A message from Dr. Shelly Voet

December 6, 2020

Dear Pediatric Providers,

HOPE. December is traditionally a month of hope for many reasons.  This year, we are also hopeful due to the remarkable results for two mRNA vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2. Less than one year after the genome was sequenced, the FDA is preparing to discuss EUA for the Pfizer (12/10) (16+) and Moderna vaccines (12/17) for ages 18+. The first distributions to states (based on ACIP priorities) is planned to begin shortly after these meetings.  More information about distribution can be found on state health department websites. Additionally, studies now include patients down to age 12 years. We are grateful for the researchers (including those at CCHMC) and study participants (including many of you) who have made this possible.

A little hope is welcome after the month of November saw cases of COVID increase dramatically. In fact, CCHMC admitted the first adult patient as part of the larger regional response this past week. In our practices, pediatric providers continue to support families who are navigating immense challenges including NTI, financial stressors, and the mental health consequences of prolonged isolation and grief. What we are doing right now in our communities matters tremendously.

We have planned another COVID-19 clinical update to discuss vaccines, emerging treatments, and updates on evaluation for MIS-C on Friday, December 11 at 7 am. You can register HERE.  The COVID-19 external website HERE has also been updated with Dec 4 AAP guidance on COVID-19 and sports and our Gen Peds/CPAC/CPS COVID-19 Algorithm for testing/quarantine/isolation including new CDC guidance for close contacts.

There have been a few non-COVID related activities to report as well. Jeff Anderson and I had the opportunity to update all divisional leaders in November. After this meeting, additional divisions expressed interest in working with us on Live Educational Events, Community Practice Support tools, and physician e-messaging. More details will be shared on these topics in future editions of Synapse. 

I also had the privilege to meet with Dr. Tina Cheng, the new Chair of Pediatrics, who comes to CCHMC from Johns Hopkins.  Dr. Cheng’s clinical, teaching, and extensive research work has focused on child health disparities, violence prevention, and primary care models to promote positive youth development. We are very fortunate to have her join us as we work toward optimal health for the children of our region. A virtual community Meet and Great with Dr. Cheng is planned for late January.

Finally, I wanted to remind everyone that the Community Provider Survey (sent from Therese Martin) is still open.  Your input is appreciated and needed. Additionally, our Community Practice Advisory Council continues to be your voice and representation at Cincinnati Children’s. Our 9 physician council meets with Patty Manning MD (Chief of Staff), Jeff Anderson MD (VP External Medical Affairs), and Physician Outreach (Therese Martin and Ellen Georgilis) every month.  Divisional guests join as needed. The regional physicians also meet monthly as part of the larger Communications Committee of the Medical Staff, which works to address system issues in the interface between CCHMC and the community. These regional physicians were also our first pediatrician moderators for the live virtual surgical events you may have attended this year. If you have questions for your regional physician leader, you can email them directly or through your physician liaison.  A photo of our virtual December CPAC meeting and a list of the community physician leaders and the regions they represent can be found HERE. Finally, Paul Bunch MD of Springdale Mason Pediatrics (paul.bunch@gmail.com) serves with us on Communications and is your elected representative to the CCHMC Medical Executive Committee.  If you have comments, concerns, or ideas please do not hesitate to reach out to one of us!

Thanks for all you do.  I hope you enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

Shelly F. Voet MD

Pediatric Associates PSC

CCHMC Executive Community Physician Leader

Shelly.voet@cchmc.org