Charting Pediatrics

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...

Every kid is unique with their own distinct personality and behavior. But at what point should a child's behavior become a cause for concern? From anxiety and tantrums to challenges at school and issues with sleep, pediatricians frequently encounter a wide range of behavioral concerns. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. In this episod...

Pediatricians are superheroes in scrubs, baby whisperers, teen translators and guardians of growing minds and bodies. But even heroes need reinforcements. The pediatric workforce crisis has made a prominent impact on the healthcare community including staff shortages, jam-pa cked schedules, long wait times, frustrated patient families and fewer new doctors joining the ranks. In this episode, we ex...

As medical and surgical treatment of congenital heart lesions improve, the vast majority of babies born with heart problems are living long and productive lives. While it is remarkable , it also brings new challenges for their care, especially during the critical transition t o adulthood. A new medical specialty has developed to address this specific need , driven by the growing demand for experti...

Charting Pediatrics has created a space where community care meets real-world challenges. W hether we realize it or not, trauma-informed care touches everything we do as pediatricians. What does it mean to really be trauma-informed? How do we create safer, more supportive environments for everyone, especially those carrying invisible wounds? In this episode , we explore how community providers can...

Feeding a baby isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is formula. That's why community providers need to be prepared to navigate options with families, bust common myths and offer practical support through the first year of feeding. In this episode, we 're b reaking down the basics and digging deeper to understand formula . W hen it comes to feeding babies, family knowledge and support matters just...

The heart is an involved organ in many syndromes impacting kids . O ur understanding of the genetic underpinnings of pediatric heart conditions has improved greatly with better access to genetic testing. From inherited arrythmias to structural congenital heart defects, genetic testing is becoming an essential part of the diagnosis, treatment and family counseling in kids with heart problems. To he...

A common yet often misunderstood infection is popping up in different corners of our community. Mycoplasma pneumonia, otherwise referred to as walking pneumonia, can present in a way that's subtle and sneaky, with a plethora of symptoms . This 'silent' infection can fly under the radar leaving both patients and providers puzzled , but we want to make sure our listeners feel prepared to tackle this...

Cannabis use in children and adolescents is a growing concern as more young people are regularly using the subs tance and as more states legal ize it . W hat happens when parents, caregivers, healthcare providers or even the teens themselves decide it's time to stop?  In this episode, we will explore important tactics primary care providers can utilize to help families navigate the medical, psycho...

As the political climate shifts in 2025, there are important discussions around Medicaid, mental health and executive orders that will impact our kids. From Medicaid eligibility changes to funding cuts, to benefit adjustments, the political forces shaping healthcare may have profound effects on both our patients and providers. In this episode, we examine the current state of affairs and answer que...

Down Syndrome is a condition defined by an extra chromosome but beyond the genetics lies a rich, complex story of individuals, families and communities who continue to challenge misconceptions and pave the way for greater understanding and inclusion. In this episode, we'll explore the latest treatments and research, the relationship between specialist and provider and all the opportunities that co...

A highly contagious virus, once thought to be nearly eradicated, has made a comeback. Measles is affecting even our youngest patients in communities around the country and putting vulnerable populations at risk. Our primary care providers are on the frontlines of this resurgence. It's crucial they feel prepared to vaccinate patients, educate families and respond effectively. To discuss the current...

Most peo ple believe that strokes only affect adults, but children can experience them too. Although rare, strokes in kids can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not treated properly. S eizure or migraine s are often misdiagnosed in this population , making it crucial to have proper protocols in place. While many never think of stroke as something that can impact kids, it's still i n the top 10 caus...

It's been a busy year for influenza cases , but it's not what we've seen in our clinics and hospitals that has infectious disease experts most worried. They are concerned about avian flu, otherwise known as the H5N1 subtype of influenza A. Specifically, they are worried about stress what happens if H5N1 jumps to humans and potentially spreads. What is that risk for people and what challenges lie a...

Firearms are the leading cause of death of kids in the United States, and in C olorado , there is at least one pediatric injury from a gun every day. In 2021, Colorado passed the safe storage bill which requires firearms to be safely store d when minors are present in the home. D espite this, many people don't know how to provide the safest environment for children. P ediatricians can play a uniqu...

One of  humanity's frailties i s our tendency to view the world through the lens of what we've seen, lived through or experienced firsthand. That's not to say we ignore things that happen ed in the past, but we may not give historical events equal weight or importance when compared to current events . In medicine, it's important for us to recognize the vaccine preventable diseases we combatted in...