Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)

Congratulations to the 11 CHLA specialties that were ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report! ?? Your unwavering dedication to excellence in pediatric care continues to shine, and we couldn’t be more proud. Together, we’re giving kids the best care, every day. ??

At CHLA, our Emergency Transport Team is always prepared for the unexpected. This incredible team—including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, EMTs and pilots—recently completed a comprehensive training at Helinet Aviation Services to ensure they’re ready for any emergency situation. From in-flight patient simulations to survival training with firefighters, every scenario helps our team provide the safest, most advanced care when transporting critically ill children to CHLA. Learn more about this team: https://bit.ly/3DpuEQk.

Thank you to Kaia Gerber for coming to CHLA to #MakeMarchMatter for our patients! ?? Charlotte was so excited to take Kaia through all her favorite activities in the playroom—including bracelet-making, playing in the kitchen, and grocery shopping! ????

As part of #MakeMarchMatter, CHLA doctors and leaders shared their innovative work advancing pediatric research and care with ESPN Los Angeles during an all-day broadcast yesterday. ?? Thanks to all those who tuned in! ESPN LA is also auctioning off 710 exclusive experiences through the end of the month. For more info on these opportunities and to place your bid, please visit 710forCHLA.com

New hope for kids with tough-to-treat epilepsy: Dr. Virendra Desai and the team at CHLA's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center are using thalamic responsive neurostimulation — a minimally-invasive ‘pacemaker for the brain’ — to reduce seizures for kids with a specific type of medication-resistant epilepsy. This cutting-edge technology measures brain waves continuously to stop seizures in real time. Learn more about this breakthrough in epilepsy care: https://bit.ly/3Ck0ddl.

A winning partnership, on and off the ice: CHLA and the Los Angeles Kings teamed up once again to celebrate a legacy of lifesaving care and groundbreaking research—and treat a few inspiring CHLA patients along the way. Ryan kicked off an unforgettable night with a ceremonial puck drop, Mia shared a special moment with Kings forward Kevin Fiala, and Pierce took a thrilling ride on the Zamboni. Plus, Dr. Guy Young, Director of CHLA’s Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program, sat down with FanDuel to share how cell and gene therapies are changing the game for conditions like hemophilia. Thank you to the LA Kings for shining a spotlight on CHLA’s patients and the lifesaving work that supports them!

CHLA is a world leader in the Ross Procedure, which uses a child’s healthy pulmonary valve to replace a diseased aortic valve. Vaughn Starnes, MD, who led a special course on the Ross at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons annual meeting, shares the benefits for patients: https://bit.ly/40UTcIn.

Supporting infant development through music is powerful—but it requires care and balance. In honor of Creative Arts Therapies Week at CHLA, our Music Therapists offer tips for using music to aid in your baby's development. Tips: - Use your baby's name - Personalize lullabies with new words - Demonstrate cause and effect. Sing to your baby with pauses. If your baby shakes a rattle or babbles, reward them with more music. - Patting can help, but the concept of “fading out” is important. As you slow down the patting, make your singing slower and softer. Everything should slow down at the same time. You want to avoid abrupt changes. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Fk3Dy6.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and other pediatric organizations nationwide to Protect All Kids’ Health, advocating for Medicaid, preventive care, and research funding. Our residents shared powerful messages, wrote letters, and took action to support children's health. Faculty, team members, and CHLA staff also participated—along with a few families who wrote touching expressions. Swipe through to see our team in action!

Initially, Birdie’s clot was small and not a cause for concern, but within a week, it tripled in size. Recognizing the urgency, Dr. Jennifer Shepherd, a specialist in the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU) at CHLA, prepared Birdie for transfer. As a Level IV unit—the highest level of neonatal care available—the NICCU had the advanced expertise and specialized care Birdie needed to fight for her life. Read more: https://bit.ly/3QyMXFG