The Science Behind Autism and Medications
Charting Pediatrics
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 . She is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She is also an associate professor at the...
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Seizure or Something Else?
Charting Pediatrics
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 . She is a neurologist at Children’s Hospital of...
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The State of Pediatric Research Funding
Charting Pediatrics
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...
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Oral and Dental Trauma in Kids
Charting Pediatrics
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 . She is a...
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Undescended Testis, Hernia and Hydrocele
Charting Pediatrics
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...
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AAP Vaccine Updates
Charting Pediatrics
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...
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Ocular Emergencies in Kids
Charting Pediatrics
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...
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Enuresis in Children
Charting Pediatrics
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...
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Asthma in Children
Charting Pediatrics
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, , and . Dr. Federico is the Medical Director of the Asthma...
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Constipation in Kids
Charting Pediatrics
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 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. ...
info_outlineAsking 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.