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Primary Care Pearls

Primary Care Pearls

Written by: Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast
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A medical education podcast focused on primary care made by learners, for learners and - most importantly - led by our patients' stories. Episodes released every two weeks.© 2026 Primary Care Pearls Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • BONUS episode: Becoming a New Parent During Medical Training
    Jan 2 2026

    In this episode our producer, Helen Cai, leads a far reaching conversation with Alissa (guest speaker on Breastfeeding episode) about the joys and challenges of raising children while pursuing rigorous medical training.


    === About Us ===

    The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.


    Hosts: Helen Cai

    Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman

    Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Other background music: Steve Adams, The Mini Vandals, Density & Time


    Instagram: @pcpearls

    Twitter: @PCarePearls

    Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls

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    15 mins
  • BONUS Episode: Lactation Medicine in Medical Education
    Dec 30 2025

    In this bonus episode, one of our producers, Helen Cai, dives deeper into the challenges and opportunities of training medical providers to be more competent and confident in guiding new parents through breastfeeding. Our expert is Dr. Deanna Nardella, MD, MHS, a Yale Pediatrician.


    === About Us ===

    The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.


    Hosts: Helen Cai

    Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman

    Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Other background music: Schwartzy


    Instagram: @pcpearls

    Twitter: @PCarePearls

    Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • "Thank goodness there is Formula" - Infant Nutrition (Part II)
    Dec 15 2025

    In this episode, Helen Cai and Dr. Faith Crittenden chat with Katherine and Dr. Porto about the challenges and opportunities of relying on infant formula, especially if it wasn’t a parent’s original plan.


    === Outline ===

    Chapter 1: The realities of Infant Feeding

    Chapter 2: The history and science behind formula

    Chapter 3: Safe practices in handing infant formula

    Chapter 4: Formula’s unintended benefits on family life


    === Learning Points ===

    1. All infant formula are safe and complete due to regulations by the FDA and Infant Formula Act of 1980
    2. The majority of infants thrive on standard intact cow’s milk protein formula
    3. Prepared, refrigerated formula can be safely stored for up to 24 hours
    4. Never dilute formula to stretch it, as this can lead to electrolyte abnormalities and failure to thrive

    === Our Expert(s) ===

    Dr. Anthony Porto is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist and Professor of Pediatrics at Yale, where he serves as Associate Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Medical Director of the Yale Pediatric Celiac Program. He is a recognized expert in infant nutrition and feeding, co-author of The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics


    === Further Reading ===

    • CDC 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/breastfeeding-report-card/index.html
    • NASPGHAN list of formula equivalents: https://naspghan.org/recent-news/naspghan-tools-for-hcps-affected-by-formula-recall/
    • Cernioglo K, Smilowitz JT. Infant feeding practices and parental perceptions during the 2022 United States infant formula shortage crisis. BMC Pediatr. 2023 Jun 24;23(1):320. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04132-9. PMID: 37355589; PMCID: PMC10290398.
    • Calello DP, Jefri M, Yu M, Zarraga J, Bergamo D, Hamilton R. Notes from the Field: Vitamin D–Deficient Rickets and Severe Hypocalcemia in Infants Fed Homemade Alkaline Diet Formula — Three States, August 2020–February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1124–1125. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7033a4
    • Anderson CE, Whaley SE, Goran MI. Lactose-reduced infant formula with corn syrup solids and obesity risk among participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Oct 6;116(4):1002-1009. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac173. PMID: 35998087; PMCID: PMC10157812.


    === About Us ===

    The Primary Care Pearls (PCP) Podcast is created in collaboration with faculty, residents, and students from the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. The project aims to create accessible and informative podcasts about core primary care topics centered around real patient stories.


    Hosts: Helen Cai

    Producers: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Logo and Name: Eva Zimmerman

    Theme music and Editing: Helen Cai, Josh Onyango

    Other background music: Jeremy Black, Nat Keefe, Schwartzy, Corbyn Kites, Dan Bodan, The Mini Vandals, Moonrise, Density&Time, Quincas Moreira, Jesse Gallagher, John Patitucci, Steve Adams


    Instagram: @pcpearls

    Twitter: @PCarePearls

    Listen on your favorite podcast platforms: linktr.ee/pcpearls

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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