Host: Ryan Quigley In a 2025 study investigating salivary metabolites as potential biomarkers in cystic fibrosis, researchers identified distinct metabolic patterns linked with key complications as well as correlations with lung function. In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley discusses how a simple saliva sample could provide clinicians with an accessible, non-invasive tool to stratify patients, monitor therapies, and advance personalized care in cystic fibrosis. This topic was also discussed at the 2025 CHEST Annual Meeting.
Host: Shelina Ramnarine, PhD Guest: Yolanda N. Evans, MD, FAAP Recognizing how inequities can significantly impact pediatric care outcomes is essential to improving access, trust, and long-term health. Dr. Shelina Ramnarine is joined by Dr. Yolanda Evans to discuss actionable strategies that can help us deliver more inclusive care, from social determinant screeners to equity-focused frameworks. Dr. Evans is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist practicing in Seattle, Washington, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.
Host: Ryan Quigley Guest: Heather Forkey, MD Guest: Wynne Morgan, MD Childhood trauma can profoundly alter brain and behavioral development, making it essential to recognize how trauma differs from other diagnoses like ADHD. Ryan Quigley sits down with Drs. Heather Forkey and Wynne Morgan, who presented on this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, to better understand how to identify trauma responses, avoid misdiagnosis, and implement supportive treatment strategies that prioritize safety, routine, and caregiver connection. Dr. Forkey is a Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair of Pediatrics and Dr. Morgan is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Guest: Jennifer M. Kalish, MD, PhD, FAAP Early genetic evaluation plays a vital role in identifying potential causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and guiding families on next steps, expectations, and recurrence risks. Dr. Jennifer Kalish joins us to share practical insights for recognizing when to initiate testing, selecting the right tests, and addressing barriers such as insurance and interpretation. Dr. Kalish is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Director of the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She also spoke about this topic at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition.
Guest: Laura B. Enyedi, MD Pediatricians are often the first to encounter eye conditions that can range from common to life-threatening. Hear from Dr. Laura Enyedi as she shares highlights from her presentation on diagnosing childhood ocular disorders from the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition. Dr. Enyedi is a Professor of Ophthalmology and an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.
Host: Ryan Quigley Neonatal food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (N-FPIES) is an underrecognized condition often misdiagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis, despite distinct clinical and lab features that demand a different treatment approach. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explores the early signs, immune pathways, and diagnostic markers of N-FPIES, offering essential insights to help pediatric clinicians identify this condition and initiate appropriate dietary management to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Jonathan Barratt, PhD Delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options have historically been barriers to optimal management of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), but that paradigm may be shifting. A paper published in Kidney International in April 2025 points out that significant nephron loss often occurs before diagnosis, making early, targeted treatment essential. The paper makes the case for lowering proteinuria thresholds, minimizing steroid use, and employing safer, more effective therapies in combination. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss this developing approach to IgAN care is Dr. Jonathan Barratt, the Mayor Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester in the UK and a coauthor of the study.Reference: Floege J, Bernier-Jean A, Barratt J, Rovin B. Treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy: a call for a new paradigm. Kidney International. 2025;S0085-2538(25)00076-6.
Host: Gates B. Colbert, MD Guest: Abdallah Geara, MD IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has a decades-long progression that requires careful monitoring of key biomarkers to optimize management. Hematuria, proteinuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels are all critical to tracking the progression of the disease, and understanding how they’re connected can not only improve prognostication but also guide earlier, more targeted interventions to preserve kidney function. Joining Dr. Gates Colbert to walk through these markers and their importance is Dr. Abdallah Geara. He's an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Director of the Glomerular Diseases Program, and the Director of Onconephrology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.
Host: Gates B. Colbert, MD Guest: Abdallah Geara, MD Guest: Ellie Kelepouris, MD, FACP, FAHA IgA nephropathy (IgAN) presents with a wide range of clinical signs, making timely detection and coordinated care essential. This multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management can manifest in a number of ways, from clinical evaluation and laboratory testing to emerging biomarkers and evolving treatment options. Joining Dr. Gates Colbert to discuss how we can use these strategies to optimize IgAN care are Drs. Abdallah Geara and Ellie Kelepouris. Dr. Geara is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, the Clinical Director of the Glomerular Diseases Program, and Director of Onconephrology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, and Dr. Kelepouris is a Professor of Clinical Medicine, the Vice Chief of Clinical Affairs, and the Medical Director of Outpatient Dialysis Programs at Penn Medicine.
Guest: Jessica Snowden, MD, MS, FAAP, MHPTT Every moment counts when meningitis is suspected. To help reduce the risk of poor neurologic outcomes, Dr. Jessica Snowden is here to review age-based considerations that guide empiric antibiotic and antiviral choices—from neonatal infections acquired at delivery to risks in unvaccinated older children. Dr. Snowden is a Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee.
Guest: Jessica Snowden, MD, MS, FAAP, MHPTT Despite the success of meningitis vaccination programs, pediatricians must remain vigilant as cases still occur and can be life-threatening if missed. That’s why Dr. Jessica Snowden joins us to share how we can identify subtle behavioral cues, understand age-specific presentations, and diagnose patients using the gold-standard approach of lumbar puncture and CSF analysis. Dr. Snowden is a Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Tennessee.
Guest: Joe K. Tung, MD, MBA While cigarette smoking is known to be linked to psoriasis, it was unclear whether or not e-cigarette use also carries risk. To address this research gap, a recent study analyzed data from over 28,000 United States adults, and, after adjusting for potential confounding variables, found that there is a statistically significant association between e-cigarette use and psoriasis. Hear Dr. Joe Tung, a coauthor of the study, break down its design and results, as well as potential reasons for this connection. Dr. Tung is a board-certified dermatologist who currently serves as the Medical Director of UPMC Falk Dermatology, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit, and Associate Director of the Dermatology Residency Program.
Guest: Joe K. Tung, MD, MBA For dermatologists, treating psoriasis patients who use e-cigarettes can be challenging, particularly because of a lack of education about its risks, mental health concerns, and impacts on treatment efficacy. That being said, there are ways to address these challenges to support patients and improve outcomes. Join Dr. Joe Tung, a board-certified dermatologist who currently serves as the Medical Director of UPMC Falk Dermatology, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit, and Associate Director of the Dermatology Residency Program, as he discusses these barriers and potential solutions.
Guest: Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH Despite available options like stool-based testing and colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening rates remain low. Blood-based testing, however, has the potential to improve adherence by offering a convenient alternative. Join Dr. Aasma Shaukat as she discusses the clinical performance of blood-based testing, its limitations, and its role in real-world settings. Dr. Shaukat is the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She also serves as the Director of Outcomes Research in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health.
Guest: Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH As fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) becomes more common in colorectal cancer screening, questions remain about post-FIT follow-up, especially when colonoscopies yield negative results. To explore this further, a recent review looked at the risk of colorectal cancer postcolonoscopy and analyzed the most common reasons it may occur. Hear Dr. Aasma Shaukat, a coauthor of the review, discuss the rationale behind it and its findings, which highlighted the importance of colonoscopy quality. Dr. Shaukat is the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She also serves as the Director of Outcomes Research in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health.
Guest: Robert Gniadecki, MD Biologic therapies have helped significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with psoriasis. With several IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors now available, choosing between biologics often depends on the dermatologist’s experience, the patient’s needs, and potential side effects. Hear Dr. Robert Gniadecki, a Professor of Dermatology and the Director of the Division of Dermatology at the University of Alberta, discuss these treatment options and best practices for therapeutic decision-making.
Guest: Theodore Levin, MD For younger adults needing to get screened for colorectal cancer, fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) may help with initiation and adherence because of its speed, ease, and noninvasiveness. Hear Dr. Theodore Levin discuss FIT and its potential benefits, particularly in younger adults. Dr. Levin is a Professor of Health System Science at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, the Associate Director at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, and the Clinical Lead for Colorectal Cancer Screening for the Permanente Medical Group.
Guest: Theodore Levin, MD In light of guidelines for the starting age of colorectal cancer screening shifting, a recent study explored how screening outcomes compare in adults age 45 to 49 and adults over 50. Across metrics like initiation, adherence, adenoma detection, and colonoscopy yield, the evidence shows support for earlier screening. Tune in to hear Dr. Theodore Levin, Professor of Health System Science at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, the Associate Director at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, and the Clinical Lead for Colorectal Cancer Screening for the Permanente Medical Group, break down the research.
Host: Ashley Baker, MSN, PMHNP Guest: Heather Allen, PhD Guest: Ran Li, PhD Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful tool for distinguishing cancerous from noncancerous tissue during colorectal cancer surgery. In a recent study, Drs. Heather Allen and Ran Li leveraged a broad dataset from multiple sources to identify and validate biomarkers—most notably B1—that demonstrated strong correlation with standard pathology. Hear Drs. Allen and Li walk through their study and the implications of its findings with Ashley Baker. Dr. Allen is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as well as the Department of Pathology at Ohio State University in Columbus, and Dr. Li is a researcher who completed a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at The Ohio State University in 2015.
Host: Ryan Quigley Guest: Mallik Greene, PhD A recent study showed that tailored Spanish-language navigation paired with the multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test can significantly improve colorectal cancer re-screening adherence among Spanish-speaking patients. Hear Ryan Quigley speak with Dr. Mallik Greene, a coauthor of the study, about how these findings could shape the future of colorectal cancer screening in Spanish-speaking populations. Dr. Greene’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, a PhD and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Economics and Outcomes Research, and a Doctorate in Business Administration.