Gator PICU Podcast

Send us a text What if a child’s own tumor could teach their immune system how to fight back? We sit down with Dr. Liggon from the University of Florida to unpack a first‑in‑kids, personalized mRNA lipid nanoparticle therapy designed for high‑grade glioma and osteosarcoma. Instead of chasing a single target, this approach isolates mRNA directly from each patient’s tumor and packages it into lipid nanoparticles, training the immune system against a wide range of cancer proteins. That personali...

Send us a text Pediatric surgeon Dr. Shawn Larson joins the Burn Podcast to discuss best practices in pediatric burn management—from initial assessment to long-term care. Learn key strategies for improving outcomes, minimizing complications, and supporting young patients through recovery. Please take the survey using the link below: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8whTtydadAMpx7o References: Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening cli...

Send us a text This episode takes a closer look at tracheostomies in pediatric patients—why they’re performed, how children are cared for immediately after surgery, and what long-term management looks like. We start with the most common reasons for tracheostomies, including airway obstruction, prolonged ventilation needs, and certain congenital or neurologic conditions. The discussion then moves into immediate post-operative care, emphasizing airway security, monitoring for complications, and...

Send us a text This episode discusses CLABSI prevention bundles. References Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. (2019, April 25). Oral care & chemotherapy: Oral hygiene before, during and after chemotherapy treatment [Patient information handout]. https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Helping to prevent CLABSIs [Patient education handout]. https://hpo-docs.jh.edu/PPxSoEve Scaramuzzo, L. a. S. M. R., Msn, Rn-Bc, Aocn, & Walton, A. W. R. B...

Send us a text This episode discusses training and resources in CLABSI prevention. References Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. (2025, April 25). Vascular access (Policy No. CLNPOL079; Version 11.3). In Clinical policies and practice guidelines (p. 5). https://hpo-docs.jh.edu/wQveJ1YW Please take the survey using the link below: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8whTtydadAMpx7o References: Kline-Tilford, A. M., & Haut, C. (2020). Cases in pediatric acute care: Strengthening ...

Send us a text This episode is an introduction to CLABSI. References Gaur, A. H., Bundy, D. G., Gao, C., Werner, E. J., Billett, A. L., Hord, J. D., Siegel, J. D., Dickens, D., Winkle, C., & Miller, M. R. (2013). Surveillance of Hospital-Acquired Central Line–Associated bloodstream infections in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology patients Lessons learned, challenges ahead. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 34(3), 315–320. https://doi.org/10.1086/669513 Haddadin, Y., Annamaraju, P., ...

Send us a text In this episode, we explore pediatric sepsis, a leading cause of critical illness and mortality in children worldwide. We discuss what sepsis is—the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection—and why children are uniquely vulnerable. The conversation highlights early recognition, focusing on key warning signs such as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and altered mental status. We emphasize the importance of timely intervention: rapid antibiotics, fluid resuscit...

Send us a text This podcast highlights the importance of oral care in the ICU. CDC (2020). Ventilator-Associated Event (VAE) Surveillance Manual. https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/pscmanual/10-vae_final.pdf Imai, K., Iinuma, T., & Sato, S. (2021). Relationship between the oral cavity and respiratory diseases: Aspiration of oral bacteria possibly contributes to the progression of lower airway inflammation. The Japanese Dental Science Review, 57, 224–230. https://ddec1-0-en-ctp.trendmicro.com:4...

Send us a text This podcast highlights the problems that occur with mislabeled specimens. Sandhu, P., Bandyopadhyay, K., Ernst, D. J., Hunt, W., Taylor, T. H., Jr, Birch, R., Krolak, J., & Geaghan, S. (2017). Effectiveness of Laboratory Practices to Reducing Patient Misidentification Due to Specimen Labeling Errors at the Time of Specimen Collection in Healthcare Settings: LMBP™ Systematic Review. The journal of applied laboratory medicine, 2(2), 244–258. https://doi.org/10.1373/jalm.2017...

Send us a text This podcast highlights the problems that occur with mislabeled specimens. Tran NK, Liu Y. Pre-analytical pitfalls: Missing and mislabeled specimens . PSNet [internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US Department of Health and Human Services. 2020. Montgomery, V. L., & Hudson, R. W. (2021). Reaching for Zero: Eliminating Mislabeled Specimens. Pediatric Quality & Safety, 6(Suppl 1 ), e445. https://doi.org/10.1097/pq9.0000000000000445 Sandhu,...

Send us a text This podcast highlights the problems that occur with mislabeled specimens. Montgomery, V. L., & Hudson, R. W. (2021). Reaching for Zero: Eliminating Mislabeled Specimens. Pediatric Quality & Safety, 6(Suppl 1 ), e445. https://doi.org/10.1097/pq9.0000000000000445 Gina Yanni, Vicki Ematat, Bonnie Bowsman, Leslie A. Laam, Utilizing Clinical Microsystems to Improve Mislabeled Specimen Occurrences in the Emergency Department, Journal of Emergency Nursing, Volume 49, Issue 5,...

Send us a text In this powerful and heartfelt discussion authored by Melissa "Missy" Reynolds, longtime PICU nurse manager and passionate advocate for bereavement care, we explore how to better support families facing the unimaginable loss of a child. Missy shares lessons drawn from years of experience, along with insights recently presented at the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The conversation touches on key needs of grieving families—preserving memories, honest communication...

Send us a text The podcast episode highlights some crucial points about pediatric blunt abdominal trauma and how it differs from trauma in adults, particularly in terms of diagnosis and management. Key Takeaways: Risk Factors in Children:Children are more vulnerable to serious abdominal injuries (liver, spleen, kidneys) due to factors like thinner abdominal walls, minimal rib coverage, and smaller organs.The spleen is the most commonly injured organ, followed by the kidneys.These injuries ca...

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). What happens when a child experiences a brain injury? How can healthcare professionals work together to support recovery and long-term outcomes? We'll break down the causes, symptoms, and stages of recovery, highlighting the unique challenges children face compared to adults. Join us as we talk with experts in pediatric critical care focusing on evidence-based strategies, and early warn...

Send us a text Ready to enhance your understanding of pediatric airway management? Join us for an enlightening session where we unravel the complexities of respiratory care in the Pediatric ICU with our esteemed guest, Assi Tima. With nearly two decades of experience as a respiratory therapist, Assi uncovers the critical importance of mastering respiratory equipment, especially for those new to high-pressure healthcare environments. Learn about the essentials, from the proper setup of flow me...

Send us a text Patho/ Background: Asthma flare-ups have two stages: early and late. They start when IgE antibodies produced by certain cells react to triggers such as pollen, dust, animals and many more. These antibodies attach to cells, causing the release of substances like histamines. This release tightens the airways making it harder to breathe. Certain immune cells play a crucial role in producing interleukins that communicate and sustain inflammation. These interleukins support the surv...

Send us a text Respiratory Syncytial Virus is an infection starts in the back of the nose and throat, where it replicates. It then moves to the small airways in the lungs, causing a lower respiratory tract infection within 1 to 3 days. If this happens, it results in swelling, more mucus, and eventual damage and healing of the cells lining the airways. This process leads to blockage of small airways, air trapping, and increased difficultly in breathing. The time it takes for sympto...