A new international study led by Children’s National Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago introduces a validated tool to predict pneumonia severity in children, helping emergency clinicians make faster, evidence-based decisions about hospitalization and intensive care.
Pneumonia is one of the most common infections in children. In the U.S., it’s a leading reason why kids are admitted to the hospital. But for emergency doctors, it’s not always easy to know which cases are serious — and which children will get better at home.
Now, a new study led by doctors at Children’s National Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has created a tool to help. It’s based on research from over 2,200 children treated at emergency departments in 14 countries.
The tool is simple: it uses symptoms that doctors already look for — like how fast a child is breathing, whether they’re getting enough oxygen, and if they’re drinking fluids — to score how serious their pneumonia might be. The score helps doctors decide whether a child needs to stay in the hospital, go to intensive care or can safely recover at home.
What the study found
The research team looked at children ages 3 months to 13 years who came to emergency departments with community-acquired pneumonia — a kind of pneumonia picked up outside of a hospital. Most had mild cases. But about 1 in 20 developed severe symptoms, like needing breathing support or admission to intensive care.
The team found that certain symptoms (like fast breathing or heart rate, chest retractions (a sign of struggling to breathe), low oxygen levels, refusing to drink and already being on antibiotics before coming to the hospital) were linked to a higher risk of serious illness. On the other hand, children who had a runny nose or congestion were more likely to have mild illness.
Using this data, the team created a point-based score. For example, if a child had low oxygen levels, they’d get 3 to 6 points depending on how low it was. Chest retractions added 3 points. Having a runny nose subtracted a point. The higher the total score, the greater the risk of moderate or severe pneumonia.
How it helps
The model was tested and found to be highly accurate. It performed better than doctors’ judgment alone in earlier studies — especially in spotting the children most at risk. The scorecard gives emergency doctors a fast, evidence-based way to support the decisions they make under pressure.
“Emergency departments around the world see thousands of children with pneumonia every day, but until now, we haven’t had a reliable way to predict who’s truly at risk of getting sicker,” said co-PI and senior author Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, executive vice president, chief academic officer and director of the Children’s National Research Institute. “This model gives clinicians a practical tool, rooted in data, to guide that decision and ultimately improve care and outcomes.”
What’s next
While the tool is ready to be used in hospitals now, the team plans to test it in more locations and study how it affects real-world decisions. They also hope to add biomarkers — lab tests that could improve the score’s accuracy even more.
For now, the study offers something simple and powerful: a better way to know when a child’s pneumonia might become serious — and when it won’t.
The study was published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and is part of a larger effort by the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN), which connects emergency departments in dozens of countries.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/boy-with-breathing-apparatus-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2025-05-15 11:22:392025-05-15 15:49:28New tool helps doctors know when kids with pneumonia need hospital care
Children’s National Hospital hosted its fifteenth annual Research, Education and Innovation Week from March 31–April 4, 2025, bringing together clinicians, scientists, educators and innovators from across the institution to celebrate discovery and collaboration. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Future in Pediatric Research and Innovation with Equity, Technology and a Global Reach,” served as a call to action for advancing science that improves child health both locally and around the world.
Each day of the week-long event featured thought-provoking lectures — now available to watch — dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and vibrant poster sessions, all highlighting the diverse and interdisciplinary work taking place across Children’s National.
Centering the patient and the planet
REI Week began on Monday with a powerful keynote lecture from Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MS, MPH, Michael and Lori Milken dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. In her talk, “Children: Uniquely vulnerable to climate-related threats,” Dr. Goldman underscored the urgent need to protect children from the environmental hazards of a changing climate and to integrate climate science into pediatric care and advocacy.
At mid-morning, Mary-Anne “Annie” Hartley, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the LiGHT Laboratory at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, introduced the “MOOVE” platform — Massive Open Online Validation and Evaluation of clinical LLMs. Her talk demonstrated how artificial intelligence, when rigorously validated, has the potential to transform clinical decision-making and global health equity.
Monday’s final keynote, “Zinc and childhood diarrhea,” was presented by Christopher Duggan, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Duggan highlighted the global health impact of zinc supplementation in reducing childhood mortality — a reminder that simple, evidence-based interventions can save millions of lives.
In that first day, the first poster session of the week showcased projects in adolescent medicine, global health, infectious diseases, oncology and more. The session reflected the full breadth of research taking place across Children’s National.
Ambroise Wonkam, MD, PhD, professor of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins University, then delivered Tuesday’s Global Health Keynote Lecture, “Harnessing our common African genomes to improve health and equity globally.” His work affirmed that inclusive genomics is key to building a healthier world.
Later, the Global Health Initiative event and GCAF Faculty Seminar encouraged attendees to pursue collaborative opportunities at home and abroad, reflecting the growing global footprint of Children’s National research programs.
Transforming education and care delivery
On Wednesday, Larrie Greenberg, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics, kicked off the day with a Grand Rounds keynote on educational transformation: “Shouldn’t teachers be more collaborative with their learners?” He followed with a CAPE workshop exploring the effectiveness of case-based learning.
In the Jill Joseph Grand Rounds Lecture, Deena J. Chisolm, PhD, director of the Center for Child Health Equity at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, challenged attendees to move beyond dialogue into action in her talk, “Health equity: A scream to a whisper?,” reminding researchers and clinicians that advocacy and equity must be foundational to care.
The day continued with a poster session spotlighting medical education, neonatology, urology and neuroscience, among other fields.
Posters and pathways to progress
Throughout the week, poster sessions highlighted cutting-edge work across dozens of pediatric disciplines. These sessions gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with investigators and reflect on the shared mission of discovery across multiple disciplines, including:
The REI Week 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions in research, mentorship, education and innovation. The winners in each category were:
“Genetic Conservation and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Gene Across Variants of Concern”
Faculty: Steve Hui, PhD
“Brain Metabolites in Neonates of Mothers with COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy”
Faculty: Raj Shekhar, PhD
“StrepApp: Deep Learning-Based Identification of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Dae-young Kim, PhD
“mhGPT: A Lightweight Domain-Specific Language Model for Mental Health Analysis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Leandros Boukas, MD, PhD
“De Novo Variant Identification From Duo Long-Read Sequencing: Improving Equitable Variant Interpretation for Diverse Family Structures”
Staff: Naseem Maghzian
“Adoptive T Lymphocyte Administration for Chronic Norovirus Treatment in Immunocompromised Hosts (ATLANTIC)”
Graduate Students: Abigail Haffey
“Synergistic Integration of TCR and CAR T Cell Platforms for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Brain Tumors”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Medha Pappula
“An ADHD Diagnostic Interface Based on EEG Spectrograms and Deep Learning Techniques”
Clinical Research
Faculty: Folasade Ogunlesi, MD
“Poor Air Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa is Associated with Increase Health Care Utilization for Pain in Sickle Cell Disease Patients”
Faculty: Ayman Saleh, MD
“Growth Parameters and Treatment Approaches in Pediatric ADHD: Examining Differences Across Race”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Nicholas Dimenstein, MD, MPH
“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Eligibility in the Pediatric Emergency Department”
Staff: Tayla Smith, MPH
“The Public Health Impact of State-Level Abortion and Firearm Laws on Health Outcomes”
Graduate Students: Natalie Ewing
“Patterns of Bacteriuria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Presenting for Primary Cloacal Repair: Is Assisted Bladder Emptying Associated with Bacteriuria?”
Graduate Students: Manuela Iglesias, MS
“Exploring the Relationship Between Child Opportunity Index and Bayley-III Scores in Young Children”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Nicholas Lohman
“Preliminary Findings: The Efficacy, Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Videoconference Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Among Children and Young People”
Community-Based Research
Faculty: Sharon Shih, PhD “Assessing Pediatric Behavioral Health Access in DC using Secret Shopper Methodology”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Georgios Sanidas, MD “Arrested Neuronal Maturation and Development in the Cerebellum of Preterm Infants”
Staff: Sanam Parwani
“Intersectionality of Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Autistic and Non-Autistic Individuals”
Graduate Student: Margaret Dearey “Assessing the Burden of Period Poverty for Youth and Adolescents in Washington, DC: A Pilot Study”
Quality and Performance Improvement
Faculty: Nichole L. McCollum, MD
“A Quality Improvement Study to Increase Nurse Initiated Care from Triage and Improve Timeliness to Care”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Hannah Rodriguez, MD
“Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Use in a Level IV NICU”
Staff: Amber K. Shojaie, OTD, OTR/L
“Implementing Dynamic Axilla Splints in a Large Burn Patient”
Meleah Boyle, PhD, MPH
“Understanding and Addressing Environmental Sustainability to Protect the Health of the Children’s National and Global Communities”
Eiman Abdulrahman, MD
“Research Capacity Building to Improve Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care in Ethiopia”
Pilot Awards
Alexander Andrews, MD
“EEG as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Severe Pediatric Malaria, Blantyre Malawi”
Daniel Donoho, MD & Timothy Singer, MD
“Feasibility Study of a Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Educational Platform to Improve Neurosurgical Operative Skills in Tanzania”
Hasan Syed, MD
“Bridging the Gap an Educational Needs Assessment for Pediatric Neurosurgery Training in Pakistan”
Sofia Perazzo, MD & Lamia Soghier, MD, MEd, MBA
“QI Mentorship to Improve Pediatric Screening and Follow-up in Rural Argentina”
Benjamin Liu, PhD
“AI-Empowered Real-Time Sequencing Assay for Rapid Detection of Schistosomiasis in Senegal”
Rae Mittal, MD
“Assessment and Enhancement of Proficiency in Emergency Child Neurology Topics for Post-Graduate Emergency Medicine Trainees in India”
Innovation Day ignites bold thinking
Thursday, REI Week shifted to the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus for Innovation Day, a celebration of how bold ideas and collaborative culture can accelerate progress in pediatric medicine.
REI Week 2025 reaffirmed the values that define Children’s National: a commitment to excellence, collaboration and equity in pediatric research and care. As discoveries continue to emerge from our hospital and our research campuses, the connections built and ideas sparked during this week will help shape the future of pediatric health — locally and globally.
By elevating voices from the bedside to the bench, with the support of the executive sponsors Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MBChB, Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, Kerstin Hildebrandt, MSHS, Linda Talley, MS, RN, NE-BC and David Wessel, MD, REI Week demonstrated that we must embrace the community in all aspects of our work. Because we know that there are answers we can only get from the patients that we serve—and we need to be their voice.
Research, Education & Innovation Week will be back next year on April 13-17, 2026.
Posters at the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 31 poster session.
Panelists discuss innovation during REI Week 2025.
Global Health Initiative community engagement event during REI Week 2025.
Chris Rees presents his REI Week 2025 lecture.
Nathan Kuppermann listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Tuesday, April 1, poster session.
Michelle Riley-Brown, Nathan Kuppermann, Catherine Bollard and Naomi Luban on stage during the REI Week 2025 awards ceremony.
Brandy Salmon presents on innovation programs at Virginia Tech during the REI Week 2025 Innovation Day.
Catherine Bollard listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 21 poster session.
Ambroise Wonkman poses for a picture with Children’s National staff.
Tanzeem Choudhury presenting during REI Week 2025.
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A new study out of the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal & Maternal Health Research, directed by Catherine Limperopoulos, PhD, led by Yao Wu, PhD and Stephanie Merhar, MD, MS, out of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, sought answers to the question: “Do brain volumes differ in opioid-exposed vs. unexposed newborns?” In one of the largest studies of this kind, researchers found that prenatal exposure to opioids is associated with smaller brain volumes in newborns. These findings from the landmark Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) study build on, reinforce smaller studies, and achieve a better understanding of the impacts of prenatal opioid exposure (POE).
Dive Deeper
The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal (ACT-NOW)’s OBOE study is a multi-site observational study of newborns with prenatal opioid exposure and a control group of unexposed newborns from four different sites in the United States – Case Western Reserve University, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In a study involving 173 newborns who were exposed to opioids during pregnancy and 96 newborns not exposed to opioids prenatally showed smaller brain sizes in several key areas. Specifically, these exposed babies had smaller total brain volumes, as shown through MRI, as well as reduced volumes in important parts of the brain, including the cortex (outer layer of the brain), deep gray matter (areas that control movement and emotions), white matter (which helps transmit signals in the brain), cerebellum (responsible for coordination and movement), brainstem (controls basic functions like breathing), and the amygdala (involved in emotions and memory).
Further details showed that newborns exposed to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during pregnancy with methadone, had smaller white matter volumes, while those exposed to MOUD with buprenorphine had smaller volumes specifically in the right amygdala. Additionally, newborns who were exposed to opioids plus additional substances such as THC and gabapentin had smaller volumes in even more brain areas compared to those who were only exposed to opioids.
What’s Next
The OBOE study sets the groundwork for further research into the long-term impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy. Additional work is necessary to expand on these findings and how they relate to functions in childhood – including exploring the way these reduced brain volumes may impact cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments. The study raises important questions about how current guidelines for MOUD during pregnancy – specifically with methadone and buprenorphine – might evolve considering these findings. This study highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term effects of MOUD regimens on both maternal and infant outcomes.
This significant study underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in opioid exposure research, effective regulation, and policy interventions – involving healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and affected families – to best mitigate the consequences and improve the health outcomes of children affected by prenatal opioid exposure.
Additional authors from Children’s National include Kushal Kapse, BS, MS, and Josepheen De Asis-Cruz, MD, PhD. Other authors include Carla M. Bann, PhD, Jamie E. Newman, PhD4, Nicole Mack, MS, Sara B. De Mauro, MD, MSCE, Namasivayam Ambalavanan, MD, Jonathan M. Davis, MD, Scott A. Lorch, MD, MSCE5, Deanne Wilson-Costello, MD, Brenda B. Poindexter, MD and Myriam Peralta-Carcelen, MD.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/prenatal-opiod-exposure-CNRI-feature.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2025-04-15 15:08:582025-04-15 15:08:58New study finds prenatal opioid exposure linked to smaller newborn brain volumes
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Article_Image_400x300_Linguraru.jpg12501667Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2025-04-14 11:05:362025-05-09 16:10:59Podcast: Future ready: AI’s role in revolutionizing pediatric care
Researchers at Children’s National Hospital synthesized associations between the Child Opportunity Index (COI), a composite index of children’s neighborhood opportunity, and pediatric health.
In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Pediatrics, researchers at Children’s National Hospital synthesized associations between the Child Opportunity Index (COI), a composite index of children’s neighborhood opportunity, and pediatric health. Most studies in the review found that lower COI (less neighborhood opportunity) was associated with adverse health outcomes among children. In the meta-analysis specifically, lower COI (or less neighborhood opportunity) was associated with higher odds of mortality, all cause emergency department (ED) visits and sub-groups of hospitalizations – for medical reasons, surgical/trauma diagnoses and >30-day re-hospitalizations.
The hold up in the field
Until now, the variety of metrics used to measure the impact of where a child lives (place) made it difficult to meta-analyze place-based research across studies and quantify associations. In recent years, the frequent use of the COI has given the authors the unique opportunity to synthesize across those associations quantitatively.
Moving the field forward
“Our meta-analysis provides quantifiable evidence that place is an undeniable risk factor for pediatric mortality and select types of ED and hospital utilization,” the authors wrote. “And in tandem, our broader review summarizes evidence across 85 studies, underscoring that place-based disparities are present across the entire continuum of children’s health.”
The researchers hope this work can serve as an inflection point in the transition from discovering place-based inequities in children’s health to developing and evaluating interventions that mitigate inequities.
The patient benefit
Over the past few years, there has been a focus on identifying place-based disparities using the COI.
“We hope our review is a catalyst in the shift towards the development of interventions, done in partnership with families and communities to gain a deeper understanding of how place impacts care,” says Jordan Tyris, MD, hospitalist at Children’s National Hospital and one of the authors of the study. “This partnership would facilitate the tailoring of interventions to ensure they are family-centered and effective, with the goal of mitigating place-based disparities.”
The bottom line
The authors found that disparities exist across the continuum of children’s health – from newborn outcomes to well child care access/attendance, to chronic disease morbidity and mortality. They discovered that many of the studies examined ‘later on outcomes’ like utilization and mortality. However, some studies in this review documented disparities starting early in childhood, and earlier in the spectrum of health (e.g., newborn health and well child outcomes). The researchers believe this points to earlier opportunities for place-based interventions that could have implications for more serious outcomes later.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kids-reading-a-book-in-school-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2025-03-25 12:08:442025-03-25 12:19:48A meta-analysis of neighborhood impact on child health outcomes
A recent report in the Journal of Health Advocacy highlights key barriers and offers strategies to help physicians engage in advocacy and health policy scholarship.
Advocacy and health policy are key areas of interest for many in the medical field, including trainees and physicians. However, physicians’ demanding roles often make conducting research in these areas challenging. A recent report in the Journal of Health Advocacy highlights key barriers and offers strategies to help physicians engage in advocacy and health policy scholarship.
Why it matters
Advocating for policies that improve patient outcomes is a vital responsibility for physicians. The report’s findings are based on experiences from the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Health Policy Scholars Program.
“Building on our work in this field, we identify both barriers to scholarship and ways to overcome them,” says Laura Willing, MD, co-author and psychiatrist at Children’s National Hospital. “We also propose solutions and actionable steps to advance pediatric health policy scholarship and advocacy at the individual, institutional and national levels.”
Moving the field forward
The report outlines key barriers to physician advocacy, including a lack of mentorship, limited dedicated time and resources, and alignment with institutional priorities.
“By providing a framework for effective advocacy, we hope other pediatricians, physicians and healthcare providers can replicate our successes,” says Matthew Magyar, MD, co-author and hospitalist at Children’s National.
Children’s National Hospital leads the way
Through the Child Health Advocacy Institute (CHAI), Children’s National actively supports physician advocacy. Staff regularly provide legislative testimony, collaborate on key policies and engage in advocacy-focused research to enhance patient care. Faculty and trainees work together, supported by CHAI and its Affiliate Faculty.
“Medical education extends beyond teaching about diseases in the hospital,” says Dr. Magyar. “It also includes educating the public and policymakers on policies that support children’s health and well-being.”
Read the full report in the Journal of Health Advocacy.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Stethoscope-and-gavel-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2025-03-18 15:07:472025-03-18 15:11:43Advancing physician advocacy: Overcoming barriers in health policy scholarship
By prioritizing the lived experiences of young parents, researchers found that health care interventions can be more effective, impactful and tailored to the real needs of adolescent mothers.
Pregnancy during adolescence presents unique challenges that can lead to suboptimal health outcomes for both the mother and child. A new study from researchers at Children’s National Hospital highlights an innovative approach to supporting pregnant teens by utilizing human-centered design (HCD) to create a comprehensive doula support program. The study demonstrates how prioritizing the lived experiences of young parents can lead to more effective and impactful healthcare interventions.
How will this work benefit patients?
This problem-solving framework focuses on understanding the needs and experiences of the people most affected by an issue. By applying this method, researchers developed a tailored doula support program designed specifically for pregnant teens. The study followed the three fundamental phases of HCD: inspiration, ideation and implementation.
During the inspiration phase, researchers gathered insights from teen parents about their needs and preferences. The ideation phase involved brainstorming potential solutions based on these insights, leading to the creation of a pilot doula program called Beyond the Bump. The final implementation phase saw the program launched to provide real-world support for young mothers.
“Beyond the Bump offers personalized support to pregnant teens through dedicated doulas who provided guidance before, during and after childbirth,” says Yael Smiley, MD, pediatrician at Children’s National and lead author of the study. “By listening to the voices of pregnant teens and designing interventions based on their needs, healthcare professionals can create more effective and sustainable support systems.”
The program served 12 participants and yielded promising results, including low rates of cesarean sections and high rates of breastfeeding initiation — both indicators of positive birth outcomes. Notably, both program participants and doulas reported positive experiences with Beyond the Bump. The feedback suggests that having a dedicated support system tailored to the specific needs of young mothers can significantly improve their overall pregnancy and postpartum experience.
How does this work move the field forward?
The study’s findings suggest that similar human-centered design approaches could be applied to other healthcare initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations. Beyond the Bump may serve as a model for healthcare providers looking to enhance support for pregnant teens and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
“As healthcare continues to evolve, prioritizing patient-centered solutions will be crucial in creating meaningful and impactful interventions,” says Dr. Smiley. “This study demonstrates that when programs are built with the community in mind, the potential for positive change is significant.”
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The guidelines are the first globally acknowledged framework for developing and deploying health care AI applications and gauging whether the information they generate can be trusted or not.
More than 100 international experts in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care published the first set of consensus guidelines that outline criteria for what it means for an AI tool to be considered trustworthy when implemented in health care settings.
The guidelines, published in the journal the BMJ, are the first globally acknowledged framework for developing and deploying health care AI applications and gauging whether the information they generate can be trusted or not.
What this means
Called the FUTURE-AI framework, the consensus guidelines are organized based on six guiding principles:
Fairness
Universality
Traceability
Usability
Robustness
Explainability
The cadre of experts reviewed and agreed upon a set of 30 best practices that fall within the six larger categories. These practices address technical, clinical, socio-ethical and legal aspects of trustworthy AI. The recommendations cover the entire lifecycle of health care AI: design, development and validation, regulation, deployment and monitoring.
The authors encourage researchers and developers to take these recommendations into account in the proof-of-concept phase for AI-driven applications to facilitate future translation to clinical practice.
Why it matters
“Patients, clinicians, health organizations and authorities need to know that information and analysis generated by AI can be trusted, or these tools will never make the leap from theoretical to real world application in a clinical setting,” says Marius George Linguraru, DPhil, MA, MSc, Connor Family Professor for Research and Innovation in the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Hospital and co-author of the guidelines. “Bringing so many international and multi-disciplinary perspectives together to outline the characteristics of a trustworthy medical AI application is part of what makes this work unique. It is my hope that finding such broad consensus will shed light on the greater good AI can bring to clinics and help us avoid problems before they ever impact patients.”
The FUTURE-AI consortium was founded by Karim Lekadir, PhD, ICREA Research Professor at the University of Barcelona in 2021 and now comprises 117 interdisciplinary experts from 50 countries representing all continents, including AI scientists, clinical researchers, biomedical ethicists and social scientists. Over a 2-year period, the consortium established these guiding principles and best practices for trustworthy and deployable AI through an iterative process comprising an in-depth literature review, a modified Delphi survey and online consensus meetings. Dr. Linguraru contributed with a unique perspective on AI for pediatric care and rare diseases.
What’s next
The authors note that, “progressive development and adoption of medical AI tools will lead to new requirements, challenges and opportunities. For some of the recommendations, no clear standard on how these should be addressed yet exists.”
To tackle this uncertainty, they propose FUTURE-AI as a dynamic, living framework. This includes a dedicated website to allow the global community to participate in the FUTURE-AI network. Visitors can provide feedback based on their own experiences and perspectives. The input gathered will allow the consortium to refine the FUTURE-AI guidelines and learn from other voices.
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Children’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.
How to determine your voting eligibility
Voting for the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings can be done only through Doximity.
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For child and adolescent psychologists, your account must be up to date with your specialty and subspecialty correctly marked.
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You have to claim your profile on Doximity.com to participate in the online survey. If you have not yet claimed your Doximity profile, go to Doximity.com, and click “Find My Profile.”
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Verified Doximity members will receive an email inviting them to participate in the U.S. News survey.
For more information on how to claim your profile, visit Doximity.com
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Update your Doximity profile and ensure your information is current.
Once registered, users wishing to participate in the online survey should:
Watch for an email from Doximity about the annual member survey.
Even if you don’t see the email, if you are a registered Doximity user, you can still vote by logging in to Doximity.com with your username and password during the voting period.
Once logged in, look for a U.S. News graphic or button on the homepage and click on it.
The survey asks users to name the hospitals that provide the best care in your respective specialty, without consideration to location or cost. Pediatric specialists will list 10 hospitals. The order in which you list the hospitals does not matter.
Please note: Children’s National Hospital is listed as “Children’s National Hospital Washington, DC” on the survey.
Visit Doximity’s FAQs if you have issues or questions about registration or claiming your profile.
How to cast your vote
In February 2025 when voting opens, all survey-eligible physicians will receive a notification on the Doximity app for Android or iOS. If you do not use the Doximity app, you will receive an email when voting opens.
Log in to your Doximity account at doximity.com or via the mobile app.
Click the Notifications icon or tap the “Submit your Nominations” button on the homepage. You can also search for “U.S. News Best Hospitals”
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Submit your vote
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Vote
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals reputation voting will open in mid-February. Look for your Doximity notification to vote.
A new case series published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine highlights the need for more studies of extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in adolescents under 18 years old.
A new case series published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine highlights the need for more studies of extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in adolescents under 18 years old.
Why it matters
In recent years there has been an increase in adolescent OUD and adolescent opioid overdose deaths. Extended-release buprenorphine has been shown to be a safe and effective medication in adults but not offered to adolescents due to lack of safety data. Larger studies are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of extended-release buprenorphine for treatment in this population.
The big picture
In this case series, the researchers discuss six cases of patients younger than 18 years old with severe OUD who receive(d) treatment of extended-release buprenorphine at the Children’s National Hospital Addictions Program and Howard University Hospital. All patients reported a history of smoking fentanyl as their primary method of use.
Initial treatment began with sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone but then transitioned to extended-release buprenorphine. The authors stated, “Transition to extended-release buprenorphine was most frequently done due to patient nonadherence with a daily sublingual buprenorphine medication regimen, ongoing fentanyl use and concerns surrounding the difficulty with administration of the sublingual buprenorphine.”
How does this work move the field forward?
Extended-release buprenorphine is not an FDA approved intervention due to lack of safety data in patients younger than 18. Overall, little clinical research is being done in adolescents with OUD.
“Given the current overdose crisis among adolescents caused by fentanyl and the rising number of kids with OUD, more intervention options are needed,” says Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD, director of the Addictions Program at Children’s National and lead author of the study. “We are hoping that this work will decrease provider hesitance to offer this intervention and will also provide data to help with insurance coverage.”
Children’s National leads the way
Dr. Kaliamurthy says, “The uniqueness of this work comes from our ability as a hospital to provide appropriate care for children struggling with severe addiction, navigating and overcoming significant barriers along the way that other programs have struggled to address. We are offering a treatment that is effective and the kids in treatment are doing well.”
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Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity.
Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity. The finding was part of a presentation, Socioeconomic Disadvantage Is Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Surgery, presented by Jennifer Klein, MD, MPH, cardiologist at Children’s National Hospital, during the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
What is it?
Clinical and demographic data were collected for 2,546 people who underwent corrective surgery for congenital heart disease over a 15-year period (2007-2022) in a single-center retrospective analysis. Using the Child Opportunity Index (COI), an index that uses environmental/health, educational, and socioeconomic domains to assess patients’ neighborhoods, the two lowest COI quintile neighborhoods were designated as “disadvantaged” while the two highest COI quintile neighborhoods were designated as “advantaged.” Multivariable mixed model analyses were conducted to understand the factors associated with overall mortality.
The research showed that patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods suffered in a great proportion both overall mortality [n=168 (13.6%) vs 66 (8.4%), p< 0.001] and major complications [n=168 (13.6%) vs 81 (10.3%), p< 0.001]. The positive association between neighborhood disadvantage and long-term mortality was maintained in stepwise logistic regression multivariable analysis after controlling for differences between surgical complexity and other clinical risk factors.
What it means
“Previous research has shown disparities like this,” says Dr. Klein. “What’s significant here is that the disparity for children from disadvantaged neighborhoods grows over time. That means corrective interventions won’t be implemented in the operating room or within the first 30 days after surgery. They need to happen in a cardiologist’s office, in the schools, and in the community long after a child goes home from the hospital.”
The findings from this particular study are also noteworthy as they are the first to include significantly greater numbers of patients who are more likely to experience this risk (48.5% of the study group). Previous research has sought to look at this research question but analysis may have been skewed by an over-representation of socioeconomically advantaged patients.
What’s next
Differences in mortality risk continue to grow greater as more time passes, the authors note, indicating that the disparity is not a product of surgical technique or disparities in care delivery at the time of surgery.
Instead, their outcomes are being influenced by factors outside the operating room. This opens a new avenue of research focused on identifying the “why.”
“What happens after they go home?” Klein asks. “Can they access medications? Do they come back for follow-up appointments? Can they afford food?”
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“MICCAI has been a professional home for me throughout my career and I am deeply honored to have a chance to give back to the organization,” said Dr. Linguraru.
We’re pleased to announce that Marius George Linguraru, DPhil, MA, MSc, Connor Family professor and endowed chair in Research and Innovation at Children’s National, has been elected as president of the Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) Society board of directors. Dr. Linguraru has been involved in the society since he attended his first MICCAI conference in 2001. He was elected to the board of directors in 2021 and chairs the Career Development Working Group. Dr. Linguraru was instrumental in establishing the MICCAI Mentorship Program, the MICCAI Start-up Village and the AFRICAI Special Interest Group. He also served as the program chair of MICCAI 2024, which received and reviewed a record number of paper submissions. He will begin his three-year term as president on February 1, 2025. Watch Dr. Linguraru’s brief inaugural message to members here.
“MICCAI has been a professional home for me throughout my career and I am deeply honored to have a chance to give back to the organization,” said Dr. Linguraru. “I believe the society is poised not just to meet the challenges of the next few years, but to thrive as an essential leadership forum for the growth of medical image computing, computer assisted intervention and artificial intelligence in healthcare.”
Meanwhile, Caroline Essert, PhD, MSc, completes her term as president of the MICCAI Society on January 31, 2025.
“It has been an honor to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of this incredible community,” said Dr. Essert. “I extend my warmest welcome to Dr. Linguraru as the incoming president of the MICCAI Board. I am confident that under his leadership, the MICCAI Society will reach new heights and continue to serve as a beacon of excellence in our field.” Read her full farewell message here.
To learn more about the MICCAI Society, click here.
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In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
Charles Berul, M.D., and a patient family talk about the pill-sized pacemaker that saved the life of Abby, an infant born with deadly heart defects. (NBC Nightly News)
Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, M.D., addiction psychiatrist and director of the Addictions Program, spoke to CNN about the impact of drug addiction on teen health and the lack of resources available to treat opioid use disorder. (CNN)
Susma Vaidya, M.D., M.P.H., associate medical director of the IDEAL Clinic, shared her concerns about childhood obesity treatment recommendations issued today by a leading panel of independent U.S. health experts. (The Washington Post)
Shideh Majidi, M.D., M.S.C.S., and Emily Frymark, clinical dietitian, spoke about how the food pharmacy, created in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, benefits patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. (The Washington Post)
Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old boy being treated at Children’s National Hospital, became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a commercially approved gene therapy that may cure the condition. “This is a big effort,” says David Jacobsohn, M.D., ScM, M.B.A. (The New York Times)
Mikael Petrosyan, M.D., associate chief of General and Thoracic Surgery, discusses the stress medical staff face when treating young victims of gun violence. (NPR)
Landon, an 11-year-old patient, rang the bell at Children’s National Hospital with family, friends, doctors and nurses cheering after finishing his final round of chemotherapy. (The Today Show)
Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, emphasized the need for awareness in addressing period poverty in teenagers and young adults. (Healio)
Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., vice president and chief innovation officer, participates in a panel discussion covering AI data collection, associated risks, reliance and other topics related to artificial intelligence. (POLITICO)
Children’s National patient Kendric Cromer, 12, became one of the first children ever to be treated with a newly approved gene therapy that will free him from the sickle cell disease that has stolen his childhood. (The New York Times)
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2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
A study led by researchers at Children’s National Hospital showed that babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic have differences in the size of certain structures in the brain, compared to infants born before the pandemic. The findings suggest that exposure to the coronavirus and being pregnant during the pandemic could play a role in shaping infant brain development. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide. (2 min. read)
In January 2023, a team of multidisciplinary doctors performed the first case in the world of using bilateral high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) pallidotomy on Jesus, a 22-year-old patient with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The procedure is part of a clinical trial led by Chima Oluigbo, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital. (3 min. read)
A novel ultrasound device developed by Bloom Standard received the Food and Drug Administration’s valued breakthrough device designation with the help of Children’s National Hospital. The device that enables autonomous, hands-free ultrasound scans to be performed anywhere, by any user. (2 min. read)
Understanding the effects of Lyme disease on the developing fetal brain is essential to ensure timely prenatal and postnatal treatments to protect the fetus and newborn. In response to this need, Children’s National Hospital is leading a pilot study to establish the groundwork needed for a larger study to determine the effect of in utero exposure to Lyme disease on pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. (3 min. read)
Five years ago, Cayden was born 6 weeks early weighing less than four pounds and at risk of dying from her critical congenital heart disease. Today, she’s a happy five-year-old. Early diagnosis of her hypoplastic right ventricle, double inlet left ventricle and critical coarctation of the aorta allowed for the team at Children’s National Hospital to create a careful plan for safe delivery and to offer an innovative hybrid HLHS surgical approach at the hospital within 24 hours after she was born. (1 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Wayne J. Franklin, M.D., F.A.C.C., as the new senior vice president (SVP) of the Children’s National Heart Center. In this role, Dr. Franklin oversees the full spectrum of heart care services including cardiac imaging and diagnostics, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac surgery and cardiac intensive care. (2 min. read)
By pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation programs at Children’s National Hospital, Marius George Linguraru, D.Phil., M.A., M.Sc., and the AI experts he leads are ensuring patients and families benefit from a coming wave of technological advances. The team is teaching AI to interpret complex data that could otherwise overwhelm clinicians. (4 min. read)
Painting a sobering picture, a research team led by Children’s National Hospital culled years of data demonstrating that maternal mental illness is an under-recognized contributor to the death of new mothers. They called for urgent action to address this public health crisis. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., M.P.H., as its new executive vice president, chief academic officer and chair of Pediatrics. In this role, Dr. Kuppermann oversees research, education and innovation for the Children’s National Research Institute as well as academic and administrative leadership in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Services. (2 min. read)
Researchers from Children’s National Hospital presented findings from the first clinical trial of the medication vosoritide for children with hypochondroplasia – a rare genetic growth disorder. During the phase 2 trial, researchers found vosoritide increased the growth rate in children with hypochondroplasia, allowing them to grow on average an extra 1.8 cm per year. (2 min. read)
Since its establishment in July 2023, the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal & Maternal Health Research at Children’s National Hospital has gained recognition through high-impact scientific publications, featuring noteworthy studies exploring the early phases of human development. (3 min. read)
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In June, Alda Mizaku, M.S., became the hospital’s first chief data and AI officer.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare and will shape the future of pediatrics. It can drive efficiency, supercharge research and improve patient outcomes. Harnessing AI safely and ethically takes thoughtful leadership. In June, Alda Mizaku, M.S., became the hospital’s first chief data and AI officer. Previously, she led data engineering and analytics at Mercy Health in St. Louis for 11 years. We asked Mizaku about her work and vision for Children’s National.
Q: What excites you about your new role?
A: I am passionate about the opportunity to leverage technology to create better experiences for children and families. Embracing innovation can help us create more health equity for our community. This is an exciting time in healthcare. I’m committed to leading the way with compassionate and cutting-edge solutions. This includes realizing the full potential of medical data from electronic healthcare records and other sources. AI can help us develop treatment plans tailored specifically for each child. It also can make proactive recommendations to coordinate patient care.
Q: What have you seen AI accomplish in medicine and how do you envision its growth and impact in pediatrics?
A: AI yields helpful insights to understand each patient’s individual needs. It takes complex medical data and makes it more useful. It can help us diagnose disease and improve care coordination for each patient family. AI fits very well into pediatrics because children’s hospitals put a lot of effort into research and development. For example, in rare disease, there’s an emphasis on building models to understand a condition’s genetic composition. AI gives us the opportunity to find solutions and intervene more quickly to change lives. This is the future of pediatric medicine.
Q: How will children’s national use AI to improve patient care?
A: We have been busy creating an enterprise cloud data platform. It will allow us to bring all of the hospital’s data into one place and create one true source of information.
This one-stop shop will make it much easier for our researchers and care providers to access the information they need to make a difference for patients. AI will help with operational efficiencies. It will give us a clearer picture of which units across the institution are busy or have extra capacity. It can recommend ways to eliminate bottlenecks. This reduces wait times and allows us to help more patients.
Q: How can AI help our faculty?
A: The beauty of AI is that it can help faculty focus more on patient care and less on their administrative tasks. Jessica Herstek, M.D., our chief medical informatics officer, is leading our pilot of an AI-based ambient listening technology that creates notes during patient encounters. The clinician focuses on their patient. Later, they can refine and approve the notes.
Accountability remains important. Just because we’re leveraging technology, it doesn’t remove accountability for staff.
AI assists providers and reinforces their role in care. Medical innovations that leverage AI also can increase their efficiency.
For example, liquid biopsy technologies use AI to study blood samples and detect cancer. This helps patients avoid time-consuming scans and painful traditional biopsies. We can detect disease or its recurrence much earlier in a less invasive way. This enhances care.
Q: What are some challenges we face on the road to implementing AI?
A: Embracing AI systems may involve giving up some comfort in the way that we’ve always done things. It opens up possibilities, but it requires some change. Our challenge is to make sure we have three things in place to create scalable, sustainable solutions. The first is having high-quality, integrated data. The second is collaboration. The third is change management.
We will take an inclusive approach to implementing changes, working side by side with clinical and operational leaders. When we present solutions, it will be collaborative. Comprehensive training also plays a key role. We must address misconceptions about AI’s capabilities and foster a common understanding of its most effective uses.
Our recipe for success will be openness to contributing to better outcomes for our patients.
We need to collect high-quality data consistently across different units. Variations don’t translate well to scalable solutions crucial to generative AI. When we look at the big picture, it’s clear we can come together to provide the best care.
Q: Why is this work important to you?
A: Technology and its capacity to transform lives has always captivated me. Growing up in Albania, my dad led the pharmacy at the local hospital.
Sometimes I would ride in the ambulance when he needed to go to the hospital urgently. I was around 7 years old at the time, and it left a deep impression.
I recognized that each member of the team played a significant role in caring for the patient. This experience inspires my work to this day.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Alda-Mizaku-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2024-12-18 16:19:282024-12-27 14:13:05Meet Children’s National’s new Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer
Children’s National Hospital is teaming up with Microsoft to harness the power of generative AI and revolutionize healthcare solutions. Over the course of an intensive two-day prototype session guided by Microsoft experts, Children’s National developers explored innovative use cases in predictive analytics, decision support, workflow automation, patient engagement and personalized medicine. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of care, ultimately improving outcomes for young patients.
What they’re saying
“We are empowering innovation at Children’s National through the synergy of human creativity and GenAI, we are on a journey to redefine what’s possible in pediatric healthcare,” said Alda Mizaku, VP & chief data and artificial intelligence officer at Children’s National.
“We’re proud to be part of Children’s National’s journey toward building a data-driven, innovative infrastructure. Recent strides, such as launching Children’s AI journey and piloting physician-led AI initiatives, underscore their commitment to delivering exceptional care through cutting-edge Microsoft solutions,” said Tyler Bryson, corporate vice president at Microsoft.
What was developed
Children’s National’s developers created the following GenAI Use Cases for the Rapid Prototype:
Use Case 1: Inpatient Stay Insights Create personalized summaries of hospital stays using AI. It analyzes clinical records and data to generate narratives for different personas, such as providers, coders, parents, patients and care managers.
Use Case 2: Next Best Action Proactive care by generating personalized recommendations for a patient’s continued care, streamlining care coordination, improving outcomes and enhancing communication between healthcare providers, care managers and patients.
Use Case 3: Beacon – Internal Policies and Procedures Beacon, a GenAI-powered assistant that chats with our internal knowledge base. It can answer questions and give information from our policies, procedures, manuals and other content.
Use Case 4: Personalized Medication Consultation Create a personalized medication consultation, aimed at enhancing the medication alert system through tailored alerts and guidance to providers, while taking into account patient’s clinical data and institutional patterns.
Reflecting on the development of these use cases, Children’s National hospitalist and chief informatics officer Jessica Herstek, M.D., said “We aim to develop scalable and sustainable solutions to everyday challenges in pediatric health care. For this prototype session, we brought together teams from across our organization with clinical, operational, and technical skills to test the possibilities and fallibilities of AI-enabled tools and explore how we can push ourselves and our technology partners to support the needs of our patients and families and the workflows of our doctors and nurses.”
Why is this exciting? What’s next?
Mizaku says this is a pivotal moment in Children’s journey towards revolutionizing pediatric healthcare. As we move forward, we commit to developing generative AI capabilities that are not only scalable and robust but also specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our young patients. Our focus will be on practical applications that enhance care delivery while also improving efficiencies for our staff and internal teams.
A special thanks to our Microsoft partners: Tyler Bryson, Tyler Flatt, Jordan Lipp, Natalie Pearce, Todd Painter, Paul Fisher and Mahjabin Ahmed.
Children’s National Hospital participants: Catherine Pearcy, Nolen Morton, Brittany Duah, Ann Hoffman, Walter Buckner, Dr. Jessica Herstek, Ranjodh Badh, Geetanjali Vashist, Shivaram Muruga, Dr. Rachel Selekman, Dr. Paul Michel, Dr. Kenneth McKinley, Simmy King, Dr. Mihailo Kaplarevic, Aymen Mehai, Dr. Syed Anwar, Parida Abhijeet, Dr. Xinyang Liu, Andrew Maddox, Amy Quinn, Mike McLaughlin, Samm Sherman, Alda Mizaku, Shannon Cross, Shahzaib Ismail, Aric Campling, Frederick Zilmer, and Johnie Henry.
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By becoming highly “pediatric ready,” emergency departments could prevent the deaths of 2,143 children each year with an annual cost between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on the state.
In emergencies, children have distinct needs. Yet 83% of emergency departments (EDs) nationwide are not fully prepared to meet them. A new study has found that bridging that gap, known as becoming highly “pediatric ready,” could prevent the deaths of 2,143 children each year with an annual cost between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on the state.
“Our country can afford it, and we owe it to our children to do it,” says the study’s senior author Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., chair of Pediatrics and chief academic officer at Children’s National Hospital.
The research team – led by Oregon Health & Science University and Children’s National – analyzed data from 4,840 EDs, focusing on 669,019 children at risk for death upon seeking care. Using predictive models, they assessed how every ED achieving high pediatric readiness – defined as scoring at least 88 out of 100 on the National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment – could impact mortality rates.
“The National Pediatric Readiness Project outlines essential pediatric capabilities for EDs, such as the availability of essential pediatric equipment and pediatric-specific training,” says Dr. Kuppermann, an emergency medicine physician. “While a perfect score of 100 is ideal, past research shows a score of 88 or higher can reduce mortality risk by up to 76% for ill children and 60% for injured children.”
Why it matters
In Maryland, an additional cost of $1.10 per child could save 17 pediatric lives annually, adjusted for population size. In Virginia, $2.42 per child could save 29 lives annually, and $1.59 per child in the District of Columbia could save 16 lives annually. The research team said strategies for implementing the findings would require regulation, incentives and policy-based initiatives.
“This study builds on a growing body of research demonstrating that every hospital can and must be ready for children’s emergencies,” says lead author Craig Newgard, M.D., M.P.H., an emergency physician at Oregon Health & Science University. “For the first time, we have comprehensive national and state-by-state data that emphasizes both the urgency and feasibility of this work.”
The patient benefit
“Our country can afford it, and we owe it to our children to do it,” says the study’s senior author Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., chair of Pediatrics and chief academic officer at Children’s National Hospital.
By applying the potential reduction in mortality associated with high readiness to the number of children at risk of death, the researchers identified the number of lives that could be saved each year. State-specific estimates, adjusted for population size, ranged from 0 preventable deaths in Delaware to 69 in South Dakota.
“Achieving high readiness levels can be challenging for small emergency departments with fewer resources, typically in more rural areas. The result is significant inequity and large healthcare deserts in pediatric emergency care across the United States,” Dr. Kuppermann says. “Yet we found the cost of elevating care to the highest quartile of pediatric readiness is not very high.”
What’s next
The study authors estimate achieving universal high pediatric readiness across the United States would cost approximately $207 million annually. Per-child costs by state to raise ED readiness from current levels ranged from $0 to $12 per year.
“This research emphasizes the urgent need for widespread investment in pediatric readiness,” says Kate Remick, M.D., co-author and emergency physician with the Dell School of Medicine at the University of Texas at Austin. “The National Pediatric Readiness Project has provided a roadmap for improvement. But we need the full engagement of clinicians, healthcare administrators, policymakers and families to make universal pediatric readiness a reality.”
The study outlines several strategies to improve pediatric emergency care, such as integrating high pediatric readiness into hospital accreditation requirements and incentivizing readiness through performance-based reimbursement models.
This study was funded by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Emergency Medical Services for Children Targeted Issue grant (H34MC33243-01-01) and an HHS National Institutes of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) grant (R24 HD085927). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HHS, HRSA, NIH, or the U.S. Government.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ER-nurse-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2024-11-01 11:00:312024-10-31 11:04:40Investment in pediatric emergency care could save over 2,100 lives annually
A new manuscript published in the Cambridge University Press outlines 10 actionable steps that infectious diseases professionals can take to reduce their environmental impact.
The U.S. healthcare sector contributes disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions. A new manuscript published in the Cambridge University Press outlines 10 actionable steps that infectious diseases professionals can take to reduce their environmental impact, from better waste management to promoting telehealth and advocating for hospital-wide sustainability initiatives.
Shreya Doshi, M.D., pediatric fellow at Children’s National Hospital, shares some key highlights from this manuscript below:
Q: What’s been the hold-up in the field?
A: Despite the healthcare sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, we are not doing enough as a community, a nation and as an industry. Much more needs to be done, and a lack of awareness is a major barrier. To truly protect children’s health and keep them out of hospitals, we must focus on reducing harm to their environment. Currently, the healthcare industry is responsible for approximately 8.5 percent of total emissions in the U.S.
Q: How will this benefit patients?
A: By adopting sustainable practices, healthcare systems can reduce pollution and its related health effects. Simultaneously, the resource-efficient use of medical supplies and medications can also lead to more cost-effective care without compromising patient safety, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
Q: How is Children’s National leading in this space? How unique is this work?
A: This work stands out by focusing on simple, actionable steps that everyone can take, while emphasizing the leadership role that infection preventionists, antimicrobial stewards, and other ID professionals can play in advancing healthcare sustainability. We also have a hospital-wide Sustainability Council that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. To get involved, email Sustainabilitycouncil@childrensnational.org to join!
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
This year, U.S. News ended ordinal rankings on its Honor Roll. Instead of assigning a numerical rank from 1 to 10, all hospitals on the Honor Roll will be recognized as having attained the highest standards of care in the nation.
In addition, Children’s National tied for #1 pediatric hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, West Virginia and Virginia. It’s also best in the Mid-Atlantic in Neonatology.
For the fourteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services. New this year, U.S. News included behavioral health as a service line in the rankings. Since it’s the first year, there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, but the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country.
“In my first year here, I witnessed what makes Children’s National so special — our commitment to collaboration, empowering one another, and charting a bold path forward for pediatric care,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “I’m proud U.S. News again recognized Children’s National as one of the top in the nation and the highest-ranked pediatric hospital in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of care, research and innovation to make a difference for those who matter most — the kids.”
The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.
“For nearly two decades, U.S. News has published Best Children’s Hospitals to empower the parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Children’s hospitals appearing on the U.S. News Honor Roll have a track record of delivering unparalleled specialized care.”
The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.
The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/US-News-Badges-2024-25-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2024-10-08 01:00:002024-10-08 15:01:23Children’s National again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
Clinicians caring for children are often left to rely on off-label devices and medications approved for adults, especially during public health crises, national disasters and other emergencies. To address this critical gap, Children’s National Hospital is launching a 10-year partnership with the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) — valued at $1.5 million per year, with the possibility of an additional funding boost of up to $515 million.
This new pediatric-focused hub will be known as the SPARK Hub — or the Hub for Special Populations Acceleration, Research and Knowledge for Innovations in Pediatrics. It will join a network of four existing BARDA hubs to develop various tools for national health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. The new opportunity for Children’s National positions the organization as a leader among those working to ensure clinicians and their patients have the resources they need in crises, approved for kids and ready for clinical use.
BARDA is part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which leads the nation’s medical and public health preparedness, response and recovery efforts during disasters and public health emergencies. The new SPARK Hub led by Children’s National seeks to accelerate innovations that can detect, prevent or respond to the medical consequences of a health security threat for children. SPARK’s scope includes drugs, biologics, devices, diagnostics and digital health solutions that improve prevention, readiness and response.
Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., vice president and chief innovation officer at Children’s National and principal investigator of SPARK Innovations in Pediatrics, said the hospital was honored to take on this role, which “underscores our commitment to advancing the health and safety of children during public health emergencies.”
“To tackle the complex challenges in developing pediatric medical countermeasures, we have assembled an exceptional team of pediatrician-scientists,” Dr. Eskandanian said. “Their expertise will be instrumental as we partner with BARDA on this vital mission, ensuring that our most vulnerable populations receive the care and protection they deserve.”
Children’s National will lead the hub with its SPARK partners: BioHealth Innovation, Consortia for Improving Medicine with Innovation and Technology (CIMIT) at Mass General Brigham, and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s. Johnson & Johnson Innovation JLABS and BLUE KNIGHT™ join the team as strategic industry partners.
The BARDA Accelerator Network aims to provide comprehensive support to health security innovators, startups and BARDA portfolio companies. Dr. Eskandanian said that innovators have ideas for devices, but they often could benefit from wrap-around support to accelerate their development through technical guidance, business and commercialization expertise, and resources. The network will facilitate the rapid development, evaluation, validation and commercialization of medical countermeasures.
“One of the critical challenges we face in safeguarding our children during public health emergencies is the limited medical countermeasures specifically approved for pediatric use,” Dr. Eskandanian said. “This creates significant ethical, legal and operational dilemmas when considering whether to use untested or off-label options for our youngest and most vulnerable populations.”
Children’s National has in-depth experience leading nonprofit accelerator programs to spur innovation in healthcare. It is currently serving its 11th year as leader of one of five pediatric consortia funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation, which focuses on bringing patients medical devices specifically evaluated and labeled for use in pediatrics.
Children’s National is also one of two leading hospital sites for the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN), which aims to empower healthcare systems and communities to provide high-quality, equitable care to children every day and in crises. The Health Resources and Services Administration, a part of HHS, funds the PPN.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/child-in-emergency-shelter-CNRI-feature.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/innovationdistrict_logo-1-1030x165.pngInnovation District2024-09-19 13:34:422025-03-10 14:02:16New federally supported hub to advance solutions for pediatric health emergencies
Children’s National is 
In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the 
Clinicians caring for children are often left to rely on off-label devices and medications approved for adults, especially during public health crises, national disasters and other emergencies. To address this critical gap, Children’s National Hospital is launching a 10-year partnership with the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) — valued at $1.5 million per year, with the possibility of an additional funding boost of up to $515 million.