Pediatric Meltdown

Ever wondered how a simple injury can change the course of one's life?  This episode explores the fascinating journey of a sports enthusiast turned medical professional, inspired by a personal encounter with a sports medicine provider after a college injury. The conversation delves into the complex world of concussions, discussing the evolution of treatment protocols, the importance of indivi...

Ever wondered how to smoothly transition pediatric patients with complex conditions like ADHD into adult care?  This episode talks about the challenges and strategies involved in this critical handoff. Dr. Peter Jensen and Dr. Lia discuss the importance of educating and empowering teens to manage their conditions independently, drawing parallels with other chronic illnesses like asthma and di...

Have you ever wondered if ADHD is being misunderstood or misdiagnosed in children, leading to feelings of failure and unchecked anxiety?  In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino and Dr. Norrine Russell talk about the complexities of ADHD, from its nuances to the pressing need for systemic change in how it's perceived and treated. They shed light on the importance of recogn...

Can a doctor's strongest medicine be kindness to themselves?  In this candid conversation, Dr. Kathy Stepien, physician coach and advocate for medical wellness, challenges the notion that self-criticism leads to better performance. Speaking with host Dr. Lia Gaggino, she unpacks how physician coaching has evolved from executive suites to mainstream medicine, backed by clinical trials from ins...

What happens when a pediatrician hands a free book to a parent and changes the trajectory of a life?  Meet Claudia Aristy whose first encounter as a new immigrant mother with “Reach Out and Read” sparked a remarkable transformation. Through her work with the Health Education and Literacy for Parents (HELP) Project, Claudia demonstrates how pediatricians can encourage literacy through books wh...

How can we help teens with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and transition successfully into adulthood?  In this (part 2) episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino and child psychiatrist Dr. Jeanette Scheid discuss managing bipolar disorder in young adults during major life transitions. From medications for bipolar disorder in youth to support resources, they explore how paren...

In this episode, child psychiatrist Dr. Jeanette Scheid joins Dr. Lia Gaggino to discuss the complexities of pediatric bipolar disorder, and sorting through the diagnostic possibilities is central to making an accurate diagnosis  Dr. Scheid offers insights to tease out what are the childhood behaviors that are developmentally normal, for example imaginary friends, and  what are concernin...

What happens when the wealthiest nation in the world fails its children?  In this short but important solo episode, Dr. Lia Gaggino, speaking as a mother, grandmother, and pediatrician, shares her concerns about the state of children's welfare in America. She addresses multiple challenges facing our youth today, from healthcare and poverty to gun violence and education. As the November 5th el...

What if the key to happiness lies in thinking like a toddler?  Dr. Lia Gaggino's Pediatric Meltdown podcast features Dr. Hasan Merali, who unveils the wisdom hidden in toddler behavior. Uncover the science behind child development, learning how to handle toddler tantrums and why the "terrible twos" might be a misnomer. Dr. Merali offers unique parenting tips, from encouraging kindness to esta...

What if the key to unlocking your child's potential lies in their natural curiosity?  In this enlightening episode of "Pediatric Meltdown," host Dr. Lia Gaggino welcomes developmental-behavioral pediatrician Dr. Prachi Shah to explore the fascinating world of child development. Together, they unpack the importance of play in child development and reveal strategies to encourage exploration. Dr...

In the realm of pediatrics, can a child's ZIP code be a stronger predictor of health outcomes than their genetic code?  Dr. Lia Gaggino examines this critical question alongside pediatric residents Dr. Nicole Hickman and Dr. Kathleen Kelly. These passionate advocates for health equity discuss their innovative work integrating social influencers of health into pediatric residency programs...

How do we address the often-overlooked sexual health needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?  Dr. Zakia Alavi, a seasoned child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in pediatric mental health and developmental disabilities, joins Dr. Lia Gaggino to unpack this critical yet often neglected aspect of care for individuals on the autism spectrum. Drawing from her extensive e...

Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal:  Fact and Emotion Have you ever wondered why vaccines spark such strong opinions, even as they play a pivotal role in infectious disease prevention and public health response? Join Dr. Lia Gaggino and guest Dr. Robert Frenck as they unravel the complexities of vaccine hesitancy in our pandemic-prepared world. They delve into how the effectiveness of the COVID-19...

Have you ever wondered how missing a few school days could dramatically alter a child's future? In this eye-opening episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino and guest Dr. Heidi Schumacher unravel the staggering disparities in school quality and attendance amplified by the pandemic. As a general pediatrician and health policy advocate, Heidi discusses the urgent need for systemic support...

Have you ever wondered how ancient practices like mindfulness and the Pranayama breathing technique could revolutionize the high-stress environments like the NICU?  In this episode, Dr. Nitin Ron, a neonatologist with a unique perspective, shares his journey of integrating meditation and compassionate care into his medical practice. From scaling Mount Everest to working in an art museum, Dr....

What happens when personal trauma intersects with professional purpose in the world of child psychiatry?  Discover the compelling story of Dr. Nancy Rappaport, who turned the tragedy of losing her mother to suicide into a life-long commitment to prevent similar losses in others. This podcast episode explores the intricate links between personal history and professional practice with a focus o...

Have you ever wondered what keeps pediatricians going despite the challenges of modern healthcare? In this episode of the Pediatric Meltdown podcast, host Dr. Lia Gaggino celebrates four years of insightful conversations while going into the heart of pediatric practice. She talks about the delicate balance between technology and human connection, emphasizing the importance of creating space for ma...

What if the key to being a better doctor lies in not being a doctor all the time?  Dr. Lia's solo episode of Pediatric Meltdown highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to cultivate interests and experiences beyond their medical careers. She draws parallels to Mr. Rogers' iconic routine of changing into a cardigan, symbolizing the vital separation between work and personal li...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to prove your medical expertise? In this week’s episode, Dr. Lia talks about the challenges and anxieties surrounding board certification for pediatricians, particularly focusing on the evolution of the MOCA peds program. She shares personal experiences with various certification methods, from proctored exams to open-book tests, highlighting the str...

Have you ever wondered what parents truly desire from their pediatricians?  In this week's episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia goes into the heart of parental needs, drawing from her 34 years of experience and insights gleaned from her podcast interviews. She explores the universal desire for reassurance, the challenges of modern parenting in the age of social media, and the importance of...

What if you could revolutionize healthcare communication for diverse communities with just a 90-second video?  That's exactly what Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas and his team are doing with their innovative approach to health education. Imagine a world where families can access vital health information in their native language, delivered by someone who looks like them and understands their cultur...

What life-saving benefits can psychopharmacology offer for mental health disorders postpartum?  In this week’s episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino unravels the intense highs and lows of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs),  as she bravely shares her own struggles and triumphs.  She highlights the crucial red flags that every parent and healthcare provider should...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to support perinatal mental health in our communities?  This week’s episode goes into just that, featuring expert Kristina Ledlow, who emphasizes the power of community in addressing mental health needs for new mothers. Kristina and Dr. Lia explore the revolutionary risk assessment tool developed by Nancy Roberts, stressing the importance of concrete...

How can primary care providers better educate themselves about functional neurologic disorders to reduce stigma and support quicker treatment for their patients? Ever wondered why some neurologic symptoms defy typical diagnostic tests? This week's episode of Pediatric Meltdown will talk about this mystery with guests Dr. Sarah Dixon and Dr. Alex Gamber, two experts in pediatric neurology. Through...

This week we’re tackling the critical issue of child sexual abuse prevention. The conversation goes into various aspects, including the prevalence of sexual abuse among children and the different levels of sexual behaviors in children—normative, cautionary, and problematic. Understanding these distinctions is essential for proper management and intervention. Special guests, experts Dannielle Kostr...