In his session, “Mistakes You Do Not Want to Make in Pediatric Patients,” Richard M. Cantor, MD, FACEP, professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics and director of emergency department—pediatrics at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, will present eight clinical scenarios that emergency physicians commonly encounter but may not handle properly or expeditiously. “By making some minor adjustments in their approach, physicians can easily obtain favorable outcomes when managing these routine cases,” he said.

For one case, Dr. Cantor will present a factitious scenario in which a child was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. “This syndrome can be very challenging for physicians to diagnose,” he said.

Attendees will also glean the most recent knowledge in treating young patients. “Clinical presentations of common diseases change rapidly,” Dr. Cantor said. “New research has replaced old thinking. My insight will give physicians a more relevant approach to treating pediatric medical conditions.”

He will also arm emergency physicians with tips to keep in mind when treating young patients, like being aware that more parents are not immunizing their children against forgotten diseases such as tetanus, measles, and some serious infections. “Physicians need to ask about immunizations when gathering patient history,” he said.

“In my 30 years of practice, I’ve learned many valuable lessons,” Dr. Cantor said. “Emergency physicians learn from their cases; my own personal experience will hopefully help them in treating their young patients.”