Posts

A woman's feet standing on a bathroom scale with a tape measure on the floor

Eating Disorders and the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of children in the United States presenting with an eating disorder skyrocketed. We talk to a range of eating disorder experts across the country about what they’ve seen over the past three years and how pediatricians are critical partners in both treating patients and advocating for improvements to the system.
A group of teen girls sit talking with each other in a supportive manner

The Changing Face of Adolescent Health: Caring for Girls in Post-Roe America

The overturning of Roe vs. Wade presents unique challenges for adolescents, from parental consent laws to mental health concerns. Dr. Trish Hutchison and Dr. Melisa Holmes, founders of Girlology, speak to the cultural moment and the need for patient education in the face of political upheaval.
Illustration of teens using varied gender pronouns: She/Hers, He/His, They/Their
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Gender-Affirming Care is Whole-Person Care: Integrating Behavioral Health and Independent Pediatrics

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth are increasingly reaching out to pediatric providers for support—be it medical care, education, or referrals to specialist. Yet some providers feel less than prepared to meet the needs of TGD youth and their families. Licensed therapist Theresa Hall speaks to the unique experience of TGD youth in the healthcare system, and how pediatricians can best support them.
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Parental Choice, Public Health, and Vaccine Hesitancy in Tennessee

A government mandate in Tennessee has prohibited the Department of Health from doing vaccine outreach and education to Tennessee youth. What does this mandate signify about the relationship between the Tennessee legislature and the medical community? And how might the mandate impact independent pediatricians? Dr. Suzanne Berman, an independent pediatrician in Crossville, TN, speaks to the issue with an on-the-ground perspective.
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Lessons from the Pandemic: Opening the Doors During COVID-19

When he made plans to open an independent practice in the spring of 2020, Dr. Scott Wissman could never have predicted the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Wissman discusses the challenges, triumphs, and poignant lessons of opening a practice during a global pandemic.
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Tackling Taboo Topics: Girlology Brings Families Together to Support Girls’ Health

In the 17 years since its founding by Dr. Melisa Holmes and Dr. Trish Hutchison, Girlology has grown into a company with national reach focused on sharing information about health and adolescence with families.
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Serving the Whole Family Through Developmental Pediatrics

Dr. Mark Moncino is passionate about offering specialized care to children with developmental differences. Inspired by his personal journey with dyslexia, Dr. Moncino founded the Georgia Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics. He tells the story of discovering the holes in developmental screening and treatment, and his road to starting his own practice.

Cracks in the System: Child Food Insecurity and COVID-19

Proper nutrition and food security are essential to the healthy development of a child—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Dr. Steven Abrams, Chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition, discusses the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic on how the U.S. is failing food insecure families, and how we can do better.
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Helping Adolescents Navigate the Path to Adulthood

Three pediatricians discuss the positive and negative effects of social media, ways to support mental health, how to better serve youth impacted by the opioid epidemic, and more.
A parent and his toddler explore a digital tablet

Finding the Middle Way with Kids and Digital Media

The impacts of digital media use on children, both positive and negative, are increasingly visible as Generation Z comes of age. How do different types of media affect childhood brain development, and what can pediatricians do to help kids build healthy relationships with their screens?