Our Approach to Pediatric and Adolescent Health
Our goal is to help children and teens thrive, not just treat symptoms. Dr. Pendergrast and other doctors specialize in uncovering the root causes of health concerns, providing personalized care plans that combine the best of conventional and integrative medicine. Our approach is grounded in careful listening, detailed diagnostics, and evidence-based recommendations.
Pediatric and Adolescent Integrative Medicine Team
At the GW Center for Integrative Medicine, we understand that children’s health requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. Our Pediatric and Adolescent Integrative Medicine services, led by Dr. Robert Pendergrast, MD, MPH, FAAP, are designed to support the unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children and teens..
GWCIM providers team treating children and adolescent:
- Dr. Robert Pendergrast, MD – Integrative and Mind-Body Medicine
- Dr. Mikhail Kogan, MD – Integrative and Functional Medicine
- Dr. Mariana Ledenac, ND – Naturopathic Medicine
- Dr. Misty Embrey, MD – Integrative Psychiatry
- Dr. Jennifer Rioux, PhD – Ayurvedic medicine, Yoga therapy
- Dr. Tiffany Hoyt – Chinese Medicine
- Dr. Abe Benavides, MD – Medical Cannabis consultant
Dr. Pendergrast, a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and a nationally recognized expert in integrative pediatrics, has been practicing pediatric and adolescent medicine for over 40 years. He joined GWCIM in 2023, offering his extensive experience to patients through convenient telemedicine consultations.
Conditions We Treat
Our doctors have a wealth of experience treating a variety of pediatric and adolescent conditions, including:
- Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD), indigestion and other chronic digestive disorders.
- Unexplained Chronic Pain: Addressing persistent pain that has not responded to traditional treatments.
- Headache Disorders: Helping children manage and reduce the frequency of headaches.
- Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions: asthma, allergies, eczema.
- Food Sensitivities: Navigating the link between diet, gut health, and the immune system.
- Long-COVID in Children: Understanding and managing the unique ways that post-viral symptoms impact kids.
- Mental conditions: identifying root causes of anxiety, depression, ADHD
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): Evaluating symptoms like lightheadedness and fatigue, and developing personalized management strategies.
- Sleep Disorders: Addressing underlying issues to improve overall health and daily functioning.
- Cancer Support: Providing integrative care strategies for children facing cancer, including nutritional support, pain management, and emotional wellness.
- Rare Diseases: Focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of uncommon genetic or acquired conditions, often requiring insightful diagnosis and specialized care.
Our Integrative Medicine Tools
GWCIM integrative approach includes a combination of conventional care and holistic and traditional therapies, tailored to each child’s needs.
- Conventional Medical Care: Evidence-based diagnostic tools and treatments.
- Nutritional and Dietary Guidance: Personalized nutrition plans to support overall health and manage specific conditions.
- Mind-Body Techniques: Including clinical hypnosis to manage chronic pain and stress-related conditions.
- Naturopathic and Functional Medicine: investigating the whole body imbalances, genetic testing interpretation
- Botanical Medicine and Supplements: Safe and cautious use of herbs and supplements, focusing on efficacy and minimizing risk.
- Chinese Medicine: acupuncture, botanicals, bodywork
- IV therapies: supplementing nutritional deficiencies
- Integrative Mental Health: psychiatry, psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, meditation, yoga
- Environmental Medicine: investigating possible biotoxin-related illnesses (mold)
Why Choose Integrative Medicine for Your Child?
Integrative medicine offers a whole-person approach to healthcare that goes beyond treating symptoms. Our pediatric and adolescent medical care providers’ experience in both conventional and integrative medicine allow them to “connect the dots” in complex cases, often finding solutions when other methods have not been effective.
Many parents appreciate their dedication to understanding their child’s unique situation, making sense of confusing medical histories, and crafting a clear path toward healing. Dr. Pendergrast’s unique blend of expertise and experience forms the foundation of GWCIM’s pediatric services. GWCIM goal is to empower children and their families with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve long-lasting health and well-being.
What to Expect from Your Visit
Dr. Pendergrast and all other doctors take the time to get to know your child and your family, ensuring that you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
You will be asked to fill out a clinic intake form prior to your first visit. Depending on your child’s condition and needs, the initial appointment may be with Dr. Pendergrast or another provider. Ample time is provided during the first visit to listen to parents and the child, allowing for a comprehensive medical history to be taken.
Functional and genetic testing, additional modalities, medical, mind-body and life style recommendations and follow up visits will be discussed during first visit.
Currently, Dr. Pendergrast provides only telemedicine visits. Other providers offer telemedicine and in-person visits depending on their specialty and services provided. Our office is located in downtown Washington D.C.
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