Pediatric providers from across the Commonwealth attend inaugural KCH Affiliate Network conference
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2025) – Providers from across the state attended the inaugural Kentucky Children’s Hospital Affiliate Network conference in Lexington Sept. 25-26, marking the first occasion, since the launch of the network, when pediatric health care professionals from hospitals across the state came together to collaborate on methods for improving pediatric health care in Kentucky.
"What an incredible and collaborative journey it’s been leading up to our inaugural conference,” said Christina Briggs, director of the KCH Affiliate Network. “It was truly inspiring to see so many hospitals from across the state come together in support of pediatric education and training. By investing in their teams, these organizations are strengthening care in their own communities — ensuring children receive the highest level of care close to home. Together, we’re shaping a healthier future for Kentucky’s families. And the progress is fueled through the KCH Affiliate Network."
Over the course of the conference, experts from Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH) gave presentations on various aspects of pediatric care. Presentations included topics such as:
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Helping children understand and cope with medical procedures.
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Supporting pediatric patients’ mental health.
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Evaluating suspected child abuse.
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Tips and tricks for foreign body removal.
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Latest advancements in neonatal care.
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Recommendations for the prescription of antibiotics.
The following day, providers received hands-on training conducted by KCH physicians and nurses, who simulated procedures such as chest line placements, vascular access and intubation and resuscitation.
“I loved the opportunity to be one-on-one with the providers that we send and refer our children to and be able to learn from them, ask questions, practice skills, and especially learn tools and simple tricks to keep the children safer before they need to go to UK,” said Ashtin Nix, M.D., a pediatrician at AdventHealth in Manchester.
“I loved this conference,” said Amanda Fletcher, a nurse at Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester. “Everything was informative and extremely interesting! I took feedback to my chief nursing officer and encouraged more participation in future conferences. It was by far the best and most beneficial conference I attended this year.”
The KCH Affiliate Network was established in 2025 as a statewide collaboration focused on connecting community hospitals with the specialized expertise of KCH 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.
UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns and the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.