Health System News - June 2026
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Straightening the Path Forward During Scoliosis Awareness Month
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and specialized care for children and adolescents with scoliosis and other spinal conditions. At CHKD, the Scoliosis and Spine Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients from birth through age 21. As the first program in the nation to receive DNV Advanced Pediatric Spine Certification, the program combines advanced surgical expertise with innovative non-surgical treatment options, including casting, bracing, and physical therapy.
The program features advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, including low-dose EOS imaging and 7D Surgical Navigation, helping improve precision while reducing radiation exposure for patients who require ongoing imaging. For children who need spinal fusion surgery, CHKD’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are designed to reduce complications, minimize pain, and support faster recovery.
Refer a Patient:
Referring providers can expect streamlined access to care, with no testing or referrals required before a patient’s first appointment. Please contact Spine Program Coordinator, Dallas Seitz, RN at (757) 668-6550 and press 6 or email Spine@CHKD.org. The program offers appointments throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Newport News.
Scoliosis and Spine Program Success Stories
Teamwork After Trauma
Reece's Journey
CHKD Announcemets
CHKD’s Urgent Care at Tech Center is in the process of upgrading its radiology equipment. The project is expected to take 8-9 weeks and last through the end of July.
While the upgrade takes place, limited radiology services will continue for both Urgent Care and Sports Medicine using a mobile imaging unit. Certain studies may be redirected to another location, while many routine studies will still be available. CHKD Sports Medicine services at Tech Center will remain open throughout the duration of the upgrade.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make these improvements to better serve our patients and families. We will provide updates as they become available.
This project is a significant step forward in delivering an outstanding experience for patients and families and equipping team members with efficient, effective workflows that support clinical decision-making.
The Epic transition will be led by 300 clinical and operational colleagues serving on councils within our governance structure. These teams will gather June 23-25 for Epic Orientation Week, the official kickoff, which will include an overview of the project’s vision, goals, and timelines.
Mental Health Minute
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at CHKD provides intensive mental health services for children and adolescents who need structured, coordinated care in a therapeutic, supportive setting. Designed for youth ages 10–17, the program offers an interdisciplinary approach to treatment within a consistent daily environment. Learn more about PHP at CHKD
Referrals to the program are considered from a variety of sources, including parents, legal guardians, and medical or mental health professionals.
Internal Referrals (CHKD Providers):
CHKD providers may submit referrals through Referral Management or by using the Mental Health Referral Order in PowerChart.
External Referrals (Community Members):
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new electronic referral form for external use. Community members, including parents, guardians, and outside providers, can now conveniently submit referrals online using the following link.
CHKD’s Intensive Outpatient Program provides evidence-based treatment to adolescents whose mental health condition or behavioral needs extend beyond weekly outpatient therapy sessions and would benefit from a structured mental health program. The program includes individual and group therapies, skills building, family engagement, and psychiatry support. The year-around program accepts referrals for adolescents ages 13–17. Learn more about our Intensive Outpatient Program
Internal Referrals (CHKD Providers):
Submit through Referral Management or the Mental Health Referral Order in PowerChart.
External Referrals:
To refer a patient, email MentalHealth@CHKD.org or complete our referral form online
Physician Education and Information
1st and 4th Monday of the Month | 12-1 p.m. | Brickhouse Auditorium
Pediatric grand rounds, sponsored by the EVMS Department of Pediatrics, part of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Science at ODU, are offered on the 1st and 4th Monday of the month to faculty, community faculty, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. Come and learn about various topics led by local and national clinical experts. All participants receive1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit for attending.
"Vaccination: The Balance of Risks and Benefits to Optimize Outcomes"
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Eric Engstrom, MD, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, CHKD
This CHKD Provider Relation CME Lunch & Learn session reviews the history of vaccine development and implementation, outlines the fundamentals of vaccine development and regulatory requirements, and examines the overall impact of vaccines on public health. It also highlights recent changes to vaccination recommendations and addresses common parental questions and concerns.
Objectives:
- Review history of vaccine development and implementation.
- Discuss basics of development and regulatory requirements for vaccines.
- Examine the overall impact of vaccines on public health.
- Review recent changes to vaccination recommendations.
Review common parental questions and concerns about vaccines.
"POTS" - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Tracy Alderson, MD, Pediatric Cardiology at CHKD
This CHKD Provider Relation CME Lunch & Learn session features a case-based review of orthostatic intolerance and nonsustained tachycardia. This session will walk through key differential diagnoses, review diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and outline a practical pre-referral workup designed to streamline cardiology consultation and support efficient, informed referrals.
Objectives
- Review a typical case of orthostatic intolerance.
- Explore broad differential diagnosis for nonsustained tachycardia without syncope.
- Examine the diagnostic criteria for POTS.
- Discuss the pre-referral workup that can assist the Cardiologist in streamlining the consultation.
Little Teeth are a Big Deal: Pearls of Pediatric Dentistry for Providers and Parents
Monday, August 17, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Ashley Anderson, DDS, Children’s Dentistry at CHKD
Join CHKD’s upcoming Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn, Little Teeth Are a Big Deal: Pearls of Pediatric Dentistry for Providers and Parents, for practical guidance on pediatric oral health and its impact on overall wellness. This educational session will provide valuable insights providers can use to support early prevention, identify common dental concerns, and help families establish healthy oral care habits from infancy through adolescence.
Credit Designation: This activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through joint providership with Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and CHKD.
Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Provider Relations Lunch & Learn Recordings
Stay up to date with the latest clinical insights through our Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn series. Each recap highlights key takeaways, evidence-based recommendations, and actionable guidance for primary and specialty care providers.
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 8 - 4 p.m. | Eastern Virginia Medical School, Lester Hall, Norfolk, Virginia
The purpose of this educational activity is to provide the most up-to-date information and hands-on techniques for health care professionals taking care of young athletes. After attending this conference, healthcare professionals who are caring for young athletes will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and manage injuries in the pediatric and adolescent athlete as well as apply hands-on techniques for treatment of sports injuries.
Faculty Excellence
Pictured: Dr. Rhianna Leazer with a CHKD patient.
These remarkable CHKD physicians were selected by their peers as Top Docs for five consecutive years or more and were named Top Doc All-Stars by Coastal Virginia magazine.
Resources for Patients and Families
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This workshop will help parents understand the effects of the summer slide and offer simple, developmentally appropriate ways to keep kids of all ages reading without pressure. It blends practical literacy strategies with easy routines that support consistency, emotional well‑being, and meaningful parent–child connection. Families leave with a personalized summer plan that balances learning, joy, and real‑life responsibilities.
Thursday, July 16, 2026 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Mid‑Summer Reset helps parents understand the emotional and behavioral shifts kids often experience when summer routines loosen, and how changes in sleep, screens, and structure can affect regulation. The workshop offers practical co‑regulation tools, flexible routines, and connection‑based strategies that strengthen resilience and ease the transition back to school. Families leave with simple, sustainable approaches to support stability, confidence, and calmer days in the second half of summer.
Read the latest issue of Community Connections, a CHKD publication featuring opportunities for education, engagement, and action for parents and professionals.
June Monthly Observances
June highlights key national observances aligned with our shared commitment to children’s health. Please join us in supporting these important causes:
Provider Relations at CHKD