Circumcision Conversations

Circumcision Conversations

Author: Children's Hospital Colorado January 27, 2026 Duration: 34:05

Circumcision is one of the most common procedures performed in newborns. For such a frequent procedure, it can stir up big conversations in the primary care office. How do you help families make informed decisions? What technique details really matter? What's the role of the pediatrician when something doesn't look quite right in the days that follow? In this episode, we're unpacking the real-world essentials of circumcision in primary care from evidence-based counseling to timing, pain control, and navigating those questionable moments.

Kelly Harris, MD, and Brian Caldwell, MD, both specialize in urology at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Harris is an assistant professor, and Dr. Caldwell is an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

Some highlights from this episode include:

  • How common circumcision is today
  • Why the decision is very individualized to each family
  • How pediatricians can support families in this decision-making process 
  • Most common side effects 

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 


For those dedicated to the health of children, Charting Pediatrics serves as a vital, ongoing conversation directly from the front lines of pediatric care. Produced by the multidisciplinary experts at Children's Hospital Colorado, this weekly podcast delves into the nuanced realities of modern medicine for young patients. Each episode moves beyond textbook summaries to explore the practical application of groundbreaking research, emerging innovations, and essential educational resources. The discussions are candid, often tackling the complex challenges that clinicians face daily, from evolving treatment protocols to systemic issues within the healthcare community. Now in its eighth season, the program has established itself as a trusted source for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and refine their practice. Listening to this podcast feels like gaining direct access to a roundtable of specialists, all focused on a single goal: empowering medical providers with the context and confidence needed to make the best decisions for their patients. The tone is collegial and insightful, transforming the latest evidence and clinical experience into actionable understanding. It’s where the science of pediatrics meets the art of its application, fostering a supportive dialogue for anyone committed to advancing child health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charting Pediatrics
Podcast Episodes
Measles in the Modern World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:35
A highly contagious virus, once thought to be nearly eradicated, has made a comeback. Measles is affecting even our youngest patients in communities around the country and putting vulnerable populations at risk. Our prim…
Stroke Strikes Early [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
Most people believe that strokes only affect adults, but children can experience them too. Although rare, strokes in kids can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not treated properly. Seizure or migraines are often misdiagn…
Avian Flu in Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
It's been a busy year for influenza cases, but it's not what we've seen in our clinics and hospitals that has infectious disease experts most worried. They are concerned about avian flu, otherwise known as the H5N1 subty…
Safe and Secure Storage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Firearms are the leading cause of death of kids in the United States, and in Colorado, there is at least one pediatric injury from a gun every day. In 2021, Colorado passed the safe storage bill which requires firearms t…
Immunity in Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:19
One of humanity's frailties is our tendency to view the world through the lens of what we've seen, lived through or experienced firsthand. That's not to say we ignore things that happened in the past, but we may not give…
Advocating for Equitable Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
Every child has an individual healthcare experience, but for marginalized communities like migrant families, they face some unique challenges in our healthcare system. From dealing with trauma to navigating a language ba…
The Evolution of Pediatric ENT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Advances in technology, medical knowledge and the establishment of pediatric tracheary care institutions have helped revolutionize pediatric otolaryngology. For specialists in this field, watching the growth unfold has b…
When the Air Gets Thin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:04
Picture this: You travel to the mountains, excited to take on your next big adventure, only to find yourself breathless, your stomach is churning and in the morning your head is throbbing. It's altitude sickness, otherwi…
Disparities in Organ Transplant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
Every year, thousands of people are added to organ transplant waiting lists, but not all patients have equal access to the life-saving procedures they desperately need. As transplant programs around the world continue to…
A Sublingual Solution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
Anaphylaxis is a serious, systemic hypersensitivity reaction with rapid onset and can be potentially fatal. It is frightening for patients, families and medical providers. Currently, the standard treatment is epinephrine…