A Child's Well-Being

Just to hear clients’ stories, they talk about things that are not easy to talk about, and they will tell me, “You’re the first person I shared this with.” Hearing those words is very powerful to me.

It enriches us, too, as providers, because we do learn a lot from our patients as well. It goes both ways. You are giving so many hours, but in the end, when you see those positive outcomes, you just feel like, “Yeah, it’s worth it.” It keeps you driving forward.

“Could you describe to me what pediatrics is?”

Pediatrics is mostly preventive care, taking care of kids from birth to 19 years of age. It is also about being an advocate so that we can shape their futures.

“What do you think about behavioral health?”

Behavioral health is a connection between behaviors and the health and well-being of our mind, spirit and body. We provide a safe space to work on different stressors and help families feel supported through transitions, just like the ones we are facing.

“What is your role as a dentist?”

With dentistry in pediatrics, it usually starts when the first tooth comes in. Our key is to start them early so that they are not scared. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing when the teeth are touching and starting those habits early can help give them a positive experience.

As a pediatrician, we definitely want our kids to have comprehensive care, and it is really hard in the outside world. Here at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, we have everything in one building.

That is one thing I appreciate about Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, being able to communicate between departments. A lot of times, if a patient comes to me to begin with, I can actually see some things in the mouth that might be connected to behavioral health or medical care.

Being able to provide that to our patients is powerful because, ultimately, you are creating healthier families and healthier communities. We know as providers that a lot of the experiences children face impact their overall well-being and their future.

Seeing both of you so passionate about what you do and so happy when you talk about it, patients see that and they feel that. It creates a welcoming environment.

I am very impressed with all the languages that we offer. Some of those languages I have never even heard before, and it is right there. Especially with our in-house interpreters, they do an awesome job.

I am able to speak both English and Spanish. Even just talking in their native language opens so much ability to build rapport, and it helps that therapeutic relationship.

Even with this pandemic going on, you are still safe to come to Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. We are taking all the necessary precautions.

They do not necessarily always have to come to the center. We try to do it through a phone call or through teletherapy, so that service is also very important because they do not always have to physically come to the center.

I feel like the reason patients are sometimes scared to go anywhere is because they are worried about the funds. That is why we are here.

At Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, we are able to provide services and comprehensive care at reduced costs, even if patients are uninsured. For behavioral health, we have the Jackson County Levy, which is able to provide services at no cost to the client.

If the family does not have income and they say they cannot afford care, we have a sliding fee. It is a minimal amount of money based on the amount of money they earn or the size of their household. The same thing applies for medications.

We are able to provide services to clients who are insured, underinsured and uninsured. We can provide transportation. We can provide an Uber for you.

One of my biggest goals is to impact families and their attachment to each other, and this is a very safe space that we are able to provide to do that.

We bring our own personality to it. We are here because we love what we do.