
October 2026 Pediatric Partner Update

Greetings from Dr. DiFazio
As fall sports ramp up, injuries and concussions are a common worry for families, coaches and healthcare providers. Below, learn how we support patients with those concerns, and deliver prescriptions for free. We are also here to care for any needs you and your patients have this sports season and beyond.
I’d also like to draw your attention to four of my colleagues who were nationally recognized this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please read about these individuals, who stood out among the AAP’s 67,000 members. I’m proud to be surrounded by teammates dedicated to innovation, advocacy and service to children and families.
As always, I’m grateful that Children’s National can serve extension of your care team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything we can do.

Marc DiFazio, MD, MBA
Vice President of Access | Neurologist | Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics
What You Need to Know

Concussion Specialty Care
Not every concussion follows the same recovery path. If your patient needs evaluation, treatment or recovery support that goes beyond primary care, refer them to our experts.

Fast Track Unit in our ED
Patients with minor acute illnesses and injuries are seen in the Fast Track Unit in our Emergency Department (ED). Fast Track can reduce time in the ED while still providing access to pediatric emergency medicine experts, diagnostics and specialty care. And, if their condition declines, your patient is in the right place.

Clinical Tools from PHN
Pediatric Health Network (PHN) is the Children’s National clinically integrated network. You can find algorithms, comprehensive clinical pathways, patient handouts and more on its website to support your care delivery during in-person patient visits.

Free Delivery for Prescriptions
Our Specialty Pharmacy offers free delivery in D.C., Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for specialty and everyday medications for pediatric patients. The ACHC- and URAC-accredited pharmacy also offers onsite compounding and helps with prior authorizations and financial assistance.

A Sustainable Workforce
Listen to Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Children’s National, and leaders from the Children’s Hospital Association discuss the challenges and opportunities for building a sustainable pediatric workforce.

Leaders Recognized by AAP
Four Children’s National specialists were recently recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics for their achievements and leadership: Lanre Falusi, MD, MEd, medical director of advocacy education in the Child Health Advocacy Institute; Lenore Jarvis, MD, MEd, director of advocacy and health policy for the Division of Emergency Medicine; Marva Moxey-Mims, MD, chief of the Division of Nephrology; and Vasum Peiris, MD, MPH, a pediatric and adult cardiologist.
Continuing Medical Education
Stay updated on pediatric care and enhance your practice through our Virtual Lunch and Learn webinars. All sessions, unless otherwise noted, are eligible for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit within 60 days of their presentation date.
Presented by:
- Dana Harrar, MD, PhD, a pediatric neurologist and the director of our Pediatric Stroke Program and Pediatric Critical Care Neurology Program
- Abdullah Feroze, MD, a neurosurgeon with expertise in pediatric and adult medicine
- Mejdi Najjar, MD, a pediatric neurologist and member of our stroke team
In this CME, you will learn about:
- Presenting features and challenges in differentiating strokes from stroke mimics
- Common etiologies and patients at highest risk
- Options for hyperacute management
- Outcomes and long-term management



Join Us
Our upcoming events are great opportunities to connect with our specialists at Children's National and other pediatric partners throughout the region.
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