UC Davis Health is expanding its graduate medical education programs with the launch of new fellowships in pediatric hospital medicine and pediatric cardiology. The programs will train the next generation of pediatric specialists and are expected to help ease workforce shortages and improve access to care.

The first trainee in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship is Patrick Mac Light who joined UC Davis Health this summer. The two-year, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited program prepares physicians for Pediatric Hospital Medicine board certification and leadership roles in clinical care, quality improvement, medical education and research. Fellows train primarily at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and gain additional experience at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, a community hospital and long-standing UC Davis clinical affiliate.

Spandana Sama is the first fellow in Pediatric Cardiology. The ACGME-accredited, three-year program provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease, including cardiac imaging, catheterization, critical care, electrophysiology and cardiac surgery.

“These new fellowships are an exciting opportunity to train physicians to provide care in these critically important pediatric subspecialties,” said Susan Guralnick, UC Davis associate dean for graduate medical education. “As the only medical center in the region providing pediatric fellowship education, UC Davis Health is dedicated to advancing the health of children from the north bay up to the Oregon border.”

After their training, fellows often transition into attending physicians in their specialty and pursue board certification in that field.

The new fellowships reflect UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s commitment to expanding access to specialized pediatric care while developing future physician leaders. 

“Across California and the nation, we are seeing growing shortages of pediatric subspecialists, resulting in long wait times and delayed access to children with complex medical needs,” said Satyan Lakshminrusimha, chair of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “By expanding our pediatric fellowship programs, we are investing in the next generation of pediatric physician leaders and helping to build the workforce needed to ensure children and families have access to the specialized care they deserve.”

Other pediatric subspecialty programs offered at UC Davis Health include:

• Allergy and Immunology Fellowship
• Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Fellowship
• Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship
• Pediatric Advanced Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
• Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Fellowship

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Are we losing a generation of pediatric subspecialists?

A nationwide quality improvement initiative led by researchers and clinicians from UC Davis Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics and partner organizations resulted in significant increases in screening and follow-up care for adolescent substance use and mental health concerns across pediatric primary care clinics.

The findings are detailed in a new study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.

The Transformative and Evidence-based Approaches to Mental Health and Substance Use Screening (TEAMSS) collaborative engaged 160 clinicians at 27 pediatric primary care clinics across 18 states. The project aimed to strengthen screening, brief interventions and follow-up practices for adolescents ages 12 to 18 during routine health visits.

Researchers found substantial improvements over the 11-month initiative:

• Substance use screening increased from 35% to 75% of adolescent well visits.
• Follow-up care for adolescents with positive substance use screenings increased from 69% to 86%.
• Depression screening increased from 82% to 90%.
• Anxiety screening increased from 32% to 69%.
• Suicide risk screening increased from 18% to 41%.

“Adolescents are facing overlapping challenges related to substance use and mental health, yet these issues often go undetected in routine care,” said Ulfat Shaikh, professor of pediatrics at UC Davis Health and lead author of the study. “Our findings show that with the right support, coaching and evidence-based tools, primary care teams can dramatically improve screening and early intervention for young people.”

The National Institute of Mental Health is again funding a highly successful UC Davis program that has trained the next generation of autism researchers for more than two decades. Applications are currently being accepted.

The Autism Research Training Program, or ARTP, is an effort of the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The two-year postdoctoral fellowship is for scholars with a Ph.D. in biomedical or behavioral science or an M.D., based in the United States. A stipend is included.

The initial deadline to apply is Sept. 1, but organizers expect rolling admissions for the next year.

‘Extremely rigorous’ multidisciplinary research

The fellowship is unique in its approach to preparing trainees for careers in autism research. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary work and collaboration in areas such as genetics, brain science and clinical diagnosis.

Each trainee works with an NIH-funded mentor in a research lab and completes significant coursework.

“The research at the MIND Institute is extremely rigorous,” said Andrew Dakopolos, a former ARTP scholar who is now a specialist at UCSF. “That has significantly contributed to what I’m able to do and what I’m able to offer the community as an investigator.”

The program, which will accept six new trainees this cycle, also includes experience in research ethics, how to design studies and analyze results, as well as career development.

“The scope was amazing, ranging from discussing pharmacology to public health issues, to lived experiences of autistic people, neuroimaging and neuroanatomy,” shared Giacomo Vivanti, a former ARTP scholar who is now a professor and endowed chair at Dalhousie University in Canada. “It was a place where you did not just listen to lectures, but also interacted with experts and scholars, so it was a very inspirational environment.”

A proven track record

The program has a long history of success.

“I was fortunate to be part of the first cohort of ARTP trainees 21 years ago,” said Christine Wu Nordahl, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute faculty member who is now one of the program’s directors.

“Joining ARTP gave me many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had as a basic neuroscientist. I got to meet and interact with developmental psychologists, clinicians, pediatricians and many others outside the realm of basic biology.”

That collaborative approach was a major reason Nordahl remained at the MIND Institute. She now directs the Autism Phenome Project, a long-term study to identify subtypes of autism. The study has been running for 20 years and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

She’s also now turning her attention to the next generation. “I have seen how instrumental the ARTP was in helping me develop as a well-rounded autism scientist and I want to give new trainees those same opportunities. They are the future, and they inspire me.”

It’s not unusual for ARTP trainees to stay at UC Davis.

“Many ARTP graduates have gone on to hold faculty positions here,” said Stephen Noctor, also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a co-director of the program. “We have had 60 trainees since 2004. Close to 90% have continued to pursue science careers. That’s quite a track record.”

More about the ARTP

The fellowship is run by the three co-investigators on the grant: Nordahl, Noctor and Marjorie Solomon, who is also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The National Institute of Mental Health grant (2T32MH073124-21A1) runs for the next five years.

Initial applications are due Sept. 1. Program directors anticipate a rolling admissions process for the next year.

Learn more and apply for the ARTP

From Labs to Lives

The ARTP is supported by funding from the National Institute of Mental Health. Federal investment in research training programs helps transform promising discoveries into real-world breakthroughs that save lives and improve quality of life. Learn more about how public funding of UC Davis research powers innovation, strengthens the economy and advances human health in From Labs to Lives. 

UC Davis Children’s Hospital has received the Adult Congenital & Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Quality Network Participant Award for 2025, presented by the American College of Cardiology.

The ACPC Quality Network Awards recognize exceptional facilities that demonstrate a deep commitment to elevating care for patients with adult congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology. Nineteen centers were honored with this award.

UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Heart Center provides full-service cardiac care for infants, children and teens with congenital or acquired heart defects. The pediatric cardiology team sees patients at its main clinic, located at 77 Cadillac Dr. in Sacramento, as well as locations in Roseville, Davis, Stockton, Oroville, Chico and Redding. Visit the pediatric heart center's website for more information.

The UC Davis MIND Institute’s eighth annual Spanish conference will focus on a common challenge for families with autism and other developmental disabilities: navigating support and services.

Aprendiendo Juntos, which means “learning together” in Spanish, will take place at the MIND Institute in Sacramento on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. The annual event is delivered entirely in Spanish and is attended by families, specialists, agencies and people with lived experience. In addition to discussions and presentations, about 20 organizations will be on site with information about resources. 

“It’s a space where the Hispanic community finds information, resources and support that strengthen the futures of people with developmental disabilities,” explained Maribel Hernandez, a community outreach specialist at the MIND Institute and a conference coordinator. 

It is hosted by the MIND Institute’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a group of community partners, including:

• Alta California Regional Center
• The California Department of Developmental Services
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund Parent Training and Information Center
• WarmLine Family Resource Center
• CommuniCare+OLE
• Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
• Parents Helping Parents

This year’s theme is “Navigating Service Systems for People with Developmental Disabilities: Transforming Challenges into a Clear Path Toward Well-Being.”

Hernandez notes that healthcare, education, services and support can be complex and overwhelming to navigate for families with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

“One of my favorite moments of the conference each year is when someone approaches me and says things like, ‘I didn’t know that’ or ‘Thank you for sharing these resources because they can change lives,’” Hernandez said.

Aprendiendo Juntos event details 

Where: UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50^th St., Sacramento, CA 95817

When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $110. Reduced-fee or scholarship registrations are also available

Registration is open through Sept. 16. Families receiving regional center services should confirm with their service coordinator that they have authorization to attend before registering. Please note that child care will not be available, so attendance should be limited to adults.

Family registration link (for families who are with Alta California Regional Center)

Professional and community registration link

Filling a critical need in the community

Aprendiendo Juntos was created in response to feedback from Spanish-speaking families and is planned each year in collaboration with nearly two dozen community organizations.

Families can expect a wide range of topics to be covered, including:

• Diagnosis
• Education
• The transition to adulthood
• Mental health
• Behavior support
• Services and benefits
• Individual rights
• Community resources

“Families want to support their children and loved ones but often have hard-to-answer questions about how to do that,” Hernandez explained. “This conference is an opportunity to learn about resources, real-world examples, practical information and direct access to specialists.”

Questions? Email belhernandez@health.ucdavis.edu

A new review article published in the Journal of Perinatology delivers a strong warning: Neonatal critical care is facing a significant workforce and professional identity crisis, despite the specialty’s essential role in caring for the sickest newborns and generating substantial revenue for children’s hospitals.

In the article, three neonatologists — Satyan Lakshminrusimha, Clara Song and Robin Steinhorn — examine what they describe as the “neonatology paradox.” The field remains one of the most productive pediatric subspecialties in terms of work relative value units (wRVUs) and hospital revenue generation. Yet many neonatologists experience long hours, increasing clinical complexity, documentation burdens, workforce shortages and compensation disparities.

“Neonatologists provide highly specialized critical care for the most vulnerable patients, yet the current system often fails to recognize the true scope and complexity of this work,” said Lakshminrusimha, chief of pediatrics, physician-in-chief at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and the article’s lead author. “Without meaningful reforms, we risk worsening workplace challenges and jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of neonatal intensive care.”

The evolution of neonatal care

The authors note that advances in medicine have dramatically improved survival among premature infants and newborns with complex congenital conditions. These accomplishments represent a major success for modern medicine and have transformed the day-to-day practice of neonatology. Today’s practitioners care for infants with increasingly complex and chronic conditions, often requiring prolonged hospitalizations and intensive coordination of care.

The review identifies six major challenges shaping modern neonatal practice:

1. Increased clinical acuity
2. Complexity
3. Chronicity
4. Consultive responsibilities
5. Charting requirements
6. Reduced continuity of care

Together, these pressures contribute to declining professional satisfaction and increasing concerns about burnout.

Payam Saadai, professor of clinical surgery and fellowship-trained pediatric and fetal surgeon, has been appointed chief of the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery in the UC Davis Department of Surgery.

Saadai also leads the UC Davis Fetal Care and Treatment Center, and serves as director of the Pediatric Colorectal Center at UC Davis Health.

“Over the past decade, Dr. Saadai has demonstrated the thoughtful leadership, clinical excellence, and innovative research that define our Department of Surgery,” said Diana Farmer, chair of the UC Davis Department of Surgery. “His ability to build transformative clinical programs, advance groundbreaking research, and mentor the next generation of surgeon-scientists positions the Division of Pediatric, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery for continued growth and national prominence.”

Saadai first came to UC Davis Health in 2011 as the inaugural research fellow in the Center for Surgical Bioengineering, where he contributed to research that led to the ongoing $15 million CuRe Trial clinical trial, the first-in-human trial of stem cell treatment for fetal repair of spina bifida. He then completed his surgical training at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, followed by specialty fellowship training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, before returning to UC Davis Health in 2016.

He is board certified in general and pediatric surgery and an internationally recognized expert in fetal surgery, pediatric colorectal disorders and robotic surgery.

“I've been fortunate to spend the last decade building my clinical practice at UC Davis alongside incredible colleagues,” Saadai said. “My vision is to support every member of our division as we build destination surgical programs that families across the region and the country seek out for exceptional, compassionate care.”

Elizabeth Randel relied on courage and trust to navigate her high-risk, uncertain pregnancy. But she never lost hope. Today, her son’s happiness and strength are a testament to Elizabeth’s perseverance, the support of her family and the expertise of the care team.

“Michael is a happy, happy boy for all that he has been through,” Elizabeth said of her firstborn. “My son is a miracle. I'm really glad I decided to stick it out because I wouldn't have him. Thank you, UC Davis.”

Diagnosed with a pregnancy complication called PPROM

It was June 2025 and her amniotic fluid was leaking, a condition called oligohydramnios. The diagnosis? Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This is when the amniotic sac, or "water," breaks before active labor begins.

Elizabeth was referred by her local hospital to UC Davis Health, home to the highly specialized maternal-fetal medicine department. From prenatal care through labor, delivery and beyond, multidisciplinary experts support every step of the parenthood journey, including high-risk pregnancies, complex congenital abnormalities and unexpected complications.

Elizabeth and her husband, Anthony, initially met with maternal-fetal medicine doctor, Carolyn Reyes. She detailed the difficulty that Elizabeth and her developing baby were facing: The depleted amniotic fluid surrounding Elizabeth’s fetus meant her baby’s organs could be underdeveloped or his tiny limbs could be deformed. There was also the risk of preterm birth or stillbirth, as well as sepsis for mom.

Aware of the daunting obstacles, the Randels decided to move forward with the pregnancy. Reyes and the UC Davis maternal fetal medicine team supported the couple yet expressed their concerns.

“I remember saying to Elizabeth, ‘These pregnancies humble me since we cannot predict the outcome. Some have survived and thrived, most have not,’” Reyes said. “But we were there to help her no matter what.”

Waiting for Michael

The Randels, including Elizabeth's mom “Granna” Shannon Mainwaring, packed a bag and headed down the hill from above Placerville to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento on June 23, 2025. Elizabeth was 22 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Elizabeth was closely monitored during her stay, which would last more than 80 days to reach 34 weeks of pregnancy. It was a strain on the family.

Anthony would work during the week, then drive to Sacramento for dinner with Elizabeth, then head home — every day, for three months. Granna Shannon also visited daily and delivered “Team Michael” shirts and hats she created.

But Elizabeth still felt alone, worried and scared. Fortunately, staff in the hospital took up the mantle to care for her mental health, as well as her physical needs.

UC Davis Children’s Hospital has a “pawsome” new addition on the Tower 6 acute care pediatrics unit and Tower 4 adolescent unit: facility dog Jerome. With soulful brown eyes and a knack for making kids smile, Jerome is already winning hearts throughout the hospital.

Jerome was provided at no cost by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit. The organization expertly trains service dogs for adults, children and veterans with disabilities, as well as professionals working in medical, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other settings.

Jerome joins four other Canine Companions facility dogs at the medical center: Huggie, Paloma, ZeeBee and Daniels. All are members of UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. Jerome is the first new facility dog to join the children’s hospital in five years.

“Jerome is very loving, spunky and loyal,” said Sarah von Glasenapp, a child life specialist and Jerome’s handler. “Wherever he goes, people immediately smile. In a hospital setting, seeing a dog walk down the hallway brings so much joy.”

Von Glasenapp and Jerome completed the Canine Companions team training this spring. The two-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever knows more than 40 commands. His extensive training enables him to calm and motivate pediatric patients who face big challenges during hospitalization.

On Tower 6 and Tower 4, Jerome will work with children and adolescents recovering from orthopaedic surgeries, sickle cell pain crises, gastrointestinal conditions, traumatic brain injuries and other complex medical needs. He can also visit other units as needed.

Facility dogs are good medicine

Facility dogs are specially trained to support pediatric patients by reducing stress, anxiety and pain while helping to make the hospital experience feel a little more normal and comfortable.

Hospitalized children often face painful procedures, long recoveries and emotional challenges. Jerome can help patients manage anxiety before, during and after procedures. He can provide comfort during difficult moments and encourage participation in therapy activities.

“A lot of times, children reach challenging points during their hospitalization,” von Glasenapp said. “Jerome can give patients something positive to look forward to.”

Jerome will partner with physical and occupational therapists to help decrease anxiety, help children deal with pain management and increase mobility for patients recovering from surgeries, injuries and other serious medical conditions. Simple activities like tossing a ball or walking with Jerome help patients stay active, build strength and work toward recovery goals.

For some patients, Jerome’s calming presence can be therapeutic on its own. Jerome can lie next to a patient in their hospital bed and use deep-pressure therapy to provide emotional regulation. The effect is similar to a weighted blanket during difficult hospital stays.

Von Glasenapp is excited about the impact Jerome will have on patients for years to come.

“He’s already helping children and families, and we’re just getting started,” she said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jerome to the team and are grateful to Canine Companions and our gracious donors for making this possible.”

Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) raised more than $4.4 million to support UC Davis Children’s Hospital in 2025. One hundred percent of these dollars fund critical programs, innovation, family support and care for pediatric patients and families.

The announcement was made by the UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s CMN team, at an event this spring to recognize corporate partners and kick off the 2026 fundraising campaign. 

The team also honored three extraordinary champions whose leadership, generosity and dedication helped make 2025 a remarkable year for children’s healthcare in Northern California.

These were the award recipients:

2025 CMN Program Champion of the Year: Wil Davis

The 2025 CMN Program Champion of the Year award recognizes an outstanding individual whose commitment, leadership and passion have created meaningful impact for children and families served through UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

This year’s recipient was Wil Davis, Senior Project Manager with Porter, LLC.

“Wil has been an outstanding — and longstanding — partner and advocate of CMN at UC Davis Children’s Hospital,” said Kacie Merrick, CMN program director and managing senior director of UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “Wil is always the first to arrive, last to leave, and most passionate in the room when it comes to CMN and the importance of improved pediatric healthcare and outcomes. His creativity knows no bounds as he brings new opportunities to patients, families and caregivers.”

Davis has been instrumental in growing the CMN Play Yellow Golf Invitational, UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s signature fundraising program. Through various networks that he has built, Wil has been an integral part of expanding reach and success of this event, celebrating over $125,000 raised in 2025, a $15,000 increase over 2024.

“Far more than the numbers, Wil’s impact is felt in the way he brings people together, inspires participation and reminds others why this work matters. His name is known, spread and beloved across UC Davis Health,” Merrick said. 

2025 CMN Partner Champion of the Year: Ace Hardware Retail Support Center

The 2025 CMN Partner Champion of the Year award recognizes a corporate partner whose dedication, generosity and commitment to community impact went above and beyond in support of children’s healthcare.

This year’s award recipient, Ace Hardware Retail Support Center, exemplifies the power of partnership.

As a longtime national partner of Children’s Miracle Network, Ace continues to demonstrate how meaningful impact happens locally through engaged leadership, passionate teams and a culture of giving that reaches every level of the organization, Merrick said.

“Through weekend events, ongoing in-store fundraising, team engagement and community connection, they continue to create brighter futures for local kids and families,” Merrick said. “Ace’s commitment has made them a standout leader across the CMN network and a trusted partner to UC Davis Children’s Hospital.”

Inaugural Lifetime Service Award: Michelle Linenberger

This year marked the presentation of the first-ever Lifetime Service Award — a recognition created to honor an individual whose extraordinary dedication, leadership and compassion have left a lasting impact on UC Davis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network and the communities served.

Michelle Linenberger, UC Davis Children’s Hospital nursing professional development specialist, was the inaugural recipient.

For more than 28 years, Linenberger has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families through pediatric nursing, education, advocacy and philanthropy.

Her influence extends far beyond any one role. Throughout her career, Linenberger has served as a trusted leader, educator, collaborator and advocate — helping care teams grow in confidence, advancing pediatric care practices and creating meaningful support systems for healthcare teams.

Linenberger launched the Support U Peer Responder Program, strengthening resiliency and peer-to-peer support across the health system, and has contributed leadership through multiple terms on the Association for Nursing Professional Development Recognition Committee.

Most recently, Linenberger received the UC Davis Foundation’s 2025 Faculty/Staff Stewardship Award, recognizing her extraordinary ability to connect generosity to impact.

“Within Children’s Miracle Network, Michelle’s legacy is profound,” Merrick said. “As a longtime member of the CMN Executive Council and Business Council, she helped lead philanthropy efforts and served as a powerful advocate for ensuring donors understood the life-changing impact of their support. Michelle has not simply supported this mission, she has helped shape it.”

About Children’s Miracle Network at UC Davis Children’s Hospital

UC Davis Children’s Hospital was one of the nation’s first hospitals to join Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), an international nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for, and awareness of children’s hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across the nation and in Canada. Countless individuals, organizations and media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to the network create miracles by funding medical care, programs, research and equipment that save and improve the lives of 10 million children each year.