Category: Children’s Health

Tiny Beginnings: How Medicine Saves the Tiniest Lives (Ep.50)

Tiny Beginnings: How Medicine Saves the Tiniest Lives (Ep.50)

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Premature birth is one of the toughest starts a newborn can face — and one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell explore the science, survival, and humanity behind preterm birth with expert neonatologist Dr. Jennifer Palarczyk, faculty member at UT Health San Antonio.

With 1 in 10 babies worldwide born too early, this episode sheds light on the causes, risks, groundbreaking advancements, and the incredible resilience of these tiny fighters.

What Prematurity Really Means

  • The medical definition of preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
  • Categories: late preterm, very preterm, and extremely preterm
  • Why every week in the womb matters for lung, brain, and temperature regulation development
  • Rising prematurity rates and what’s driving the increase

Why Babies Come Early

  • Known medical causes: infections, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, multiples
  • Nearly 50% of cases have no clear cause (“spontaneous preterm labor”)
  • Maternal health factors, prenatal care access, chronic stress, and systemic inequities
  • Why Black women face disproportionately higher preterm birth rates

Inside the NICU

A behind-the-scenes look into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — where micro-preemies weighing barely a pound fight for survival.

Dr. Palarczyk breaks down:

  • Surfactant therapy and why it changed neonatal survival forever
  • How incubators mimic the womb
  • Kangaroo care and the emotional side of NICU parenting
  • The stunning statistic: Babies born at 26 weeks now survive at 86% in the U.S.

Breakthroughs in Neonatal Medicine

  • Synthetic surfactant therapy and lung development
  • Incubator evolution (including their bizarre beginnings at Coney Island sideshows!)
  • The promise of artificial wombs
  • The crucial role of human donor milk

After the NICU: What Life Looks Like

Short-term risks discussed:

  • RDS, apnea, hypoglycemia, NEC, IVH, infection risk, jaundice

Long-term considerations:

  • Motor and language delays
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Sensory impairments
  • Higher adulthood risk of hypertension, diabetes, & heart disease

Yet — the majority of premature infants go on to live healthy, normal lives.

Why This Episode Matters

Premature birth is emotional. Complex. Full of fear and hope. This episode honors families, NICU staff, and the incredible resilience of premature babies — while highlighting the science that saves lives every day.

Resources Mentioned

  • WHO: Preterm Birth
  • Cleveland Clinic: Premature Birth Overview
  • Columbia Surgery: History of Incubators
  • American Pregnancy Association: Complications
  • March of Dimes – Prematurity Awareness

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Clinicians — claim your CME credit for listening!

https://cmetracker.net/TTUHSC/Publisher?page=pubOpen&nc=7120399723#/myPortal

 

Connect with us!

https://themededitpodcast.com/

Instagram: @TheMedEditPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/themededitpodcast/

Facebook: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/themededitpodcast/

LinkedIn: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themededitpodcast/

LinkedIn: Dr. Jessica Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Jessica-gray-md/

LinkedIn: Dr. Cari Sorrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-sorrell-42545a7b/

Filtering the Facts: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and Polycystic Kidney Disease (Ep.49)

Filtering the Facts: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and Polycystic Kidney Disease (Ep.49)

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This week on The Med Edit Podcast, Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell tackle one of medicine’s most overlooked yet widespread health issues: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Affecting roughly 1 in 7 adults in the U.S., CKD is a silent epidemic — often undetected until it reaches advanced stages.

To help separate myth from medicine, they’re joined by Dr. Ashley Garcia-Everett, a board-certified nephrologist, Associate Professor at UT Health San Antonio, and Medical Director at one of University Hospital’s dialysis centers. Together, they break down what kidney disease actually is, how it develops, and what you can do to protect your kidneys long before symptoms start.

Later in the episode, the doctors dive into Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) — one of the most common inherited kidney disorders — exploring how genetics, screening, and new therapies like tolvaptan are changing outcomes for families affected by the disease.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

What CKD Really Means

  • How kidneys act as your body’s filters — and what happens when they start to fail
  • Why diabetes and high blood pressure account for 2/3 of CKD cases
  • The 5 stages of kidney disease and how eGFR testing works

Prevention and Early Detection

  • What symptoms to look for (and why most people miss them)
  • The simple blood and urine tests that can catch CKD early
  • How lifestyle changes — like managing blood sugar and blood pressure — can slow progression

Nutrition & Lifestyle

  • What a “kidney-friendly diet” looks like
  • Common habits that harm kidney function — including overusing NSAIDs
  • Why staying hydrated in moderation matters

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

  • The difference between autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive PKD
  • How cysts form and why family history is key to early screening
  • The latest treatments, including tolvaptan, and when dialysis or transplant may become necessary

Myth-Busting Segment Highlights

  • “Just drink more water and your kidneys will be fine.”
  • “Only older people get kidney disease.”
  • “You’ll always know if something’s wrong.” .
  • “Kidney teas can prevent or reverse CKD.”

Resources Mentioned

Key Takeaways

  • CKD is common but preventable — early screening is everything.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease may be inherited, but knowledge empowers prevention and treatment.
  • Lifestyle, medication, and education are your strongest tools for kidney health.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Clinicians — claim your CME credit for listening!

https://cmetracker.net/TTUHSC/Publisher?page=pubOpen&nc=7120399723#/myPortal

https://media.blubrry.com/3214432/content.blubrry.com/3214432/Episode_49-Handout.pdf

 

Connect with us!

https://themededitpodcast.com/

Instagram: @TheMedEditPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/themededitpodcast/

Facebook: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/themededitpodcast/

LinkedIn: The Med Edit Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themededitpodcast/

LinkedIn: Dr. Jessica Gray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Jessica-gray-md/

LinkedIn: Dr. Cari Sorrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari-sorrell-42545a7b/

The Silent Killer: Understanding Hypertension & The Measles Outbreak – What You Need to Know (Ep. 32)

The Silent Killer: Understanding Hypertension & The Measles Outbreak – What You Need to Know (Ep. 32)

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In this episode of The Med Edit Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell tackle two major health concerns making headlines: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and the Measles Outbreak.

Part 1: Hypertension – The Silent Killer

High blood pressure often goes unnoticed until it leads to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. We discuss:

✔️ What causes hypertension and why it’s called the “silent killer”

✔️ The latest guidelines for diagnosis and treatment

✔️ How lifestyle changes and medications can help manage high blood pressure

✔️ The dangers of untreated hypertension and who’s most at risk

Part 2: The Measles Outbreak – Why It’s Back

Once nearly eradicated, measles is making a comeback. We break down:

✔️ Why measles cases are rising again

✔️ The symptoms and dangers of this highly contagious disease

✔️ The role of vaccination in preventing outbreaks

✔️ What you need to know to protect yourself and your community

Connect with Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell:

The Med Edit Podcast
Instagram: @TheMedEditPodcast
Facebook: The Med Edit Podcast
LinkedIn: The Med Edit Podcast
LinkedIn: Dr. Jessica Gray
LinkedIn: Dr. Cari Sorrell
Youtube: The MedEdit Podcast
TikTok: The MedEdit Podcast

⚕️Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

Continuing Medical Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Med Edit Podcast. Texas Tech University Health Science Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

References from today’s episode:

https://www.healio.com/news/pediatrics/20250218/texas-measles-outbreak-nears-60-cases-most-in-unvaccinated-children#:~:text=Gaines%20County%20has%20one%20of,from%20the%20state%20health%20department.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001185.htm#:~:text=Subacute%20sclerosing%20panencephalitis%20(SSPE)%20is,Walker%20Boulevard%2C%20Augusta%20GA%2030912.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-exposures-central-south-central-texas

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7345a4.htm

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1602295#:~:text=On%20the%20basis%20of%20criteria,days%5D%20after%20the%20onset%20of

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
AH CHOO – The Seasonal Flu vs. Bird Flu: Symptoms, Vaccines, and Pandemic Risks (Ep.30)

AH CHOO – The Seasonal Flu vs. Bird Flu: Symptoms, Vaccines, and Pandemic Risks (Ep.30)

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In this episode of The Med Edit Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell break down everything you need to know about Seasonal Flu and Bird Flu (H5N1). With flu season in full swing and news headlines buzzing about the latest bird flu outbreak, it’s time to separate fact from fear.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The differences between Seasonal Flu and Bird Flu symptoms
  • How each virus spreads and the risks of transmission
  • The importance of the flu vaccine and the latest updates on mRNA vaccines
  • Why Bird Flu is making headlines and the potential for a human pandemic
  • The surprising link between Bird Flu outbreaks and rising egg prices

From debunking flu myths to understanding pandemic preparedness, this episode is packed with evidence-based medical insights.

Listen now and stay informed this flu season!

Connect with Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell: 

 

⚕️Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Med Edit Podcast. Texas Tech University Health Science Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

References from today’s episode:

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/bird-flu-concerns-grow-scientists-race-develop-new-vaccines-rcna187824

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/25/business/egg-prices-avian-flu-outbreak/index.html

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Messenger-RNA-mRNA

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Seasonal Influenza (Flu).” CDC – Flu

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Flu Vaccination.” CDC – Flu Vaccination

World Health Organization (WHO). “Influenza.” WHO – Influenza

 

What’s Eating You? Obesity, Red Dye #3, and the Truth About Weight Loss Medications (Ep.28)

What’s Eating You? Obesity, Red Dye #3, and the Truth About Weight Loss Medications (Ep.28)

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In Episode 28 of The Med Edit Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell welcome Dr. Ann Bass, a Board Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist, to discuss some hot-button health topics, including obesity, weight loss medications, and the recent FDA ban on Red Dye #3.

We dive into:

  • The current state of obesity treatment and why traditional methods might not work for everyone.
  • The safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and the risks associated with compounded versions.
  • The FDA’s controversial decision to ban Red Dye #3 in foods and what this means for consumers.

If you’re interested in learning the truth behind some of today’s most talked-about health topics, tune in to this episode now!

Connect with Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell: 

 

⚕️Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Med Edit Podcast. Texas Tech University Health Science Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

References from today’s episode:

https://www.obesityaction.org/education-support/learn-about-obesity/common-myths/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4229150/

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html

https://www.abom.org/history/

Casanova N, Beaulieu K, Finlayson G, Hopkins M. Metabolic adaptations during negative energy balance and their potential impact on appetite and food intake. Proc Nutr Soc. 2019 Aug;78(3):279-289. doi: 10.1017/S0029665118002811. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30777142.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(18)30288-2/fulltext

https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2816%2930175-1

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4562400/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37271576/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3014770/

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2025/01/15/fda-bans-use-of-red-dye-no-3-in-foods-what-to-know-about-the-chemical/

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-bans-red-dye-found-candy-cakes-2025-01-15/

Skin Deep: Understanding Eczema & Psoriasis in Kids (Ep.23)

Skin Deep: Understanding Eczema & Psoriasis in Kids (Ep.23)

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In this episode of The Med Edit Podcast, we tackle two of the most common skin conditions affecting children: eczema and psoriasis. Joined by out expert guest, Dr. Meredith Pham, we explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for managing these conditions in kids. Whether you’re a parent looking for answers or someone who wants to learn more about childhood skin health, this episode provides valuable insights, tips, and real-world solutions. Tune in to help your child feel better, live more comfortably, and thrive with healthier skin

Connect with Dr. Jessica Gray and Dr. Cari Sorrell: 

 

⚕️Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and The Med Edit Podcast. Texas Tech University Health Science Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.