Q2 2025

Kansas Pediatrician

Welcome to the quarterly edition of the Kansas Pediatrician Newsletter. In this edition, we look at the impact of the Kansas Pediatric Foundation, Childhood Immunizations, Kansas CARE information, the child death review board, and more! This edition includes:

• President’s Perspective
• Take Action: Protect Kids from Harmful Budget Cuts
• Member Spotlight: Dr. Kourtney Bettinger, MD, MPH, FAAP
• Kansas Launches Statewide Effort to Address Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy
• Welcome New Member: Stephanie Lind, MD, FAAP
• 60 Years Young: Head Start Creates Great Futures
• Join Us for Progress in Pediatrics This Fall!
• Support Pediatric Health: Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor
• Become a CARE Provider: Join the Statewide Effort to Strengthen Child Abuse Response
• Building Resilience Through Connection: Tools for Pediatric Practice

Members

President’s Perspective

Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP

Happy Spring!

Spring is my favorite season. Not only does it mark the end of winter respiratory virus season, it brings more hours of light. When the days become longer, I feel a renewed energy. As I walk my dogs, I wave to my neighbors out working in their yards again. The kids on their bikes, the birds singing, and the daffodils remind me that the dark, cold winter has passed.

This was a tough winter for many of us. As pediatricians, we support ALL children and their families. Watching some of the most vulnerable among us targeted again and again felt like a gut punch. Going to work in the dark and going home in the dark seemed to add to the gloom for me. One bright spot was seeing many of you at the Spring Progress in Pediatrics Meeting. It was a great reminder that we will continue to put kids first and support each other through the process.

Throughout the winter, a group of us were texting frequently about how to best move forward KAAP priorities and how to manage the stress of the legislative season. I found out that I am not the only one who finds vacuuming therapeutic. When I connect with other chapter members, I always feel a little less alone. As you continue to care for others, I encourage you to take the time to care for yourself. For me that means spending time in nature. The vacuuming will have to wait for a while.

Advocacy

Take Action!

Protect Kids from Harmful Budget Cuts

Congress is debating a budget reconciliation bill that could seriously impact Kansas kids and families. The current proposal includes deep cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP, programs that help children access health care and healthy food. The House advanced the bill out of committee on 5/18/25, with 1 7-16 vote, and 4 members voting “present.”  Speaker Mike Johnson has set a Memorial Day deadline to pass it out of the chamber. Sixty-one percent of Medicaid beneficiaries in Kansas are children.  Now is the time to speak up.

The bill would slash $715 billion from Medicaid and add burdensome new requirements, making it harder for families to stay covered. SNAP, which helps fight food insecurity for 20 million children, is also on the chopping block, with proposed work requirements and state cost shifts that would affect access to nutrition support. AAP has strongly opposed these changes and has joined over 40 medical organizations to urge Congress to protect children’s health. You can add your voice by visiting federaladvocacy.aap.org (AAP login required) and selecting Vote No on Cuts to Key Child Health Programs.

Make your message personal. Share a short, de-identified story about how Medicaid or SNAP helped a patient. Use Kansas-specific data from AAP’s 2025 Medicaid fact sheets to highlight the impact. Need help shaping your story? The AAP Advocacy Guide can walk you through it. Every voice matters—especially yours.

Members

Member Spotlight

Dr. Kourtney Bettinger, MD, MPH, FAAP

Dr. Kourtney Bettinger has worn many hats in her career — pediatrician, educator, global health advocate — and now, she’s added another: Kansas Medicaid Medical Director.

In her new role, Dr. Bettinger brings her clinical and public health experience to one of the most critical systems supporting children, Kansas Medicaid.  “As a new Kansas Medicaid Medical Director, I am excited to have a more active role in health care coverage for Kansas children,” said Dr. Bettinger. “We are working hard at Kansas Medicaid to ensure kids get the care they need. These first few months, I have taken a deep dive into EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment).”  This program ensures that children covered by Medicaid receive timely, comprehensive, preventive care.

Dr. Bettinger received her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, and her Master’s of Public Health from Harvard University. She completed her pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital Colorado and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She has been a member of KAAP since 2011 and is active in the American Academy of Pediatrics, where she is a member of the AAP Section on Global Health.

Kourtney’s career has been grounded in service to vulnerable populations, from her work with immigrant and refugee families in Kansas City to her leadership in newborn screening and perinatal health initiatives statewide. Her work also extends internationally, through efforts to improve newborn outcomes in low-resource settings in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

She continues to serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the KU School of Medicine and is a lead faculty member in global health at Children’s Mercy, where she helps train the next generation of pediatric leaders.

Dr. Kelly Kreisler, KAAP Board President, shared: “Dr. Bettinger leads with intelligence, compassion, and a strong commitment to equity. Her role at Kansas Medicaid is a win for kids and every pediatrician who wants to see the system work better for our patients.”

Having a pediatrician serve as the Kansas Medicaid Medical Director brings a child-focused lens to policy decisions that impact thousands of families across the state. Pediatricians understand how early care, prevention, and timely treatment shape lifelong health, and Dr. Bettinger’s leadership ensures that children’s needs remain front and center in Medicaid planning and implementation. KAAP congratulates Dr. Bettinger on her new position and thanks her for her dedication to Kansas children.

Education

A Call to Action

Kansas Launches Statewide Effort to Address Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy

Cardiovascular conditions, including hypertensive disorders, are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Kansas, according to data from the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (2016–2022*). Preeclampsia also ranks as the second most common medical risk factor for severe maternal morbidity in the state. In response, Kansas began enrolling hospitals in the national “Severe Hypertension in Pregnancy” AIM Safety Bundle in January 2025 as a coordinated, statewide strategy to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

The stakes are high. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including preterm delivery. In 2022, 10.5% of Kansas infants were born before 37 weeks. Breastmilk offers these newborns essential nutrition and immune protection, and maternal lactation support becomes a critical, evidence-based intervention.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC) are leading this effort in partnership with hospitals across Kansas. So far, 50 hospitals—including birthing and non-birthing facilities—have joined the initiative. Pediatricians play a key role in developing best practices and ensuring continuity of care from the delivery room to the nursery. Dr. Kourtney Bettinger, Kansas Medicaid Medical Director and KPQC Advisory Board member, emphasized the importance of pediatric involvement: “When we invest in maternal health, we are also investing in infant health. As pediatricians, we support safe pregnancies and transitioning to a healthy start for every baby.”

What KAAP Members Can Do

• Connect with your local hospitals to learn how they are implementing the AIM Safety Bundle
• Support early maternal lactation and newborn care as part of your practice
• Stay informed about statewide maternal-child health initiatives through KPQC
• Advocate for policies that improve maternal health and reduce disparities

Together, we can help ensure healthier beginnings for Kansas families—starting before birth. You can find more information here.

Members

Welcome, New Member!

Stephanie Lind, MD, FAAP

Dr. Lind grew up in Leavenworth and attended Pittsburg State University, where she met her husband, Josh. She attended medical school at KU and completed her pediatric residency in Iowa, welcoming their son during her third year of training. After a few years in Missouri, her family is excited to return to Kansas and be closer to home.

She’s passionate about evidence-based medicine, preventive care, and keeping kids safe. We look forward to serving Dr. Lind and connecting her with fellow KAAP members!

Programs

60 Years Young

Head Start Creates Great Futures

Kansas Head Start programs celebrate 60 Years of Head Start this year, with May 18^th marking the official birthday for the program, both in Kansas and across the nation. Introduced under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Head Start is a model for high-quality early education and an effective two-generational approach. When parents of young children have access to Head Start, they do not face the difficult decision of choosing between their livelihoods and a safe, reliable place for their children to grow and start on the pathway to success. Head Start programs ensure children receive developmental screenings and assessments and help families navigate important resources such as health, mental health, and early intervention services in their communities. Research has shown that early childhood education programs like Head Start lead to a stronger workforce, higher earnings, and lower recidivism rates because of their focuson economic growth and efficiency.

Head Start programs are part of the fabric of local Kansas communities. They are valuable community partners and part of the local economy, supporting local businesses and collaborating with private organizations. They partner with organizations and agencies across multiple sectors and service areas, including child welfare, health, oral health, mental health, prenatal, nutrition, job training, employment supports, basic needs and resources, transportation, higher education, K-12, libraries, extension offices, and local businesses. They also connect children with their communities through guest appearances, local field trips, and special events, introducing them to the individuals who keep them safe (police, fire department), grow their food (farm visits), and work in their communities (truck drivers, construction, postal workers, food service).

Join us in thanking Kansas Head Start programs for 60 years of helping Kansas children reach their full potential and succeed in life. Follow Head Start news on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ksheadstart  and learn how to support the next 60 years of Head Start in Kansas. You can also contact Heather Schrotberger, Executive Director (hschrotberger@ksheadstart.org).

Progress in Pediatrics

Join Us for Progress in Pediatrics This Fall!

Friday, November 7, 2025

Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, 2025, and plan to attend Progress in Pediatrics Fall 2025, Kansas’ premier pediatric conference at the DoubleTree by Wichita Airport.

This one-day event brings together pediatricians, healthcare professionals, and advocates across Kansas for a full day of education, networking, and innovation. Earn CME credits while learning from leading experts in the field of pediatric medicine. Don’t miss your chance to connect with peers and strengthen the future of child health in Kansas.

Need a room for an overnight stay? Take advantage of the discounted group rate through October 10, 2025.

Early bird pricing is available now through July 4, 2025—register early and save your seat! We can’t wait to see you this Fall.

Support Pediatric Health: Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor

Progress in Pediatrics offers a unique opportunity to showcase your organization to pediatricians and child health providers from across the state. Sponsors and exhibitors gain direct access to healthcare decision-makers in a welcoming, high-impact setting. Whether launching a product, building relationships, or raising brand awareness, your partnership helps drive better outcomes for Kansas children.

Have questions? Ask Marisa at marisa.guerrero@kansasaap.org

Programs

Become a CARE Provider

Join the Statewide Effort to Strengthen Child Abuse Response

KAAP invites pediatricians, family medicine physicians, APRNs, and PAs to become trained CARE (Child Abuse Review and Evaluation) providers — a vital role in improving outcomes for Kansas children.

In partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Department for Children and Families, and Board-Certified Child Abuse Pediatricians, the CARE program equips frontline medical providers with the skills and support to identify and evaluate possible physical abuse or neglect in children under age 5.

CARE training includes education on injury mechanisms and plausibility, sentinel injuries, and other medical aspects of abuse. Participants receive new provider training, an annual update and other training, access to expert mentorship, and connection to a statewide network of professionals committed to protecting children.

Consider joining the CARE provider network to make a meaningful difference in your community. Your awareness could be the critical first step toward safety and healing for a child.

Training is free, and CME credit is available.

Our next new CARE Provider Training is:

• September 23-24, 2025, in Wichita.
• Free Registration and all hotel/travel costs covered.
• Click HERE for more information.

Members

Building Resilience Through Connection

Tools for Pediatric Practice

by Dena Hubbard, MD, FAAP

Pediatricians know the toll toxic stress can take on a child’s body, and we also need to understand the body’s natural pathway to healing. This trauma-informed care spotlight highlights the “affiliate response,” a biologically hardwired system that supports healing through connection. Driven by oxytocin and activated through safe, stable relationships, this response helps kids build emotional regulation, executive function, and a strong sense of self.

Resilience isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s shaped by a child’s relationships, environment, and culture. The FABRiC framework reminds us to consider FAmily history and trauma, the BRoader social context, and Cultural identity and values. These elements influence how children cope with adversity and grow through it.

Practical strategies like the 3 Rs can support caregivers in nurturing resilience:

• Reassure children with consistency and comfort
• Return to Routine to create stability
• Regulate emotions together through co-regulation tools like deep breathing and naming feelings

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of play. Suggest swapping time-outs for “time-in” — short, focused moments of child-led play that strengthen connection and trust. Encourage caregivers to “mind their Ps and Qs”:

• Qs: Quit unnecessary questions, Quash the urge to lead, Quiet the criticism.
• Ps: Praise, Paraphrase, Point out positives.

Resilience grows in connection. By encouraging safe relationships, playful interaction, and cultural sensitivity, we can help kids heal and thrive — even in the face of adversity.

Resources and References

• AAP National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care
• Trauma Toolbox for Primary Care
• Forkey H, Griffin J, Szilagyi M. Childhood Trauma and Resilience: A Practical Guide. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021

This information has been adapted from the AAP Trauma-Informed Care and Resilience Promotion PediaLink Course authored by Drs Heather Forkey, Moira Szilagyi, and Jessica Griffin.