Health System News - May 2026
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Testicular Torsion: Act Quickly to Improve Outcomes
At a recent CHKD Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn, Dr. Janelle Fox, chief of pediatric urology, highlighted the critical importance of early recognition and rapid treatment of testicular torsion.
Delayed presentation remains the strongest predictor of orchiectomy, with significantly higher rates of testicular loss in patients presenting more than 24 hours after symptom onset. CHKD data suggest that the incidence of pediatric testicular torsion in Hampton Roads may be higher than national estimates, underscoring the importance of regional awareness and early recognition.
Factors associated with delayed care include initial presentation outside the emergency department, Medicaid status, neurocognitive conditions, and greater distance from CHKD.
Clinical Guidance
Acute scrotal pain should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate evaluation and referral.
- Do not delay referral for imaging if torsion is strongly suspected
- Utilize the TWIST score to support clinical decision-making
- For TWIST scores ≥5, initiate urgent transfer without waiting for ultrasound
Ongoing collaboration between community providers, emergency departments, and CHKD is essential to reducing delays and improving outcomes. Early recognition and rapid escalation of care remain the most effective strategies to preserve testicular viability.
Patient Education Videos to Share
Share these links with your patients for brief, kid-friendly videos on testicular torsion awareness and testicular self-exams. These resources support early recognition and timely care by reinforcing education outside the office visit.
CHKD Announcemets
CHKD’s Urent Care at Tech Center will be temporarily closed from May 20 through May 24 for a floor replacement project. The site is expected to reopen following completion of the work.
During this time, our radiology equipment will also begin an 8-9 week upgrade. As a result, outpatient radiology services will be unavailable at CHKD’s Urgent Care at Tech Center throughout the duration of the upgrade. The upgrade is expected to 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.
CHKD surgeons are celebrating a significant surgical milestone with the completion of more than 100 robotic‑assisted procedures using the da Vinci system. Since launching the program in 2023, robotic-assisted surgery at CHKD has expanded steadily, reflecting the organization’s commitment to innovation, precision, and high‑quality pediatric surgical care. As a Level I Children’s Surgery Center, CHKD continues to advance minimally invasive techniques while maintaining the highest standards for safety, outcomes, and surgical training.
A recent study of elite U.S. high school basketball players, co‑authored by Dr. Joel Brenner, medical director of CHKD’s Sports Medicine Program, found that early sport specialization is not a prerequisite for reaching the NBA. Athletes who went on to sign NBA contracts typically specialized in basketball later, participated in multiple sports during childhood, logged less overall basketball volume, and experienced fewer severe injuries after age 14 than similarly talented peers. Greater academic and family stability also emerged as a common factor. The findings reinforce growing sports medicine evidence that multisport participation, appropriate training volume, injury prevention, and overall well‑being are key contributors to long‑term athletic success. Read more
Physician Education and Information
Stay current, sharpen your skills, and grow as a healthcare professional. Visit CHKD.org/CME to explore the upcoming opportunities listed below.
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.
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.
May 29 | Eastern Virginia Pediatric Trauma Conference
The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Pediatric Trauma Conference is a one-day accredited pediatric course that is designed to provide knowledge and skills related to pediatric trauma from content experts. In addition, we seek to enhance our community and pediatric colleagues’ ability to manage pediatric trauma cases. We will provide presentations on pediatric trauma along with structured didactic sessions to support comprehensive learning. The conference will provide various learning methodologies presented by experts in the areas of pediatric trauma.
Faculty Excellence
Congratulations to Dr. Cristina Baldassari, pediatric otolaryngologist at CHKD, on receiving the 2026 Dean’s Faculty Award for Mentoring from Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. This honor recognizes faculty who excel in education, research, and patient care while positively impacting the Hampton Roads community. Way to go, Dr. Baldassari! Thank you for your continued dedication.
Resources for Patients and Families
Parenting Through Divorce and Separation
Thursday, May 7 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Virtual
UPSTANDERS Film and Discussion
Wednesday, May 13 | 5-7 p.m. | Emily Spong Center, Portsmouth, VA
Seasons of Safety: Newborn Sleep and Care
Tuesday, May 19 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual
May Monthly Observances
May highlights key national observances aligned with our shared commitment to children’s health and safety, including Asthma and Allergy, Brain Tumor, and Trauma Awareness Months. Please join us in supporting these important causes:
Provider Relations at CHKD