It’s impossible to create a path forward, when a shocking number of Americans don’t seem to know ( or don’t seem to care) about anyone who was ONLY able to survive childhood because of Medicaid and SNAP benefits. 💔

❤️

Engaging online these days can be physically painful for those of us working tirelessly to ensure our nation’s children can access high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. But despite the rhetoric and shock-pieces and attempts to divide us; there is an unbelievable amount of good out there. Brilliant people, with the best intentions and open minds are relentlessly pursuing a better tomorrow. I get to work with them, and collaborate with them, every day. Stay the course… positive change is coming!

Today I became a Board-Certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician. Over 15 years in the making… and this is the least exciting thing that happened today… or that I’ve accomplished in my medical career. … More to come and I can’t wait to share it.

When the prevalence of autism drops dramatically over the next 5 years; it won’t be because autism was “cured”. After decades of promoting awareness and acceptance… and fighting back waitlists, clinicians are seeing families actively choose to delay an ASD diagnosis in an effort to protect their children from an unpredictable and terrifying agenda. In other news; instead of getting daily requests for ASD evaluations… I’m now seeing quite the spike in requests to evaluate for ADHD, ODD, anxiety, OCD… How bizarre?!

April is #WorldAutismMonth. Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect the way someone communicates, socializes or learns. If someone in your life is diagnosed with autism, the best thing you can do is learn how to support them! Learn more: tinyurl.com/2z3ruxy6.

Once upon a time I worked in Navy intelligence. Once upon a time I was responsible for highly classified information. This is a BIG DEAL. I simply can not process the absolute idiocy underlying recent national security events. Absolute, Mind-boggling incompetence among unserious people. What is happening and how is this ok!?

Noooo!!!! Juju!!!!!

My 5 year old: “Goodnight brain. Goodnight body. Don’t try anything silly. We need to get sleep so we can grow big and beat daddy in a pillow fight. NO WIGGLES!” ❤️❤️

No survivors. 💔

So excited to watch Taylor’s team in the playoffs today!

Peak Charleston is watching your neighbors use their golf cart to tow their kids on makeshift sleds through the snow covered streets.

My 9yo told me that she and her bestie were laughing at two boys who were competing for the loudest farts during their lock down drill a few days ago. And when I delicately suggested she prepare as if it’s real, she said “Bruh, have you seen what those guns do? If I’m gonna die, I’d rather go out laughing at farts. Do YOU still take your lock-down drills seriously?” … and I just wasn’t ready for my 9yo to show me that she is acutely aware that she could be murdered in her classroom, and that’s just a normal part of her life. It shouldn’t be like this.

Wanting to give families hope… the possibility of a miracle… is why I wanted to pursue neonatology. Realizing I wouldn’t be happy unless I had the chance to help those incredible little miracles navigate all of their life’s milestones, is why I chose Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics ❤️

After reviewing leaked documents, we have found UnitedHealth is strategically limiting access to a treatment for thousands of children with autism across the country in order to cut costs. Advocates say the company’s strategy may be illegal. propublica.org/article/unite… 👇

They always say, you can get a job anywhere as a DBP. But they never talk about what those anywhere jobs look like, and how the details aren’t really up to you… Had a long chat with a friend considering a DBP position in the states. They are in one of those “damned socialist” countries where access to healthcare is built into the fabric of society. We talked about the “business” of applying to most DBP positions in the states … the multi-layered interview games, credentialing nightmares, the non- or barely negotiable salaries, non-compete restrictions, supervisory clauses, salary withholding for failing to meet poorly clarified RVU minimums, diminishing clinical autonomy… the “take it or leave it mentality” Debated how to ask about these things, without actually asking these things, so you’re not labeled a troublemaker… ya know… the basics. I’ve never seen a person look so mortified while I described what has become “par for the course” for me and my recent fellow grads. Apparently, none of these things, are things where they are. Can you imagine? Pretty sure they’re gonna stay put. 🫠

Tomorrow we find out how many DBP fellowship spots go unfilled “because no one wants to do this job” … Careful though Don’t confuse not wanting to do a job, with not wanting or being able to pursue a fellowship….

What is the best book you read recently that gave you hope, changed your perspective, truly shocked or surprised you. Any genre. For next years’ book list… Bonus points for themes of karma, rebirth, unparalleled strategy, treacherous partnerships, secret allies, victorious underdogs…

My kids thought I was joking when I said we were watching musicals all day while I cooked all the things they wouldn’t eat… The Greatest Showman Chicago Phantom of the Opera Hamilton Rent… What an excellent day… ❤️

My kids and their friends are playing Two Truths and a Cap #GenAlpha #NoCap