Ocular complaints in children, such as a red or painful eye, sudden vision changes, or difficulty opening one eye, may be more than a minor concern. In pediatrics, these presentations can progress rapidly, and timely recognition is critical to preventing long-term vision impairment. A focused five-minute eye examination can often distinguish between emergent, urgent and routine conditions, making early assessment and intervention essential in the primary care setting. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Our guest is Donny Suh, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Some highlights from this episode include: What a pediatrician can learn in five minutes The most common ocular injuries that pediatrician's encounter How pediatricians can support a patient before sending to a specialist How understanding a patient’s history can help a pediatrician For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
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Enuresis in Children
Enuresis, or bedwetting, is one of the most common concerns encountered in pediatrics. It can present as nighttime bedwetting, daytime urinary accidents, or a combination of both. Oftentimes, families and clinicians are left wondering what’s typical and what’s considered concerning. In this episode, we focus on the evaluation and management of enuresis in children. Each case is influenced by a range of factors including fluid intake, bowel habits, sleep quality and lifestyle routines. While first-line, non-pharmacologic strategies are the cornerstone of care, effective treatment requires attention to detail and a comprehensive approach. This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, we are joined by Julie Cheng, MD, an Assistant Professor of Urology at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington. Some highlights from this episode include: Differentiating between types of enuresis How key elements in pediatric history and physical examination can help diagnose the problem Evidence-based first-line interventions and when to escalate care The role behavioral factors, such as sleep or screen time, play in enuresis For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
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Asthma Action Plans
While asthma may be the most common chronic disease in pediatrics, it never feels routine for medical professionals. In the primary care setting, pediatricians carry the challenge and opportunity of turning this common condition into a well-managed part of daily life. In this episode, we’ll dig into tools, strategies and insights that help us move from reactive treatment to proactive partnerships. The goal is for kids to focus less on their breathing and more on being kids. For this episode, we are joined by two asthma experts, Monica Federico, MD, and Heather De Keyser, MD. Dr. Federico is the Medical Director of the Asthma Program, as well as Population Health, at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. De Keyser is the Co-Director of the Multidisciplinary Asthma Clinic and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Some highlights from this episode include: Understanding the best options for treatment Deciphering between asthma and other respiratory diagnoses The latest updates in asthma guidelines The importance of collaborating with schools on a child’s action plan Some resources mentioned in today’s episode include guidelines for the management and diagnosis of asthma, as well as information from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
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Constipation in Kids
Constipation is one of the most common conditions that pediatricians see. From the toddler squirming on the exam table to the school-aged child with recurring belly pain, functional constipation is everywhere in pediatric primary care. In this episode, we will discuss how to diagnose, when additional testing is needed and treatment strategies that work. Joining us for this episode is Christine Waasdorp-Hurtado, MD. She is a pediatric gastroenterologist, the Southern Colorado Executive Faculty Director for the Department of Pediatrics, and a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: Identifying the signs of functional constipation Steps primary care physicians can take with families before referral How advice changes depending on the child’s age Why managing constipation improves more than just a kid’s bowel movements For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
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PCOS in Pediatrics
Imagine your body as a complex orchestra. Every hormone playing its part in harmony. When one section falls out of sync, the entire performance shifts. That’s what happens with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially in adolescents. During puberty, hormones are already in flux, and PCOS can add another layer of challenges. Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain are more than frustrating symptoms, they’re signs of an underlying hormonal imbalance that deserves attention. For pediatricians, recognizing PCOS early can make all the difference in helping teens navigate both their physical health and emotional well-being. In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Cree, MD, PhD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Director of the Multi-Disciplinary PCOS Clinic at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a professor. Some highlights from this episode include: Understanding why its name can be deceiving The role of the primary care provider in diagnosing and managing PCOS Differences between abnormal and normal puberty changes The impact of this lifelong disease For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.
Now in our eighth season, Charting Pediatrics empowers medical professionals to care for kids with confidence. Brought to you by multidisciplinary experts at Children’s Hospital Colorado, this weekly show shares the latest innovations, groundbreaking research and educational resources in pediatric medicine, while also shedding light on current challenges facing the pediatric healthcare community.
Whether you’re seeking candid conversations about tough topics or evidence-based clinical information, Charting Pediatrics provides relevant insights you can trust. Pediatricians, primary care providers, medical students and anyone passionate about child health can learn from the stories on our show, which are told with humility, compassion, thoughtfulness and even humor.