Editorials

A female nurse gives a shot to a young girl
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Keeping Your Options Open: Is Nursing At An Independent Pediatric Practice Right for You?

America is experiencing a severe nursing shortage. Due to high demand, those who are able to meet the challenge of obtaining a nursing degree have many employment paths to choose from. Those looking to make the right career path choice might consider what setting is best for working parents, or the benefits of independent practices from an operational or clinical standpoint. Here are the stories of three nurses who share why choosing to work for an independent pediatric practice was right for them.
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Staying Strong in the Face of Unfair Policy: How to Fight and Win with Dr. Kathy Cain

When Dr. Kathy Cain saw an unfair insurance policy was reducing payment for her services in her home state of Kansas, she did not take it lying down. Instead, with the help of her physician networks, Cain was able to change the policy over years after a long search for her voice to be heard. This article provides a quick primer on medical coding and its potential manipulation, as well as a brief background of one of the major market leaders in the healthcare insurance industry and how one woman took them on—and won.

Weathering the Staffing Shortage Storm with Dr. Hiral Lavania

Even before the pandemic, the U.S. was in the throes of a healthcare staffing crisis. The events of the last two years have escalated this crisis to a true emergency, especially for independent practitioners. Dr. Hiral Lavania discusses the impact of the staffing shortage during this time and what she expects for the future of her practice.

Dr. Seth Kaplan: A Warrior for Children’s Mental Healthcare in Texas and Beyond

In the face of a declared national mental health emergency for children, Dr. Seth Kaplan outlines what independent pediatricians can do to support the fight for better mental health care. Kaplan outlines some of the unique challenges to this mission in the state of Texas while highlighting solutions the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) has implemented in the last 18 months to address those challenges. Finally, Kaplan provides actionable steps pediatricians can take right now to better treat the whole child and support better mental health for all children.

Investing in Community to Nourish Within: A Conversation with PMI Founder Paul Vanchiere

The foundation of independent pediatricians is built on fundamental connections between providers and their communities, patients, families, and staff. This interview with Paul Vanchiere, founder of the Pediatric Management Institute, explores the importance of strong bonds for the well-being of the provider and the success of the practice.

Cracks in the System: Child Food Insecurity and COVID-19

Proper nutrition and food security are essential to the healthy development of a child—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Dr. Steven Abrams, Chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition, discusses the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic on how the U.S. is failing food insecure families, and how we can do better.
A parent and his toddler explore a digital tablet

Finding the Middle Way with Kids and Digital Media

The impacts of digital media use on children, both positive and negative, are increasingly visible as Generation Z comes of age. How do different types of media affect childhood brain development, and what can pediatricians do to help kids build healthy relationships with their screens?

Trauma-Informed Care and the Future of Wellness

Melding her expertise in psychology and criminal justice, forensic psychologist Dr. Aron Steward explains the importance of trauma-informed care to the future of children’s health, and the health of our society.
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Proust Questionnaire: Russell C. Libby, MD, FAAP

Russell C. Libby, MD, FAAP, of Fairfax, Virginia answers some candid questions about his practice and life philosophy as part of The Independent Pediatrician’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.
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A Child-Centered Defense of Medicaid

Why fight for Medicaid? Pediatrician Christoph Diasio, M.D. makes a compelling case. He offers his perspective on Medicaid’s foundational role in our health care system, and proposes a vision for the future.