A Message from Shelly Voet, MD
March 21, 2021
Greetings to my fellow pediatric PCPs. This month marks a year from the time we began our journey into a new world of practicing in a global pandemic. Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to kids.
Here are a few of the issues discussed this month in our Community Practice Advisory group, at CCHMC, and some highlights in this issue of Synapse:
1. COVID-19 – Although we are all encouraged by the recent plateau in cases in our region as vaccines become more available, vigilance is still essential. Variants anywhere are a threat to our progress everywhere. There are unknowns about vaccination - including the effectiveness against variants and duration of protection. There are also worldwide challenges with equity in distribution. For these reasons, CCHMC is continuing to recommend employees limit in person meetings, socially distance, universally mask, and avoid large crowds.
2. Vaccinations – Vaccine supply has increased weekly which has allowed more groups to be eligible. Beginning Mar 29, anyone over 16 in Ohio is eligible. KY and IN have eligibility criteria for people over 16 with medical conditions. The Health Collaborative has a website with links to vaccination sites in each state which you can share with patients to encourage vaccination (healthcollab.org/vaccine-info). Additionally, this month CCHMC was designated by ODH as a community vaccine provider for Ohio, and those clinics began this week.
3. What’s Going Around – While RSV and influenza were virtually non-existent this year, our infectious disease experts have noted we are seeing other common cold viruses circulating including rhinovirus and other coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 testing should continue for children with symptoms potentially consistent with COVID-19 to maintain safe homes, daycares, and schools.
4. Mental Health – Based on questions from PCPs, we confirmed with PIRC that it is always encouraged to call them first at 513-636-4124 (24/7) if you are considering referring a patient to CCHMC ED for mental health concerns. They welcome the opportunity to help determine next best steps. Several opportunities for PCP education in mental health occur in April. The Ohio AAP Spring meeting on April 23 will have a strong focus on mental health. On April 28, CCHMC will host a live PCP Mental Health educational symposium. Finally, if you are speaking to your community or school leadership about the need for mental health support for our children, we have included a summary of statistics about mental health for children from the Children’s Hospital Association.
Don’t miss these articles in Synapse this month:
1. Burn Care – With the closing of the Cincinnati location of Shriner’s Hospital, PCPs have asked about how burn care will be provided for children. The Department of Surgery explains how they are meeting this need in this issue.
2. Vaccination Resource Site – CPAC was thrilled to provide input for the new CCHMC vaccine resource site. This site contains reliable information on vaccines, including COVID-19, as well as digital and printable content we can share with families. There is even an animated Dr. Frenck!
3. Community Practice Support Tools – Details about how to access the CPST produced this year (42!), including via the Apple or Google Play app (“PCP Support Tools”).
Finally, in March we celebrate the continued interest in the practice of pediatrics as Match Day nationally was very successful for pediatrics with a 98.4% fill rate. Thanks to all who continue to support education of medical students and pediatric residents. If you have not received your survey of interest in precepting CCHMC residents, please reach out to Chris Peltier at chris.peltier@cchmc.org .
Thanks again for all you do! Stay safe. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have comments or concerns.
Shelly F. Voet MD
Pediatric Associates PSC
CCHMC Executive Community Physician Leader - Shelly.voet@cchmc.org