Pediatric Voices

Innovations in genetic testing and treatment are changing the game for patients and families who are affected by these devastating conditions. Although previously believed to be untreatable—and certainly uncurable—brilliant new techniques in genetic diagnosis and treatment, starting at the earliest stages of life, are being put into practice. Dr. Jennifer Cohen is a Medical Geneticist who joins us to discuss her ground-breaking work in this field and its implications for the future of genetic-based medicine.

The topic of resilience has permeated conversations in recent years, and particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children, teens, and young adults are confronted with constant threats to their resilience springing from illness, from their environment, from socioeconomic factors, and from their social relationships. These are true challenges to successful, effective maturation and development. Dr. Gary Maslow is a General Pediatrician and a Pediatric Psychiatrist who joins us to discuss the basis of resilience—and threats to it—and defines a starting point for families who are concerned about their children’s capacity for it.

Teens and young adults face a number of health challenges, from finding adequate routine care, to dealing with mental and behavioral health issues, to managing chronic medical conditions. Unfortunately, they often fall through the gaps of the healthcare system and struggle with staying connected to reliable care. Dr. Jane Trinh is an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics specialist who teaches us about the complexities—and the joys—of caring for this vulnerable group of patients.

Supporting all children and youth to live healthy and full lives is the primary goal of pediatricians and child health professionals. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Armstrong discusses the complex causes and consequences of childhood obesity and shares critical insights on new treatment approaches.

Pediatricians and child health professionals are committed to the health and well-being of all children and youth. In this conversation, Dr. Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti shares expert insights on the many complex challenges that disproportionately impact the experiences and health of some children and youth and what we all can do to promote health equity in our communities. 

Dr. Angelo Milazzo and Dr. Andrew Landstrom discuss cardiovascular genetics and when it may be time for parents to worry about passing heart conditions down to their children.