Health System News - September 2026
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Supporting Patients Through Virginia's Statewide Sickle Cell Disease Registry
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD), the most common inherited genetic blood disorder in the United States. The Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center (CCBDC) at CHKD cares for more than 500 children with sickle cell disease each year, providing specialized, comprehensive care and support for patients and families across the region. To help improve care for individuals living with SCD, the Virginia Department of Health established the Virginia Statewide Sickle Cell Disease Registry, a secure, HIPAA-compliant database created through legislation passed in 2024.
Strength, Resilience, and Grace
Grace Petway was diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a baby, a condition that has led to many visits to the emergency department throughout her young life. Even a simple fever means an immediate trip to the emergency department for lab work, IV fluids, and antibiotics to guard against serious infections. Despite these challenges, Grace faces each day with courage and a smile.
“To know we have a children’s hospital here is one thing, but it’s another to see the level of care that the staff has towards the children and parents,” said Grace’s dad, Mike Petway. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener. We appreciate the care.”
Refer a Patient
Sickle Cell Symptom Guide
Welcome New Physicians
Please join us in welcoming Philip Mendez, DO, to the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology team at CHKD. Dr. Mendez earned his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his pediatric residency at CHKD, and went on to complete a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the University of South Florida at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. He has now returned to CHKD to care for children with a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions.
Please join us in welcoming Sarah Obudzinski, MD, to CHKD's Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine team. Dr. Obudzinski specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery and sports medicine and joins CHKD after completing her fellowship at Nemours Children's Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed her residency at the University of North Carolina.
Physician Education and Information
Recognizing Hemangiomas and Other Vascular Birthmarks in the Primary Care Setting
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Virtual
Presenters: David Darrow, MD, Judith Williams, MD, and Katherine Watson, MD, Pediatric ENT, Dermatology, and Hematology Oncology at CHKD
Overview: In this Lunch & Learn session learn how to recognize and distinguish infantile hemangiomas from other vascular birthmarks, assess risk factors, and apply current AAP guidelines and treatment strategies in primary care practice.
Autonomic Dysregulation in the Hypermobile Child
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 5-6 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Katrina Lesher, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at CHKD
Overview: This Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn session explores the clinical features of autonomic dysregulation in children with hypermobility, including common symptoms, associated conditions, and warning signs that may indicate more serious concerns. Participants will learn evidence-based approaches to evaluation and management in the primary care setting and identify when specialty referral and multidisciplinary care are needed.
Pediatric Headache
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Georg Dahl, MD, Pediatric Neurology at CHKD
Overview: This Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn session reviews common pediatric headache syndromes and provides practical strategies for diagnosing and managing headaches in children. Participants will learn about current abortive and preventive migraine treatments and gain a better understanding of evidence-based approaches to pediatric migraine care.
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.
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.
CHKD Announcemets
Since 2006, our multidisciplinary team has partnered with community providers, schools, coaches, and families to deliver comprehensive sports medicine care for young athletes. Over the past two decades, the program has expanded access to specialty services, advanced injury treatment, concussion care, rehabilitation, and athletic training support. We thank our referring providers and community partners for their continued collaboration in helping us keep athletes in the game. Learn more at CHKD.org/SportsMedicine or call (757) 668-PLAY (7529).
Mental Health Minute
Sarah Merten, LPC, and Brooke Clark, LCSW, Join VMAP
The Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) is pleased to introduce Sarah Merten, LPC, and Brooke Clark, LCSW, who have joined the Eastern Region team as licensed mental health professionals and care navigators.
Sarah serves as the Lead Licensed Mental Health Professional and brings extensive experience in outpatient and community mental health, clinical supervision, and provider collaboration. Brooke brings expertise in trauma-informed care, therapeutic foster care, and supporting military-connected children and families.
As care navigators, Sarah and Brooke help pediatric providers connect patients and families with behavioral health resources and appropriate mental health services.
Providers can also take advantage of the VMAP Guidebook, a comprehensive resource featuring evidence-based care guides, screening tools, treatment recommendations, and patient handouts to support the care of children and adolescents with mental health concerns.
Resources for Patients and Families
September 16 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Learn how to choose quality childcare, compare providers, and find financial support programs that meet your family's needs. Learn more and register here.
September 23 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Understand childhood stress and learn effective ways to help your child cope, build resilience, and navigate everyday challenges. Learn more and register here.
September 30 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Build stability and communication skills to help children feel safe and supported during family transitions. Learn more and register here.
Care in Action: CHKD Stories That Inspire
The Summer 2026 issue of KidStuff is now available online, featuring inspiring stories about the patients, providers, and programs that make CHKD unique. Highlights include Michael's journey through life-saving cardiac care, the impact of CAR-T cell therapy on pediatric cancer treatment, and how migraine surgery helped one patient regain her quality of life. The issue also showcases CHKD's expanding cardiac intensive care services and the innovation, expertise, and compassionate care provided across our health system. We invite you to explore and share the latest issue with your patients, colleagues, and community.
Provider Relations at CHKD