Litchfield Hills Pediatrics
860-567-1263

Practice Philosophy "First Do No Harm"

How can a family expect to be treated by Litchfield Hills Pediatrics?
As a partener - we make decisions jointly, with education enhancement for the parent.
How are confidential issues, such as a teenager may relay, handled?
Teens are always encouraged to discuss issues with their parents, but the teenager is our patient, and does come first. We will respect the teenager's desire for privacy to the greatest extent allowable by law (Federal Law allows for health care providers to treat sexually transmitted disease and prescribe birth control without parental consent over the age of 12). Of course, if the teenager is in immediate danger (thinking of suicide or thinkingof hurting someone) we are obligated to seek immediate psychiatric help and inform the parents of the issue.
Teen years are a tough time, and all teens need to have a trusted adult to confide in. Hopefully, that trusted adult can be their parent or their doctor. Teens should be discouraged from seeking important advice from same age friends (who still think with the Amygdala (emotional) Area of the brain, not the Frontal Lobe (logical) Area of the brain.

opinion only
What are my thoughts on the immunization and autism debate?
The medical literature does not support a link. I will listen to parents' concerns, address them and if necessary, hold off on giving the feared immunizations until the parents are comfortable. There have been many many changes in the enviroment in which we live the past 30 years, and to ignore enviromental insults on a developing brain is short sighted. Studies have now confirmed a genetic tendency towards autism. Also, with a decreasing rate of immunizing, there has been no decrease in the rate of autism.
And of course, has the method and criteria for diagnosing autism changed? What are we now calling autism?
How do I feel about "alternative" medicine practices?
It definitely can complement what I have to offer. Traditional medicine was once "alternative." However, not alternative medicine practices are safe, there are as many side effects (not as well studied or documented) as traditional medicines.
What if a parent chooses not to immunize?
I make sure they understand the dangers of not immunizing, and will always be open to the starting of immunizations at a later date, I do not automatically discharge these patients. It is very important they understand the dangers they are thus exposing their child to because if the choice they are making. I do have each parent who feels strongly about not immunizing to sign a "refusal to vaccinate" form.
In spite of parents insisting their child not be immunized there have been many lawsuits directed at the pediatrician by these same parents when their child contracts (and sometimes dies) diseases that are vaccine preventable.
Communication is key to our relationship.
What about some rather far out thoughts like "lotus" births? (just to let this reader know - that one is ABSOLUTELY not recommended and medically a very dangerous thing to do.)
This super handsome boy got all his immunizations at the recommended intervals...........