UT San Antonio
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Autism: What We “Know”

FACULTY:
Mario Fierro, MD, is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and is Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics bring us a recent grand rounds talk by Dr. Mario Fierro where he reviews how autism is defined under DSM‑5, explains core diagnostic areas (social/communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors), and emphasizes age‑based interpretation and the spectrum of severity.

He covers screening (M‑CHAT), standardized assessments (ADOS, CARS), common comorbidities, and risk factors (genetics, prematurity, congenital conditions), and practical considerations for clinicians and families.

He also discusses treatment options—speech/OT, ABA, FDA‑approved medications for symptoms—reviews alternative therapies and controversies (including leucovorin research and vaccine myths), and offers pragmatic advice on when to refer and focus on functional communication.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Mario Fierro, 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.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 0.75 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

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:
10/22/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Can Watching a Porcupine Chomp on a Pumpkin Help My Anxious and Stressed-Out Patient? YES!

FACULTY:
Jacklynn Ware, MPH, is project coordinator for UT Teen Health at UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware , MPH, CHES, about Project YES, a free anonymous online mental health program that’s back, redesigned and improved for 13 to 17-year-olds  to offer short, teen-focused modules to boost mood, reframe negative thoughts, and provide safety resources. And, yes, that includes an adorable video of a porcupine chomping on a pumpkin. 

The episode explains who can benefit, how the program is youth-informed and evidence-based, and how it can be used immediately as a low-pressure, much needed resource.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Jacklynn Ware, MPH 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™.

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:
10/20/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Lupus Nephritis: Diagnosis, Classification, Treatment, and the Role of the Pediatrician

FACULTY:
Ruby Patel, MD, is a clinical assistant professor in the division of pediatric nephrology at Stanford University.

Rajdeep Pooni, MD, is a clinical assistant professor in the division of pediatric allergy, immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University.

OVERVIEW:
Drs. Ruby Patel and Rajdeep Pooni present Grand Rounds using a 12-year-old’s case to illustrate pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and class IV lupus nephritis, covering presentation, biopsy findings, and pathology. The talk explains diagnostic criteria and typical lab features.

They summarize current management including 2024 ACR guidance on induction therapies (steroids, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and biologics), monitoring for complications and medication side effects, vaccination precautions for immunocompromised patients, and the pediatrician’s role in long-term coordination of care. 

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speakers: Ruby Patel, MD and Rajdeep Pooni, MD have 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. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 1.00 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit

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:
10/17/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Can Watching A Porcupine Chomp on a Pumpkin Help My Teen With Anxiety and Stress?

Its back! Host and Executive Producer Holly Wayment interviews Jacklynn Ware of Project YES, a free, evidence-based online mental health resource for teens with short, anonymous modules that cover mood, anxiety, body image, safety planning, and more.  Its back, better than ever, right when teens need it more that ever.  And that includes the option of watching a video of the "World's Most Adorable Porcupine" chomp on a pumpkin.

Accessible on phones, tablets, and computers, it includes crisis check-ins for warning signs and creates action plans at the end of modules. Designed for teens but useful for parents, schools, and caregivers, it’s available at tribeprojectyes.org/utth.  

Meet your host:

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

 

 

Seizures in Kids - Practical Diagnosis, Treatments, and When to Refer

FACULTY:
Natasha Varughese, MD, is board certified in Neurology with a specialization in Child Neurology and Epilepsy.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment brings us this grand rounds talk for the general pediatrician by pediatric neurologist Dr. Natasha Varughese, where she reviews childhood epilepsy syndromes (ages ~3–15), covering self-limited epilepsies, focal and generalized epilepsies, and developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Key diagnostic tools include EEG, MRI, and genetic testing; prognosis varies widely by syndrome.

The talk highlights practical management: appropriate antiseizure medications (and which to avoid), indications for ketogenic diet, when to consider surgery or neuromodulation (VNS, RNS), and warning signs for referral to neurology or epilepsy specialists.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Natasha Varughese, 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. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 1.00 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit

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:
9/22/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Toxicology Pearls

FACULTY:
Robert S. Miller, PharmD, is an Intermediate Specialist in Poison Information with the South Texas Poison Center with Department of Emergency Medicine at UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment talks to the Poison Center's Robert S. Miller about common pediatric toxic exposures — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, THC edibles, nicotine pouches (Zyn), and kratom — and offers practical advice for clinicians and parents. Learn why calling the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) helps with case documentation, reassurance, disposition planning, and when to use antidotes like acetylcysteine. Emphasis on prevention (lockboxes, safe storage), recognizing occult acetaminophen ingestions, symptomatic management, and differences between children and adults.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Robert S. Miller, PharmD 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:
9/15/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Mosquitoes, Fleas & Outbreak: ID Update with Deena Sutter, MD

FACULTY:
Deena Sutter, MD, is a pediatric infectious disease specialist with UT Health San Antonio.

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now, host Holly Wayment interviews pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter about the chikungunya surge in China, flea‑borne typhus in South Texas, and a rise in hand‑foot‑and‑mouth cases.

The episode covers transmission, clinical signs, prevention tips (mosquito control, repellents, pet flea prevention), travel vaccine guidance, and practical advice for pediatric practitioners on diagnosis and management. 

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Deena Sutter, 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:
9/12/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Treating Pain in Medically Fragile Children

FACULTY:
Rachel Vandermeer, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with Dell Children's in Austin, Texas, 

OVERVIEW:

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, Rachel Vandermeer, MD, reviews pain assessment and treatment for children with medical fragility, focusing on altered pain pathways, common pain sources, and the need for multimodal, individualized plans.

Practical recommendations include careful opioid use, gabapentinoids, clonidine for dysautonomia, prevention strategies around procedures, bowel regimens, and close outpatient follow-up to manage chronic neuro-agitation safely.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Rachel Vandermeer, 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.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 1.00 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit

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:
9/12/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028

Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos what parents need to know

Join Host Holly Wayment and UT Health San Antonio and University Health's Infectious disease specialist Dr. Deena Sutter.   They discuss recent Chikungunya outbreaks, how mosquito-borne viruses (chikungunya, dengue, Zika) spread, and who is most at risk. Dr. Sutter explains symptoms—especially Chikungunya’s debilitating joint pain—and severe outcomes for newborns and the elderly.

Dr. Sutter reviews practical prevention: remove standing water, use EPA‑approved repellents (DEET or picaridin) appropriately, wear long sleeves when needed, keep screens and air conditioning, and maintain flea prevention for pets to avoid flea‑borne typhus. She also advises when to see a doctor for fever, rash, or concerning exposures.

Meet your host:

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

 

 

Bipolar Disorder: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment 

FACULTY:
Melissa Delbello, MD, MS is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Dr. Stanley and Mickey Kaplan Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (UCCOM).

OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now, hosted by Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics, brings you this grand rounds talk by Melissa Delbello, MD, MS, a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics. Dr. Delbello delves into the complex topic of bipolar disorder in children. The presentation covers critical aspects of the disorder, including diagnostic criteria, neurobiological insights, and treatment strategies. Listeners will gain an understanding of the phenomenology of bipolar disorder, how to differentiate between manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, and the significance of early intervention.

The episode also explores the impact of bipolar disorder on children, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and the challenges posed by the DSM-5 criteria. Discussion highlights include the role of family history, the high rates of comorbidity with ADHD, and the specific challenges in treating pediatric patients. Treatment options are outlined, with a focus on FDA-approved medications for different phases of bipolar disorder and non-pharmacological interventions. The conversation extends to the adverse effects of antipsychotics and the use of metformin for weight management in children on medication. Throughout the episode, the critical importance of family involvement and therapy is emphasized, providing a holistic view of managing this complex condition in young patients.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers

DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:

Melissa Delbello, MD, MS has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The Pediatric Grand Rounds Planning Committee (Deepak Kamat, MD, PhD, Steven Seidner, MD, Daniel Ranch, MD and Elizabeth Hanson, MD) has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

The UT Health Science Center San Antonio and Deepak Kamat, 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 UT Health Science Center San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The UT Health Science Center San Antonio designates this live activity up to a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 1.00 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit

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:
8/12/2025

EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2027

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