FACULTY:
Richard Thomson, MD, is a pediatric plastic surgeon at University Health in San Antonio, devoted to transforming the lives of children through specialized reconstructive care. Inspired by the remarkable resilience of his young patients, he approaches each procedure with precision, compassion and innovation.
OVERVIEW:
Host Holly Wayment brings you this special episode from right outside the OR on the surgical unit at University Hospital. Dr. Richard Thomson performs a bilateral cleft lip repair and leads a team debrief afterward. The episode explains the staged timing of lip and palate surgeries, the role of the multidisciplinary cleft team, and why early palate repair supports better speech and hearing outcomes.
Listeners learn about feeding and hearing management, long-term follow-up from infancy through adolescence, support programs like Fresh Start and Austin Smiles, and the emotional and functional impact of cleft care on families and children.
OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers
DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Richard Thomson, MD has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Steven Seidner, MD course director and content reviewer for the activity, have reviewed all financial disclosure information for all speakers, facilitators, and planning committee members; and determined and resolved all conflicts of interests.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION STATEMENTS:
The University of Texas at San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Texas at San Antonio designates this enduring material up to a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance and are asked to consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance.
Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation.
RELEASE DATE:
9/11/2026
EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2029