UT San Antonio
Long School of Medicine
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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

 

 

Goat Milk Formula: New U.S. Approval – What Pediatricians Need to Know

FACULTY:
Cynthia Blanco, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics with Tenure and Division Director of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UT Health San Antonio. She is the holder of the Greehey Family Foundation Chair in Neonatology Research and the Co-Director for the Clinical Research Center for Neonatal and Childhood Research. She also is an active Member of the Committee of Nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

OVERVIEW:
In this episode of Pediatrics Now with Host Holly Wayment, Dr. Cynthia Blanco discusses the recent FDA approval of goat milk–based infant formula in the U.S., how it compares to cow’s milk formula, and what pediatricians should know about nutrient composition, allergy management, and clinical scenarios. She reviews evidence on tolerability, digestibility, and common misconceptions, emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding, and offers practical counseling strategies for families considering goat milk formula.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:

Speaker: Cynthia Blanco, 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:
11/14/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Exploring the Science Behind Autism: What We Know and What We’re Learning

Host Holly Wayment interviews this highly experienced pediatric psychiatrist .  Dr. Boddapadi  explains that autism has no single cause — it’s multifactorial, involving strong genetic risks and environmental factors.  Vaccines have been ruled out as a cause, and  evidence  shows a very weak association with Tylenol.

The conversation emphasizes taking care of maternal health, discussing medications with clinicians, following evidence-based guidance, and the importance of early identification and support for children with autism. 

Meet your host:

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

 

 

Tics vs. Twitches: What Every Parent Should Know

Learn how to recognize tics, when to see your pediatrician, and why most tics are harmless and treatable. Videotaping movements and getting the right diagnosis are key first steps.

Dr. Sheldon Gross explains common motor and vocal tics, their impact on a child’s well-being, and when referrals to specialists may help. The focus is on support, evaluation, and simple steps parents can take.

Meet your host:

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

 

 

What Causes Autism? An expert Explains the Latest Science

Host Holly Wayment interviews this highly experienced pediatric psychiatrist.  Dr. Avinash Boddapati, MD explains that autism has no single cause — it’s multifactorial, involving strong genetic risks and environmental factors such as certain medications, maternal health conditions, and infections. Vaccines have been ruled out as a cause, and  evidence  shows a very weak association with Tylenol.

The conversation emphasizes taking care of maternal health, discussing medications with clinicians, following evidence-based guidance, and the importance of early identification and support for children with autism. Parents are reassured that it is not their fault and encouraged to seek professional advice.

Meet your host:

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

 

 

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