MEDICAL CARE
ELLEN GILLETTE
Dr. Monique Mondesir of Optimal Care Pediatrics is also on the faculty of Florida State
University Medical College, a mother of two and the author of a children’s book.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 31
patients for outpatient services, but if a child
is admitted to Tradition Medical Center, he or
she is seen by pediatric hospitalists, neonatologists
and pediatric cardiologists from Nemours
Children’s Hospital through its affiliation with
Cleveland Clinic.
Optimal Care Pediatrics, 150 S.W. Chamber
Court, Suite 101 – 772.301.0123 or
www.optimalcarepeds.com
Dr. Monique Mondesir and her staff incorporate
the latest developments in technology and
treatments, believing that your child “deserves
optimal care.” Mondesir, the mother of two, is
also part of the Florida State University Medical
College faculty and is on the board of directors
for the Selective Mutism Association focused
on that particular anxiety disorder. Her book,
Mason Is Learning to Roar, addresses selective
mutism as well, and is available on Amazon.
An online office tour can prepare children for
an upcoming visit to Optimal Care Pediatrics,
located near St. Lucie West Boulevard and California.
Office hours are Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The practice is on Facebook
and Instagram. The practice has consistently received
a “5-star” rating; reviewers mention that
they don’t feel rushed at appointments; a portal
gives 24-hour access to patient information.
ELLEN GILLETTE
Many pediatric offices, including both Pediatric Associates and Physicians
for Children, feature separate waiting areas for well-child and sick-child
visits, helping prevent the spread of disease. While the American Academy
of Pediatrics does not mandate this, it is one more thing to look at when
choosing a pediatrician.
Pediatric Associates, St. Lucie West; 1850 S.W.
Fountainview Blvd., Suite 105 - 772.336.2818 or
https://www.pediatricassociates.com/locations/
st-lucie/st-lucie-west
A staff of six physicians and four nurse practitioners at the
St. Lucie West location of 60-year-old Pediatric Associates
enables patients to be seen 365 days a year. They offer afterhours
sick care and virtual office visits through KidzDocNow
for minor issues. The website includes resource material for
childhood medical concerns, including a video library of
helpful topics. Corporately owned, Pediatric Associates offers
lab and X-rays on-site, support groups, classes and events.
Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with after hours 6-8:30
p.m. Appointments may be scheduled online. Pediatric Associates
accepts most insurances and may be found on Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Doctors are affiliated
with both Lawnwood and Tradition hospitals.
Physicians for Children, 555 N.W. Lake Whitney
Place, Suite E102 – 772.873.4585 – on Facebook
Doctors Ramon Chiong and Wendell Koblegard are joined
by three nurse practitioners and additional staff, all affiliated
with Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute
in Fort Pierce. The practice was the 2015/2016 winner of
the Macaroni Kid PSL Gold Daisy Award for favorite local
pediatrician. One personal touch they provide is taking their
own calls. A service relays after-hours calls to the doctor, who
then contacts parents directly. Twelve years ago, after having
opened a practice in Fort Pierce, Physicians for Children
moved to the Lake Whitney professional complex tucked
behind Walmart on St. Lucie West Boulevard. Understanding
that injuries and sicknesses don’t take holidays, they remain
open when many offices are closed, such as for several hours
on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They are open
Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See their Facebook
page for product recalls, health information and links to helpful
articles. E
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