2024, WEEK BEGINNING OCTOBER 7
Dear VA-AAP Members,
I hope this message finds you well! 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Despite resounding success.
A special thank you to Dr Ellis and Amanda Henry for expertly handling the meet and greet for our AAP member from Virginia (while I was stuck on a runway) Your efforts truly made a difference! We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cerave for their generous sponsorship, which helped make this event possible.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new colleagues. The overarching message throughout the sessions—whether focused on patient care, new policies, or the challenges we face in our practices—was clear: Our voices and experiences matter. What we do, say, and advocate for has the power to change lives.
As we continue to support our fellow D4 chapters in North Carolina and South Carolina, who are managing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like information on how to help
I hope everyone who traveled to NCE had a safe and uneventful journey home. Thank you all for your dedication and passion!
Warm regards,
Natasha K. Sriraman VA-AAP President
Meet Your Executive Committee
NATASHA K. SRIRAMAN, M.D.
Events
NOV 8 - 9
Mohsen Ziai at INOVA
NOV 14
PERCITA
ELLIS, M.D.
TREASURER
SUZANNE
BRIXEY, M.D.
MARCH 21-23, 2025
Birdsong McLemore at UVA
APRIL 24, 2025
JULY 18, 2025
BOD Meeting & Dinner
JULY 18-20, 2025
Board Meeting (Virtual)
JANUARY 23 , 2025
VA-AAP Advocacy Day
Committees
ADVOCACY
CHILD SAFETY
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL
FOOD EQUITY
IMMIGRANT HEALTH
IMMUNIZATION
MENTAL HEALTH
PEDIATRIC COUNCIL
SCHOOL HEALTH
Board Meeting (Virtual)
JUNE 12, 2025
Pediatric Sports Medicine
We have a few committees & champions that are looking for Co-chairs. If you are interested in becoming a co-chair, or even a member of any of these committees, please click the Contact Us button below. Contact Us
Pediatrics at the Beach
Champions
ADOLESCENT MEDICINE
BREASTFEEDING
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
GUN VIOLENCE
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
ORAL HEALTH
RURAL HEALTH
SPORTS MEDICINE
TELEHEALTH
KRISTINA POWELL, M.D.
MemberSpotlight
What inspired you to become a pediatrician?:
Working with the homeless at Villanova University for my undergraduate degree.
How do you balance work, volunteering for VA-AAP, and family life?:
Very delicately! Be Here Now remains my mantra.
SUZANNE BRIXEY, M.D.
VA-AAP Chapter
Treasurer
General Booth Pediatrics
Who inspires you?:
I am inspired by the young children I see every day who dream these great big dreams without fear or limitation, see the world with fresh wonder and amazement every day and are so excited to experience new adventures with no self-imposed limitations by the potential adversity that they may face.
What is one piece of advice or tip for new members of VA-AAP?:
Advocacy and being engaged are the very best ways to protect against burnout. Each of us can make a positive change for the children of Virginia
What do you love most about your role with the Chapter?:
I love knowing that I can make a difference at a system level and that difference may positively impact the lives of so many children and families across our Commonwealth.
Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.: Forest bathing - a fancy term for loving my outdoor nature walks!
What is the top destination on your vacation bucketlist and why?: Barcelona is my favorite because I love their art, their beaches and their culture
Describe your favorite meal.: Grilled marinated tofu with fresh crisp veggies
What would be the theme song for your life?: U2 “Beautiful Day”
This
LINK/LOCATION:
Each session will have a unique Zoom link sent upon registration. Registration is required to attend, and all sessions will be virtual only.
Please print this flyer out and share with patients.
in Providing Pediatric Mental Health Care
Bi-monthly virtual webinars on critical topics in pediatric mental health. Attend as many as desired and earn up to 1 CME credit per webinar.
Held on 1st & 3rd Wednesdays from Feb - Oct @ 7 PM on Zoom
Are you a Virginia PCP looking to gain professional education in pediatric mental health? Join us for a REACH PPP!
What to Expect with REACH PPP
A dynamic 3-day, 16-hour in-person interactive course focused on building skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating pediatric mental & behavioral health problems led by Virginia faculty.
Followed by a 6-month, case-based online program. Participants join 12 bi-monthly, 1-hour group conference calls with Virginia primary care and child psychiatry experts to learn how to manage pediatric mental health issues encountered in daily practices.. All participants will receive custom-designed toolkits with guides, assessment instruments, dosing and side effect charts, medication comparison tables, and handouts for patients and parents.
Course Goals
Participants will learn to:
Correctlyidentifyanddifferentiateamongpediatric behavioral health problems such as childhood depression,ADHD,bipolardisorder,anxietystates (includingPTSD),oppositionalandconductdisorders, andpsychosis.
Effectively manage psychopharmacology: selecting medications, initiating and tapering dosages, monitoring improvements, and identifying and minimizingmedicationsideeffects.
Createandimplementatreatmentplanbymobilizing existing resources like family members, school personnel,andotherprofessionalcaregivers.
Register for PEACE
Perinatal Education for Advanced Clinical Expertise (PEACE) is a 2-day comprehensive perinatal mental health education program for maternal health specialists, midwives, and PCPs developed by leading experts in the field. VMAP is presenting this training in partnership with Postpartum Support Virginia.
Scan the QR code on the left to register!
WHEN: WHERE:
Springhill Suites 301 Reserve Ave, SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
Perinatal Mental Health CME Training Identify Consider Manage Create Adopt
Course Objectives:
October 25th - 26th, 2024 8:30 - 4:30pm
COST:
$100
Lodging Provided
perinatal mental health disorders the impact of additional diagnoses psychopharmacology and implement a treatment plan trauma-informed practices
Consensus Statement: Cell Phone Exemptions for Children RESOURCES & REQUESTS
As Virginia schools work to implement a cell phone-free environment, families may have questions for their healthcare providers about medical conditions that make carrying a cell phone necessary for students during school hours.
The following guidance regarding medical exemptions for cell phones in schools does not replace conversations between families and healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of individual children carrying a cell phone.
Gastrointestinal
General Cell Phone Guidance
The medical conditions that may make requiring a cell phone for children in schools are very rare Healthcare providers should provide written recommendations for cell phone use, or other approved technology, to manage medical conditions during school hours
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Students with cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, and hearing aids use cell phone apps to adjust the devices, which qualify them for a medical exemption Specialists may also provide written exemptions for students with tinnitus, who may use cellphones for white noise generation
Endocrinology
Students with diabetes who utilize continuous glucose monitoring technology require access to their cell phones during the school day. Specialists should provide recommendations in the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan for cell phone use in schools.
Cardiology
Occasionally children utilize looping vent monitors, where a non-personal cell phone is used to send transmission. This requires a student to have this phone in their backpack near them This device cannot make calls or access the internet but would need to be recognized by the school as an allowed device.
Occasionally children may undergo testing that includes video capsule endoscopy or pH-impedance studies, and students will be given a recording device that is independent of a cell phone.
Genetics
Children with metabolic conditions do not routinely need to access their phones as medical needs are typically managed with written communications to a school nurse. Rarely, glucose monitoring may be required for students with rare genetic hypoglycemic disorders.
Palliative Care and Pain
Children should not require their phones during the day if they have access to a school nurse
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Rarely, children may be monitored with smartwatches or wearable heart rate trackers (e g FitBit) if they have autonomic dysregulation Typically, the phone does not have to be in proximity and the data can be synced later in the day
Pulmonology
Rarely, children may be monitored for pulmonary function or oxygen saturations using a smart phone app, but most children will be able to go to the school nurse
Neurology
Children with epilepsy or seizures, migraines, or other neurological conditions do not require a cell phone in class. If a family is concerned about tracking events, this can be done on paper or through a school nurse
Nephrology
Children on dialysis may require access to their phones to access a ride (taxi services).
Urology
Older children who use catheters may require “timers” to keep to their catheterization or voiding schedule This is often done with a watch with a timer or smart watch; cell phones may not be required.
Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions do not require a student to keep a cell phone in the classroom
Children and teens are better positioned to learn other coping skills when they do not have access to a cell phone at school and are receiving appropriate medical care Parents can support students with anxiety and other mental health conditions by connecting them with licensed therapists and medical providers In rare instances, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist may provide written documentation and work with a school on a 504 plan (e.g. using an app to help with relaxation); however, efforts should be made so that cell phones are accessed only in a setting outside the classroom (e.g. nurses’ office) to avoid disruption to classroom learning.
Consensus Statement: Cell Phone Exemptions for Children
The following pediatric specialties have no associated conditions that make carrying a cell phone necessary at school:
• Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
• Dermatology
• Gynecology
• Hematology & Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Sports Medicine
• Surgery
Based on these guidelines, medical reasons to allow cell phone use in schools should be very rare. This consensus statement does not recommend or support non-medical exemptions.
Obtaining a medical exemption for cell phone use. Specialists will continue to support schools and families with written documentation for individual students on a rare, as-needed basis, should the use of a cell phone be considered medically necessary. These determinations will be noted in each patient’s medical record and shared in writing with schools to support the school’s efforts on a student’s Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or 504 Plan.
Sample Exemption Letter*
Date:
Name:
DOB:
To Whom It May Concern,
*Courtesy of Children’s Specialty Group, Pediatric Endocrinology, Norfolk VA
[Patient Name] is followed in my pediatric endocrinology practice due to their diagnosis of type 1 diabetes Diabetes affects the endocrine system, which is a “major bodily function” impacting major life activities In addition to endocrine function, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, speaking, learning, concentrating, thinking, and communicating are examples of the major activities affected by diabetes Based on these criteria, diabetes is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Diabetes treatment is individualized based on a multitude of factors. [Patient Name] manages their diabetes with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device (i.e. Freestyle Libre or DexCom) that may or may not be paired with a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump and CGM receiver Use of CGM technology requires the student be allowed to have their cell phone and/or CGM receiver during school hours Close monitoring and treatment of high and low blood glucose and insulin doses are paramount to maintaining optimal glycemic control to reduce complications and enabling [Patient Name] to be well-positioned for optimal learning and academic success If prompt treatment of blood glucose does not occur, [Patient Name] could experience life-threatening complications such as seizures, unconsciousness, or severe lethargy for low blood glucose, or diabetic ketoacidosis for prolonged high blood glucose As such, below is a list of diabetes accommodations [Patient Name] requires in order to remain safe and healthy while in school:
[Patient Name] should be permitted to keep their cell phone and/or CGM receiver during school hours (on silent). The phone and/or CGM receiver must remain within twenty feet of them at all times to allow for continuous data transmission of blood glucose to their parent and/or their insulin pump It also allows for [Patient Name] and other school staff to see blood glucose levels in real time
[Patient Name] should be allowed access to their cell phone and/or CGM receiver to check blood glucose and to administer insulin as needed to maintain glycemic control
[Patient Name] should be allowed access to a glucometer and blood glucose monitoring supplies at all times to manually check blood glucose if the CGM is malfunctioning, or if they need to confirm a blood glucose
I appreciate your attention to this matter Please contact our office at [Phone Number] for additional questions or concerns
Sincerely, [Name]
“DID YOU KNOW THE VA-AAP IS YOUR VOICE TO LAWMAKERS IN VIRGINIA?”
WE HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST BILLS THAT WOULD INCREASE YOUR:
Medical malpractice insurance rates
Loosen requirements for vaccines
Threaten the quality of medical care children receive in Virginia
WE HAVE ADVOCATED FOR BILLS THAT INCREASE ACCESS TO:
Mental health services for children
Protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco products
Increase Medicaid reimbursement for clinicians
WE USE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN A NONPARTISAN FASHION TO GET TO THE TABLE WITH LAWMAKERS WHO HAVE CRUCIAL ROLES IN LEGISLATION THAT IMPACTS YOU & YOUR PATIENTS.
D TO OUR FELLOW PHYSICIAN GROUPS, PEDIATRICIANS CURRENTLY HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MONEY IN OUR KIDSPAC-WE CAN DO BETTER!! LET'S DO THIS!!
YOUR VOTE IS
TU VOTO TIENE PODER
Podermos influir directamente en estas politicas y ayudar a dar forma a la salud de nuestra comunidad para las generaciones venideras.
LATA DE VOTACION:
Los funcionarios que votamos para el cargo toman decisiones importantes como Cuánto cuestan los medicamentos recetados
Si tenemos acceso a frutas y verduras frescas...y más.
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence change at the local, state and national levels. There is a connection between voting and health equity.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5
Candidates elected to positions up and down the ballot will shape policies that directly impact the health of young people, families and communities.
AAP is leading a nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaign to provide pediatricians with the tools they need to cast their ballot and share the importance of voting.
To access these resources, please click here or scan the QR Code
Voter Registration Badges
Thousands of health professionals across the country are using Vot-ER badges to give their patients an opportunity to access a nonpartisan voter registration platform in the hospital or clinic.
Get a free voter registration badge today and join the movement for a healthier democracy!
To request your badge, please click here or scan the QR Code
Children are counting on us; vote like their future depends on it.
To download, please click here
VOTING IS EASY!
Registration Deadlines
On-line registration or mail in registration is October 14, 2024. Or, register in person on election day at your designated polling place with proper ID.
If your address has changed since you last voted, you need to update your registration
VOTE EARLY
IN VIRGINIA Vote Early starting September 20, 2024
Apply for early absentee ballot online, by mail, or in person from September 20 - October 25
PLAN NOW! DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE!
For non-partisan voter information, please click the button below or scan the QR code. Virginia.gov Voter Information Page
Every Ride, Safe Ride: Safe Transportation of Children
A no cost public health technical assistance model of evidence-based, industry best practices supporting healthcare providers working with families of young children to effectively screen, counsel, and refer towards the safe transportation of their children during every stage and transition.
Upcoming Training Opportunities:
Format Credits : Virtual, 1-session (2 hr) : 2 CME, 2 MOC2
Dates November 14, 2024, 4-6pm –register now March 2025, date and time TBD -to note interest email ivp@vdh.virginia.gov
Accreditation Statement
Credit Designation:
Eastern Virginia Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 2
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education(ACCME) through the joint providership of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Eastern Virginia Medical School is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. should
Learning Update from Across the State
OntheRoadAgain:KeepingYourKidsSafeintheCar
JenniferRaffaele,MD
MedicalDirectorofMother/InfantUnit AssistantProfessor Children’sHospitalofRichmondatVCU
Tuesday,October8,2024 12:00PM-1:00PM
Children’sPavilion,Room5-086 orVirtualthroughZoom
Bioethics Day Presentation
Liz Bowen, PhD
Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Humanities at Upstate Medical University
Thursday, October 10, 2024 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Meeting ID: 219 000 008 618 Passcode: qe7enN
Learning Update from Across the State
Pediatric-Emergency Medicine
Multidisciplinary Conference
Drs. Emily Schaeffer and Brent Sherwood
CRMH 6W Auditorium
Thursday, October 10, 2024
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Meeting ID: 215 263 407 462
Passcode: mfgVkn
UPCOMING COURSES & CONFERENCES
