Thank you to the team at Lucile Packard’s Children’s Hospital at Stanford University for hosting a constructive conference in Palo Alto. Dr. Benjamin Padilla in his new role as chair, proposed a business plan for the future functioning of the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium. Dr. Katie Russell, in her role as secretary, has played an organizing presence in Consortium voting and tracking of Consortium achievements. Dr. Samir Pandya, the Consortium treasurer, has taken responsibility and established the Consortium’s new nonprofit to raise funds for future research. Additionally, thank you to all who attended for their continued involvement and support.

The Consortium continues to grow in its capability and intellectual contribution. Dr. Elizabeth Fialkowski’s “Colon Bundle” Study has been accepted for publication in the January 2023 edition of JPS. Dr. David Rothstein’s new study proposal to observe the use of chest tubes post lung resection was accepted by the Consortium. The Consortium also plans to pursue Dr. Russell’s and Dr. Ostlie’s prospective study proposal, put forth to determine the factors influencing bar migration after the Nuss procedure.