Despite the frequent utilization of biomarkers in medical practice, there is a relative dearth of information regarding pediatric biomarkers. Frequently, biomarkers found to be efficacious in adults are extrapolated to the pediatric clinical setting without considering differences such as pathophysiology of the diseases and injuries or the developmental period of the child. New and innovative approaches are necessary to provide reliable, validated biomarkers that can be used to improve and advance pediatric medical care. This presentation will review biomarker definitions and their application and context of use, discuss the role in common pediatric diseases and illnesses, and explore their clinical applications and how it can be relevant to neuropsychologists.

Learning Objectives
After the webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Define biomarkers and their role in pediatric medicine.

2. List the different types of biomarkers and their contexts of use.

3. Discuss the role of biomarkers in common pediatrics disease and illnesses.

4. Explain applications and how its relevant to neuropsychologists.

Target Audience: Neuropsychologists and trainees

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Laura Blackwell is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist, an associate professor of pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine and a principal investigator in the Pediatric Neurotrauma Lab. She is also the co-director of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Post-Doctoral Pediatric Neuropsychology Fellowship. Her research focuses on examining different types of biological markers that could help provide information about management and predictors of outcomes in pediatric traumatic brain injury. Dr. Blackwell and her team want to better understand how aspects of a child’s biological system as well as their premorbid psychological, behavioral, and environmental history, influence their recovery following injury.