Health System News - November 2025
Sign Up for CHKD News & Updates
Expert Spine Care for Children
CHKD’s Scoliosis and Spine Program serves children from birth to age 21, offering a full continuum of care for scoliosis and other spinal conditions. At CHKD, we are proud to be the first pediatric spine center in the nation to earn the Advanced Pediatric Spine Certification from DNV Healthcare, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards in complex spine care.
Why choose CHKD's Scoliosis and Spine program?
Comprehensive team-based care: Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in pediatric spine disorders, and we integrate non-surgical and surgical options so each child receives individualized care.
Advanced diagnostics & technology: We offer state-of-the-art imaging capabilities including the EOS imaging system (which delivers full-body, low-radiation 3D skeletal images) and 7D surgical navigation for select fusions to enhance precision and safety.
Surgical excellence & enhanced recovery protocols: For patients requiring surgery (such as growth-rod procedures or spinal fusion), our enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols help reduce infection risk, minimize blood loss and shorten recovery time.
No prerequisite testing or referral barrier: You may refer patients directly — no preliminary testing is required before the first appointment.
Conditions treated: We evaluate and treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), congenital scoliosis, early-onset scoliosis, kyphosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, leg-length discrepancies and more.
Referring provider support: We have a dedicated program coordinator (RN) who assists families and acts as a liaison with our team. We also maintain close communication with referring physicians to coordinate care and ensure seamless transitions.
Refer a Patient: Please send referrals to Spine@CHKD.org or call (757) 668-6562. See complete referral guidelines here
CHKD Announcements
Reflections from the 21st Nuss Conference
Pediatric Surgeon and VP, Chief of Surgery at CHKD Dr. Robert Obermeyer reflects on the 21st Nuss Conference and Advanced Pectus Course, where leading experts from around the world gathered to advance chest wall and pectus care. Read Dr. Obermeyer's Blog
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Availability
CHKD’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides evidence-based mental health treatment for adolescents ages 13-18 (if still in high school) who need structured support beyond traditional outpatient care.
Our program combines individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, family engagement, and weekly medication management to help patients and families strengthen coping skills, promote stability, and reduce the need for higher levels of care.
Program Details:
- Sessions held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 4-7 p.m.
- Designed for teens (13-18 if still in high school)
- Focus on safety planning, crisis stabilization, and symptom reduction
VMAP In The News
Licensed Mental Health Clinical Lead (VMAP) Victoria Mattis, LCSW, was recently featured on WAVY to discuss VMAP's recent impact report. Watch the Video
Physician Education and Information
Pediatric Grand Rounds
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.
View a List of Upcoming Topics
Registration Open: Bioethics Day
November 7, 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Brickhouse Auditorium
We invite you to join us for Bioethics Day on Friday, November 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s topic is "AI in Healthcare: Is AI a Risk to Healthcare? Can AI Transform Healthcare?" Our featured speaker is Mark Hoffman, PhD, Chief Research Information Officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and a member of the Ethical AI Advisory Council. More information and a registration link will be shared closer to the event. In the meantime, please help us ensure a strong turnout by sharing this flyer with your colleagues and posting it in your area.
Provider Relations CME Lunch and Learn Series
The Iron Era Tour: Practical Approaches to Preventing, Treating Iron Deficiency in Children
Tuesday, December 9 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual
Presenter: Melissa Mark, MD
Hematology/Oncology, CHKD
Join us for a practical discussion on the latest approaches to preventing and managing iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients.
This session will review current recommendations for screening and diagnosing iron deficiency in children, explore evidence-based strategies for prevention, and discuss optimal treatment regimens to effectively manage pediatric patients with iron deficiency.
About the Presenter: Dr. Melissa Mark is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. She earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, completed her residency at CHKD, and a fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
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.
Resources for Patients and Families
Esports and Gaming: Minimizing Risks while Maximizing Experiences for Kids
Thursday, November 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Why is this so hard? Emotional Eating, Family Stress & Raising Healthy Kids without Shame
Thursday, November 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual