Specialized Care, Lifelong Impact

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, a time to recognize the unique challenges faced by children with cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry, and other craniofacial differences, and the life-changing impact of early, coordinated care.

At CHKD's Cleft and Craniofacial Center, families find more than expert medical treatment; they gain a dedicated team of specialists committed to supporting their child every step of the way. As the region's leading pediatric craniofacial program and an accredited team through the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, CHKD brings together pediatric plastic, oral, and maxillofacial surgeons, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, dentists, orthodontists, geneticists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and social workers to provide comprehensive, coordinated care from infancy through young adulthood.

For referring providers, this means access to a trusted multidisciplinary team experienced in caring for both routine and complex craniofacial conditions. Whether a diagnosis is made prenatally, at birth, or later in childhood, CHKD offers seamless coordination, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing support designed to help children achieve the best possible functional, developmental, and aesthetic outcomes.

Together, we're helping children eat, speak, hear, breathe, smile, and thrive, while giving families the confidence that they're receiving expert care close to home.

VIDEO | Meet Dr. E. Weston Santee and learn more about cleft lip and palate and our Cleft and Craniofacial Center at CHKD.

Lumen-Arrow Mangune's journey with CHKD began before birth, when his mother was referred to CHKD’s Fetal Care Center. Born at 34 weeks alongside his twin brother, Ezra-Phoenix, Lumen-Arrow spent 10 weeks in the NICU and has since received coordinated care from multiple CHKD specialties, including gastroenterology, cardiology, pediatric surgery, and the Cleft and Craniofacial Center.

As part of his treatment, Lumen-Arrow underwent cleft lip and palate repair with Dr. Weston Santee, CHKD oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in cleft and craniofacial surgery.

Today, at 10 months old, Lumen-Arrow is thriving and exploring the world with his twin brother. 

To ensure appropriate imaging and scheduling, please share the following guidance with all providers who order soft tissue extremity ultrasounds.

When evaluating joint effusion, synovitis, inflammation around a joint, abscesses/collections, or soft tissue masses, please use one of the following ultrasound orders:

Important: When placing an order, please specify the exact area or joint to be scanned.

Please note that CHKD does not perform musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound for the evaluation of ligaments and tendons. However, ultrasound can be used to assess soft tissues surrounding joints and identify inflammation, fluid collections, and other soft tissue abnormalities in these areas.

Thank you for helping ensure accurate imaging orders and timely patient care.

Now through July 30, nominations are open for the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year Awards. Categories include:

All team members are encouraged to submit their APP nominations here. Winners will be selected through an internal voting process and honored by the APP Advocacy Council at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, September 23, from noon to 2 p.m. in Brickhouse Auditorium.

On May 29, CHKD held a plaque dedication ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Faiqa Qureshi, a beloved physician who served the hospital for more than 30 years before her passing at the end of 2025. Dr. Qureshi served many years as medical director of the Emergency Department and was widely respected for her clinical leadership, dedication, and compassion for patients and families. The ceremony included remarks from hospital leaders and reflections from colleague and friend, Dr. Michael Poirier. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in her honor in the Emergency Department, located across from the nurses’ station, as a lasting tribute to her extraordinary contributions to CHKD and the community we serve.

Congratulations to Dr. Erin Hamersley, pediatric otolaryngologist at CHKD, on the publication of her latest article, Non-surgical Management of Neoplastic and Inflammatory Conditions of the Airway, in Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. Co-authored with Dr. Craig Derkay, the review examines the diagnosis and medical management of several pediatric airway conditions, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, subglottic hemangioma, laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, and recurrent croup.

The article highlights key advances in non-surgical treatment, including the role of HPV vaccination in the prevention and management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, propranolol as the gold-standard treatment for

subglottic hemangioma, and the importance of evaluating children with recurrent croup for underlying anatomic or medical conditions. The review also emphasizes the need for prompt recognition and treatment of airway disorders, which can quickly lead to respiratory compromise in children. 

CHKD is proud to recognize Dr. Hamersley’s contributions to pediatric otolaryngology and her ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based care for children with complex airway conditions.

Presenter: Tracy Alderson, MD, Pediatric Cardiology at CHKD

This CHKD Provider Relation CME Lunch & Learn session features a case-based review of orthostatic intolerance and non-sustained tachycardia. This session will walk through key differential diagnoses, review diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and outline a practical pre-referral workup designed to streamline cardiology consultation and support efficient, informed referrals.

Presenter: Ashley Anderson, DDS, Children’s Dentistry at CHKD

Join CHKD’s upcoming Provider Relations CME Lunch & Learn, Little Teeth Are a Big Deal: Pearls of Pediatric Dentistry for Providers and Parents, for practical guidance on pediatric oral health and its impact on overall wellness. This educational session will provide valuable insights providers can use to support early prevention, identify common dental concerns, and help families establish healthy oral care habits from infancy through adolescence.

Please note: CME credit is awarded only to participants who attend in person. Credit is not available for viewing recorded sessions.

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.

Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

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. 

Mid-summer Reset: Supporting Kids’ Emotions, Routines & Resilience
Thursday, July 16 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual

Understand the emotional and behavioral shifts kids often experience when summer routines loosen, and how changes in sleep, screens, and structure can affect regulation. This workshop offers practical co‑regulation tools, flexible routines, and connection‑based strategies that strengthen resilience and ease the transition back to school. Families leave with simple, sustainable approaches to support stability, confidence, and calmer days in the second half of summer.

Mid-summer Reset: Supporting Kids’ Emotions, Routines & Resilience
Tuesday, August 4 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual

Parent educator and grandparent Vickie Harralson introduces the 6/7 method, a set of six skills and seven activities that help families replace power struggles with stronger, more positive connections. The program gives parents practical tools to communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and respond to challenging behaviors with confidence.

With warm regards,
Dr. Marc Tsou and Jill Armstrong, RN
Marc.Tsou@CHKD.org  |  Jill.Armstrong@CHKD.org

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