Breaking the Substance Abuse Cycle

The heart is an involved organ in many syndromes impacting kids. Our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of pediatric heart conditions has improved greatly with better access to genetic testing. From inherited arrythmias to structural congenital heart defects, genetic testing is becoming an essential part of the diagnosis, treatment and family counseling in kids with heart problems. To help us understand this evolving field, we are joined by Kathryn Chatfield, MD. She is the director of the Cardiac Genetics and Aortopathy Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado and specializes in clinical genetics and genomics, as well as cardiology. She is also an Associate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include:  How to determine which kids should undergo a cardiac genetics workup and which ones may not need it  Understanding if these diseases are inherited, spontaneous or mutations  Why some kids with heart conditions are not seen until they are older  How primary care providers can interact with specialized genetics clinics   For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

A common yet often misunderstood infection is popping up in different corners of our community. Mycoplasma pneumonia, otherwise referred to as walking pneumonia, can present in a way that’s subtle and sneaky, with a plethora of symptoms. This ‘silent’ infection can fly under the radar leaving both patients and providers puzzled, but we want to make sure our listeners feel prepared to tackle this diagnosis.  How do we ensure it doesn’t slip through the cracks? How do we identify it in our patients? We’ll discuss all that and more in this episode.   Joining us for this exciting discussion are Lilliam Ambroggio, PhD, and Michael Bozzella, DO. Dr. Ambroggio is the Director of Research in the sections of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Bozzella is the Associate Medical Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship and specializes in infectious disease. He is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Some highlights from this episode include:  Understanding where it colonizes and how it spreads  How to identify this disease properly, as the presentation can look like many different illnesses  How the epidemiology informs what primary care providers should know about this diagnosis  Knowing when to test For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Cannabis use in children and adolescents is a growing concern as more young people are regularly using the substance and as more states legalize it. What happens when parents, caregivers, healthcare providers or even the teens themselves decide it’s time to stop?  In this episode, we will explore important tactics primary care providers can utilize to help families navigate the medical, psychological and social aspects of cannabis use. For this episode, we are joined by two experts. Sam Wang, MD, specializes in toxicology and emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Paula Riggs, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and is nationally known for her research in adolescents with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Some highlights from this episode include:  Marijuana use and its potency  How to get a child into treatment  How primary care providers can build trust with patients who may not realize they have an addiction  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

As the political climate shifts in 2025, there are important discussions around Medicaid, mental health and executive orders that will impact our kids. From Medicaid eligibility changes to funding cuts, to benefit adjustments, the political forces shaping healthcare may have profound effects on both our patients and providers. In this episode, we examine the current state of affairs and answer questions we’ve heard from clinicians in our communities. Joining us for this discussion is Zach Zaslow. He is the Vice President of Advocacy and Community Health at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an expert on health policy. Some highlights from this episode include:  An overview of the Medicaid program and the roles of state and federal governments  How federal funding cuts could impact pediatric healthcare  The role of advocacy and how pediatricians can be a voice for the children they serve  The focus on mental health and the importance of this current crisis  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Down Syndrome is a condition defined by an extra chromosome but beyond the genetics lies a rich, complex story of individuals, families and communities who continue to challenge misconceptions and pave the way for greater understanding and inclusion. In this episode, we’ll explore the latest treatments and research, the relationship between specialist and provider and all the opportunities that come with strong partnerships. Nicole Baumer, MD, the new Director of the Anna and John J. SIE Center for Down Syndrome, joins us for this episode. As a child neurologist, she specializes in neurodevelopmental disabilities and is a visiting professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine within the Department of Pediatrics. She is also the Global Endowed Chair for Down Syndrome. Some resources mentioned in this episode include:  Global Down Syndrome Foundation  National Down Syndrome Congress National Down Syndrome Society  American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines  Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group  Some highlights from this episode include:  Why specialized programs for kids with Down syndrome can drastically change their outcomes  The evolution of Down syndrome research and how it has informed care for patients  How specialized care is coordinated with primary care providers  Dr. Baumer’s personal connection to Down syndrome  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

A highly contagious virus, once thought to be nearly eradicated, has made a comeback. Measles is affecting even our youngest patients in communities around the country and putting vulnerable populations at risk. Our primary care providers are on the frontlines of this resurgence. It’s crucial they feel prepared to vaccinate patients, educate families and respond effectively. To discuss the current state of measles, understand its return and discover how we can address it, we are joined by two experts, Sam Dominguez, MD, and Jessica Cataldi, MD. Dr. Dominguez is the Medical Director for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Drs. Dominguez and Cataldi both specialize in infectious disease and teach at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. This episode was recorded at the end of March 2025, and the first case of measles was reported in Colorado on March 31, 2025.  Some highlights from this episode include: A discussion on the current outbreak of measles, and its impact on our global community Steps primary care providers can take to identify and manage suspected cases The role of vaccination and how primary care providers can help vaccinate more members of the community Opportunities to help patients after exposure Some resources mentioned in the episode include: CDC measles guidance American Academy of Pediatrics measles guidance Children's Hospital Colorado resources; Contagious Comments Firstline: Measles, Evaluating Risk in Patients Presenting with Fever and Rash Firstline: Measles Vaccination and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Continuing education - Spotting Measles Before it Spreads Continuing education - Measles: Connecting the Dots  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.

Most people believe that strokes only affect adults, but children can experience them too. Although rare, strokes in kids can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not treated properly. Seizure or migraines are often misdiagnosed in this population, making it crucial to have proper protocols in place. While many never think of stroke as something that can impact kids, it’s still in the top 10 causes of death in children.  To understand the scope of pediatric stroke and the strides being made to prevent and treat it, we are joined by two experts. Timothy Bernard, MD, is the Director of Education for the section of Child Neurology, and the Director of the Childhood Stroke Program here at Children’s Hospital Colorado. He is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Ethan Rosenberg, MD, is the Director of Inpatient Childhood Stroke and Neurocritical Care. He is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology.  Some highlights from this episode include:  Understanding diagnosis in this population  What causes stroke in kids  Why there are delays in recognizing stroke symptoms in younger children  The role of the primary care provider with stroke protocol   For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

It’s been a busy year for influenza cases, but it’s not what we’ve seen in our clinics and hospitals that has infectious disease experts most worried. They are concerned about avian flu, otherwise known as the H5N1 subtype of influenza A. Specifically, they are worried about stress what happens if H5N1 jumps to humans and potentially spreads. What is that risk for people and what challenges lie ahead? In this episode, we’ll explore our current standing and whether we are approaching public health crisis. From virology to epidemiology to infection control strategies, we’ll break down the science, the current data and practical considerations for clinicians on the front lines. To help us understand this ever-evolving virus and its threat, we are joined by two incredible infectious disease experts, Samuel Dominguez, MD, and Suchitra Rao, MD. They both specialize in infectious disease at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Dominguez is the Medical Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Dr. Dominguez is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Dr. Rao is an associate professor. Some highlights from this episode include:  Overview of the current flu season and why it stands out  H5N1 transmission of H5N1 and the factors making this season concerning alarming How humans have been infected this season  Assessing the current risk to kids Key actions primary care providers (PCPs) can take right now  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Firearms are the leading cause of death of kids in the United States, and in Colorado, there is at least one pediatric injury from a gun every day. In 2021, Colorado passed the safe storage bill which requires firearms to be safely stored when minors are present in the home. Despite this, many people don’t know how to provide the safest environment for children. Pediatricians can play a unique role in gun violence protection. That’s why the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, alongside the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), have launched a new campaign called “Secure Their Future”. This new project aims to educate pediatric practices across the state on the importance discussing safe firearm storage with families  To learn more about this program and how other states can replicate its efforts, we are joined by one of the leaders of this project, Caitlin Jones-Bamman, MD. Dr. Jones-Bamman is a pediatrician at Pediatrics 5280 and has been at the forefront of this project. Some highlights from this episode include:  What “Secure Their Future” is and how the initiative secured funding.  Understanding the unique role pediatricians play in protecting children from firearm-related risks.  Learning how cable locks work.  How other practices can adopt this model.    For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

One of humanity’s frailties is our tendency to view the world through the lens of what we’ve seen, lived through or experienced firsthand. That’s not to say we ignore things that happened in the past, but we may not give historical events equal weight or importance when compared to current events. In medicine, it’s important for us to recognize the vaccine preventable diseases we combatted in the past and apply those lessons to the future. In this episode, we reflect on the improvements and discuss how vaccine technology has improved global child heath over the last century. Many current doctors have never treated some of these diseases firsthand but our three experts for this episode have. Drs. Jim Todd and Mimi Glode worked for decades at Children’s Hospital Colorado in infectious diseases. Dr. Todd is professor emeritus, and Dr. Glode is professor emerita at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Todd directed our department of epidemiology, and Dr. Glode directed our pediatrics residency program. Our third guest, Dr. Edwin Asturias, specializes in infectious diseases and is a professor of pediatrics. He helps direct our global health programs, has led many international vaccine research projects and currently serves as voting member of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). Some highlights from this episode include:  Their experiences treating patients with infections, such as chicken pox, meningitis and measles  Navigating current vaccine skepticism across the healthcare landscape  The changing attitudes of parents to toward pediatric vaccines over time   Learning how this history can help inform current infectious diseases  For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.