Cumberland Conversations

CPF Spotlight l Undiagnosed Diseases Program with Dr. Thomas Cassini

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

What happens when patients go years without a diagnosis despite countless appointments, tests, and referrals?

In this episode of Cumberland Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Cassini, Pediatrician and Geneticist, with Vanderbilt’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program at the Potocsnak Center for Undiagnosed and Rare Disorders. We explore the important work of the Undiagnosed Diseases Center and the impact it has on patients and families searching for answers. Our conversation dives into the challenges of identifying rare and complex conditions, the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, and how the expansion of the program is allowing more patients to be seen and diagnosed.

Want to learn more about the program or refer a patient? Visit vumc.org/undiagnosed to learn more.

Journal Club l Faltering Weight, Baby-Led Weaning, and Gut Brain Interactions with Dr. Maribeth Nicholson

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Join us this week on Cumberland Conversations for our May Journal Club episode where Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF’s Medical Director, and Dr. Maribeth Nicholson, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, dive into three articles on faltering weight, baby-led weaning, picky eaters, and more. From key takeaways to real-world applications, they’ll dissect the research, challenge perspectives, and highlight what matters most for you and your practice.

This week’s Journal Club includes discussion on the three following articles:

If you have follow-up questions or comments based on the articles in this week’s journal club or have articles you would like Cumberland Conversations to review in the future, please email cpfnashville@gmail.com. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Practice Management Minute l Ambulatory Infection Prevention Program with Dr. Natalya Beneschott

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Cumberland Conversations: Practice Management Minute, we highlight an exciting partnership focused on strengthening infection prevention in pediatric practices. We sit down to discuss with Dr. Natalya Beneschott, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician and Associated Medical Director of Pediatric Infection at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, about Vanderbilt's Ambulatory Infection Prevention Program, exploring how this initiative supports clinics in enhancing safety protocols, reducing risk, and promoting high-quality patient care.

Listeners will gain insight into practical strategies for infection prevention in the ambulatory setting while maintaining efficient clinic operations.

Below you can find some of the resources Dr. Beneschott shared in the episode:

Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Journal Club l Measles Antibodies, Aluminum Adjuvants, and Fluoride Exposure with Dr. Buddy Creech

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Join us this week on Cumberland Conversations for our first Journal Club episode where Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF’s Medical Director, and Dr. Buddy Creech, CPF’s Board Vice- President and Director of Vanderbilt’s Vaccine Research Program, break down and discuss three compelling articles shaping today’s conversations in healthcare. From key takeaways to real-world applications, they’ll dissect the research, challenge perspectives, and highlight what matters most for you and your practice.

This week’s Journal Club includes discussion on the three following journal articles:

· Long-term Dynamics of Measles Virus-Specific Neutralizing Antibodies in Children Vaccinated Before 12 Months of Age

· The Role and Safety of Aluminum Adjuvants in Childhood Vaccines

· Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

· Bonus Fluoride Article: Childhood fluoride exposure and cognition across the life course

Want more information on fluoride? Check out this news article: Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows

If you have follow-up questions or comments based on the articles in this week’s journal club or have articles you would like Cumberland Conversations to review in future episodes, please email cpfnashville@gmail.com. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Cumberland Conversations | Pilot

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the pilot episode of Cumberland Conversations - we're so glad you're here!

In this pilot introduction, we sit down with Dr. Robert Lillard, CPF's Medical Director, and Jessica Ray, CPF's Executive Director, to share the vision behind the podcast and what listeners can expect in the episodes ahead.

Together, they discuss the mission driving this work, the importance of meaningful conversations in healthcare, and how Cumberland Conversations will serve as a platform to connect providers, partners, and communities around the issues that matter the most. From improving patient outcomes to addressing practice operations, this podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and spark collaboration.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, community partners, or simply passionate about improving health in your community, this is your invitation to join the conversation.

If you have topics you would like to suggest for future podcast episodes, including the journal club, please submit suggestions to cpfnashville@gmail.com.