Pediatric Pioneers: A Medbridge Podcast

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Pediatric Pioneers is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in pediatric rehabilitation and equipping rehabilitation professionals with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button!   IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

  1. 4D AGO

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 18: Executive Function: Does Interoception “Move the Train to Build the Brain?”

    Join host Nicole Quint and Dr. Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS, for an insightful exploration into how a “body-first“ lens can revolutionize your approach to executive function. Together, they dive into Dr. Koscinski’s Executive Function Express framework, illustrating how interoception and postural stability serve as the “tracks“ that allow a child’s cognitive “train“ to move forward. You will discover how to move beyond behavior labels to identify the physiological readiness cues and embodied cognition strategies that support participation, even with your most complex patients. Tune in to learn how you can start "moving the train to build the brain" in your practice tomorrow. Learning Objectives Analyze the relationship between interoception, embodied cognition, and executive functionApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably support executive function through an interoceptive lens, starting with creating comfort for readinessSolve patient case scenarios involving state-dependent executive function challenges by identifying interoceptive breakdown points and selecting targeted regulation supportsTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to executive functions and neurodiversity(00:03:30) The executive function express program(00:07:10) Understanding interoception and executive function(00:13:00) The train model: visualizing executive function(00:17:12) Recent research on executive functions(00:21:55) Factors to consider in supporting executive function(00:28:15) Research on the impact of cell phones(00:31:30) Supporting children with varying needs(00:38:25) Different perspectives to consider and address(00:46:10) Three top takeaways for therapists(00:53:47) Parting thoughts and actionable stepsPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    57 min

  2. JAN 15

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 17: Sensory-Based Pediatric Feeding: How Can OT Improve Mealtimes?

    Elizabeth N. Legg, MOT, OTR/L—an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Kidz Connect Therapy—joins host Nicole Quint to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of childhood development: feeding. Nicole and Liz unpack why picky eating is rarely just “picky” and dig into how sensory, emotional, and relational factors shape a child’s eating experience. You’ll hear key research takeaways and walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies you can use in your own sessions. Whether you’re navigating texture aversions or coaching overwhelmed caregivers, this episode offers fresh insights to support children at the table and beyond. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around pediatric feeding challenges, including the etiology and intervention approaches for picky eatingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address pediatric feeding challengesSolve patient case scenarios involving picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based feeding challenges through clinical reasoning and caregiver coaching techniquesTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to sensory-based pediatric feeding(00:02:57) Understanding the SOS approach to feeding(00:05:56) The importance of sensory processing in feeding(00:09:01) Defining picky eating and problem feeding(00:11:15) The role of early intervention in feeding challenges(00:14:30) Research insights on sensory-based feeding(00:19:12) Child-led interventions and family dynamics(00:22:37) Empowering caregivers in feeding interventions(00:26:09) Translating research into practice(00:31:03) Therapeutic approaches to feeding challenges(00:36:20) Key takeaways for therapists(00:40:12) Success stories and case scenariosPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    49 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 16: Postpartum Recovery: What Powerful Role Can OT Play?

    Dr. Zesarae Bodie, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, CSOT, founder of Intimate Health Solutions and an expert in perinatal and sexual health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore OT’s overlooked role in postpartum physical recovery. Nicole and Zesarae unpack how pediatric therapists, especially those in early intervention, are uniquely positioned to support not only babies but also the birthing parents navigating profound physical transitions. Tune in to discover how your existing skills in activity analysis, environmental modification, and co-occupation can powerfully shift maternal health outcomes without needing a new certification. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence regarding occupational therapy’s role in supporting physical health and addressing daily life challenges during the perinatal periodApply evidence-based, practical strategies to address physical strain and functional limitations across prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum phases, considering biomechanical, respiratory, and musculoskeletal changesSolve patient case scenarios involving occupational therapy interventions for prenatal care (e.g., energy conservation, body mechanics training, home ergonomics) to reduce physical strain during occupational performance Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health(00:02:00) Personal journey into maternal health(00:04:00) The importance of physical recovery(00:06:12) Understanding C-section recovery(00:08:25) Link between maternal and infant health(00:10:30) Language matters in maternal care(00:12:00) Normalizing the conversation around pain(00:15:28) Research insights on maternal health(00:19:20) Integrating maternal health into pediatric therapy(00:21:30) Identifying patients in need(00:24:56) Therapeutic approaches for maternal health(00:30:25) Practical interventions for new mothers(00:39:00) Advocacy for maternal health in therapy(00:47:15) Actionable takeaways for therapists(00:52:40) Case study: supporting a new mother(00:59:04) The future of maternal health advocacyPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 2m

  4. 11/14/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 15: Tackling Maternal Mortality and Inequities: What Is OT’s Role?

    Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in promoting maternal health outcomes and supporting participation as a member of interprofessional perinatal care teamsApply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortalitySolve patient case scenarios that require addressing health literacy, racial inequities, and social determinants of health to support occupational engagement during the perinatal period Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health and preeclampsia(00:02:20) Personal journey with preeclampsia(00:04:43) Understanding preeclampsia(00:06:13) The impact of preeclampsia on mothers(00:11:38) Risk factors for preeclampsia(00:12:35) Disparities in maternal health(00:16:53) The effects of women not being heard in maternal health(00:21:18) Effects of preeclampsia on infant development(00:26:50) The role of occupational therapy practitioners in maternal health(00:32:08) Recent research on preeclampsia(00:40:19) Resource kits for mothers(00:47:50) Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia(00:53:15) Actionable takeaways for practitioners Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 1m

  5. 10/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 14: Is Maternal Mental Health the Missing Link in Pediatric OT?

    Teddie Buchner, PhD, OTR/L, QMHP, OT Reg. (AB), an expert in pediatric and maternal mental health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the hidden connections between maternal mental health and pediatric sensory development. Drawing on clinical experience and original research, Teddie and Nicole dive into how occupational therapists can better support new mothers while fostering healthy co-occupations and sensory integration in infants. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and practical tools to address maternal mental health in everyday pediatric practice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reaffirms the OT’s vital role in nurturing the parent–child relationship from the very beginning. Learning Objectives Analyze evidence linking pregnancy-related mental health to maternal attachment behaviors and pediatric sensory integration outcomesApply evidence-based, practical strategies to support maternal mental health and promote occupational development in early parent–child relationshipsSolve patient case scenarios involving new mothers facing mental health challenges during their transition into the parenting role Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:04:30) Why ask about maternal mental health?(00:05:38) Baby blues vs. PMADs: what OTs should know(00:08:30) Stigma, silence, and the fear of disclosure(00:10:30) The power of OT in early parenting support(00:13:50) What to look for in a new mother(00:17:05) Complex symptoms of postpartum mental illness(00:22:38) How maternal mental health affects infant development(00:27:20) What the research says(00:30:30) Attachment vs. bonding: why the difference matters(00:35:00) The sensory side of co-occupations(00:38:40) Translating research to practice(00:46:00) The gap between parent reports and observed performance(00:50:00) Resilience as a protective factor(00:51:30) Top 3 clinical takeaways(00:55:00) What’s next in research and advocacy(00:57:25) Wrap-up Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    58 min

  6. 09/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 13: Could Nature Boost Your OT Practice?

    Allie Evancho, OTR/L, CYT, occupational therapist, certified yoga teacher, and PhD candidate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the growing role of nature-based practices in pediatric occupational therapy. Nicole and Allie dive into the research and real-world examples behind why—and how—taking therapy outside the clinic can make a difference. Together, we unpack how outdoor environments support sensory integration, emotional regulation, and health equity for children with disabilities. You’ll leave this conversation inspired by evidence-based strategies and community-driven ideas you can bring to your own OT practice. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around nature-based practices in occupational therapyApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address therapeutic activities for children with disabilitiesSolve patient case scenarios involving nature-based recreation Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:20) Exploring nature-based therapy(00:04:05) The importance of nature in pediatric occupational therapy(00:05:36) Health equity and accessibility in nature(00:08:40) The impact of screen time on children(00:13:05) Benefits of nature for mental and physical health(00:16:40) Theories supporting nature-based interventions(00:20:34) Incorporating nature into therapy practices(00:22:55) Advocacy and accessibility in outdoor therapy(00:26:40) Creating buy-in for nature-based programs(00:29:06) Actionable takeaways for therapists(00:33:56) Building trust and safety in nature activities(00:36:00) Case example(00:40:25) Future directions in pediatric therapy(00:42:58) Creating inclusive green spaces(00:45:25) Grant writing and funding for nature programs Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    48 min

  7. 08/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 12: Reclaiming Play in OT: Can Toys Help Shape Who We Become?

    Dr. Brittany Saviers, an occupational therapist and researcher known for her work on play, creativity, and occupational identity, joins host Nicole Quint for an inspiring conversation about reclaiming the role of play in pediatric practice. Together, they explore how unstructured, child-led play—and the toys that support it—shape not only skill development, but also who we become. From toy affordances to play equity, this episode invites you to reimagine how, why, and what we play with in therapy. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you advocate for play as a core occupation. Learning Objectives Analyze play as a critical contributor to occupational identity formation and skill development, alongside the importance of unstructured, intrinsically motivated playApply evidence-based, practical strategies to leverage toy/play affordances for meaningful engagement across pediatric populationsApply toy affordance principles and play categories to interpret pediatric case scenarios Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:00:05) Introduction to play and its importance(00:01:56) Brittany Saviers: background and research(00:03:25) Key findings on play and creativity(00:06:35) Reimagining play culture in occupational therapy(00:10:50) The paradox of play as a right(00:13:54) Key questions for occupational therapists(00:19:44) The evolution of toys and their role(00:25:00) Generational differences in play(00:28:45) The kaleidoscope of play: understanding its complexity(00:31:30) Translating research into practice: practical applications for OTs(00:37:20) Occupational justice: ensuring equal access to play(00:40:20) Permission to play: empowering families and caregivers(00:43:30) Actionable takeaways: implementing play in therapy(00:45:35) Real-life scenarios: applying play concepts in therapy(00:51:36) The future of pediatric therapy: embracing play as a science Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    57 min

  8. 07/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 11: Is Regulation the Missing Link to Pediatric Engagement?

    Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L, a leading voice in neurodiversity-affirming practice and coauthor of the SCERTS Model, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack the science and practice of supporting regulation and occupational engagement in pediatric rehabilitation therapy. Nicole and Amy explore why regulation is foundational for engagement and challenge conventional approaches that may unintentionally promote masking over meaningful participation. You’ll hear how strengths-based, individualized strategies can empower clients—and how we, as practitioners, can move beyond one-size-fits-all frameworks. Join us for a practical and powerful conversation that will help you rethink how regulation shows up in your sessions. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around the importance of supporting regulation for neurodivergent individuals, with implications for all clientsApply evidence-informed strategies to actionably address the regulatory needs of clients in ways that are authentic and affirming to their presentation to facilitate participation in meaningful occupationsSolve patient case scenarios involving regulatory challenges/support needs for clients with diverse communication profiles Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:30) Amy’s professional journey into regulation(00:04:30) Rethinking regulation: beyond calm(00:08:45) What the research and community are saying(00:15:18) Translating research into practice(00:19:20) The OT role in regulation across the day(00:23:40) Tools to assess and support regulation(00:27:50) Language, buy-in, and building capacity(00:33:00) Three actionable takeaways for clinicians(00:43:40) Case scenario: a school-based example(00:51:30) Empowering the whole team through universal design(00:53:10) Final words of wisdom(00:55:00) Outro and CE info Resources Mentioned in Episode Autism Level UP! Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    56 min
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About

Pediatric Pioneers is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in pediatric rehabilitation and equipping rehabilitation professionals with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button!   IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

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