10/30/2020
Well-known pediatrician and leading ethicist Dr. Ashley Fernandes recently outlined how the concept of social justice applies to pediatric medicine in a plenary lecture at the annual Catholic Medical Association conference. He gives a framework for describing how an excellent pediatric practice can ensure the health and well-being of the child within the family. These are principles put into practice here at Morning Star Pediatrics from its inception and guarantee that you will receive excellent, ethical and compassionate medical care.
Dr. Fernandes noted that the “family is the first place for nurturing and decision-making for the child.” The role of the pediatrician is “not to arrogantly usurp parental authority,” but instead to “actively partner with parents and the family to ensure the values and priorities of the family is respected and not replaced.” Our nurse practitioner, Dana Rodriguez, PNP, does just that while caring for her patients.
The other mark of authentic pediatric medicine, according to Dr. Fernandes, is to be in solidarity with the child by seeing the child as a person of equal dignity to ourselves, “regardless of state of dependence, immaturity, physical illness or mental disability.” Similarly, Morning Star recognizes “the dignity of each boy and girl as a unique creation of God and seeks to support them as they develop into adults.”
We are pleased to have the solid foundation of our practice affirmed in such a prominent way. We look forward to serving you and your children sometime soon at Morning Star Pediatrics.
