Advanced Care for Pediatric GI Motility Disorders |
CHKD offers Virginia’s only dedicated pediatric Neurogastroenterology Motility Program, providing highly specialized care for children with complex disorders affecting the movement of the digestive tract.
Led by Orhan Atay, MD, director of the Motility Program, and Sameer Lapsia, MD, the program brings together experienced pediatric gastroenterologists who work closely with referring providers to diagnose and treat a wide range of motility disorders. Dr. Atay has particular expertise in motility disorders and advanced GI conditions, while Dr. Lapsia’s clinical and research interests include inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and innovative therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation.
The team utilizes advanced diagnostic technologies, including comprehensive manometry testing and EndoFLIP, to evaluate neuromuscular function throughout the GI tract and guide targeted treatment plans. Treatment options range from medical management and minimally invasive therapies (e.g., Botox injections) to surgical interventions and specialized biofeedback therapy for conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction.
CHKD’s collaborative approach is especially valuable for children with complex medical or developmental conditions, ensuring coordinated, patient-centered care across specialties. Providers can refer patients for both routine and urgent evaluations, with outpatient visits available across multiple regional locations and specialized testing conducted at the main hospital.
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In this video, Dr. Orhan Atay highlights our multidisciplinary team and advanced diagnostic tools — such as motility manometry — used to evaluate and treat complex digestive conditions in children.
Watch to learn more about our specialized capabilities and our team‑based approach to improving patient outcomes.
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Nominations Open: Coastal Virginia Magazine Top Docs List |
Each September, Coastal Virginia Magazine publishes its annual Top Docs list to recognize physicians nominated by their peers. Physicians are encouraged to nominate deserving colleagues for this honor. The nomination deadline is April 30. The nomination form is available at docs.covavoting.com.
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Contrast Imaging Scheduling Update |
CHKD Radiology has implemented an update to the scheduling process for CT and MRI exams with contrast. Schedulers now ask patients at the time of scheduling whether they have had a prior reaction to CT or MRI contrast. If a history of reaction is identified, the scheduler notifies the office or family that contrast allergy preparation is required prior to the appointment and documents who received this information.
Contrast allergy prep must be ordered by the referring provider, with medications obtained from a pharmacy. Scheduling staff will direct questions to Radiology policy RI‑374‑7005 (Safe Storage and Use of IV and Oral Contrast Media) and the RADIN Prep Guide. Families needing assistance are referred back to the ordering provider’s office.
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CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy - Temporary Changes |
CHKD's Outpatient Pharmacy will be implementing two short-term operational changes to ensure continued, high-quality support to patient care during a temporary period of staff transition:
Meds to Beds Service Pause:
CHKD's Outpatient Pharmacy has temporarily paused its Meds to Beds services.
• Patients can still have their discharge prescriptions filled by the CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy for pickup at the pharmacy.
• Prescriptions can also be delivered to patients’ homes through our free courier delivery service.
Hours of Operation Update:
The CHKD Outpatient Pharmacy will also temporarily adjust its business hours to the following:
• Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed
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Professional Development, Education and Training |
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"What's Really at the Table: Emotions and the Conversations That Shape Eating and Weight Without Harm" |
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Wednesday, April 15 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual |
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| Presenter: Wendy Schofer, MD
Pediatric Urgent Care Physician, CHKD
This CHKD Provider Relation CME Lunch & Learn discussion explores the emotional, stress‑related, and physiological factors that shape eating behaviors and weight concerns in both children and adults. Participants will learn how stress, shame, and stigma can interfere with behavior change and clinical relationships, and how small, practical shifts in language and approach can support more effective, compassionate care without adding time or complexity.
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Credit Designation: This activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through joint providership with Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and CHKD.
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April 10 & 11, 2026 | Bryant & Stratton College, Virginia Beach
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Earn 4 CEUs when you join the Virginia Society of Medical Assistants (VSMA) for a full day of continuing education focused on safety, emerging healthcare topics, and practical skills for today’s medical professionals.
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Quality and Safety Conference
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April 13, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | EVMS, Waitzer Hall
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The complexity of patients and the healthcare system in which we work requires skills in quality care, patient safety, and team dynamics. Understanding how the system functions helps teams to grow and work together safely and efficiently. This multidisciplinary conference will be taught by nursing and physician leaders, QI specialists, and systems engineers, and is designed to reach all disciplines - established or new hires, novice or advanced - to grow their skills.
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27th Annual Pediatric Emergency Medicine Update
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April 16, 2026 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Brickhouse Auditorium
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This professional educational conference is designed to provide emergency physicians, pediatricians, family practitioners and other healthcare providers with state-of-the-art evidence-based information in pediatric emergency medicine. Emergency medicine staff from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Emergency Center will present a variety of topics pertinent to pediatric emergency care through lectures and case presentations.
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1st and 4th Monday of the Month | 12-1 p.m. | Brickhouse Auditorium
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Pediatric grand rounds, sponsored by the EVMS Department of Pediatrics, part of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU, are offered biweekly to faculty, community faculty, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. Come and learn from local and national clinical experts. All participants receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™ for attending.
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Resources for Parents and Professionals |
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| Read Community Connections, a CHKD publication featuring opportunities for education and engagement for parents and professionals.
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April Monthly Observances |
April highlights key national observances aligned with our shared commitment to children’s health and safety, including Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Donate Life Month, and National Youth Sports Safety Month.
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