Charting Pediatrics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.