In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I visited UCSF & @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social to see the world-class care and groundbreaking research leading the fight against pediatric cancer.

A new a toolkit will help families of childhood cancer survivors reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. “Medical providers receive little to no education... on the impacts of environmental pollutants... (and) need resources to better treat patients,” Dr. Mark Miller says. https://ucsfh.org/4mxdRLz

Multiple sclerosis is most commonly diagnosed in young adults, but kids can be affected, too. We offer early diagnosis and specialized care for pediatric MS, helping young patients manage symptoms like fatigue, vision issues and balance difficulties. Learn more: https://ucsfh.org/3JWlygK

With kids returning to the football field, Dr. Gil Rabinovici urges caution. He's conducting research on CTE/brain injuries in former players. “There is some data that suggests that starting football at a younger age puts people at higher risk,” Dr. Rabinovici says. https://ucsfh.org/41G1GEK

Back-to-school stress is causing more headaches in kids, but pediatric neurologist Dr. Hannah Shapiro is tackling migraines with innovative virtual therapy and IV treatments—no heavy meds needed! Learn more about how to help your child find relief. https://ucsfh.org/42jg45R

A new grant will set the stage for Dr. Alfonso Ramirez-Ristori to become one of Mexico’s first molecular pediatric pathologists! He'll train at UCSF in gene-based testing & mutation sequencing to help provide better access to cancer detection & treatment for kids in Mexico. https://ucsfh.org/3I5iz4S

An algorithm to personalize care in kids w/ leukemia is the 1st in the world to show benefits of a new approach & is "a direct example of how research funding goes from bench to bedside, developing treatments in the lab that reach patients,” UCSF’s Janel Long-Boyle says. https://ucsfh.org/4mTAdYM

Vibrant poppies, a heron and an ode to steel manufacturing are all featured in a new mural near our Mission Bay hospital! Created by SF artist Cameron “CAMER1sf” Moberg, the idea for the art “came directly from our neighbors,” UCSF’s Fernando Enciso-Marquez says. https://ucsfh.org/4g1uZY8

Cannabis use can affect kids differently than adults. "Teenagers who frequently use cannabis have reduced brain matter and activity in the areas crucial for decision making and planning,” Dr. William Burrough says. https://ucsfh.org/45Ts9zU

As school sports start, focusing on injury prevention in training keeps an athlete playing and happy, @brianfeeleymd.bsky.social tells @drniravpandya.bsky.social. They discuss the role of injury prevention, nutrition and sleep on the 6-8 Weeks podcast.

It was such a treat to welcome 3x World Series Champion with the @sfgiants.com, Buster Posey, and his wife, Kristen, who brought smiles and joy to our young patients! Buster signed hats and memorabilia, and the Poseys came with Giants gift bags to share. 🧡⚾

With school sports starting up & people gearing up for the fall, it's important to understand the role of injury prevention, load management, and overuse for all ages. Listen to our latest podcast as @brianfeeleymd.bsky.social and I break it down: peds-ortho.simplecast.com/episodes/inj...

Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious condition that occurs when a child's bone marrow fails to produce enough of the stem cells that give rise to the three types of blood cells. Learn more about diagnosis, treatment and where to get care: ucsfh.org/4mm9nZ2

Daxtin’s diagnosis of a rare type of leukemia was only the third case that oncologist Dr. Elliot Stieglitz had ever seen, but precision medicine & a stem cell transplant gave the "miracle baby" a second chance at life. ucsfh.org/41FjXBN

Apnea is a condition in which a baby periodically stops breathing for more than 15 to 20 seconds. "Central apnea" can affect some premature infants because their brains aren’t yet programmed to sustain nonstop breathing. Learn more: ucsfh.org/3UTn4lQ

Experts warn ultra-processed foods can fuel addiction, especially in kids. "The food industry's business model – they got a lot of help in creating that business model from the tobacco industry," UCSF's Dr. Laura Schmidt says.

More than a month ago, I started my #postdoc at UCSF! 🎶 Grateful to Laura & Greg Perloff for supporting this fellowship. Looking forward to working with @noneedlesspain.bsky.social, Julene Johnson, Sheri Robb & the music therapy teams at @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social on #pediatricpain & #palliativecare

Kids hospitalized for eating disorders are 25x less likely to return if they get therapy sessions after discharge, a study finds. “Outpatient therapy from any type of provider can help break the cycle of repeat hospitalizations,” UCSF's Erin Accurso says.

For teens with developing brains, e-cigarette addiction is especially problematic—and more addicting vapes are now available, with some containing the same amount of nicotine as 100 packs of cigarettes, Dr. Pamela Ling tells @nytimes.com.

📣 New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social study in Current Psychiatry Reports and at #MediaAndMinds25! A review of interventions aimed at reducing #MentalHealth effects of problematic #SocialMedia use among adolescents 🔗 tinyurl.com/psmuinterventions @childrenandscreens.bsky.social @smahrteam.bsky.social

We had to make sure that we included as many of the UCSF Peds Endo Family that we could - here are updated group photos + AI cartoon versions of us representing @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social at #ENDO2025 @endocrinesociety.bsky.social ! 😊

An assessment of Alameda County residents found mental health, systemic inequities & safety are the top health issues local kids face. That's why we're expanding access to mental health, trauma & emergency care, hospital president Dr. Nicholas Holmes says.

Farewell & happy trails to Michael Towne, who retired after more than 20 years as our manager of Child Life Services in San Francisco (and 24+ years at UCSF)! Michael is training to become an end-of-life doula so he can support patients in their final days during his retirement!

New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social study in Sleep Health! Bedtime #screenuse, #sleep outcomes, and #sociodemographic associations ➡️ 71% of teens had an Internet-connected device in their bedroom ➡️ 25% were woken up in the past week by notifications 🔗 tinyurl.com/cr66wrzk @sleepfoundation.bsky.social

Thank you for visiting us, therapy dog, Babo, and his person, Cindy! Babo loves to roll over, shake, turn, sit up & play dead. He can also do a funny crawl when he meets a new friend! Thank you for bringing joy to staff, kids & parents at our hospital! 🐾 💕

Our new mobile care van will be hitting the road this summer in the East Bay! “We'll be offering a wide range of pediatric and adolescent primary care services, including well child or physical health exams,” UCSF’s Joyclyn Garrette tells @kcbsradio.bsky.social.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Atul Butte, a visionary scientist, educator and leader whose work reshaped biomedical research and health care. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Butte’s family, colleagues, trainees and collaborators. ucsfh.org/4n25xVH

CT scans are an important tool but can come with some risks. "Parents can engage in thoughtful & respectful dialogue w/ their child’s health care provider if a CT scan is... recommended," Dr. Andrew Ho says. Learn more about risk & questions to ask:

When Roger was just 3, doctors found a tumor on his brain. Dr. Winson Ho used a minimally invasive laser procedure to treat it. "This technique is a miracle," Roger's mom says. "Roger hasn't had a seizure in months."

New in @lancetchildadol.bsky.social with @thelancet.com commission on #adolescenthealth! ☑️ A checklist for reporting youth engagement in peer-reviewed research! 🔗 tinyurl.com/mayecheck @davidimbago.bsky.social @shakirachoonara.bsky.social @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social

As preteens use more social media, their depressive symptoms increase, a UCSF study of ~12,000 kids in @jama.com finds. "Setting screen-free times for the whole family... can help build healthier digital habits for everyone," Dr. @jasonmnagata.bsky.social says.

📣 New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social study in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social as part of the @thelancet.com commission on #adolescenthealth #Cyberbullying associated with #mentalhealth symptoms and #substanceuseone year later 🔗 tinyurl.com/cyberabcd @testaalex.bsky.social @ucsf-ihps.bsky.social

📣 New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social study in @JAMANetworkOpen! ↗️ Increases in #social media use were followed by greater #depressive symptoms—but not the other way around 🔗 tinyurl.com/3fsfeeav @ucsf-ihps.bsky.social @ucsfhealth.bsky.social

In our intensive care units, the Division of Pediatric Critical Care team handles some of the most daunting challenges in children's health. Meet the specialists whose research helps create a better future for children facing life-threatening conditions.

Our Wellness Center for Youth w/ Chronic Conditions serves kids w/ longstanding illness. "They have a lot of common needs... that we aren’t always so well equipped to help them w/ in our current health care system," Dr. Emily von Scheven tells @kcbsradio.bsky.social. ucsfh.org/3GZyZL8

Starting this summer, kids with inflammatory bowel disease will have access to intestinal ultrasound at our Walnut Creek clinic. "It’s a relief to know it will be even easier to keep track of my condition so I can just live my life,” one patient says.

Kids w/ acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a lower chance of survival if they live in certain towns & neighborhoods, a study finds. Researchers says interventions—like boosting reliable access to care via pharmacies & transportation to appointments—are key.

Did you know that each year in the U.S. about 3,000 kids experience a #stroke? Dr. Christine Fox notes that most parents are unaware strokes can happen in kids. She discusses symptoms, risk factors and why quick diagnoses and treatment are crucial. ucsfh.org/42TPorR

Science and mental health meet at our Teen Wellness Connection program, where 25 teens learn about psychological issues. It’s nice “to connect in real time with these teens to dispel the notion that it’s an inaccessible topic,” UCSF’s Sara Chung says.

#Crouchlab and friends and family at the #UCSFCMFPM 10 year anniversary celebration 🍾 🎉thrilled to be a part of this #visionary group now w/#clinicaltrials for #inutero therapies. Let’s go for it, for children’s future health 👶🏻👧🏾🧒🏼 @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social @ucsfstemcell.bsky.social

Decked out in dresses and tuxes, teen patients partied with friends at our “Casino Night” themed prom! “We try to make positive memories, so you don’t have any scary memories while you’re here in the hospital,” Child Life Specialist Jamie Koh says.

We unveiled a new, state-of-the-art MRI machine at our Oakland hospital! Located on the second floor next to pre-op and recovery, this upgrade will bring faster, more efficient care—and a better overall experience—to our patients!

Had the honor to describe what it is like to be an orthopedic surgeon to the 1st graders from Head Royce during their recent field trip to @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social

NIH funding helps us develop treatments that offer hope for every child. “Investing in research to improve the lives of children is central to our mission... & NIH funding is the vital backbone that makes this care possible,” Dr. Raphael Hirsch says.

There are work families & personal families. But for some, they’re one & the same—like physician-in-chief Dr. Raphael Hirsch & VP for legal affairs, Jodi Hirsch. Learn more about UCSF families working together to advance health:

Please cheer on Audrey — she’s doing great after multiple sinus surgeries, a meningitis infection & more than 2 weeks in our Oakland hospital! Two weeks after heading home, she tried out for her school’s varsity volleyball team & made it! Way to go, Audrey!

📣 New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social study! Sociodemographic differences in #cardiometabolic risk factors in #adolescents 🔗 tinyurl.com/bd3k5rc7 @testaalex.bsky.social @ucsf-ihps.bsky.social @ucsfhealth.bsky.social

Congratulations to @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social pediatric neurosurgeon Kurtis Auguste, MD, the recipient of @ucsfhealth.bsky.social's Exceptional Physician Award! We are so appreciative of everything that you do for our patients, staff, residents & fellows. #UCSFProud #DoctorsDay #NationalDoctorsDay

It is a pleasure to be part of the @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social 18th International Neonatal & Childhood Pulmonary Vascular Disease conference! So many inspiring speakers and amazing learning.

Excessive screen time in preteens is linked to the development of bipolar or mania two years later, a UCSF study finds. Parents can help by setting a good example: It’s “the biggest predictor of adolescent screen use,” Dr. @jasonmnagata.bsky.social says. ucsfh.org/4c5e1pL