Cumberland Conversations

Cumberland Pediatric Foundation
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Cumberland Pediatric Foundation’s podcast, “Cumberland Conversations”, brings together pediatric experts, clinic leaders, and community partners to explore the issues shaping child health across Tennessee. Each episode offers practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring conversations designed to support pediatric practices, strengthen care delivery, and uplift the wellbeing of children and families. The focus stays on solutions that help practices strengthen operations, support their care teams, navigate changing polices, and improve outcomes for the families they serve. Whether you’re part of a small rural clinic or a large pediatric group, this podcast gives you useful ideas, timely updates, and stories from the field to help you deliver the best possible care to kids. Join us as we learn, share, and grow together.  

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Journal Club | Asthma, Wheezing & Alpha-Gal: What the Evidence Says with Dr. Len Bacharier

    How should emerging evidence change the way we approach common allergy and asthma concerns in pediatric practice? In this episode of Cumberland Conversations Journal Club, we examine new research addressing three practical questions in pediatric allergy and respiratory care: whether children with mild asthma benefit from anti-inflammatory rescue therapy, whether antibiotics improve outcomes in young children with recurrent wheezing, and how clinicians should interpret testing for alpha-gal syndrome. We begin with a discussion of emerging evidence supporting the use of an inhaled corticosteroid alongside a rapid-acting bronchodilator as rescue therapy for children with mild asthma. The conversation explores how this approach may reduce exacerbations and systemic steroid use while offering an alternative to traditional albuterol-only rescue treatment. We then turn to antibiotic use in young children with recurrent wheezing, reviewing evidence that reducing detectable bacteria does not necessarily translate into improved respiratory symptoms. The discussion highlights the importance of connecting microbiologic findings with meaningful clinical outcomes when considering antibiotic treatment. Finally, we explore alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-associated allergy characterized by delayed reactions to mammalian meat and other products containing alpha-gal. Particular attention is given to appropriate testing and diagnosis, including why a positive antibody result alone does not establish clinical disease and how testing without a compatible history can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions. Together, these studies highlight the importance of translating new evidence thoughtfully into practice—using clinical outcomes, patient history, and appropriate diagnostic interpretation to guide treatment decisions. Articles discussed in this episode include:  Azithromycin for Preschoolers with Wheezing in the Emergency Department Alpha-gal Immunoglobulin E Seroprevalence Among Blood Donors — 10 States, 2024–2025 Budesonide–formoterol versus salbutamol as reliever therapy in children with mild asthma (CARE): a 52-week, open-label, multicentre, superiority, randomised controlled trial

  2. Jul 22

    Practice Management Minute | Drive-thru Flu Clinics with Lucinda Vazquez, RN

    Drive-through flu clinics can be an effective way to improve vaccine access while minimizing disruption to daily practice operations—but success depends on thoughtful planning and execution. In this episode of The Practice Management Minute, Jessica Ray sits down with pediatric practice manager, Lucinda Vazquez, RN of Heritage Medical Associates (Heritage East), to discuss the operational strategies behind a successful drive-through flu clinic. From selecting the right location and forecasting vaccine inventory to designing patient flow, assigning staff roles, maintaining cold-chain integrity, and documenting vaccinations efficiently, this conversation offers practical guidance for practices considering or refining their own events. Whether you're planning your first drive-through clinic or looking to improve an existing model, this episode provides real-world lessons and proven approaches to help your team deliver a safe, efficient, and positive vaccination experience.  Key Takeaways Successful drive-through clinics start with thoughtful planning. Choosing the right location, understanding patient demand, and preparing well in advance set the foundation for a smooth event.Clear staff roles keep the clinic running efficiently. Defining responsibilities for check-in, documentation, vaccine administration, and supply management helps maintain patient flow and reduces bottlenecks.Efficiency should never come at the expense of safety. Strong documentation processes, proper vaccine storage and handling, patient verification, and established safety protocols are critical throughout the event.Every clinic is an opportunity to improve the next one. Reviewing what worked, identifying challenges, and refining workflows each year helps create a more efficient and successful vaccination program over time.

  3. Jul 8

    Journal Club | Pediatric Residents' Preparedness, Preceptor Crisis, and Building a Better Doctor with Dr. Rebecca Swan and Dr. Jessica Barnett

    In this episode of Cumberland Conversations Journal Club, Dr. Lillard sits down with Dr. Rebecca Swan and Dr. Jessica Barnett to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing pediatric medical education today. From resident preparedness and the growing preceptor shortage to rethinking how we train the next generation of physicians, they explore the research behind these critical issues and share practical strategies to strengthen clinical teaching.  Join the conversation as they discuss how educators can move beyond teaching medicine to building confident, compassionate, and resilient pediatricians ready for the future of healthcare.  This episode's articles include the following: The Community Preceptor Crisis: A Call to Action Pediatric Residents' Preparedness and Training Satisfaction: 2015 to 2022 How to Build a Better Doctor  If you have follow-up questions or comments based on the articles in this week’s journal club or have articles you would like Cumberland Conversations to review in the future, please email cpfnashville@gmail.com. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  4. Jun 24

    CPF Spotlight | Arthrogryposis Clinic with Dr. Robert Rinaldi and Lydia Humphries

    In this episode of Cumberland Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Robert Rinaldi and Lydia Humphries at Vanderbilt's Arthrogryposis Clinic to explore how their clinic helps children and families navigate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.  Tune in to hear about Vanderbilt's Arthrogryposis Clinic. Interested in referring a patient? Refer at Vanderbilt's Health Connect at https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/healthcare-professionals/referring-providers or email Cumberland Pediatric Foundation to get connected at cpfnashville@gmail.com  Don’t forget to subscribe to Cumberland Conversations so you never miss an episode!

  5. Jun 10

    Journal Club | Vitamin K, Refusal-Related Consequences, and Transfusions with Dr. Shannon Walker

    What happens when personal beliefs, patient autonomy, and medical evidence collide? In this episode of CPF Journal Club, we welcome Dr. Shannon Walker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, for a discussion on two emerging challenges facing healthcare providers: increasing refusal of evidence-based preventive interventions and growing requests for directed blood donations based on donor vaccination status. We begin by reviewing recent trends in Vitamin K refusal among newborns and the potentially serious consequences associated with declining this well-established preventive treatment. We then transition into a broader conversation about patient autonomy, trust in healthcare, and the role of evidence-based medicine as we examine the medical, ethical, and societal implications of directed blood donation requests. Together, we explore how clinicians can navigate difficult conversations when patient or parental preferences diverge from established scientific evidence, while balancing respect for individual choice with the responsibility to provide safe, effective care. Articles discussed in this episode include: Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding After Refusal: A Sentinel Event in a Misinformation Era. Trends in Vitamin K Administration Among Infants.  Directed donations for unvaccinated blood: A departure from evidence-based medicine associated with clinical harm, resource waste, and oversight gaps in a two-year single-center series.  Recommended reading:  Legislating Medicine - Directed Donation and the Politics of Patient Choice.  Medical, Societal, and Ethical Considerations for Directed Blood Donation in 2025.  Requests for Directed Blood Donations.  Refusing blood transfusions from COVID-19-vaccinated donors: are we repeating history?  Parental Refusals of Blood Transfusions from COVID-19 Vaccinated Donors for Children Needing Cardiac Surgery.

  6. May 27

    CPF Spotlight l Undiagnosed Diseases Program with Dr. Thomas Cassini

    What happens when patients go years without a diagnosis despite countless appointments, tests, and referrals? In this episode of Cumberland Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Cassini, Pediatrician and Geneticist, with Vanderbilt’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the Potocsnak Center for Undiagnosed and Rare Disorders. We explore the important work of the Undiagnosed Diseases Center and the impact it has on patients and families searching for answers. Our conversation dives into the challenges of identifying rare and complex conditions, the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, and how the expansion of the program is allowing more patients to be seen and diagnosed. Want to learn more about the program or refer a patient? Visit vumc.org/undiagnosed to learn more.

  7. May 13

    Journal Club l Faltering Weight, Baby-Led Weaning, and Gut Brain Interactions with Dr. Maribeth Nicholson

    Join us this week on Cumberland Conversations for our May Journal Club episode where Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF’s Medical Director, and Dr. Maribeth Nicholson, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, dive into three articles on faltering weight, baby-led weaning, picky eaters, and more. From key takeaways to real-world applications, they’ll dissect the research, challenge perspectives, and highlight what matters most for you and your practice. This week’s Journal Club includes discussion on the three following articles: Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnosis and Management of Faltering Weight The association of baby-led weaning and picky eating in children aged 2-5 yearsAcute Gastroenteritis Is a Risk Factor for Development of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in ChildrenIf you have follow-up questions or comments based on the articles in this week’s journal club or have articles you would like Cumberland Conversations to review in the future, please email cpfnashville@gmail.com. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  8. Apr 29

    Practice Management Minute l Ambulatory Infection Prevention Program with Dr. Natalya Beneschott

    In this episode of Cumberland Conversations: Practice Management Minute, we highlight an exciting partnership focused on strengthening infection prevention in pediatric practices. We sit down to discuss with Dr. Natalya Beneschott, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician and Associated Medical Director of Pediatric Infection at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, about Vanderbilt's Ambulatory Infection Prevention Program, exploring how this initiative supports clinics in enhancing safety protocols, reducing risk, and promoting high-quality patient care.  Listeners will gain insight into practical strategies for infection prevention in the ambulatory setting while maintaining efficient clinic operations. Below you can find some of the resources Dr. Beneschott shared in the episode: Measles InfographicMeasles Flowchart Ambulatory Isolation Steps for ClinicsTune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  9. Apr 15

    Journal Club l Measles Antibodies, Aluminum Adjuvants, and Fluoride Exposure with Dr. Buddy Creech

    Join us this week on Cumberland Conversations for our first Journal Club episode where Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF’s Medical Director, and Dr. Buddy Creech, CPF’s Board Vice- President and Director of Vanderbilt’s Vaccine Research Program, break down and discuss three compelling articles shaping today’s conversations in healthcare. From key takeaways to real-world applications, they’ll dissect the research, challenge perspectives, and highlight what matters most for you and your practice. This week’s Journal Club includes discussion on the three following journal articles: · Long-term Dynamics of Measles Virus-Specific Neutralizing Antibodies in Children Vaccinated Before 12 Months of Age · The Role and Safety of Aluminum Adjuvants in Childhood Vaccines · Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis · Bonus Fluoride Article: Childhood fluoride exposure and cognition across the life course Want more information on fluoride? Check out this news article:  Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows If you have follow-up questions or comments based on the articles in this week’s journal club or have articles you would like Cumberland Conversations to review in future episodes, please email cpfnashville@gmail.com. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

  10. Apr 3

    Cumberland Conversations | Pilot

    Welcome to the pilot episode of Cumberland Conversations - we're so glad you're here!  In this pilot introduction, we sit down with Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF's Medical Director, and Jessica Ray, CPF's Executive Director, to share the vision behind the podcast and what listeners can expect in the episodes ahead.  Together, they discuss the mission driving this work, the importance of meaningful conversations in healthcare, and how Cumberland Conversations will serve as a platform to connect providers, partners, and communities around the issues that matter the most. From improving patient outcomes to addressing practice operations, this podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and spark collaboration.  Whether you're a healthcare professional, community partners, or simply passionate about improving health in your community, this is your invitation to join the conversation.  If you have topics you would like to suggest for future podcast episodes, including the journal club, please submit suggestions to cpfnashville@gmail.com.

  • 10 Episodes

About

Cumberland Pediatric Foundation’s podcast, “Cumberland Conversations”, brings together pediatric experts, clinic leaders, and community partners to explore the issues shaping child health across Tennessee. Each episode offers practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring conversations designed to support pediatric practices, strengthen care delivery, and uplift the wellbeing of children and families. The focus stays on solutions that help practices strengthen operations, support their care teams, navigate changing polices, and improve outcomes for the families they serve. Whether you’re part of a small rural clinic or a large pediatric group, this podcast gives you useful ideas, timely updates, and stories from the field to help you deliver the best possible care to kids. Join us as we learn, share, and grow together.  

Information

  • Creator
    Cumberland Pediatric Foundation
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cumberland Conversations
  • Show Website
    Cumberland Conversations

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