Pediatrics Now: Cases Updates and Discussions for the Busy Pediatric Practitioner

Dr. Tim Baumgardner discusses his pediatric urology practice at UT Health San Antonio, and University Health, focusing on nocturnal enuresis—its evaluation and treatment (behavioral strategies, alarms, and DDAVP)—and describes multidisciplinary care, transition urology, clinic locations, and humanitarian outreach to Honduras.

Link for CME Credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101401 In this episode Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Sarah Marucci and they discuss the gut-brain axis, common GI conditions (IBS, H. pylori, celiac),  diet, hormones, and mental health for women and children. Sarah reviews red flags for early cancer detection, screening options like colonoscopy and stool tests, and practical prevention tips—hydration, fiber, exercise, and open conversations about bowel habits.

Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong about updated newborn screening guidelines, expanded blood tests (now 59–60), additions like lysosomal storage disorders and SMA, point-of-care screens (hearing and critical congenital heart disease), and newborn blood spot retention and consent policies. The episode covers testing timelines, follow-up coordination between hospitals and pediatricians, counseling families about results, special considerations for premature or critically ill infants, and emerging genomic approaches.

Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio bring you this episode featuring Dr. Eric Horvitz from Microsoft, who explores the history, recent breakthroughs, and future directions of AI in medicine. He discusses advances from early expert systems to modern generative, multimodal, and agentic AI, and practical applications like diagnostic orchestration and tumor board support. Dr. Horvitz highlights trends such as scale, real-time reasoning, cross-modality models, and human-AI collaboration, and emphasizes challenges around reliability, integration, ethics, and regulation while arguing for thoughtful adoption to improve healthcare outcomes.

link for CME credit coming soon! Host Holly Wayment speaks with Dr. Deena Sutter about rising H3N2 influenza activity, a partial vaccine mismatch, and what pediatricians and families should do as cases climb. They discuss vaccine effectiveness, when to test and treat, masking and infection control, and specific guidance to protect babies too young to be vaccinated. The episode also covers a local pertussis outbreak, the role of vaccination gaps, and practical communication tips for clinicians to counsel vaccine-hesitant parents.

https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101339 Dr. Ian Mitchell joins Holly Wayment to review pectus excavatum and carinatum: how they present, typical ages of detection, and practical screening tips for pediatricians. The episode summarizes evaluation steps including when to order CT with Haller index, echocardiography, and pulmonary testing, and compares treatment options—bracing and vacuum bell therapy, Nuss and Ravitch procedures—plus timing (ideal repair ~14–15 years) and perioperative care. Listeners also hear about pain management advances (erector spinae blocks, cryoanalgesia), outcomes, psychosocial effects, adult considerations, and the Fresh Start program offering free reconstructive surgeries for eligible families.

Link for CME Credit  https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101136 Goat Milk Formula: New U.S. Approval — What Pediatricians Need to Know In this episode of Pediatrics Now with Host Holly Wayment, Dr. Cynthia Blanco discusses the recent FDA approval of goat milk–based infant formula in the U.S., how it compares to cow’s milk formula, and what pediatricians should know about nutrient composition, allergy management, and clinical scenarios. She reviews evidence on tolerability, digestibility, and common misconceptions, emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding, and offers practical counseling strategies for families considering goat milk formula.

When Neurology & Psychiatry Overlap, More on Tics and Tourette's. Plus PANDAS/PANS Link for CME Credit Coming Soon! Dr. Sheldon Gross and host Holly Wayment,  talk about more about evaluation and management of tics and Tourette's syndrome, plus when psychiatry and neurology in general overlap. The episode also covers related conditions—PANDAS/PANS, autoimmune encephalitis, functional neurological disorders, and seizures—highlighting collaboration between specialties and offering reassurance about prognosis for most children.

Tics, Twitches and Tourette's: When to Worry and What to Do Link for CME Credit Coming Soon Host Holly Wayment talks with Dr. Sheldon Gross about how to tell tics from twitches, common causes and triggers (stress, stimulants, sleep), and simple first steps families and pediatricians can take to reduce symptoms without medication. They review Tourette’s criteria, behavioral approaches like CBIT, medication options (guanfacine, clonidine, antipsychotics, topiramate), red flags for seizures or other neurological causes, and the overlap between neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Link for CME credit coming soon! Dr. Avinash Boddapati joins Pediatrics Now and builds on the wonderful talk by Dr. Mario Fierro in part one, to explain more about what we know—and don’t—about the causes of autism, highlighting that autism is multifactorial and involves genetics, brain biology, and environmental influences. He covers early red flags, genetic risk and testing, maternal and prenatal factors, common misconceptions (including vaccines), and promising research directions like gene–environment interactions and epigenetics. Key takeaways for pediatric clinicians: counsel families without blame, prioritize early identification and intervention, and weigh risks and benefits when discussing exposures during pregnancy.

Link for CME Credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101120   Host Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics bring us a recent grand rounds talk by Dr. Mario Fierro where he reviews how autism is defined under DSM‑5, explains core diagnostic areas (social/communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors), and emphasizes age‑based interpretation and the spectrum of severity. He covers screening (M‑CHAT), standardized assessments (ADOS, CARS), common comorbidities and risk factors (genetics, prematurity, congenital conditions), and practical considerations for clinicians and families. He also discusses treatment options—speech/OT, ABA, FDA‑approved medications for symptoms—reviews alternative therapies and controversies (including leucovorin research and vaccine myths), and offers pragmatic advice on when to refer and focus on functional communication.

Drs. Ruby Patel and Rajdeep Pooni present Grand Rounds using a 12-year-old case to illustrate pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and class IV lupus nephritis, covering presentation, biopsy findings, and pathology. The talk explains diagnostic criteria and typical lab features. They summarize current management including 2024 ACR guidance on induction therapies (steroids, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and biologics), monitoring for complications and medication side effects, vaccination precautions for immunocompromised patients, and the pediatrician’s role in long-term coordination of care.

Link for CME Credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101115 Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware , MPH, CHES about Project YES, a free anonymous online mental health program that’s back, redesigned and improved for 13–17-year-olds to offer short, teen-focused modules to boost mood, reframe negative thoughts, and provide safety resources. And, yes, that includes an adorable video of a porcupine chomping on a pumpkin. The episode explains who can benefit, how the program is youth-informed and evidence-based, and how it can be used immediately as a low-pressure, much needed resource.

Seizures in Kids — Practical Diagnosis, Treatments, and When to Refer https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101013   Host Holly Wayment brings us this wonderful grand rounds talk for the general pediatrician by pediatric neurologist Dr. Natasha Varughese, where she reviews childhood epilepsy syndromes (ages ~3–15), covering self-limited epilepsies, focal and generalized epilepsies, and developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Key diagnostic tools include EEG, MRI, and genetic testing; prognosis varies widely by syndrome. The talk highlights practical management: appropriate antiseizure medications (and which to avoid), indications for ketogenic diet, when to consider surgery or neuromodulation (VNS, RNS), and warning signs for referral to neurology or epilepsy specialists.

Toxicology Pearls Link for CME Credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100932 Host Holly Wayment talks to the  Poison Center's Robert S. Miller about common pediatric toxic exposures — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, THC edibles, nicotine pouches (Zyn), and kratom — and offers practical advice for clinicians and parents. Learn why calling the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) helps with case documentation, reassurance, disposition planning, and when to use antidotes like acetylcysteine. Emphasis on prevention (lockboxes, safe storage), recognizing occult acetaminophen ingestions, symptomatic management, and differences between children and adults.

Link for CME Credit https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100931 Mosquitoes, Fleas & Outbreaks — Pediatric ID Updates with Dr. Deena Sutter Host Holly Wayment interviews pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter chikungunya outbreak in China, flea‑borne typhus in South Texas, and a rise in hand‑foot‑and‑mouth cases. The episode covers transmission, clinical signs, prevention tips (mosquito control, repellents, pet flea prevention), travel vaccine guidance, and practical advice for pediatric practitioners on diagnosis and management.

Link for free credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100930 In this episode, Rachel Vandermeer, MD, reviews pain assessment and treatment for children with medical fragility, focusing on altered pain pathways, common pain sources, and the need for multimodal, individualized plans. Practical recommendations include careful opioid use, gabapentinoids, clonidine for dysautonomia, prevention strategies around procedures, bowel regimens, and close outpatient follow-up to manage chronic neuro-agitation safely.

Link for CME Credit: https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100244 Pediatrics Now, hosted by Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics, brings you this grand rounds talk by: Melissa Delbello, MD, MS is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Dr. Stanley and Mickey Kaplan Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (UCCOM).   OVERVIEW: Bipolar Disorder in Youth: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment   Dr. Dellbello delves into the complex topic of bipolar disorder in children. The presentation covers critical aspects of the disorder, including diagnostic criteria, neurobiological insights, and treatment strategies. Listeners will gain an understanding of the phenomenology of bipolar disorder, how to differentiate between manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, and the significance of early intervention. The episode also explores the impact of bipolar disorder on children, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and the challenges posed by the DSM-5 criteria. Discussion highlights include the role of family history, the high rates of comorbidity with ADHD, and the specific challenges in treating pediatric patients. Treatment options are outlined, with a focus on FDA-approved medications for different phases of bipolar disorder and non-pharmacological interventions. The conversation extends to the adverse effects of antipsychotics and the use of metformin for weight management in children on medication. Throughout the episode, the critical importance of family involvement and therapy is emphasized, providing a holistic view of managing this complex condition in young patients.

Like for MOC Credit Coming Soon Welcome to another insightful episode of Grand Rounds, brought to you by the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Women's and Children's Hospital and host Holly Wayment. In today's episode, we delve into pediatric concussions with Dr. Mayur Patel, a seasoned neurologist with a specialty in brain injury medicine. Dr. Patel shares his expertise on the diagnosis and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children, often synonymous with concussions. He discusses the differentiation between mild, moderate, and severe TBIs, highlighting that children generally recover faster than adults. Dr. Patel emphasizes recognizing symptoms like persistent headaches, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments, as well as the role pre-existing conditions play in recovery duration. Explore the emerging research on biomarkers for concussions and innovative approaches to treat symptoms, including the importance of sleep hygiene and targeted therapies like amitriptyline. This episode is a must-listen for understanding the complexities of pediatric concussion management in the outpatient setting. Plus, get insights into sports-related concussion and the evolving landscape of concussion assessment.

Link for CME Credit https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100071 This enlightening episode of Pediatrics Now features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Karen Bluth, an associate professor emerita from the University of North Carolina and a pioneering author on self-compassion for teens. Host Holly Wayment explores with Dr. Bluth the transformative power of self-compassion in helping teens cope with anxiety, depression, and stress. Dr. Bluth shares her insights and decades of experience in the field, emphasizing the critical importance of teaching teens resilience and self-kindness. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by today's youth and practical strategies for clinicians and parents to support adolescents in becoming their own advocates for well-being. Additionally, the conversation covers the utility of Dr. Bluth's books and courses designed to instill mindfulness and self-compassion skills for teens facing everyday stressors and emotional struggles. Clinicians will gain valuable understanding of how cultivating self-compassion can lead to improved mental health and academic outcomes for teenagers. Tune in to discover how both teens and adults can benefit from embracing these principles to enhance their quality of life.