June 2008 . . . Changes for the UVA CHAP Program

The UVA Child Health Advocacy Program wishes attorney Christianne Queiroz well as she leaves to pursue new opportunities. Ms. Queiroz was the first full-time attorney hired for CHAP and has worked with UVA families over the past two years providing advice and counsel on many issues. She also worked extensively with medical staff and students, providing training opportunities and conferences to further develop multidisciplinary collaboration for the benefit of the families we serve. Ms. Queiroz will be greatly missed and we wish her well in her new endeavors.

June 2008 . . . American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Bar Association (ABA)  Adopt Resolutions in Support of Medical-Legal Partnerships

The American Academy of Pediatrics passed a resolution at the 2008 Annual Leadership Forum pledging to promote child health through preventative law, through "closer and more frequent collaboration between social legal service and medical professionals," and specifically "to promote medical-legal partnerships."

This follows a similar resolution passed recently by the American Bar Association pledging to encourage the development of medical-legal partnerships. At present, there are more than 80 such partnerships throughout the country; this professional support will do much to encourage continued development and refinement of these interdisciplinary partnerships in order to improve child health in new and innovative ways.

April 2008 . . . UVA Delegation Attends AAP Legislative Conference

Faculty Drs. Martha Hellems and Diane Pappas, and residents Drs. Arthi Krishnan and Kate Schrecengost attended the 2008 AAP Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., to learn about current policies threatening the health and well-being of children across the nation and to hone their skills in meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill . . . Read more »

January 2008 . . . Dr. Diane Pappas Named to MLPC National Medical Advisory Board

Dr. Pappas has been named one of six Assistant National Medical Directors to work with the MLPC National Medical Advisory Board for 2008-2009. In this role, she will work closely with the MLPC and with developing sites to provide technical assistance and support. The board is responsible for conference planning, participation in national/local medical and legal conferences, and the on-going work of the national working groups.