Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

My child snores — when is it a problem? Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are the focus here. Samira Naime, MD, Pediatric Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Physician at Children's Mercy, explains how to spot worrying signs, when to try allergy treatment or nasal steroid and when to consider a sleep study. She also covers which labs allow outside ordering and when referral to sleep medicine is appropriate. 

Claim CME or learn more at cmkc.link/cmepodcast  

Learn more about Samira Naime, MD 

This episode walks through how to identify inflammatory bowel disease in children, the key red flags that matter, and practical steps primary care providers can take before referral. It’s essential because earlier recognition of pediatric IBD can prevent growth problems, nutritional deficiencies, and serious complications. Guest: Julie Bass, DO, Medical Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Children’s Mercy and Professor of Pediatrics, offers clinical tips from years in pediatric gastroenterology. You’ll hear about stool testing like fecal calprotectin, basic blood work including CBC and CRP, growth monitoring, and when to consider colonoscopy or urgent referral for suspected Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Keywords: pediatric IBD, Crohn’s disease in children, fecal calprotectin, pediatric gastroenterology, growth concerns, colonoscopy. Claim CME or learn more at cmkc.link/cmepodcast 

Learn more about Julie Bass, DO 

This episode explains the key history elements and symptom timeline that differentiate an IgE-mediated food allergy from an intolerance or sensitivity, so clinicians and parents can make safer, evidence-based decisions. Aarti Pandya, MD, Medical Director of the Food Allergy Center at Children’s Mercy, reviews symptom patterns, timing and red flags for anaphylaxis. Learn about food allergy testing, IgE-mediated food allergy, anaphylaxis action plan, epinephrine auto-injector, food intolerance and when testing is truly warranted. Claim CME credits and listen at cmkc.link/cmepodcast. 

Learn more about Aarti Pandya, MD 

This episode explains practical steps primary care clinicians can take to recognize and reduce procedural pain and emotional distress in children, and why early management matters for long-term health and trust in healthcare. Guest Amanda Deacy, PhD, Clinical Director of the Abdominal Pain Program and pediatric psychologist at Children’s Mercy, reviews evidence-based strategies and how they prevent chronic pain and vaccine avoidance. Learn about pediatric pain management, needle procedures, topical anesthetic options, comfort positioning, distraction techniques, and vaccine pain reduction. Claim CME and find resources at cmkc.link/cmepodcast.

A clear, practical look at integrated behavioral health in pediatric primary care — what it looks like day-to-day, who benefits and how to get started in your practice. Rebekah O'Donnell, LCSW from Children's Mercy, walks listeners through real examples of warm handoffs, care coordination and screening workflows to improve outcomes for children and families.

A concise clinical primer for hospitalists on historical and exam findings that should trigger allergy, immunology, or pulmonology referral — from failure to thrive to recurring ICU admissions. Practical, hospital-ready guidance for timely escalation and improved outcomes. 

Learn more about Jade Tam-Williams, MD 

A concise guide for frontline clinicians on early physical and behavioral red flags — changes in growth trajectory, micronutrient concerns, exam‑time anxiety or sudden “healthy” eating shifts. Dr. Sara Gould emphasizes practical 24‑hour recalls, when to order labs/EKG and how to use longitudinal data from well visits to detect problems sooner. 

Learn more about Sara Gould, PhD 

In this episode Dr. Gino Vricella, MD (board‑certified pediatric urologist; Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine) walks pediatricians through a concise clinical heuristic for distinguishing benign findings from those that require specialist referral. Learn clear red flags—pain, asymmetry, recurrent UTIs, gross hematuria, progressive hydronephrosis, and signs of testicular torsion—and how to act quickly to protect renal function and future fertility. Keywords: pediatric urology, referral criteria, testicular torsion, UTI in children, undescended testicle, hydrocele.

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Learn more about Gino Vricella, MD 

This episode explains burn depth, TBSA estimation, and practical first aid that reduces complications—essential for pediatricians and ER providers who triage children with burns. Pablo Aguayo, MD (Children’s Mercy) walks through burn classification (superficial to fourth-degree), scald burns, and American Burn Association referral criteria. Keywords: pediatric burns, burn severity, burn first aid, scald injuries, TBSA, burn center referral. For more resources and show notes, visit the Pediatrics in Practice CME Podcast page and subscribe for updates. 

Learn more about Dr. Aguayo

Subtle neurologic symptoms can be easy to miss in primary care. Pediatric neurologist Justin Coogle, MD, reviews early red flags, age‑specific warning signs and referral considerations to help pediatricians identify neurologic disorders earlier and optimize care.