Columbia Pediatrics

09/26/2025

Don’t miss the 12th Annual Pediatric Specialty Updates for the General Practitioner December 6-7th! Our annual CME-accredited course is designed for pediatric primary care providers interested in expanding their knowledge in a variety of subspecialty areas with new or updated guidelines and practice parameters. The two-day virtual event provides practical information that will help attendees enhance their ability to identify, understand, and co-manage a variety of complex conditions in collaboration with subspecialists. All sessions will be available for review for 3 months after the event! Register here - https://web.cvent.com/event/a34775b8-58e6-4c86-b75c-6136e6c0fccd/summary

09/04/2025

Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, chief of pediatric pulmonology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told The New York Times that people who lived “near sources of pollution such as major roadways, industrial sources or wildfires” should consider purchasing an air purifier, as should people with chronic respiratory conditions. “Children who live in communities that are exposed to lots of traffic-related air pollution are at risk for having asthma and having worse symptoms and outcomes from asthma.” Find out more -

We asked the experts how to decide.

08/04/2025

In July 2024, over a span of 24 hours, a multidisciplinary transplant team at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital became one of the first in the U.S. to perform a split-root domino partial heart transplant — a series of surgeries that enabled the young recipient of a deceased donor heart to donate her living valves to two other pediatric patients with congenital heart conditions. “There is absolutely nothing that can be more rewarding than helping three patients at once,” says Dr. Kalfa, director of the Pediatric Heart Valve Center and surgical director for the Initiative for Pediatric Cardiac Innovation at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Having such an impact on the life of children is magical to me.” Learn more -

A pediatric cardiac transplant team at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York performed a split-root domino partial heart transplant.

07/14/2025

The “Nimbus” COVID-19 variant is rapidly spreading across the U.S. and accounted for around 37% of COVID cases in early June. It is more transmissible than previous variants due to spike protein mutations that allow it to better bind to human cells, but current data indicates it does not cause more severe disease. Columbia University Irving Medical Center NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital infectious disease experts stress that vaccines are still effective at preventing severe illness, and hand hygiene, masking in crowded indoor settings, and testing if symptomatic, remain excellent ways to prevent the spread of the illness. Read more -

An infectious disease expert shares information on the rising cases caused by the new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 Nimbus.

07/03/2025

Evidence supporting policies that restrict social media use like school cell phone bans and anti-cyberbullying laws has significant limitations according to a new study at Columbia Public Health.

2 Big types of Laws:
Laws that Regulate Platforms and Laws that Restrict User Access

The Concern Is Real
Social media is linked to anxiety, depression & sleep problems in teens

But Here’s The Issue
We don’t yet know if these laws actually improve teen mental health

Experts Want Better Data
Policies need to be backed by evidence, not just good intentions

What Can Parents Do?
Stay informed, talk to your teen and advocate for research-based policies

Read more - https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/evidence-support-state-policies-regulating-teen-use-social-media-limited?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20250606_Highlights_Faculty_Staff

06/23/2025

Dr. Stephani Lovinsky-Desir, chief of pediatric pulmonology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, recommends using an N95 mask or HEPA filter if the Air Quality Index gets to a dangerous level. She added that people with respiratory issues should keep medicine on hand, and children should be kept inside. “Their lungs are small and still developing, so if it’s possible to reduce outdoor play and activities for young children, that's definitely recommended,” said Dr. Lovinsky-Desir. Learn more - https://pix11.com/news/local-news/air-quality-health-advisory-issued-for-nyc/

06/20/2025

Smiles, strides, and solidarity! Yesterday our Department of Pediatrics POWER team joined the annual 5K Run, Walk & Roll in Central Park. All proceeds from the march go towards the building fund of the Harlem Center, a 10-year effort started by a coalition of New York-centered, community-based organizations that will increase the center's capacity to address unmet needs and fill gaps in service delivery. We’re proud to stand alongside organizations working towards a healthier future for all.

06/12/2025

Menstrual products vary widely, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, flow, and personal preference, says Dr. Holli Jakalow, a gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Options include pads, tampons, menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear—each with pros, cons, and safety considerations. While some people may react to dyes or materials in these products, the biggest safety concern is toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious infection linked to prolonged use of tampons, cups, or discs. Reusable options like cups and period underwear are eco-friendly and cost-effective, but require proper cleaning. With growing awareness of potentially harmful chemicals like PFAS in certain products, Dr. Jakalow advises choosing fragrance-free, dye-free, and organic options whenever possible. Learn more - https://bit.ly/45VczVP

A gynecologist breaks down the different types of period products and how to choose the right option for you.

06/10/2025

The Department of Pediatrics Office of Health Equity, Alliance and Leadership, in partnership with the Pediatric Development and Inclusion Council, is hosting a special Grand Rounds in honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month tomorrow at 8 am in the VP&S Amphitheatre! This presentation will explore how spatial epidemiologic methods can illuminate the ways neighborhood environments shape mental health outcomes among intersectional sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Drawing on data from both U.S.-based and global urban studies, the talk will highlight the role of structural determinants—such as hate crimes, policing, housing instability, and neighborhood stigma—on psychological distress, trauma, and resilience among SGM youth and young adults. Join us in person or on zoom - https://bit.ly/4kvurLz

06/09/2025

A new study by Columbia Public Health found nearly half of America's states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency, with the worst conditions being in the South. “We’re just placing more and more pressure on families to take care of their loved ones," said John McHugh, lead researcher and adjunct assistant professor of health policy and management at Columbia. “We’re asking more and more of individuals without providing any sort of support or compensation, or anything along those lines.” Read more -

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found nearly half of America's states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency.

06/05/2025

On balance, the vaccine still provides a benefit, said Dr. Melissa Stockwell, division chief of child and adolescent health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "The point of a booster is to give protection against whatever the current circulating variant is and shorter-term protection against infection, but what we're really looking for is protection against severe outcomes," Stockwell told USA TODAY. Read more about what these new recommendations mean for families -

The Trump administration's COVID-19 vaccine policy changes mean anyone who is healthy and under 65 will likely have to pay out of pocket for the shot.

06/04/2025

ACE Master Clinician Lecture Series: “You Are Truly a Great Parent! Clinician Conversations about Childhood to Young Adult Development" is happening NOW from 12-1:30pm! This session will feature a discussion with Dr. Albano, ACE member and renown psychologist, who will share real-world cases, both common and complex, and practical strategies for supporting youth across developmental stages—from early childhood (age 6) through adolescence and into young adulthood (age 21). Parents are invited to ask questions and join the discussion. Drawing from the Academy’s mission to foster clinical excellence and mentorship, this event will highlight nuanced approaches to care, communication, and developmental transitions. Register here - https://bit.ly/4kPApqg