Simulation-based medical education is an experiential modality that has evolved over the last 60 years, amassing evidence as an efficacious tool for skill acquisition and care improvement. We review the underlying theory, core defining principles, and applications of medical simulation broadly and in pediatrics in hopes that it can be accessible to every pediatric clinician regardless of practice environment and resources. Any situation where there is risk of harm to a patient or clinician can be simulated for practice, reflection, and repractice. Whether preparing for clinic-based emergencies, new hospital units, or new daily workflows, simulation is valuable to novice and master clinicians for individual and team care enhancement.

Symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis is a rare disease in the United States. However, prenatal screening is becoming increasingly available, resulting in identification of infants at risk of developing the disease. Infants who are born asymptomatic may still develop significant neurodevelopmental sequelae months or even years after birth if untreated. Congenital toxoplasmosis is a difficult infection to diagnose. Using one case as an example, this review attempts to highlight the importance of identifying at-risk infants and summarize the most current recommendations with regard to workup and treatment of affected infants. Initial evaluation of an infant at risk of congenital toxoplasmosis includes complete history and physical examination, lumbar puncture, head computed tomography, complete blood cell count with differential, detailed ophthalmologic examination, and Toxoplasma gondii polymerase chain reaction and serologic testing. Because of the complexity of the laboratory studies involved, expert interpretation is required. Although there is still much to learn about the best approach to the identification and treatment of affected infants, we know that early treatment leads to the best neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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Infants and young children are in a period of rapid neurodevelopment, making them more vulnerable to neurotoxic agents. A topic of much debate is how persistent and pervasive cognitive delays are for children exposed to anesthesia at a young age. The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in late 2016 calling for providers to share information about such risks with families before any medical interventions requiring use of anesthetics. This article offers the pediatric generalist some background on the warning and tips for counseling families before a procedure as well as reminders for surveilling beyond a procedure. [ Pediatr Ann . 2021;50(5):e187–e189.]