2016 - October Edition
  Welcome to the October 2016 edition of our monthly e-Newsletter.
Edward Curry, MD, FAAP President, AAP-CA2
Are you ready to improve HPV vaccination rates among your adolescent patients? ... and receive both CME and MOC Part IV credit? We are excited to announce that the Chapter has received a grant to implement this Quality Improvement project throughout our seven Counties. In a few weeks we will begin with the practice recruitment process, so look for that in a separate email. The project will consist of two phases: 1) HPV vaccine series initiation, and 2) Series completion. Participation will involve attending an in-person session in late November, gathering base data from random charts, implementing strong provider recommendation techniques, and participating in weekly calls or webinars.
 
Additionally, The AAP has recently notified us that we were also selected for a second vaccine related QI project. I will be traveling to Chicago in a few weeks, along with our Chapter executive director, for a two-day training related to that project. The Chapter Quality Network (CQN) Immunizations Improvement Project (aimed at improving the rate of all immunizations) is scheduled to begin in February of 2017, and will also offer CME and MOC Part IV.
 
The AAP National presidential election begins on October 21st. In the same ballot, voting members will have an opportunity to select a National Nominating Committee Representative for District IX. Please read about the candidates below.
 
In our Member Spotlight section you will read about AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large in Ventura County, Chris Landon, MD, FCCP, CDM, FAAP, being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at their 4th Annual Breath of Life Gala. Congratulations Dr. Landon!
 
The series of Developmental Screening and Autism talks by Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP continue to be a great success. We had 26 pediatricians and a UCLA medical student, Carlos Casillas, attend the second talk at Malbec Argentinean Cuisine, in Santa Monica. Dr. Yin included more videos this time, making his contributions tremendously didactic. These events are sponsored by AltaMed and CHLA, through a grant from First 5 LA. Look below for more dates in this series.
 
Please take 5 minutes to take a survey
Along the lines of developmental screening, please take a look at a survey brought to us by Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Center for Early Learning. Data collected will help in planning and developing comprehensive policies and services that support children and families in California to grow and thrive. There's even a chance to win several prizes. Details below.
 
Next week with Ken Saul, MD
AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large, Ken Saul, MD, is hosting a Town Hall/dinner meeting this Wednesday, October 5th. The topic: Controversies... with influenza - meningococcal disease - vaccines. Be sure to look at the information below and email Dr. Saul if you will be attending.
 
Sexual and Reproductive Health
On October 13th. Diane Tanaka, MD will be presenting on sexual and reproductive health at the Radisson Midtown at USC, near the Los Angeles Coliseum. I highly encourage attending this event, as we have not had a speaker on this important topic for some time. This event, sponsored by the California Family Health Council, will begin at 6:00 PM with dinner. CME credit for this event is pending approval. RSVP here
 
Be sure to look at the upcoming events and sign up to attend our Town Halls and CME learning sessions.
Thank you for supporting our Chapter. 

Sincerely,
Edward Curry M.D.  F.A.A.P
President, AAP-CA2

National Nominating Committee Representatives  - Two Candidates 
Candidates for National Nominating Committee (NNC) Representative - District IX

The AAP national Presidential election begins October 21 and runs through November 21. During this election, voting AAP-CA2 members will also have an opportunity to select the District IX National Nominating Committee Representative. 
 
The NNC member represents his/her respective district at deliberations of the NNC, which is responsible for nominating two candidates for the office of President-elect prior to the Annual Leadership Forum each year. In this capacity (among many other responsibilities) the NNC member supervises the national election process by:
  • Attending one Board of Directors meeting while in first year on the NNC.
  • Serving as host for the President-elect candidates and introduce the candidates during the Annual District meeting.
  • Reaching out to district members in effort to identify potential candidates for President-elect.

There are two candidates, presented in alphabetical order. Please read about them below.

Candidate for National Nominating Committee (NNC) Representative - District IX
AAP-CA4 member, Phyllis Agran, MD, MPH, FAAP

Phyllis Agran, MD, MPH, FAAP
I am seeking your vote and support as a candidate for the AAP National Nominating Committee representing District IX California. I have been an AAP member for 32 years and served at the national, district and chapter (CA4, AAP) levels. Over the years, I have worked with many members, leaders and potential leaders from various pediatric practice settings. Now I would like the opportunity to participate in the selection process of our future leaders committed to our AAP mission.
 
Thank you for considering support of my candidacy.

Dr. Agran is professor at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.
She has been an AAP member for 32 years and has experience at the local, district and national levels of the Academy. She is a past president of California Chapter 4, chair of the Chapter's Injury and Violence Prevention Committee, member of the CME Committee, facilitator for Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) and principal investigator of numerous grants.
 
At the national level, she is an Executive Committee member of the Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention, member of the Violence Prevention Subcommittee, and Sections on Community Pediatrics and Gastroenterology. She is a past member of the Chapter Forum Management Committee, Editorial Board of Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 0-5 Years and reviewer for Bright Futures.
 
Dr. Agran said she believes she has the background, experience and vision to participate in the selection of president-elect candidates who are visionary and innovative; represent the diversity of children and pediatricians; and, are effective collaborators in matters of public policy.

Candidate for National Nominating Committee (NNC) Representative - District IX
AAP-CA2 member, Steve Feig, MD, FAAP

Steve Feig, MD, FAAP
I am asking for your vote for National Nominating Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics representing AAP California, and a seat on the District IX executive board.  
 
I have served as chairman of the AAP-CA Chapter 2 (AAP-CA2) legislative committee for 19 years from 1988 to 2007, and the State Government Affairs (SGA) Committee for 28 years from 1988 to 2016, with a particular interest in access to care and adequate reimbursement for the pediatrician.  As president- elect and president of AAP-CA2 from 1998 to 2002, I also served on the District IX executive board.  
 
My extensive experience working with the AAP on children's issues and working within the political structure of the Academy makes me a solid choice for the National Nominating Committee and for a seat on our district executive board. It would be my honor to serve in that role.  
 
Dr. Steve Feig is recipient of the 2015 Job Lewis Smith Award, which recognizes outstanding career service in community pediatrics. View the video.
 
Dr. Feig has been in practice in Los Angeles for 42 years; a member of the AAP-CA2 since 1973. He still serves on the AAP-CA2 CME committee.
 
"I know the principles, have insight on the qualities needed, and knowledge of the people involved".

State Advocacy
A Visit with District 46 Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP
CFMC Representative, AAP-District IX  
Immediate Past President, AAP-CA2 
 
Excessively loud movies with the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in children.

Last month I received a call from the National American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) following up on the disposition of a resolution that I wrote for the 2016 ALF focusing on excessively loud movies with the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in children. They wanted to know what measures would be best to achieve the 'ask' of this resolution.

For background, the idea for this resolution came to me as I walked into a movie theater where I could hear the introductory trailers down the hallway outside the actual assigned theater room. Walking into that theater was immediately painful to my ears. I then asked the theater staff to kindly turn the volume down; I was told that movie producers like their movies played that way. This prompted me to research this issue. I learned that excessively loud movies contribute to noise induced hearing loss in children and adults. The AAP Section of Otolaryngology also feels very strongly about this issue. Previously, analog sound in movie theaters never went above 85 decibels (dB), due to sound distortion above that level. Above 85 dB, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hearing protection in the work place to prevent noise induced hearing loss. Digital sound doesn't distort and movie theaters often exceed the 85 dB level as there are no rules or legislation regarding excessively loud movies in commercial theaters. For reference, the dB scale is logarithmic-based on powers of 10, such that for every 20 dB increment, the volume or sound pressure is 10-fold greater. Initially, when movie theaters transitioned to digital sound, the industry said they would voluntarily not exceed safe levels - this did not happen.

Why is the public, especially children, put at risk of noise-induced hearing loss that could be easily avoided by maintaining the previous analog sound limit of 85 dB?

During my call with the AAP, I thought that perhaps it would be beneficial to explain the issue to my Assemblymember. I quickly called my Assemblymember, Adrin Nazarian's office. I spoke with his field representative, Ms. Dermenjian, who was very nice and accommodating. We arranged for a meeting at his office, where she assisted me with filling out the legislative proposal evaluation form. Next, I met with Assemblymember Nazarian. He was gracious and was very interested in what I had to say. At the conclusion of our meeting, he arranged for his legislative director, Ms. Sabeniano, to work with me. Via snail mail, I received a lovely handwritten note from Assemblymember Nazarian telling me how much he enjoyed our conversation and that he looked forward to continued dialogue and collaboration. Regardless of what happens with my legislative proposal, I feel a part of the advocacy process. 
 
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP, CFMC Representative for AAP-District IX, with District 46 Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, at a recent visit to his Van Nuys office.
 
 
 

Member Spotlight
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Honors Dr. Chris Landon

Chris Landon, MD, FCCP, CDM, FAAP
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be hosting its 4th Annual Breath of Life Gala next month, on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 6:00 PM, at the Four Seasons Westlake Village. Among the three Honorees is AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large in Ventura County, Christopher Landon, MD, FCCP, CDM, FAAP. 

Congratulations, Dr. Landon!

If you would like to attend, or be a sponsor for this event, please view this Sponsorship Form
.
4th Annual Los Angeles Breath of Life Gala honoring:
Dr. Adupa Rao, CF Care Center Director, USC
Dr. Chris Landon, CF Care Center Director, VCMC
Mr. JR Bourne, Actor

Four Seasons Westlake Village
2 Dole Drive
Westlake Village, CA, 91362
323.939.0758 
In The Community
Pediatricians met in Victorville for an evening of learning and networking

AAP-CA2 San Bernardino/High Desert Area Representative , Damodara Rajasekhar, MD, FAAP, hosted a Town Hall meeting at Thai Dawn Bistro, in the City of Victorville, on September 22, 2016. The event was attended by local pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, Nurse Practitioners, Staff from First 5 San Bernardino, and a representative from Azusa Pacific School of Nursing.


The topic of the evening was "Improving Preventive Care in Your Practice Without Burden", with a focus on the Bright Futures Guidelines. Guest speaker, Edward Curry, MD, FAAP., President, AAP CA2 encouraged the use of the pre-visit questionnaire as a way to focus on the reason for the visit, shared successful outcomes as a result of reinforcing parents on the points they are doing well, and reminded everyone to perform postpartum maternal depression screening up to six months after delivery. 

Mary Jaquish, First 5 San Bernardino Program Supervisor, provided an overview of the services being provided to practices that participate in the Reach Out And Read program: Free Books - Free Books - Free Books. Mary Jaquish also introduced her guest, and the partnership between First 5 San Bernardino and Azusa Pacific School of Nursing. 

Lydia Garcia-Usry RN,MSN,PHN, Instructor for the Undergraduate Professional Programs, High Desert Regional Center Azusa Pacific School of Nursing announced that the Nursing Program is offering Nursing students to serve as interns to assist with the logistics of implementing Reach Out And Read. San Bernardino pediatricians interested in participating should contact Mary Jaquish at (909) 368-7706, or visit ROAR San Bernardino

Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP provides key concepts during second Town Hall in its series

AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large, Mona Patel, MD, FAAP and AAP-CA2 Treasurer Corinn Cross, MD, FAAP hosted the second talk of a series of four lectures by Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP on the topic of Developmental Screening and Early Detection of Autism for the General Pediatrician. This event took place on August 28th at Malbec Argentinean Cuisine, in Santa Monica, and was attended by pediatricians from Los Angeles and Ventura County. 
Dr. Yin provided concise pearls, emphasized on the utilization of standardized developmental screening tools, and shared new real patient videos depicting children with evident developmental delay and behaviors suggestive of Autism. Please look below under "Coming Events" if you are interested in attending this highly informative and educational event.

Each event in this series is approved for 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Attend The Patient to Patient Experience Symposium
November 18
th - 20
th 
at the Terranea Resort

The National Institute of Health estimates almost 3 times more patients living with autoimmune conditions, as compared to cancer patients (23.5 vs. 9 million). Focusing on annual direct health care costs, autoimmune disorders are twice as much as cancer ($100 vs. $57 billion) costs.
The symposium on Nov 18th - 20th @ the Terranea resort, will provide current updates on management and treatment protocols on Rheumatic autoimmune conditions. A public health framework that focuses on protecting health, preventing things from getting worse and promoting positive health habits will be the focus.

As a public health practitioner, a patient and a public health clinician, I have experienced the benefits of an effective collaborative approach in managing Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia and Celiac. This is the goal for the providers. Continuing Medical Education Units will be offered

Need More Information?  Please contact Dr. Susan Nyanzi
[email protected] or (909) 896-6957

Click here to register. Seats are limited.


Please visit our website:
ptpes.com


Please complete this 5 minute survey
Participate In  A New Survey On Developmental Screening Practices
 
AAP chapters throughout California are teaming up with Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Center for Early Learning to learn more about your views and practices regarding early childhood development services. Please help by completing an online statewide survey* that includes questions about the developmental screening attitudes and practices of your office -the data collected will help in planning and developing comprehensive policies and services that support children and families in California to grow and thrive.

Click on this link to access the survey: Begin Survey
 
The deadline to complete the survey is Wednesday, October 5, 2016.  In appreciation for completing the survey, you can enter a drawing to receive one of a range of prizes including $15 or $20 Starbucks gift cards or one of the 30 FREE Nexus 7 Tablets. If you have any questions about this survey, please feel free to contact Michelle Sioson Hyman at [email protected].

*Only one survey should be submitted on behalf of your practice. Any staff member who is familiar with the developmental screening practices of the office may fill out the survey, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and medical support staff.  Please ensure that the person who completes the survey is sufficiently informed about office attitudes and practices to respond to every question.  All individual results will remain confidential; only aggregate results will be reported.  

District IX Chapter Forum Management Committee
Paula Whiteman
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP   CFMC Representative, AAP-District IX
Immediate Past President, AAP-CA2 
Chapter Forum Management Committee (CFMC)
Paula J. Whiteman, MD, FACEP, FAAP
CFMC Representative, AAP-District IX  
Immediate Past President, AAP-CA2 

The deadline for submitting Resolutions is quickly approaching. If you are passionate about a particular idea or topic that you feel should be a priority for the National AAP, then please consider writing a resolution. Here's how!!!


Please Click here to view the full report, including Submission Deadline (November 15, 2016), Sponsorship, and Late Resolutions.

AAP-CA2 Events - Save the Dates!

October 5, 2016. - Town Hall in Woodland Hills, with host, AAP-CA2 Member At Large, Ken Saul, MD, FAAP - Sponsored by Sanofi.

Ken Saul, MD, FAAP
Member-At-Large




















RSVP: Please email Dr. Ken Saul to save your seat. 
Please note: We are back at Maggiano's.

CME !

October 13, 2016 - Town Hall in Los Angeles, with speaker Diane Tanaka, MD.

Diane Tanaka, MD

AAP-CA2 and the California Family Health Council (CFHC) invite you to an evening of professional development in the area of sexual and reproductive health. Dinner will be provided. Please be sure to RSVP for this fabulous event.

CME Accreditation: Continuing Education pending approval

Topic: Integrating Sexual + Reproductive Health into Primary Care
Date & Time: Thursday, October 13th, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Presenter: Diane Tanaka, MD - Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Location:  Radisson Midtown at USC (3540 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA, 90007)

What will you learn?
This presentation will provide evidence-based clinical and operational strategies for integrating quality sexual and reproductive health services into primary care. Participants will learn how to identify and address the unique sexual and reproductive health needs of patients, with an emphasis on STD screening and treatment, during a primary care visit. Dr. Tanaka will also discuss strategies for adapting clinic workflow processes, including elements of billing practices, to maximize efficiency and reimbursement. Current national sexual and reproductive health guidelines, practical tools, and resources will be discussed and utilized throughout.

RSVP required. Click Here to view on calendar and reserve your seat for October 13th.
Please note that this event begins at 6:00 PM.

More CME !
October 18, 2016 in Pomona    |   November in East Los Angeles (date TBA)
Town Hall / Dinner Meeting

Note: The September 28 event in Santa Monica is full. Registration for that event is closed.

Developmental Screening and Early Detection of Autism for General Pediatricians
Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP


Please join AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large, Mona Patel, MD, FAAP, as she hosts a series of educational session on the topic of Developmental Screening. 

CME Accreditation: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

This event is to promote the use of validated, standardized screening measures to identify children at risk for developmental delay and autism, as well as an overview of community resources to address identified developmental delays. It will be an exciting overview of validated screening measures that can be easily incorporated into the general pediatrics visit.
  1. Pitfalls of using non-standardized developmental screening tools
  2. Overview of available developmental screening measures
  3. Review of American Academy of Pediatrics developmental screening guidelines
  4. What to do if your patient screens positive? 
  5. Review of community resources available to address developmental delay and autism
Presented by Larry Yin, MD, MSPH, FAAP. Dr. Yin studies disparities among the underserved populations, developmental disabilities, screening and intervention at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

October 18 at the Pomona Valley Mining Company, in Pomona, CA.
Time: 6:30 PM
RSVP required. Click Here to view on calendar and save your seat for October 18th.


November 16, 2016 in Studio City - Town Hall / Dinner Meeting
Daniel Bruckner, MD
Member-At-Large


Please join AAP-CA2 Member-At-Large, Daniel Bruckner, MD, as he hosts an educational session sponsored by Children's Hospital Los Angeles 

Topics: 
Headaches by Kiarash Sadrieh, MD - Director, Child Neurology Training Program, CHLA
Arthritis for the General Pediatrician by CHLA Rheumatologist Michal Cidon, MD

November 16, 2016 at Bistro Garden, in Studio City
Time: 6:30 PM
RSVP required. Click Here to save your seat for November 16th.

  

Saturday, April 22, 2017
Sheraton Universal Hotel
CDC Updates & LAHAN Alerts
Join the CDC Listserv
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Visit the LAHAN website.

Submitting Articles for Publication in Our Newsletter


 

Have you written original clinical work you would like to share?

Do you have any news that you would like to publish in our newsletter?


AAP-CA2 invites you to submit your ideas, accomplishments, news, pictures...

For article submission guidelines, please click here.

 

Advertise in Our Newsletter

AAP-CA2 invites you to advertise in our newsletter
AAP-CA2 publishes its electronic newsletter, Peds@CA2, which is emailed to its 1,700+ members on the first 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.
Charitable Donations
AAP-CA2 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please consider a tax-deductible charitable donation to one of our many programs
  • The Medicine-Biological Sciences Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to exceptional high school students each year.
  • The Committee on Service, Education, and Mentoring, which awards scholarships to pediatric residents for outstanding research projects. 
  • The S. Michael Marcy Memorial Lecture, which helps sponsor a portion of our annual Advances in Pediatrics Conference in his honor.

AAP-CA2 Video: We Are The AAP-CA Chapter 2 - 2016


Thank you for your support
Sincerely,
AAP-CA2
PO Box 94127 Pasadena, CA 91109
(818) 422-9877
Please visit our website at http://aapca2.org/