In this episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP and Shawn Mendenhall, MD continue our discussion on upper extremity spasticity—focusing on individualized surgical planning. Our guests explore the range of surgical options available, emphasizing how treatment decisions should be tailored to each child’s functional goals, pattern of spasticity, and overall care plan. The conversation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and setting realistic expectations to achieve meaningful i...
Nov 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 357
This week’s episode with host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP and Shawn Mendenhall, MD focuses on recognizing and correctly identifying upper extremity spasticity in pediatric patients. Our discussion covers key clinical features, surgical updates, common causes, and practical assessment techniques to distinguish spasticity. Understanding these nuances is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to improve function and quality of life. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. For more i...
Nov 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 356
In this week’s episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Arianna Nunez and Faith Smart. In this episode, youth with lived experience in foster care share their perspectives on medical care - what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish healthcare providers understood. They reflect on the importance of being spoken to directly, knowing what to expect during exams, and feeling respected as active participants in their own care. Their insights offer valuable guidance for pediatricians seeki...
Oct 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 355
In this week’s episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Kristine Fortin, MD. They will focus on what it takes to optimize care for children and youth in foster care. Our guest discusses how pediatricians can apply trauma-informed practices to foster trust, enhance communication, and address the distinct healthcare needs of this population. The conversation also explores common barriers foster youth face in accessing consistent, coordinated care - and highlights resources available to su...
Oct 21, 2025•21 min•Ep. 354
In this episode of The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Kristine Fortin, MD. Listen in to the discussion on what is best when providing care for children in foster care with unique challenges. This week, we discuss how often these children should be seen and how to tailor visits using a trauma-informed approach. We explore when it’s appropriate to involve children in their treatment planning, and when their age or developmental stage may limit participation. Many foste...
Oct 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 353
In this episode of The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Kyla Clark, Strengthening Families Program Administrator, provides an inside look at how the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) works to protect children and support families. She explains the different types of foster care placements, the circumstances under which children may be removed from their homes, and the efforts made to reunify families whenever possible. This conversation helps listeners under...
Oct 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 352
Bonus Episode: Book Club with Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP and Angelo Giardino, MD, FAAP In months with five weeks, The Virtual Curbside pauses clinical discussions for something a little different - a pediatric book club. This month, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, sits down with Angelo Giardino, MD, FAAP, to explore Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. Together, they reflect on the global impact of tuberculosis, its toll on developing nations, and the challenges and opportunities physicians face in ...
Sep 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 351
In the final episode of our congenital heart disease and neurodevelopment series, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by experts Kristi Glotzbach, MD, Sarah Winter, MD, and Laura Wood, PhD. Together, they answer listener questions and share practical resources to help providers support children with CHD and related developmental challenges. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. For more information about available credit, visit vCurb.com. ACCME Accreditation Statement This activity has b...
Sep 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 350
In this episode of The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by experts Sarah Winter, MD, and Laura Wood, PhD, who explore the connection between congenital heart disease (CHD) and neurodevelopmental challenges. The conversation highlights the outpatient resources available to help children thrive - speech, developmental, occupational, and physical therapies - as well as the role of schools and IEPs in supporting growth and learning. Listeners will also hear about the importan...
Sep 16, 2025•18 min•Ep. 349
This week on The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by experts Sarah Winter, MD, and Jori Harris, MS, to discuss the neurodevelopmental challenges frequently seen in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Together, they outline the common phenotypes associated with CHD, why these patterns matter for long-term outcomes, and how pediatricians can recognize and address concerns early. The conversation also highlights practical approaches for supporting families and conn...
Sep 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 348
In this week's episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and guests Kristi Glotzbach, MD, and Laura Wood, PhD discuss recommendations for recognizing and addressing neurodevelopmental risks in infants and children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Listen in as they review strategies for risk identification, protection, screening, and evaluation, and focus on how clinicians can stratify risk for neurodevelopmental challenges in this vulnerable population. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com....
Sep 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 347
This week, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP is joined by Albert Park, MD, and Adrienne Johnson, AuD, to answer listener questions, including how the language pediatric providers use can shape families’ understanding and follow-through with additional testing, as well as how advances in technology are transforming implants and hearing aids. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. For more information about available credit, visit vCurb.com. ACCME Accreditation Statement This activity has been plann...
Aug 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 346
In this episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP is joined by Albert Park, MD , and Adrienne Johnson, AuD , to explore why failed newborn hearing screens should never be overlooked. The discussion covers how to interpret screening results, the most common risk factors for hearing loss in infants, and when to act quickly for follow-up testing and intervention. Learn practical tips for counseling families, coordinating timely referrals, and ensuring no child slips through the cracks during this critica...
Aug 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 345
In this episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP is joined by Albert Park, MD , and Adrienne Johnson, AuD , to explore why failed newborn hearing screens should never be overlooked. The discussion covers how to interpret screening results, the most common risk factors for hearing loss in infants, and when to act quickly for follow-up testing and intervention. Learn practical tips for counseling families, coordinating timely referrals, and ensuring no child slips through the cracks during this critica...
Aug 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 344
In this episode, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Albert Park, MD, and Adrienne Johnson, AuD, for an important discussion on hearing evaluations for infants and children. They explore how hearing can be assessed at any age, the basics of diagnostic testing, and why early identification is crucial for a child’s development. Whether you’re a pediatrician, audiologist, or simply want to understand the process better, this episode offers valuable insights into supporting children with potent...
Aug 05, 2025•32 min•Ep. 343
This week, we’re answering your questions about eating disorders in adolescents. From recognizing early warning signs to understanding when to seek help, host Dr. Paul Wirkus, talks with Megan Jensen, CEDS, MPH, RDN, CD, and Nicole Holland, RD Intern, to address common concerns submitted by our listeners. Tune in for practical insights to help you better support teens who may be struggling with disordered eating. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. For more information about available cr...
Jul 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 342
This week on The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Megan Jensen, CEDS, MPH, RDN, CD, and Nicole Holland, RD Intern, for a thoughtful conversation on how to talk with children and families about eating disorders. Together, they discuss how pediatricians can recognize early warning signs, approach sensitive conversations with empathy, and connect families with the right resources. From disordered eating patterns to body image concerns, this episode provides valuable tools...
Jul 22, 2025•26 min•Ep. 341
This week, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, sits down with experts Megan Jensen, CEDS, MPH, RDN, CD and Nicole Holland, Intern (RD) to explore how pediatricians can support healthy eating patterns in children and families. From addressing common nutritional pitfalls to offering practical guidance on balanced diets, the conversation covers what works—and how to talk about food in a way that empowers rather than shames. Whether it’s food insecurity or building lifelong habits, this episode offers real-...
Jul 15, 2025•26 min•Ep. 340
This month, host Dr. Paul Wirkus is joined by experts Megan Jensen, CEDS, MPH, RDN, CD and Nicole Holland, Intern (RD) to discuss how pediatric providers can better recognize the early signs and symptoms of eating disorders. They’ll cover red flags to watch for in clinical settings, subtle behavioral cues, and how early identification can lead to timely, life-saving intervention. Tune in for a practical, evidence-based conversation to help you spot disordered eating early and support adolescent ...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 339
Bonus Episode: Book Club with Dr. Paul Wirkus and Dr. Angelo Giardino In months with five weeks, The Virtual Curbside takes a break from clinical topics for something a little different—a pediatrician book club. This month, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Angelo Giardino, MD, FAAP, to discuss The Nature Fix by Florence Williams, an exploration of how nature impacts our brains, bodies, and overall well-being. No credit available for this episode. See vcurb.com for additional episodes....
Jul 01, 2025•19 min•Ep. 337
This Week on The Virtual Curbside : Measles Q&A In this final episode of the measles series, host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by experts Andy Pavia, MD, and TW Jones, MD, to answer listener questions. The conversation covers practical clinical concerns around measles, including diagnosis, outbreak response, and prevention strategies. The group also dives into broader vaccine topics—discussing the MMR vaccine, mRNA vaccines, and lessons learned from COVID-19. Have a question? Email quest...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 338
This Week on The Virtual Curbside : Containing Measles – What Works and What Doesn’t In this episode, we focus on containing the spread of measles—what pediatricians need to know about effective infection control, public health coordination, and common missteps. Host Dr. Paul Wirkus and Andy Pavia, MD along with TW Jones, MD, and Mary Fortini, DO also tackle the misunderstood role of Vitamin A in measles treatment, dispelling myths and clarifying where it fits (and doesn’t) in clinical practice....
Jun 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 336
In this episode, we go beyond the clinical basics to explore the history of measles, common complications, and current approaches to diagnosis and management. Our guests also tackle the rise in misinformation and share strategies for having effective, empathetic conversations with families about measles and the MMR vaccine. Listen to the fascinating discussion with host Dr. Paul Wirkus, who is joined by TW Jones, MD, Andy Pavia, MD, and Mary Fortini, DO. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.co...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 335
Measles was once considered nearly eliminated in North America - but in recent years, cases have reemerged across the U.S. and Canada, raising serious public health concerns. In this episode, host Dr. Paul Wirkus is joined by Mary Fortini, DO, TW Jones, MD and Andy Pavia, MD to explore the factors driving the resurgence of measles in 2025. They’ll cover current epidemiology, outbreak trends, and what pediatric providers need to know to stay alert and prepared. Tune in for a timely, informative c...
Jun 03, 2025•20 min•Ep. 334
This week wraps up our Office Emergencies series on The Virtual Curbside! Tune in as host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and guest expert Stephanie Spanos, MD, answer listener questions and bring this insightful series to a close. Don’t miss this final episode filled with practical takeaways, real-world scenarios, and thoughtful discussion to help your practice stay prepared. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. Want more information about Common Problems in Pediatrics , June 3-4, 2025? Register ...
May 27, 2025•23 min•Ep. 333
This week on The Virtual Curbside , host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, is joined by Stephanie Spanos, MD, to talk all things planning and preparedness. From ambulatory bags and AEDs to team roles and EMS coordination, they break down what every pediatric office needs to be ready for emergencies. Tune in for practical tips, real-world scenarios, and tools to help your entire team stay calm and capable when it matters most. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. Your questions will be answered next ...
May 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 332
This week on The Virtual Curbside , we’re talking about one of the most practical tools in pediatric emergency preparedness: simulations. From front desk protocols to medical assistant roles and procedure planning, simulations help ensure every member of the care team knows what to do - and has what they need - when seconds count. Host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and guest Stephanie Spanos, MD, explore how to run effective simulations, evaluate your equipment (especially for pediatric-specific needs)...
May 13, 2025•40 min•Ep. 331
This month on The Virtual Curbside , we’re diving into a topic every pediatric office needs but hopes they never have to use — emergency preparedness. From natural disasters to medical emergencies, having a solid office emergency plan is essential for protecting patients, families, and staff. Join host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and emergency preparedness expert Stephanie Spanos, MD, for a practical, insightful conversation on how to create, implement, and regularly update your office’s emergency pl...
May 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 330
This week marks the final episode of our Neonatology series on The Virtual Curbside ! Don’t miss the opportunity to hear listener questions answered by neonatology experts. Join host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and special guest Tara DuPont, MD, for an engaging and informative discussion as they wrap up this outstanding series. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. Want more information about Common Problems in Pediatrics , June 3-4, 2025? Register now. For more information about available cred...
Apr 29, 2025•11 min•Ep. 329
This week, adjusting age for milestones for NICU graduates will be discussed with host Paul Wirkus, MD, FAAP, and Tara DuPont, MD. Have a question? Email questions@vcurb.com. Your questions will be answered next week. Want more information about Common Problems in Pediatrics , June 3-4, 2025? Register now. For more information about available credit, visit vCurb.com. ACCME Accreditation Statement This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and...
Apr 22, 2025•20 min•Ep. 328
