Pediatrics Now for Parents

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Nathan Wiederhold about fungal threats. He explains  a common mold that rarely harms healthy people but can cause serious lung infections in immunocompromised patients. Dr. Wiederhold discusses how environmental fungicide use can drive azole-resistant Aspergillus, the role of his Fungus Testing Laboratory in species identification, susceptibility testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring, and highlights promising new antifungals in development. The episode also covers emerging concerns like severe ringworm, the importance of hygiene and diagnostics, and the need for stewardship to limit antifungal resistance.

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, host Holly Wayment interviews adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Jelina Castillo. They discuss how eating disorders are diagnosed, when they become medical emergencies, and why rates may be rising amid cultural pressures and weight bias. Dr. Castillo explains concerns around GLP‑1 medications, potential misuse by teens, and unknown long‑term effects. She offers practical advice on balanced nutrition, the importance of hydration and breakfast, and how sports pressure can lead to relative energy deficiency. The conversation includes guidance for parents on open communication and medication safety, plus a personal note on Dr. Castillo’s training and recent trip to Japan where she climbed Mt. Fuji. Dr. Castillo sees patients at our UT Health San Antonio Pediatric Clinic in the Medical Center.

In this episode Holly interviews Jim Brookshire, Clinical Director of the Cranial Remolding Program, about positional skull deformities in infants, helmet therapy, and how his research helped establish current treatment standards. They a major breakthrough: Medicaid coverage plus ideal timing (typically 4–6 months), helmet wear and care, common myths, and practical advice for parents.

Host Holly Wayment takes you right outside of the Operating Room after life changing surgery for a baby.  Dr. Richard Thomson performs cleft lip and palate repair on an infant at University Hospital and explains why timing—lip around three months, palate before the baby starts speaking—is critical for feeding and long-term speech outcomes. The episode highlights the multidisciplinary follow-up (speech therapy, ENT, audiology, orthodontics), potential later procedures, and supportive programs like Fresh Start and Austin Smiles that help families access care.

Dr. Deena Sutter joins Pediatrics Now to explain the recent foodborne illness outbreaks. The episode offers practical guidance for families: how to rinse and handle produce, why pre-packaged salads and herbs can be riskier, precautions for immunocompromised children, and when to watch for recalls or seek care. Plus: what really worries her that some people ingest.