I am pleased that you have chosen to allow me to participate in your pursuit of your child’s health and well-being. I believe there exists a partnership between the parents and the pediatrician with the final goal being maximal health for your child. Pediatrics is a broad specialty because children are vulnerable to specific growth and development issues, specific illnesses and injuries according to their age group. An infant is at risk for different problems than an elementary age child, and an adolescent is in another world of decisions and possible concerns compared to a pre-schooler. The changes of growth and development that occur from infancy through adolescence are nothing short of miraculous as they travel on the road of life toward maturity; the behaviors and patterns that accompany the physical changes can leave you, the parent, overwhelmed at times. Both the age specific illnesses and injuries, appropriate growth and development as well as emotional health and well-being are important cornerstones of Pediatrics.

I firmly believe that as humans we have a basic make-up which includes body, soul and spirit. I believe that all 3 of these components must grow, change and reach certain milestones in order to have the final result of a healthy, whole young adult. Therefore please don’t be offended if I ask during a well check how you and your husband are getting along or how the siblings are treating each other during this season of time or how your child is really feeling about the current school year because all of these things deeply affect your child’s soul [emotional and thought center]. I am interested in your child’s total well-being — which includes not only their physical health but also their self-esteem, their perception of what you think of them as well as their sense of accomplishment as they attempt to master all of the skills of “growing up.”

I believe that for most families the medical/physical state of their child/children is the easiest part of raising them. Often changes in eating and sleeping patterns, behavior and discipline concerns, potty-training and school concerns cause much more stress than the occasional fever, sore throat, cold or stomach flu. I desire to practice with the intent of concentrating on the total well-being of your child. I hope to be a resource to help maximize your child’s ability to grow into a healthy, secure, confident and content young adult.

In closing I want to mention that I am a Christian Believer who believes that God desires to be intimately involved in the details of raising your children. Being a parent is the most important job God created and has entrusted you with. I would be honored to have the privilege to pray over your child and/or family when I am at your home for an appointment.

Karri D. Dutton, MD