Our mission is to enhance lives through customized, culturally relevant, developmental pediatric care
Access to developmental pediatric care crisis
The national shortage of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians leads to delays in care for children and families in need of support. Minorities, families living in rural areas, and those with financial insecurity, are made even more vulnerable to health disparities from the shortage of subspecialty providers.
1 in 6, or nearly 17%, of children in the US have one or more developmental disability.
There is an average of 1 Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician per 100,000 children in the US (ABP Pediatric Physicians Workforce Data Book, 2018-2019).
Early diagnosis and intervention are paramount for optimal developmental outcomes. Yet, long wait times and limited access are notoriously typical experiences when seeking care from a Developmental Pediatrician.
This unfulfilled need in developmental pediatric specialty care, frequently results in emotional struggles, and time lost during critical windows of child development.
Distribution of US-Based Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Diplomats ever certified, age 70 and under per 100,000 children, by State. As of Dec 31, 2018.
ABP Pediatric Physicians Workforce Data Book, 2018-2019
Improve access to care by focusing beyond the patient
Addressing the Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician shortage must not only account for the increasing demand, but should also consider the way in which developmental pediatrics is practiced.
The traditionally, developmental pediatrics is practiced within academic centers. These institutions typically demand more non-clinical time from Developmental Pediatricians, and offer less flexibility, and lower salaries.
Attracting more trainees into the field of Developmental Pediatrics may improve access to care.
Change what isn’t working
Thrive was born after witnessing, and experiencing first hand, the cycle of limited access and unfulfilled needs faced by families and developmental pediatricians.
As a working mother, I wanted flexibility, financial security, and a closer connection to my community. As It turns out other Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians did as well!
Working together, we’ve been able to improve access to Developmental Pediatric care for children in many States across the country.
But, there’s more work to be done! I hope you’ll consider joining our mission.
Evelyn Frazier, MD
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician