Published by Nemours Children's Health
Exploring people, programs and partnerships addressing whole child health.
Listen on Apple PodcastsMilitary-connected children and teens face unique behavioral health challenges, from frequent moves and disruptions in care to parental deployments, long wait times and navigating health care systems that don't always move with them. In part two of this series, tied to the release of two policy papers from Nemours Children's Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the conversation shifts to the clinicians and program leaders working to improve access to behavioral health care for military-connected youth. They explore the barriers families face when seeking mental health care for their children, the potential of telehealth and interstate licensure compacts to expand access, and why military-informed care, cross-sector collaboration and a whole-family approach are essential to improving outcomes. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Monica Barreto, PhD , Clinical Director, Primary Care Integrated Behavioral Health, Nemours Children's Health Jeanine Hoff, MSW, MAS, LCSW, Mental Health Provider, Pediatric Acute Telemental Health (PATH) Program, Nemours Children’s Health Jennifer Crockett, PhD , Director of Telehealth, Director of Behavioral Health Services for Military Families, The Kennedy-Krieger Institute Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Resources Mentioned in This Series: Serving Military-Connected Children: Access to Care (PDF) Serving Military-Connected Children: Mental Health and Well-Being (PDF) Free, online course: Caring for Children and Teens in Military Caregiving Families Initiatives at Nemours Children’s to support military-connected youth Military Child and Family Collaboratory One Op Star Behavioral Health Providers Kennedy Krieger Behavioral Health Program for Military Families Military-focused programs : FOCUS UCLA Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness Penn State Military REACH Auburn University Hidden Helpers Coalition To inquire about joining the Hidden Helpers Coalition, email hiddenhelpers@elizabethdolefoundation.org Past Well Beyond Medicine episodes with related topics: Ep. 70: Hidden Helpers, Hidden No More (Part 1 of 2) Ep. 71: Hidden Helpers Heard (Part 2 of 2) Ep. 90: Forum – Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 1 of 2) Ep. 91: Forum - Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 2 of 2) Ep. 167: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 1 of 2) E p. 168: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 2 of 2) General questions related to the content addressed during the podcast: NationalOffice@nemours.org Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Military-connected families are often praised for their resilience. But behind every deployment, relocation, and homecoming are children navigating constant change — and too often, gaps in the mental healthcare system meant to support them. In the first episode of this two-part series, we speak with policy leaders from Nemours Children's Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, along with military-connected parents and advocates, about the unique behavioral health challenges facing military-connected youth. From frequent moves and disrupted continuity of care to the stigma surrounding mental health, they discuss what's working, where the system falls short and the policy solutions that could help ensure every military-connected child has access to the care they need, wherever military life takes their family. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's Health Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Engagement, Elizabeth Dole Foundation Duane Duke, MD, FACS, FAAP, Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves, Trauma Medical Director, Nemours Children’s Health Allison Mejia, Child & Family Advocate, Military Spouse Elizabeth (Liz) Rotenberry, Director, Caregiver Engagement, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Military Spouse Host/Producer: Carol Vassar PLEASE NOTE: The comments and opinions of Dr. Duane Duke are his own and do not represent those of the U.S. Army Reserves. Resources Mentioned in This Series: Serving Military-Connected Children: Access to Care (PDF) Serving Military-Connected Children: Mental Health and Well-Being (PDF) Free, online course: Caring for Children and Teens in Military Caregiving Families Initiatives at Nemours Children’s to support military-connected youth Military Child and Family Collaboratory One Op Star Behavioral Health Providers Kennedy Krieger Behavioral Health Program for Military Families Military-focused programs : FOCUS UCLA Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness Penn State Military REACH Auburn University Hidden Helpers Coalition To inquire about joining the Hidden Helpers Coalition, email hiddenhelpers@elizabethdolefoundation.org Past Well Beyond Medicine episodes with related topics: Ep. 70: Hidden Helpers, Hidden No More (Part 1 of 2) Ep. 71: Hidden Helpers Heard (Part 2 of 2) Ep. 90: Forum – Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 1 of 2) Ep. 91: Forum - Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 2 of 2) Ep. 167: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 1 of 2) E p. 168: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 2 of 2) General questions related to the content addressed during the podcast: NationalOffice@nemours.org Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
What if the space around you could help you heal? We explore the thoughtful design behind the new Institute for Maternal-Fetal Health at Nemours Children's Health, where every detail was intentionally created to support families facing high-risk pregnancies. Learn how evidence-based health care design brings together architecture, clinical care and emotional wellbeing to reduce stress, improve outcomes for mothers and babies and create an environment where healing begins the moment families walk through the door. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Laura Morris, CHID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, Lean Green Belt , Design Principal, Perkins&Will Erin O'Hara, BSN, RNC-OB , Director, Institute for Maternal-Fetal Health, Nemours Children's Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Teen relationships have changed dramatically in the digital age. Today, connections often develop through social media, text messages, video chats and location-sharing apps, creating new opportunities for communication – but also new risks for coercion, control and abuse. Dianne M. Alvarez, DO, Researcher and Resident Physician, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Emily Egbert, MAT, MPH, ScM, Researcher, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explore the growing issue of teen digital dating violence, how common it is and what parents, clinicians, educators and communities can do to help young people recognize unhealthy behaviors and build safe, healthy relationships. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Dianne M. Alvarez, DO , Researcher and Resident Physician, Nationwide Children's Hospital Emily Egbert, MAT, MPH, ScM, Researcher, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Just when it seemed decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use were making a lasting impact, a new generation of nicotine products has emerged — more potent, more discreet and, in many cases, more addictive than ever before. Susan Walley, MD, MHCM, SFHM, FAAP, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, discusses the resurgence of youth nicotine use, the growing popularity of flavored vapes and nicotine pouches, and why these products are raising concerns among pediatricians and public health experts. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Susan Walley, MD, MHCM, SFHM, FAAP, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Medicaid covers nearly half of America’s children, but its impact goes far beyond doctor’s visits and hospital stays. James Perrin, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Founder of the MGH Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, explains why Medicaid is one of the nation’s most important investments in children, what’s at stake in current policy debates and how a health care system designed to support health — not just treat illness — could improve outcomes for generations to come. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: James Perrin, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital and Harvard Medical School Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
A child's health journey doesn't begin at birth — it begins much earlier. In the first part of our two-part Maternal Fetal Health series, Julie S. Moldenhauer, MD, PMH-C, Executive Director, Institute for Maternal Fetal Health, Elizabeth W. Snyder Endowed Chair in Fetal Therapy and Innovation, Nemours Children’s Health, explores how care before birth can shape lifelong health outcomes. She shares why a children's hospital is investing in care for mothers, babies and families together, and how advances in prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention, genetic testing, and coordinated family support are transforming the future of pediatric care. Discover how maternal-fetal health is redefining when and where whole child health begins. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Julie S. Moldenhauer, MD, PMH-C, FACOG, FACMGG, Executive Director, Institute for Maternal Fetal Health, Elizabeth W. Snyder Endowed Chair in Fetal Therapy and Innovation, Nemours Children’s Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
What happens when pediatricians bring their expertise beyond scientific journals and into the public conversation? Weijen W. Chang, MD, FAAP, SFHM, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Nemours Children’s Health, explores how writing can be a powerful tool for advocacy in children’s health. From op-eds and essays to newsletters and personal storytelling, he discusses how clinicians can use their voices to elevate important issues, influence policy and connect with audiences beyond the clinical setting. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Weijen W. Chang, MD, FAAP, SFHM , Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Nemours Children’s Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Narrative medicine invites clinicians into a simple yet profound practice: listening differently. Kristen Copeland, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, Nimisha Bajaj, MD, Palliative Care Specialist, Children’s National Hospital, and Anoushka Sinha, MD, Adolescent Medicine Specialist, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, explore how storytelling, reflective writing, close listening and the humanities can deepen understanding of children and families navigating illness, trauma, grief and uncertainty. Grounded in the pioneering work of Dr. Rita Charon and the narrative medicine program at Columbia University, the conversation highlights how these practices can strengthen trust, cultivate empathy and bring greater humanity into pediatric care. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Kristen Copeland, MD , Professor of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center Nimisha Bajaj, MD , Palliative Care Specialist, Children’s National Hospital Anoushka Sinha, MD , Adolescent Medicine Specialist, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Children’s health in America is at a critical crossroads. From Medicaid uncertainty and workforce shortages and burnout to rising mental health needs, misinformation and the growing impact of social media and AI, pediatric care is facing unprecedented pressure. Mark Del Monte, JD, CEO, Executive Vice President, American Academy of Pediatrics, explores the current state of pediatrics, why advocacy is central to the practice of medicine for children, and what continues to give him hope for the future of children’s health. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Mark Del Monte, JD, CEO, Executive Vice President, American Academy of Pediatrics Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Caribbean American Heritage Month sets the stage for Dr. Myron Rolle’s extraordinary journey from his Bahamian roots to Rhodes Scholar, professional football player and pediatric neurosurgeon. He reflects on the experiences and values that shaped his path, and how family, discipline, education, and service continue to guide his work in the operating room and beyond. He also shares why teamwork, mentorship and giving back remain central to his mission in medicine and in the community. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Myron Rolle, MD, MS, former NFL player, pediatric neurosurgeon, Nemours Children's Health, and President/Founder, The Myron L. Rolle Foundation Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
What does the future of pediatric care look like when research, collaboration and evidence come together? Recorded in Boston at the 2026 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Physician-in-Chief and Chief Scientific Officer, Nemours Children's Health, joins us to explore the studies shaping what’s next in children’s health. From advances in sepsis treatment and newborn nutrition to the potential of precision population health and fetal interventions, this conversation shows how simple, evidence-based changes paired with strong partnerships can improve outcomes for generations of children. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Physician-in-Chief and Chief Scientific Officer, Nemours Children's Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
One in five pediatric hospital deaths is linked to sepsis — a statistic that has driven decades of research and is now reshaping clinical guidelines worldwide. With the 2026 enhanced guidelines just published, there's no better time to dig into what the science is telling us. We're joined by Scott L. Weiss, MD, MSCE, Division Chief of Critical Care Medicine and Vice-Chair for Research at Nemours Children's Health — and co-author of both the 2020 and 2026 guidelines — to walk us through the research building a clearer, more consistent approach to recognizing and treating pediatric sepsis, and what it means for children and the clinicians who care for them. Watch the episode on YouTube. Learn more about pediatric research at Nemours . Featuring: Scott L. Weiss, MD, MSCE, Division Chief, Critical Care Medicine; Vice‑Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Quality and safety in pediatric care have transformed over the past three decades, moving away from a culture of blame toward one centered on thoughtful system design and continuous improvement. Pediatric quality and safety leaders from across the country discuss how that evolution has enabled more proactive approaches to preventing harm, along with stronger collaboration throughout hospitals and health systems. We also explore how insights from frontline care teams, partnerships with families, and the use of predictive analytics are helping identify risks earlier and improve outcomes for children across the care continuum. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Jared Capouya, MD, MS, HQS, Vice President, Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Nemours Children’s Health Sandip Godambe, MD, PhD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, SVP Medical Affairs, Rady Children’s Health Orange County, Orange and Mission Viejo Lara Wood, MN, RN, CPN, CPPS, Senior Associate Clinical Director, Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
“Food as medicine” is transforming the future of pediatric care. From programs like WIC to the essential role of registered dietitians, nutrition is emerging as a powerful driver of better outcomes for children. Allison Steiber, RD, PhD, Chief Mission, Impact and Strategy Officer, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, shares her organization’s Food as Medicine roadmap and unpacks the critical gaps in access, funding, and awareness that stand in the way of impact. She also discusses what it will take to ensure every child has the nutrition they need not just to grow, but to truly thrive. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Allison Steiber, RD, PhD, Chief Mission, Impact and Strategy Officer, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, Executive Director, Infodemiology Initiative, and infectious disease epidemiologist, joins us to unpack the “infodemic,” the overwhelming flood of health information shaping how we think, decide and act. From misinformation to trust, she explains why science isn’t finished until it’s communicated — and what each of us can do to navigate today’s complex information landscape more responsibly. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, Executive Director, Infodemiology Initiative Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
The road to an autism diagnosis can sometimes take years between a family's first concerns and a formal evaluation. In this episode, we explore the science behind a new hair-based biomarker screening tool in the early stages of development, and seek to understand what researchers hope it could one day offer as part of a larger clinical picture. Our guest, David Elkin, PhD, a pediatric clinical psychologist and VP, Clinical Liaison & Advocacy at LinusBio, talks about how the tool works, what the current research suggests, and, importantly, what the tool cannot do. The test is designed to help clinicians rule out autism risk, not confirm a diagnosis, and it remains one of many steps in a comprehensive evaluation process. This is a conversation about emerging science, the complexity of autism diagnosis, and the ongoing search for tools that can support, not replace, the clinicians who serve these families. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: David Elkin, PhD, VP, Clinical Liaison and Advocacy, LinusBio Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
New federal dietary guidelines arrived earlier this year, introducing a redesigned food model and updated recommendations for children and families. From whole foods and age-specific guidance to ultra-processed foods, school meals, food anxiety, and obesity prevention, this episode translates national policy into practical, everyday strategies. Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric and Public Health, and Director, Culinary Medicine Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Marlene Rafferty, RD, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Nemours Children's Health, break down what the 2025 -2030 Dietary Guidelines mean for kids. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Jaclyn Albin, MD, CCMS, DipABLM , Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric and Public Health, and Director, Culinary Medicine Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Marlene Rafferty, RD , Senior Clinical Dietitian, Nemours Children's Health Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
Hospitals can be intimidating for children, especially when they don’t understand what’s happening. Nancy Tinsley, RN, MBA, FACHE, Chairman, Xploro Inc., joins us to discuss Xploro’s gamified platform that uses interactive stories, avatars and games to help kids and families understand medical care. The goal: reduce fear and anxiety while empowering children to take an active role in their healthcare journey. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Nancy Tinsley, RN, MBA, FACHE, Chairman, Xploro Inc. Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .
As health care advances in the digital era, how do we ensure we don’t lose the human touch? Jennifer Goldsack, MChem, MA, MBA, OLY, founder and CEO, Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), and a former Olympian, discusses the promise of digital medicine, the ethics and trust surrounding health data and why keeping humanity at the center of health care innovation is essential. Watch the episode on YouTube. Featuring: Jennifer Goldsack, MChem, MA, MBA, OLY, founder and CEO, Digital Medicine Society Host/Producer: Carol Vassar Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. Subscribe, review or let your voice be heard at NemoursWellBeyond.org .