Operation Advocacy: Voices for Children's Health

6 Episodes
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By: Operation Advocacy

A podcast by pediatric surgeons with a mission to improve the lives (health) of children through simple conversations. Join children's health policy & advocacy topics with content experts. Episodes released monthly - tune in & join the conversation! Sponsored by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA).

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Beyond the Operating Room:  How to Advocate for Kids' Health
#6
Today at 2:00 PM

Children’s health advocacy starts with a simple question: How can we make things better for kids?

In this episode of Operation Advocacy we explore how to turn concern into action. Discover practical ways to engage in advocacy, connect with policymakers, build coalitions, and use the power of patient stories to drive change. Join pediatric surgery advocacy leaders Drs. Marion Henry & Kenneth Gow with hosts Drs. Leslie Knod & Colleen Fitzpatrick.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, trainee, or aspiring advocate, learn how small steps and collective action can improve children’s health—both inside and beyond t...


Healthcare Sustainability:  Healing the Planet for Our Children
#5
10/01/2026

Together with nationally recognized climate health and healthcare sustainability leaders, Drs. Aparna Bole and John Balbus, we explore how climate change affects children, the contribution of healthcare to the changing climate, and the many ways – from local to federal action – we can advocate for the health of our children.

Resources, fact checks, and policy watch links on Padlet.  

Send us your comments and stories.


The Power of Storytelling: From Movie Making to Coalition Building
#4
08/18/2026

Join Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Joshua Seftel and pediatric surgeon Dr. Chethan Sathya, co-creator and producer of the award-winning documentary All The Empty Rooms (on Netflix) as we discuss the power of storytelling in advocacy and building partnerships to advance children's health.

For resources & links, click HERE 

Send us your comments and stories.


The Speed of Change: E-bikes, Advocacy & Kids
#3
07/15/2026

What does it take to keep kids safe as e-bike use continues to grow? In
Episode 3 of Operation Advocacy, host Joanne Baerg, MD, is joined by Sigrid Burruss, MD, FACS, and Romeo Ignacio, MD, FACS, FAAP, to discuss the rising number of pediatric e-bike injuries, practical steps families can take to improve safety, and how advocacy efforts like the SAFE Ride Act could help protect children. 

Join the conversation. Resources, fact checks, and policy watch links on Padlet.

Send us your comments and stories.


Coverage Counts: Kids, Medicaid & CHIP
#2
06/24/2026

Join us to discuss the current state of Medicaid and children's healthcare coverage and how to advocate. Experts Leonardo Cuelllo, JD Research Professor at Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy’s Center for Children and Families, and Tamar Haro, former Senior Director of Federal & State Advocacy at the American Academy of Pediatrics, now at Haro Solutions join us. Resources, fact checks & policy watch links on Padlet.

Send us your comments and stories.


Why We Advocate for Kids: with Dr. Andrea Hayes-Dixon
#1
05/03/2026

Pediatric surgeon and president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association, Dr. Andrea Hayes-Dixon, discusses why pediatric surgeons advocate and ways that ALL can advocate to improve children’s health. She shares personal experiences pioneering a surgical procedure to treat a previously almost incurable cancer and her basic science research successes. Insights into funding for pediatric healthcare research, its importance and current challenges.

Resources, fact checks & policy watch links on Padlet 

Send us your comments and stories.