DREAM Team Newsletter
September 2025 | Issue 8.1
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HEALTH SPOTHLIGHT: COMMUNITY ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA (CAP)
BY SOUTSADA SIKHOUNCHANH, PharmD CANDIDATE 2026
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a lung infection that people catch outside of hospitals or healthcare settings. It happens when germs, usually bacteria or viruses, get into the lungs and cause inflammation, making it hard to breathe. Pneumonia affects millions every year and can be serious, especially in older adults or those with other health problems.1 But with the right care, most people recover well!
The most common cause of CAP is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae, but viruses (like flu or RSV) can cause it too.3 Fungi and parasites are less common causes of CAP. Some common signs and symptoms to look out for include cough, with or without mucus, fever, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, a feeling of tiredness, and confusion, especially in older adults.2,3 If you or someone you love shows these symptoms, don’t wait – contact your healthcare provider!
And how is this disease treated? People who get pneumonia outside of a healthcare setting are often treated with antibiotics (if it’s caused by bacteria) and plenty of rest and fluids. In mild cases, people can recover at home.4 But in more severe cases, especially for older adults or people with other illnesses, hospital care may be necessary.4,5 Doctors now follow updated guidelines to make sure treatment is safe and effective, without overusing antibiotics as this could lead to antibiotic resistance.5
Here are simple, but powerful ways to reduce your risk of getting CAP:3,4
● Get vaccinated – pneumonia and flu vaccines protect you and your loved ones by reducing the risk of CAP.
● Wash hands often as this stops germs from spreading.
● Avoid smoking, since smoking damages lungs and raises the risk of CAP.
● Manage your chronic conditions by helping your body to fight infections when you keep your asthma, diabetes, or heart disease in check.
CAP is common, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. By recognizing symptoms early, seeking timely care, and staying up to date on vaccines, you can protect yourself and your community. If you have questions, reach out to your healthcare provider.
References:
Regunath H, Oba Y. Community-Acquired Pneumonia. PubMed. Published January 26, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430749/
Dao TH, Jackson CD. What Is Community-Acquired Pneumonia? JAMA. 2025;333(5):442. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.22251
CDC. About Pneumonia. Pneumonia. Published April 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/about/index.html
Patterson CM, Loebinger MR. Community acquired pneumonia: assessment and treatment. Clin Med (Lond). 2012;12(3):283-286. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.12-3-283
IDSA. Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Community-acquired Pneumonia. An Official Clinical Practice Guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. Idsociety.org. Published 2019. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/community-acquired-pneumonia-cap-in-adults/
HEALTH SPOTLIGHT: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR KIDNEY HEALTH
BY LAURENA DONGMO FOTSING, MD, MPH
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is more common than many people realize. In fact, it affects about 1 in 7 adults in the United States and people of color are at a higher risk of developing serious complications like kidney failure.1,2
CKD happens when your kidneys aren't working as well as they should for more than three months.1 This can lead to serious health problems if not caught early. That’s why early detection and treatment are key to slowing down its progress and preventing further damage.
Who’s Most at Risk?
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, it’s especially important to get your kidneys checked regularly. Simple tests like a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) or a blood test to estimate kidney function (eGFR) can help spot CKD early.3
Why Early Detection Matters
CKD increases your risk of other health issues like:
● Heart Disease
● Kidney injuries or kidney failure
● Bone and mineral problems
Catching CKD early means you and your healthcare provider can take steps to slow it down, such as making lifestyle changes, starting medications, and keeping an eye on your heart and kidney health.
What Can Be Done?
Doctors now use updated guidelines to help identify and treat CKD based on three things:
● The cause of kidney disease
● How well the kidneys are filtering waste (called GFR)
● The amount of protein in your urine (a sign of damage)
There are also tools that help decide when someone should be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) or when more advanced care is needed.
Your Primary Care Provider Plays a Key Role
Since most people with CKD are cared for by their family doctor or local clinic, it’s important for providers to:
● Offer regular urine and blood tests
● Talk with patients about risk factors and prevention
● Recommend healthy habits a nd medications that can protect the kidneys (like SGLT2 inhibitors or blood pressure medications)
A Team-Based Approach Works Best
Managing CKD often involves a team of healthcare professionals. That’s because kidney disease can affect more than just your kidneys—it can impact your heart, bones, and more. Working with a team means getting support for:
● Healthy eating
● Medication management
● Monitoring side effect
● Staying active
Let’s Work Together to Protect Your Health
Chronic Kidney Disease is serious, but manageable. With early detection, the right care, and strong communication between patients and healthcare providers, people with CKD can lead healthy, active lives.
If you're at risk, ask your doctor about getting tested. It’s a simple step that could make a big difference.
References:
United States Renal Data System. 2022 USRDS Annual Data Report: Epidemiology of kidney disease in the United States. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, 2022.
Saran R, Robinson B, Abbott KC, Bragg-Gresham J, Chen X, Gipson D, Gu H, Hirth RA, Hutton D, Jin Y, Kapke A, Kurtz V, Li Y, McCullough K, Modi Z, Morgenstern H, Mukhopadhyay P, Pearson J, Pisoni R, Repeck K, Schaubel DE, Shamraj R, Steffick D, Turf M, Woodside KJ, Xiang J, Yin M, Zhang X, Shahinian V. US Renal Data System 2019 Annual Data Report: Epidemiology of Kidney Disease in the United States. Am J Kidney Dis. 2020 Jan;75(1 Suppl 1):A6-A7. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2019.09.003. Epub 2019 Nov 5. PMID: 31704083.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 11. Chronic kidney disease and risk management: Standards of care in diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl 1):S239–S251. doi:10.2337/dc25-S011
SUMMER 2025 CONFERENCES RECAP:
ADA, ADCES
During the summer, the DREAM Team participated in a series of significant professional activities, including attendance at two prominent national diabetes conferences: the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) Annual Conference.
Our contributions were recognized at the American Diabetes Association Presidential speech, where we were acknowledged as exemplary practices in interprofessional care. The current President of Health Care and Education at the ADA, Dr. Joshua Neumiller, PharmD, delivered a keynote address on best practices in team-based care. He also drew attention to our programs, which encompass a diverse range of initiatives, including public health interventions, community screenings, and patient-centered care.
Furthermore, novel evidence has emerged concerning hypercortisolism in challenging-to-manage type 2 diabetes, compelling us to conduct screenings and diagnoses for this condition in suspected cases to facilitate timely interventions.
The central theme of this year’s ADCES Annual Conference was implicit bias. This theme serves as a reminder that implicit bias is an inherent aspect of the human experience. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that in the healthcare sector, making every effort to identify and mitigate implicit biases is essential. By implementing specific actions, we can potentially eliminate or significantly reduce these biases, creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.
REFLECTION ON DIABETES CAMP EXPERIENCE
BY SHIRLEY WONG, PharmD
Special thanks to Dr. Jay Shubrook, who introduced me to diabetes camp back in 2022, and the rest is history.
Every year, I attend diabetes camp accompanied by a diabetes fellow. This summer, I was joined by Dr. Yasmin Bains, and together, we found quiet moments to relax in the hammocks between the busy and rewarding days.
As a medical staff member, I’ve witnessed the incredible transformation that campers undergo in just a few days. It’s a physically and emotionally exhausting week; but when it ends, you can’t help but miss it. It always gets emotional on the very last night.
Despite the medical responsibilities, camp is filled with joy. Although we ensure each camper receives the care and guidance they need while at camp, we also join the fun, from sports and arts and crafts to dancing and intense scavenger hunt competitions. The highlight for me is the kids' excitement over themed meals, dressing as their favorite character, crazy hair day, and pajamas. And yes — the food! Staff meals are surprisingly structured and satisfying. Camp snacks are something else entirely. Sun butter, in particular, is a staple; a quirky little favorite you just have to try for yourself.
It is quite a journey to see children gain the confidence they need, in a matter of days, to manage their diabetes. Some kids may be recently diagnosed, but it is amazing how they are so in-tune with their bodies at such a young age and know exactly when to act on their low blood sugar events. One of the most critical parts of the day is the 1:00 AM blood sugar check. Most kids probably don’t look forward to it, but for some reason, I do. I want to ensure my campers are safe while sleeping. This is essential for parents at home, especially after active days when nighttime hypoglycemia is more likely. It is a safety checkpoint, and I am always intrigued by how kids can drink a juice box in their sleep with their eyes closed. We watch them learn not just about blood sugar levels, insulin, nutrition, ways to reduce and prevent lows at night (since it happens during camp due to the high levels of activity during the day), but also how to advocate for their own health.
This is my fourth year at camp, and it truly feels like family. What stands out most is the camaraderie; campers support each other and realize they’re not alone. While diabetes is part of their daily lives, camp helps them see it’s just one piece of who they are. I love celebrating their milestones, like changing a pump or giving their first injection on their own. The pride they feel in those moments is unforgettable.
Camp will always have a special place in my heart. I leave each year inspired by the kids and excited to see many return—some even as counselors, sharing stories of college and life beyond camp.
TO GOOD HEALTH
Anne Lee, RD, CDCES
Zesty Asian Chicken Salad
Zesty Asian Chicken Salad
It's especially difficult to get meals prep during the week if you have school, work or other evening activities. One way to save time is to cook the chicken in batches, and freeze cooked chicken to use on another day. On a busy day, you may heat up the cooked proteins to add to salads to complete a meal. Utilizing leftovers in a creative way will not only save you time, it will give your meals a new twist.
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chilled
3 green onions, sliced
1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup fat free Asian or sesame salad dressing
1/4 cup 100% orange Juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Cut chicken breasts into small strips and place in a medium bowl with onions, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. In a small bowl, stir together dressing and juice. Pour over salad and toss well to coat. Stir in cilantro. Serve at room temperature.
Makes 4 servings -1 cup per serving
This recipe does not adhere to Kosher guidelines
Source: https://calfreshhealthyliving.cdph.ca.gov/en/recipes/Pages/Zesty-Asian-Chicken-Salad.aspx
DREAM TEAM - NEW MEMBERS
YASMIN BAINS
DIABETOLOGY FELLOW
Dr. Bains is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. She received her doctorate from Touro University California (TUC) and completed her Internal Medicine training as well as additional Chief Resident year at Highland Hospital in Oakland. She is back at TUC to complete her Diabetology Fellowship and is also Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health. Her clinical and academic interests are diabetes and cardiometabolic disease including obesity medicine, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease as well as research and quality improvement, medical education and the intersection of technology and healthcare. She has lived in multiple countries and has called the Bay Area home for 25 years. During her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. She is excited to join the DREAM Team!
SONALI GUPTA
CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
We are delighted to introduce our new Clinical Research Assistant, Sonali Gupta. She will bring her enthusiasm and expertise to the field of clinical research. Sonali graduated from Touro University California with a Master's degree in Medical Health Sciences in 2024. She attended undergrad school at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she majored in Integrative Physiology. During her time in Boulder, she fell in love with hiking and being outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, shooting film photography, and spending time with family, friends, and dog -Bubba. Welcome to the Team!
Newsletter Credits
Editor: Laurena Dongmo Fotsing, MD, MPH
Designer: Maryelli Ray
Sponsored by: Sutter Health
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