Charting Pediatrics

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 ev...

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 throu...

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 th...

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 fr...

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...

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, hydroce...

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 A merican Academy of Pedi...

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...

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...

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....

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 Christi...

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 m...

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...

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...

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 dermatol...

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 t...

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 com pared to a mental health provider in the months l...

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 f rom 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 Heada...

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...

When it comes to babies, there is one true common denominator for new parents — poop. While i t'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...

The menstrual cycle i s as regular as clockwor k, 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. Thes...

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 guid e those patients towards a pain free and active life. To help us uncover all we need to know about hip dysplasia, we are...

Parents often turn to their child's primary care physician for guidance on illnesses, development al 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 Academi...

Some topics in pediatrics are flashy — like seizures, mystery rashes and fevers. While those often make headlines, others, like p ediatric n ephrology, are a routine but critical part of daily practice. Understanding these bread-and-butter issues is essential to diagnosing so many patients . P rotein in the urine, blood pressure creeping up or a UTI that is more than 'just a U TI ' are often sign...

Picture this: A new parent is changing the diaper of their one-month-old infant when they notice streaks of blood. That's when p anic 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. W e're talking about allergic proctitis in infants. They will help you recognize and manage this common...