UT San Antonio
Long School of Medicine
Give

Spurs Team Surgeon on Concussions: What Parents Need to Know

In this episode of Pediatrics Now, Holly Wayment speaks with Dr. Leah Brown, Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the San Antonio Spurs, about recognizing concussions, initial medical steps after a head injury, and why early identification matters for youth athletes. They discuss common symptoms, non-sport injury scenarios, and the importance of returning to learning before returning to play.

Key takeaways: never allow same-day return to sport with symptoms, watch for red flags (severe headache, worsening mental fog, loss of consciousness, new neurologic signs, and more), prioritize safety over performance, and seek medical evaluation when in doubt.

 

Artemis II: From the Moon to Medicine — Inside NASA's AVATAR Experiment with Dr. Lisa Carnell!

Host Holly Wayment and Dr. Lisa Carnell of NASA discuss the Avatar bone marrow organ chips flown on Artemis II, personalized from astronaut blood to study radiation and deep-space effects on human tissues.

The episode explains how these microphysiological systems can protect astronauts, guide long-duration mission health strategies, and translate to improved, less invasive pediatric care and cancer treatments on Earth.

 

From the Front Lines to Family Life: How to Build Resilience in Ourselves and Our Kids — with Benjamin Hall

Journalist Benjamin Hall joins Pediatrics Now to recount his 2022 injury in Ukraine, the rescue and medical care that followed, and the vital role his family played in his recovery. He reflects on resilience, teamwork, and the strength people find in crisis.

Hall also discusses turning his experience into a children’s book about courage, truth, and standing up for others, and shares practical messages for families and communities about supporting loved ones through hardship.

 

My Brain Feels Better

Parents Lisa and Craig recount their son Ryan’s sudden, devastating onset of PANS—extreme OCD, emotional contamination, refusal to leave home, or even the couch.

Immunologist Dr. Anthony Infante describes using targeted autoimmune testing (Cunningham panel) and IVIG antibody infusions, which gradually restored Ryan’s sleep, hygiene, and social life and ultimately returned him to a healthy, functioning young adult.

 

Toilet Training & Tummy Troubles: Constipation and Belly Pain

Host Holly Wayment talks to Pediatric GI specialist Dr. Anandini Suri who explains that constipation in children is common and often behavioral, frequently starting with rushed toilet training. She recommends patient toilet training, proper toilet posture with a stool under the feet, limiting screen time during bathroom visits, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate fluids, and regular outdoor activity.

For belly pain, try simple breathing exercises (for example, inhale 6 seconds, hold 3, exhale 8) and seek medical care if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by blood. See a pediatrician if your child has fewer than three to four soft stools a week or if home measures don’t help. Probiotic or prebiotic drinks are generally safe but not proven to relieve constipation.

 

When to Worry About a Lump in Your Child’s Neck

In this episode Host Holly Wayment talks with pediatric oncologist Dr. Shafqat Shah explains why most lumps and bumps in children’s necks are caused by common infections and usually resolve with time and supportive care. She reviews where lymph nodes are located, typical symptoms, and home care tips.

Dr. Shah also covers warning signs that need prompt evaluation — persistent or growing nodes, hard or fixed lumps, supraclavicular locations, prolonged fevers, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms — and explains when to call your pediatrician or seek emergency care.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Subscribe to Pediatrics Now for Parents Podcast