News | Page 4 | Pediatrics

Childhood HIV Vaccination Strategy Shows Promise in Study

September 18, 2024

Research at Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that childhood immunization against HIV could one day provide protection before risk of contracting this potentially fatal infection dramatically increases in adolescence.

The study, published Aug. 30 in Science Immunology, demonstrated that a series of six vaccinations containing a modified protein from the surface of HIV particles stimulated initial steps of a potent immune response in young non-human primates. This difficult-to-achieve response represents an important step toward providing full and potentially life-long protection against the virus, the researchers say.

Immunizing young children, rather than adults, makes sense because risk factors for HIV infection rise steeply when adolescents become sexually active, according to senior author Dr. Sallie Permar, the Nancy C. Paduano Professor in Pediatrics and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Our Pediatricians Share Helpful Back-To-School Tips For Your Child

August 15, 2024

Back-to-School Essentials: Your Guide to a Safe and Healthy Year

Vaccinations: Whether you have a preschooler, kindergartener, or a child heading off to college, talk to your pediatrician to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date. This is crucial for preventing illnesses and protecting both your child and the community.
Routine Check-Ups: Regular check-ups are vital for tracking your child’s growth, updating immunizations, screening for and discussing any health concerns.
Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, all essential to maintain energy and focus during the school day.
Mental Health: Transitioning back to school can be stressful. Open communication, prioritizing family self-care breaks and getting support from your pediatrician or other professionals when needed can make a big difference.
Hygiene Practices: Help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Passing of Dr. Maria New

July 31, 2024

It is with sadness and in reverence that I share with you of the passing of Dr. Maria New. Perhaps you’ve strolled by her portrait on the 6th floor and wondered about her. Dr. New has roots at Cornell, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and went on to serve for 22 years as the first woman chair of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, one of the first women in the country to hold such a role. Dr. New paved the path for many as a physician, a leader, and as an internationally renowned physician scientist.

Dr. Permar Featured on PBS News

July 30, 2024

An ongoing shortage of pediatric specialists in areas like neurology and pulmonology has meant long waits or long drives for specialized care. Experts warn that missing early treatment and prevention of diseases can mean more problems and higher costs down the road. John Yang speaks with Dr. Sallie Permar to learn more.

Watch Interview Here!

Dr. Chani Traube Appointment as the Gerald M. Loughlin, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics

July 25, 2024

Dr. Chani Traube has been appointed as the Gerald M. Loughlin, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, effective August 1, 2024. This appointment recognizes Dr. Traube's role as a groundbreaking researcher in pediatric delirium. Her accomplishments in the field and commitment as leader and mentor bring distinction to Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Oleh Akchurin Promotion to Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

July 3, 2024

The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Oleh Akchurin to Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, effective May 1, 2024.

Dr. Akchurin was recruited to Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) following pediatric nephrology fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. His research focuses on pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), and more specifically on alterations of iron metabolism in CKD and kidney fibrosis. Dr. Akchurin has been independently funded, currently through the R03 award from the NIH National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK). He is a former recipient of the K08 career development award from the NIDDK. He is also a former Rohr Family Clinical Scholar at WCM, and has received additional grants from foundations and philanthropy, including the Hartwell Foundation Individual Biomedical Research Award and the Sy Syms Foundation Award. In addition to his basic science lab, Dr. Akchurin is the PI of the WCM Pediatric CKD registry and biorepository. He has been committed to the education of medical trainees and serves as the Associate Director of the Pediatric Physician Scientist Training Program at WCM.

Youth program expands to help NYS children with special needs

July 3, 2024

Last year, when Amanda Purington Drake took the helm of the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action, a nearly 25 year-old program that promotes adolescent health and well-being in New York state, she called the group together to think about what they wanted for the next 25 years.

The group’s answer was essentially “more.” They wanted to have more impact on more youth, in more areas of their lives. Now a year later, the group has been awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) that will expand and deepen the center’s impact on children and adolescents with special health care needs, including children with physical, behavioral or mental health conditions and intellectual or developmental disabilities.

In collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, ACT (Assets Coming Together) for Youth will become a state Center of Excellence for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, working directly with local health departments to help them connect families with care and navigate the health care system.

Message from the Chair’s Office Associate Vice Chair Announcements

July 2, 2024

The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce the appointments of Genevieve Giny Fouda Amou'ou, M.D., Ph.D. as Associate Vice Chair for Basic Science Research, Lisa Giulino-Roth, M.D. as Associate Vice Chair for Translational Research, and Chani Traube, M.D. as Associate Vice Chair for Clinical Research effective July 1, 2024

Appointment of Dr. Camilia Martin

June 11, 2024

The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce the appointment of Camilia R. Martin, MD, MS, Endowed Professor and Division Chief of Neonatology, as Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Martin has served as the Division Chief of Neonatology at Weill Cornell Medicine since May 2022.

In this new role, Dr. Martin will develop and implement a broad departmental vision, mission, and goals for all disciplines of research. She will also create a plan for the different spokes of the research wheel to come together under the unified mission and drive research and academic output. She will work with investigators in the Department to grow the research portfolio and oversee research administration and all laboratory, translational and clinical research. Dr. Martin will lead and expand Pediatric research day and organize institutional/local research conferences, highlighting pediatric research. Furthermore, Dr. Martin will develop a departmental committee to provide an internal mechanism for reviewing grant applications and providing advice on departmental investments in research while supporting mentoring of junior research investigators.

Fetal Care Center

June 4, 2024

In this episode of Kids Health Cast, Drs. Jessica Scholl and Ericalyn Kasdorf give an overview of the services offered at the Fetal Care Center. They discuss the multidisciplinary coordinated care approach to high-risk complex pregnancies. The center also features an onsite level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), offering services for newborns in need of specialized care and staffed by highly trained neonatologists, surgeons, nurses, and nurse practitioners. They highlight the support available for families and how providers can refer to multiple services across the healthcare system.

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.