News | Pediatrics

How One Flu Virus Can Hamper the Immune Response to Another

March 11, 2026

Prior exposure to one strain of influenza virus may weaken children’s ability to mount an effective antibody response against their subsequent exposure to a different flu strain, according to a study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The analysis of the pediatric response to H3N2 and H1N1 influenza A viruses, two of the most common causes of flu, provides insight into the concept of “immune imprinting,” and supports the idea that childhood vaccination, if properly designed, may be able to mitigate its adverse effects.

Immune imprinting, first described in 1960, refers to a long-term bias or skew in the immune response that a first viral exposure can introduce, with potentially serious impairment of subsequent responses to closely related viruses. Imprinting has been difficult to research and is far from being well understood. However, in the study, published March 11 in Nature, the researchers were able to analyze antibodies from participants, including children 2 to 6 years old who had their sequential first exposures to the two types of influenza A viruses circulating in humans. They determined that following an initial H3N2 exposure, antibodies generated that could bind both H3N2 and H1N1 were ineffective at stopping most H1N1 strains.

Podcast with Dr. Adriana Perez on Biliary Atresia

February 25, 2026

In this episode of Kids Health Cast, Drs. Angela Kadenhe-Chiweshe and Adriana Perez discuss biliary atresia, a serious life-threatening liver disease that affects approximately one in 10,000 children. The doctors discuss the symptoms to look out for in newborns and why timely diagnosis is crucial. The panelists highlight the significance of the Kasai procedure as an intervention for improving a child's quality of life. They also provide helpful guidance to parents how they can navigate this challenging condition early in their infant's life.

Every parent wants what’s best for their children — but in the age of the internet, it can be difficult to navigate what is actually fact-based or pure speculation.

Cut through the noise with Kids Health Cast, featuring Weill Cornell Medicine’s expert physicians and researchers discussing a wide range of health topics, providing information on the latest medical science. Finally, a podcast to help you make informed choices for your family’s health and wellness.

Listen HERE!

Honoring the Passing of Dr. Jessica Davis

February 24, 2026

We recently learned the sad news that pioneering geneticist Dr. Jessica Davis passed away peacefully at her home last week. She served as Division Chief of Medical Genetics at Weill Cornell for over 20 years in the 1980s. As someone who was known for building bridges and fostering collaboration, during her tenure at Weill Cornell she “crossed the street” to participate in teaching conferences and beyond at Hospital for Special Surgery. In 2003 she co-founded the Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias at HSS, where she worked until her retirement in 2023.

Dr. Davis was a Brooklyn native who graduated from Wellesley College and followed in her father’s footsteps to pursue a career in medicine. After earning her medical degree from Columbia University, she was among the first generation of clinicians who combined genetics and compassionate care of disabled children. By all accounts, she was a skilled and caring teacher and mentor. Before coming to Weill Cornell, she began her career at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Hospital and North Shore University Hospital on Long Island. She served as a leader in multiple organizations supporting students, physicians, genetic counselors, and other allied healthcare professionals over the years. Dr. Jessica Davis was a pioneer in clinical genetics who was instrumental in building the foundation of genetics today.

Department of Pediatrics Recognized Among Nation’s Top Doctors

February 24, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce that 31 of our pediatric physicians have been recognized as 2026 Top Doctors by Castle Connolly. This honor is reserved for only the top 7% of physicians nationwide, reflecting their exceptional expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing outstanding care to children and families. Their work goes beyond medical excellence—they inspire trust, compassion, and hope in every patient and family they serve.

Please join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and thanking our incredible doctors for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the community every day.

Championing Vaccines and Raising Our Voices at the Global Health Advocacy Summit

February 12, 2026

Dr. Sallie Permar and Dr. Karen Acker recently spoke on a panel at the UN Foundation's Global Health Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. to share how effective communications and storytelling contribute to building trust, conveying complex information, and shaping advocacy messaging. They spoke to over 100 global health and vaccine champions representing 38 states. Advocates went on to meet with over 160 Congressional offices to advocate for funding global public health measures like vaccines and malaria research and prevention. Read more about the summit on our department blog.

State of the Department Highlights Growth, Innovation, and National Leadership in Children’s Health

January 27, 2026

Dr. Sallie Permar Highlights Growth, Impact, and the Future of Children’s Health at Weill Cornell Medicine

The Department of Pediatrics’ State of the Department address was held on Tuesday, January 27, with strong in-person and virtual attendance. Dr. Sallie Permar highlighted continued growth and impact across the department’s core missions of care, discover, and teach, all in service of improving children’s health.

Care

Dr. Permar opened with the tale of young Elly, a patient success story that reflected the department’s deep commitment to cutting-edge, compassionate, collaborative care. She shared updates on expanded specialty and inpatient services, including new leadership for Children’s Hospital of New York and nationally recognized experts across pediatrics and the NICU. Additionally, growth in ambulatory care and new clinical locations across the city are improving access for families while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. These efforts, combined with a stellar team, contribute to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's recognition as #1 children’s hospital in New York for 2025–2026.

Discover

Introducing the Children's Health of Weill Cornell Mascot

January 14, 2026

In recognition of National Rubber Ducky Day on January 13, our department hosted a special event that brought together faculty, staff, and students for a day of connection and creativity. The celebration included coffee with Department Chair Dr. Sallie Permar, hands-on crafts, and the official introduction of our new department mascot. The rubber ducky mascot symbolizes approachability, community, and a spirit of engagement, and will serve as a recognizable presence at future Children's Health events and initiatives. The event highlighted our department’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Protecting Infants from Hepatitis B Starts at Birth

December 11, 2025

Since 1991, when hepatitis B vaccination was initially recommended for newborns, the infection rates among children and young adults have decreased by almost 99%.

Dr. Sallie Permar explains why the hepatitis B vaccine is vital for newborns: it offers lifelong protection against a serious, potentially life-threatening infection and helps prevent chronic liver disease and liver cancer. All newborns are strongly recommended to receive their first dose immediately after birth.

Here's What We Know:

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for newborns and for pregnant women to reduce the risk of transmission.
Newborns are recommended to receive boosters at one and six months of age to ensure stronger lifelong protection.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your obstetrician and pediatrician.

Watch Dr. Permar's video to learn more.

Epilepsy Explained Episode with Dr. Zachary Grinspan

December 3, 2025

This month’s Epilepsy Explained focuses on childhood absence epilepsy. Dr. Zachary Grinspan, Director of Pediatric Epilepsy Research at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, answers questions about childhood absence epilepsy including what to look for, how it’s diagnosed, and what the long-term prognosis is for children with absence epilepsy. Listen here!

New Episode on Kids Health Cast with Dr. Asim Shahid: Seizures and Epilepsy in Children

November 19, 2025

Dr. Asim Mohammad Shahid discusses seizures and epilepsy that can impact children. He goes over febrile seizures, their causes, and addresses the misconceptions surrounding its occurrence related to vaccinations. He provides an overview of the common types of seizures that parents may see their child experience and how to best manage the frightening experience. He also emphasizes the importance of timely medical intervention when epilepsy occurs.

Listen here: https://weillcornell.org/patient-education/podcasts/kids-health-cast