Charting Pediatrics

Screening for hip dysplasia in infants can make a big difference in their outcomes. Still, we know there are kids that fall through the cracks and later present with pain. Early detection of this condition is critical from a developmental standpoint, and proper therapy can guide those patients towards a pain free and active life.

To help us uncover all we need to know about hip dysplasia, we are joined by Erika Valentine, MD. She is a pediatric orthopedist at Children’s Colorado and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

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Parents often turn to their child’s primary care physician for guidance on illnesses, developmental delays, or other health concerns. ADHD is no exception. In this episode, we’re diving into the crucial role pediatricians play in recognizing and managing ADHD. We’re giving you real-world tools to support real-world kids.

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Jennifer Walton, MD, the Section Chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, and an Associate Professor of Clinical

Some topics in pediatrics are flashy — like seizures, mystery rashes and fevers. While those often make headlines, others, like pediatric nephrology, are a routine but critical part of daily practice. Understanding these bread-and-butter issues is essential to diagnosing so many patients. Protein in the urine, blood pressure creeping up or a UTI that is more than ‘just a UTI’ are often signs that something may be wrong with the kidneys. In this episode, we examine those practical essentials and learn how PCPs can feel confident in managing these diagnoses.

Picture this: A new parent is changing the diaper of their one-month-old infant when they notice streaks of blood. That’s when panic sets in, followed by frantic calls to the pediatrician’s office. But is this always a cause for alarm? In this episode, our gastroenterologists are on the case. We’re talking about allergic proctitis in infants. They will help you recognize and manage this common newborn issue so you can support families.

Joining us for this episode is Mason Nistel, MD. He specializes in gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an Assistant Professor...

Every kid is unique with their own distinct personality and behavior. But at what point should a child’s behavior become a cause for concern? From anxiety and tantrums to challenges at school and issues with sleep, pediatricians frequently encounter a wide range of behavioral concerns.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. In this episode of Charting Pediatrics, we are joined by Stephanie Weber, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital who specializes in working with children with behavioral concerns. Dr. Weber is the Associate Director of the C...

Pediatricians are superheroes in scrubs, baby whisperers, teen translators and guardians of growing minds and bodies. But even heroes need reinforcements. The pediatric workforce crisis has made a prominent impact on the healthcare community including staff shortages, jam-packed schedules, long wait times, frustrated patient families and fewer new doctors joining the ranks. In this episode, we examine what’s really going on. If we understand what's driving the shortage and discuss what we can do about it, we can begin to create change.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joseph St...

As medical and surgical treatment of congenital heart lesions improve, the vast majority of babies born with heart problems are living long and productive lives. While it is remarkable, it also brings new challenges for their care, especially during the critical transition to adulthood. A new medical specialty has developed to address this specific need, driven by the growing demand for expertise in the lifelong care of patients with congenital heart lesions.

To unpack this topic, we are joined by Roni Jacobsen, MD. She is the Medical Director of our Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Charting Pediatrics has created a space where community care meets real-world challenges. Whether we realize it or not, trauma-informed care touches everything we do as pediatricians. What does it mean to really be trauma-informed? How do we create safer, more supportive environments for everyone, especially those carrying invisible wounds? In this episode, we explore how community providers can be a powerful part of healing, not harm.

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Audrey Brewer, MD, a pediatrician at Lurie Children’s H...

Feeding a baby isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is formula. That’s why community providers need to be prepared to navigate options with families, bust common myths and offer practical support through the first year of feeding. In this episode, we’re breaking down the basics and digging deeper to understand formula. When it comes to feeding babies, family knowledge and support matters just as much as what’s in the bottle.

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode is Aamer Imdad

The heart is an involved organ in many syndromes impacting kids. Our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of pediatric heart conditions has improved greatly with better access to genetic testing. From inherited arrythmias to structural congenital heart defects, genetic testing is becoming an essential part of the diagnosis, treatment and family counseling in kids with heart problems.

To help us understand this evolving field, we are joined by Kathryn Chatfield, MD. She is the director of the Cardiac Genetics and

A common yet often misunderstood infection is popping up in different corners of our community. Mycoplasma pneumonia, otherwise referred to as walking pneumonia, can present in a way that’s subtle and sneaky, with a plethora of symptoms. This ‘silent’ infection can fly under the radar leaving both patients and providers puzzled, but we want to make sure our listeners feel prepared to tackle this diagnosis.  How do we ensure it doesn’t slip through the cracks? How do we identify it in our patients? We’ll discuss all that and more in this episode.  

Joining us for this exc...

Cannabis use in children and adolescents is a growing concern as more young people are regularly using the substance and as more states legalize it. What happens when parents, caregivers, healthcare providers or even the teens themselves decide it’s time to stop?  In this episode, we will explore important tactics primary care providers can utilize to help families navigate the medical, psychological and social asp

As the political climate shifts in 2025, there are important discussions around Medicaid, mental health and executive orders that will impact our kids. From Medicaid eligibility changes to funding cuts, to benefit adjustments, the political forces shaping healthcare may have profound effects on both our patients and providers. In this episode, we examine the current state of affairs and answer questions we’ve heard from clinicians in our communities.

Joining us for this discussion is Zach Zaslow. He is the Vice President of Advocacy and Community Health at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an expert on health policy.

Down Syndrome is a condition defined by an extra chromosome but beyond the genetics lies a rich, complex story of individuals, families and communities who continue to challenge misconceptions and pave the way for greater understanding and inclusion. In this episode, we’ll explore the latest treatments and research, the relationship between specialist and provider and all the opportunities that come with strong partnerships.

Nicole Baumer, MD, the new Director of the Anna and John J. SIE Center for Down Syndrome, joins us for this episode. As a child neurologist, she specializes in neurodevelopmental disabilities and is a...

A highly contagious virus, once thought to be nearly eradicated, has made a comeback. Measles is affecting even our youngest patients in communities around the country and putting vulnerable populations at risk. Our primary care providers are on the frontlines of this resurgence. It’s crucial they feel prepared to vaccinate patients, educate families and respond effectively.

To discuss the current state of measles, understand its return and discover how we can address it, we are joined by two experts, Sam Dominguez, MD, and Jessica Cataldi, MD. Dr. Dominguez is the Medical Director for the Clinical Microbiology La...

Most people believe that strokes only affect adults, but children can experience them too. Although rare, strokes in kids can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not treated properly. Seizure or migraines are often misdiagnosed in this population, making it crucial to have proper protocols in place. While many never think of stroke as something that can impact kids, it’s still in the top 10 causes of death in children. 

To understand the scope of pediatric stroke and the strides being made to prevent and treat it, we are joined by two experts. Timothy Bernard, MD, is the

It’s been a busy year for influenza cases, but it’s not what we’ve seen in our clinics and hospitals that has infectious disease experts most worried. They are concerned about avian flu, otherwise known as the H5N1 subtype of influenza A. Specifically, they are worried about stress what happens if H5N1 jumps to humans and potentially spreads. What is that risk for people and what challenges lie ahead? In this episode, we’ll explore our current standing and whether we are approaching public health crisis. From

Firearms are the leading cause of death of kids in the United States, and in Colorado, there is at least one pediatric injury from a gun every day. In 2021, Colorado passed the safe storage bill which requires firearms to be safely stored when minors are present in the home. Despite this, many people don’t know how to provide the safest environment for children. Pediatricians can play a unique role in gun violence protection. That’s why the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, alongside the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), have launched a new...

One of humanity’s frailties is our tendency to view the world through the lens of what we’ve seen, lived through or experienced firsthand. That’s not to say we ignore things that happened in the past, but we may not give historical events equal weight or importance when compared to current events. In medicine, it’s important for us to recognize the vaccine preventable diseases we combatted in the past and apply those lessons to the future. In this episode, we reflect on the improvements and discuss how vaccine technology has improved global child heath over the last cent...

Every child has an individual healthcare experience, but for marginalized communities like migrant families, they face some unique challenges in our healthcare system. From dealing with trauma to navigating a language barrier, working to get the right care can be complicated. At this year’s annual Children’s Hospital Colorado podcast live event, Charting Pediatrics took a close look at this topic. In this episode you will learn about acute clinical challenges, resource constraints, social needs, moral distress, impact on staff, child health policy, combating misinformation and more.

Steven Federico, MD, the Chief Government and Community Affairs Offi...

Advances in technology, medical knowledge and the establishment of pediatric tracheary care institutions have helped revolutionize pediatric otolaryngology. For specialists in this field, watching the growth unfold has been an exciting adventure they’ve experienced firsthand while working on the frontlines. From genetic testing to targeted therapy and new procedures, the options are now vast compared to ten years ago. In this episode, we will explore the evolution of pediatric otolaryngology and what the future holds.

Kenny Chan, MD, specializes in pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He is a previous section head for this division at t...

Picture this: You travel to the mountains, excited to take on your next big adventure, only to find yourself breathless, your stomach is churning and in the morning your head is throbbing. It’s altitude sickness, otherwise known as acute mountain sickness. Here in Colorado, our mountain doctors experience this regularly, but patients don’t always realize why they’re experiencing these symptoms. In this episode, we dive into mountain myths, sleeping at altitude and how to combat this diagnosis.

In this episode we are joined by a community pediatrician who treats altitude sickness on a regular basis...

Every year, thousands of people are added to organ transplant waiting lists, but not all patients have equal access to the life-saving procedures they desperately need. As transplant programs around the world continue to expand and improve, it’s important for healthcare providers to consider potential disparities in care, all while working hard to create an even playing field for patients. Socioeconomic status, geography, wait times and access are just a few of the factors to keep in mind.

Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the top transplant programs for kids, with some of the best outco...

Anaphylaxis is a serious, systemic hypersensitivity reaction with rapid onset and can be potentially fatal. It is frightening for patients, families and medical providers. Currently, the standard treatment is epinephrine as an injection. At this very moment, we are on the cusp of transforming how we treat severe allergic reactions. If approved by the FDA, a new sublingual form of epinephrine would be the first non-invasive and orally administered epinephrine treatment.

Joining us for this episode is Matthew Greenhawt, MD, the Director of the Food Challenge and Research Unit at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He specializes in alle...

Podcasts have become one of the most popular content mediums, captivating millions worldwide. Their convenient, on-the-go format allows people to multitask while they listen. From entertainment to education, podcasts are changing the way people engage and interact with information. In medicine, they are changing the way residents are able to learn. 

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Christopher Demas, a pediatrics chief resident with the University of Michigan Pediatrics Residency Program. Dr. Demas, inspired by Charting Pediatrics, created his own podcast made for and by residents, First Pediatrics.

Some highlights from this episode i...

Around the country and across the globe, children’s hospitals play an essential role in kid’s health and well-being. They provide specialized care, crucial research, essential education and vital community outreach. As we kick off the new year, we take a deep dive into the evolving child health landscape to better understand what issues our patient families are currently facing and identify solutions for the future.  

Joining us for this strategic conversation are three experts: Raphe Schwartz, Chief Strategy Officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado; Rhae Gamber, associate principal at Sg2 Healthcare Intelligence; and Brian Thygesen is a sen...

It’s hard to fathom why certain children receive life altering diagnoses. Pediatricians simply want to help, and that help usually comes in the form of early diagnosis. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, otherwise known as Duchenne or DMD, is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births. Early screening and identification can mean quicker access to care, early intervention programs and special education resources. Thanks to early diagnosis and advances in care, life expectancy is increasing. 

Our guest joining us to discuss diagnosing and treating DMD is Michele Yang, MD,

Pediatricians don’t often screen children and adolescents for a lipid profile, an important tool for identifying cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is considered a life-course condition, meaning it can begin in childhood, so why aren’t we screening kids more regularly? Does early intervention make sense for some kids? In this episode, we discuss cholesterol, family history, genetics, and what pediatricians should be doing to educate and screen their patients. 

Stephen Daniels, MD

In this special holiday episode, we reflect on our favorite episodes from the past year and look forward to the year ahead. From all of us at Children’s Hospital Colorado, we wish you a happy holiday season. Charting Pediatrics would not be the success it is today without your support, wonderful topic ideas and intrigue. It’s

The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths among high-income nations and women of color, are disproportionately affected. For Black women in this country, the rate jumps from 22 deaths with every 100,000 births to 50 deaths for every 100,000 births. When it comes to postpartum depression, these same women are several times more likely to suffer, but less likely to receive treatment.

To understand these disparities and discuss ways to combat them, we are joined by three experts. Shaleah Dardar, MD, and Brigitte McClellan, PsyD, specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry at Children’s Hospital

Pediatric providers around the world are focused on helping sick children — finding cures, creating new treatment options and developing innovative techniques to improve care. But when it comes to conflict zones and border areas, there are fewer doctors available to protect the health of vulnerable children. Paul Wise, MD, MPH, is a physician who has dedicated his career to taking on that complex and sometimes daunting problem, working to improve and reform systems so that no child suffers needlessly.  

Dr. Wise has served as the Juvenile Care Monitor for the U.S. Federal Court, overseeing the treatment of m...

2024 marks 100 years since the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In the aftermath of World War I, this declaration called for universal attention to the needs of children, including their health. A century later, we’ve made progress, but children still face vast challenges here in the United States and around the world. How can we advance the global cause of children’s health? In this episode we talk to one of the world’s foremost ambassadors for this work about the struggles and opportunities facing children’s healthcare.

Professor Ann Skelton is a renowned children...

Bringing a baby into this world is the start of many significant changes, yet one change that some families may not anticipate is post-partum depression (PPD). This condition affects more than the parent’s wellbeing, it can impact children and other family members too. About one in five new parents experience mood or anxiety concerns during pregnancy or after delivery, making maternal mental health conditions the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. While 80% of them will fully recover, setting them up for success can start in the pediatric primary care setting.

To understand how primary care pr...

From startups to global corporations, CEOs have the power to make immense strides in any respective industry. In pediatric medicine, they drive advancements in child health through high-quality care, coordinated programs, education, research and advocacy. While providers are working directly with patients, these leaders are preparing the infrastructure for success while pushing us to reimagine healthcare. It’s because of them, institutions like Children’s Hospital Colorado and Nationwide Children's remain among the top 10 pediatric hospital systems in the country. In this episode, we go beyond the white coat by sitting down with two of the most influential CEOs in p...

The most common congenital viral infection in children is cytomegalovirus infection (CMV). Oftentimes the mother will experience little to no symptoms, but the virus can significantly affect the newborn, with outcomes ranging from no symptoms to severe systemic and intercranial complications. What if we could prevent this infection all together with a vaccine? A candidate MRNA vaccine against CMV has elicited promising immune responses to date and is on a pathway towards FDA approval.

To learn more about this treatment, we are joined by one of the nation’s leading experts in vaccine development for the prevention of c...

As a child, a nosebleed can be painful and embarrassing. Surprisingly, it’s also something primary care providers run into often in their practices. While the great majority of nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are limited in severity and duration, about 6% of people who experience them will seek medical attention. Interventions range from self-treatment and home remedies to more intensive procedural options and medications. Why are we seeing so many cases of epistaxis in our offices? What is causing the onset of these nosebleeds, and are environmental changes a culprit?

To explore the intricacies of epistaxis, we are jo...

One of the great medical accomplishments of our time is the evolution of precision medicine. The ability to understand a patient’s unique genetic profile has become more accessible to our patients, and now, there are multiple mechanisms for using that information to overcome disease.

One of the specialties leading the way in precision medicine is pediatric neurology. According to the World Health Organization, more than one in three people are affected by some type of neurological condition. They are a leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. This subset of precision medicine

Many of us avoid talking about suicide, not only because it’s a difficult conversation, but also because we don’t know how to. And avoiding that conversation can be a barrier to helping those most at risk.

One family from Colorado is at the forefront of changing the stigma and creating opportunities for fearless conversations. They courageously shared their story in a powerful documentary released earlier this year called “My Sister Liv.” In this special episode, we honor Liv Kunik’s life and learn about how her story is spurring hundreds of courageous discussions around suicide.

In the state of Colorado, cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) increased by 120% from 2011 to 2016. Clinicians provide critical support to improve outcomes for these newborns, and

Despite the pervasiveness of child trafficking in the United States, many communities aren’t aware of the scope of the issue. Here in Colorado, the University of Colorado’s Kempe Center is recognized as a leader in the fight against child abuse, and they are important voices in the global conversation around identifying and ending child trafficking. By committing to responding, treating and preventing all forms of child abuse and neglect, medical professionals can make a difference in this crucial effort.

To shed light on these realities and provide insight into how we can all play a part...