Pediatrics Los Angeles Medical Center - Research & Scholarship
Scholarly Project
As one of the nation’s largest managed care delivery organizations with a robust electronic medical record and a wealth of data, Kaiser is uniquely positioned to conduct cutting-edge and clinically relevant translational research. Starting in the intern year, trainees are guided through a process of intellectual inquiry that culminates in the formation of a research question and development of a research project. With the help of enthusiastic mentors and comprehensive research support services, our residents have worked on inspiring projects that have led to multiple publications, conference presentation opportunities, and interdepartmental awards such as the ones listed below.
| Year | Resident | Project |
| 2021-2022 | Ishanee Dighe, DO | Original Research, Annual Research Abstract Award “Management of Febrile Infants up to 90 Days of Life: Performance of CA-FIRST vs. AAP” |
| 2021-2022 | Razvan Druma, MD | Original Research, Annual Research Abstract Award “Management of Febrile Infants up to 90 Days of Life: Performance of CA-FIRST vs. AAP” |
| 2021-2022 | Emily Young, DO | Original Research, Annual Research Abstract Award “Evaluating the cumulative effect of repeated influenza vaccinations on hospitalization and emergency department events for acute respiratory illness in pediatric asthma patients” |
| 2021-2022 | Shaina Ganjian, MD | LACE scores as a tool to predict hospital readmissions in the pediatric population |
| 2020-2021 | Elizabeth Pelayo, MD | Lipid Screening in youth 9-11: A descriptive study of the frequency of abnormal results within the Kaiser Permanente Southern California region |
| 2020-2021 | Tameka Watson, MD | Erythropietin is not a risk factor for severe retinopathy of prematurity among high risks preterm infants |
| 2020-2021 | Tameka Watson, MD | Review of risk factors associated with high grade retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment. A regional retrospective study in premature infants below 1500 grams birthweight. |
| 2019-2020 | Jacqueline Nguyen, MD | Flu Vaccination is Associated With Reduced Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits Among Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study |
| 2019-2020 | Cynthia Kim, DO | Initial Review of Nine Years of a Secondary Screening Program for Congenital Hypothyroidism in High-Risk Neonates |
| 2019-2020 | Elizabeth Pelayo, MD | Lipid Screening Rates in a Cohort of KP SoCal Children |
| 2018-2019 | Romina Kim, MD | Erythropoietin Treatment is Associated With Reduced Incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Preterm Infants Born Between 23 to 32 Weeks Gestation With Birth Weight 1500g and Below |
| 2016-2017 | Andrew SY, MD | Development of a Care Pathway to Ensure Timely and Appropriate Revaccination in Survivors of Stem Cell Transplant |
Program Development
As a relatively smaller program, the pediatric residency at Kaiser Permanente has more flexibility to modify the curriculum based on resident feedback. As members of the Program Evaluation Committee (PEC), volunteer residents compile feedback from their peers and discuss with program leadership about how to implement changes that aim to maximize resident education while preserving wellness and promoting resilience.
Conferences
Each year, our residents have the opportunity to attend national conferences and act as our residency program delegate or to present their research findings to other pediatricians across the country. Notable conferences which our residents have recently attended include the AAP National Conference, AAP/CMA Legislative Day, the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting, and the 2019 ASPHO Conference.
- Dr. Ganjian’ s research project presented at the 2022 Pediatric Academic Society Conference in Denver, CO (Shaina Ganjian, MD- “LACE scores as a tool to predict hospital readmissions in the pediatric population”
- Dr. Dighe and Dr. Mahmoudian attended 2022 AAP-CA Conference in Sacramento, CA
Hospital Sub-Committees
Residents are encouraged to take part in hospital-wide initiatives with the aim of advocating for our patients and improving patient care. Examples of committees in which residents have previously or currently participate include the Kaiser Housestaff Committee; Health Connect (EPIC); Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; Blood Management, and Asthma Committee.
Professional Development
Professionalism Curriculum
With the aim of creating well-rounded individuals who are committed to excellence in all endeavors, not restricted to the practice of medicine, we institute a yearly curriculum in professionalism during the 2nd year of training to cover topics such as emotional intelligence, learning styles, and giving feedback.
Board study, Certifications, and Licensing
Preparing for the Board Exam is a daunting task, so we provide our residents with resources to get started beginning in their intern year including subscriptions to PREP, MedStudy, and Pedialink. In addition, all professional certification and licensing fees including USMLE Step 3/COMLEX Level 3, BLS, PALS, DEA application, and postgraduate training license (PTL) are covered throughout residency.
Teaching/Leadership Skills
Just as our faculty invests in us, we enjoy the privilege of paying it forward and working with students from local medical schools who rotate with us on their pediatric clerkships and sub-internships. We are also given opportunities to interact with and mentor students at the newly founded Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, which is located nearby in Pasadena, CA.
