Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

Choco made a splash at Rady Children's with a surprise visit to our dedicated staff. 💙🧸 A small moment that brought big smiles — thanks for making our day, Choco!

Our Population Health Department recently hosted SDSU Doctor of Public Health students for an immersive look at how we bring pediatric public health to life. 🌟 From learning about care management, health equity, and the California Newborn Screening program to assembling therapeutic toolkits and food bags for families, students experienced how our teams support healthier beginnings for every child. They also explored community programs like Safe Kids San Diego and the Childhood Obesity Initiative — local efforts that help kids stay safe, healthy and thriving here in #SanDiego. 👏

#MLB umpires, the San Diego Padres Pad Squad, and teddy bears—oh my! 🧸💙 Our patients were bear-y lucky to get this sweet surprise. Thank you to UMPS CARE Charities for bringing comfort & smiles to our kiddos & their families!

At just 20 years old, Mikey—the oldest of five siblings—is living life with a second chance. 🌟 His health struggles began in third grade with stomach pain that only worsened through middle & high school. He missed school, adjusted his diet & tried everything to manage the pain. But by senior year, the pain was so severe he could barely walk. He was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer & began his journey with our dedicated care team, including Dr. Amber Hildreth, pediatric gastroenterologist & transplant hepatologist, & Dr. Megan Paul, hematologist/oncologist. Together, they determined that a liver transplant was his best chance. Last year, Mikey received a transplant—& with it, a new beginning. Today, he’s healthy & thriving: "I’m grateful for every single person at Rady Children's—the doctors, nurses, lab techs, food service workers, custodians & administrative staff. Even if we never met face-to-face, your work mattered. You helped save my life. Thank you." 💙

After Owen's 5-month NICU journey, a mild cold quickly worsened, requiring intubation & admission to #RadyChildrens PICU. Owen spent 784 consecutive days at Rady Children’s—most of which were in the PICU. During his stay, he became dependent on medications to maintain his health, had a gastrostomy tube inserted for feeding & underwent a tracheostomy. “Each doctor & nurse had foundational & integral moments in helping him heal, advocating for us, coaching us & cheering us on,” says Owen's mom, Darlene. “Because of their combined impacts, Owen survived & made it out of the hospital.” 💙 Owen is now 10 years old & can breathe without a tracheostomy tube or ventilator! He communicates with an augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) device & has steadily built feeding & speech skills. Discover Owen’s full story ➡️ https://rchsd.co/270746

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Kwon to #RadyChildrens! 👏 A pediatric orthopedic surgeon & associate clinical professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Kwon brings over 20 years of expertise in pediatric orthopedics & hand surgery—combining deep knowledge of upper extremity conditions with a specialty in complex trauma. Outside of the OR, you might find him reeling in a big catch or cheering on his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles! 🏈

Meet Jose, a Surgical Tech at #RadyChildrens whose journey came full circle—first as a patient, now as part of the team. 🏥 As a child, Jose was treated for a hearing condition by Dr. Daniela Carvalho, Medical Director of Surgical Services & Director of the Hearing & Cochlear Implant Program. Years later, during a clinical rotation, he prepped a surgery for her—without realizing who she was. Mid-procedure, she smiled and said, “I used to be your doctor!” 🥹 A moment Jose will never forget. Now, Jose is part of the same team that once cared for him. “I always wanted to give back to the community that helped me. Supporting kids the way I was supported—by a team that led with compassion—is what drives me every day. ” 🌟 Inspired by Jose’s story? Explore careers at Rady Children’s ➡️ jobs.rchsd.org

Today, our BEAM (Black/African American Equity, Advancement, & eMpowerment) Team Resource Group hosted a #Juneteenth celebration filled with food, music, a line dance mini-workshop, & powerful moments of learning and reflection. 🕺🏾🎉 Juneteenth marks the final wave of enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, freeing all remaining enslaved people in the United States. Today & every day, #RadyChildrens is dedicated to recognizing & supporting our diverse community. 💙

From jugglers and stilt walkers to face painting and games, our River Walk transformed into a mini fairground—thanks to San Diego County Fair. 🎡🌟 This fun-filled day offered a sense of normalcy and brought a bit of magic to our patients receiving care. 💙

Team Rady's Ortho team was proudly represented at The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Conference! 🩺 The AOA is the premier organization for orthopaedic leadership & education, with less than 5% of orthopaedic surgeons nationwide elected as Fellows. We’re honored that many of our faculty at Rady Children’s are part of this distinguished group. 👏