Through The Eyes Of A Pediatrician: The Power Of Community

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As a pediatrician, I have a unique privilege. Over the years, I have been part of many stories of the families that I bond with at work. I have rejoiced at graduations, successes, shared disappointments, and grieved at losses. In that context, and over the years, I have doled out instructions on taking care of children on multiple levels. But my job isn’t complete until I can provide the families the tools or at least guide families to help execute the instructions that I send them home with.

When talking with families, one of my favorite analogies has been the example of the pressure drop in an aircraft. Do you remember the last time you took a flight? For a lot of us, it seems like a long time. If you remember the instructions in the safety booklet, one of them says, “When the pressure drops inside the cabin, the oxygen masks will drop from the overhead cabinet. Adults should put on their masks first and then help the little ones.”

The same can be said in life in general. I have frequently said the same to the parents of my little patients. Remember to take care of yourself first. You have to be fit, healthy, and happy to be able to take care of your children. Children learn not just what you teach them, but everything they see around them, so adult modeling is essential. You may say, but nothing is perfect, and every person’s story is different. I hear you; it is why we need the village to raise a child.

All kids have one thing in common. They thrive in a nurturing, loving environment. They need a sense of security and belonging to grow up as fully rounded, confident citizens of the future. And that, my friends, is our most valuable gift to the world. Parents, you are grooming the leaders of tomorrow. So, we need you to thrive as well. And the least all of us can do for each other is to provide the power of community. For that, I am grateful for communities that I can work with. I am excited to be a part of the Broward Mom Collective where parents can find different kinds of support, be it a spa to relax, a kids playgroup, or a daycare to give mom a breather. Remember mama, put on their oxygen mask first before putting it on your loved ones!

 

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Violina Bhattacharyya
Dr. Bhattacharyya (we get to call her Violina) is the owner and CEO of WonderKidz Pediatrics and a mom of two, ages seven and eleven. She did her medical schooling in India and completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has been in practice for the last eleven years in Miami and will be opening her new office in Broward at the end of this year. A typical day for her can be super busy and yet exciting because every day as a pediatrician is a new adventure. After office hours, it's home sweet home where she and her husband enjoy family time. She loves to try different cuisines and still makes time to secretly binge watching her favorite Netflix shows! Her niche is in child behavioral health and has a passion for helping families who need that extra assistance for their precious little one. Her experience in behavioral health at the primary care level allows her to continue to help families as needed as well as help adopt and adhere to healthy lifestyle choices for their children from birth to adolescence.

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