Kansas Pediatrician: Q3 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Q3 update from the Kansas Pediatrician, the quarterly eNewsletter from the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This edition includes:

• President’s Perspective
• Executive Director Update
• Artificial Intelligence
• National Physician Suicide Prevention Day: Addressing a Silent Crisis
• Make Progress in Pediatrics Your Go-To for CME this Year
• New Continuing Medical Education for Pediatric Mental Health
• Vaccine Update: Stay Informed and Ahead
• TAP-TAM Empower Early Literacy Across Kansas
• Coming Soon! KAAP Brand Refresh and New Website
• Join the Kansas CARE Network: Training for Child Abuse Medical Evaluation
• Summer Safety for Children with Autism
• Join the RECOVER Study: Help Us Understand and Prevent Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

President’s Perspective

by Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP

Happy Fall! As I write this, the back-to-school season is in full swing. Right now, it seems calls for sports physical forms (that were due yesterday), ADHD medication refills, and asthma action plans will never end; however, it will soon give way to flu vaccines and the fall respiratory virus season. The predictable rhythm of the seasons of general pediatrics hasn’t been so predictable the past few years. One constant is that August and February are always exhausting! It feels like there is no time to do anything but take care of the kids.

The spring and fall meetings are timed perfectly to avoid the back to school and flu seasons. Even when free time is scarce, The Kansas Chapter of the AAP makes it easy to be involved. You can attend a noon committee meeting over zoom, join the board, apply for a grant to help your patients and community, attend advocacy day, write testimony, or attend a social event. I have done all the above. Each time I volunteer, I become more energized and hopeful about the future of pediatrics. As my daughter would say, working with this organization fills my bucket. During my presidency, my goal is to find new ways to fill the buckets of our members as we continue to advocate for all children. I look forward to hearing your ideas about what the KS AAP can do for you.

Executive Director Update

by Denise Cyzman

Celebrating a Year of Growth and Impact

Reflecting on the past year, it’s impossible not to feel a surge of pride. Together, we’ve turned aspirations into action, driving remarkable growth and creating lasting impact across Kansas. This progress reflects the dedication of our KAAP team, members, partners, and funders who have been instrumental in advancing our mission.

Reaching More Lives

This year, we expanded the Child Abuse Review and Evaluation (CARE) Network and Turn-a-Page, Touch-a-Mind (TAP-TAM) program, engaging more pediatricians and other healthcare providers. Since 2023, we have trained 33 CARE physicians, who have provided over 3,400 referrals and 500 CARE exams—critical steps in safeguarding our children. Meanwhile, TAP-TAM distributed nearly 184,000 books to young children through 830 clinicians at 175 sites, fostering a love of reading and learning.

Our commitment to education was evident in two conferences, various training events, and webinars that reached 444 attendees, including 221 pediatricians, 137 advanced practice providers, and 83 other health professionals. These events helped us build a community of pediatricians and other providers ready to make a difference.

We’ve strengthened our voice by enhancing our social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, with 357 posts generating 29,000 impressions and over 1,200 engagements. Our newsletters and member communications have kept everyone informed, ensuring no one is left out of the conversation.

Advocacy and Financial Strength

Our advocacy efforts led to significant victories. KAAP members delivered legislative testimony 19 times, championing public and child health measures. At our 2024 Advocacy Day, 33 members met with their legislators to discuss crucial issues like Medicaid rates and expansion.

Financially, our organization is strong. Our annual budget increased 29%, and grant revenue increased 28% compared to last year. Notably, 84% of every dollar was spent directly on programs, enabling us to sustain and expand our initiatives.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited about the future and new developments, including refreshed branding and a new website. Stay tuned! Thank you for being the heartbeat of KAAP. Your support and dedication are what make our progress possible. Together, we’re not just envisioning a brighter future—we’re building it.

Artificial Intelligence

by Timothy Ryan Smith, MD, FAAP

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to transform work, with child health care being no exception. Large-language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT promise to ease administrative tasks with current applications, including ambient documentation (drafting clinical notes via recordings of provider and patient conversations), automating responses to claim denials, summarizing electronic health records, and prompt responses to patient and caregiver queries. Further, our patients and families utilize AI and LLMs to select practices, research symptoms associated with diagnoses, and even review provider clinical management. While many focus on the operational gains in efficiency and accuracy, Eric Topol, MD, posits in Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Health Care Human Again that “the greatest opportunity offered by AI is not reducing errors or workloads, or even curing cancer: it is the opportunity to restore the precious and time-honored connection and trust.” After 6 months of using AI-driven ambient documentation, I’m happy to report that these tools have allowed me to turn away from the computer screen and direct my attention to the caregiver and patient.

Just as experience in clinical practice builds confidence, efficiency, and skill, emerging artificial intelligence represents foundational technology for successful practice. Recently, one of my medical students expressed concerns about AI assuming the responsibilities of clinical decision making, disease management, and written communication to patients, families, and colleagues. AI will not replace the broad skillset of experienced provider but will be an immeasurably powerful tool to those that take the time to learn and employ them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is working to educate members with a wealth of webinars and resources available at http://www.aap.org/ai. Further, consider downloading ChatGPT  and discussing applications of AI and LLMs in the work and private lives of your friends, family, and colleagues.

Join Dr. Smith at Progress in Pediatrics, November 8 for his session on Artificial Intelligence. You’ll become familiar with current and future applications of artificial intelligence in pediatric practice, understand the limitations of artificial intelligence, and navigate the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

National Physician Suicide Prevention Day: Addressing a Silent Crisis

by Dena Hubbard, MD, FAAP

Observed on September 17th, National Physician Suicide Prevention Day brings attention to the alarming rates of suicide among healthcare professionals. Physicians face immense pressures, including long hours, high stress, and the burden of life-and-death decisions, leading to burnout, depression, and, tragically, suicide. In the U.S., approximately 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide annually, a rate higher than in the general population.

Despite being trained to care for others, many physicians struggle to seek help due to stigma, fear of professional consequences, and concerns about confidentiality. It is crucial to change the culture in healthcare to promote open discussions about mental health, provide confidential support, and reduce stigma. Institutions can play a vital role by prioritizing wellness, offering tailored mental health services, and advocating for policies that protect physicians’ well-being.

National Physician Suicide Prevention Day serves as a call to action for all of us to support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like the Physician Support Line (1-888-409-0141) are available for confidential help. For more information, go to Vital Signs: National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. Let’s work together to ensure that those who care for us receive the care they need.

Make Progress in Pediatrics Your Go-To for CME this Year

Register for Progress in Pediatrics, Nov. 8 in Salina! Click below for more information and to register.

KAAP is excited to host “Pediatric Hot Topics” again, a casual yet expertly moderated session by Dr. George Phillips. This was a hit at our Spring Progress in Pediatrics.  Attendees are encouraged to suggest topics for this session when registering for the event. We hope you’ll join the conversation!

Other featured sessions are: 

• Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Practices
• Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy for Children and Adolescents
• Sports Medicine and Overuse Injuries
• State Child Death Review Board – Data to Inform Injury Prevention

We are also hosting a social event at the Rolling Hills Zoo the night before. You won’t want to miss this!

Many thanks to our generous sponsors and exhibitors for supporting KAAP and its members:

• Social Event Sponsor – Children’s Mercy Kansas City
• Lunch Sponsor – KSKidsMap
• Morning Break Sponsor – CeraVe
• Afternoon Break Sponsor – United Methodist Health Ministry
• Gold Sponsors: BioMarin, KDHE Immunization Program, Kansas Maternal Child Health Council, Kansas Pediatric Foundation, Turn-a-Page. Touch-a-Mind., Salina Regional Health Center, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
• Exhibitors: Abbott, Kansas State University Radon Program, and most of our sponsors.

New Continuing Medical Education for Pediatric Mental Health

KAAP continues to work with KSKidsMAP to provide mental health resources to KAAP members. We are excited to announce these KSKidsMAP events, which provide educational resources for patient treatment and wellness events to address personal and professional development for KAAP members.

2024 KANDID workshop

• Saturday, November 2, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Free, Lunch & CMEs provided
• Register here!

Group Wellness Coaching Sessions

• In partnership with the Institute for Physician Wellness. Covers a variety of mental health topics for personal and professional development
• Zoom sessions start 9/16/24, meet weekly for eight weeks from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
• Free, Up to 8 hours of AMA PRA Cat 1 Credits available
• Register here!

Upcoming TeleECHOs

• Aug 20: Co-morbidities: ID, DD, and ASD patients
• Sep 3: Office hours
• Sep 17: School issues – 504s/IEPs
• Oct 1: Pharmacogenetic Testing
• Oct 15: Panic attacks
• Nov 5: Cannabis Use
• Nov 19: Catatonia
• Registration for ECHOs here!

Vaccine Update: Stay Informed and Ahead

by Gretchen Homan, MD, FAAP

As kids and families return to the school routine, it is a great time to consider catch-up vaccines and identify patients who are not current with recommended vaccines. The CDC has a new program, Let’s Rise Vaccine Rates, to help you with this. Click here for more information. 

Measles outbreaks continue in the United States. According to the CDC, there have been 13 outbreaks in 2024, compared to four in 2023. The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a resource to help clinicians identify patients who may have measles. You can find it here.

In other vaccine news, the manufacturer of Nirsevimab has worked to address the supply shortage, and now states will be involved in distribution. Email Michelle.Horst@kansasaap.org to let us know if you encounter difficulty or identify areas where KAAP can help. 

Changes are coming to funding for the hospital birth hepatitis B vaccine dose program.  In October, the CDC is sunsetting the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Program due to available funds through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.  The 317 funds will no longer be available for use for pediatric intent.  Hospitals can become VFC providers and administer hepatitis B and Nirsevimab to VFC-eligible infants, after insurance determination. Please stay connected with KAAP as we work to understand the implications of this change. Reach out to us with questions or.

Additional changes are coming to pharmacies in Kansas. Effective January 1, 2025, pharmacies can administer influenza vaccines to children ages six and up and provide all other vaccines for children 12 and older.

The KSWebIZ Patient Portal is anticipated to launch soon, possibly this fall. This portal allows patients to access their immunization records.

TAP-TAM Empower Early Literacy Across Kansas

Turn-a-Page, Touch-a-Mind is focused on strengthening, innovating, and increasing its reach across Kansas. This program is in over 70 counties in Kansas, with 175 medical sites and 830 trained medical providers. TAP-TAM has distributed over 1.8 million books to Kansas Children since 2004 and more than 180,000 books in 2023. This flagship program continues to work to empower Kansas children with early literacy skills.

In 2024, the Kansas Pediatric Foundation will:

• Add more sites across the state of Kansas. 
• Provide a digital e-book program for TAP-TAM sites
• Provide visual elements for medical sites to promote early childhood literacy
• Continue to promote the partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Contact Michelle Horst (michelle.horst@kansasaap.org) if you know of a site we can add to our TAP-TAM program. The TAP-TAM Endowment and TAP-TAM Operating Fund continue to have the resources to fund all current TAP-TAM sites and add new ones, moving towards our mission to improve early childhood literacy.

Coming Soon! KAAP Brand Refresh and New Website!

KAAP is excited to announce a brand refresh and the launch of our new website, coming in November 2024. This revitalization reflects our commitment to supporting pediatricians and the children they serve across Kansas. You may start seeing elements of our updated brand, offering a fresh, modern look while maintaining the values and mission guiding KAAP for decades. 

The new website will be a comprehensive resource, providing easier access to vital information, member services, and more. With a user-friendly design and mobile compatibility, we aim to better connect with our members and the wider community. 

This refresh is more than just a visual update; it’s an investment in our future, ensuring that KAAP remains a trusted leader in pediatric care advocacy and education. Stay tuned for more details as we approach the launch!

Join the Kansas CARE Network: Training for Child Abuse Medical Evaluation

The next KS CARE Provider training will be held on 9/17 and 9/18, 2024, at the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County – Wichita.

This two-day training event provides the training necessary to join the Kansas CARE Network. Physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants in Kansas are invited to enhance their skills in recognizing and evaluating abusive injuries in children under five. The free training includes 13 hours of CME/CNE, breakfast and lunch on both days and travel and hotel rooms for those more than 30 miles outside of Wichita.

Learn more:

• Agenda 
• Meet the Faculty 
• Kansas CARE Network

Summer Safety for Children with Autism

Summer brings unique safety challenges for children with autism, who are at a significantly higher risk of injury compared to neurotypical children. For example, their risk of drowning is 160 times greater, compounded by factors like wandering and communication difficulties. In a recent webinar, experts from the CDC and the University of Massachusetts Lowell discussed these heightened risks, focusing on autism-related drowning deaths and disparities in injury and medical care. The research underscores the importance of creating specialized injury prevention programs and enhancing healthcare services to support children with autism better. You can access the webinar and supporting materials here.

Join the RECOVER Study: Help Us Understand and Prevent Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

AAP-PROS is seeking pediatric primary care practices to participate in the RECOVER study, a national research initiative focused on the long-term impacts of COVID-19. This study aims to enhance understanding of these effects, develop treatments for those affected, and find ways to prevent lasting consequences. The commitment is brief—just two months—and the study is nearing its end. Participating practices will introduce the study to families and refer eligible children (ages 3-5 who have never had COVID, and children under 17 suspected of having Long COVID) to the RECOVER Study Enrollment team, who will handle the rest. Practices can earn $1,500, and families can receive up to $100 per child. If you’re interested in participating or learning more, please get in touch with Jenny Steffes at jsteffes@aap.org.

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