Charting Pediatrics

The NICU discharge is a milestone, but it's not the finish line. For children born prematurely, primary care plays a critical role in what comes next: tracking growth and development, recognizing ongoing health needs and helping families navigate the transition from intensive neonatal care to everyday childhood. But how should pediatricians adjust their approach? And what are the things we're at risk of missing? We're focusing on the practical side of caring for children born prematurely in the primary care setting, with the goal of helping pediatricians turn a complex NICU history into a clear, proactive care plan. Prematurity may shape the beginning of the story, but primary care helps shape what comes next.

To move beyond the NICU discharge summary, we are joined by Laura Brown, MD. She specializes in neonatal and perinatal medicine at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is also a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• When to use corrected age versus chronological age for preterm infants
• How a pediatrician should be watching these children differently in the days and months after transition of care
• When preterm babies need specialized follow up care
• Biggest red flags for pediatricians to watch during infancy

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

An earache. A fussy toddler. A worried parent. And often, a familiar prescription: antibiotics. Acute otitis media is one of the most common reasons children receive antibiotics. But as we continue to better understand when antibiotics truly make a difference — and when children may do just as well without them — there's an opportunity to rethink what appropriate treatment looks like. So how can pediatricians confidently reduce unnecessary prescribing while still treating pain, addressing parents' concerns, and making sure the children who do need antibiotics get them? We'll answer that in this episode.

To dive into this ever-evolving topic, we are joined by two experts. Nicole Poole, MD, specializes in infectious diseases at Children's Colorado, serves as the Associate Medical Director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and leads the Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Program. She is also an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Holly Frost, MD is a pediatrician at Intermountain Health and also serves as Enterprise Associate Chief Medical Officer, Professor of Research at Intermountain and faculty in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Utah

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Consequences of prescribing antibiotics when not necessary
• How it impacts pediatrics on a larger scale beyond an individual patient
• Common pitfalls pediatricians encounter when diagnosing AOM
• The importance of addressing pain and ways to do that aside from prescribing antibiotics

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

There was a time when the vaccine conversation in pediatrics felt straightforward: here's the schedule, here's what your child needs, and here's when they need it. Today, it's anything but simple. The recommendations are evolving. The vaccine schedule is under a microscope. New guidance is emerging around COVID-19 and RSV. And at the same time, pediatricians are sitting across from families who may be confused, skeptical or overwhelmed by what they're hearing online. So how do we make sense of all of it — and, perhaps more importantly, how do we talk about it?

To break down the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics we are joined by Sean O'Leary, MD, the immunization schedule editor for the AAP. He specializes in infectious diseases and is the director of the Colorado Pediatrics Practice-Based Research Network, also known as the Colorado Children's Outcomes Network. He is also a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Biggest takeaways from the September 2026 vaccine update
• Current schedule: what's changed and what's stayed the same
• Expectations for upcoming respiratory season
• Approaching vaccine hesitancy with families

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

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.

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.

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.