Pediatric Pioneers is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in pediatric rehabilitation and equipping rehabilitation professionals with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz.
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Pediatric Pioneers Episode 2: How Do We Create Opportunities for Occupation-Based Practice in Pediatrics?
Season 1 · Episode 2
Friday, October 11, 2024 • Duration 52:18
Dr. Wendy Stav, a leading authority in occupation-based practice, joins us to reveal how this transformative approach can be integrated into pediatric rehabilitation therapy effectively. In this episode, Wendy and host Nicole Quint dive into practical strategies, the latest research, and actionable tips to help clinicians like you harness the superpower of occupation. Tune in to discover how embracing occupation-based practice will help level up your patient care and elevate your outcomes across settings.
Learning Objectives
Interpret the evidence around occupation-based practice for pediatric practice
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably promote occupation-based practice in pediatrics
Solve patient case scenarios involving turning barriers into opportunities to integrate occupation into pediatric practice
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:34) Dr. Wendy Stav’s Journey to Occupation-Based Practice
(00:03:04) Defining Occupation-Based Practice
(00:07:06) Evidence Supporting Occupation-Based Practice
(00:13:06) Translating Research Into Practice
(00:19:09) Overcoming Barriers to Implementing Occupation-Based Practice
(00:23:47) Advocating for Occupation-Based Practice
(00:27:12) Using Occupation-Based Practice in the School Setting
(00:35:32) Using Occupation-Based Practice in the Home Setting
(00:39:30) Occupational Therapy and Documentation
(00:42:23) Actionable Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by MedBridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your MedBridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on MedBridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 1: What Is Occupational Therapy’s Distinct Role in School Mental Health?
Season 1 · Episode 1
Friday, October 11, 2024 • Duration 55:05
Dr. Susan Bazyk, an esteemed expert in occupational therapy’s role in addressing the mental health needs of children and youth, joins us to explore how therapists can play a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being within school settings. In this episode, she and host Nicole Quint highlight the unique contributions occupational therapy practitioners bring to school mental health through success stories from the field, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond traditional one-on-one interventions. Tune in to discover actionable insights on applying a tiered approach to mental health and how to advocate for OT’s full scope of practice in school settings.
Learning Objectives
Interpret the evidence around applying a tiered approach, such as Every Moment Counts, to mental health in occupational therapy practice
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies for promoting positive mental health throughout the school day, including lunch, recess, and extracurricular leisure
Develop universal and targeted mental health promotion and prevention services using the Every Moment Counts website and downloadable resources
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:03:19) Initial Attraction to Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s (OTP’s) Role in Children’s Mental Health
(00:07:08) Challenges and Opportunities in School-Based Practice
(00:10:25) Articulating the Full Scope of OTPs in Schools
(00:19:32) Implementing Tiered Approaches to Mental Health in Schools
(00:30:28) Practical Implementation
(00:37:48) Actionable Takeaways
(00:43:40) Success Stories
(00:52:25) Final Thoughts
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 3: How Can You Safely Maximize Occupation and Quality of Life in Children With CHD?
Season 1 · Episode 3
Friday, November 15, 2024 • Duration 49:40
In this episode, Nicole Schwam, occupational therapist and expert in cardiac care for infants and toddlers, joins Nicole Quint to explore the critical role occupational therapists play in supporting children with congenital heart defects (CHD). Nicole shares her personal journey with a heart condition and how it has shaped her career, alongside valuable clinical insights for occupational therapy practitioners across settings. Together, we discuss the unique challenges these children face as well as the actionable strategies practitioners like you can use to maximize children’s development long-term while considering their medical complexities. Tune in to discover how to safely enhance quality of life for children with CHD.
Learning Objectives
Interpret the evidence around congenital heart disease in infants, including developmental impairments and therapeutic interventions
During the evaluation and intervention process, apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address developmental impairments and occupational limitations related to congenital heart disease in infants
Integrate current evidence-based practice while clinically reasoning and recognizing the medical complexity of infants with CHD
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:07) Introduction to guest
(00:03:06) Personal Journey and Connection to Cardiac Care
(00:06:46) Understanding Congenital Heart Defects
(00:08:45) The Role of Occupational Therapy in Cardiac Care
(00:13:41) Research Insights and Developmental Delays
(00:17:52) Family-Centered Care and Its Importance
(00:19:40) Translating Research into Practice
(00:24:21) Interprofessional Collaboration in Pediatric Care
(00:28:46) Actionable Takeaways for Practitioners
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 4: What Is the Call to Action for Sensory Integration Intervention?
Season 1 · Episode 4
Friday, December 13, 2024 • Duration 55:53
Dr. Sarah Schoen, director of research at the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the impact of sensory integration on therapy outcomes. With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Schoen shares insights into how sensory integration and processing impacts across the lifespan and across contexts. Listen in for practical strategies to integrate current research to effectively advocate for sensory interventions in diverse settings.
Learning Objectives
Interpret the evidence around sensory integration and sensory processing
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address concerns or challenges related to sensory integration and sensory processing across contexts and across the lifespan
Solve patient case scenarios involving individuals with sensory integration and processing differences interfering with meaningful occupations
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:06) Introduction to guest
(00:05:52) Why this clinical question?
(00:13:42) What’s the evidence and application?
(00:40:39) Three main takeaways
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 7: Are We Truly Listening? The Role of Patient- and Family-Engaged Care in OT
Season 1 · Episode 7
Friday, March 14, 2025 • Duration 01:00:28
Dr. Elise Bloch, a seasoned occupational therapist, educator, and advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the power of patient- and family-engaged care (PFEC) in pediatric rehabilitation. Pulling on her experience as both a clinician and as a parent navigating the healthcare system, Elise shares personal insights and research-backed strategies for truly listening to and collaborating with families. Together, we discuss how PFEC can improve patient outcomes, enhance health literacy, and reduce medical errors, along with actionable steps you can take to integrate these principles into your practice. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your partnerships with families and elevate the care you provide.
Learning Objectives
Describe the historical context for patient- and family-engaged care
Interpret the evidence around implementing patient- and family-engaged care service delivery in pediatric care
Apply evidence-based strategies for implementing patient- and family-engaged care to support occupations that are meaningful to children and their families
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:27) Introductions
(00:01:33) Dr. Elise Bloch’s journey in patient- and family-engaged care
(00:02:52) The importance of listening to families in healthcare
(00:08:02) Historical context of patient- and family-engaged care
(00:12:07) The role of occupational therapy in family-centered care
(00:19:15) Research and benefits of patient- and family-engaged care
(00:24:07) Advocacy and support systems for families
(00:28:20) Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and patient-centered research
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 6: How Can We Unlock the Potential for Self-Determination in Youth?
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, April 14, 2025 • Duration 01:01:31
Dr. Amy Coopersmith, an esteemed expert in self-determination, joinsPediatric Pioneers to explore how occupational therapy practitioners like you can empower youth to take the lead in their own development. Together with host Nicole Quint, we unpack the critical concept of learned helplessness as well as its impact, offering practical strategies to foster autonomy, motivation, and meaningful goal-setting in therapy and beyond. Tune in for actionable insights on translating self-determination research into practice and transforming therapy sessions into opportunities for true independence. You’ll walk away with tools to inspire children—and their support networks—to unlock their full potential.
Learning Objectives
Critique the effectiveness of three evidence-based strategies for improving students’ motivation and engagement in school, as presented in the case study
Design a plan incorporating three preventative strategies and accommodations to reduce learned helplessness and foster independence in learners’ chosen occupations
Devise appropriate accommodations and modifications to address at least three implications of learned helplessness in order to promote student engagement in chosen occupations
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:05) Introduction to guest and self-determination in pediatric therapy
(00:03:00) The impact of learned helplessness
(00:06:52) Special education reform and autonomy
(00:09:11) Parental influence on child development
(00:12:36) Strategies for empowering children
(00:16:34) Research insights on self-determination
(00:18:20) Parenting styles and their effects
(00:20:45) Practical tools for practitioners
(00:22:52) Creating child-led environments
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 5: Rehabilitation and Educational Technology: Where Do I Start?
Season 1 · Episode 5
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 54:44
Pediatric Pioneers welcomes Melissa (Missy) Schaeffer, a board-certified pediatric occupational therapist with 20 years of experience in pediatrics across diverse clinical, educational, and academic settings. An expert in assistive technology integration, Missy shares her journey into the world of rehab and educational technology and the critical role it plays in enhancing occupational performance. Together with host Nicole Quint, we explore practical approaches for selecting, trialing, and implementing technology to support children at school and at home. Listen in for tangible examples, key federal and state resources, and more on how technology can effectively break down barriers to improve engagement and inclusion for pediatric clients.
Interpret the evidence around using assistive technology (AT) to support children with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities in age-appropriate occupations
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the various steps of using AT with clientele (observe, assess, explore, trial, procure, train, implement, reevaluate)
Solve patient case scenarios involving use of AT to meet the unique challenges of each individual client
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:05) Introduction and journey into assistive technology (AT)
(00:04:54) Understanding low-tech vs. high-tech solutions
(00:08:01) The importance of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model
(00:13:29) Navigating resources for AT
(00:20:41) Funding for and accessibility of AT
(00:25:21) Educational technology and its impact on pediatric therapy
(00:27:18) Innovative AT in education
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 10: Neurodiversity-Affirming OT Practice: How Can We Promote Authentic Play?
Season 1 · Episode 10
Friday, June 13, 2025 • Duration 44:42
Sharon Eva, MS, OTR/L, a passionate pediatric occupational therapist and researcher, joins host Nicole Quint to discuss how we can reframe play for autistic children through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Nicole and Sharon explore how the OT profession is evolving, challenging traditional models and embracing strengths-based, self-determined engagement. Together, they share real stories, research highlights, and practical strategies you can bring into your sessions right away. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that centers on joy, autonomy, and meaningful connection in pediatric care with the neurodivergent population.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based pediatric OT practice
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address play in young children with autism from a neurodiversity-affirming lens
Solve patient case scenarios involving facilitators and barriers to neurodiversity-affirming play interventions
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:52) Introduction to neurodiversity and play
(00:03:04) The shift to neurodiversity-affirming practices
(00:06:35) Understanding neurodiversity and its historical context
(00:10:52) The importance of play in neurodivergent children
(00:11:53) Research insights on autistic play preferences
(00:14:50) Translating research into practice
(00:17:44) Addressing pushback in neurodiversity practices
(00:19:01) Effective communication using a strength-based approach with parents and caregivers
(00:25:20) Actionable takeaways for practitioners
(00:27:35) Creating meaningful engagement in therapy
(00:32:34) Case study: Matthew's journey
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 9: Outdoor Play in Pediatric Therapy: How Can We Create Meaningful Spaces for Children?
Season 1 · Episode 9
Friday, May 30, 2025 • Duration 56:31
Thomas Morgenthaler, PhD, MSc OT, BSc OT, joins host Nicole Quint for a compelling conversation on outdoor play as a vital childhood occupation. Drawing on his international clinical experience and groundbreaking PhD research on play for the sake of play, Thomas brings a fresh lens to how we think about—and design and evaluate—the environment of play spaces. Together, we explore the disconnect between how play is valued and how it's often used in practice, inviting you to reflect on your own assumptions and opportunities for advocacy. Join us and come away with practical, evidence-based strategies to help every child access meaningful, inclusive outdoor play.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around outdoor play occupations and their environmental determinants
Apply evidence-based strategies to evaluate and improve play space usability and play value
Analyze your own assumptions about what makes a “good” playground or outdoor space for children
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(0:01:05) Introduction to pediatric pioneers and outdoor play
(0:04:25) The importance of play spaces in childhood
(0:09:45) Child rights and the role of play
(0:15:44) Research insights on outdoor play
(0:21:11) Intense play and belonging in play spaces
(0:23:40) Understanding play space usage
(0:30:09) Accessibility vs. usability in play spaces
(0:32:31) Defining play value
(0:33:33) Environmental features and play affordances
(0:35:30) Tools for assessing play spaces
(0:39:02) Inclusive design for diverse needs
(0:44:00) Therapists' role in promoting outdoor play
(0:48:42) Actionable takeaways for therapists
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 8: Beyond the Clinic: How Can Adaptive Sports Transform Kids’ Lives?
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 53:37
Dr. Sarah Adam, Paralympic medalist, occupational therapy professor, and Team USA wheelchair rugby trailblazer, joins Nicole Quint and Pediatric Pioneers to explore the transformative power of adaptive sports for kids. Together, we delve into an evidence-based discussion of participation barriers, clinical applications, and why sports should be seen as essential—not optional—for children with disabilities. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to integrate adaptive sports into your practice, advocate for increased access, and empower young athletes to build confidence, independence, and resilience. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how OTs can help open the door to lifelong participation.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around the impact of adaptive sports and exercise on physical, social, and psychological development in children with disabilities
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to help therapists integrate adaptive sports and physical activity into therapy and daily life for children with disabilities
Examine occupation-based solutions that promote equitable access to adaptive sports while considering the role of competition in fostering identity, confidence, and long term engagement in physical activity for children with disabilities
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:01:33) Introduction to adaptive sports and our guest Sarah Adam, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS
(00:06:02) The importance of adaptive sports in pediatric therapy
(00:12:03) Mindset shifts for families and communities
(00:17:52) Research insights on adaptive sports benefits
(00:19:11) Accessibility challenges and solutions in adaptive sports
(00:27:14) Integration of adaptive sports in schools
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Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by MedBridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your MedBridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on MedBridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
(00:31:01) Clinical Reasoning Process for Implementing Care
(00:46:50) Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
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(00:30:09) Engaging families in healthcare settings
(00:32:30) Cultural humility and family support
(00:36:46) Respect, dignity, and information sharing
(00:43:32) Facilitating participation and collaboration
(00:52:44) Actionable takeaways for family engagement
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
(00:30:32) Visibility and representation in adaptive sports
(00:32:24) Interprofessional collaboration in adaptive sports
(00:38:23) The importance of competitive context in sports
(00:40:48) Actionable strategies for therapists
(00:43:48) Success stories in adaptive sports
Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
