Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Dr. Jeff's retirement on April 30, 2018

     We are fast approaching Dr. Jeff's retirement on April 30th, 2018!
     Dr. Jeff founded Hilliard Pediatrics in 1990 after finishing his pediatric residency at Columbus Children's Hospital. Starting a practice on your own meant seeing all the patients, taking all the nighttime and weekend call, and seeing both healthy newborns and children hospitalized at Children's Hospital.           The practice grew and grew with Dr. Jeff's hard work and excellent care. 
     Over the years, the office has moved locations - from Leap Court to Berry Leaf Lane (in 1996) to Trueman Court (2011) - and grown as other doctors joined the practice.
     Dr. Jeff has been passionate about Hilliard Pediatrics, his family, sailing and painting, and the environment. Dr. Jeff has run marathons, raised bees, painted exam rooms and portraits, and had some great life adventures.
     What has never changed is Dr. Jeff providing excellent pediatric care for his patients. The patients will miss him and we at the office will sure miss him. He will be remembered for his dedication to his patients, his infectious laugh, and how many lives he positively impacted.
     Thank you Dr. Jeff for all that you have done!



Monday, January 22, 2018

Dr. Mike Patrick's Pediacast pediatric podcasts

     Dr. Mike Patrick, M.D. from Nationwide Children's Hospital has a podcast called Pediacast that has an amazing amount of information for patients and families. I highly recommend it! He and guests cover many topics. If you are unfamiliar with it, http://www.pediacast.org/ is the web address. It can also be found wherever you find other podcasts (iTunes, etc.).

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Is it too late to get the flu shot?

     The simple answer is no. It is not too late to receive the flu vaccine if you or your child has not yet received it this season.
     The influenza season started early this year. By late November, a number of cases were appearing in Central Ohio. The season usually runs from December through March.
     Although a report out of Australia reported that the vaccines effectiveness versus the H3N2 strain (one of 4 in the vaccine) was only 10% last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the U.S. effectiveness was between 30-40% (significantly better) and it is likely going to be closer to that percentage in the U.S. this influenza season. Here is a link to more information from the CDC.
     We have been out of the vaccine since early November. But there are other ways to get the vaccine:
1. The Franklin County Health Department is able to give the vaccine to those 6 months and above. You can schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine by calling 614-525-3719 or going to www.myfcph.org/shots to make an appointment.
2. The urgent cares staffed by nurse practitioners (such as Minute Clinics) are able to give the vaccine to children 18 months or 24 months and above (it varies). Check here for more information.
3. Many pharmacists are able to give the flu vaccine to those 7 years of age and above. Check with your favorite pharmacy for more details.