COVID-19 Updates
As we continue to see rising cases, Pediatric Care Center is committed to keeping our employees and patients safe. We ask for everyone’s assistance during these transitions. Please answer the COVID 19 questionnaire accurately. You will not be turned away because of your answer. This is simply guiding the staff on best practices to keep everyone safe. We are discharging families that are inaccurately reporting their symptoms or exposures. Avoid bringing additional individuals to appointments that do not need to be seen. This minimizes unnecessary exposure. No adults appearing for the visit can have COVID-related symptoms. They will be asked to stay in your car. If you have COVID-related symptoms please call the office upon arrival to check-in. We will greet you at your vehicle when a room becomes available. Please do not enter the building. Due to limited availability, we cannot guarantee you will receive a COVID test during your visit. At this time, the FDA has approved the COVID 19 vaccine for ages 16 and up. Our providers are waiting for official guidelines from the Academy of Pediatrics and further research before we determine if we will be offering this vaccine. We will keep you posted on those changes on our Facebook page.
Introducing Dr. Maria Martinez
We’re excited to introduce our newest doctor at the Point Meadows office, Dr. Maria Martinez. Born in Havana, she grew up in Central Florida where her family was sponsored by a local United Methodist Church. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and practiced general pediatrics in her private practice in Miami. She returned to central Florida to work as an outpatient pediatrician for four years before joining pediatrics on December 8. Dr. Martinez has two children; one daughter and one toy poodle. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines. Learn more about Dr. Martinez’ background on her Bio page.
Employee of the Quarter: Victoria Billings
Employee of the Quarter ~ Carlos Tandron
Carlos is not only outstanding in customer service when dealing with our patients but he is a true team player. He has worked at all three locations, all possible shifts, including overnights and weekends, and is always willing to help anywhere the managers need him. He has a fun personality and motivates others to stay positive! We are lucky to have him on our team! How long have you worked with us? Exactly 18 months Where are you from? Jacksonville, FL Where did you go to high school? Bishop Kenny What did you study at school? Health Science What are your hobbies? Running, Working out, beach/pool time Do you have any children or pets? No What are your future goals? Continue to work in healthcare What is your favorite part of your job? The people that I work with are amazing! Best moments at work are? Holidays when we get to do Potlucks with the entire office
Employee of the Quarter ~ Lisa Fellis
Meet our 1st Employee of the Quarter for 2016! Lisa is an amazing team player and everyone at every location recognizes her hard work! How long have you worked for us ~ September 14, 2015 Do you have any pets ~ My roommate has 2 cats but I live with them Tell me about your education ~ I went to high school at Pedro Menendez in St. Augustine and I have a B.S. in Psychology. Working on a Masters for Physician’s Assistant. It will be a little over two years before I get in. How do you spend your time off ~ I have been dancing since I was three but I haven’t done any since high school, except at the gym in Ignite Class. I like shopping, going to the beach and hanging out with friends. What is the favorite part of your job ~ Working with kids, since I have always wanted to do that. I even wanted to be a pediatrician my freshman year of college. Also, all the people I work with!
Zika Virus: What Does It Mean for Jacksonville Families?
Q&A With Team Member Katrina Cinca
Katrina Cinca, ARNP, is a highly skilled and compassionate team member at Pediatric Care Centers. We think we know her well because she has worked with Dr. Benitez for more than 15 years. However, we wanted to gain more insights into just what makes this wonderful team member tick. Here’s what we learned in a recent interview. Q: Tell us something about you that nobody knows. A: Well, I don’t think anybody knows I grew up on a farm and trained horses for riding. Q: No, we didn’t know that! What’s your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville? A: We’re so fortunate to have all of the beautiful beaches here. I take every opportunity I can to walk on the beach. Q: You’ve been with us for years, but what was the first job you ever had? A: I worked at Blue Ice Boutique in Atlantic Beach selling beachwear and scooping ice cream. The boutique stood in the spot where Ragtime is now. I wonder if anyone else remembers it. Q: If you hadn’t chosen to be a nurse practitioner, what do you think you’d be doing instead? A: Actually, at one point I thought I’d like to be a singer and performer. Q: Really? So, let’s say you were a contestant on “American Idol.” What song would you choose to sing? A: (Laughs) That’s a no-brainer. I’d sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Q: Good to know music makes you happy. What is it you do that makes you happiest? A: Definitely it’s traveling in Europe with my family. The history there is amazing! Q: Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you during your lifetime? A: Oh yes, that would be Lucy Trice, ARNP, DNP. She was my professor and mentor throughout undergrad and grad school. She is a great role model who always supported me in my studies. Q: Speaking of things that inspire you, if you had a chance to witness any historical event, what would it be? A: The first artificial pancreas transplant — such a big step forward in curing diabetes. My 22-year-old son has Type 1 diabetes, and any medical advance is a positive for my family and the many sufferers of the disease. Q: Are there any special wishes you have for the future? What are five line items on your “bucket list?” A: Hmmm. I’d say more travel, like visiting Aruba and Lourdes in France, seeing every castle in Scotland. After that, I’d love to watch the filming of “Outlander.” Meeting Keith Urban would be on the list for sure. Q: Along those same lines, let’s say you won $20 million in the lottery. What would you do with the money? A: No question, I’d contribute it to finance research for an artificial pancreas to cure Type I diabetes. Q: That’s a big goal, Katrina. Lottery or not, we’ll join you in hoping that happens soon. Thanks for your time. We’ll wrap this up on a lighter note. What did you have for breakfast? A: You might not believe this, but it was a ham sandwich on rye bread with lettuce, tomato and Gouda cheese, mayo and mustard. One of my favorites!
Spotlight on Dental Health
With the major winter holidays just around the corner, treats may be in abundance whether you’re at home or visiting family and friends. We all recognize that too many sweet treats are a threat to dental health. Here’s some advice on good dental hygiene for your young ones from your Pediatric Care Centers pediatricians and nurse practitioners, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. Cavities in Baby Teeth Cavities matter, even in baby teeth. Cavities are caused by the bacteria that collect on teeth after sugars are eaten. The longer and more frequently the teeth are exposed to sugars, the more likely cavities will occur. Studies show that one in 10 two-year-olds have one or more cavities. Because cavities in baby teeth can negatively affect permanent teeth, it’s a good idea to start good dental hygiene habits early. Here are the most important steps to take once the first tooth has erupted: For babies and toddlers to age 3, the teeth should be brushed gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using just a rice-sized dot of fluoride toothpaste. By age three, use a pea-sized dot of toothpaste. Clean each tooth thoroughly, top and bottom, back and front. Supervise your toddlers as they brush so they’re sure to reach each surface. Children about age six to eight should be able to brush by themselves. Experts agree that by age one year, your young child should see a pediatric or general-care dentist to begin regular checkups. Cut the Sugar! Maintaining a balanced diet with few sweet snacks is the best way to ensure healthy teeth. Sticky foods like chewy candies, dried fruit, and gum are the biggest offenders. Sugar-containing beverages also pose risks for your child’s dental health, especially when given in a sippy cup or bottle. Here are some tips for making your child’s diet more tooth-friendly. Limit sugary treats to special occasions. Make sure your child brushes under your supervision after eating sugary treats. Avoid giving your child a bottle containing juice or milk at naptime or bedtime. Substitute plain water. Limit the time your child carries around and drinks juice or other sweet beverages in a sippy cup. Substitute plain water for hydration between meals. It’s never too early to show your child that good dental care is part of the family’s daily routine. Make twice-daily brushing a fun, stress-free experience for your child, and the result will be a lifetime of dental health. One Final Thought: Thumb Sucking and Your Child’s Teeth Thumb sucking and finger or pacifier sucking are not unusual in babies. The habit may continue through the toddler years, usually ending by the time the child is four. Experts say there is usually no reason to worry about a sucking habit until around age six – about the time the permanent front teeth come in. After age four, have your dentist reassess the teeth for any changes caused by sucking at each dental visit. We welcome your questions about dental care issues during your child’s regular checkups. The Pediatric Care Centers staff will be happy to advise you about ways to prevent cavities and encourage good dental hygiene.
Welcomes Vernora Hightower, M.D.
We are pleased to announce that Vernora Hightower, M.D., has joined Pediatric Care Centers. Dr. Hightower was born and raised in Chicago, Ill. She moved to New Orleans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana for her undergraduate degree, and upon graduation moved back to Chicago to attend the Rosalyn Franklin University/Chicago Medical School. She received her medical degree in 1996. There was never any question in her mind that she would become a pediatrician. “From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a pediatrician, even though no one in my family was involved in medicine,” she said. She has spent the last 17 years in pediatric practice, first in West Point, Miss., and later in Pine Bluff, Ark., where she was also a mentor/preceptor for the many family practice residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and medical students in training there. Dr. Hightower learned about Pediatric Care Centers while in Arkansas mentoring a former employee from Jacksonville who was training to become a physician’s assistant. The practice and location sounded appealing, so she applied and was hired to join the team. She and her family, her husband and fourth-grade daughter, are delighted with their new home. “It’s been a whirlwind coming to Jacksonville from my previous practice,” Dr. Hightower said. “In the last two years we’ve had many health challenges for my husband and my parents. But we really needed a change, and we are glad to be here with all of the activities and resources available, like the beach, the Blue Angels air show, and musical events.”
Wear Your Shirt Proudly!
We still have some Pediatric Care Centers shirts available for you, our valued patients and families. If you haven’t picked up your free shirt during the past year, just let us know during one of your visits. We’d be happy to send you home with a shirt while supplies last. The following sizes are still available. Children’s sizes: 12 months, 24 months, 2 and 3 Young adult size: XL