FMCH adds two physicians to pediatrics clinic

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BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - The Pediatric Clinic at Fort Madison Community Hospital has added three new pediatricians in August.

Dr. Gary Palicka is a Board Eligible Pediatrician. He completed his Pediatric Residency training at Navicent Health Children’s Hospital in Georgia after receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago.

“Medicine is a second career for me. After graduating with a Physics degree from Loyola University in Chicago, I created medical equipment software for companies including Siemens Medical Systems and Packard Instruments. During this time, I observed physicians working and wanted to contribute as a doctor. I enjoy personal interactions and find it rewarding to help people,” he said.

DR. PALICKA

Dr. Palicka especially enjoys working with children, “Kids are fun to be around. I goof around with them and can usually get a smile or laugh. This makes doctors’ visits more enjoyable. Children are also honest – you know when they are sick and you know when they feel better, based on how they act.”

Pediatricians are doctors who are specially trained to manage the health of children. This includes physical, developmental, and mental health issues. They care for children from newborn to age 18, providing education, well-child checks, and diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses

“It is important to have an understanding of the entire family when caring for children. Having a positive relationship with the parents while providing health care for all of the children in a family increases your ability to educate, diagnose, and treat the pediatric patient. I feel that I connect well with my patients and their parents,” Dr. Palicka said.

When asked what advice he would like to share with parents, Dr. Palicka said, “Parents should trust their instincts; they know their children best. If you feel something is wrong, consult your pediatrician and be persistent. Your goal should be to have confidence in the health of your child. You always have options, and that could include getting a second opinion and/or seeing specialists. The health and quality of life of the child is most important.”

The clinic is also welcoming Dr. Liberty Balbort to the staff.

Dr. Balbort is a Board Certified Pediatrician who brings eight years of experience to FMCH. She was most recently employed by McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois as a General Pediatrician. Dr. Balbort completed her Pediatric Residency at Florida State University after receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame.

DR. BALBORT

Dr. Balbort chose pediatrics because of the many opportunities for making a difference in children’s lives as they grow and change. “The most rewarding part of my job is watching my patients blossom. It’s such a treat to watch infants become toddlers and then children and then adolescents. Each step has its own rewards and challenges. I love interacting with; listening to, teaching and playing with children in all stages of development - I find them to be an endless source of joy. To me, there is nothing better than making a child smile,” said Dr. Balbort.

Pediatricians are doctors who are specially trained to manage the health of children. This includes physical, developmental, and mental health issues. They care for children from newborn to age 18, providing education, well-child checks, and diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses

Dr. Balbort enjoys working with children of all ages, “one of the reasons I went into pediatrics is the breadth of the field. I really enjoy all of the different health concerns involving newborns to young adults. One specific area I really enjoy is dermatology- acne is particularly interesting to treat. It is rewarding to see new found confidence in a teenager with clear skin.” She also appreciates the strong role parents and guardians play in their child’s good health, “parents and caregivers are the role models for children. If you want your children to be healthy, you need to start making healthy choices for yourself. In addition, I encourage parents and caregivers to please be mindful of everyday choices and make your children’s health a priority. It is the small every day choices that really add up over time.”

A strong sense of community and family play a big role in Dr. Balbort’s life. “FMCH seems to have a great community feel to it. Every FMCH employee speaks highly of his or her job and work community. I especially look forward to working with a team of pediatricians. I was the only physician at my previous clinic and I’m very excited to work with such an experienced group of wonderful people,” commented Dr. Balbort. “My family heritage is four generations deep in Southeast Iowa. I was born and raised hereand am thrilled to be back! My new home is just a few doors down from my parent’s home. I am committed to this area and want to become active with community groups to enrich programs for children. High quality programs for youth set the foundation for a thriving community. We want to keep people here and attract new families that will contribute to the value of life in Southeast Iowa.”

Drs. Balbort and Palicka will join Dr. Kolleen Burnett, Dr. Greg Gorski, Dr. Curt McClellan and Dr. Gary Palicka and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Susan Holtkamp in the care of children of all ages. Both doctors are accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 319-372-KIDS (5437).

FMCH, Fort Madison Community Hospital, pediatricians, Pen City Current, staff. clinic

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