BREAKING THROUGH with Madeline Bell

Where We Are Now with Dr. Edward Behrens: MIS-C

In the spring, doctors began noticing a mysterious inflammatory condition in children that involved fever, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting. Now known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, the rare syndrome seems to be a postviral inflammatory response to COVID-19. Dr. Edward Behrens, Chief of the Division of Rheumatology and Director of the Immune Dysregulation Frontier Program, discusses what his team has discovered about MIS-C and what gives him hope for the future.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Audrey Odom John: Research

Could dogs’ noses hold the answer to a better COVID-19 diagnostic test? Dr. Audrey Odom John, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at CHOP, discusses her efforts to develop a COVID-19 breathalyzer test with help from some four-legged friends – and shares the questions CHOP researchers most want to answer about the disease.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Rebecca Harris: Testing

Testing is one of the most important tools we have to track and stop the spread of COVID-19, but it comes with many challenges. Dr. Rebecca Harris, Director of CHOP’s Infectious Disease Diagnostics Laboratory, shares the story of how CHOP developed its own COVID-19 test early in the pandemic and describes how her team is finding ways to do more tests, faster, as the pandemic continues.

Where We Are Now with Dr. David Rubin: Modeling

While many institutions across the country were modeling the trajectory of COVID-19 at the national level, Dr. David Rubin, and his colleagues at CHOP’s PolicyLab took a more innovative approach: They mapped the spread of the virus at the county level. More than 500 U.S. counties are included in the PolicyLab model, which has been used by local and state policymakers, as well as the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Dr. Rubin discusses how the model came to fruition and shares the most surprising – and important – thing researchers have learned from it.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Susan Coffin: Transmission

What makes COVID-19 different from other infectious diseases? Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Susan Coffin, discusses her research on how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted, talks about how the virus affects children, and shares advice to help parents and families make decisions about everything from playdates to sports.

COMING SOON: Where We Are Now

In “Where We Are Now,” a five-episode special series, Madeline Bell speaks with five CHOP researchers about the COVID-19-related work they are leading – and about what gives them hope during this challenging time. With episodes focused on everything from a modeling tool that forecasts the spread of the virus across more than 500 U.S. counties to a unique COVID-19 test developed in the CHOP labs, the series takes listeners on a journey from the beginning of the pandemic to where we are now.

The Research and Lab of the Future with Dr. Beverly Davidson

Join Madeline in CHOP’s “lab of the future” in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center. As Director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics and Chief Scientific Strategy Officer at CHOP, Dr. Davidson is developing innovative gene therapies to treat inherited brain disorders. Listen in as she talks to Madeline about everything from her earliest breakthrough moment to what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated field. You can learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Using Technology to Fuel Breakthroughs: A Conversation with Dr. Bimal Desai

Ever wondered what informatics is or how CHOP is using it? Get a peek behind the curtain with CHOP’s Chief Health Informatics Officer, Dr. Bimal Desai. Madeline dives into some of CHOP’s most innovative ideas using technology, like bedside cameras for families to check in on their babies, and what is next for our patients. Learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Minds Matter: A Concussion Discussion with Dr. Christina Master

Madeline has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Christina Master about CHOP’s interdisciplinary approach to concussion, including exciting, cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options. Concussion Care for Kids: Minds Matter is a specialized program developed to help families, healthcare providers, school staff and coaches recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion and support children's physician-guided recovery. Learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Fueling Breakthroughs: Leonard Abramson

Every day approximately 700 CHOP employees go to work in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, our first research building – one of them is Madeline. She sits down with Leonard to talk about his family’s 30-year relationship with the hospital and how their support has fueled breakthroughs and innovation.

To find out how you can help fuel tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.