Inside Pediatrics

Since early November, many children ages 5 to 11 have received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. But before this could happen, Pfizer had to test the vaccine in a trial. Children's of Alabama pediatric hospitalist Dr. Erinn Schmit entered her son in that trial. She explains why she wanted to have him participate and what it means to her family to play a role in this process.

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency use in children ages 5 to 11, and many parents now have questions about it. In this episode, Dr. Gigi Youngblood and Dr. Peily Soong of Pediatrics East in Trussville, Alabama, answer some of the most common questions they're hearing from parents about getting their children vaccinated.

The Female Adolescent Bleeding (FAB) Clinic at Children's of Alabama is a partnership between doctors in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatric Hematology at Children's of Alabama. FAB helps treat painful, heavy periods that may keep young women from participating in activities. Some are afraid to talk about it, but their lives are disrupted every month. Certain issues can be corrected with hormonal ba...

Each September, Children’s of Alabama honors Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This two-part, Inside Pediatrics Podcast series features two physicians from the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation. In episode one, Dr. Matthew Kutny, director of the Leukemia, Lymphoma and Histiocytosis (LLH) Program, reveals how the new generation of tr...

As another school year begins, parents have many questions about COVID-19 and the impact of the Delta variant. In this episode, Dr. Gigi Youngblood and Dr. Peily Soong of Pediatrics East in Trussville, Alabama, explain how the new variant is different and what parents need to know as they send their kids back to school.

As one of only six centers of its kind in the United States funded by the Maternal Child Health Bureau, the Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC) at Children's of Alabama relies on family members as a critical part of the care team. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, we hear from Dr. Brad Troxler and family faculty member Linda Russo about a series of videos the PPC recently developed to...

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. Children’s of Alabama clinical psychologist Dr. Wayne Fleisig breaks down what’s really happening in the brain of a child with ADHD, and how to help parents overcome challenges at home, in the classroom and beyond. For more information about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Dis...

Alabama has the highest rate of sleep-related infant deaths per year in the United States. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Erinn Schmit explains how we can prevent these tragic accidents, and how we can all practice the "ABC's" of safe sleep at home. For more information about safe sleep practices for infants, Dr. Schmit recommends these resources: https://safetosleep.nichd.n...

As a third COVID-19 vaccine rolls out in the U.S., infectious diseases expert Dr. David Kimberlin gives a vaccine update in the latest episode of Children’s of Alabama’s Inside Pediatrics Podcast. Dr. Kimberlin unpacks the latest CDC guidelines, discusses how each vaccine works and explains why we’re in a race against time with the COVID-19 virus.

An innovative care team at Children’s of Alabama is transforming treatment for newborns with complex kidney issues. In this edition of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. David Askenazi shares how we’re providing hope to more patient families,  and how we’re teaching hospitals all over the world to do the same.

A COVID-19 diagnosis can affect the heart, especially if a person's symptoms were severe. Dr. Hebson discusses what to look out for, and when it's best to get screened by a primary care physician or a cardiologist.

In less than one year, two different COVID-19 vaccines were created, studied, approved and distributed in the United States. Children’s of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) infectious diseases expert Dr. David Kimberlin is incredibly proud of the scientific community and encourages all to roll up their sleeves to eradicate the pandemic. Kimberlin explains why the vaccines are s...

The holiday season can be a stressful time filled with anxiety and sometimes grief from losing a loved one. The added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate what’s already a difficult time of year for many. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Children's of Alabama Emotional Wellness Director Lou Lacey offers tips on how parents and caregivers can stay mentally and emotionally...

Dr. Terri Magruder discusses asthma in children, symptoms, and advanced treatment options.

As many kids start going back to school full time, parents and caregivers are concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Pediatrician Dr. Gigi Youngblood discusses testing and offers expert advice to keep kids healthy during both the pandemic and flu season this year.

Since early 2020 kids involved in sports have seen practices and games postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Without proper conditioning and stretching, athletes are more prone to getting hurt. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Chief of Sports Medicine Dr. Amit Momaya shares some tips on preventing injuries and safely getting back to play during COVID-19.

September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Jeff Lebensburger shares an update on sickle cell disease – early detection and treatment, bone marrow transplants, current pain therapy and promising research for a cure within the first few months of life.

September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Girish Dhall shares exciting news from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology team, including new collaborations and clinical trials available to patients, research and fellowship training opportunities, and a significant jump in the division's U.S. News & World Report ranking among the...

Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Dr. Cecelia Hutto highlights the many safety precautions at the hospital, the importance of masking, and how the coronavirus differs from the flu.

Amy Brown discusses mental health awareness in children and teens.

With the pandemic keeping families inside their homes, and no access to school, faith institutions, or daycare, signs of child abuse may be easier to miss. Melissa Peters, MD, discusses how the potential increase in child abuse can be addressed, including signs to watch for in your community. CHIPS Center (Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services) Ph: 205-638-2751 Website: www.chil...

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress in individuals of all ages. Children can be particularly fearful, as they may not fully comprehend what is happening. Nina Reynolds, PhD, provides tips for parents on mitigating anxiety and stress, as well as strategies for managing all the time both parents and children are forced to spend at home. Please visit these additional resources for more informati...

What is a geneticist? How can they help families on a "diagnostic odyssey" finally put a name to their rare disease or condition? Dr. Anna Hurst explains how whole genome sequencing  can ultimately lead to customized treatment plans for patients. She also breaks down the difference between genetic testing advertised to consumers, versus testing provided by board-certified physicians at a renowned...

February is Heart Month, and we're decked out in red at Children's of Alabama. Behind the scenes, our pediatric heart transplant team is a well-oiled machine, with extensive experience caring for children with advanced heart disease. Our transplant team combines cutting edge research and clinical expertise to produce the most modern approaches to care for our patients and their families. Dr. Wally...

It's flu season! While it may be a terrible inconvenience for some, the flu can be dangerous for certain children. Should you stay home, go to the doctor, or take a trip to the emergency department? Dr. Kathy Monroe has seen her share of the flu in Alabama's busiest emergency department for kids. She shares important tips on who should get the flu vaccine, when to get it, and what to do when your...