Happy (Almost) New Year!
When asked to advise new parents, I have two sayings:
- You have to raise the kid you have!
- Try to screw them up as little as possible!
Especially now, in running a pediatrics practice and living in our society at large, each of these maxims can inspire and guide.
To raise the child you have, you must get to know them. This sounds self-evident, but instead of really paying attention, listening, and trying hard to get to know our children, we too often try to put them into a box or project our own expectations, desires, and preconceived notions upon them. Labels and categories simplify our work, but as soon as we apply them, our deep interpersonal and analytical work may get short circuited. This can be incredibly useful for obtaining services or making a general plan, but too often labeling or categorizing backfires as we fall off the mark. We can get stuck in a rut, and both kids and parents can feel misunderstood.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that we have limitations. No matter how hard we try, we cannot understand everything about another individual or fully control them and all the variables that impact their life. Like a long line on a map, a small initial variance can lead to a great deviation. But what about the course itself? The future road may offer opportunities for correction, and the past course may appear like a wonderful blessing in the rear-view mirror.
At Center City Pediatrics, we strive to be a “Community Based Medical Home.” As a “Medical Home” we try to tailor care to the needs of every individual by getting to know them, by putting forth the best medical science on their behalf, and by communicating thoroughly along the way. However, as a community-based practice, which welcomes all and relies entirely upon insurance payments, we must live with the woes of the American healthcare system where less than 5% of US healthcare dollars goes to primary care! Like good parents, we can choose to emphasize authentic connections and an individualized approach, even within a system that we cannot fully control and that may at times conflict with our aspirations and values.
A physician-run independent practice like ours is increasingly rare and requires us to run efficiently and strategically. We may have trouble competing with the large hospital and corporate owned practices that use their size to negotiate much higher rates for reimbursement and lower payments for supplies. However, I strongly believe that we can more easily, although imperfectly, get to know you and your child. We can initiate changes in our operations and tailor approaches much faster than large organizations, where the leadership is far removed from the patients.
During this era, which calls for us to work to understand and appreciate each other, we reaffirm our commitment to strive continually to get to know – and, more importantly, to understand – you and your child. At the same time, we hope that you will continue to collaborate with us with understanding and optimism, knowing that a perfect pediatric practice, like perfect parenting and a perfect society, is something for which we can only aspire.
I see this as our best and happiest way forward.
Happy Holidays!
Eric
Want To Get Away?
Do your new year plans include travel abroad? We are now offering “Travel Encounters” as an alternative to the travel clinics. This encounter is a “fee for service”, not billable through insurance, but at a rate typically less than other consultative services.
Want to learn more? Read all about this new service on our website. Want to schedule an appointment? You can self-schedule a travel encounter on our website.
School Is In Session For Parents And Caregivers Too!
In-person parent education workshops are in full swing at our South Street, ^Fishtown and *Bala Cynwyd locations. Advanced registration is required for all classes. You do not need to be a patient of the practice to join! Visit our website for details, facilitator bios and registration links.
Most Thursdays 9:30 – 11am
^Fridays by appointment only
Saturday 12/7 OR 1/4 OR 2/1 OR 3/1 9:30 – 11am
*Sunday 12/8 OR 1/5 OR 2/2 OR 3/2 9:30 – 11am
^Tuesday 1/14/25 10:30am – 12:30pm
Empower Your Return: Moms Transitioning Back to Work
Saturday 12/14 10 – 11:30am
33 Rock Hill Rd
1740 South Street
2365 East York Street