The Obligatory Introduction Post

How I got here and where we are going.

No better time to roll out a new project than during a global Pandemic. Here it goes. 

Hi, I’m Dr. Natasha. Here’s a quick credibility check for those who are new. I’m a board-certified general pediatrician who works full-time in a suburban private practice in Overland Park, KS. I’m nationally known for my work in media, both as a Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a blogger/influencer/advocate. I’m also a wife, mom of two, and business owner. Plus, I recently added another CV bullet: a part-time virtual school teacher. 

TL;DR// I’m starting a newsletter because I want to return to a place of joy and value that molded my early career, without dealing with the general dumpster fire the internet has become. 

How I Got Here: 

About ten years ago, I started a blog called KCKidsDoc. Although that seems yawn-inducing in today’s hyper-connected world, it was kinda a big deal back then. In the early 2000s, doctors were still expected to create and maintain high walls between their personal lives and the community they served. Sharing personal moments and having casual dialog with the general public in the digital space was thought to be fraught with legal implications, created an unprofessional appearance, violated important traditional barriers, and was generally frowned upon. 

Well, I didn’t listen. 

In 2011, I launched into the digital space head first, using all the platforms I was using as an online consumer. The goal of the blog and all the social media was to share relevant health information to the patients I served. I wanted to be a trusted source of evidence-based child health goodness, sprinkled with my pediatric and parenting experience. Reliable. Relatable. Real. That was it. 

I did not do this alone. I had support and guidance from digital health pioneers, some of these names you may recognize. Leaders like Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, Dr. Kevin Pho, Dr. Bryan Vartabedian, Dr. Claire McCarthy, Dr. Jennifer Shu, Dr. Tanya Altmann, and Dr. Alanna Levine were foundational inspiration. I’ve shared cocktails with all these (now) friends who were invaluable to my path in this space. To all of them and more, I remain grateful. 

Fast forward a few short years and using digital communication tools had become part of my professional practice. I had gathered an inspirational and dynamic group of colleagues who shared the same vision for contemporary health care, and a loyal and interesting group of individuals from around the world who read my stuff. My posts would spark thought and action in my readers, and create opportunities to have  thoughtful and respectful dialog which those who wished to engage.

Like, we could actually have productive dialog in the comments section. Can you imagine??

Over time, the process of writing, creating, thinking, synthesizing, defending, and dialoguing with people all over the world… It made me a better doctor. It helped my knowledge base and education techniques when I had to explain complicated things. Families would call my office for clarification and details. Patients would ask follow up questions in the exam room. Occasionally, someone would even bring me a bottle of wine or a science-y tee-shirt as a gesture of appreciation. I really felt that my words were helping the parents in the community where I live and the kids I cared for. It was rewarding and it was FUN. That was the fuel.

But, that was 2011 internet-life. Back then, I could create a group of words that represented educated and cohesive thoughts, press “post,” and people would see my work. No boosts or promotions or algorithmic tricks were required. I could unabashedly advocate for things I believe in like vaccines, safe sleep, and gun safety; without preparing for online assaults on my character, one-star Google reviews, attacks on my practice, or threats to my family. I could share ideas and new trends I was seeing in my practice without the comments turned off and my email set to “do not reply.” 

Today, the hot and steamy turd in the dumpster fire that is social media has burned up the dialog, exchange of ideas, and practical impact of my work. And although I have kept periodically posting over the last few years, it’s just not fun anymore.

So, here’s where we are going: 

I want to get the fun back. 

To be clear, I’m not abandoning KCKidsDoc and her channels, they remain part of this journey and a part of my life. Rather, I want to try something fresh to allow me to get back to how things were. A place to think and create, connect and engage, help and inspire. A tool to help us grow and sharpen each other as parents, professionals, and people. A resource to provide clear guidance for my community as we work towards Pandemic resolution and beyond. 

This will be a newsletter to connect and share relevant health information; a trusted source of evidence-based child health goodness, sprinkled with my pediatric and parenting experience. Reliable. Relatable. Real. That’s it. Part two. 

Thank you for the privilege of space in your inbox. You have joined a burgeoning community of parents and physicians who have deep interest in the care and welfare of children. We will go farther together.

Comments are open below. (Yeah!)