Charting Pediatrics

Atopic dermatitis may be common, but it can be anything but simple. For children and their families, sleepless nights from persistent itch and discomfort from recurrent flares can take a real toll, and the treatment landscape is changing quickly. So, what do pediatricians need to know? In this episode, we'll unpack the latest American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for children, from daily skin care and topical treatments to when we need to intensify therapy. 

To break down these new guidelines, we are joined by two dermatologists here at Children's Colorado: Emily Gurnee, MD, and Carla Torres-Zegarra, MD. Both teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:
Biggest takeaways from the new guidelines 
How these guidelines impact primary care management of atopic dermatitis 
New treatment options
Support between primary care provider and specialist when appropriate

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Wheezing, cough and increased work of breathing are common pediatric presentations that can quickly lead clinicians to consider asthma. But not every child with lower -airway symptoms has asthma. Viral illness, tracheomalacia, aspiration and other conditions can mimic asthma, making the underlying cause difficult to recognize based on symptoms alone. In this episode, we take a closer look at the clinical clues that can help pediatricians distinguish non-asthmatic causes of lower-airway symptoms from asthma. 

Monica Federico, MD, is a pulmonologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, the medical director of the hospital's asthma program and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
Common pediatric presentations that can mimic asthma 
Clinical clues that may point to a non-asthmatic cause of wheezing or cough 
Viral illness, tracheomalacia and aspiration as alternative diagnoses 
When persistent or atypical symptoms should prompt a broader evaluation 
How recognizing the underlying cause can change management 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Fifteen minutes. That's about all the time most pediatricians have to care for an entire child and family. In that brief visit, they are expected to address preventive care, developmental concerns, chronic conditions, behavioral health, documentation, and countless questions from parents, all while building meaningful relationships. It's a lot to ask of both clinicians and the healthcare system. What if the answer isn't working faster, but working differently? Today, we're talking about how pediatric practices can build systems that support better coordinated, family-centered care while creating more sustainable and fulfilling careers for clinicians. 

Joining us for this important discussion is Tricia Ramos, MD. She is a general pediatrician visiting all the way from Quezon City in the Philippines. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
How to balance family's needs and pediatricians' priorities in a short visit 
Biggest pain points in today's pediatric practices 
Systems and workflows that have made a meaningful difference in improving care 
High-impact changes smaller or independent clinics can implement 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children and adolescents, but it can sometimes be easy to miss. From the toddler who drinks almost exclusively milk to the adolescent athlete struggling to keep up with their peers or the teen with heavy menstrual bleeding and persistent fatigue, these patients may present differently while sharing the same underlying diagnosis. 

In this episode, we explore iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients, including why it remains so common, which children and adolescents may be at increased risk, and the clinical clues that can help pediatricians recognize iron deficiency before it becomes a missed opportunity. Joining us for this important conversation is Akhila Vadivelan, MD, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
Evaluation, diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia 
What this diagnosis means for different populations 
Clinical clues pediatricians should look out for 
When treatment makes sense 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Tics are common in childhood, but recognizing when they are part of typical development, and when they may indicate Tourette syndrome or another tic disorder, can be challenging for pediatricians. A child repeatedly blinks during a well visit. A parent mentions a new throat-clearing sound that has been happening for weeks. Soon comes the question pediatricians hear often: "Should I be worried?" 

In this episode, we take a closer look at tics and Tourette syndrome, helping pediatricians distinguish common childhood tics from situations that may warrant further evaluation. We'll explore the natural history of tic disorders, common co-occurring conditions, and practical strategies for counseling and supporting families. 

Joining us for this conversation is Chelsey Stillman, PA-C, a physician assistant at Children's Colorado and the creator and director of the Integrative Tic Clinic. She is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. 

Some highlights from this episode include:
What tics are and how common they are in children 
The natural history and typical course of tic disorders 
The differences between transient tics, chronic tic disorders, and Tourette syndrome 
Common conditions that can co-occur with tic disorders 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.