As a pediatrician now in my 27th year of practice, I can’t tell you how important it is to have continuity of care for your child. It is truly an honor for me to take care of children from those very first days after birth until they are done with college!
Over time, I get to know both the child as well as the parents and family as a whole, and this allows me to be an even better pediatrician. Each family has its own set of values, and I respect and admire the individuality and devotion that our Brooklyn parents have for their children.
When it comes to a medical condition or illness or anything that might be worrying you about your child, continuity of care, and knowing that your pediatrician will be there for you for the long-haul, as well as on a daily basis, is crucial. As we navigate both the emotional and medical well-being of children nowadays, I am always available as someone who has seen over 10,000 kids and spent 36 years working with children in a variety of settings to be there for you, guiding and navigating with you.
I am available every day for your child for both in person, same day sick visits as well as virtual/video visits for both medical and behavioral or developmental issues. In addition to the scheduled yearly preventative well-child exams, setting aside time and allowing us to form meaningful connections as we navigate obstacles, big and small, allows us to form a plan and make sure we are not neglecting an important issue. When there is a fever or rash, that is getting worse or ongoing medical condition that just isn’t getting better, you want to know you can connect with your pediatrician instead of having to go to an urgent care and receiving unnecessary antibiotics or x-rays. There are situations where an urgent care is necessary, but having a true medical home for your family can actually lead to better outcomes and less unneeded interventions. Indeed, the seasoned pediatrician will know when to worry and when and how to safely reassure.
It is by definition concerning if your child has a high fever and only with a hands-on physical exam can we truly get to the bottom of diagnosing which type of germ or infection - viral or bacterial - is causing this high fever. But whether it is an acute illness or a problem coming up in school with behavior or focus, or a developmental issue in your toddler, it is so important knowing that your pediatrician is there for you every day, saving slots and time for same day issues.
Although I have just started my role as Pediatric Clinical Director of the NYU Cobble Hill center, I have been thrilled and impressed with the level of support, efficiency and customer service provided by our amazing pediatric staff. If you will be joining us from another medical institution, please be aware that all of the medical records in the epic EMR system will transfer seamlessly at your first appointment and you do not need to do anything beforehand to request medical records - they will appear in your medical chart here at NYU. You can call 929-455-2500 or my chart us, or go on the NYU website to set up a same-day visit, in person or by video for any concerns that you have, or to schedule that next check up! I look forward to seeing you soon and serving as an important part of your child’s team, celebrating them as they grow, and keeping them healthy!
