A Few Thoughts on “Modern Parenthood”

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The Pew Research Center‘s report entitled, “Modern Parenthood” recently came through my twitter feed. Amidst so much recent talk about women and our professional lives and “balance”, I loved reading this treasure trove of data about how moms and dads are spending our time, how that has changed over the last few decades, and how we feel about it. First, let me say that if you’re not following Pew’s work (including that of the fabulous Susannah Fox) you really must check it out. Here are a few things that stood out for me. Continue reading →

Open For Comment: The Risks and Rewards of Writing in an Open Space

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I recently co-authored an op-ed on gun violence that was picked up by The Huffington Post. As topics go, this is about as controversial as a pediatrician can get. Anticipating strong feelings on all sides of the issue, I was forced to really look at my feelings about writing in open spaces and exposing myself to criticism. This is an interesting vulnerability for a physician. Ever trying to avoid mistakes and often trained to steer clear of controversy, we avoid a public role as a rule. But, recent reflection has made me realize how much my perspective on all of this has shifted and been clarified over the last few years. Continue reading →

When Your Child Is Afraid

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Going to the doctor is a scary thing for a lot of kids. Whether it’s due to being in an unfamiliar place, having someone poke and prod you, or the intuition that shots are coming, I see kids deal with fear and anxiety every day. Parents respond in many different ways, almost always with the goal of diffusing the situation, but with varying degrees of success. Here are a few tips for helping your child when they are feeling afraid, whether at the doctor’s office or in other life situations. Continue reading →

Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Information and Resources for Parents

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eczemaAtopic dermatitis (also called eczema) is right up there with diaper rash as one of the most common skin conditions I see in clinic. This post will answer some of the most common questions parents have about atopic dermatitis (AD), as well as describe the types of treatment your child’s health care provider may recommend. As with all topics, please consult with your child’s physician if you have specific questions about your child. Continue reading →

It Is The System, Not The Patient, That Is Difficult

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As a pediatrician at a busy county clinic with close proximity to pediatric specialists, I care for a significant number of children with special health care needs. Instead of colds and ear infections (though there are those too), my days are often filled thinking about gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomies, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. I sign orders for specialty formulas and nebulizer machines. Many of my patients have thick charts and diagnoses like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, chronic renal failure, and achondroplasia. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way. These kids and their families have taught me more than I can possibly put into writing. About medicine. About life.

But, all too often these families are labeled “difficult”. Continue reading →

3 Words for 2013: Decide. Attend. Play.

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I’m not usually one for New Year’s resolutions. It seems they often fade away by mid-year. But, this year I’m taking a page from two of my favorite physician writers, Dr. Vartabedian and Dr. Swanson and aiming for a more conceptual resolution that I hope will stick. A series of three words that I will keep in mind this year, in both personal and professional realms. Words that I hope will help guide 2013, a year that is likely to be filled with some change for me. Continue reading →

After Newtown: From Emotion to Action

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It is clear that so many of us have been deeply impacted by the horrific school shooting in Newtown. My social media channels have been flooded by this event in a way I can’t remember happening before. Countless expressions of deep, deep sadness. Now, as the days pass many have started asking how to turn this deep emotion into positive change. How can we better protect our children? Continue reading →

Happy Holidays from My Two Hats

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I want to take a moment to wish all of my readers Happy Holidays! I truly appreciate your readership and thoughtful comments this year. I’ll be back soon with new posts on taking action to prevent gun violence, a two part series on kids and music, tips for eczema, and other various and sundry topics on child health.

My best wishes for safe travels and relaxing time with family and friends over the next week. Here are a few posts that may be useful during this time. Continue reading →

When Will We Choose Our Children?

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An open letter to policymakers in the wake of another devastating shooting.

Today close to thirty people died in a horrific school shooting. In an elementary school. Twenty of the dead were young children. Countless other children were witness to this horrific crime.

Like so many times before the news comes to us as people talk about what happened. About the shooter. About the families.

Some people say that Americans are becoming numb to these shootings. That we have come to expect them. This is simply not true. Continue reading →