Children's Hospital of Alabama

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Kutny explains the work he's doing in the Pediatric Clinical Trials Office at Children's of Alabama and the difference it's making in the lives of children in Alabama and beyond.

In this episode, Children's of Alabama pediatrician Amy McCollum, M.D., talks about her favorite topic: reading to kids. No matter their age, children can benefit from this fun activity. It helps them bond with their parents, prepare for school and learn crucial skills.

If you're an expectant mother, you've probably given some thought to breastfeeding. In this episode, Children's of Alabama neonatologist Allison Black, M.D., explains the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and the mother. She provides answers to some of the most common concerns new mothers have about breastfeeding. Black also describes the Project HOME initiative, a quality improvement project she leads to improve the percentage of NICU babies receiving human milk.

Gunshot injuries are becoming more common among children, and these injuries can affect a child for life. As a physical rehabilitation medicine physician at Children's of Alabama, Erin Swanson, M.D., helps patients who have been affected by firearm injuries. In this episode, she explains the impact a gunshot injury can have on a child and their family. She shares advice for parents on how to keep their children safe.

Firearm injuries among children have increased exponentially over the last decade. Dr. Jennifer McCain has seen it as a nocturnist in the emergency department at Children's of Alabama. In this episode, McCain—who also has 12 years of experience as a pediatrician—explains the role pediatricians and parents can play in driving down these numbers.

The mental health needs of children have increased exponentially in recent years, and doctors are facing challenges to meet those needs. That's why Children's of Alabama developed Pediatric Access to Telemental Health Services. Known as the PATHS program, it helps connect patients with providers, particularly in areas where access to mental health resources may be limited. In this episode, Dr. Vinita Yalamanchili explains how the program is helping specialists, primary care providers and patients.

The Children's of Alabama Critical Care Transport team has been around since 1983, transporting critically ill and injured children between medical facilities across the state and beyond. Whenever a child needs a level of care beyond what's offered in their area, the team transports them to a facility that offers that level of care. In this episode, you'll hear from program director Jason Peterson about the impact the program has made, how it has evolved, and what the future holds.

After losing her son due to a complication of sepsis, Judy Fuller decided to pursue a career in nursing. Now, she's a sepsis expert who plays a key role in Children's of Alabama's sepsis strategies. In this episode, she explains why sepsis is so difficult to detect and the impact that nurses have in preventing and treating it.

Since arriving at Children's of Alabama in 2019, Girish Dhall, M.D., has worked to get the hospital involved in more research consortia. In this episode, Dhall explains the role of consortia, how they're helping Children's patients and how they're enabling the hospital to make a global impact.

Dehydration can cause a variety of health problems for athletes and non-athletes alike. It's a front-of-mind topic during the summer, but it's also important all year. In this episode, clinical nutritionist Gary Atchley explains how parents can keep their kids hydrated no matter what types of activities they're enjoying.

Feeding and language are important skills for babies to develop. But if you're a new parent, you may not know the developmental milestones to expect. In this episode, two speech pathologists from Children's of Alabama share advice for parents on these milestones along with strategies for helping your child as they develop these key skills.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, occurring in about 1% of all people. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Camden Hebson describes some of the types of congenital heart disease and explains how screening and technological advances are helping.

Antimicrobial resistance—when bacteria develop a way to render antibiotics ineffective—has become a growing concern in the world of medicine over the last several decades. Pediatric infectious disease doctor Shannon Ross, M.D., explains the effects it can have and what parents need to know.

The ketogenic diet is more than just a popular way to lose weight; it can also help children who have epilepsy. Two experts from Children's of Alabama explain the diet's history and how it works.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode, a former sickle cell disease patient at Children's of Alabama interviews his former Children's doctor to reflect on his battle with sickle cell disease and how the doctor empowered him to advocate for his care and create his own success story.

"The developing brain of a teen is basically rewired when it comes in contact with nicotine." That's according to nationally certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Robin Geurs. In this episode, she explains the impact vaping has on a teen's body and brain, and how parents can prevent vaping or help teens who already are vaping.

In early December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory citing an urgent need to address the mental health crisis among the country's youth. Many children and teens were then and still are struggling with mental health issues. Some of the problems stem from the coronavirus pandemic, but many predate that. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Marullo explains the many reasons for this crisis, and what parents need to know.

Human trafficking has been a problem for a long time, but in recent years, experts have changed the way they handle human trafficking cases. Deb Schneider, a licensed social worker at Children's of Alabama, explains this change and the difference it has made for victims of human trafficking. She also explains how to identify a possible human trafficking victim, and how a center a Children's is providing hope for victims of all types of abuse.

Each year, the Alabama Poison Information Center (APIC) receives thousands of calls from parents and health care providers with questions about everything from drug interactions to possible poison exposures to snake bites. Registered nurses and pharmacists trained in toxicology are available 24 hours a day to answer these questions. In this episode, Becky DeVore, a nurse educator with the APIC, explains the role of the center and how parents can protect their kids from some of the most common medication errors.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a heart defect that usually requires open-heart surgery. But thanks to a new device called the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve, many patients can have their hearts repaired without an open-heart procedure. Children's of Alabama pediatric cardiologist Dr. William McMahon was among the first doctors in the Southeast to perform a procedure with the Harmony valve. In this episode, he explains how this new device helps patients.

Since early November, many children ages 5 to 11 have received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. But before this could happen, Pfizer had to test the vaccine in a trial. Children's of Alabama pediatric hospitalist Dr. Erinn Schmit entered her son in that trial. She explains why she wanted to have him participate and what it means to her family to play a role in this process.

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for emergency use in children ages 5 to 11, and many parents now have questions about it. In this episode, Dr. Gigi Youngblood and Dr. Peily Soong of Pediatrics East in Trussville, Alabama, answer some of the most common questions they're hearing from parents about getting their children vaccinated.

The Southeast has often been referred to as the “stone belt” due to the high number of people suffering from kidney stones each year. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, pediatric urologist Dr. Pankaj Dangle explains why kidney stones are on the rise among children and how hydration and a nutritious diet can help prevent them.

The Female Adolescent Bleeding (FAB) Clinic at Children's of Alabama is a partnership between doctors in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatric Hematology at Children's of Alabama. FAB helps treat painful, heavy periods that may keep young women from participating in activities. Some are afraid to talk about it, but their lives are disrupted every month. Certain issues can be corrected with hormonal balance, and others could signal a serious blood disorder that needs attention and follow up by a specialist.

Each September, Children's of Alabama honors Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This two-part, Inside Pediatrics Podcast series features two physicians from the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation. In episode one, Dr. Matthew Kutny, director of the Leukemia, Lymphoma and Histiocytosis (LLH) Program, reveals how the new generation of treatments is more customized for each patient and targeted for each type of cancer.

As another school year begins, parents have many questions about COVID-19 and the impact of the Delta variant. In this episode, Dr. Gigi Youngblood and Dr. Peily Soong of Pediatrics East in Trussville, Alabama, explain how the new variant is different and what parents need to know as they send their kids back to school.

As one of only six centers of its kind in the United States funded by the Maternal Child Health Bureau, the Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC) at Children's of Alabama relies on family members as a critical part of the care team. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, we hear from Dr. Brad Troxler and family faculty member Linda Russo about a series of videos the PPC recently developed to help families through the daily challenges of a new diagnosis, raising a child with a chronic illness and eventually, how to advocate and become an agent for change.Resources: Pediatric Pulmonary Center Video #1-Checking In https://youtu.be/yy5O6cowBvs Pediatric Pulmonary Center Video#2-Settling In https://youtu.be/gs343LW5g5A Pediatric Pulmonary Center Video#3-Breaking Out https://youtu.be/sAd-Es4xS3QCureSMA Spinal Muscular Atrophy - https://www.curesma.org/ MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association - https://www.mda.org/care/mda-resource-centerCystic Fibrosis Foundation - https://www.cff.org/Family Voices of Alabama - https://www.familyvoicesal.org/Alabama's Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F HIC) - https://familyvoicesal.org/programs-family2.php

Alabama has the highest rate of sleep-related infant deaths per year in the United States. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Erinn Schmit explains how we can prevent these tragic accidents, and how we can all practice the "ABC's" of safe sleep at home.

As a third COVID-19 vaccine rolls out in the U.S., infectious diseases expert Dr. David Kimberlin gives a vaccine update in the latest episode of Children’s of Alabama’s Inside Pediatrics Podcast. Dr. Kimberlin unpacks the latest CDC guidelines, discusses how each vaccine works and explains why we’re in a race against time with the COVID-19 virus.

An innovative care team at Children’s of Alabama is transforming treatment for newborns with complex kidney issues. In this edition of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. David Askenazi shares how we’re providing hope to more patient families,  and how we’re teaching hospitals all over the world to do the same.

A COVID-19 diagnosis can affect the heart, especially if a person's symptoms were severe. Dr. Hebson discusses what to look out for, and when it's best to get screened by a primary care physician or a cardiologist.

In less than one year, two different COVID-19 vaccines were created, studied, approved and distributed in the United States. Children’s of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) infectious diseases expert Dr. David Kimberlin is incredibly proud of the scientific community and encourages all to roll up their sleeves to eradicate the pandemic. Kimberlin explains why the vaccines are safe and effective, and exactly how the vaccines protect the body against COVID-19.

The holiday season can be a stressful time filled with anxiety and sometimes grief from losing a loved one. The added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate what’s already a difficult time of year for many. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Children's of Alabama Emotional Wellness Director Lou Lacey offers tips on how parents and caregivers can stay mentally and emotionally fit through the holidays.

Dr. Terri Magruder discusses asthma in children, symptoms, and advanced treatment options.

As many kids start going back to school full time, parents and caregivers are concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Pediatrician Dr. Gigi Youngblood discusses testing and offers expert advice to keep kids healthy during both the pandemic and flu season this year.

Since early 2020 kids involved in sports have seen practices and games postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Without proper conditioning and stretching, athletes are more prone to getting hurt. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Chief of Sports Medicine Dr. Amit Momaya shares some tips on preventing injuries and safely getting back to play during COVID-19.

September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Jeff Lebensburger shares an update on sickle cell disease – early detection and treatment, bone marrow transplants, current pain therapy and promising research for a cure within the first few months of life.

September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this episode of the Inside Pediatrics Podcast, Dr. Girish Dhall shares exciting news from the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology team, including new collaborations and clinical trials available to patients, research and fellowship training opportunities, and a significant jump in the division's U.S. News & World Report ranking among the top programs in the country.

Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, Dr. Cecelia Hutto highlights the many safety precautions at the hospital, the importance of masking, and how the coronavirus differs from the flu.

Amy Brown discusses mental health awareness in children and teens.

With the pandemic keeping families inside their homes, and no access to school, faith institutions, or daycare, signs of child abuse may be easier to miss. Melissa Peters, MD, discusses how the potential increase in child abuse can be addressed, including signs to watch for in your community.CHIPS Center (Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services) Ph: 205-638-2751 Website: www.childrensal.org/CHIPSAdditional Resources: Alabama Child Abuse Hotline, ChildHelp - (800) 422-4453National Child Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL can assist with reporting suspected child abuse in any area of the country (800)-4ACHILDIf you suspect child abuse please report it.If a child is in immediate danger please call 911.

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress in individuals of all ages. Children can be particularly fearful, as they may not fully comprehend what is happening. Nina Reynolds, PhD, provides tips for parents on mitigating anxiety and stress, as well as strategies for managing all the time both parents and children are forced to spend at home.Please visit these additional resources for more information:https://www.childrensal.org/PIRChttps://www.childrensal.org/behavioral-health

What is a geneticist? How can they help families on a "diagnostic odyssey" finally put a name to their rare disease or condition? Dr. Anna Hurst explains how whole genome sequencing  can ultimately lead to customized treatment plans for patients. She also breaks down the difference between genetic testing advertised to consumers, versus testing provided by board-certified physicians at a renowned healthcare institution.

February is Heart Month, and we're decked out in red at Children's of Alabama. Behind the scenes, our pediatric heart transplant team is a well-oiled machine, with extensive experience caring for children with advanced heart disease. Our transplant team combines cutting edge research and clinical expertise to produce the most modern approaches to care for our patients and their families. Dr. Wally Carlo, medical director of the heart transplant team, explains how the care we provide impacts children in Alabama and around the world.

It's flu season! While it may be a terrible inconvenience for some, the flu can be dangerous for certain children. Should you stay home, go to the doctor, or take a trip to the emergency department? Dr. Kathy Monroe has seen her share of the flu in Alabama's busiest emergency department for kids. She shares important tips on who should get the flu vaccine, when to get it, and what to do when your child shows signs and symptoms.

Think tweens and teens are hard to figure out? They may be impulsive and unpredictable, but they are also full of hope and possibilities. Meet a couple of doctors at Children's of Alabama who are passionate about all things "adolescent." Doctors Tamera Coyne-Beasley and Nefertiti Durant lead a team of healthcare professionals at the William A. Daniel, Jr. Adolescent Health Center who are committed to helping young people navigate through physical and emotional changes, and unlock their full potential.

It's the leading cause of hearing loss (non-genetic) among newborn babies, but more than 91% of women don't even know about CMV (Cytomegalovirus). Once a pregnant woman acquires CMV, there's a 1 in 3 chance she will pass it to her unborn child. We're talking about a common virus that's all around us, but to the unborn baby, it can be debilitating, and even deadly. Drs. Karen Fowler and Shannon Ross tell us what CMV is, why Birmingham is a hot spot for CMV research, and how pregnant mothers can protect themselves and their babies.

The PIRC (Psychiatric Intake Response Center) at Children's is one-year strong, and has helped hundreds of callers in Alabama navigate the mental health system for children and teens. Born out of the need for guidance and direction when access to care can be a challenge, the PIRC is staffed by licensed counselors trained to help triage a caller's situation and recommend the next step. The staff has access to a database of mental health professionals in a five-county area (and beyond), and is available seven days a week. While it is not a suicide or crisis hotline, the PIRC can provide support and education, safety planning for current or future crises and resources. 205.638.PIRC (7472)

Children's Hospital of Alabama's unique partnership with Lakeshore Foundation includes a new facility on the Lakeshore campus. The extension of services for patients offers physician care provided by the UAB Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine and therapy provided by Children's of Alabama's physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The added benefit is a physical connection and an inspiring way for patients who qualify to connect with sports, fitness, recreation, and healthy living activities and events provided by Lakeshore Foundation.

For a child on the heart transplant list, the wait can be from several weeks, to several months. The Pediatric Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant team at Children's of Alabama is dedicated to keeping the blood pumping and keeping children healthy until a donor arrives. Once a new heart is transplanted, our team boasts a 97 percent survival rate – well over the national rate of 90.2 percent. The experience, cohesiveness and stability of the transplant team are credited with giving children not only a new heart, but a new life.