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.

This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor of the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joining us for this episode are Bradley Warady, MD, and Nathan Bines, MD, both from Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Warady is the Director of the Division of Nephrology, a Professor of Pediatrics and the McLaughlin Family Endowed Chair in Nephrology. Dr. Beins is the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship Training Program, as well as a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics.

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Understanding the core kidney issues in general pediatrics 
• How to identify these conditions early 
• The difference between benign findings and red flags 
• Tools for friendly language about topics that might be sensitive or embarrassing for a child 

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