Online Scheduling
Primary care for you and your family, close to home.
Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
I UnderstandPublished on July 23, 2021
Last updated 12:43 PM July 23, 2021
As children prepare for the new school year, one step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual check-up.
Regular pediatric check-ups are beneficial for the whole family. Together, you can discuss your child’s development, behavior, eating habits, sleep schedule and any other concerns you may have about their health. Because you and your child share the same goal — staying healthy and happy — your Wellstar pediatrician will partner with you both.
When it comes to parents, I like to make sure they know we’re making decisions together. That way, we can provide unique, individualized care for their child.
- Dr. Hebah Pranckun
Wellstar Pediatrician
“When it comes to parents, I like to make sure they know we’re making decisions together. That way, we can provide unique, individualized care for their child,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Hebah Pranckun.
Your family’s pediatrician will serve as a knowledgeable, trustworthy contact for all your health questions.
“There is no greater partner than the patient and the parent, and no better skill in medicine than listening — truly listening to the needs of the patient,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatric Officer Dr. Avril Beckford.
“Children grow and change so much in their first few years of life,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Therefore, it is very important they see their pediatrician every few months during this time.”
In early childhood, your child see a doctor every few months at these ages:
Then starting at age 3, children and adolescents should see their provider once a year through age 21, when they can switch to an adult primary care physician to continue their care.
Your family’s pediatrician will get to know you and your child, personalizing care as they grow. Check with their doctor to ensure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations and protected from disease. Flu shots are also recommended every year for everyone at least six months old.
To get your child all set for a healthy school year, visit wellstar.org/kidcare to learn more about our expert pediatricians and book an appointment online.
Newsroom
Wellstar Health System has opened two pediatric COVID-19 vaccination centers following the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the COVID vaccine for existing Wellstar pediatric patients aged 5 to 11. Wellstar began offering COVID vaccinations for children under age 12 the weekend of Nov. 5 and quickly filled more than 100 vaccination appointments on the first day. To date, nearly 2,000 appointments have been scheduled through January 2022. The Wellstar pediatric COVID vaccination sites are currently located at the East Cobb and Acworth Health Parks, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to schedule a vaccination appointment with their children’s pediatrician.
“During the COVID pandemic, Wellstar has remained dedicated to protecting our practitioners, patients, and the children of our communities,” said Dr. Avril Beckford, chief pediatric officer for Wellstar Health System. “We are incredibly excited by the high demand and interest in pediatric vaccinations and proud of the families who have taken the important step to vaccinate their children to offer some of our youngest patients protection against COVID.”
Wellstar’s COVID pediatric vaccination clinics include waiting rooms for families to relax in while their children are vaccinated. In addition, parents can also schedule follow-up visits, including the second vaccine dose and other important immunizations while waiting.
“I decided to get my two children ages five and seven vaccinated,” said Hunter Carlson, executive director of Health Parks and Pediatric Center for Wellstar Health System. “The kids had a great time and enjoyed interacting with the physicians and staff. In addition to wearing masks, the vaccine will give my children and family an extra layer of protection against the disease.”
The best protection against COVID-19 is prevention, vaccination and stopping community spread. Be sure you and your family members who are age five and up get the COVID-19 vaccine. Parents can also help protect their children’s health by teaching them the 3Ws—wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.
For more health tips and information on how to schedule pediatric vaccinations, visit our Pediatric Care During COVID-19 page.
Newsroom
For a child, going to the hospital can be scary. That’s why Wellstar Douglas Hospital’s new $5.7 million Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) offers a kid-friendly and kid-sized experience for Douglas County’s youngest patients. The nautical-themed 7,600 square-foot facility provides specialized care for children from birth to 18 years of age.
The world-class “just-for-kids” facility has a separate entrance and waiting room from the main Emergency Department and is currently open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The ten treatment rooms feature child-sized furniture, equipment and supplies.
“We created an environment that is optimum for healing and that helps our youngest patients feel as comfortable as possible,” said Dr. Avril Beckford, chief pediatric officer, Wellstar Health System. “Children in Douglas deserve to see doctors and nurses who understand them. We also wanted to give parents a state-of-the-art facility staffed by pediatric physicians close to home – there is no need to travel long distances with a sick child now, because this specialized facility is right here, in the Douglas County community.”
Staffed by kid-friendly nurses and skilled providers devoted to children, the new kids’ ED is a result of collaboration between the architect, construction firm and pediatric experts. Wellstar’s pediatric team cares for children at more than 114,000 emergency visits a year across Wellstar’s hospitals.
“From the outside, there are colorful floor-to-ceiling glass windows,” Dr. Beckford said, as she imagined a child’s first impression. “It feels almost like you’re walking into an aquarium.”
Inside the pediatric ED, children and their parents are greeted by warm staff members, soothing murals of ocean life, a large flat screen TV and child-sized furnishings.
To help children be seen and treated more quickly, some rooms will be dedicated to patients with less serious conditions – such as sore throats and sprains. There will also be a trauma bay and a dedicated room for adolescent gynecological concerns.
Highlights
Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re a seasoned college student, the start of a new school semester can be exciting, stressful and a little scary all at the same time.
Between finding classes on campus and fitting in with new friends, you may be feeling anxious about the upcoming semester. Keep in mind, new-school-year nerves are normal and there are resources to help you — including your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.
While the COVID-19 pandemic may make your college experience look different this year, you can use your independence on campus to take control of your well-being.
“As you head back to college, your new freedom also means making important decisions about your health,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “With new variants of COVID-19 on the rise, getting the vaccine is your best defense against the virus.”
“Be sure to follow other safety protocols on campus like the 3W’s — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance — to keep yourself safe,” Dr. Doyle shared.
To help you start the semester off right, here are some wellness tips so you can take on the new year and live your best, healthiest life.
From medical appointments to personal safety, follow our tips to prepare for college and prioritize your health.
Heading to college can be a big transition, and you may feel anxiety about the upcoming changes, especially during a pandemic. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need help getting ready or adjusting.
Talking to your Wellstar is a great place to start, whether your concerns are about physical, emotional or mental health. Our health partners are here to support you and can connect you with specialists to keep you feeling well.
Book your appointment today, and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.
