The Making of a Pediatrician

Something is shifting in medicine, and it's hitting pediatrics hard. Fewer students are choosing to become pediatricians. Who will care for the next generation of kids and how will they do it? This episode isn't just another conversation. It's a call to action. From technology shaping tomorrow's doctors to strengthening the pediatric pipeline, we will explore how the next generation is redefining the future of pediatrics. The journey to becoming a pediatrician is full of discovery, challenge and purpose. In this episode, we are joined by two future pediatricians sharing their own journeys to help us understand the bigger picture. Hannah Bullock, MD, is a resident, and Sarah Martin is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: The biggest barriers to choosing pediatrics Why they picked pediatrics How pediatricians can reframe how students see the field Hope for the future of pediatrics For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

A parent walks into the exam room, but they're not alone. They've brought TikTok, Instagram, a comment section, a conspiracy thread and a viral video with 12 million views. Welcome to modern pediatrics. In this live recording, we're diving into the digital ecosystem that's shaping how families think, worry and decide. Social media isn't just background noise anymore — it's co-parenting with us. Sometimes it's loud. Sometimes it's supportive, and other times, it's just plain reckless. We are exploring how misinformation spreads faster than measles, why fear goes viral and how pediatricians can reclaim their role as trusted guides in a scroll-first world. This isn't about fighting the internet. It's about learning how to practice medicine inside it. Mona Amin, DO, traveled from Florida to be our guest for this live event. She is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of two and founder of the incredible podcast The PedsDocTalk. That podcast is part of her globally recognized platform reaching over 2 million people with evidence-based guidance, actionable tips and relatable insights on child health, development and parenting.  Some highlights from this episode include: The current landscape of parenting with social media How social media has influenced how parents understand, and misunderstand, health information  Biggest mistakes pediatricians make when responding to parents who bring in a TikTok video or influencer advice to their appointment  How pediatricians can better connect with families and validate their concerns, without support misinformation  The future of pediatric communication in a digital-first world For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Bullying doesn't always look like bruises and broken lunch trays. Sometimes it looks like a kid who suddenly "hates" school or a teen who's glued to their phone but never smiling. Other times, it's a patient who keeps showing up to clinic with vague symptoms like headaches, nausea and no clear diagnosis. In pediatrics, we're trained to look for patterns in data such as growth charts and lab results. But some of the most crucial patterns show up in silence, withdrawal and fear. In this episode about bullying, we are going to examine how it's changed, how it hides and why it's a health issue, not just a school problem. Lauren Henry, PhD, is a psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: How to screen for bullying in your clinic  Best ways to talk to parents and patients about bullying  The impact of bullying on mental health for children  Understanding the signs of bullying   For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

The first 24 hours of a newborn's life are not just clinical — they are electric. They're where physiology meets fear and policy meets instinct, revealing just how resilient and vulnerable babies can be. In this episode, we're unpacking what happens on that first day from the golden hour and early feeding behaviors to delayed bathing and recommended care. Anna Ruman, MD, specializes in pediatrics at Children's Hospital Colorado. She is also an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Christine Gold, MD, specializes in pediatric hospital medicine and is an associate professor. Some highlights from this episode include: Feeding behaviors in the first 24 hours  How pediatricians can support families before birth  Recommendations for newborn care, including medications  Helpful tips for pediatric newborn support  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

In pediatrics, we often meet families during their most vulnerable moments such as illness, transition, fear and change. While pediatricians are trained to diagnose and manage disease, some of the most powerful interventions we offer don't come in a prescription bottle. They are found in the relationships we help build, strengthen and protect. In this episode, we're exploring how trauma, attachment and the family system are key to understanding patients. Benjamin Perks works for the United Nations in New York on human rights and child development and protection. He is a senior fellow at the Jubilee Centre at the University of Birmingham in the UK and an associate member of the department of social policy and innovation at the university of oxford. He is also the author of the book titled "Trauma Proof." Susan Caso is a licensed therapist, speaker and author. She serves as a board member and advisory for The Liv Project. She is the author of the book "The Parent-Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships."  Some highlights from this episode include: What's driving disconnection between parents and teens   How trauma shows up in family relationships  How emotional safety in the home acts as a form of prevention  Trauma-informed shifts providers can make to improve trust and engagement  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Adolescence is full of firsts. Big questions about bodies, safety and choices rise to the surface. Contraception can feel intimidating for teens and complex for pediatricians. However, it's also a powerful touchpoint to shape safety, confidence and long-term health. In this episode, we're unpacking the role pediatricians play in guiding teens through reproductive care, where pediatricians can transform a potentially awkward moment into an opportunity for empowerment.    For this discussion, we're joined by Tricia Huguelet, MD. She is the section chief of the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Children's Hospital Colorado. In addition to being a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, she is the program director for the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Fellowship, and co-director of the Young Women Bleeding Disorders Program.  Some highlights from this episode include: When pediatricians should feel confident to prescribe contraception  How to handle consent and confidentiality  What methods would be best for each patient  Most common barriers to access  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Before the Friday night lights and before the season even begins, there's one appointment that can determine athletic eligibility: the pre-participation sports physical. For pediatricians, it's often treated like a checkbox but in reality, it's a powerful clinical moment. Sometimes it is the one chance to catch something that can change a life. In this episode, we explore how to turn the pre-participation physical from paperwork into prevention. We'll break down what really matters in the sports physical, what red flags to watch for and how to use this visit to protect young athletes and support families. Kristina Wilson, MD, and Nate Howel, MD, join us for this episode. Dr. Wilson is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Colorado and an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Howell specializes in primary care sports medicine and is also an Assistant Professor.  Some highlights from this episode include: Current guidelines and recommendations for the sports pre-participation physical  Why history matters during this exam  How to handle the same day "I need this form signed now" visit  How to best conduct this during a routine checkup    For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

GLP-1 medications have become an important part of adult obesity treatment and are now increasingly relevant in pediatric care. As new approvals emerge and clinical guidance continues to evolve, pediatricians are being asked to consider when, and for whom, these therapies may be appropriate. In this episode, we review the current evidence, discuss clinical considerations and examine the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in child and adolescents. Megan Kelsey, MD, is the medical director of both lifestyle medicine and adolescent bariatric surgery. Jaime Moore, MD, specializes in pediatric nutrition and obesity medicine. Both Drs. Moore and Kelsey are on the faculty here at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: How GLP-1s are changing lives for kids with obesity  Learning how they work and are administered  The average effect of these medications  The future of use as access to these medications becomes easier Below are some resources mentioned in this episode: Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight University of Minnesota: Virtual Advanced Therapies for Pediatric Obesity Conference For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Circumcision is one of the most common procedures performed in newborns. For such a frequent procedure, it can stir up big conversations in the primary care office. How do you help families make informed decisions? What technique details really matter? What's the role of the pediatrician when something doesn't look quite right in the days that follow? In this episode, we're unpacking the real-world essentials of circumcision in primary care from evidence-based counseling to timing, pain control, and navigating those questionable moments. Kelly Harris, MD, and Brian Caldwell, MD, both specialize in urology at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Harris is an assistant professor, and Dr. Caldwell is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine Some highlights from this episode include: How common circumcision is today Why the decision is very individualized to each family How pediatricians can support families in this decision-making process  Most common side effects  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

A growth charts tell a story long before a child can. A sudden dip, a stubborn plateau, a pubertal spurt that arrives too early, or too late, can spark big questions. From short stature to rapid puberty, it's time to unpack the patterns, pitfalls and possibilities behind pediatric growth. We want to help you sort the reassuring from the concerning and recognize when an endocrinology referral can truly change the trajectory.  Animesh Sharma, MD, specializes in endocrinology at Children's Hospital Colorado, and is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.   Some highlights from this episode include: The most common growth concerns in primary care  How to identify a growth concern when patients are younger   What workups should be included when referring a patient to endocrinology  Understanding the layers of growth and how to calm parents' nerves  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.