What is your current job/professional responsibilities?

I am partially retired now and no longer in clinical practice, but still working part time as medical director of the UC Health Milk Bank.  I also serve several roles in the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, and will be president of HMBANA next year. We are working to improving access and equity in donor milk provision in California to reduce the risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and other complications suffered by vulnerable newborns in the NICU.

How did you first get involved in the AAP?

I started attending national AAP meetings soon after I finished my training in 1989; I have always loved keeping up with the science and my colleagues. In 2015 I was asked to serve on the Section on Breastfeeding and found it one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. To be able to have input into reviewing and writing policy and thus impact the care of children all over the US was an incredible experience.

Why should pediatricians join the AAP and their AAP Chapter?

The voice of the AAP and the power of AAP policy worldwide is such an amazing opportunity to broaden your impact on child health.  I highly recommend it!  Starting small and keeping an eye on what appeals to you, working with the local chapter to take advantage of opportunities, education and trainings is invaluable.  I believe that my roles in editing and writing policy at the AAP have been one of the most impactful of my career. 

What is your current role in the AAP-CA3 chapter?

At present, I am just a member and admirer of all the AAP CA3 chapter does!

What do you enjoy most about being a chapter member?

I like keeping up with what is going on in the county and thinking about how those of us at UC San Diego and UC Health Milk Bank can collaborate to broaden our impact, and both benefit and contribute to collaborative efforts in our region.

How does the chapter support your passion?

I have a great recent example.  Two years ago, UC Health Milk Bank started work on sponsored legislation with the UC Office of the President.  Our goal was to decrease barriers for the use of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk in the NICU, with a goal of having donor milk programs in 100% of California NICUs.  We were successful in drafting legislation and finding an ally in Assembly Member Dr. Akilah Weber.  When we reached out to the AAP to support our legislation we were answered with resounding support, letter writing and even in person advocacy from the AAP in Sacramento.  The legislation now sits on Governor Newsom’s desk to be signed (hopefully will be enacted into law by the time this is published)!  Reducing barriers to donor milk use may effect change across the state and I am so grateful for the support of our local and state AAP.

Did you have a mentor who influenced you to become the physician you are today?

This is a hard question. I have had so many impactful mentors in my personal and professional lives.  I have to say that one of the main influences on me as a physician have been the families that have crossed paths with me. They have taught me and mentored me to become the physician that I am.  I am forever grateful for their kindness and trust.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to walk, knit, cook, read, visit our kids and granddaughter, and travel.  My husband and I are both in the transition to retirement and we are off to another walking vacation in Europe.  I can’t wait!