Episode Details

How can parents walk into pediatric appointments with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind?

In this episode, Cathy Meehan sits down with Chris Downey, founder of VaxCalc, to talk about technology, informed consent, and the importance of parents having a clear decision-making framework before walking into a well visit. Chris shares how his background as a software developer, along with his own experience as a new parent, led him to question the standard approach to pediatric vaccine conversations and eventually build tools to help other families prepare.

Together, Cathy and Chris discuss how parents can sort through information overload, ask better questions, understand what decisions may be presented at a well visit, and use tools like VaxCalc to make thoughtful choices for their children. The conversation also touches on artificial intelligence, faith, parental instincts, and why preparation can make such a difference when navigating healthcare decisions.

This conversation covers:

• Chris Downey’s personal journey into informed consent
• Why pediatric well visits can feel overwhelming for new parents
• How VaxCalc helps parents prepare for vaccine-related decisions
• The importance of asking individualized questions about your child’s health
• How vaccine ingredients, package inserts, and injury tables factor into decision-making
• The role of AI in helping parents organize health information
• Why trusting your gut matters in parenting and medical choices
• Practical encouragement for parents who want to feel more prepared

For parents, caregivers, and health-conscious families, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how preparation, discernment, and trusted resources can support more confident decision-making. Listen in and take the next step toward becoming a more informed advocate for your child.

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