Health System News - February 2026
Sign Up for CHKD News & Updates
Read Past Newsletters
Advancing Care for Craniosynostosis
Cranial springs cranioplasty is the latest minimally invasive procedure to be offered at CHKD’s Cleft and Craniofacial Center. These types of techniques – now the standard of care across many surgical specialties – are helping children with craniofacial conditions receive treatment with smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
Sagittal craniosynostosis is a condition in which the bones at the top of the skull fuse together too early, causing a long, narrow head shape. Left untreated, the condition can worsen the abnormal shape of the head and cause developmental delays because the brain doesn’t have the room it needs to grow.
To treat sagittal craniosynostosis, CHKD provides a minimally invasive surgery called a cranial springs cranioplasty. With this procedure, patients are able to receive treatment at a younger age and avoid an open cranial vault surgery, which requires a lengthy hospital stay.
In a two-part process, surgeons remove the fused sagittal suture bone, which runs down the middle of the head from the top of the forehead to the back of the skull. Two cranial springs are placed into the gap. Over the next several weeks, the springs expand, gently guiding the skull to a more typical shape while allowing space for the child's growing brain. After six to eight weeks of expansion and stabilization, the springs are removed in a brief outpatient surgery.
Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, patients benefit from quicker discharges home and shorter recovery times.
Shaping a Bright Beginning
Craniosynostosis Care at CHKD
CHKD Announcements
Virginia enacted a new law on January 1, 2026, that requires social media platforms to verify users’ ages and limits use by minors under 16 to one hour per day per platform, unless a parent provides verifiable consent to change that limit. Platforms must use reasonable age‑verification methods, treat device signals as indicators of minor status, and use age data only to provide age‑appropriate experiences. The law also prohibits reducing service quality or increasing prices because of these limits and makes clear that parental consent does not grant additional access to a child’s data or account.
In a world where social media is part of everyday life, too much screen time can take a real toll on kids’ mental health — especially when passive scrolling replaces meaningful connection or activities. Dr. Kyzwana Caves, adolescent medicine specialist at CHKD shares the latest research and ways you can help children navigate social media in a healthy, balanced way.
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.
TWIST and Shout: Improving Outcomes for Boys with Testicular Torsion in Hampton Roads
Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presented by: Janelle Fox, MD, MS-HQSM, FACS, Chief of Pediatric Urology at CHKD
This CME event focuses on improving recognition, referral, and treatment of testicular torsion — a time critical pediatric urologic emergency where delays in care can result in permanent testicular loss. Through discussion of current evidence, regional care challenges, and practical strategies, the session highlights opportunities to streamline care pathways, increase community and provider awareness, and improve outcomes for boys and adolescents presenting with acute scrotal pain.
Objectives:
- Introduce the high incidence of testicular torsion within Hampton Roads children.
- Describe the TWIST score and its relevance in scrotal pain triage.
- Discuss the triage process for acute scrotal pain in children, and upon arrival to CHKD.4,
- Update community providers on the progress of CHKD’s testicular torsion quality improvement (QI) intervention (Project Torsion) since Summer 2024.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Janelle Fox, MD, MS HQSM, FACS, is a board certified surgeon and nationally recognized leader in healthcare quality, safety, and systems improvement. Dr. Fox brings a strong clinical background alongside expertise in quality science to address how timely, coordinated care can make a critical difference in surgical emergencies such as testicular torsion. Her presentation emphasizes actionable approaches to improving clinical pathways and patient outcomes across the continuum of care.
Strengthen Your Pediatric Mental Health Skills
VMAP is excited to host our first in‑person REACH PPP of 2026 this April in Norfolk, VA! REACH PPP is a 3‑day, interactive training for primary care pediatricians designed to build skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating pediatric mental health conditions. The in‑person experience is followed by six months of bi‑monthly virtual learning with peers and expert faculty to support managing complex cases in everyday practice.
This training typically costs $1,900, but VMAP offers it for just a $100 registration fee, with free lodging available for eligible travelers. See website for additional details. CME credit availabe upon completion.
- April 13 | Quality and Safety Conference | View and Share this Flyer >
- April 16 | 27th Annual Pediatric Emergency Medicine Update | View and Share this Flyer >
- April 30-May 1 | Youth Suicide: Risk and Prevention Conference | View and Share this Flyer >
- May 29 | Eastern Virginia Pediatric Trauma Conference | View and Share this Flyer >
Resources for Patients and Families
CooPeR Saves Lives CPR Education Class
February 11, 6:30-8 p.m. | CHKD Health Center at Landstown
Navigating Life's Transitions: Understanding Grief
February 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual
The Major League Mindset Philosophy
February 17, 6-7:15 p.m. | Virtual
Strong Like Mom Fitness - Spring 2026
4-week Session Beginning March 7, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | CHKD Health Center at Landstown
Provider Relations at CHKD