Patient story: Specialized adolescent and young adult cancer care to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia |
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Stephen was diagnosed at a critical stage in his life — adolescence. His cancer treatment was going to intersect with his final years of high school and transition to college. His care was coordinated through the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer program at Children’s Minnesota, which is specifically designed for patients ages 15–30.
After diagnosis, Stephen completed approximately two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, including induction therapy followed by an intensive and carefully monitored chemotherapy schedule.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network finds that adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer often experience better outcomes when treated in pediatric settings and using pediatric treatment protocols. Children’s Minnesota leads the region in delivering this evidence‑based model of care for AYA patients.
“Our adolescent and young adult cancer program is designed to meet patients where they are — medically, emotionally and developmentally,” said Chelsea Self, MD, program director of the AYA cancer program at Children’s Minnesota.
Today, Stephen returns to Children’s Minnesota for survivorship follow-up visits every six months.
“Being treated in a program that understood what it meant to be a teenager going through cancer while also managing school made a huge difference,” Stephen said. “They helped me keep moving forward, even when things were really hard.”
Read Stephen’s full story.
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New and updated clinical practice guidelines for health professionals |
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Children’s Minnesota added new and updated clinical practice guidelines for health professionals.
New guidelines published since January 2026:
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Recently reviewed and revised guidelines:
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The Children’s Minnesota library offers free access to more than 85 clinical practice guidelines for health professionals in a wide range of pediatric specialties. The clinical guidelines are designed for general use with most patients. Each clinician should use their own independent judgment to meet the needs of each individual patient. Guidelines are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Read more about our clinical practice guidelines for healthcare professionals here.
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Grand rounds recap: The latest evidence-based research supporting breastfeeding for children and mothers |
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A recent Ground Rounds presentation by Leah Jordan, MD, neonatologist at Children’s Minnesota, explained the Healthy People 2030 Breastfeeding Goals for clinicians caring for pediatric patients and their families.
“There are no states that are meeting all of the goals at six months, though Minnesota is one of the top performing states,” said Dr. Jordan. “Minnesota also has high rates for breastfeeding at 12 months. However, there are some sociodemographic groups who are starting out farther from the goals, and most in need of our attention.”
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In her presentation, Dr. Jordan explained:
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The AAP recommendations for breastfeeding and scientific knowledge supporting its benefits.
- The 2030 Healthy People (HP2030) Breastfeeding Goals and why they matter.
- The benefits of breastfeeding at six months and beyond.
- Remaining local and national gaps in meeting the HP2030 goals.
- Breastfeeding promotion opportunities using a social-ecological model.
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“For me, breastfeeding promotion has meant addressing the systemic barriers to breastfeeding that I see in my clinical care,” said Dr. Jordan. “The more barriers I address, the more attuned I have felt in conversations with families because I'm listening for the barriers that they have.”
Watch the recorded session.
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Join us at the Twin Cities Pediatric Update, Sept. 17-18, 2026 |
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Reserve your spot now for the 8th annual Twin Cities Pediatric Update, hosted by Children’s Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP).
This in-person only, two-day conference features two keynote speakers and more than 20 educational sessions to update you on trending topics and recent advances in pediatrics that are most important to your practice.
Keynote speakers have been announced:
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Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, will present “Championing Child Health in Challenging Times.” A general pediatrician and clinical informaticist, Dr. Kressly’s career includes championing pediatric health information technology and working with pediatricians across the country to optimize care delivery, quality, payment and value. She is the 2026 Immediate Past President of the AAP.
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Rachel Weigert, MD, emergency medicine physician at Children’s Minnesota along with Brittany Haeg, co-chair of Annunciation Light Alliance, will present “Protecting Kids from Gun Violence: Reflections and Advocacy from Children’s Minnesota and Annunciation Light Alliance.”
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Logistics
The Twin Cities Pediatric Update will take place at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center in Brooklyn Park, Minn. Presentations will not be recorded for viewing post-course. Completion of the evaluation is required to claim course credit.
In lieu of a virtual option, new this year, participants will be able to select a one-day or two-day option to attend the conference.
Register today.
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| Hear from a kid expert
Healthcare organizations and other allied health professionals can hear directly from Children’s Minnesota’s physicians and other providers about the latest in pediatric research, clinical procedures and innovations, and more through our Kid Experts On Demand program. To get started, submit a request.
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