Children’s Health Network “Small Talk” — Third Issue
RWJBarnabas Health Hospital Earns ACS COT Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center Verification
The Pediatric Trauma Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) was recently verified as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). It is the only state-designated Level 1 Trauma Center in New Jersey to have an ACS COT Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Program. Read more
Distinguished Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Shubhika Srivastava Joins RWJBH
At RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), our commitment is to provide access to high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare in the community. We strive to provide exceptional care—from early and timely diagnosis and preventive services to complex, cutting-edge treatments. Meeting that goal requires highly specialized expertise. It is an honor to introduce Shubhika Srivastava, MD, FACC, FAAP, FASE, a distinguished pediatric cardiologist, who joined RWJBH on June 1, 2026, as chief of pediatric cardiology for the system and chair of pediatric cardiology for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Read more
New Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Center Consolidates Expertise to Improve Patient Care
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)—a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the esophagus thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors—was formally recognized as a distinct clinical entity in 1993-1994 (although case reports date back to the 1970s). Today in the United States, EoE affects approximately 34 per 100,000 children, more boys than girls (3:1).
In the pediatric population, vomiting, abdominal pain, failure to thrive, dysphagia, and food impaction are the most prevalent symptoms. Many individuals with EoE also suffer from allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema. One of the two peak prevalence periods occurs during adolescence. EoE is associated with complications including food impaction requiring emergent endoscopy and esophageal stricture as well as high healthcare associated cost and negative impact on quality of life, making this an important focus of research to improve care for patients and families with EoE.
Bariatric Surgery Center Serving Adolescents Receives Elite Certification
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents have obesity, putting them at increased risk for diseases traditionally seen only in adults, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, difficulty sleeping, and degenerative joint disorders.
For eligible adolescents, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing treatment but requires specialized care. RWJBarnabas Health offers that care via multidisciplinary weight-management teams, including seasoned surgeons.
Recognized for exceptional quality
Recently, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital achieved an elite certification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program—Comprehensive Center with Adolescent.