In this week’s episode of A Dose of Optimism, we explore how health policy, public trust, and emerging technology continue to shape the future of pediatric care.

Tom Priselac reflects on decades of healthcare leadership, including his role as Chair of the American Hospital Association during the development of the Affordable Care Act. He shares how large health systems evolve, why access and quality must move together, and what remains unresolved for Medicaid, public health infrastructure, and underserved communities.Joining him is Boston Children's Hospital innovation leader John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and entrepreneur who bridges public health, data science, and digital innovation. John discusses how real-time data, scalable technology, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen healthcare systems and improve population health.

Together, they explore how leadership, policy, and innovation intersect, and why trust, adaptability, and long-term thinking matter more than ever in healthcare.

Episode Resources:

Affordable Care Act

iCAN (International Children's Advisory Network)

Introducing OpenAI for Healthcare

MedTutor AI in Action: AI-Powered Innovation Could Transform Medical Education on Celiac Disease

Accelerating scientific breakthroughs with an AI co-scientist

Connect with Tom Priselac:

Thomas M. Priselac Linkedin

Cedars-Sinai Website

Cedars-Sinai Instagram

Cedars-Sinai LinkedIn

Connect with John Brownstein:

John Brownstein LinkedIn

John Brownstein Instagram

Boston Children's Hospital Website

Boston Children's Hospital LinkedIn

Boston Children's Hospital Instagram

Connect with us:

KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

In this deeply moving episode of A Dose of Optimism, we explore how parents, families, children and caregivers navigate trauma, grief, and loss and what meaningful support looks like in the aftermath of a crisis.

Dr. David Schonfeld, Director at the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, shares decades of experience helping schools and communities respond to disasters, violence, and loss, emphasizing why resilience does not mean children should be left to cope alone. Emma Payne, Founder & CEO at Help Texts., reflects on how personal loss led her to create scalable, compassionate bereavement support that meets families where they are. Dr. Solfrid Raknes discusses how evidence-based digital tools, like the Helping Hand Digital Game, can help children and adolescents build coping skills, even in the most fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Together, this conversation centers on presence, care, and long-term healing, reminding us that recovery is possible when children and those who care for them are supported with intention and humanity.

Episode Resources:

Project Open Arms

The Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Wendy G Lichtenthal - Miller School of Medicine

Mary Frances O'Connor - UCLA

The Center for Good Mourning - Arkansas Children's

The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families

The Happy Helping Hand Manual - Dr. Solfrid Raknes (for teachers, psycho social staff, facilitators)

Connect with Dr. David Schonfeld:

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement Website

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement LinkedIn

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement Instagram

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement Facebook

Dr. David Schonfeld LinkedIn

Connect with Emma Payne:

Emma Payne LinkedIn

Help Texts Website

Caregiver and Grief Support for Children's Hospitals

Help Texts Instagram

Help Texts Facebook

Help Texts LinkedIn

Help Texts TikTok

Connect with Dr. Solfrid Raknes:

Dr. Solfrid Raknes LinkedIn

Dr. Solfrid Raknes Instagram

Helping Hand Digital Game

Attensi Website

Connect with us:

KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, Omkar sits down with two leaders shaping the present and future of pediatric healthcare.

Paul Viviano, CEO of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares a candid perspective on what it means to lead a children’s hospital during a period of unprecedented pressure. From workforce shortages and Medicaid uncertainty to research funding and equity in access, Paul reflects on the realities facing pediatric systems and the leadership principles required to navigate them with clarity and purpose.

Kyle Horne, Project Manager for CHLA’s Literally Healing program, brings a deeply human lens to hospital care. Kyle explains how books, storytelling, and literacy support can create moments of comfort, understanding, and hope for children and families during hospitalization. His work reminds us that healing is not only clinical but emotional and developmental as well.

Together, this conversation highlights how leadership, creativity, and compassion intersect to support children and families, even in the most challenging environments.

Episode Resources:

Medicaid - US health insurance for adults and children with limited income and resources

Medi-Cal Insurance Coverage - California Medicaid

Literally Healing at Children's Hospital Los Angeles - an innovative reading program

Drew Daywalt - American author and filmmaker

Benson Shum - book author and illustrator

Books mentioned in the episode:

How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?

The Little Engine That Could

Grumpy Monkey Up All Night

Guess How Much I Love You

The Day the Crayons Quit

The Book with No Pictures