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Keeping Kids in the Game: Dr. Goldman Featured in Southbay Magazine

Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Tyler Johnson

We’re excited to share that Dr. Joshua Goldman, associate director of the Center for Sports Medicine at LuskinOIC and a 2025 Super Doctors SoCal honoree, will be featured in Southbay Magazine’s “All About Kids” special section in March.

In the profile, Dr. Goldman discusses how LuskinOIC’s sports medicine team delivers the same level of expertise provided to elite athletes—including the Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA football and beach volleyball teams, and the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center—to young athletes across Los Angeles. He reflects on the evolving landscape of youth sports, the importance of keeping kids active and engaged, and why physical and social literacy should be the true goal of youth athletics.

Dr. Goldman also emphasizes that curiosity is the foundation of medical innovation, driving LuskinOIC’s research efforts to help children heal faster and more effectively. He shares how his own experience as a multisport athlete growing up shaped his belief that every child deserves access to youth sports, a conviction that aligns closely with LuskinOIC’s mission to provide world-class care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The feature offers a wonderful glimpse into the philosophy and passion driving LuskinOIC’s Center for Sports Medicine and its commitment to helping young athletes thrive.

Knowing When to Seek Care for Your Child: A Guide from LuskinOIC

As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe and healthy. But when your child is sick or injured, it can be hard to know what level of care they need. Should you call your pediatrician, visit urgent care, or head straight to the emergency department?

When to Call Your Pediatrician or Visit Urgent Care

For non-emergencies, your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric urgent care center is often the best place to start. If your child’s doctor isn’t available—such as during evenings or weekends—urgent care can provide fast, effective treatment. Contact your pediatrician or visit urgent care if your child has:

A fever lasting more than 3 days
A fever over 102°F for more than 2 days in an infant, without a clear cause
Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, runny nose)
Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or swelling
Cuts that may need stitches
Minor burns
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Bladder or urinary tract infections
Cold symptoms, coughs, or sore throats
Earaches or sinus pain
Skin concerns like rashes or irritation

You may also have access to virtual urgent care for non-emergency issues, allowing your child to be seen by a provider from home. Check if pediatric virtual urgent care services are available in your area.

When to Go to the Emergency Department

If your child is seriously injured or ill—especially if the condition may be life-threatening or needs immediate attention—take them to the emergency department (ED). Seek emergency care if your child:

Is extremely drowsy, hard to wake, or behaving unusually
Is experiencing severe or constant pain
Has trouble breathing, or is breathing rapidly or deeply
Has a suspected broken bone, a visibly deformed limb, or a lot of swelling and pain
Has a deep or large cut, a cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, or a wound on the head, chest, or abdomen
Sustains a head injury that causes vomiting, confusion, a severe headache, or loss of consciousness
Falls from a significant height
Ingests a harmful substance or medication
- If your child is alert, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
- If your child is unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911
Is under 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (call your doctor first)
Has a high fever along with a stiff neck or headache
Has a fever along with a widespread purple or red rash
Shows signs of severe dehydration (no wet diapers, sunken eyes, dry mouth, weakness, or inability to drink or respond)

Your child’s health matters. When in doubt, trust your instincts—and don’t hesitate to seek care. LuskinOIC is here to support your family with trusted pediatric expertise every step of the way.