Cartoonish illustration of a diverse group of children of various ages.
Golisano Children's at UK
Affiliate Network Conference Agenda

Golisano Children's at UK Affiliate Network Conference Agenda

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

Kroger Field, Longship Club

General sessions

7:15 – 8 a.m. Registration, breakfast & exhibitor showcase
8 – 8:10 a.m. Affiliate Network Conference Welcome
Scottie Day, MD
8:10 – 8:20 a.m. State of UK
Tim Slocum, FACHE
8:20 – 9:05 a.m.

Leveling Up Patient Care: A Strategic Overview of Therapeutic Gaming and Technology in a Pediatric Setting
Cody Dean, Gaming and Technology Specialist 

Learning objectives:

  • Identify the core components of a comprehensive hospital-based Gaming & Technology program — including device lending, adaptive tools, teen-focused programming and volunteer infrastructure — and recognize how these elements can be scaled or adapted based on a hospital's existing resources and staffing.
  • Explain how gaming and technology serve as tools for family engagement and patient-centered care, including how interactive and therapeutic technology creates connection opportunities for patients and their families during hospitalization and supports individualized, developmentally appropriate experiences.
  • Describe practical strategies that nursing staff and administrators can use to incorporate therapeutic gaming and technology into pediatric patient care, including low-barrier entry points, device and resource considerations, and implementation approaches that do not require a dedicated Gaming & Technology Specialist or Child Life department.
9:05 – 9:50 a.m.

Child Maltreatment Across the Continuum: Prevention, Early Identification and Effective Intervention
Christina Howard, MD, FAAP 

Learning objectives:

  • Examine the epidemiology, risk factors and social determinants associated with child maltreatment and their impact on child health and development.
  • Describe evidence-based prevention strategies that strengthen families, reduce risk and promote protective factors within communities.
  • Discuss best practices for evaluation, reporting and multidisciplinary collaboration in the identification and management of suspected abuse and neglect.
  • Identify trauma-informed interventions and long-term supports for affected children and families, including services for children in foster care mental health treatment, and community-based resources.
9:50 – 10 a.m. Break/exhibitor showcase

Breakout sessions

10 – 10:40 a.m.

Breakout Session 1A: Evaluation of Newborn Fever: Where We've Been and Where We're Going
Jim Buscher, MD 

Learning objectives:

  • Determine what evaluation is needed for a newborn with a fever.
  • Risk-stratify a newborn with a fever based on age and evaluation results.
  • Empirically treat, if necessary, a newborn with a fever with appropriate antimicrobials.
10 – 10:40 a.m.

Breakout Session 1B: Responsible AI Use for Current and Future Clinicians: Building a Better Understanding of Hallucinations
Hubie Ballard, MD 

Learning objectives:

  • Define artificial intelligence hallucinations and explain why large language models can produce fluent but unsupported, inaccurate or fabricated information.
  • Recognize when AI-generated medical information requires additional source checking, evidence review or human supervision.
  • Apply safe and responsible practices when using artificial intelligence for clinical, educational and scholarly tasks.

General sessions

10:40 – 11 a.m. Return to Longship Club/Exhibitor Showcase
11 – 11:50 a.m.

Recognition and Treatment of Pediatric Sepsis
Rhea Vidrine, MD, and Stephanie George, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning objectives:

  • Appreciate the difficulty in defining and recognizing pediatric sepsis.
  • Acknowledge the importance of recognition and treatment bundles in pediatric sepsis.
  • Initiate appropriate treatment in potentially septic patients.
11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. Lunch/Exhibitor Showcase
12:50 – 1:35 p.m.

Addressing Pediatric Mental Health: Golisano Children’s at UK Highlight Reel
Meghan Marsac, PhD, and Amy Meadows, MD 

Learning objectives:

  • Describe national trends in pediatric mental health.
  • Understand the local impact of pediatric mental health challenges.
  • Identify several initiatives and resources at the University of Kentucky to address pediatric mental health needs.
1:35 – 2:20 p.m.

A Practical Guide to Surfactant Administration and Respiratory Care
Tracy Hubbard, RRT

Learning objectives:

  • Understand indications for surfactant administration.
  • Understand recommended initial and subsequent dosing.
  • Identify medication instillment options:
    • Invasive
    • Less invasive
  • Describe ventilator and respiratory support changes after dosing.
2:20 – 2:35 p.m. Break/Exhibitor Showcase

Breakout sessions

2:35 – 3:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 2A: Pediatric UTIs
Gena Cooper, MD

Learning objectives: 

  • Understand age-based differential diagnosis of urinary complaints.
  • Recognize evaluation pathway for urinary complaints in youth of varying ages.
  • Implement current guidelines for treatment of UTI based on age and symptoms.
2:35 – 3:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 2B: Liquid Gold: Evidence-based Practices to Support Breastfeeding in the Hospital
Ashley Olszewski, DO

Learning objectives:

  • Briefly review the evidence for maternal breast milk as the optimal nutrient for healthy growth and development of infants.
  • Discuss the challenges to breastfeeding.
  • Discuss the evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding in the hospital.

General sessions

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Return to Longship Club/Exhibitor Showcase
3:30 – 4:25 p.m.

SEPSIS Simulation
Rhea Vidrine, MD, and Stephanie George, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning objectives:

  • Appreciate the difficulty in defining and recognizing pediatric sepsis.
  • Acknowledge the importance of recognition and treatment bundles in pediatric sepsis.
  • Initiate appropriate treatment in potentially septic patients.
4:25 – 4:30 p.m. Wrap-up/Trivia
4:30 – 6 p.m. Networking Reception & UK Football Practice Facility Tours

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026

Golisano Children's at UK, HA1116

7:30 – 8 a.m. Registration/Breakfast
8 – 8:15 a.m. Welcome & Overview of the Day
8:15 – 9:15 a.m. Session 1
9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Break
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Session 2
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Session 3
11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wrap-up
12 p.m. Bus Departure to Kroger Field

Attendees will select one simulation and two stations to attend during the three sessions. Options are outlined below.

Simulations (select one)

ED SIM: Interprofessional Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Management Simulation
Alexis Luedke, MD, and Jaryd Zummer, MD

Learning objectives:

  • Apply Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) principles to recognize and manage a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest, including high-quality CPR, rhythm recognition and appropriate resuscitative interventions.
  • Demonstrate effective role assignment, leadership and closed-loop communication during a pediatric resuscitation using crisis resource management principles.
  • Identify opportunities to improve team performance, situational awareness and coordination during a high-acuity pediatric emergency through structured debriefing and reflection.

NICU SIM: Multidisciplinary High-Risk Neonatal Resuscitation Simulation
Audra Stacy, MD, and Anthony Haase, MD

Learning objectives: 

  • Perform a systematic neonatal assessment and identify signs of distress.
    • Participants will demonstrate the ability to assess airway, breathing, circulation, temperature and overall newborn condition within the first minutes of life.
  • Implement appropriate neonatal resuscitation interventions.
    • Participants will correctly initiate and perform evidence-based neonatal resuscitation measures, including airway management, positive-pressure ventilation and chest compressions when indicated.
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during neonatal emergencies.
    • Participants will utilize closed-loop communication, clearly define team roles and collaborate effectively to provide safe and timely care to the newborn.

Stations (select two)

Station 1: Intravenous (IV) Skills and Safe Patient Holding (ONE Voice)
Kelly Barnett, MSN, RN, CPN, and Jessica Lawrence, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning objectives:

  • Demonstrate proper preparation and insertion techniques for peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement according to facility policy and evidence-based practice.
  • Apply appropriate IV securement and taping methods to maintain catheter stability and reduce the risk of dislodgement or complications.
  • Identify common complications associated with IV therapy, including infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis and infection, and describe appropriate nursing interventions.
  • Demonstrate safe patient holding and positioning techniques during procedures to minimize patient injury and procedural complications.
  • Apply the ONE Voice communication approach during patient procedures by identifying the designated procedural leader and demonstrating clear, coordinated team communication.
  • Explain the importance of patient-centered communication and teamwork in promoting procedural safety and positive patient outcomes.

Station 2: Gastric Tube Placement, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Kelly Barnett, MSN, RN, CPN, and Jessica Lawrence, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning objectives: 

  • Describe the indications, contraindications and potential complications associated with gastric tube placement.
  • Demonstrate correct techniques for gastric tube insertion and securement according to organizational policy and best practice guidelines.
  • Verify gastric tube placement using approved methods and document findings appropriately.
  • Perform routine gastric tube maintenance, including assessment, flushing, feeding administration and site care.
  • Identify common gastric tube complications such as occlusion, displacement, leakage, aspiration risk and patient discomfort.
  • Demonstrate appropriate troubleshooting interventions for gastric tube-related problems and determine when escalation to the healthcare provider is required.
  • Educate patients and families on gastric tube care, safety precautions and signs of complications that require immediate attention.

Station 3: Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement
Audra Stacy, MD, and Anthony Haase, MD

Learning objectives:

  • Identify appropriate indications for umbilical catheter placement.
    • Participants will review the indications for placement of umbilical venous catheters including non-emergent vs. emergent placement within NRP guidelines.
  • Demonstrate appropriate umbilical catheter placement techniques.
    • Participants will correctly identify umbilical arteries and vein within umbilical cord anatomy and demonstrate appropriate line preparation, placement and securing techniques.
  • Review methods to ensure proper placement and functioning of umbilical catheters.
    • Participants will be able to identify the appropriate methods for ensuring correct vessel placement and line depth as well as methods to troubleshoot malfunctioning UV catheters.

Station 4: Neonatal Airway Management
Audra Stacy, MD, and Kate Fletcher, APRN

Learning objectives:

  • Perform a comprehensive neonatal airway assessment.
    • Participants will identify signs of airway compromise and evaluate the newborn’s respiratory status to determine the need for airway intervention.
  • Demonstrate appropriate neonatal airway management techniques.
    • Participants will correctly position the airway and perform interventions such as suctioning, positive-pressure ventilation and advanced airway support (including intubation and laryngeal mask placement) according to current neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of airway interventions and communicate findings.
    • Participants will assess changes in heart rate, oxygenation, chest movement and respiratory effort following airway management and communicate patient status effectively to the healthcare team.

Station 5: Neonatal Golden Hour Stabilization
Audra Stacy, MD, and Kate Fletcher, APRN

Learning objectives:

  • Identify and implement evidence-based Golden Hour interventions.
    • Participants will demonstrate the timely application of Golden Hour practices, including thermoregulation, respiratory support, glucose management and infection prevention for the newborn.
  • Promote physiologic stability during the first hour of life.
    • Participants will assess and maintain neonatal temperature, oxygenation, cardiovascular status and blood glucose levels using established neonatal care guidelines.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and coordination of care.
    • Participants will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and communicate critical patient information to ensure safe, efficient and family-centered care during the newborn’s first hour of life.

Station 6: Bronchiolitis Overview
Josh Curtis, BHS, RRT-NPS

Learning objectives:

  • Demonstrate evidence-based suctioning techniques for pediatric patients with respiratory illness.
  • Utilize bronchiolitis scoring tools to guide patient assessment and clinical decision-making.
  • Assess and interpret bronchodilator responsiveness in pediatric patients.
  • Employ effective communication strategies when educating families and collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams.