CHOC-UCI origami mask project, which led to a “mask for the masses,” receives national attention
A collaboration between Dr. Terence Sanger, chief scientific officer at CHOC, and Jonathan Realmuto, post-doctoral researcher at UC Irvine, was recently featured in National Geographic. The story highlights inexpensive, disposable masks that can be made by anyone and combine high filtration efficiency with ease of breathing, minimal leaking and greater comfort. Learn more about how these masks were created.
Dr. Mary Zupanc eighth child neurologist ever to be awarded prestigious Arnold P. Gold humanism in medicine award
Dr. Mary Zupanc, co-medical director of the CHOC Neuroscience Institute, has been awarded the Humanism in Medicine Award for practicing “extraordinary and ongoing humanism” throughout her medical career. The award holds particular meaning and sentiment to Dr. Zupanc as a mentee of Dr. Arnold Gold himself. Read more about the award and Dr. Zupanc’s career.
Study: Health workers' greatest COVID-19 risk is from the community, not patient contact
A new study of almost 25,000 healthcare personnel found that exposure to a positive community contact increased their likelihood of infection by 3.5 times. The findings indicate measures taken in healthcare facilities – such as the use of personal protective equipment and disinfecting protocol – are working to prevent the spread of infection. Read more of the study’s discoveries here.
One year into the pandemic, CHOC telehealth visits continue at a rapid pace
In 2020, CHOC made an aggressive shift to telehealth in order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, one year later, virtual visits with a CHOC provider are expected to continue growing at local, national and global levels. “The rapid growth and acceptance of telehealth is a definite sign that consumers want easier access, convenience and comfort as they seek medical care,” says Dr. Michael Weiss, vice president of population health at CHOC. Learn more about U.S. telehealth, whose market value increased 80% in 2020 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Childhood vaccination rates could provide clues as to how many parents will vaccinate their children against COVID-19
Research shows childhood immunization exemption rates tend to remain relatively stable within schools over time, and such trends might be somewhat predictive of how COVID vaccines will be accepted. However, data on childhood vaccines also show that herd immunity can break down in pockets where not enough people choose to vaccinate. Learn more about what childhood vaccination rates can and can’t tell us regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Embedding trauma-informed care into your practice: tips for providers
Thirty-four million U.S. children have experienced a stressful or traumatic event that is strongly related to a wide range of health problems. “Trauma-informed care” aims to respond by adapting certain practices and viewing patients through a “trauma lens.” CHOC has worked diligently to embed trauma-informed care into the treatment and interaction with patients and families, allowing practitioners to better understand that traumatic experiences may be contributing to somatic symptoms or challenging behaviors.
Community-based organizations are key to helping AYA patients, says CHOC oncologist
Though advancements in the clinical care of pediatric cancer patients have led to improved outcomes in recent years, survival rates among adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients have plateaued. Dr. Lilibeth Torno, pediatric oncologist at CHOC, discusses how several factors contribute to the lack of progress, and how community-based organizations and other groups that serve underrepresented communities may be an effective way of approaching the problem. Read more here.
Mark your calendars
CHOC offers a host of continuing medical education events to help clinicians stay on the cutting edge of practice.
View all upcoming CME events here.
