Pediatrics Now: Cases Updates and Discussions for the Busy Pediatric Practitioner

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
 
 
 
 
 

Understanding Autism: Key Insights from DSM-5 to Intervention Strategies
FACULTY:Avinash Boddapati, MD is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.
 
OVERVIEW:
In this enlightening episode, we feature a talk by Dr. Avinash Boddapati. He dives into the intricacies of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5, offering clarity on diagnostic criteria and differentiating ASD from other neurodevelopmental and social communication disorders. Dr. Boddapati explore the prevalence of ASD, its genetic and environmental risk factors, and dispel common myths, such as the debunked link between vaccines and autism.
 
Discover the unique challenges individuals with ASD face in social communication, restrictive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, accompanied by an examination of common comorbidities. The episode further addresses the significance of early diagnosis and intervention, discussing various screening tools and the benefits of catching ASD early on.
 
He also outlines an array of therapeutic approaches—from behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to pharmacological interventions for managing symptoms. Plus, engage with real-life case studies to illustrate ASD's diverse manifestations and the potential for tailored interventions.
Join us as we untangle the complexities of ASD, fostering a better understanding of the spectrum and encouraging effective support strategies for individuals and their families.
 
OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers
DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Avinash Boddapati, MD 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 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
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:6/13/2025
EXPIRATION DATE:8/31/2027
 
 

Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101120
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:10/21/2025
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
 
 

Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101115
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 13–17-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
 

Seizures in Kids — Practical Diagnosis, Treatments, and When to Refer
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10101013
 
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
Link for CME Credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100932
Toxicology Pearls
FACULTY:Robert S. Miller, PharmD, is an Intermediate Specialist in Poison Information with the South Texas Poison Center with the 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

Link for CME Credit
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100931
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
 

Link for free credit:
https://cmetracker.net/UTHSCSA/Publisher?page=pubOpen#/getCertificate/10100930
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 Pediatric 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