Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Forward
0917_SMCS_SPARK 2026: Hot Topics in Pediatric Subspecialty Care_Live
Description:
Join us for the Sutter Children’s SPARK Educational Series 2026—Specialty Pediatrics Advancement, Research, and Knowledge—an engaging educational event highlighting emerging innovations and timely topics in pediatric subspecialty care. SPARK 2026 is a half-day, high impact continuing medical education program designed to bring pediatric specialists together to explore the latest advances shaping children’s health. Through expert-led presentations and two interactive panel discussions, participants will gain insights into evolving practices across multiple pediatric subspecialties, including robotic surgery, neonatal neurocritical care, RSV prevention, diabetes technology, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and complex pediatric care. Throughout the morning, attendees will hear from leading pediatric physicians at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, who will share real-world clinical insights and emerging approaches that are redefining standards of care. The program emphasizes practical, up-to-date knowledge that clinicians can immediately apply in their practice. SPARK 2026 equips clinicians with the latest evidence-based updates, innovative care strategies, and collaborative perspectives that are transforming pediatric medicine and improving outcomes for children.
Target Audience
Physicians (MD or DO)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Physician Assistant (PA)
Other Healthcare Professionals
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to:
1. Describe emerging technologies and surgical approaches in pediatric care, including robotic and minimally invasive techniques, and their potential impact on patient outcomes.
2. Explain current advances in neonatal neurocritical care, including evolving methods for diagnosis, monitoring, and management of neurological conditions in newborns.
3. Identify new prevention strategies for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and their role in reducing severe respiratory illness in infants and young children.
4. Discuss the role of digital health tools and patient-centered technologies in supporting families managing chronic pediatric conditions such as diabetes.
5. Recognize key elements of coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches that support children with complex medical needs.
6. Evaluate opportunities for collaboration across pediatric specialties to improve care delivery, clinical decision-making, and outcomes for pediatric patients.
Sutter Children’s SPARK Educational Series 2026
Specialty Pediatrics Advancement, Research and Knowledge
Theme: Hot Topics in Pediatric Subspecialty Care
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Breakfast / Opening Dr. Craig Swanson and Dr. Gnanagurudasan Prakasam
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Dr. Amanda Phares Introducing Pediatric Robotic Surgery
An introduction to pediatric robotic surgery at Sutter Sacramento, exploring the technology, clinical benefits, and its impact on advancing pediatric surgical care.
9:00 am – 9:30 am: Dr. Timothy Sanders Evolving Approaches to Neonatal Neurocritical Care
A look at the latest advances in neonatal neurocritical care and how evolving practices are improving diagnosis, monitoring, and outcomes for newborns with neurological conditions.
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Dr. Sheena Maharaj The New Era of RSV Prevention
Exploring the latest developments in RSV prevention, including new immunization approaches and strategies to reduce severe respiratory illness in infants and young children.
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Panel Discussion
A collaborative discussion with all presenters, highlighting key takeaways and addressing audience questions across the featured pediatric topics.
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Dr. Dr Hassan Saeed and Mila Melnik MINDFULTECH - The new way to empower families with diabetes
Exploring how MindfulTech combines digital tools and patient-centered care to support families in managing pediatric diabetes with greater confidence and connection.
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Dr. Teimour Nasirov Minimally Invasive Strategies in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Redefining the Standard
Exploring innovative strategies in minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery and how these approaches are shaping the future of cardiac care for pediatric patients.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Dr. Dr Louise Glaser Complex Care for Kids - What is the magic sauce?
A look at the essential ingredients behind effective complex pediatric care and how coordinated teams support children with complex medical needs.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Panel Discussion
A collaborative discussion with all presenters, highlighting key takeaways and addressing audience questions across the featured pediatric topics.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Reception & Networking
