When I have young children and teenagers in the clinic I do my very best to talk to them and to encourage them regarding their current “roles” in society.  I stress with them that they only have two responsibilities.  The first and most important responsibility is for them follow the commands/directives of the adults (parents, teachers, neighbors etc…) and their second responsibility is to do well in school.  I tell them that if they are able to perfect these two responsibilities, then the chances of them being successful (defined as being a blessing to their community) will increase exponentially.

How does one do that?  Do what your parents have done, but better!

Being a parent is a wonderful calling and it is a blessing.  In my opinion, parenting is the most important job in the world.  As parents, we are able to help shape the next generation of leaders and what we do for our children can/will last a lifetime.  The way we carry ourselves, spend time with our children, encourage our children, love our children and discipline our children in love, goes well beyond the first 18 years of life.  Our children are a reflection of us.  Their behaviors, goals, dreams and aspirations are a result of what has been modeled for them growing up.  While there is no such thing as a perfect home or perfect parent, there are many things that we can do that will give our children a strong foundation to build upon as they prepare to lead the next generation.

flickr photo by jaqjan

When we have our picture taken, what is it that we want that portrait to say?  The same thing can be said regarding our children.  As parents, it is imperative that we do our very best to be successful role models for our children.  This in turn will help them to reflect or portray us.  How do we Give A Care About Kids?  By modeling success – hard work, accountability, responsibility, overcoming failures, never quitting, focusing on the family, stressing the importance of education, and thinking about how to be a blessing to others.

As a pediatrician, I stress these two responsibilities but I understand that this must start with the man/woman in the mirror… Me and You.  We too have a responsibility and that is to paint these beautiful pictures that are the next generation in the form of our children.  They are a reflection of us; a walking and talking image.

What pictures are you painting?

Dr. Kenton Hilbish answers a few questions to help give some insight into his experience at the PACC:

HN: What was your first impression when you found out you were assigned to the Pediatric & Adolescent Care Center (PACC)?

Dr. Hilbish: It has been a rewarding experience working at the PACC.  I did not know what to expect when I found out I was assigned to the PACC for continuity clinic, but all resident reactions were immediately positive.  I definitely agree with their positive impression of this clinic.  The PACC offers a diverse patient experience.

HN: Tell us more about the diverse patient experience there. What has that taught you?

Dr. Hilbish: We provide care for many underserved populations including, Hispanic, African American, and Burmese patients.  The diversity of the patients has increased my cultural sensitivity and awareness.  It has helped me to customize my patient care to the different expectations and needs of the various patient populations.   This experience has carried over to my care in the other capacities in which I serve as a resident.

HN: What is a typical week like for you at the PACC?

Dr. Hilbish: The PACC is a very busy clinic both in patient numbers and residents who work there.  The large number of patients provides exposure to many different illnesses and creates a vast patient care experience.  My patient panel will typically include a few well-child checks with follow-up and sick visits mixed in each week.  The patient complaints vary from a child with significant disabilities to the common cold.  I believe this wide exposure will serve me well in the future.

HN: Can you tell us more about how PACC staff and your fellow residents create a learning environment?

Dr. Hilbish: The staff and residents have been great.  It is interesting to get the various staff perspectives or opinions of how they manage different illnesses.  The additional staff are also a great resource for a second opinion when it is needed.  All of the staff are excellent teachers and truly seek to combine patient care with a great education.  Working with so many of the other residents has been a great resource as well.  It has provided great friendships and allows us to discuss not only patient care in the clinic but for resident life as well.

HN: Can you sum up your experience so far, and how you will stay connected with the PACC in the future?

Dr. Hilbish: My experience at the PACC has been great.  They clearly provide a critical service to the local community and have influenced the lives of many children and their families.  The PACC provides comprehensive care and truly seeks to care for the patients and their families entirely and not just their acute illness.  I am proud to be a part of the PACC and look forward to the rest of my time there.  I know the lessons and experiences I have at the PACC will continue to be an important part of my career.

Congratulations PACC staff & residents, past and present!  Three years of quality care! Giving a care about the underserved in Indianapolis.