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. Geme, MD, is the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the Physician in Chief at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Breaking down the current crisis and why it’s different than any other point in pediatrics history 
• What doctors, practices and specialties are most impacted 
• How this crisis could negatively affect quality, continuity of care and outcomes for kids 
• Steps pediatricians can take to help shift this moment 

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

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 Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. We have one of the largest programs in the country with exceptional outcomes, treating patients with congenital heart problems that continue into adulthood. Dr. Jacobsen specializes in internal medicine as well as pediatrics and is trained in pediatric cardiology and adult congenital heart disease. She is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Defining adult congenital heart disease and understanding its differences from other heart diseases 
• Why so many patients don’t understand their disease 
• Understanding the advancements in treatments 
• The role that pediatricians play in steering families towards continued care and proper transition once that child hits adulthood 

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

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 Hospital of Chicago. She is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• How a trauma-informed approach can completely change outcomes for kids 
• The types of trauma pediatricians are most likely to encounter in their practice 
• The role of the pediatrician in the larger support network for a child dealing with trauma 
• Opportunities for systemic change within the medical field to improve care for traumatized children

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

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, MD, from the Stead Family Children’s Hospital and University of Iowa. Dr. Imdad specializes in gastroenterology.  

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Formula feeding in the U.S. and what is commonly available 
• Guidance PCPs can offer families on choosing infant formulas with the most notable benefits for their baby 
• When to explore the hypoallergenic formula space 
• Whether or not certain formulas can increase the risk of childhood obesity 

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

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 Aortopathy Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado and specializes in clinical genetics and genomics, as well as cardiology. She is also an Associate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• How to determine which kids should undergo a cardiac genetics workup and which ones may not need it 
• Understanding if these diseases are inherited, spontaneous or mutations 
• Why some kids with heart conditions are not seen until they are older 
• How primary care providers can interact with specialized genetics clinics 

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

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 exciting discussion are Lilliam Ambroggio, PhD, and Michael Bozzella, DO. Dr. Ambroggio is the Director of Research in the sections of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Bozzella is the Associate Medical Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship and specializes in infectious disease. He is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Understanding where it colonizes and how it spreads 
• How to identify this disease properly, as the presentation can look like many different illnesses 
• How the epidemiology informs what primary care providers should know about this diagnosis 
• Knowing when to test

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

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 aspects of cannabis use.

For this episode, we are joined by two experts. Sam Wang, MD, specializes in toxicology and emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Paula Riggs, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and is nationally known for her research in adolescents with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Marijuana use and its potency 
• How to get a child into treatment 
• How primary care providers can build trust with patients who may not realize they have an addiction 

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

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.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• An overview of the Medicaid program and the roles of state and federal governments 
• How federal funding cuts could impact pediatric healthcare 
• The role of advocacy and how pediatricians can be a voice for the children they serve 
• The focus on mental health and the importance of this current crisis 

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

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 visiting professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics. She is also the Global Endowed Chair for Down Syndrome.

Some resources mentioned in this episode include: 

• Global Down Syndrome Foundation 
• National Down Syndrome Congress
• National Down Syndrome Society 
• American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines 
• Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group 

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Why specialized programs for kids with Down syndrome can drastically change their outcomes 
• The evolution of Down syndrome research and how it has informed care for patients 
• How specialized care is coordinated with primary care providers 
• Dr. Baumer’s personal connection to Down syndrome 

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

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 Laboratory at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Drs. Dominguez and Cataldi both specialize in infectious disease and teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

This episode was recorded at the end of March 2025, and the first case of measles was reported in Colorado on March 31, 2025. 

Some highlights from this episode include:

• A discussion on the current outbreak of measles, and its impact on our global community
• Steps primary care providers can take to identify and manage suspected cases
• The role of vaccination and how primary care providers can help vaccinate more members of the community
• Opportunities to help patients after exposure

Some resources mentioned in the episode include:

• CDC measles guidance
• American Academy of Pediatrics measles guidance
• Children's Hospital Colorado resources;
  • Contagious Comments
  • Firstline: Measles, Evaluating Risk in Patients Presenting with Fever and Rash
  • Firstline: Measles Vaccination and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
  • Continuing education - Spotting Measles Before it Spreads
  • Continuing education - Measles: Connecting the Dots 

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