Charting Pediatrics

Innovations and techniques to enhance spinal surgical care, and support patient- centric outcomes, have made big strides in the last decade. Technology like surgical robots, 3D printed models customized to the patient, and a new procedure called vertebral body tethering are just a few examples of the many incredible advancements.   Two leading experts on scoliosis surgery at Children's Hospital Colorado join us to discuss these impressive changes and how they are impacting patient care. Mark Erickson, MD, is the medical director of the Children's Hospital Colorado Spine Program, as well as a specialist in orthopedic surgery. He's also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Sumeet Garg, MD, a pediatric orthopedic specialist, is the quality and safety director for the Spine Program, as well an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include:    An orthopedic surgeon's approach to spinal surgery and how it's evolved over time  How surgery can improve a patient's quality of life   A look at new, customized patient approaches  How the use of robotics is advancing treatment  What's on the horizon in spine surgery innovation  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.    

Joint pain is a common concern in pediatric practice. If a child is limping after sports or describes vague aches and pains, it often points to a minor injury or a self-limited condition. But in some cases, joint pain may signal something more serious. The challenge for pediatricians is knowing how to distinguish benign, mechanical causes from symptoms that warrant further evaluation. In this episode, we explain how to identify red herrings versus true red flags in pediatric joint pain. While awaiting a rheumatology referral, we'll talk about what primary care pediatricians can do in the meantime to support children and families facing the possibility of arthritis.    This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Angela Chun, MD, is the associate program director for the Division of Rheumatology at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She is also an assistant professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include: The most common reasons for joint pain in children Understanding juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and how it presents Common pitfalls that may lead to misdiagnosis What providers can do in their offices before a referral  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Anxiety in children can serve as a safeguard or become profoundly disruptive. For pediatricians, distinguishing between developmentally appropriate worry, generalized anxiety disorder and clinically significant anxiety is rarely straightforward. In this episode, we explore how anxiety presents across childhood, why it is more than "just nerves" and how pediatricians can play a key role in early identification and support.  Benjamin Mullin, PhD, is the lead psychologist of the Colorado OCD and Anxiety Program (COAP) at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is also the Leslie and William Vollbracht Family Chair in Stress and Anxiety Disorders.  Some highlights from this episode include:  The realities of anxiety in kids  When treatment is appropriate and when to refer   Helping families understand anxiety without stigmatizing or minimizing their children's experience  Strategies that work for long-term management   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

From a newborn's first trip home to the day a teenager buckles into the driver's seat, car rides are milestones throughout childhood. Between those moments lie years of transition: rear-facing to forward-facing seats, boosters to seat belts, and countless opportunities for confusion, error and learning. This episode breaks down the latest recommendations in child passenger safety, addresses common misconceptions, and offers practical guidance pediatricians can use to help families keep children safe at every stage.  This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor of the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Meghan Beucher, MD, is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics, as well as a trained child passenger safety technician instructor, with Hasbro Children's Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Raquel Denis, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina, as well as a child passenger safety technician.  Some highlights from this episode include: When to switch from rear facing to forward facing seats  Why medical guidance can differ from local laws How to best support families unfamiliar with car seat safety  Why recommendations have changed in recent years For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

In pediatric practice, few topics are as foundational and scientifically grounded as vaccinations. This season, a major shift in federal vaccine advisory guidance has sparked fresh discussion about how we protect infants from hepatitis B. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's advisory committee on immunization practices voted to revise the more than 30-year guidance around the universal birth-dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. In this episode, our goal is to provide clarity for clinicians on the best vaccination approach for our youngest patients.  For this important discussion, we are joined by Sean O'Leary, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Colorado, as well as a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is also chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases, otherwise known as the Red Book Committee.  Some highlights from this episode include: The history of hepatitis B infection in children in the U.S.  Why the birth dose has been such a critical part of prevention  Breaking down the recent decision by the CDC advisory committee  Recommendations for this vaccine moving forward For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Food is more than fuel. Its culture, comfort, connection and, increasingly, a source of confusion for families. Parents ask questions shaped by headlines, influencers and evolving dietary guidelines. Pediatricians aren't simply monitoring growth curves, they are helping families navigate a complex nutrition environment that influences children's health now and long into adulthood. In this episode, we explore how to navigate today's dietary landscape with clarity, compassion and evidence-based tools you can use in everyday practice, highlighting the importance of healthy eating.  This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. Praveen Goday, MD, is a gastroenterologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, as well as the director of their nutrition and feeding programs. He is also a clinical professor at Ohio State University. Some highlights from this episode include: The current dietary landscape and the role of outside influences How the idea of health has changed throughout the years What best practices parents can use to positively influence their children  Hopes for the future of nutrition   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Water is essential to a child's health, making up the majority of their body weight. But when illness or heat disrupts that balance, dehydration can set in quickly and dangerously. Despite being one of the most common pediatric issues, the simplest and most effective solution often goes unnoticed: oral rehydration. In this episode, we'll shine a light on this powerful yet underused therapy. From recognizing early warning signs to selecting the best approach, we'll explore the science and practical tools behind keeping children safely hydrated. Joining us virtually from Iowa is Aamer Imdad, MD. He is a gastroenterologist at Stead Family Children's Hospital, as well as an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa. Some highlights from this episode include: The most common causes for dehydration Recognizing the most reliable clinical signs for identifying dehydration How oral rehydration solutions work and which ones to recommend for each patient When lab tests are helpful For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Childhood obesity management has evolved far beyond the traditional advice of "eat healthier and move more." Today's clinical toolbox includes GLP-1 medications, behavioral health interventions, multidisciplinary lifestyle programs and bariatric surgery. These evidence-based tools can be complex, nuanced, and sometimes controversial, but they share a common goal: supporting young people in achieving healthier lives. In this episode, we explore how modern treatment strategies come together to meet the needs of individual patients and families. Our guests discuss when and how to use these tools, the importance of coordinated care and what pediatricians should consider as this field continues to rapidly expand. Jonathan Hills-Dunlap, MD, is the Director of Robotics Surgery as well as the Surgical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Children's Colorado. Megan Kelsey is the Medical Director of both Lifestyle Medicine and the Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program. Both are on faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: The steps for being a bariatric surgery candidate How to best support obese patients and their journeys  Why a multidisciplinary approach is necessary For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Smartphones and tablets have become part of daily life for children and families, but their influence on sleep, attention, mood and overall development is increasingly under the microscope. From overstimulation and disrupted sleep patterns to rising concerns about anxiety and attention regulation, the research around screen time is rapidly evolving. In this episode, we take a closer look at the evidence behind how screens are shaping childhood and explore what pediatricians can do to help families find balance in an always-connected world. Rachel Workman, MD, is a Pediatric Integrative Medicine Specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado. Some highlights from this episode include:  The negative impacts of screen time at a young age  How parents can strategically intervene  Why screen time is impacting development  What the research tells us For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Recently, leucovorin and acetaminophen have been at the center of new discussions in pediatric medicine. Could leucovorin really help some children with autism? Does the latest evidence suggest acetaminophen has any impact on neurodevelopment? In today's episode, we'll break down what the science actually tells us, what remains uncertain and how pediatricians can confidently guide families through these complex topics. Joining us for this important discussion is Abigail Angulo, MD. She is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  The science behind autism  The role of Tylenol in pregnancy and newborn development  What leucovorin is used for and when it should be prescribed  How to navigate difficult conversations with families who expect certain outcomes For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Not every episode that looks like a seizure is one, and for pediatricians, distinguishing the difference can be challenging. Few moments in the clinic can feel as urgent, or as uncertain, as evaluating spells. In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of seizures and their mimics to prevent misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary intervention. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. Joining us is Shavonne Massey, MD. She is a neurologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  Differentiators between seizures and mimics  What pediatricians can do when a child is experiencing a seizure  Key factors they can look for during an exam  Most common seizure mimics that present in children depending on age  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Behind every medical breakthrough for kids is usually a long history of research advances. Research is incremental, and new therapies exist, thanks to questions that are asked in science laboratories. Those investigators not only asked the hard questions but also found the funding to answer them. What happens when that funding starts to disappear? Research drives progress in pediatric medicine from vaccines to breakthrough treatments for rare diseases. That progress is currently at risk. Cuts and cancellations in key federal research programs, including CDC and NIH funding, threaten to stall discoveries and disproportionately impact pediatric investigators. In this episode, we dig into what's happening with child health research funding, why it matters for every pediatrician, and where the greatest opportunities for advocacy lie. For this episode, we are joined by two experts at the forefront of this conversation. Joe St. Geme, MD, is the Physician in Chief at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the President of the CHOP Practice Association. He is also a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Zach Zaslow is the Vice President of Advocacy and Community Health at Children's Hospital Colorado. Some highlights from this episode include:  The status of pediatric research funding  How pediatric research directly impacts community pediatricians  What current threats exist  How providers can advocate for their patients and families   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

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. 

The childhood immunization schedule is one of the defining pillars of pediatric practice and remains among the most successful public health achievements of the modern era. Yet, in recent months, the schedule and the systems that support it have faced new challenges, raising serious concerns for pediatricians across the country. This episode was recorded live at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, we discuss the latest AAP vaccine updates and the evolving landscape of childhood immunizations. Sue Kressly, MD, is a general pediatrician as well as the President of the AAP. Sean O'Leary, MD, is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Colorado and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is also chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, otherwise known as the Red Book Committee. Some highlights from this episode include:  The latest AAP immunization guidance and policy updates  Changes currently impacting pediatricians  Insight into the near future of vaccine distributions  Strategies for combatting confusion and shifting vaccine confidence  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Ocular complaints in children, such as a red or painful eye, sudden vision changes, or difficulty opening one eye, may be more than a minor concern. In pediatrics, these presentations can progress rapidly, and timely recognition is critical to preventing long-term vision impairment. A focused five-minute eye examination can often distinguish between emergent, urgent and routine conditions, making early assessment and intervention essential in the primary care setting.  This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Our guest is Donny Suh, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, and Children's Hospital of Orange County.  Some highlights from this episode include:  What a pediatrician can learn in five minutes  The most common ocular injuries that pediatrician's encounter  How pediatricians can support a patient before sending to a specialist  How understanding a patient's history can help a pediatrician For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Enuresis, or bedwetting, is one of the most common concerns encountered in pediatrics. It can present as nighttime bedwetting, daytime urinary accidents, or a combination of both. Oftentimes, families and clinicians are left wondering what's typical and what's considered concerning. In this episode, we focus on the evaluation and management of enuresis in children. Each case is influenced by a range of factors including fluid intake, bowel habits, sleep quality and lifestyle routines. While first-line, non-pharmacologic strategies are the cornerstone of care, effective treatment requires attention to detail and a comprehensive approach. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, we are joined by Julie Cheng, MD, an Assistant Professor of Urology at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington.  Some highlights from this episode include:  Differentiating between types of enuresis  How key elements in pediatric history and physical examination can help diagnose the problem  Evidence-based first-line interventions and when to escalate care  The role behavioral factors, such as sleep or screen time, play in enuresis  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

While asthma may be the most common chronic disease in pediatrics, it never feels routine for medical professionals. In the primary care setting, pediatricians carry the challenge and opportunity of turning this common condition into a well-managed part of daily life. In this episode, we'll dig into tools, strategies and insights that help us move from reactive treatment to proactive partnerships. The goal is for kids to focus less on their breathing and more on being kids. For this episode, we are joined by two asthma experts, Monica Federico, MD, and Heather De Keyser, MD. Dr. Federico is the Medical Director of the Asthma Program, as well as Population Health, at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. De Keyser is the Co-Director of the Multidisciplinary Asthma Clinic and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Some highlights from this episode include:  Understanding the best options for treatment  Deciphering between asthma and other respiratory diagnoses  The latest updates in asthma guidelines  The importance of collaborating with schools on a child's action plan  Some resources mentioned in today's episode include guidelines for the management and diagnosis of asthma, as well as information from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Constipation is one of the most common conditions that pediatricians see. From the toddler squirming on the exam table to the school-aged child with recurring belly pain, functional constipation is everywhere in pediatric primary care. In this episode, we will discuss how to diagnose, when additional testing is needed and treatment strategies that work.    Joining us for this episode is Christine Waasdorp-Hurtado, MD. She is a pediatric gastroenterologist, the Southern Colorado Executive Faculty Director for the Department of Pediatrics, and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include:  Identifying the signs of functional constipation  Steps primary care physicians can take with families before referral  How advice changes depending on the child's age  Why managing constipation improves more than just a kid's bowel movements  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Imagine your body as a complex orchestra. Every hormone playing its part in harmony. When one section falls out of sync, the entire performance shifts. That's what happens with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially in adolescents. During puberty, hormones are already in flux, and PCOS can add another layer of challenges.  Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain are more than frustrating symptoms, they're signs of an underlying hormonal imbalance that deserves attention. For pediatricians, recognizing PCOS early can make all the difference in helping teens navigate both their physical health and emotional well-being.  In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Cree, MD, PhD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, Director of the Multi-Disciplinary PCOS Clinic at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a professor.  Some highlights from this episode include:  Understanding why its name can be deceiving The role of the primary care provider in diagnosing and managing PCOS  Differences between abnormal and normal puberty changes  The impact of this lifelong disease  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.