Charting Pediatrics

Epizode

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  The Health Benefits of Recess for Kids 18.08.2026 27min

  When adults look back on school, they often remember more than lessons and worksheets. They remember recess — the playground, movement, friendships, laughter and freedom. Yet in many schools today, recess can be one of the most negotiable parts of the school day. It may be shortened, delayed or withheld in favor of academics, structure or behavior management. But research continues to show that recess is far more than a break. Regular opportunities for play and movement support children's physical health, mental well-being, social development, and ability to learn. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to keep play, movement and recess part of the conversation about child health.  We're joined by two experts from Children's Hospital Colorado: Amanda Lopez, a school health nurse, and Eve Kutchman, a prevention education and outreach manager. Together, they share insights into the role of recess in children's health and development and how pediatricians can advocate for making play a priority.  Some highlights from this episode include: The health benefits of recess that go beyond a "break" from learning How movement and play support children's physical, emotional and social health What children may lose when recess is shortened, delayed or withheld How health care professionals can help keep recess visible in conversations about child health This episode is underwritten by Ovintiv, proud philanthropic supporter of Charting Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. Ovintiv recognizes that their responsibility begins in the communities where they live and work. They are committed to giving back and building safer and more resilient communities. Ovintiv's generous support has made a monumental difference for our patients and families, from enhancing health outcomes to reducing health disparities. For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Childhood Leukemia in Primary Care 11.08.2026 29min

  Some of the most serious diagnoses in pediatrics begin with common pediatric symptoms. A child comes in looking pale or with a febrile illness. They've been more tired than usual. Maybe they're bruising easily or complaining their legs hurt. Individually, none of these symptoms are unusual. Together, or with persistence, they can tell a different story. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, but it's earliest signs often resemble everyday illnesses.   The episode introduces Ashley Rogers, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as the newest host of Charting Pediatrics. As David Brumbaugh concludes his remarkable nine-year tenure as host, he passes the microphone to Dr. Rogers, ushering in the next chapter of the podcast.  Dr. Rogers joins the conversation to share her expertise on childhood leukemia, including key considerations for diagnosis, treatment and the pediatrician's role in recognizing and managing these patients. This episode offers both valuable clinical insights and a warm welcome to a new voice who will continue bringing evidence-based pediatric education to listeners.  Some highlights from this episode include: Earliest signs of leukemia pediatricians can look out for  How to distinguish between viral illnesses or leukemia  Red flags that shouldn't be dismissed  Role of the pediatrician after a leukemia diagnosis   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Pediatric Tick Bite Management 04.08.2026 40min

  Tick bites used to be a seasonal nuisance, something you might mention briefly at a well visit in late spring. But that's no longer the reality. With emergency department visits for tick bites climbing to their highest levels in nearly a decade and tick populations expanding into new regions, pediatricians are now seeing the ripple effects of a changing environment in real time. In this episode, we break down what's driving this surge, how to approach tick bites in clinic, and what's new in our understanding of tick-borne illness — including important updates on alpha-gal syndrome that every clinician should have on their radar.   In this episode, we are joined by tick expert, Justin Searns, MD. He specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and hospital medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: Why tick bites are currently at an all-time high  Best practices for tick removal and immediate post-removal care  When tick-borne illnesses should be a concern for pediatricians  Prevention strategies and geographical considerations For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Evaluating Precocious Puberty 28.07.2026 27min

  Puberty doesn't always follow the expected timeline. What happens when it shows up ahead of schedule? For pediatricians, the early appearance of breast development, pubic hair or accelerated growth can trigger a cascade of questions. Is this a normal variant? Should we investigate further? When is it time to refer? In this episode, we unpack the complexities of precocious puberty and explore how timely identification and thoughtful management can make a lasting difference for kids and their families.  To create clarity, we are joined by Stephanie Hsu, MD, PhD, and Clare Parker, MD. Dr. Hsu specializes in endocrinology here at Children's Hospital Colorado and is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Parker is a pediatric endocrinology fellow. Some highlights from this episode include: The differences in early puberty between boys and girls  Environmental impacts that can lead to misleading results  Signs and symptoms pediatricians can look out for  Treatment options and their severity  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  First 1,000 Days of Brain Building 21.07.2026 30min

  A child's future begins long before the first words, first steps or even the first smile. In the span of just 1,000 days, billions of neural connections are formed, and the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and resilience quietly takes shape. Pediatricians understand the critical nature of early development, and they translate that message to parents, helping guide, nurture, recognize risk and shape outcomes that can last decades.   To explore this fascinating time in a child's life, we are joined by two experts. Caroline Dias, MD, PhD, and Annie Helms, MD, both specialize in developmental and behavioral pediatrics here at Children's Hospital Colorado and are assistant professors at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Helms also leads the BLOSSOM Clinic at Children's Colorado.  Some highlights from this episode include: How small things can have the biggest impact in these 1000 days  The importance of supportive caregivers  The balance of nature versus nurture  Easing parent's minds that they aren't "doing enough"  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.      
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  When is a Curve a Sign of Scoliosis? 14.07.2026 28min

  The human spine is designed to support, balance and adapt through a lifetime of growth. But what happens when that growth starts to bend in an unexpected direction? Scoliosis often emerges during periods of rapid development, turning what should be a normal growth spurt into a race against progression. The challenge isn't just finding the curve. It's predicting what that curve will do next.  To explore the latest in scoliosis care, we are joined by Mark Erickson, MD. He specializes in orthopedic surgery and is the Medical Director of the spine center at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as well as the fellowship director of pediatric orthopedic surgery. Some highlights from this episode include: How and when scoliosis most commonly presents in children What pediatricians can look for during a routine exam Particular red flags in the history or physical exam that should cause concern How pediatricians should determine who needs imaging  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.     
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  Helping Parents With Discipline 07.07.2026 38min

  When most people hear the word "discipline", they think consequences, punishments or stopping bad behavior in the moment. But what if we've been thinking about discipline too narrowly? We are reframing discipline in toddlers through a completely different lens. One rooted in connection, development and emotional regulation. Because toddler "misbehavior" isn't usually about manipulation or defiance. More often, it's communication.  To help us create developmentally appropriate expectations, we are joined by two experts. Julia Palozzi, PsyD, specializes in child psychology here at Children's Hospital Colorado and is an instructor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Alyson Hatten, MS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in child counseling as well as infant and early childhood mental health. She also is an assistant professor.  Some highlights from this episode include: Reframing what children can't do into what they can do  Why allowing emotional dysregulation is critical to a child's development  Setting developmentally appropriate expectations Discipline strategies and how pediatricians can guide families to utilize them For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.    
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  Making Sense of BRUE 30.06.2026 18min

  It's one of the most unsettling calls a pediatrician can get: a baby who turned blue, stopped breathing or suddenly went limp, only to appear completely normal moments later. Welcome to the clinical gray zone of BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event). It sits at the intersection of alarm and ambiguity, where the history is often dramatic, but your clinical exam is reassuring. We are going to go beyond the definition and into real-life decisions that you have to make on the phone and in the office. From risk stratification to avoiding unnecessary testing, we break down what actually matters in the moment and what doesn't. This episode was recorded during a live podcast event in Colorado Springs with Michael DiStefano, MD, and Jamie Hug, DO. Dr. DiStefano is the Chief Medical Officer of Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a pediatric emergency medicine physician. Dr. Hug is a pediatrician in Southern Colorado at the Children's Clinic of Pueblo. Some highlights from this episode include: What is considered a BRUE  When to refer to the emergency department  How pediatricians can reassure families and validate their experiences  Why history is so critical to the exam  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.   
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  New Drowning Prevention Guidance 23.06.2026 29min

  For many families, water represents joy, summer afternoons, swimming lessons, beach vacations, backyard pools and time spent together. But in pediatrics, we also know that water can become dangerous in seconds, often quietly and without warning. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in children, and recent updates from the American Academy of Pediatrics reinforce that prevention must be layered, proactive and tailored. In this episode, we explore how pediatricians can support drowning prevention, because some of the most important work in pediatrics happens long before an emergency occurs.   We are joined by Jason Woods, MD. He specializes in emergency medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado and is the Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is also an associate professor. Some highlights from this episode include: The AAP guidelines and toolkit details about drowning prevention  Why the definition of drowning has changed and why that matters  How drowning prevention is layered The role of the pediatrician in feeling confident to counsel families on this topic  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.  
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  Atypical Anorexia: Looking Beyond the Scale 16.06.2026 23min

  What if the patient you're least worried about is the one most at risk? In pediatrics, we're trained to look for red flags such as low weight, failing growth curves and visible signs of malnutrition. But atypical anorexia challenges that instinct. These patients may sit comfortably on the growth chart, or even above it, while experiencing the same dangerous behaviors and medical instability as those with classic anorexia. In this episode, we rethink what we've been taught to look for. We explore how atypical anorexia presents, why it's so often missed and what it takes to recognize the warning signs hiding beneath the surface.   To discuss this important topic, we are joined by Kimberly Sheffield, PhD. She is an eating disorders psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the clinical director of PMHI day programs, and the associate training director for psychology training.  Some highlights from this episode include: The differences between atypical anorexia and low weight anorexia How pediatricians can make sure these kids are properly identified   The impact of behavior on their actions  How parents or family members involvement can make a difference For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.  
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  Heart Murmurs: Red Flags and Reassurance 09.06.2026 25min

  Heart murmurs are one of the most common findings in pediatric practice, but determining which ones warrant further evaluation can be challenging. While many murmurs are innocent, others may signal underlying structural heart disease and require timely referral and management.  In this episode, we discuss how pediatricians can approach the evaluation of heart murmurs, including key features of the child's history and physical exam that help distinguish benign murmurs from those that may be pathologic. We also explore how factors can influence what you hear through your stethoscope.  Joining us is Christopher Rausch, MD, pediatric cardiologist and Director of the Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Rausch shares practical insights to help pediatricians feel more confident in evaluating murmurs, identifying red flags, and knowing when referral is appropriate.  Some highlights from this episode include: How to differentiate the sound of a murmur  The biggest differences between a murmur during the first few days of life and as a teenager  How common it is for children to experience a murmur during their developmental years  Counseling families and deciphering fact versus fear  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Ebola in 2026 04.06.2026 27min

  Ebola has a way of cutting through the noise of the news cycle. Its name alone can shift conversations in exam rooms and on living room couches. But what's circulating in headlines is not always what's circulating in reality. For pediatricians, that gap matters. In this episode, we break down what's actually happening right now with Ebola, what is known about current risk and how clinicians can respond when families arrive with urgent questions shaped more by media than by medicine.  To guide us through the science, we are joined by Sam Dominguez, MD, PhD. He is the Medical Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, as well as the Associate Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include: The current status of Ebola in Africa  How difficult it is to contract Ebola The role of the pediatrician in screening patients who are traveling from other countries  How pediatricians can ease minds while also promoting the facts For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  The Latest on Child Abuse in Pediatrics 02.06.2026 25min

  There's a moment in a pediatrician's day that doesn't show up on the schedule. It's the bruise that doesn't quite match the story, or the awkward pause after a parent answers a question just a little too quickly or the child who won't make eye contact or let go of your sleeve. In these moments, pediatricians become more than clinicians. They become interpreters, advocates and sometimes the only line of protection. To help us understand the latest on child abuse, we are joined by Denise Abdoo, PhD, CPNP. Dr. Abdoo is a pediatric nurse practitioner who specializes in child abuse and neglect. She is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: What's changed in treating child abuse over the last decade  The impact of social media on child abuse  The most easily missed signs in a pediatric visit  Recent changes in laws, reporting and expectations  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Hantavirus Beyond the Headlines 28.05.2026 30min

  When a rare disease suddenly dominates headlines, questions spread quickly and so does anxiety. Over the past few weeks, hantavirus has re-entered the national conversation, leaving many families wondering how concerned they should be. For pediatricians, moments like this can be challenging as they balance public concern with clinical reality, and help families navigate information that is often incomplete, alarming or misleading. In this episode, we take a closer look at hantavirus through an evidence-based pediatric lens including what it is, how transmission occurs, who is truly at risk and what clinicians should know when these questions inevitably enter the exam room.  To create clarity, we are joined by Samuel Dominguez, MD, PhD and Justin Searns, MD. Dr. Dominguez is the Medical Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, as well as the Associate Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Searns specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and hospital medicine. Both of these experts teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.  Some highlights from this episode include: Differentiating the types of hantaviruses based on rodent and region  Outlining the current status of the cruise ship outbreak  Tips and tricks for talking with worried families  The potential impact on patients Below are some helpful resources related to hantavirus: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: CDC "Super-Spreaders" and Person-to-Person Transmission on Andes Virus in Argentina: The New England Journal of Medicine For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  The Pediatric UTI Playbook 26.05.2026 37min

  Pediatric urinary tract infections, or UTIs, don't always follow a script. While they're one of the most common diagnoses, they're also one of the most nuanced. They can be subtle, inconsistent and easy to over — or under — diagnose. Aside from clear urinary symptoms, they can show up as a fever without a source, vague abdominal pain, new incontinence or a child who simply isn't acting like themselves. And in those moments, the decisions pediatricians make such as who to test, how to collect a sample or how to interpret results, carry real clinical weight. To dive into this topic, we are joined by Kevin Olson, PA, and Meghan Rommel, NP, who practice in the Department of Pediatric Urology at Children's Hospital Colorado. Some highlights from this episode include: The challenges of diagnosis and the importance of getting it right  How UTIs present differently across ages   When to use antibiotics versus when more discovery is needed  Approaching recurrent UTIs in children  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Genetic Testing in Pediatrics 19.05.2026 33min

    Genetic testing is no longer a distant, specialized tool reserved for rare disease clinics or academic centers. It's showing up in pediatric practice. For example, pediatricians are increasingly considering genetic diagnoses in children with developmental delays outside the normal range. A NICU graduate may already carry a genetic diagnosis when they see their pediatrician after discharge. What does the practicing pediatric provider need to understand about ordering and interpreting genetic tests?  In this episode, we unpack how community pediatricians can make sense of the world of genomics. Joining us for this robust conversation are Austin Larson, MD, and Margarita Saenz, MD. Dr. Larson is a pediatric medical and biochemical geneticist. He is the Medical Director of Precision Medicine Clinical Informatics, as well as the Director of the Mitochondrial Care Network Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Saenz specializes in clinical genetics and dysmorphology. She is the Medical Director of Precision Medicine Education and Family Engagement. They both are faculty members at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: Recent advances making genetic testing more accessible to patients  How the rise of exome and genome sequencing has changed the diagnostic approach in pediatrics  Secondary findings and how they should be discussed in advanced Practical advice for a pediatrician who feels overwhelmed to order and interpret these tests  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Conjunctivitis Confusion in Kids 12.05.2026 26min

  It's one of the most common calls you'll get as a pediatrician, and one of the fastest infections to spread through a classroom. A pink eye shows up and suddenly the questions follow: Is it contagious? Do they need drops? Can they go back to school? Pink eye seems like a simple fix until it's not. From bacterial to viral to allergic, knowing what you're looking at can change how it impacts a family.  Rebecca Edwards Mayhew, MD, PhD, specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is also an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: Distinguishing between viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis  How to consult families about contagion and school policies  Red flags that should immediately raise concerns for more serious pathology  When treating with antibiotics makes sense and when to wait and watch   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Picky Eating or ARFID? 05.05.2026 32min

  "Picky eater" is one of the most common labels in pediatrics and one of the easiest to overlook. But when a child's diet is shrinking instead of expanding, when meals are a source of stress instead of routine, or when growth and nutrition start to feel like a question mark, it's worth taking a second look. In this episode, we're discussing ARFID: what it looks like in clinic, how to spot the difference from typical picky eating, and how to approach these patients with a sharper clinical lens. In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Sheffield, PhD. She is an eating disorders psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the Clinical Director of Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) day programs, and the Associate Training Director for Psychology Training.  Some highlights from this episode include: Specific growth or nutrition patterns that should raise suspicion of ARFID Treatment options pediatricians can manage in clinic  Overlap between ARFID and neurodiversity   Patterns to look for in certain age groups  This episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent is Colorado's largest credit union serving more than 550,000 members at 60 service centers across the Front Range. Ent generously responded to Children's Colorado's State of Emergency for pediatric mental health in 2021 and is pleased to support this episode. Visit ent.com, insured by NCUA.  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  The Future of Food Allergy 28.04.2026 31min

  A toddler takes their first bite of peanut butter and breaks out in hives. A parent sits across from you, equal parts frightened and overwhelmed, asking the question you hear every day, "What happens now?" Food allergies have long lived at the intersection of fear and uncertainty, for families and clinicians alike. But that story is changing. A landscape once defined by strict avoidance is rapidly evolving into proactive management, personalized risk assessment, and emerging therapies that are reshaping outcomes. In this episode, we step into that evolving world. From early introduction and updated diagnostic strategies to the expanding role of oral immunotherapy and biologics, we'll unpack what's here, what's coming, and what it means for how you care for patients in real time.   Two allergy experts, David Fleischer, MD, and Allison Hicks, MD, join us for this episode. Dr. Fleischer is the Section Head of Allergy and Immunology, as well as the Director of the Allergy and Immunology Center at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Hicks is the Director of Food Immunotherapies. They both teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: How food allergy management has evolved  The biggest misconceptions about food allergies  The latest guidelines on early, consistent introduction to different foods  What the current treatment options look like and the role of the pediatrician  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 
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  Gut Instincts: The Pediatric Microbiome 21.04.2026 33min

  Inside every one of us is a complex, evolving ecosystem influencing everything from immunity to inflammation to long-term health. This is known as our gut microbiome. The choices made early on, such as how babies are born, fed and treated, can have lasting effects. In this episode, we explore the pediatric gut microbiome: what builds it, what disrupts it and why it matters more than some may think. We're joined by gastroenterology experts Jaime Belkind-Gerson, MD, and Edwin DeZoeten, MD. Dr. Belkind-Gerson is the Director of the Neurogastroenterology program at Children's Colorado. Dr. DeZoeten is the Director of the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. They are also professors at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: What influences the gut microbiome at an early age How diet influences the overall health of the microbiome  The connection between the brain and the gut  Separating fact versus fiction in probiotics  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.