The Cribsiders

Brace yourself! This week, we’re learning about cerebral palsy from Dr. Matthew MacCarthy, who is both a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist at Prisma Health in South Carolina AND a person with cerebral palsy. We’re talking NICU, Botox, and puberty, so get ready to stretch your knowledge with a thoughtful approach to CP diagnosis and management.

Join us for part 2 of our informative discussion with Dr. David Vitale, a pediatric pancreatologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In this episode, we dive deep into acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis, distinguishing the two, and exploring the causes, genetic predispositions, and available treatments. Whether you're a budding pancreatologist or a PCP, this episode offers valuable insights into managing and treating this challenging condition.

Do you develop acute belly pain when you think about pancreatitis? Grab your antiemetics and analgesics and stave off the belly pain for this inflammatory discussion! In this episode, we sit down with our expert pancreatologist, Dr. David Vitale, to discuss all things acute pediatric pancreatitis. He takes us through the causes, pathophysiology and treatment, as well as what the generalist should look out for. 

In this enlightening discussion, Rebecca MacDonell-Yilmaz, a pediatric palliative care expert, shares her insights on the vital differences between palliative care and hospice. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing communication about death with children, offering strategies for families navigating these tough conversations. The conversation dives into patient comfort, the emotional dynamics of caring for pediatric patients, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing services. Rebecca also highlights essential caregiving roles and personalizes care strategies, enhancing understanding in this sensitive field.

Grab a cafe au lait and settle in for a nerve-rackingly good conversation with Dr. Carlos Prada, Pediatric Genetics specialist at Northwestern University’s Lurie Children’s Hospital. Dr. Prada walks us through the most common presentations of NF1, the recently updated diagnostic criteria, and important follow-up screening exams and treatment options. It’s an episode so good, even your nerves will be on edge!

Dr. Walter Dehority, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, dives into the critical issue of vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella. He shares insights on the alarming decline in vaccination rates and its impact on health disparities in communities. With a blend of humor and expertise, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and navigating vaccine hesitancy in conversations with parents. Tune in for valuable tips on improving vaccine uptake, especially in rural areas!

Dr. Tristan Nichols, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford and pediatric hospitalist, shares insights on the game-changing role of AI in pediatric medicine. He discusses current applications of AI tools like ChatGPT and how they enhance clinical reasoning for medical residents. The conversation covers ethical considerations, such as patient privacy and bias, while emphasizing the importance of trust in AI. With a sprinkle of personal reflections, including his enthusiasm for pickleball, Nichols illustrates how AI is reshaping patient care.

Join us for an insightful conversation with board-certified allergist Dr. Jessica MacDougall (OHSU). In this episode, we dive deep into the world of seasonal, food, and drug allergies. Learn when you can diagnose and treat seasonal allergies, which foods to introduce early, and how to manage the common but confusing amoxicillin rash. Plus, discover key takeaways like why intranasal treatments are the first line for seasonal allergies and why Epinephrine Autoinjector two-packs should always stay together.

Dr. Matthew Blessing, a craniofacial pediatrician at Seattle Children's Hospital, shares his expertise on cleft lip and palate. He discusses the challenges faced by primary care practitioners, particularly with time constraints and managing complex cases. The conversation includes insights on effective feeding strategies for infants and the importance of early specialist consultations. Dr. Blessing also highlights socioeconomic disparities in cleft care and the vital role of a collaborative approach to ensure comprehensive treatment for affected families.

Dive into the intriguing world of pediatric endocrine disorders, highlighting key insights on short stature and puberty. Discover how to assess children’s growth with growth charts and pinpoint essential causes of short stature. The podcast also unpacks Tanner staging, exploring the stages of puberty and the challenges of its disorders. Additionally, it sheds light on congenital hypothyroidism, emphasizing the importance of timely screening and treatment in infants. Blend education with lively discussions on entertainment picks, making learning both fun and engaging!