​Welcome to the Conversations About Care Podcast!​​​​

This is part 3 of the Navigating Access to Pharmacotherapy series. This series delves into the national landscape of healthcare access and coverage for adolescents seeking pharmacotherapy. In this episode, Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Amy Christison, FAAP, an associated professor of pediatrics at the University of Illinois, diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and Medical Director of Healthy Kids U, in Peoria, Illinois. She is also joined by Dr. Katie Queen, FAAP, DABOM, a double board-certified pediatrician in pediatrics and obesity medicine, Director of the Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health Weight and Nutrition Center in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Resources:

• Coding Quick Reference Card
• AAP Coding Hotline

This is part 1 of the Navigating Access to Pharmacotherapy series. This series delves into the national landscape of healthcare access and coverage for adolescents seeking pharmacotherapy. In this episode, Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN the Vice President of Advocacy and Research, at the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). She is also joined by Dr. Sarah Armstrong, FAAP, an associate director of the Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight and professor of pediatrics at Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina.

Resources:

• Obesity Action Coalition
• Access to Care - Obesity Action Coalition
• Coding Quick Reference Card
• AAP Coding Hotline

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Natalie Muth and Registered Dietitian Carrie Hamady to explore balanced approaches to nutrition and engage in meaningful conversations about healthy eating with families. They tackle popular nutrition topics, including high-protein diets and saturated fats. They also discuss how to identify credible sources of nutrition information.

Resources:

• Sign up for the Nourish & Flourish 2026 Webinar Series
• Watch the 2025 Nourish & Flourish webinar series *(Under "Webinars" > "Nourish & Flourish Webinar Series"))
• Sign up for access to the Nourish & Flourish Speaker's Kit

The AAP gratefully acknowledges support for the Nouris​​h & Flourish Speaker's Kit, and this podcast episode, from the National Dairy Council.

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Joey Skelton, a professor of pediatrics, and of epidemiology and prevention, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Together they discuss Dr. Skelton's new book, Your Child is Not their Weight.

Resources:

• Your Child Is Not Their Weight: Parenting in a Size-Obsessed World
• The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living
• Eating Disorder Webinar Series, 2024 & 2025 (Obesity Education Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals)
• Building a Foundation for Healthy Active Living, Module Series

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Sarah Hampl, Professor of Pediatrics at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, and lead author on the 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline on Obesity. Dr. Hassink is also joined by Dr. Sarah Barlow, Professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and executive council member on the section on obesity (SOOb). Together they discuss the 2025 AAP National Conference and Exhibition (NCE).

Related Resources:

• AAP National Conference and Exhibition
• AAP Section on Obesity
• Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Kimberly Montez, a general pediatrician and author on the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Toolkit for Pediatricians to Address Food Security. Together, they discuss the impact of food insecurity on children, how pediatricians can assess families for food insecurity, and the new EQUIPP module on promoting food security.

Resources:

• EQIPP: Promoting Food Security
• Building Pediatrician Capacity to Address Food Insecurity
• Screen and Intervene: A Toolkit for Pediatricians to Address Food Insecurity 
• Food Insecurity - Episode 2 - Conversations About Care

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Asheley C. Skinner, Professor of Population Health at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Skinner also served as the methodologist on the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity. Together, they discuss the evidence behind the CPG.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• CPG Technical Report (I)
• CPG Technical Report (II)

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Faith Heeren, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Heeren, once a pediatric patient at the Duke Healthy Lifestyles Clinic, is now a patient advocate and researcher focused on clinical interventions for adolescent obesity. Together, they discuss Dr. Heeren's journey and experiences with obesity treatment.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• Treatment for Obesity in Children and Teens 
• Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for My Child 

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Lauren Fiechtner, the Director of Nutrition at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition. She is also the Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Together they discuss early feeding and food introduction.
 
Related Resources:

• Building a Foundation for Healthy Active Living Modules 
• Healthy Active Living From Birth to Age 2, Resource Portal
• The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living

Dr. Sandra Hassink is joined by Dr. Kimberly Avila Edwards, Associate Chair of Advocacy in the Department of Pediatrics at Dell Medical School. Together they discuss the new, free module series "Building a Foundation for Healthy Active Living."

Related Resources:

• Building a Foundation for Healthy Active Living Modules
• Healthy Active Living From Birth to Age 2, Resource Portal
• The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living

Dr. Hassink is joined by Ted Kyle, a healthcare professional, advocate, advisor and founder of ConscienHealth.

Related Resources:

• Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity
• The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living 

Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Vinny Biggs, a general pediatrician and director of the Holyoke Health Center, pediatric weight management program.

Related Resources:

• Pediatrician's Role in Obesity Treatment, Video
• Capacity Assessment Checklist
• IHBLT Background
• IHBLT Programs 
• Healthy Weight Clinic

Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Natalie Muth and Dr. Christopher Bolling, primary authors on the new clinical report, The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living.

Related Resources:

• Clinical Report: The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living
• AAP News: How Can You Support Patients in Healthy, Active Living? Check Out Updated Report
• News Release: American Academy of Pediatrics Identifies Keys to Promote Child Health and Help Families Aim for Healthier Lifestyles 
• HealthyChildren.org: Helping Kids Build Healthy Active Lives: AAP Policy Explained

Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Mona Sharifi and Dr. Dan Imler. Mona was a member of the CPG Obesity Subcommittee and is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Yale University School of Medicine, and of Health informatics at Yale School of Health. Dan is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine at Stanford University, and the founder of Curbside Health. They discuss a high-level overview and introduction to the new Obesity CPG Pathway.

Related Resources:

• CPG Pathway FAQ
• Video Introduction to the Pathway
• CPG Pathway Infographic
• CPG Pathway Opportunity Overview

Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Ashley Weedn, a member of the CPG authoring subcommittee, who is also the Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma, the Medical Director of the Healthy Futures Clinic, and the Director of pediatric obesity research in the department of pediatrics. They discuss comorbid conditions associated with pediatric obesity.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• Obesity Self Study CME Modules
• Clinical Flow: Assessment and Evaluation

Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Katie Queen, a pediatrician board certified in obesity medicine. She is the Medical Director for the Center for Weight and Nutrition for Our Lady of Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, and works in a pediatric clinic in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• What is (IHBL)T?
• Evaluation and Treatment Coding Card

Dr Hassink is joined by Dr. Marc Michalsky to discuss metabolic and bariatric surgery. Dr. Michalsky is the Director for the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital and a Professor of Surgery at Ohio State.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right for My Child?
• Assessing and Building Capacity for Obesity Treatment– (See list of Accredited Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Centers)

In this episode, Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Claudia Fox to discuss the use of pharmacotherapy. Dr. Fox is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Co-Director of the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Fox is also a member of the Section on Obesity Executive Committee.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• Clinical Flow Treatment
• Obesity CME Courses

In this episode, we are sharing a conversation between three patients and their providers as they discuss their experiences with obesity treatment. This episode will explore how important the patient provider relationship is, tips on what makes a good interaction, and how treatment can impact a patient’s quality of life.

Related Resources:

• Obesity CPG Homepage
• Treatment for Obesity in Children and Teens
• Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for My Child

This episode is part of the CPG Implementation Podcast Series. In this episode, Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Sarah Hampl to discuss the release of the AAP Clinical Practice Guideline on the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity. Sarah is a professor of pediatrics at Children's Mercy of Kansas City and the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. She practices obesity medicine at the center for Children's Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition and was the chair for the CPG subcommittee that wrote the new obesity guidance.

Related Resources:

• Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity
• Obesity CPG Homepage
• AAP News Article

In this episode Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Joe Wright, the Chief Health Equity Officer for the University of Maryland, a current member of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Chair of the AAP Board’s Committee on Equity. Dr Wright shares some highlights from the new AAP policy statement on eliminated race-based medicine and provides ways pediatricians can continue to elevate such topics within their practice, to help move the needle towards equity in healthcare for all children. [Transcription]

Related Resources:

• Eliminating Race-based Medicine Policy Statement
• Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents with Obesity
• AAP Equity Agenda

In this episode Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Thresia Gambon, a primary care pediatrician and Eatable Alphabet grantee, to take a deeper look at obesity prevention and how Dr. Gambon is trying to change the way she talks to families about food. [Transcription]

Related Resources:

• Early Feeding Module: Healthy Snacks
• Bright Futures: Nutrition, 3rd Edition & Pocket Guide
• Conversations About Care Podcast: Episode 5: Cultural Considerations for Obesity Care
• CHOPCHOP Family Website
• CHOPCHOP Quick Bites Poster
• and CHOPCHOP Finger Foods Poster

In this episode Dr. Hassink is joined by Dr. Sarah Armstrong and Dr. Jennifer Groos two general pediatricians and active AAP members to discuss how the pandemic has impacted their patients. (Released: December 2021) [Transcription​]​​​​​

Related Resources:

• The following AAP Policy Statements and Interim Guidance:
  • ​​Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents with Obesity​
  • Obesity Management and Treatment During COVID-19
  • Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity During COVID-19
• Robert Wood Johnson - State of Obesity Report
• Bright Futures - Questionnaires and Screeners ​

In this episode Dr. Hassink sits down with Dr. Amy Christison, pediatrician and Director of the Healthy Kids U Weight Management Clinic at the University of Illinois Medical School, to discuss the impact screen time is having on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Released: July 2021) [Transcription​​]

Related Resources:

• Family Media Plan (HealthyChildren.org)
• Episode 7 of Conversations About Care - Physical Activity
• The following AAP Policy Statements: 
• Children, Adolescents, and the Media
• Media Use in School- Aged Children and Adolescents
• Physical Activity Assessment and Counseling in Pediatric Clinical Settings
• The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children

In this bonus episode Dr. Hassink sits down with Victoria Rogers, MD, FAAP and Ihuoma Eneli, MD to discuss two new pieces of interim guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, focused on obesity prevention, management and ongoing treatment during the time of COVID-19. Dr. Rogers is the Director of Let's Go in Maine and Dr. Eneli is the Director for the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition with Nationwide's Children Hospital. In this conversation, they discuss the new guidance and the role of pediatricians during the pandemic. (Released: March 2021) [Transcription]​​​​ ​​

Related Resources:

• Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Obesity Management and Treatment During COVID-19
• Screen and Intervene: A Toolkit for Pediatricians to Address Food Insecurity​

In this episode Dr. Hassink is joined by Blaise A. ​Nemeth, MD, MS who is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a non-operative pediatric orthopedics and pediatric obesity expert. Dr. Nemeth is also the lead author of the AAP policy titled “Physical Activity Assessment and Counseling in Pediatric Clinical Settings". In this discussion they talk about various strategies for encouraging physical activity in patients while remaining sensitive to their unique needs and concerns. (Released: August 2020) [Transcription]

Related Resources:

• AAP Policy: 
• Physical Activity Assessment and Counseling in Pediatric Clinical Settings
• The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children
• Organized Sports for Children, Preadolescents, and Adolescents
• Sports Specialization and Intensive Training in Young Athletes ​

In this episode Dr. Hassink speaks with Ihuoma Eneli, MD, MS, FAAP who is a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and a Director of the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Children's Hospital about the importance cultural considerations in clinical care. They discuss how medical care providers can create a culturally sensitive environment for meeting their patients' unique needs, and build a lasting and meaningful patient-physician relationship.​ (Released: July 2020) [Transcrip​tion]​​

Related Resources:​​

• ​AAP Policy: Enhanc​ing Pediatric Workforce Diversity and Providing Culturally Effective Pediatric Care​
  
• ChangeTalk App on Motivational Interviewing ​
• Milton’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity​
  
• The 6 C's of Developing Cultural Sensitivity (Printable ​Download)

In this conversation Dr. Hassink is joined by Jennifer Groos, MD, FAAP who is a lead physician for 5210 Health Care projects at United Way of Central Iowa and the Iowa Medical Society. ​Dr. Groos also serves as Lead Faculty for the Childhood Obesity in Primary Care quality improvement project. ​​They discuss the importance of Weight for Length (WFL), tracking WFL with regard to obesity, when to intervene, and more. ​ (Released: April 2020) [Transcription]

Related Resources:​​

• ​Weight for Lengt​h WHO/Bright Futures​ Growth Charts
• WHO Growth Chart Recommendations (Age 0-2)
• Healthy Active Living Mini​ Mo​dules​ (CME credit available) ​
• ​Early Feeding Patient and Parent Resources​
• ​Food Insecurity: What Can Pediatricians Do? Webinar
• Empowering ​Families Through WIC​​ Webinar​
• Finger Foods Poster

In this conversation Sandy is joined by Ryan Buchholz, MD, FAAP, a primary care pediatrician at the Upper Cardozo Health Center in Washington DC. Sandy and Ryan discuss food insecurity as a social determinant of health, and go over examples of what food insecurity may look like for different families. They also share ideas and challenges about screening tools, use of local and national resources, and hopes for the future. (Released: November 2019) [Transcription]

Related Resources:

• Food Insecurity Mini Module (CME credit available) 
  
• Food Insecurity Webinar
• Food Insecurity Toolkit for Pediatricians

In this conversation with Chris Bolling, MD, FAAP, a primary care pediatrician from Kentucky and Chair of the Section on Obesity, Sandy and Chris discuss their challenges and solutions to addressing picky eating with patients and families. (Released: September 2019) [Transcription]

 ​​Related Resources:

• Early Feeding Mini-Modules (CME credit available)
• Picky eating infographic and video for parent education (English and Spanish versions available)
• ChopChop and Sprout kids cooking magazines
• Healthy Active Living (Parent Resource)
• Bright ​Futures Previsit Questionnaires, Handouts, and Forms​