Leading Pediatric Care Through Challenge and Change

In this episode of A Dose of Optimism, Omkar sits down with two leaders shaping the present and future of pediatric healthcare.

Paul Viviano, CEO of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shares a candid perspective on what it means to lead a children’s hospital during a period of unprecedented pressure. From workforce shortages and Medicaid uncertainty to research funding and equity in access, Paul reflects on the realities facing pediatric systems and the leadership principles required to navigate them with clarity and purpose.

Kyle Horne, Project Manager for CHLA’s Literally Healing program, brings a deeply human lens to hospital care. Kyle explains how books, storytelling, and literacy support can create moments of comfort, understanding, and hope for children and families during hospitalization. His work reminds us that healing is not only clinical but emotional and developmental as well.

Together, this conversation highlights how leadership, creativity, and compassion intersect to support children and families, even in the most challenging environments.


Connect with Paul Viviano:
→Paul Viviano LinkedIn (  / paul-s-viviano  )


Connect with Kyle Horne:
→Kyle Horne LinkedIn (  / hornekn  )


Episode Resources:
→Medicaid - US health insurance for adults and children with limited income and resources (https://www.medicaid.gov/)
→Medi-Cal Insurance Coverage - California Medicaid (https://www.healthforcalifornia.com/c...)
→Literally Healing at Children's Hospital Los Angeles - an innovative reading program (https://www.chla.org/literally-healing)
→Drew Daywalt - American author and filmmaker (https://www.drewdaywalt.com/)
→Benson Shum - book author and illustrator (https://bensonshum.com/)


Books mentioned in the episode:
→How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? (https://www.amazon.com/How-Care-Very-...)
→The Little Engine That Could (https://www.amazon.com/Little-Engine-...)
→Grumpy Monkey Up All Night (https://www.amazon.com/Grumpy-Monkey-...)
→Guess How Much I Love You (https://www.amazon.com/Guess-How-Much...)
→The Day the Crayons Quit (https://shorturl.at/p8DNR)
→The Book with No Pictures (https://shorturl.at/pqEAx)


🎧 Join us and subscribe for more: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


Connect with us:
→Children's Hospital L.A. Website (https://www.chla.org/)
→Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram (  / childrensla  )
→Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn (  / childrensla  )


“The content, views, opinions, and information presented on this podcast do not reflect the views of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles or of the sponsors of the podcast. CHLA does not endorse the views, opinions and information presented on this podcast and CHLA specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for the podcast’s content.”


#ADoseOfOptimismPodcast #PediatricHealthcare #HealthcareLeadership #ChildrensHospitals #HealthEquity #FamilyCenteredCare #HospitalInnovation #LiteracyAsHealing