We know that as a parent, you want to help your children grow to be healthy and independent. That’s why at AdventHealth for Children, we’ve developed the Adolescent Medicine Program. Its purpose is to honor your children as they grow in their independence and provide the dedicated care they need to thrive.
Keep reading to hear from one of our experts, Heather Elizondo Vega, MD, about this program and how it can benefit your children.
Does adolescent medicine differ from general pediatric primary care?
“One unique aspect of this adolescent program is that we offer primary and subspecialty care to your children. Many patients we care for came to us from a referral from pediatricians in various specialties,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega. “We see kids and teens referred to us by their primary care providers for issues related to sexual/reproductive health, mental health and behavioral concerns.”
This program is designed for more intentional time with your children. Dr. Elizondo Vega says, “We know that as kids grow, especially in their teens, there may be certain topics they feel uncomfortable sharing with their parents or guardians, so we give them space to speak with our health professionals alone to better serve their needs.” This helps children learn how to speak to a doctor alone and navigate the transition into adulthood. In addition, this offers gradual independent decision-making about their health. “How we approach each patient is unique, designed to meet their specific needs and is tailored to their age,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega.
What age range is this program for?
This program is designed for kids aged 11 to 21. “These are the years when kids begin to make their own decisions on eating habits and exercise routines. With a parent or guardian’s consent, we give our patients the opportunity to speak to our providers one-on-one to discuss their mental and behavioral health,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega.
With this program, we believe that allowing your child to speak with their health care provider alone offers them the care they need. We want you to know that if you don’t feel comfortable with your child speaking to their provider one-on-one, that’s OK. At AdventHealth for Children, we aim to provide the best possible care to your kids in a capacity that makes everyone feel comfortable.
What are common conditions and concerns this program addresses?
With adolescent medicine, typical concerns and conditions we treat include:
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Cardiovascular preventive medicine
- Depression
- Gynecologic concerns
- Medical management of menstrual disorders
- Psychological development
- Puberty
- Sexual and reproductive health
We’re committed to providing your children with the best possible care so that they can lead full, healthy lives.
How can I know if my child will benefit from this program?
“I believe every child would benefit from this program,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega. “It’s in these formative years that chronic conditions begin showing signs in their life. We aim to provide them with a comprehensive approach to their health, practicing preventive measures. As they grow, preventive care will come into play, so we want to teach them at a younger age to make it a foundational part of their health care.”
This program also benefits parents who are concerned about their child’s emotional and psychological health. We know that for some children, talking to their parents or guardians about mental health can feel uncomfortable. We desire to give them the space to share how they feel so they get the care they need.
What can I expect during our first visit?
When you arrive at your first visit, a questionnaire will be given to you and your child to complete independently. Then, your doctor will walk through the questionnaires and conduct a comprehensive discussion to better understand your child’s needs and build a relationship with you.
Once you review the questionnaires, the doctor will give your child the opportunity to speak to them alone and share any concerns they have about their health.
How do I make an appointment, and are referrals accepted?
“If your child already has a primary care provider and has a specific concern, they can be referred to us for treatment,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega. If you’re looking for a primary care provider for your child, Dr. Elizondo Vega gladly accepts new primary care patients ages 11 to 17 and offers them continued primary care until they reach 21.
Dedicated to Growing Future Physicians
We offer the Adolescent Medicine Program at AdventHealth Medical Group Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Winter Garden. This practice serves as an academic teaching location. “Our practice operates under a care-team model with board-certified physicians who mentor and supervise a team of resident physicians who are completing their three-year training in their respective specialty,” says Dr. Elizondo Vega. During your child’s appointment, they’ll likely be seen by a resident physician working under a professional's supervision as they curate your child’s health plan.
Your Ever-Present Health Partner
At AdventHealth for Children, we seek to provide the expert, compassionate care you and your family need to feel whole. Visit us here to learn more about our Adolescent Medicine Program, or make an appointment by calling
Call407-656-0042. We’ll be right here with you every step of the way to help nurture your children’s well-being.
