Charting Pediatrics

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.

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 Director of Education for the section of Child Neurology, and the Director of the Childhood Stroke Program here at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Ethan Rosenberg, MD, is the Director of Inpatient Childhood Stroke and Neurocritical Care. He is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Understanding diagnosis in this population
• What causes stroke in kids
• Why there are delays in recognizing stroke symptoms in younger children
• The role of the primary care provider with stroke protocol

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

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 virology to epidemiology to infection control strategies, we'll break down the science, the current data and practical considerations for clinicians on the front lines.

To help us understand this ever-evolving virus and its threat, we are joined by two incredible infectious disease experts, Samuel Dominguez, MD, and Suchitra Rao, MD. They both specialize in infectious disease at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Dominguez is the Medical Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Dr. Dominguez is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Dr. Rao is an associate professor.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• Overview of the current flu season and why it stands out
• H5N1 transmission of H5N1 and the factors making this season concerning alarming
• How humans have been infected this season
• Assessing the current risk to kids
• Key actions primary care providers (PCPs) can take right now

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