UT San Antonio
Long School of Medicine
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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

 

 

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

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