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12/9/11 blog post

meet Dr. Mom

Hello! I love my job. Both of them actually! My name is Melissa King, DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). I am a pediatrician (kid doctor) at Children’s Health Clinic at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton in Dayton, OH. I work part-time in the clinic seeing my own patients, at times teaching family practice residents, and also supervising some of the pediatric residents in their clinics. I love my work most of the time. I work with fantastic partners, whom I trust, a great staff who really advocates for our patients, and for a great hospital that strives to provide the best care for the children of Dayton.

But I also REALLY love my other job. My husband Jeff, a police detective, firefighter and EMT, and I are the parents of a very energetic 2 ½ year old girl Audrey Grace, and her amazingly sweet 6 month old brother Ethan Jeffrey aka “Little Bruder.” Being a mother is one of the best and most challenging tasks I have ever undertaken. I see myself and my faults more clearly. I see the consequences of my actions daily reflected back to me in my children. I also see how overwhelming all of the information is out there geared toward “raising your children the right way!”

Some have asked me if I find it easier being a mother who also happens to be a pediatrician. In some respects yes. I can evaluate their growth pretty easily. I can assess their achievements of developmental milestones routinely. I can monitor their colds’ and runny noses without going to the doctor. However, at other times I really have to tell myself to stop thinking the worst, because I have in my mind an arsenal of the very worst “what if’s.” And since I do not really know what it is like to be a mom and not a pediatrician I can only say that we all have our strengths and weaknesses that we bring into parenting and that is why we partner with others to raise our children. I believe in the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” (Origin of quote thought to be African Tribe.)

With this blog I aim to become a member of your “village.” My goal here is not to directly provide you with medical care, but to provide you with information and resources, thoughts and feelings as I, a pediatrician and a mother, navigate parenting and raising children. One common goal that we all share is to raise our children into happy, healthy, independent, productive adults. One thing I have learned so far is that often there is no one “right way” to achieve this.

I look forward to joining you on this journey of parenting. I hope you will join me in the conversation and share your thoughts and comments.

Here is my first question… what are some topics you would like to read about? I am always looking for new ideas and would love to hear what our readers would like to see more of!

disclaimer

The opinions written on this site are the personal opinions of the original author(s), not of Dayton Children’s. The content is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by Dayton Children’s or any other party.

The information provided on this blog should never be used as a replacement for direct and specific consultation with your child’s doctor.

Please note: You should contact a professional health care provider if you have any specific questions about your child’s medical condition. Questions or situations requiring immediate attention should be directed to your child’s doctor. If he or she can’t be reached, call the nearest urgent care or emergency department.