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Newborn Screening Update

FACULTY:
Alice Gong, MD, is a professor and neonatologist at UT Health San Antonio and medical director for their PREMIERe Program.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong about updated newborn screening guidelines, expanded blood tests (now 59–60), additions like lysosomal storage disorders and SMA, point-of-care screens (hearing and critical congenital heart disease), and newborn blood spot retention and consent policies. 

The episode covers testing timelines, follow-up coordination between hospitals and pediatricians, counseling families about results, special considerations for premature or critically ill infants, and emerging genomic approaches.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Alice Gong, MD, has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no 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 live activity up to a maximum of 0.75 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:
1/7/2026

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Listen to Your Gut: Practical GI Tips for Busy Parents

Dr. Sarah Marucci joins Pediatrics Host Holly Wayment on Pediatrics Now for Parents to explain common gut symptoms, warning signs that need medical attention, and why everyday choices matter more than trendy supplements. They discuss diet, probiotics, fermented foods, H. pylori testing, and how gut health uniquely affects girls and women.

Practical takeaways: focus on fiber and varied foods, watch for bleeding or sudden weight loss, keep open conversations with kids about bowel habits, and seek care when symptoms persist.

Meet your host:

Holly Wayment
Holly Wayment,
Host and Executive Producer, Pediatrics NOW

 

 

Gut Health for Women and Children Plus the Gut Brain Connection

FACULTY:
Sarah Marucci, MD, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and the Associate Program Director for the GI fellowship program at UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
In this episode, Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Sarah Marucci and they discuss the gut-brain axis, common GI conditions (IBS, H. pylori, celiac),  diet, hormones, and mental health for women and children. Dr. Marucci reviews red flags for early cancer detection, screening options like colonoscopy and stool tests, and practical prevention tips—hydration, fiber, exercise, and open conversations about bowel habits.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Sarah Marucci, MD, has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no 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 live activity up to a maximum of 1.00 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:
1/6/2026

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Newborn Screening Explained: How a Few Drops Save Lives

Host Holly Wayment interviews Dr. Alice Gong where she explains explains newborn screening: a few drops of blood (done at 24–48 hours and again at 7–14 days in Texas) detect dozens of conditions early so babies who look well can get life-saving treatment.

The episode covers blood screening, hearing and critical congenital heart disease checks, common conditions like PKU, new treatments such as gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and the importance of timely follow-up with your pediatrician.

Meet your host:

Holly Wayment
Holly Wayment,
Host and Executive Producer, Pediatrics NOW

 

 

Cranes and Cryo, Braces and Blocks: Pectus Care in 2026

FACULTY:
Ian Mitchell, MD, MBA, is an Associate Professor/Clinical and Pediatric Surgeon in Chief at University Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
Dr. Ian Mitchell joins Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment to review pectus excavatum and carinatum: how they present, typical ages of detection, and practical screening tips for pediatricians.

The episode summarizes evaluation steps including when to order CT with Haller index, echocardiography, and pulmonary testing, and compares treatment options—bracing and vacuum bell therapy, Nuss and Ravitch procedures—plus timing (ideal repair ~14–15 years) and perioperative care.

Listeners also hear about pain management advances (erector spinae blocks, cryoanalgesia), outcomes, psychosocial effects, adult considerations, and the Fresh Start program offering free reconstructive surgeries for eligible families.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Ian Mitchell, MD, MBA, has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no 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 live activity up to a maximum of 0.75 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:
12/5/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Whooping cough outbreak and a tough flu season predicted

Host Holly Wayment speaks with pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Deena Sutter about pertussis (whooping cough) and the approaching flu season. They explain how pertussis spreads, why maternal Tdap during pregnancy protects newborns, and when exposed family members should get antibiotics or seek care.

They also discuss signs of severe illness in infants, practical tips like nasal suctioning for young babies, and the importance of timely vaccinations—especially flu shots—to reduce severe cases and hospitalizations this season.

Meet your host:

Holly Wayment
Holly Wayment,
Host and Executive Producer, Pediatrics NOW

 

 

Sunken or Pigeon Chest? A Parent’s Guide to Pectus

In this episode Dr. Ian Mitchell reviews pectus excavatum and carinatum — how they present, when to watch versus refer, and the role of imaging and the Haller index. He explains indications for repair, ideal timing (typically mid‑teens), nonoperative options like bracing and vacuum bell therapy, and compares Nuss and Ravitch procedures.

The episode also covers advances in perioperative care (erector spinae blocks, cryoanalgesia, safety tools), recovery timelines, long‑term considerations, and community resources including the Fresh Start program for families in need.

Meet your host:

Holly Wayment
Holly Wayment,
Host and Executive Producer, Pediatrics NOW

 

 

When Neurology & Psychiatry Overlap, More on Tics and Tourette’s, Plus PANDAS/PANS

FACULTY:
Sheldon Gross, MD, is an Associate Professor and Specialist with the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio. He is board certified in both pediatrics as well as neurology with special competence in child neurology with over 40-years experience in private practice.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment talks more with Dr. Sheldon Gross about evaluation and management of tics and Tourette's syndrome, plus when psychiatry and neurology in general overlap.

This episode also covers related conditions—PANDAS/PANS, autoimmune encephalitis, functional neurological disorders, and seizures—highlighting collaboration between specialties and offering reassurance about prognosis for most children.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Sheldon Gross, MD has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no 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 live activity 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:
11/21/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Tics, Twitches, and Tourette's: When to Worry and What to Do

FACULTY:
Sheldon Gross, MD, is an Associate Professor and Specialist with the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio. He is board certified in both pediatrics as well as neurology with special competence in child neurology with over 40-years experience in private practice.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment talks with Dr. Sheldon Gross about common tics and twitches, causes and triggers (stress, stimulants, sleep), and simple first steps families and pediatricians can take to reduce symptoms without medication.

They review Tourette’s criteria, behavioral approaches like CBIT, medication options (guanfacine, clonidine, antipsychotics, topiramate), red flags for seizures or other neurological causes, and the overlap between neurological and psychiatric conditions.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Sheldon Gross, MD has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no 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 live activity 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:
11/21/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Goat Milk Formula FDA Approved: What Parents Should Know

Join Host Holly Wayment and national feeding expert Dr. Cynthia Blanco,  where Dr. Blanco explains the FDA approval of goat milk infant formula, how it compares to cow's milk and human breast milk, and why breastfeeding remains the optimal nutrition for babies.

She urges parents to use only FDA-approved infant formulas (not whole milk), follow pediatric advice, be patient with common infant issues like reflux or colic, and ensure babies are thriving and gaining weight.

Meet your host:

Holly Wayment
Holly Wayment,
Host and Executive Producer, Pediatrics NOW

 

 

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