committee District IX Representative
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Yes, it’s time again to think about writing a resolution to ask the Academy to advocate to “change the system!”
- Pick an issue that you are passionate about. Last year’s top resolution, voted on by chapter, committee, section and council leaders at the annual leadership conference, was on “developing resources for pediatricians in advocacy roles who were experiencing stress, threats of violence and/or public attacks.”
- Search for past resolutions (see below) to make sure that you don’t end up writing something that has already been approved.
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Collaborate with others to make this a team effort; it’s less effort and more fun that way. The national deadline for submission is April 1, 2023.
Download the 2023 resolution template to begin a draft of your resolution. Look for past resolutions in the searchable database. Read the guidelines (everything you always wanted to know) to understand the details of writing a resolution; or if you prefer just the main points, look at the infographic. The resolution video is another way to learn how to do this. Finally, if you have any questions, please contact me, John Takayama, MD, MPH, FAAP, at takayamaj@gmail.com; I am your District Representative to the Chapter Forum Management Committee and can help guide you through the process!
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We Want to Hear From You! Climate Change Needs Assessment
Amanda Millstein MD, FAAP, Sonja Swenson, MD, FAAP & Naomi Bardach, MD, FAAP
Climate Change and Child Health Committee Co-Chairs
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Hello AAP California 1 Chapter members,
In the past year or two, climate change has been increasingly in the news. The Climate Change and Health Committee is sending this survey to you to understand whether climate change conversations have reached your clinical practice and how the AAP can help. Please share your thoughts by filling out this survey!
The survey should take less than 5 minutes. The survey is completely anonymous, but you may provide your contact information at the end for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Please complete the survey by February 21st.
Thank you!
The CA Chapter 1 Climate Change and Health Committee
Amanda Millstein, Sonja Swenson, Naomi Bardach (Committee Co-Chairs)
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In Case You Missed It!
The Data Exchange Framework Initiative
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During our first Chapter Chat of the new year, Resham Kaur, MD, FAAP and Seth Bokser, MD, MPH, FAAP introduced chapter members to an overview of the Data Exchange Framework (DxF) Initiative. AAPCA1 is participating in the DxF Initiative as part of the grant we received from CalHHS? Attendees were able to ask their own questions and learn the intricacies of the program.
If you weren't able to attend, you can find the session recording, slides, and more information about the DxF on our Past Events page.
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The SGA Side
Your Key to State Government Affairs
Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP and Anna Kaplan, MD, FAAP
SGA Chapter Representatives
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AAP-CA Introduces Newly Appointed Lobbyist
AAP-CA is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryce Docherty, Principle of TDG Strategies, as the new lobbying firm representing AAP-CA advocacy efforts in Sacramento.
Bryce has represented a vast array of healthcare and medical interests before all areas of state government, including physicians and surgeons, pharmacists, mid-level healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, telehealth disruptors and health facilities. Prior to establishing TDG Strategies, Bryce was a Partner at KP Public Affairs – one of the largest lobbying and public affairs firms in California.
He also served as Executive Director of the California Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, whose members restore function to those patients suffering from limb loss and birth defects. Bryce has also been an Adjunct Professor at Touro University specializing in grassroots lobbying and the importance of political advocacy. He currently represents other medical specialty organizations including our partner, the California Academy of Family Practice.
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New Requirement to Submit Immunization Data to a California Registry
AB 1797, a new California bill effective January 1, 2023, requires providers to enter immunizations they administer as well as a patient’s race and ethnicity into a California immunization registry (CAIR OR RIDE/Healthy Futures). For more information, see the California Department of Public Health’s AB 1797 Immunization Registry FAQs.
For the most up-to-date information on AAP California bill positions, letters, and outcomes from the current California Legislative year, go to www.aap-ca.org/bill. For the latest organizational advocacy updates follow @AAPCADocs on Twitter. If you have questions and/or are interested in knowing more about certain legislation, reach out to our State Government Affairs Chapter Representative Nora Pfaff, MD, FAAP and Anna Kaplan MD, FAAP at info@aapca1.org.
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See All Available Pediatric Jobs on our Job Board! |
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Opportunities for Your Benefit |
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Virtual Pediatric Dermatology Course – February 11, 2023 |
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The 2023 Pediatric Dermatology Pearls for the Pediatric Provider virtual course will be held February 11. Gain practical skills to effectively diagnose and manage various skin diseases and disorders commonly seen by pediatric providers. Learn from leading experts on a variety of topics, including newborn skin care, infestation update, atopic dermatitis update, and acute pediatric rashes. Earn 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
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Firearm Violence: Where We Stand, What We Can Do - February 16, 2023 |
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AAP, Orange County Chapter is holding a webinar on Thursday, Feb 16 on firearm violence. The speaker, Garen Wintemute, MD, MPH is from UC Davis and works on the BulletPoints project: https://www.bulletpointsproject.org. The webinar is free and AAP-OC will provide CME and MOC-2 to physicians.
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ACES Health Champion Gathering - February 24, 2023 |
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You are cordially invited to this free virtual gathering covering the topic of “Implicit Bias in Healthcare.” The speaker will be Sharon Cooper, MD. She is CEO of Developmental & Forensics Pediatrics, P.A., a consulting firm providing medical care to children with developmental disabilities, and medical care, research/training, and expert witness testimony in cases of child maltreatment.
You can RSVP for the event here!
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22nd Annual Developmental Disabilities: Update for Health Professionals - Presented by the UCSF School of Medicine - March 2 & 3 | Live Stream Conference
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Join us for a special 2-day interdisciplinary conference on March 2 and 3, 2023, for primary care and subspecialty health care professionals and others who care for children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities and complex health care needs. Due to continuing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue the virtual format, employing a live stream webinar and user-friendly interactive virtual platforms.
Our expert faculty will address topics of interest to pediatricians, family physicians, nurse clinicians, psychologists, internists, social workers, case managers, and others who are involved in the healthcare of children and adults with developmental disabilities. This year’s conference features discussions on trauma-informed care, mental health supports, conservatorship reform, updates on assisted mobility devices, dentistry, care transitions, deprescribing psychotropic medications, and emergency planning to adapt to climate change. While the conference is designed and accredited for health care professionals, we welcome families and individuals with developmental disabilities to also attend.
Please go to our website link below for more information about the conference and registration. If you have any questions, please contact us at Gaelen.Lombard@ucsf.edu.
Participants must register by 1:00pm on March 3, 2023.
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Preteen Vaccine Week is Coming! - February 27 - March 4, 2023 |
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Join partners around the state in participating in Preteen Vaccine Week, February 27 through March 4. To spread the word on routine preteen immunizations, post educational materials in your office or take to social media. The resources listed below can support your efforts.
Adolescent immunization decreased in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. CAIR2 data indicate that large deficits persist for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal (MenACWY) immunizations, leaving many preteens and teens at ongoing risk.
To help your patients catch up with their protection against meningococcal disease and cancers caused by HPV, issue reminder/recalls through your EHR or CAIR2.
Resources:
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Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference 2023 - May 18-19, 2023 |
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The Inflammatory Brain Disorders Conference features nationally and internationally renowned experts skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches who will present a diverse range of emerging clinical and research challenges, insights, and advances in the field of inflammatory brain disorders. Presentations are carefully selected to familiarize attendees with rapidly developing research and to educate clinicians on the latest understanding of treatment options.
Registration solely covers attendance at the live event. Attendees will not receive access to view recordings. No refunds will be granted for any reason. Parents, patients, and community members are welcome to attend the conference. Register here!
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March 1 - California Legislative Advocacy for Pediatricians - REGISTER NOW!
March 15 - Writing a Resolution Workshop - SAVE THE DATE!
May 6 - AAPCA1 Spring CME Meeting “Ask an Expert” in Fairfield, CA - SAVE THE DATE!
May 9 - Advocacy Day - SAVE THE DATE!
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Add our social media accounts to get the latest chapter updates!
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Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
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Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
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Executive Committee:
President: Nelson Branco • Vice President: Nicole Webb
• Secretary: Resham Kaur • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Raelene Walker
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz
Board Members:
North Valley MAL: Thiyagu Ganesan • Sacramento Valley MAL: Lena van der List • Central Valley MAL: Deborah Shassetz • South Valley MAL: Vacant • San Francisco MAL: Maya Raman • Santa Clara MAL: Vacant • San Mateo MAL: Neel Patel • North Coastal MAL: Jeffrey Ribordy • Monterey Bay MAL: Graciela Wilcox • Alameda MAL: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano MAL: Omoniyi Omotoso
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Mika Hiramatsu • Deborah Shassetz • Alyssa Velasco
Staff:
• Project Assistant: Sana Sayyid
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