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The federal government issued executive actions to revamp the U.S. childhood immunization schedule.   This isn’t necessary and in fact it’s unsafe.  Consistent vaccination with the current schedule has eradicated several childhood diseases and we should stick to what keeps our children healthy and safe.

Listen in to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. 

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How people perceive trauma varies in each individual but post traumatic stress disorder is not something to be joked about, swept under the rug, or dismissed. First responder, Steve Gomula shares his story in this episode and how his initially unrecognized PTSD nearly cost him his life.  Separating "Gom" from "Steve" and realizing he is more than his experience - he is a person , a dad, a friend and a cherished member of society- is something he continues to strive for every day. 

I hope this episode impacts people listening and encourages us to be there for each other, validate each other and care so deeply that it's almost weird !

Special guest Sadie, Steve's 7 year old daughter, makes the episode all the more special. 

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Autism awareness month is about the three A's, awareness, acceptance and appreciation. I had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Breeyear, in my podcast episode in honor of Autism Awareness Month. 

Dan is a brilliant mental health professional who explains some of the science behind why autistic people experience the world the way they do. Also, what are some of the flags that can alert us to a child having a possible autism diagnosis and how we help them. Instead of expecting autistic members of society to learn how to adjust to a neurotypical world, society can start to learn how to meet autistic people where they are. After all, without members of the autism spectrum we would not have the amazing art, scientific breakthroughs and uniqueness that makes the world a beautiful place. So tune in to this episode of my podcast, "Down the Yellow Brick Road... A Journey with Your Pediatrician. The Three As Of Autism" with my guest Dan. 

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Baraka is a midwife at St Theresa Mission Hospital and was inspired to do this work because he was moved when he witnessed the suffering of pregnant women in his community.  He felt calling to care not only for them but for the babies.  He especially feels that the premature babies should be given every chance of a healthy life.  He yearns for more training and equipment and support so that the babies can have a chance at the blessings of a good life. After all, Baraka means blessings and Baraka feels blessed to provide care for his community. 

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Dominick is one of the clinical officers and oversees the HIV clinic at St. Theresa. In the USA we tend to pick careers and fields we are interested in but as Dominick pointed out, patient care is not about interest, it is about caring for the wellbeing of human life. Dominick wants to do more, he wants to learn and he encourages volunteers to continue to spread their knowledge because education has a domino effect. From the USA to South Sudan, all patients can have a chance at good medical care. Listen to Dominick's story and be inspired by his determination to give all lives the opportunity for health and wellbeing. 

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Philomena is the nurse for the Tuberculosis Clinic in South Sudan.  Patients come to her from far and wide. In this episode she shares her story of running for her life with her husband during the war, how she came to become a nurse for the main TB clinic of the country and the region, and what she hopes for the future of the hospital. 

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My podcast is all about children and the various issues that affect their childhood experiences.  But what happens when the child becomes an adult who is now responsible for managing their aging parents and loved ones? Join Sheri Rodriguez, Ed.D. and me as we talk about how this experience has affected her.  I'm sure many of you can relate to the physical and emotional toll of watching your parent age and go through challenging health issues. 

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What made Ashley and I live and work in the poorest country in the world, doing laborious challenging work in a difficult environment to live in? What were our thoughts and hopes and what was the experience truly like, volunteering at CMMB for a surreal medical mission trip ?  Listen in to hear all about our adventures, when a nurse and a doctor were called to South Sudan

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Working full time, taking care of the kids, the family, cooking, cleaning, no break..... does this sound familiar? It's not any different for Wilma and Grace, two midwives I had the honor of working with during my summer in Nzara, South Sudan.  But for these two ladies they have faced the challenges of a patriarchal society under the backdrop of civil unrest and growing up in a war zone that is now left with few resources. They are working in a hospital that lacks the tools they need to care for their patients and a climate that is physically and mentally draining, on a daily basis. Yet, they are grateful for the ability to care for their female patients and their babies and have an important and inspiring message for all the females who are willing to listen.