Empowering a Brighter Future for Children’s Health and Wellness
The world of pediatric healthcare has just taken a significant leap forward, thanks to the generosity of the Clavis Foundation. This visionary organization has gifted Rady Children’s Health in Orange County with a substantial endowment, paving the way for the establishment of the inaugural Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness. At the helm of this groundbreaking initiative is Dr. Michael Weiss, a renowned pediatrician and vice president of population health at Rady Children’s. As the first chairholder, Dr. Weiss is poised to revolutionize the way we approach children’s wellness, focusing on the intricate web of factors that shape a child’s health over a lifetime.
A New Era in Wellness
The Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness represents a beacon of hope for families and children in need. By bringing together clinical, school-based, and community services under one unified vision, Dr. Weiss aims to create a comprehensive support system that nurtures the physical, mental, and social health of children. This integrative approach will enable Rady Children’s to expand its reach, providing evidence-based care and proactive interventions that address the root causes of illness. As Dr. Weiss so eloquently puts it, “Thanks to the Clavis Foundation’s generosity, we can bring our wellness services together under a unified vision and focus even more on the factors that shape a child’s health over a lifetime—mental well-being, lifestyle, environment, and early support.”
A Trailblazer in the Wellness Space
Dr. Weiss is no stranger to innovation and leadership. With over three decades of experience in primary care and population health, he has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the wellness space. His impressive credentials include serving as the immediate past-chair of the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel, as well as being a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As a Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, Dr. Weiss is committed to shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Community-Focused Initiatives
The Clavis Foundation’s support for Rady Children’s extends far beyond the establishment of the chair. The organization has also backed initiatives like WellSpaces, which brings wellness programs to Orange County middle and high schools. Additionally, the foundation has provided critical funding for mental health services and programs serving families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These community-focused efforts demonstrate the foundation’s dedication to advancing wellness in ways that truly meet children and families where they are.
A Shared Vision for a Healthier Future
The partnership between the Clavis Foundation and Rady Children’s is built on a shared commitment to improving pediatric health and well-being. As Tusdi Vopat, president of the Clavis Foundation, notes, “This endowed chair reflects our commitment to advancing wellness in ways that truly meet children and families where they are.” Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer at CHOC Foundation, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Their enduring commitment reflects a shared dedication to advancing integrative medicine and wellness to strengthen the systems that support children and families.”
A New Path Forward
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness will play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of pediatric healthcare. By investing in innovative approaches to health and wellness, we can create a brighter, healthier future for generations to come. As Dr. Weiss embarks on this exciting journey, he is joined by a community of like-minded individuals who share his passion for empowering children and families to thrive. Together, they will blaze new paths, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when innovation and compassion come together.
