Pediatric providers come together for 2nd annual Golisano Children’s at UK Affiliate Network Conference 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2026) – Providers from across the state attended the second annual Golisano Children’s at UK – Affiliate Network conference in Lexington Sept. 17-18,  coming together to collaborate on methods for improving pediatric health care in Kentucky.   

“At the heart of the Golisano Children’s at UK – Affiliate Network is the belief that every child deserves access to high-quality pediatric care, no matter where they live,” said Christina Briggs, director of the UK Golisano Children’s Network. “Our annual conference brings healthcare professionals together to learn from pediatric experts, practice essential skills through hands-on simulations and share knowledge with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of caring for kids in their communities. When providers return to their local hospitals with new skills, greater confidence and stronger connections to pediatric resources, they are better equipped to care for the children and families who depend on them. That’s what this work is all about — strengthening care close to home for Kentucky’s kids.” 

Through education and training, the conference gave providers a meaningful way to collaborate beyond presentations and discussions. Hands-on sessions led by UK Golisano Children’s physicians and nurses allowed participants to watch demonstrations, practice techniques and build pediatric-specific skills to support children and families in their home communities. 

Presentations included topics such as:  

• Use of therapeutic gaming and technology in pediatric care settings 

• Early identification and effective intervention of child maltreatment 

• Responsible use of AI for clinicians and better understanding of AI hallucinations 

• Evaluation of fevers in newborns 

• Recognition and treatment of sepsis in pediatric patients 

• Addressing pediatric mental health 

• Surfactant administration and respiratory care 

• Evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding in the hospital 

• Assessment and treatment of urinary tract infections in pediatric patients 

As part of the conference’s focus on collaboration through education, affiliate providers received hands-on training conducted by UK Golisano physicians and nurses, who simulated procedures such as: 

• Pediatric cardiac arrest management 

• High-risk neonatal resuscitation simulation 

• Intravenous skills and safe patient holding 

• Gastric tube placement, maintenance and troubleshooting 

• Umbilical venous catheter placement 

• Neonatal airway management 

• Neonatal golden hour stabilization 

• Bronchiolitis overview and suctioning techniques 

“We had a little simulation baby that we were able to work on and debrief afterwards to see what we could improve on, and it was a very high-value experience and lesson,” said Brianna Ratliff, registered nurse at Danville’s Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. 

“Today was really great to see how our tertiary care handles these emergency situations so we can take it back to our rural hospitals,” said April Mullins, registered nurse and director of emergency services at Centerpoint Health – Paris. 

“All of the doctors are so helpful in educating us, that we can take things back and really incorporate it into our practice and make it more of a partnership,” said Britney Stephens, advanced practice registered nurse at UK King’s Daughters in Ashland.  

The Golisano Children’s at UK – Affiliate Network was established in 2025 as a statewide collaboration focused on connecting community hospitals with specialized expertise to strength pediatric care and improve access and outcomes for children. The network equips community providers with the hands-on training, tools and real-time support they need to deliver exceptional care for kids and families. This collaboration allows children to access specialized care closer to home.