Caring Well with Dr. Michael Middleton

Latest Episodes:

Understanding Vaccine Safety and Myths: From Testing to Trust - Dr. Michael Middleton Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton and Sara Pate continue with part two of their three-part series on vaccines with a focus on safety. They discuss how vaccines are tested through rigorous pre-approval trials and monitored through ongoing post-approval surveillance, addressing common concerns about risks, ingredients, and the speed of COVID-19 vaccine development. The conversation also highlights the importance of systems like VAERS, the role of adjuvants, and the historical and current impact of diseases such as measles, rubella, diphtheria, and pertussis - emphasizing why vaccination remains vital today. The episode concludes by debunking myths about pediatricians profiting from vaccines and encouraging parents to seek trustworthy, local medical guidance.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/NbpqaFdF_1Y

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NriO36Vf59FFARW5EYDeSL9LiwpVmp9S/view?usp=sharing Vaccine Episode Part 1: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome Intro 00:17 Recap of Previous Episode 01:13 Vaccine Safety: Key Concepts & Parental Concerns 02:34 How Vaccines Are Tested and Approved 05:52 Vaccine Testing vs. Medication Testing 09:59 Post-Approval Vaccine Surveillance 13:14 COVID Vaccine Concerns Explained 17:18 Long-Term Side Effects & False Associations 21:35 What's in Vaccines? Ingredients & Additives 25:25 How Vaccines Are Monitored After Approval 30:16 Overview of Measles, Mumps & Rubella 36:51 Chickenpox & Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases 40:34 Types of Vaccines: Live vs. Inactivated 43:41 DTaP, Tetanus, and Related Vaccines 44:49 Hib & Pneumococcal Vaccine Success Stories 47:16 Do Pediatricians Profit from Vaccines? 49:16 Building Confidence & Trust in Care Providers 52:38 How to Find Trustworthy Medical Information 53:57 What's Next: Teen Vaccines & Vaccine Scheduling

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College Success Starts Early: Practical Advice for Parents - Micki Meyer Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with Micki Meyer, Lord Family Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Engagement & Dean of Rollins Gateway, to discuss how parents can help their children prepare for a successful and healthy college experience. From move-in day emotions to fostering independence, Micki offers some practical strategies rooted in her decades of experience in student development. Whether your child is weeks away or years out, their conversation provides valuable guidance on preparing for college.

Learn More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-meyer-a84753a7

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZUn8ZDx2cuQfh8d2bLMe1QC8qAI21Vs9/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 03:00 Meet Mickey Meyer: Background & Experience 06:00 Role at Rollins & Student Affairs Overview 10:00 Defining College Readiness 14:00 Move-In Day Tips for Parents 18:00 Common Red Flags & Parental Boundaries 23:00 Helping Students Start College Strong 27:00 The Secret Sauce for College Flourishing 32:00 The Six Cs: Skills to Build Pre-College 39:00 When Is a Student Not Ready for College? 44:00 Beyond Admissions: Success After Acceptance 50:00 Parting Advice & Rapid Fire Questions

#CollegeReadiness #ParentingTeens #CollegeTransition #StudentSuccess #ParentingAdvice #HigherEd #CollegeLife #MentalHealthInCollege #PreparingForCollege #CaringWellPodcast #CollegeTips #MickiMeyer #CollegeMoveIn #StudentDevelopment

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Injuries, Concussions, and Youth Sports - Insights from Dr. Elizabeth Davis Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Elizabeth Davis, a pediatric sports medicine physician at Orlando Health, shares her journey from aspiring neonatologist to championing young athletes' health. She discusses the diagnosis and treatment of concussions, common overuse injuries in youth sports, and the long-term impacts of early sport specialization. Dr. Davis offers practical guidance for parents on injury prevention, balanced training, and the importance of supporting a child's overall well-being in athletics.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/lY64JldfwgM

Learn More: https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/physician-finder/elizabeth-davis-md

Key Takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxzH_jgnMgmnblUcpfID0mkmESDqCuq4/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Sports Medicine with Dr. Elizabeth Davis 03:21 Transition to Non-Operative Sports Medicine 07:05 Understanding Concussions and Brain Injuries 10:56 Understanding Concussion Severity and Recovery 14:59 Guidelines for Managing Concussions in Youth Sports 18:37 Managing Anxiety and Academic Accommodations 22:33 Understanding the Risks of Repeated Concussions 26:20 Innovative Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injury 30:12 Understanding Growth Plate Injuries in Children 33:57 Avoiding Early Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes 37:53 Barriers to Youth Sports Participation 41:52 The Impact of Early Sports Specialization on Youth 45:23 Importance of Dynamic Warm-Ups for Young Athletes 49:04 Identifying Stress Fractures in Athletes 52:50 Balanced Protein Intake for Kids 56:58 Resilience Through Sports: Preparing Kids for Adult Life 1:01:14 Celebrating Community Care

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#pediatrics #sportsmedicine #youthsports #concussions #childathletes #injuryprevention #athletehealth #parentingtips #sportsnutrition #caringwell #middletonpediatrics #earlyspecialization #mentalhealthinsports #youngathletes #sportsdoctor

Understanding Childhood Vaccines (Part 1) - Dr. Michael Middleton Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton begins a multi-part series on vaccines co-hosted by pediatric nurse practitioner Sara Pate. After getting to know Sara and her passion for pediatric and mental health care, the conversation shifts to a thoughtful, science-based look at how vaccines work and why they matter. The episode dives into Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Polio - covering how these vaccines protect both individuals and communities, why they're given at specific ages, and addressing common concerns around safety.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/qjbkvEcW1_M

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 02:28 Pursuing a Career in Pediatric Mental Health 08:03 Understanding the Immune System and Vaccines 11:17 Understanding Immunization and Vaccine Timing 14:36 Impact of Hepatitis B Vaccine on Infants 17:31 Hidden Epidemic of Hepatitis B 20:26 Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccines 23:07 How Vaccines Work in Communities 26:12 The Spread of Hepatitis A by Children 29:18 Polio Vaccination: A Medical Miracle with Unintended Consequences 32:29 The Importance and Challenges of Eradicating Polio 35:33 Navigating Trust in Medical Information 38:36 Navigating Trust and Information Overload for Parents 41:22 Navigating Trust in Medical Information 44:13 The Responsibility of Providing Parental Advice 47:22 The Privilege of Discussing Parental Issues

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Pediatric News Roundup: Lead in Baby Food, RSV in Babies & Other Big Questions - Feat Dr. Von Edwins Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Operations Manager and longtime team member Laura drops in to chat about her journey at Middleton Pediatrics, then Dr. Middleton and Dr. Von Edwins discuss the importance of early hearing screenings, and other recent topics in pediatric care - including RSV updates, infant food safety concerns, teen sleep patterns, and exciting advances in gene editing.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/FCQVc6FHGBo

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 03:23 Navigating Healthcare Communication 06:43 Being in the "Mom Era" and Parenting Insights 09:55 The Impact of Hearing Loss on Development and Social Life 13:08 Understanding Hearing Loss in Children 16:45 Understanding RSV in Infants 20:08 Recognizing Respiratory Distress in Babies 23:10 Understanding RSV and Its Seasonal Patterns 26:36 Understanding Borrowed Immunity for RSV Protection 30:00 Concerns Over Lead in Baby Food: Past and Present 33:39 Understanding Lead Exposure and Its Impact 37:03 Rising Flu Deaths and Vaccine Impacts 41:00 The Importance of Trust and Expertise in Society 44:41 Gene Editing Breakthroughs in Medicine 48:03 Long-Term Effects of Childhood Allergies 51:22 Balancing Persistence with Routine Changes

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The Middle School Years: What Parents Often Miss - Cami Slater - Counselor Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, host Dr. Michael Middleton sits down with Cami Slater, a counselor with 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and college students, most recently as a college professor at UCF and a middle school counselor, to explore how parents can help their kids thrive in middle school. From identity development and peer relationships to building resilience and navigating social media, their conversation offers practical insights for supporting your child through one of their most formative seasons.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Udk2oPeJJEQ

Learn more: https://www.camislater.com

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Helping Your Child Thrive in Middle School 03:21 School Counseling for Kids' Unique Needs 07:01 Navigating Identity in Middle School 10:39 Navigating Confidentiality and Communication with Parents 14:10 Conversations with Older Kids About Sensitive Topics 17:38 Over-Parenting and Lack of Independence 21:05 Understanding Middle School Language 27:45 Navigating Friendship and Mental Health 31:19 Impact of Social Media on Middle Schoolers' Mental Health 34:53 The Impact of Social Media on Students 38:21 Impact of Devices on Child Attention and Development 41:56 Signs Your Child Should Tell an Adult 45:14 Engaging Kids in Conversation: Tips for Parents 48:47 The Importance of Arts and Emotional Learning 52:23 Accessible Counseling in Schools 54:56 Rapid-fire Questions

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Early Puberty, Obesity & Diabetes - Dr. Joshua Yang - Pediatric Endocrinologist May 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr Michael Middleton sits down with Dr. Joshua Yang, a pediatric endocrinologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, FL, to explore a wide range of topics related to children's hormone health. Dr. Yang shares his personal journey into pediatric endocrinology and dives into key issues such as the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes in children, advancements in diabetes management technologies, early detection strategies, and the impact of genetic and environmental factors. Other topics discussed include growth concerns, early puberty, childhood obesity, the evolving use of medications like GLP-1 agonists and growth hormone therapies, and much more.

Learn more: https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/physician-finder/joshua-h-yang-md#/overview

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Middleton Pediatrics Podcast 02:59 Recognizing Early Signs of Diabetes in Children 06:12 Understanding Genetic Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes 09:36 Advancements in Diabetes Management: From Finger Pokes to Continuous Monitoring 12:58 Early Detection and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes 16:26 Understanding Autoantibody Testing in Autoimmune Conditions 19:54 Advancements in Type 1 Diabetes Treatment 23:16 Signs of Early Puberty 26:51 Understanding Childhood Obesity: Causes and Misconceptions 30:00 Understanding GLP-1 Agonists for Childhood Obesity 33:34 Understanding Child Growth: When Gaps Appear 36:51 Height Projection Techniques and Options 40:17 The Importance of Vitamin D and Calcium for Bone Health 43:50 Navigating Mental Health and Endocrinology 47:30 Satisfaction in Pediatric Growth Treatment 51:23 Rapid-fire Questions

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Fluoride & First Visits: A Parent's Guide to Pediatric Dentistry - Dr. Troy King May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Caring Well podcast with Dr. Michael Middelton, we sit down with Dr. Troy King, DDS, a seasoned pediatric dentist, to explore essential topics around children's dental health. From the importance of early oral care and the realities of dental insurance to tips on brushing, flossing, fluoride, nutrition, and emergency care, Dr. King shares both professional insights and practical advice for parents on navigating your child's first tooth or managing teenage dental habits, offers valuable guidance to help families build strong, lifelong dental habits - and much more.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/xILsCn5ipX4

LEARN MORE: https://www.pediatricdentistorlando.com

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Caring Well Podcast with Dr. Troy King 04:44 Understanding Dental Insurance vs. Medical Insurance 06:57 Early Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers 10:26 Tips for Infant Gum Care and Oral Hygiene 14:00 Effective Toothbrushing Techniques: Pressure and Duration 17:26 Importance of Saliva in Oral Health 20:54 Tips for Encouraging Kids to Brush Teeth 24:21 Impact of Sipping on Teeth Health 28:00 Understanding Early Orthodontic Intervention 31:37 Effective Teeth Whitening Methods for Kids 35:01 Assessing Dental Injuries in Toddlers 38:32 Emergency Steps for a Knocked-Out Tooth 42:36 Impact of Fluoride Removal on Dental Health 45:52 The Evolution of Public Health Initiatives 49:35 Innovative Dental Treatments: SDF and Sealants 53:14 Halloween, Candy, and Dental Tips 56:38 Rapid-fire Questions

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Sun, Swim & Safety: Your Pediatric Summer Survival Guide - with Dr. Von Edwins Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well with Dr. Middleton, Dr. Von Edwins joins for a wide-ranging conversation on pediatric health topics just in time for Summer. From his unique background as a Disney puppeteer to practical advice on common seasonal concerns like hand, foot, and mouth disease, swimmer's ear, and sunscreen safety - Dr. Edwins brings insight and humor. The episode also covers important topics like water safety, swim lessons, and the office's clear stance on vaccinations. Whether you're a seasoned parent or preparing for your first summer with little ones, this episode is packed with useful info.

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/mUcYUT-xdXI

Send us a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

Learn More About Aquatic Safety: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Pool-Dangers-Drowning-Prevention-When-Not-Swimming-Time.aspx https://www.infantswim.com/water-safety/water-safety-information.html https://www.infantswim.com/assets/docs/FamilyAquaticSafetyList.pdf

Free Door Alarms: https://floridadrowningpreventionfoundation.com/resources

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Von Edwins 03:33 Transition to a Medical Career 06:54 Identifying Hand Foot Mouth Disease in Children 09:59 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease 13:23 Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease 16:25 Preventing Swimmer's Ear: Tips and Treatments 19:41 Understanding SPF and Sunscreen Choices 23:17 Sunscreen Guidelines for Infants Under Six Months 26:53 Essential Water Safety Tips for Parents 30:32 Importance of Supervised Summer Pool Parties and Safety Measures 34:38 Importance of Clear Supervision Communication 37:57 Understanding Vaccine Policy in Pediatric Care 42:06 The Importance of Shared Values in Pediatric Care 45:43 Fluoride, IQ Levels, and Dental Health Debate 49:41 The Rise of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases 53:45 Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle 56:53 Closing Remarks

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Brooke Simmons on Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton sits down with Brooke Simmons, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, to explore the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Brooke shares her personal journey into lactation consulting, the emotional and physical challenges many new moms face, and practical advice for both parents and support systems. From understanding milk supply and breastfeeding techniques to busting common myths and navigating feeding expectations, Brooke offers compassionate, expert insight for families looking to care well for both baby and mother.

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/jWnAHvNG1LU

Learn More: https://www.brookeibclc.com

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro & Brooke's Journey to Becoming an IBCLC 03:34 A Day in the Life of a Lactation Consultant 06:56 Creating a Comfortable Environment for Breastfeeding 10:25 The Significance of Milk Coming In for Newborns 13:59 Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges: Emotions and Guilt 17:26 Emotional Aspects of Breastfeeding 21:08 Nutritional Tips for Nursing Mothers 24:22 Understanding Colostrum: The Original Liquid Gold 27:56 Managing Anxiety During Breastfeeding 31:28 Choosing the Right Breast Pump: Tips for Moms 34:27 Proper Breast Milk Storage Techniques 37:56 Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges and Mom Shaming 41:17 Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges: Personalized Approaches 45:54 Debunking Common Breastfeeding Myths 48:20 Societal Changes and Breastfeeding Trends 51:42 Supporting Fathers in Early Parenthood 53:14 Rapid-Fire Questions Round & Outro

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