U C D AV I S C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I TA L N E W S L E T T E R FA L L 2 0 1 8

Greetings from the Department of Pediatrics! This was my first summer here in Sacramento and it was as hot as I expected! However,

the beautiful sunny weather gave the entire department the chance to come together and have a picnic at the end of July. There were games for the children, a piñata and delicious food for all to enjoy! Thank you to the dedicated staff who worked hard to put that event on!

Our faculty was recently privileged to meet the new chief executive officer of UC Davis Health, Dr. David Lubarsky, and hear his inspiring plans.

We also welcomed several new faculty members to pediatric gastroenterology, one to pulmonary and one to allergy, immunology and rheumatology.

I recently tasked several faculty and staff members to form a Wellness Committee for the Department of Pediatrics. Their main focus will be to promote a culture of physical, psychological and emotional well-being for our employees by providing activities and support that will result in healthier lifestyles. I expect great things from this group!

As you can ascertain, there are many exciting things happening in the Department of Pediatrics! I look forward to continuing to share our successes, and wish all of you a fruitful fall season.

With Gratitude,

Satyan Lakshminrusimha Chair, Department of Pediatrics

Five pediatric specialties highlighted in national rankings

U.S. News & World Report ranks UC Davis Children’s Hospital among nation’s best

U.S. News & World Report has ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital in five pediatric specialties in the new 2017-18 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

UC Davis Children's Hospital ranked 16th in neonatology, 23rd in nephrology and 41st in diabetes and endocrinology.

UC Davis Children's Hospital also ranked 18th in orthopaedics and 26th in urology. These two specialties were received in collaboration with Shriners Hospital for Children – Northern California, its long-standing partner in caring for children with burns, spinal cord injuries,

orthopaedic disorders and urological issues.

"We are thrilled to be recognized nationally in the U.S. News' Children's Hospital rankings. Our physicians, nurses and our health care teams deserve this honor for the excellent care provided for children in the Sacramento region and beyond,” said Ann Madden Rice, chief executive officer of UC Davis Medical Center and its children’s hospital. "It is our privilege to deliver world-class pediatric specialty care to the children in the 33-county area that we serve."

A partnership celebrationThe Lodi community gathered this month to celebrate the expansion of pediatric and neo-natal services available at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, thanks to its new partnership with UC Davis Health.

And what a celebration it was! The family-friendly event featured face painters, balloon art-ists, music, cornhole games and a visit from Sacramento Republic FC soccer players. Light appetizers and Italian ice desserts were also catered for the crowd.

“The whole idea of having a Level II NICU is to make sure babies can stay with their mothers and their fathers in this community,” said Lakshminrusimha, noting that neonatology at UC Davis Health is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. “UC Davis Health is committed to this collaboration.” Read more.

40 and Under Award Recipient – Carter Todd

Carter Todd: 40 and Under Award RecipientCongratulations to PICU nurse Carter Todd, who received a 40 and Under Award from the National Black Nurses Association. He was among 19 black recipients at the 46th Annual NBNA Institute and Conference in St. Louis July 31 - Aug. 5.

“Coming from a background like mine gives legitimacy to the younger African-American men that I mentor that being able to refocus energy into serving others will ultimately take you wherever you want to go,” Todd said. “The award does a lot to signify how critical the role of nurse is in not just the clinical setting, but also within the communities with which we serve.”

Todd currently conducts research in three Sacramento barbershops with the aim of increasing African-American men in nursing.

“In cooperation with nursing staff, we wanted to offer something to new parents that would make the patient experience even better,” said Jet Aguirre, food service manager and the primary chef on this project. “Our culinary team put our ideas together, did a tasting and picked three final dishes.”

Braised short ribs with grilled carrots and mashed potatoes, California chicken with grilled carrots and mashed potatoes, and a teriyaki vegetable and tofu bowl are now part of a celebratory dinner options that all new moms can enjoy, with substitution requests happily accommodated. Aguirre, Santana Diaz, UC Davis Health’s new executive chef, as well as the many talented chefs on staff, prep this special meal daily.

In addition to this special meal for mom, these menu options also extend to one support person, as well. A bottle of sparkling cider and champagne flutes are also part of the dinner for a celebratory toast.

“As a father myself, my experience at other hospitals has involved my wife being offered a typical cheeseburger,” said Aguirre. “I was left out. We wanted a guest of the patient to share in the celebration of new life, as well.”

Mommy Meals appear to be hitting the spot for dads, too. "This dinner was a very special way to welcome our son into the world,” said Nathan Paulson, whose wife gave birth at UC Davis Medical Center in March. “The food was excellent and it really made us feel like UC Davis values its patients and their families. We loved sharing this special moment with our little family and it couldn't have happened without UC Davis!”

Introducing celebratory meals for new parents

Hospital food is usually the last thing on a new mom’s wish list … until now.

The UC Davis Medical Center’s Mommy Meals program has arrived.

New Appointment Patient Milestone – Zoe Deibel

Natale named chief of staff at UC Davis Medical Center

JoAnne Natale, professor of pediatric critical care and director of quality and safety at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, has been elected chief of staff of UC Davis Medical Center, effective July 1.

In her new role, Natale serves as chair of the Medical Staff organization with active participation in the oversight of all medical staff clinical activities, including quality improvement, credentialing and privileging, patient safety and utilization management, to ensure the highest quality care possible at the medical center. She is the first pediatrician to serve in this role.

Patient Zoe Deibel, who was born at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and given only a 1 percent chance of survival at birth, turned 18 in August. Watch her inspiring story

Did you know?Did you know that our pediatricians provide care at the Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc. on J Street in Midtown Sacramento? The Sacramento Native American Health Center Inc. (SNAHC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides a culturally competent, holistic and patient-centered continuum of care.

UC DAVIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SYMPOSIUMCompassionate Care: Headlines in Children’s Health Today

Thursday, November 1, 20188 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Betty Irene Moore Hall2570 48th St.Sacramento, CA 95817

Featuring keynote speaker Sorrel King, author of Josie’s Story

For more information, visitbit.ly/childrenshospitalsymposium

UC DAVIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SYMPOSIUMCompassionate Care: Headlines in Children’s Health Today

ABC10 MediathonCelebration of Life

The annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) Mediathon on ABC10 raised $569,003.80 for UC Davis Children’s Hospital, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Sacramento. Funds raised stay local, meaning all money donated benefits the children in the 33-county service area served by the hospital.

This year’s Mediathon took place in the new lobby of the Children’s Surgery Center, funded by CMN donations. Live shots and pre-taped stories were broadcast throughout the day and featured inspiring, local stories of pediatric patients treated at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Video stories included:

n UC Davis Children's Hospital helping young patients discover 'super powers'

n This family wanted a girl, but say they received a miracle instead

n Saved in the womb

n Rare procedure gives 12-year-old cancer patient an alternative to amputation

n How a new surgery center for kids at UC Davis Children's Hospital will make big difference

n A superstar in the making (scroll down the page to see this video)

n Local DQ adds classic cars to Miracle Treat Day

n ‘She’s the strongest little girl I know' | El Dorado Hills couple reflects on preemie miracle

n After beating childhood leukemia, teen is determined to become a doctor

n Boy fighting to recover health after heart surgeries

n Elk Grove 5-year-old hosts toy drive for UC Davis Children's Hospital after health scare

n Only given 1 percent chance of survival at birth, Elk Grove girl turning 18

Mediathon nets $569,003.80 for UC Davis Children’s Hospital

UC Davis Children’s Hospital hosts Celebration of LifeA large pastel colored kite with paper hearts on its tail carried the wishes and prayers from patient families who lost a child at this year's UC Davis Children's Hospital annual Celebration of Live event this month.

The invitation-only gathering, held at the MIND Institute's auditorium and courtyard, paid tribute to the lives of more than 150 children who passed away at UC Davis Children's Hospital from 2016 to 2017. The event was organized by the UC Davis Children's Hospital Bereavement Committee.

Brad Simmons, chief operating officer at UC Davis Medical Center, provided the welcome remarks. Diana Sundberg, manager of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, read the poem “My Kite” by David Michaels. Joy Brewer, registered nurse on University Birthing Suites, wrote and performed a special song for the event.

“Families are not alone on this journey. We want to remind our families that we were there for their children during their hospitalization and we are here for their family now and always,” said Judie Boehmer, who chairs the UC Davis Children’s Hospital Bereavement Committee. The committee is sponsored by Children's Miracle Network at UC Davis.

Honor guard procession New Podcast

Organ donor patients honoredSince 2016, our UC Davis Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) staff has honored organ donors with an honor guard procession. This tradition has been extended to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and, soon, to other intensive care units at UC Davis Medical Center.

“The honor guard ceremony allows family members to see their loved ones as the hero that they are,” said UC Davis PICU nurse Virginia Wood, who started this tradition at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “We recognize that this isn’t a decision that families take lightly. By choosing organ donation, they are saving so many lives and they should be honored.” Read more.

Surprise baby shower When patient Deeba Fuess expressed sadness at missing her baby shower after being put on bed rest at UC Davis Medical Center and having fetal surgery, the labor and delivery team sprung into action to create a surprise baby shower for her, complete with food, decorations and attendance by her family and friends.

Participating Spirit Halloween stores in the Sacramento region will donate 10 percent of its sales to the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, while offering shoppers 10 percent off their purchases.

Participating store locations include Birdcage Centre Lane in Citrus Heights, Oakdale Road in Modesto, McHenry Ave. and Pelandale Road in Modesto, Lonetree Blvd. in Rocklin, Foothills Blvd. in Roseville, Douglas Blvd. in Roseville, Madison Ave. and Date Ave. in Sacramento and Colusa Ave. in Yuba City. Shoppers can download this coupon for 10 percent off at these locations or at spirithalloween.com through Oct. 31, 2018. Read more.

Save at Spirit Halloween, give back to Child Life

“Two Peds in a Pod” podcast launchedUC Davis Children’s Hospital this month launches ‘Two Peds In A Pod,’ a podcast featuring two pediatricians, Dean Blumberg and Lena Rothstein, who discuss child health topics of interest to parents in plain, non-medical language. The podcast aims to provide accurate and timely information in an entertaining way to increase the confidence of parents as they address the sometimes confusing parenting issues of the day. Read more.

“By choosing organ donation, they are saving so many lives and they should be honored.”

Virginia Wood

Upcoming eventsDiabetes Summer Camp

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Oct. 6: Rocktoberfest. Live music by Auburn Road, whole pig roast, drinks under the stars. Benefit for Children’s Miracle Network at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. 4-8 p.m. Lake Park Woodbridge Ranch, 8600 Country Creek Dr, Orangevale. 2018rocktoberfest.com/store

Nov. 1: Children’s Hospital Symposium. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Betty Irene Moore Hall, Room 1000. childrenshospitalsymposium

Nov. 10: Babies and Bumps. Children’s Hospital will have two booths. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St., Folsom. facebook.com/events/babies-and-bumps

Dec. 2: California International Marathon. UC Davis Children’s Hospital is the medical partner and sponsor of this event. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. State Capitol. Medical volunteers needed – please register by Nov. 1: CIMvolunteer

Dec. 19-23: Holiday Toy Drive. The public is invited to donate new, unwrapped toys. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. MIND Institute, 2825 50th St., Sacramento.

UC Davis Diabetes Summer Camp offers friendship, funThe UC Davis Diabetes Summer Camp, held in July, provided a week of friendship, fun and diabetes education for patients battling Type I Diabetes. The camp is offered in Davis each summer by the UC Davis pediatric endocrinology team, in partnership with UC Davis Youth Programs.

The camp offered activities including rock climbing, swimming, dance, field games and even a field trip to Sky High Sports in Rancho Cordova. UC Davis Children's Hospital physicians and nurses – many of whom also have Type I Diabetes – staff the summer camp each year.

“The goal of this camp is that we want the kids to meet other kids with Type I diabetes. It can be very isolating living with Type I diabetes. We also teach them that they can lead an active lifestyle and manage their blood sugars at the same time,” said Erin Conboy Heiser, staff nurse in Pediatric Endocrinology.

Watch the video.