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.    

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. 

Whether it’s a bump, a blow, or a moment of confusion, concussions in kids don’t always look dramatic, but the impact can be significant. When parents start to worry and question what injury lies beneath the surface, pediatricians are typically the first phone call or visit. With evolving guidelines and pressure to clear kids for school and sports, what is the right call? In this episode, we will break down what every clinician should know about concussions including how to spot them, how to manage them and how to guide families through recovery with confidence. To understand the current status of concussions, we are joined by Kristina Wilson, MD. Dr. Wilson is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an Associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  Helpful tools PCPs can utilize to recognize a concussion  The importance of team involvement regardless of the injury  Properly managing family support  Interventions and when they should be utilized  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Every parent dreams of the perfect bedtime routine: a quick story, a goodnight kiss, and lights out until morning. But real life? Toddlers fight sleep with boundless energy, grade-schoolers push for one more story and teens stay up late scrolling TikTok. Sleep problems in children and teens are common, but pediatricians can play a key role in guiding families toward better rest.  In this episode, we explore how to help kids sleep better at every age. From gentle sleep training strategies for young children to managing insomnia and circadian rhythm shifts in teens, we’ll break down practical, evidence-based approaches to pediatric sleep. Join us as we share the science and real-world tools that can help families build healthy sleep habits, for brighter mornings and better overall health.  We are joined by Stacey Simon, PhD. She is the Co-Director of Sleep Medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  Best sleep practices for different age groups  Addressing the most common sleep issues in children Evidence around sleep training and if it's successful  Can medications be a helpful tool for sleep?    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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

When it comes to babies, there is one true common denominator for new parents — poop. While it’s one of the first things parents can fixate over, pediatricians know what’s in the diaper can say a lot about what’s going on inside that tiny body. From understanding different stool colors and consistency, to the difference in diaper contents between breast-fed and formula-fed babies, there’s a lot to learn about baby poop. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Adrienne Hoyt-Austin, DO, a pediatrician and lactation consultant with UC Davis Health. She specializes in general pediatrics and breastfeeding medicine and is also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics. Some highlights from this episode include:  What baby poop can reveal about their health How to distinguish between normal variations in stool and potential concerns   Common colors and consistencies  Biggest red flags to look for in baby poop  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. 

The menstrual cycle is as regular as clockwork, or at least it should be. But for many adolescent patients, what should be a manageable monthly event turns into a full-blown disruptor of school, sports, sleep and sanity. As we explore the world of adolescent gynecology, we take a closer look at the intricate details: how cramps can hide endometriosis and ‘normal’ isn’t always what it seems. These symptoms are not just part of puberty. These are signals that deserve attention, validation, and thorough evaluation. This episode was recorded live on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Elizabeth Alderman, MD, Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. She is also a professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  First-line treatments for painful periods in adolescents  Red flags in menstrual history that could lead to further concerns  Primary care diagnostic steps before referring to gynecology  How to create a comfortable environment for discussing these uncomfortable topics for adolescents 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 31st 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. 

Screening for hip dysplasia in infants can make a big difference in their outcomes. Still, we know there are kids that fall through the cracks and later present with pain. Early detection of this condition is critical from a developmental standpoint, and proper therapy can guide those patients towards a pain free and active life. To help us uncover all we need to know about hip dysplasia, we are joined by Erika Valentine, MD. She is a pediatric orthopedist at Children’s Colorado and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  Signs to look out for in the first few years of life  Why and how long-term issues can occur  Understanding treatment options  How primary care providers can support and manage their patients with hip dysplasia  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 31st 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. 

Parents often turn to their child’s primary care physician for guidance on illnesses, developmental delays, or other health concerns. ADHD is no exception. In this episode, we’re diving into the crucial role pediatricians play in recognizing and managing ADHD. We’re giving you real-world tools to support real-world kids. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Jennifer Walton, MD, the Section Chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, and an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Miami Miler School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  The most common signs of ADHD that get overlooked  Differentiating between ADHD and other behavioral or mental health concerns  How to use a standardized rating scale to assess ADHD symptoms  Talking to families about starting medication  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 31st 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. 

Some topics in pediatrics are flashy — like seizures, mystery rashes and fevers. While those often make headlines, others, like pediatric nephrology, are a routine but critical part of daily practice. Understanding these bread-and-butter issues is essential to diagnosing so many patients. Protein in the urine, blood pressure creeping up or a UTI that is more than ‘just a UTI’ are often signs that something may be wrong with the kidneys. In this episode, we examine those practical essentials and learn how PCPs can feel confident in managing these diagnoses. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor of the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode are Bradley Warady, MD, and Nathan Bines, MD, both from Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Warady is the Director of the Division of Nephrology, a Professor of Pediatrics and the McLaughlin Family Endowed Chair in Nephrology. Dr. Beins is the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Training Program, as well as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics. Some highlights from this episode include:  Understanding the core kidney issues in general pediatrics  How to identify these conditions early  The difference between benign findings and red flags  Tools for friendly language about topics that might be sensitive or embarrassing for a child  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Picture this: A new parent is changing the diaper of their one-month-old infant when they notice streaks of blood. That’s when panic sets in, followed by frantic calls to the pediatrician’s office. But is this always a cause for alarm? In this episode, our gastroenterologists are on the case. We’re talking about allergic proctitis in infants. They will help you recognize and manage this common newborn issue so you can support families. Joining us for this episode is Mason Nistel, MD. He specializes in gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an Assistant Professor of pediatric GI, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.   Some highlights from this episode include:  How a typical case of allergic proctitis presents  Key differences between problematic blood and ‘normal’ blood in the stool  The importance of tapping into empathy as this can be a scary experience for parents  Additional considerations for primary care providers when evaluating blood in stool   For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.