MUSM 2026 Rural Pediatric CE Conference

Gretchen Weeks PMHNP Apply evidence-based DSM-5 criteria and validated rating scales to accurately diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents in primary care settings. Differentiate ADHD from common comorbid and mimicking conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and learning disorders. Initiate and titrate first-line stimulant and non-stimulant medications using practical, weight- and symptom-based strategies to optimize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Develop individualized medication management plans, including monitoring parameters, follow-up intervals, and management of common side effects. Incorporate practical behavioral interventions and parent training strategies that can be implemented in resource-limited or rural settings. Salathiel Kendrick-Allwood MD Describe the etiology, early presentation, and diagnostic approach to cerebral palsy in infants and young children. Recognize early movement concerns and understand interdisciplinary management. Identify common co-morbidities associated with cerebral palsy and implement appropriate surveillance strategies. Recognize children in community and clinical settings with concerning motor patterns and facilitate timely referral for evaluation and early intervention. Identify and refer infants at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairment who may benefit from High-Risk Infant Follow-Up (HRIF) services in Georgia within their own patient population. Joshua Lane MD overview of pediatric dermatology broad review of common & uncommon pediatric dermatologic diagnoses strategy for management of pediatric dermatology referrals Satoshi Kamidani MD Describe the spectrum of vaccine hesitancy and identify common communication challenges encountered in clinical practice. Apply the presumptive communication approach to introduce vaccines as a routine part of care and improve vaccine acceptance. Demonstrate key motivational interviewing techniques (OARS: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries) to address vaccine-hesitant families. Chathruckan Rajendra MD Apply Rome IV diagnostic criteria to diagnose functional constipation and encopresis in pediatric patients while recognizing a clinical diagnosis can be made without meeting full criteria Distinguish function constipation from organic causes using a focused history and physical exam. Identify alarm features that warrant further diagnostic work up or urgent referral Select appropriate diagnostic studies judiciously - understand when Abdominal X-Rays are helpful and when advanced testing like manometry maybe needed Implement a stepwise treatment plan - including disimpaction, maintenance pharmacotherapy with correct age based dosing, behavioral interventions and dietary modifications in the primary care setting. Recognize when to refer to Pediatric GI and or Pediatric Neurogastroenterology/ Motility.