From playground falls to sports injuries, oral trauma is part of growing up. But when a tooth gets chipped, knocked out or a lip is cut, it can be stressful for families and challenging for providers. In this episode, we take a closer look at pediatric dental and oral trauma from the primary care perspective. We are focusing on what to look for, when to act and how to guide families through those anxious first moments after an injury.

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. Joining us is Erica Brecher, DMD. She is a pediatric dentist with Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry and is on staff at Duke Children's Hospital. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Most common oral and dental traumas in kids 
• How outcomes differ from baby teeth to permanent teeth 
• What steps a pediatrician can take to save a tooth 
• Why a strong partnership between the pediatric and dental home can improve outcomes 

To access the dental trauma guide mentioned in this episode, click here. To access the app "Tooth SOS" click here. For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Groin bulges, scrotal swelling, and nonpalpable testes are findings that often surface during routine well-child exams, and they can raise immediate questions for pediatricians and families alike. Is this normal? Will it resolve on its own? Or does it require surgical referral? In this episode, we take a closer look at three common genitourinary conditions in children: inguinal hernias, hydroceles, and undescended testes. We diagnose the details to help clarify the evaluation process, management strategies, and referral guidelines that every pediatrician should know. 

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. Joining us is Eric Bortnick, MD. He is a Urologist and Assistant Professor of Urology at the Yale School of Medicine.  

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• How common these conditions are in the pediatric population 
• When pediatricians can make a difference in these patients lives, versus when referral is really necessary. 
• Key takeaways to performing a successful physical exam 
• Creating a safe space for proper diagnosis 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

For kids with eczema the discomfort of dry patches, constant itching and sleepless nights, can be relentless. For their parents, the search for answers is as well. In this episode, we're scratching beneath the surface of one of the most common skin conditions in pediatrics. We'll explore how to spot triggers, calm flare-ups, choose the right treatments and know when it's time to call in a dermatologist. Whether it's helping a toddler stop scratching or giving a teen the confidence to ditch the long sleeves, we're here to equip pediatricians with the tools to help their patients find relief and reclaim their skin.

For this episode, we are joined by Emily Gurnee, MD. She is a Dermatologist at Children's Hospital Colorado as well as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• The most up-to-date information with eczema 
• Medication versus other remedies  
• How to provide care that fits into a family's routine
• Best ways PCPs can support kids with eczema  

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Vaccines are so successful that many people have never seen the diseases they prevent, resulting in misperceptions that vaccines are not needed. While anti-vaccination sentiment and misinformation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, about 88% of Americans still say they feel the overall benefits of childhood vaccines outweigh the risks. Communicating vaccine science to the public is even more crucial than in times past. It's up to our doctors and medical experts to relay factual information that is backed by science and supported by research. Without receiving proper vaccinations, preventable diseases will keep recurring.

In today's episode, we are joined by Paul Offit, MD, whose path toward infectious disease prevention started at the young age of 5 when a failed foot operation landed him in a hospital in suburban Baltimore for nearly six weeks. "If you're in a chronic care facility in the mid 1950s, because I was born in 1951, you're in a polio ward. So, I remember that," Dr. Offit says.

Now Dr. Offit is a professor of vaccinology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is an attending physician in the division of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the director of the Vaccine Education Center. "I think the scars of our childhood invariably become the passions of our adulthood. I think it's the reason I became a doctor, I think it's the reason my first book was about polio and the polio vaccine, I think it's why I went into infectious diseases," Dr. Offit says.

This episode was recorded at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, DC. Some highlights from the episode include: 

• Reasons why people have become so hesitant about vaccines
• Some of the biggest misconceptions and stigmas around vaccine science
• Why we need more societal trust in vaccines
• The role of mRNA
• How we can use communication to better our future

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

For most of our careers, our treatments for genetic -based diseases have been supportive, not curative. Our medication recommendations for patients have been based on the expected response of the average individual, but as experts explain, these practices are going to change fast. We are on the cusp of a revolution for two main reasons. First, the ability to understand one's unique genetic profile through genetic sequencing has become more accessible to clinical teams. Second, there are now mechanisms for manipulating one's genetic code to overcome diseases. So what does this mean we can expect over the next decade? Scott Demarest, MD, shares his experience in precision medicine and what that foreshadows for treatments to come. "This is sort of the most extreme version of personalized care that you can imagine and it was something that redefined what we think of as possible within medicine," Dr. Demarest says.

Dr. Demarest is an associate professor of pediatric neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the clinical director of the Precision Medicine Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. He's a perfect expert for this topic, as his research has focused on the characterization of clinical features and clinical trial design for disease -modifying treatments, as well as the development of novel precision therapies for epilepsy and neurogenetic conditions. "I think it's really important that we embrace the genomic era but that we do it very carefully and responsibly," Demarest says.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Explanation of precision medicine
• What types of treatments have evolved over time that allow us to manipulate someone's genetic code
• Current barriers to more regular use of precision medicine
• How ethics play a role in this specified type of medicine
• Experience designing a treatment for one individual patient

 For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org    

Our medical community stretches far and wide, with experts that wear many hats. One prevalent group making an impact on the future of childhood medicine is our pediatric trainees. In 1989, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) founded the Section on Pediatric Trainees with a goal to empower and enable pediatric trainees to be strong leaders and advocates for the health and well-being of children. This group aims to be the central source of information, education, and networking for their peers. With over 16,000 members to date, medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees are learning to make a difference in the lives of each child they work with. We recorded this episode at the 2023 AAP National Conference and Exhibition, which couldn't have served as a more perfect place to discuss this topic. "For the medical students listening out there, if you have any interest or if you think you know what specialty you're interested in, just going to these conferences and getting plugged in with these organizations really opens your eyes to a lot of networking opportunities," Amundam Mancho, MD, MPH, says.

Today we are joined by Dr. Mancho, a resident physician at Boston Children's Hospital and Boston Medical Center. She also leads the Section on Pediatric Trainees as the executive coordinator on equity, diversity, and inclusion, or DEI. DEI work is central to her advocacy, and she hopes to expand opportunities for other students making their way through their medical education. "We want trainees to feel like even though that representative isn't necessarily there, that people feel empowered they feel culturally competent and also have that understanding to recognize differences that our patients bring to the space," Dr. Mancho says.

Some highlights from this episode include:  

• How DEI plays a role within the Section on Pediatric Trainees 
• Exposing medical students and residents to advocacy opportunities within pediatrics 
• The benefits organizations like AAP can provide for medical students

  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org   

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness, resulting in annual outbreaks among all age groups. In the United States, an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 children, the majority of whom are under 6 months of age, are hospitalized each year. Approximately 100 to 300 kids die from this infection each year. RSV is the single most common cause of death from respiratory illness, after the newborn period, in developing countries. This year, the medical community has made history with the first RSV vaccine approvals for pregnant individuals, infants and the elderly. In this episode, we are taking a deep dive into RSVpref, which is the first RSV vaccine for use in pregnant individuals to protect newborns and infants from severe RSV in the first six months. We are also discussing nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, which protects infants and some children against RSV. That includes children 8 –19 at increased risk for severe disease. This is a significant milestone for the scientific community and for public health. "I think now, in another two or three years, we will decrease ER visits, we will decrease hospital visits and I hope we decrease ICU visits. And the next phase of course, hopefully in my lifetime, we get it into developing countries and see impacts on mortality," Eric Simoes, MD, says.

Dr. Simoes has been a part of the creation of these vaccines since the beginning and is our guest for this highly requested topic. He is a clinical professor of pediatrics and infectious disease at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as well as a professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health. He is currently an active clinical infectious disease physician at Children's Hospital Colorado. Of important note, Dr. Simoes served as the global primary investigator for the RSVpreF and lead investigator for the development of nirsevimab.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• How these vaccines received approval and became available on market 
• Indications to delivering this vaccine to a pregnant person 
• Benefits of receiving these vaccines
• The future of this vaccine and its impact on people of different ages   

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

The preteen and teenage years are taxing and have become increasingly difficult for a multitude of reasons. This is a part of the patient population that pediatricians really worry about. Part of the angst of this time of life has always been the changes that occur to kids' bodies as they grow – particularly for young girls. This experience is different as they experience menarche, the onset of menstruation, which can be both psychologically and physically challenging. Menstrual irregularities are very common, occurring in an estimated 14% to 25% of all women of childbearing age. Many gynecologic conditions diagnosed during childhood require treatment that extends into adulthood and it's hard to stay abreast of all the new therapies and hormonal management strategies of menstruation. "When you can really connect with a teen who is so vulnerable so has just been struggling that recognizes that this is normal, that they are not alone, and that we can help, that's pretty great," Tricia Huguelet, MD, says.

Today we are joined Dr. Huguelet, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. While she didn't always plan for this career route, she developed a love for pediatrics from an early age. She fondly reflects on her memories going on rounds with her father who was a pediatrician focusing on pediatric infectious disease. Combining her love for children with her passion for surgery, she has become the section chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Children's Colorado, as well as a faculty member in the OBGYN department at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "When I discovered that not only could I do reproductive care for women but then specifically focus in kids and teens it was a no brainer that that was where I was going to focus my time," Dr. Huguelet says.

Dr. Huguelet explains how menstrual abnormalities are not just physically demanding, but can create a strain on mental health. "I mean I've had patients with bleeding disorders who we send letters to school and they still aren't excused. So just the embarrassment over that and day to day life when you don't want to talk about it, you certainly don't want to show it, has a tremendously negative impact," Dr. Huguelet says.

Some highlights from this episode include:  

• Most common menstrual abnormalities in children
• How to normalize these conversations between kids and parents
• Management and treatment of these abnormalities
• Mental health impacts from menstruation abnormalities

  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org   

We live in a country where medical experts are breaking barriers and changing outcomes on a daily basis, so it's always exciting when we get to celebrate one of our own. Recorded at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., this episode honors David Keller, MD, who was recently named the recipient of the 2023 AAP Job Lewis Smith Award. "I want to be a part of the solution to problems," Dr. Keller says.  

The award recognizes lifelong outstanding career achievement in community pediatrics and is the highest award bestowed by the council. Dr. Keller has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing child health and he currently serves as the Department of Pediatrics Vice Chair of Clinical Strategy and Transformation at Children's Hospital Colorado. "We as pediatricians need to remember that children always live in context. There is no such thing as an isolated child. They live in the context of their families, but they also live in the context of their communities. If we don't understand the communities that our kids live in, then it's really challenging to understand how illness interacts with that community and how you can intervene," Dr. Keller says. 

Some highlights from this episode include:  

• Dr. Keller's early career influences
• How he earned this prestigious award 
• How we learn more about the context of our patients 
• Advice for young doctors and medical professionals trying to make their own imprint 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org   

In the United States, 77% of vector-borne diseases are transmitted by ticks and numbers have increased dramatically in recent decades. While Lyme disease may be the most common in the country, with an estimated 475,000 new cases each year, there are many other vector-borne diseases affecting people every day. Information is constantly shifting related to current and predicted changes in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases, age -specific clinical and laboratory manifestations, as well as treatment. In addition, there are many public misconceptions regarding vector-borne infections and approaches to infection. What is the risk of labeling someone as having Lyme disease and possibly missing the true diagnosis? We answer that question and many more on today's episode. "When we think about tick-borne infections, I always like to focus on the tick, the organism that it transmits to and then on the disease process," Lourdes Eguiguren, MD says. 

This episode was recoded at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., which provided us an opportunity to speak with experts in- person from across the country. As an infectious disease expert with a focus on tick-borne infection at Children's Nebraska, Dr. Eguiguren is here to share her knowledge. She is an assistant professor in the division of infectious diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has a passion for teaching trainees and connecting with her patients on a personal level. "Many times, we actually come up with a differential diagnosis or even the final diagnosis by talking to parents", Dr. Eguiguren says.  

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Key details about Lyme disease 
• How disease is transmitted from tick to organism 
• The impact of climate change on the prevalence of ticks 
• Breaking down misconceptions about vector-borne infections 
• What treatment options look like   

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org   

For parents expecting a newborn, their top priority is bringing a healthy baby into this world. But it's not just their responsibility while their baby is in the womb. As newborns, important screenings are changing health outcomes. Over 98% of U.S. newborns are screened for hearing loss and about 6,000 U.S. infants born are identified early with a permanent hearing loss. In all 50 states and Washington D.C., there are newborn screening laws to make sure these tests happen. Experts say they are crucial to keep at the forefront of newborn care. It's doctors like Owen Darr, MD, whose passion is helping these kids live the best life possible. "Working with families, helping them through a difficult time, finding interventions –– sometimes small, sometimes big –– that can really make a positive impact on a child's life," Dr. Darr says.

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Darr and Kristin Uhler, PhD. Dr. Darr specializes in otolaryngology at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also an assistant professor of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Dr. Uhler is an audiologist at Children's Colorado, as well as an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Uhler explains that 1998 was the year experts provided the efficacy for newborn screening. "Where they realized if you screen a baby by 1 month of age, you then rescreen them at and diagnose them with either hearing loss or normal hearing by 3 months of age, and then enroll them in early intervention by 6 months of age, that they have language on par with their typical hearing peers by preschool," Dr. Uhler Says.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Why we screen newborns and what we are screening for
• Sensitivity and specificity of the hearing test 
• Intervention options to help children with hearing loss 
• When physicians should refer kids for a hearing test 

Today's episode is underwritten by the Daniels Fund, in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the Bill Daniels Center for Children's Hearing at Children's Hospital Colorado. Cable television pioneer Bill Daniels suffered hearing loss traced to his service as a decorated fighter pilot in World War II. His experience formed a strong catalyst for the Daniels Fund's gifts to support Children's Colorado, since 2005. Thank you to the Daniels Fund for continued investment in Children's Colorado to help children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing receive the care that they need to grow into healthy and dynamic citizens.

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

We have listeners all over the world, many of whom are Spanish-speaking. Did you know we have a sister podcast, Pediatras en Línea? It stands out as one of the only podcasts in Spanish that focuses on medical education. About two and a half years ago, Pediatras en Línea launched and became a critical resource for pediatricians all throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Fast forward to today, they are growing 277% per month and have audience members in 90 countries. In 20 of those countries, Spanish is the official language.  

In this episode, we are joined by the host of Pediatras en Línea, Carla Torres-Zegarra, MD. Dr. Torres-Zegarra is a pediatric dermatologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Dr. Torres-Zegarra moved to the U.S. in 2009 to pursue medical school and has been practicing at Children's Colorado since 2013. She says being able to work here at Children's Colorado is a dream. "Now I feel the need to give back to the people that have allowed me to have this opportunity by being a resource and even an inspiration for those who are listening outside of the states," Dr. Torres-Zegarra says.

About 42.5 million people in the U.S. speak Spanish, and that number increases to more than 457 million worldwide. However, when we specifically look at the medical profession, only 6% of physicians identify as Hispanic and just 2% of non-Hispanic physicians are Spanish-speaking. Of that 6%, Dr. Torres-Zegarra highlights that only 2.4% are female. Through her podcast, she hopes to inspire other Spanish-speaking women to become physicians. "I am just one of them, and I am very happy to be one of them," Dr. Torres Zegarra says.

Some highlights from today's episode include: 

• An overview of Pediatras en Línea
• The power of social media
• Challenges faced by overseas-trained doctors when relocating to the U.S.
• How these podcast episodes allow pediatricians to always learn something new

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Miracles happen every day and it's an honor when we can celebrate them. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the start of newborn screening in the United States. The program identifies infants with specific genetic conditions that are asymptomatic at birth and ensures they can receive prompt, lifesaving medical interventions. Over its lifespan, the program has saved countless lives. New research and technological advancements have allowed for innovation and enhanced abilities to screen for certain disorders. Today, newborn screening has evolved into one of the most effective public health programs in the country and its impact won't stop anytime soon. On this 60th anniversary, experts are celebrating successes while still trying to improve current processes. "False positives are the Achilles' heel of newborn screening. I know we always think about not missing a case, but the harms are almost all associated with telling a parent their child is positive when they aren't. Some of these treatments are time critical," says Ned Calonge, MD, one of our guests on today's episode and the Chief Medical Officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.  

Dr. Calonge is joined by Stacey Martiniano, MD, a physician here at Children's Hospital Colorado and Gregory Bonn, the Colorado newborn screening program manager. They are three experts behind some of the early intervention that ensures every child can live the healthiest life possible. "My favorite part is helping them stay as healthy as possible, live full lives and keeping that relationship with them throughout their childhood and young adulthood," Dr. Martiniano says. 

Some highlights from today's episode include:  

• Variations of newborn screening programs in different states and countries
• How technology has advanced what's possible to identify and treat
• The history of how the program was created
• What's on the horizon for newborn screening

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

For many teenagers, acne is always top of mind. At the doctor's office, it's not uncommon for teens to ask about their skin during a visit. With teenage patients, we're not just treating acne. We're also treating their self-esteem. In the wild world of acne, clogged pores meet hormonal havoc. Patients often want magic, and providers need a plan. In this episode, we extract the evidence and apply the right topical clinical wisdom to help manage acne in the office.

Joining us for this episode is the host of our sister podcast, fully in Spanish, Pediatrias en Linea, Carla Torres-Zegarra, MD. Dr. Torres-Zegarra specializes in dermatology at Children's Hospital Colorado and is the Director of the Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• The severity of acne in teenagers 
• Options for management and treatment in the primary care setting 
• The importance of diagnosis from the beginning 
• How to identify when acne is abnormal 

Find the latest guidelines for acne management from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology here. For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

During the 2022-2023 admission cycle, about 22,700 students enrolled in medical school in the United States. In this country alone, we have 154 medical schools offering an MD program. Many of these schools are actively working to incorporate modern learning principles into their structure. It's all a part of a larger goal to align the forces affecting the delivery of care with educational priorities. Over time, comprehensive care has become a widely accepted standard for modern medicine; it puts positive patient outcomes at the forefront. That's why creating those environmental opportunities are crucial to medical students as they prepare for a long career at the bedside. A Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, or LIC, is a clinical curriculum in which students participate in the comprehensive care of patients over time. "LIC students have been found to experience lasting improvements in their patient centeredness, in their empathy, and also student satisfaction is higher," says Amy Grover, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine.  

Patient-student relationships are at the heart of LICs. We see these across the scope of medical education worldwide, but there is something unique about the LIC model here at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Grover is a guest on today's episode, along with Meghan Treitz, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics and general pediatrics, and Margie Rodgers, an LIC coordinator. "One of the advantages of this model is students get exposure to the clinical world earlier and also at the end of their second year have had exposure to all of the core disciplines so planning for residency and career is actually made a little bit easier," Dr. Treitz says. 

 Some highlights from this episode include:

• What an LIC is and how it works
• The advantages of an LIC curriculum compared to other medical education practices
• How students learn every discipline through an LIC in a pediatric hospital setting
• Stories about unique patient care experiences from students

 Articles referenced in the podcast: 

Hirsh DA, Ogur B, Thibault GE, Cox M. "Continuity" as an organizing principle for clinical education reform. N Engl J Med. 2007 Feb 22;356(8):858-66 

Hirsh et al.  Better learning, better doctors, better delivery system: possibilities from a case study of longitudinal integrated clerkships.  Med Teach 2012;34(7):548-54. 

Walters, et al. Outcomes of longitudinal integrated clinical placements for students, clinicians and society. Med Educ 2012; 46: 1028-1041  

Poncelet, et al.  Development of a longitudinal integrated clerkship at an academic medical center. Med Educ Online 2011; 16: 5939.  

Hirsh D, Gauberg E, Ogur B, et al. Educational outcomes of the Harvard Medical School—Cambridge integrated clerkship: a way forward for medical education. Acad Med. 2012;87:643-50 

Teherani, et al. Outcomes of Different Clerkship Models: Longitudinal Integrated, Hybrid and Block.  Acad Med 2013; 88: 1-9  

Gaufberg E, Hirsh D, Krupat E, et al. Into the future: patient-centeredness endures in longitudinal integrated clerkship graduates. Med Educ. 2014;48:572-82. 

Flick RJ, Adams JE. Alliance, trust, and loss: experiences of patients cared for by students in a longitudinal integrated clerkship. Acad Med. 2019 

Beard AS, Candy AE, Anderson TJ, Derrico NP, Ishani  KA, Gravely AA, Englander R, Ercan-Fang NG. Patient satisfaction with medical student participation in a longitudinal integrated clerkship: a controlled trial. Acad Med. 2020. 95(3):417-424. 

McKenna et al. The missing link: connection is the key to resilience in medical education. Acad Med 2016 

Wald, Hedy S. PhD Professional Identity (Trans)Formation in Medical Education, Academic Medicine, 2015 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

The relationship between a child and their furry friend is a very special one, especially when that relationship benefits their physical and mental health. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that animal-assisted therapy helps children cope with and heal from health problems. In addition, we know that interacting with a gentle, friendly pet can decrease pain, reduce anxiety, and encourage communication. A new randomized, controlled study is shining a light on the powerful child-canine connection, telling us that twice weekly sessions with a dog and its handler significantly lowers children's cortisol levels. Here at Children's Hospital Colorado, we've seen that progress happen in real-time with our Medical Dog Program, and the success of this work is just getting started. "There are those things that you can measure, but then there are the pieces about just knowing for families or hearing from them they couldn't have coped with the hospitalization if it wasn't that Halo was a part of their journey," says Devin Devlin, a medical dog handler and child life specialist at Children's Colorado.

Devlin, along with Brianne Newman, another medical dog handler and child life specialist, are our guests on today's episode. However, for the first time in our Charting Pediatrics' history, they are joined by two special guests, facility dogs Halo, MD, and Galaxy, MD. You may be wondering: Dogs can become medical doctors?! While that would be awesome, the MD for these two stands for medical dog. Devin is the primary handler for Halo, MD and Brianne is the secondary handler for Galaxy, MD. These two beautiful, fluffy golden retrievers turn 6 on October 1st, 2023.

Devin and Brianne are constantly in awe at the impact these dogs make and are so excited to help share their story with our listeners. One patient even named their newborn baby after Halo! They say being on the end of their leashes as they change kids' lives is a sheer privilege. "I'm going to get a little choked up when I say this because the kids here are so brave, and so getting to watch them, what they go through and what they're able to accomplish is just incredibly rewarding," Brianne says.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

• A day in the life of a medical dog handler and their facility animal
• Examples of positive health outcomes for patients
• The training that goes into the work of a medical dog
• How these canines get their creative names!

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

In the United States, nearly 68 million people speak a language other than English at home. That number has virtually tripled over the last three decades. As our country continues to experience this soaring growth, qualified medical interpreters are becoming more essential to improving health outcomes and achieving health equity goals. Patients with hearing loss or limited health literacy may also require interpretation services. "Effective communication through interpreter utilization is one of the most important things we can do to help our patients with that," Anna Ruman, MD, says.  

Dr. Ruman is one of our guests on today's episode. She is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a hospitalist at Children's Hospital Colorado. Her passion for this work started before attending medical school. After minoring in Spanish in college, she lived and worked in Mexico. From there, she made her way to Chicago to work as an English-Spanish health educator. She is joined by Nancy Casillas, a medical interpreter and program coordinator for the Medical Interpretation and Translation Department here at Children's Colorado. Casillas, a first-generation Mexican American, has been with Children's Colorado for 16 years and understands the challenges of having English as a second language. "I feel that through this work, I'm helping those families who may be newly arrived immigrants to the country, and they may feel a little lost, and with my skills I'm helping them feel not so lost in this country," Casillas says. 

These experts explain how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has specifically identified language access as one of the five priority areas for the next year, aligning with the shared goal to reduce or eliminate healthcare disparities.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• How medical interpreters enhance health equity
• Advantages and disadvantages of different types of interpreting
• Qualifications for interpretation practice versus being bilingual
• Advancements happening at Children's Colorado

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Our pediatricians hear it time and time again: "My child is a picky eater." Many times, it starts when kids are young, which naturally creates worry for parents. "It's so innate in us that parents want to feed their children," Dr. Dan Nicklas, our host, says. Researchers looked at the habits of children between 4 and 9 years old and found that because picky eaters don't tend to grow out of it, parents need to intervene before their child turns 2. When children reach the age of 1, the transition from formula or breast milk to whole milk and table food becomes a pivotal time, as children start forming opinions about food.

In this episode, Stephanie Gilley, MD, and Rebecca McNab join us to provide strategies for navigating conversations with patients about their children and how they approach meals with their family. Dr. Gilley is a pediatric Clinical Nutrition Physician at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Rebecca is an occupational therapist and certified lactation education counselor. They explain this is a journey many parents find themselves on without a single path, but there are ways to create healthy, intuitive relationships with food for their kids. 

There are many resources out there for parents to rely on but it's important to know what you're looking for. "Parents should not be following any account that makes them feel bad about what they are doing," Dr. Gilley says. She suggests two resources in particular: Kids Eat in Color and Feeding Littles. 

Some highlights from this episode include: 

•    Parent's responsibility versus child's responsibility 
•    Importance of fostering a child's independence 
•    Creative ways to make food exciting 
•    How feeding disorders are different than picky eating 

Today's episode is underwritten by Aegon Transamerica Foundation, a proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. The Aegon Transamerica Foundation helps build a better world by committing to the improvement of wellness throughout their communities. Their partnership with Children's Colorado addresses the youth mental health crisis to help create a better mental health future for children. Thank you to Aegon Transamerica Foundation for investing in Children's Hospital Colorado.

 
For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

For many practicing doctors today, advancements in science currently unfolding seemed futuristic during their years of training. Fetal care and in utero surgery are at the forefront of these advancements. Specifically, over the last 50 years, growth of maternal-fetal medicine and the importance of fetal care centers have grown exponentially. Medical evolutions have paved the way for specialists to treat an unborn child as a separate patient, offering life-saving care before birth.  

Our team at Children's Hospital Colorado has performed more than 1,600 surgeries, making us one of the most experienced fetal centers in the country. That's why this week we are thrilled to welcome Sarkis (Chris) Derderian, MD, as our guest on Charting Pediatrics. As an expert in this field, he is currently an assistant professor of surgery and a pediatric surgeon at Children's Colorado, but his passion for fetal care began during his medical school years. "It was actually trauma that looped me into pediatric surgery and that I remember a 3-month-old baby that was in a car accident, terribly sick at the time, but at the time I left that rotation that baby was up moving around and it was just really a reflection of how resilient this population is," Dr. Derderian says.  

Throughout this episode we dive into what fetal surgery currently looks like and how its progression gives as a look inside what the next 50 years could look like. "I think it's going to be revolutionary what we can do," Dr. Derderian says. It's a space that's pushing the envelope to provide a new quality of life.  

Some highlights of today's episode include: 

·              Conditions being intervened by fetal surgery 

·              Diagnosing disease processes early in gestation 

·              How concepts like animation help make information digestible for families 

·              The future potential of fetal surgery 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

Welcome back to another exciting season of Charting Pediatrics! For our long-time listeners, we are thrilled to have you back, and for anyone new to our audience, we couldn't be more excited that you've joined us. In this first episode of Season 7, we dive into the world of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Did you know that one in 300 individuals under the age of 20 is affected by this condition? Our guest on today's episode, Kimber Simmons, MD, isn't just an expert in her field; she was a part of that statistic after getting diagnosed at just 8 –years old. Now, as an associate professor of pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology, as well as a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, she's shedding light on some of the latest research. 

Dr. Simmons and other experts explain alternative approaches that modify the natural course of T1D, rather than solely treating hyperglycemia, could dramatically improve both the quality of life and health outcomes for patients. In this episode, we review strategies for early diagnosis of T1D that predict, as well as prevent or delay, the onset of clinical T1D during preclinical stages of the disease. We also discuss an exciting new medication, Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv), with the promise of delaying the onset of clinical disease in T1D. "It is going to shift how we manage Type 1 diabetes in the future," Dr. Simmons says.  

Some highlights from today's episode include: 

• How the predictability of T1D has changed over the years 

• Expansion of screening programs worldwide 

• New breakthrough medication, Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv), approved in the U.S. to delay the onset of clinical T1D 

• Children's Colorado program to help providers identify the disease and follow up 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

It's time to jump back into the ever evolving world of pediatrics. On this new season of Charting Pediatrics, one of the top 5 pediatric podcasts in the world, we expand our horizons, discuss cutting edge research and cover hot topics among the medical community. Season 7 will push new boundaries, answer lingering questions and take us on the road for in person interactions. Get ready for August 29th, it's a season you won't want to miss. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org .

In this episode, we discuss food allergy, a very important topic for the general pediatrics community. Matthew Greenhawt, MD, joins us for this discussion as an expert in pediatric allergy and a leader of pioneering international studies looking at how we treat life- threatening food allergies in kids. 

Guest: 

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt specializes in pediatric allergy and immunology and is the director of the Food Challenge and Research Unit at Children's Hospital Colorado. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Imagine you have a new 13-year-old patient in your practice. When you perform a return-to-school physical examination, you notice healed linear cutting marks on both of their wrists. The remainder of your exam is normal. In light of this finding, what are your next steps? What questions should you be asking the family and the patient, and what should you be concerned about today?  

As part of our mental health series, in this episode we discuss nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This is a common problem in teenagers and young adults, with some studies estimating a prevalence of up to 18% in high school students. Considered a developmental-timed problem, NSSI becomes much less common with age. Which begs the question, what's happening inside that teenage brain? Two Children's Hospital Colorado experts join us to help decode what is going on. 

Guests:  

Evadine Codd, PhD, is a licensed psychologist at Children's Colorado within the Pediatric Mental Health Institute. 

Luke Miller, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children's Colorado.   

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

The important but ever-elusive goal of work-life balance is still more out of reach for women than men. Studies of home workloads for physicians indicate that the bulk of the nonprofessional work at home still falls to women. As a result, female physicians experience more work-family conflict than their male counterparts. This dynamic can lead to decreased job satisfaction, fewer women seeking professional advancement and increased burnout. In this episode, we talk with Children's Hospital Colorado experts about their research in the area of work-life balance for female interventional radiologists. 

Guests:  

Jenny Zablah Alabi, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics and interventional cardiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Colorado.   

Natalie Soszyn, MD, a second-year fellow in interventional cardiology at Children's Colorado. 

This episode is underwritten by Aegon Transamerica Foundation, a proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. The Aegon Transamerica Foundation helps build a better world by committing to the improvement of wellness throughout their communities. Their partnership with Children's Colorado addresses the youth mental health crisis to help create a better mental health future for children. Thank you to Aegon Transamerica Foundation for investing in Children's Colorado.  

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado

Resource: Work-Life Balance: The Expectations and Perspectives as a Female Interventional Cardiologist 

Asking questions about mental health is not easy. What's even harder is asking those questions well. But here's the truth: community providers are uniquely positioned to spot the early warning signs of mental health struggles, including suicide risk. In fact, youth who attempt or die by suicide are far more likely to have contact with their PCP compared to a mental health provider in the months leading up to the event. Are providers identifying kids at risk? Are they asking the right questions in ways that open the door to real answers? In this episode, we confront this critical reality in front of a live audience. We are bringing practical tools to the hands of providers in our community. The way providers screen for emotional and mental health challenges can mean the difference between silence and survival.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience as our first community podcast experience. Stay tuned as we announce more opportunities like this across the region. This episode was cosponsored by The Liv Project: a nonprofit organization determined to take the conversation about youth mental health out of the shadows. For this episode, we have three incredible experts. Honey Beuf is the Co-Founder of The Liv Project, Liv's Mother, as well as an educator and advocate. She was on the podcast previously to share the story behind their documentary 'My Sister Liv.' You can listen to that episode here. Susan Caso, MA LPC, is the Mental Health Advisor for The Liv Project, as well as a licensed therapist and author. Gina Herrmann, MD, is a pediatrician with Arvada Pediatric Associates.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• How specific word choices or ways to phrase a question can make a huge difference in creating a safe space for children 
• Ways primary care providers can support families of children experiencing suicidal thoughts 
• Steps PCP offices can take to implement helpful mental health support processes 
• Understanding the support systems that exist in communities around the globe 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

The gut microbiome is a fascinating area of human health that we just started to better understand in the last two decades. With the arrival of PCR sequencing and advanced PCR techniques, we've been able to characterize the microbiome by looking at what organisms live there and how they vary by location and diet, as well as how the microbiome is influenced by things like exposure to antibiotics. We're beginning to understand the relationship between the microbiome and health, from how these bacteria influence human metabolism and immune system development to their association with autoimmune diseases. Although we've learned a great deal, there's still a lot for us to understand about our microbiome, including the relationship between our nervous system and the bacteria in our gut. In this episode, we'll explore what we know and what we have left to discover with our guest Jaime Belkind-Gerson, MD.  

Guest: 

Jaime Belkind-Gerson, MD, is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Belkind-Gerson is an expert in neurogastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility, and he's an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

One of the most concerning trends in child health is the increase in suicide rates over the last two decades in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in teenagers and young adults, and we should be alarmed both as pediatricians and citizens. We also need to ask questions about what this says about our society, what kind of promise and opportunity kids see for themselves, whether they are receiving the support they need, and if our healthcare system has the capacity to manage kids before and during a mental health crisis. As part of our ongoing mental health series, in this episode we discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates and some potential solutions to prevent suicide in children.

Guests: 

Lisa Horowitz, PhD, MPH, is a pediatric psychologist and senior associate scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Intramural Research Program at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and is a principal investigator at the NIMH studying detection of suicide risk in the medical setting.  

Jeff Bridge, PhD, is an epidemiologist and director of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He is also the Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair of Innovation in Behavioral Health Research and professor of pediatrics, psychiatry and behavioral health at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. 

Today's episode is underwritten by Modivcare Foundation, a proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. The Modivcare Foundation is committed to improving the health of their members in communities across the country while advocating for the future of care through philanthropic funding. Their partnership allows Children's Colorado to make important changes to our state's mental health system, prevent suicide, and give youth the support and services they need to thrive. Thank you to Modivcare Foundation for your investment in Children's Hospital Colorado.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

It is not uncommon for newborn babies to have slight imperfections in their heads. Most of the time, these imperfections will fix themselves over time, or once they begin to develop. However, sometimes a more serious diagnosis will require medical interventions. Craniosynostosis is a condition where a baby's skull begins to fuse together too early. This occurs at birth or shortly after and if not treated, can affect brain development. 

Guests: Dr. Brooke French and Dr. Allyson Alexander. Dr Allyson is a Pediatric Neurosurgeon here at Children's Hospital Colorado and is also an Assistant Professor at University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Brooke French is the Co – Director of Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery Programs and is also the Director of Cosmetic Surgery here at Children's Hospital Colorado.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Sudden unexplained infant death, commonly known SUID, SIDS or crib death, affects approximately 3,400 infants each year. Sudden unexpected infant deaths usually occur when an infant is sleeping, and causes can include suffocation, unknown infection, ingestion and other unknown causes. Not only has there been minimal improvement in rates of sleep-related deaths over the past two decades, but racial and ethnic disparities in SUID persist, including increased mortality rates. These disparities are indicative of the broader landscape of inequities within our healthcare systems. Today, we are talking about how providers and healthcare professionals can educate families and help them catch early signs of SUID. 

Guests: Sunah Hwang, MD, is a neonatologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Aniekan Udoko, MD is a neonatal-perinatal medicine fellow at Children's Hospital Colorado. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

In 2020, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death in Americans 18 years old and younger. There was a total of 3,230 children's deaths, of which 63% were homicide, 30% were suicide, 4% were unintentional injury, 2% were undetermined and 0.4% were legal intervention. Healthcare providers who interact regularly with parents and children are well-positioned to discuss evidence-based strategies that reduce unauthorized access to firearms and minimize the risk of firearm injury. 

Guest: Maya Haasz, MD, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's Hospital Colorado. 

Resources: The Journal of Pediatrics: Firearms, Physicians, Families, and Kids: Finding Words that Work

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

No day is the same as the last when you work in pediatrics. Not only are viruses and public health outbreaks always changing, so are regulatory and administrative factors that impact pediatric healthcare and caring for patients. In this episode, we look at the ever-changing landscape of pediatrics, including the evolving trends in payor mix and common pediatric diseases including RSV, diabetes and obesity. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide and have a significant impact on health systems around the world.  

Guests: 

Raphe Schwartz serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Children's Hospital Colorado.  

Rhae Gamber is a senior consulting director at Sg2 Healthcare Intelligence Services, a healthcare consulting firm. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Sinusitis is a common viral or bacterial infection that causes swelling in the sinuses. Although some patients need prescription medication, often sinusitis can be triggered by allergies or the common cold. In general, sinusitis is overtreated with antibiotics. In the United States, there are five million antibiotic prescriptions for children and adolescents with acute sinusitis, and around 65% of patients are prescribed either amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate as first-line treatments. To date, there have been little to no studies to compare the effectiveness and safety of these prescriptions. In today's episode, we discuss a study done by Timothy Savage, MD, and Matthew Kronman, MD, to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics and how to determine who needs antibiotic treatment and who does not. 

Guest: 

Matthew Kronman, MD, MSCE, is the fellowship program director for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the medical director of outpatient antimicrobial stewardship at Seattle Children's Hospital, and an associate professor at University of Washington School of Medicine. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a life-threatening illness with a mortality rate as high as 50% that almost exclusively affects neonates. The complex pathophysiology of NEC is based on an immature intestinal system that makes babies more susceptible to injury once they are fed. Ultimately, this can result in a breakdown of the gut, necrosis and then sepsis and death. There's still no known cure for NEC, but we will discuss the potential of probiotics, specifically lactobacillus reuteri, with our guest Gail Besner, MD. As part of our Women in Medicine series, we are pleased to talk to Dr. Besner, whose research at Nationwide Children's Hospital focuses on identifying novel therapeutic strategies to protect the intestines from intestinal injury, including necrotizing enterocolitis.  

Guest: 

Gail Besner, MD, is a surgeon-scientist at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, holds the H. William Clatworthy, Jr. Chair in Surgery, and has been the Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital for the past eleven years. She is a member of the Center for Perinatal Research at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She was the Program Director of the Pediatric Surgery Residency Training Program for many years, and now serves as the Associate Program Director.  She's also a scientific Co-Founder of Scioto Biosciences, Inc., a company designed to bring scientific findings from the laboratory to the bedside.    

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

An article published this spring reported that between 2008 and 2018, there was a 250% increase in suicide rates among 13- and 14-year-old youth in the United States across categories of gender, race and region. There are many factors that contribute to the startling suicide rates in the U.S., including the instability we experienced after the end of this study with the pandemic disrupting our lives. 

As part of our 12-episode mental health series, host Dr. David Brumbaugh discusses depression and other mood disorders with two mental health providers from Children's Hospital Colorado.  

Guests: 

Dr. Melissa Batt specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Children's Colorado as part of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute and is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Dr. Joel Stoddard specializes in Psychiatry in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Colorado and is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.  

This episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, a proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent, Colorado's largest credit union, has a passion for people, not for profit. Ent has more than 45 service centers located up and down the Front Range, including the Denver Metro area and Northern Colorado. Insured by NCUA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we couldn't bring folks together to learn about and discuss important concepts in clinical medicine. Nationally, pediatrics board exam passage rates have been falling every year since 2019, hitting its lowest point of just 80% in 2023. For this episode, we talk with a group of residents who saw conference attendance dwindling at their institution and used Kotter's change model to get teachers and learners back together. They share their results, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way about pediatric resident education in this new era. 

Guests: Drs. Sedler, Nguyen and Lion are all chief residents at Stanford University. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Migraines aren't just 'bad headaches,' and they don't always present with pain. Every migraine is different, and they can present with a wide range of symptoms from dizzy spells to abdominal pain. In this episode, we aim to bring clarity to the complexity of migraines, exploring the latest research, clinical signs and possible interventions.

Marcy Yonker, MD, Director of the Pediatric Headache Program at Children's Colorado joins us for this episode. Dr. Yonker is the Francescon Endowed Chair in Headache and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of CO School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• What to do before referring 
• How to support students with migraines in schools 
• Lifestyle interventions compared to medications 
• Treatments for migraine  

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

In the emergency department, sepsis is a common problem and often lands patients in the ICU. Although there are many reasons patients may develop sepsis, it's critical to diagnose and treat this condition in a timely manner. In today's episode, we discuss sepsis and the point at which delays in antibiotics delivery increases the risk of mortality.   

Roni Lane, MD, works in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Primary Children's Hospital (PCH) and is the project lead for the PCH Emergency Department Septic Shock Program. Dr. Lane is also an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah.  

Halden Scott, MD, is an emergency medicine physician at Children's Hospital Colorado and an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Pediatricians see an array of patients with unique and individual needs, and each child requires their own specialized and unique care plan. As the rate of children diagnosed with autism continues to increase, it's important that pediatricians adapt and tailor visits to the needs of their patients. In this episode, we discuss some of the simple changes primary care providers can make to ensure patients with autism feel seen, comfortable and understood in their medical home. 

Guest: Katharine Zuckerman, MD, is a general pediatrician and associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Zuckerman is also a member of the of the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities Executive Committee.   

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org  

Today on the podcast, we are going to be doing something a little different. As pediatricians and health care professionals, we dedicate our lives and our careers to helping others. Day in and day out we spend our time making sure our patients receive the best care possible to live life to the fullest. Although this can be one of the most fulfilling careers out there, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Today, I want to ask each of you, how often do you take the time to check in with yourself? How often do you reflect on your own physical and mental health? If you are struggling physically or emotionally, are you taking the time to get help? Today we are honored to have Dr. Adam B. Hill, a Pediatric oncologist and palliative care physician, join us to share his story from the battle with depression, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism while working in the field of medicine.

Guest: Adam B. Hill, MD is the Palliative Medicine Department Chair at Children's Hospital Colorado. He recently wrote and published a book called "Long Walk Out of the woods: A Physicians Story of Addiction, Depression, Hope, and Recovery."

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

As primary care providers, it's easy to assess a patient based on the symptoms and circumstances they present with when they walk in the door. However, patients who had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may have psychological injuries from that trauma that are more difficult to recognize. These patients also have a lifelong risk for health problems. What if healthcare professionals changed their mindset from "what is wrong with this child?" to "what has happened to this child?" In this episode, we explore childhood trauma with two experts and dive into the concept of trauma-informed pediatric care.

Guests: Lyndsay Jensen Gaffey, LPC, is the Director of Patient Care Services for the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Steven Berkowitz, MD, works in the child and adolescent psychiatry unit at Children's Hospital Colorado and is the Director of the START (Stress, Trauma, Research and Treatment) Center. Dr. Berkowitz is also a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Today's episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent, Colorado's largest credit union, has a passion for people, not for profit. Ent has more than 45 service centers located up and down the Front Range, including the Denver Metro area and Northern Colorado.  Insured by NCUA.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Children spend the majority of their time either at home or at school. In the state of Colorado, most children spend over 180 days, or 1,080 hours, a year at school. With so much time spent in the school environment, pediatric healthcare workers can collaborate with school health professionals by sharing a child's medical history, allergies, and medications to ensure children are receiving the best care possible. In this episode, we discuss the care children can receive while at school and how pediatricians can communicate effectively with their patient's school health professionals.

Guest: Sara Kihn is a pediatric nurse who has been in the profession for over 30 years. She is the associate clinical manager for the school health program at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Resources:

Children's Hospital Colorado School Health Website (coming soon!)

Colorado Department of Education, School Nursing and Health: www.cde.state.co.us/healthandwellness/snh_home

National Association of School Nurses:  www.nasn.org/home

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

The transition from adolescent to adult care can often be a series of challenging obstacles for patients, families, and providers. This time of adjustment can be both overwhelming and difficult, especially for patients with congenital health conditions. Moving from a parent supervised visit to an independent patient model takes time and often takes a lot of discussion. In this episode, we are going unpack and inform primary care providers on how they can play a pivotal role in the transition of care.  

Dr. Daniel Wood is the newest addition to our Urology department here at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Resources: Twitter for pediatric healthcare professionals. 

Learning how to read is a pivotal point in childhood development. Incorporating reading into a family's daily routine not only helps with brain development, but it also fosters an emotional relationship between children and their caregivers. Pediatric healthcare workers can help promote healthy reading habits by educating and assisting their patients and families at their pediatric well visits. Michelle Shiffman, MD, joins us on this episode to discuss approaches that help families integrate reading into their home lives. Dr. Shiffman is the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit organization that helps equip families and pediatric practices with the tools and information they need to make reading aloud a daily routine.

Guest: Michelle Shiffman, MD, is a pediatrician at Denver Health and the Medical Director for Reach Out and Read.

Resources:

Reach Out and Read Colorado: https://reachoutandreadco.org 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

There has been an overwhelming amount of change and disruption in the lives of kids over the last few years. Without the foundation of stability and predictability, many children are struggling with an array of anxiety disorders. As part of our ongoing Mental Health Series, Drs. Cassidy McNitt and Benjamin Mullins discuss how to support these kids and make sure they have access to the resources and help they need. 

Guests: Cassidy McNitt, MD, is an assistant professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for the Children's Hospital Colorado Consultation and Liaison Service and the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program.  

Benjamin Mullin, PhD, is an associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a clinical psychologist. Dr. Mullin is the director of the Colorado OCD and Anxiety Program at Children's Colorado.  

Today's episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent, Colorado's largest credit union, has a passion for people, not for profit. Ent has more than 45 service centers located up and down the Front Range, including the Denver Metro area and Northern Colorado. Insured by NCUA. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a common eye infection that presents at pediatrician offices and often keeps kids out of school or daycare. Although conjunctivitis is commonly caused by viral infections, there are other reasons why a patient might get pink eye. As a pediatric provider, it is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of pink eye and to weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing antibiotics. This episode discusses the treatment of conjunctivitis and the role pediatricians play in antibiotic stewardship.  

Guest: Nicole Poole, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado and the Associate Medical Director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Children's Hospital Colorado.  

Episode resources: 

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/child-care-health-regulations
• How Sick is Too Sick? (CDPHE): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RcdCmU4SYXwmVhJrA3Pyk0gP0MTDClkF/view 
• AAP Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: https://shop.aap.org/managing-infectious-diseases-in-child-care-and-schools-6th-edition-paperback/
• Ophthalmic antibiotic use for acute infectious conjunctivitis in children: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34737083/
• Uncomplicated Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTI) Clinical Pathways: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/health-professionals/clinical-resources/clinical-pathways/uncomplicated-acute-respiratory-tract-infections/  

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org 

We're exploring something different in this episode and intentionally not discussing pediatric care. In this episode we share the incredible story of an enduring friendship between two pediatricians — a friendship that's been both generous and life-changing. 

Guests: Dr. Jennifer England, a pediatrician with Pediatrics at Cherry Creek, and Dr. Sunit Gill, a pediatrician at Greenwood Pediatrics, both located in Colorado.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Celiac disease in kids is more common than you think, and often harder to spot than you'd expect. Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 people globally, yet studies suggest as many as 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. For many community providers around the globe, it's a diagnosis that certainly feels like it's become much more prevalent in both diagnosis rates and public awareness in recent years. There is no 'growing out' of celiac disease, so that diagnosis for our kiddos is the beginning of a life full of gluten avoidance. Should we be screening for celiac disease in all of our kids and taking their gluten-filled donuts away? In this episode, we explore all of that and more.

To understand the current status of celiac and to explore the future of screening, we are joined by two experts. Marisa Stahl, MD, and Mary Shull, MD, both specialize in pediatric gastroenterology at Children's Hospital Colorado. Additionally, they are both assistant professors of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• How common it is amongst our youth and how that prevalence was determined 
• Why it seems the number of incidents is rising 
• How does geography play a role 
• The argument for screening and the role of the pediatrician 

Charting Pediatrics is in the running for a People's Choice Podcast Award, and we need your help to get nominated! Starting July 1, you can head to www.podcastawards.com and nominate us for the "science and medicine" category, as well as the "people's choice" category. Listeners like you are the reason we have become one of the top pediatric podcasts for providers around the world. Your nomination could make all the difference in us receiving this recognition! Nominate us by July 31 and help Children's Hospital Colorado lead the way in pediatric podcasting. Thank you for your support!  

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

As the pandemic continues to shine a light on the mental health crisis in America, the devasting effects of substance abuse and addiction are increasing. Teens across the country continue to use and abuse alcohol, marijuana and nicotine-based vaping, and the rate of deaths linked to fentanyl has hit an all-time high.

In the latest episode of our Mental Health series, we are joined by Christian Thurstone, MD, who discusses what's new in adolescent substance use, how it's affecting kids and what providers can do about it.

Guest: Christian Thurstone, MD, the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Today's episode is underwritten by Businessolver, who is partnering with Children's Hospital Colorado to create a better mental health future for children. Businessolver is creating a mentally healthy, well-educated workplace where diversity, equity and inclusion matter. Together, we can change the state of pediatric mental health.

How do you know if a sacral dimple needs a closer look? Sacral dimples can be nothing at all, or they may be an indication of something more serious, such as tethered cord syndrome, dermal sinus tract or spina bifida oculate. In this episode, learn how sacral dimples should be evaluated and when providers should run more tests or refer to a specialist.

Guest: Dr. Mark Erickson is the Medical Director of the Spine Center and the Pediatric Orthopedics Fellowship Director at Children's Hospital Colorado, and a professor in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org

Implicit bias and systemic racism contribute to health disparities, and they cannot be accounted for only by the social determinants of health (income, education, marital status, employment, etc.). Everyone brings their own biases and lived experiences to the table, and as physicians, it is our responsibility to recognize the role bias plays in our interactions with patients and team members, as well as within our healthcare system. 

In the latest episode in our Resident Files series, we talk with Kathryn Kalata, MD, about Health Equity Rounds, an initiative to address bias in the care we provide our patients. 

Guest: Dr. Kathryn Kalata, a current resident at the University of Colorado.

For more information on Children's Hospital Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org