"The first year of the baby's life, we (parents and pediatrician) spend a lot of time together," said Mai X. Duong, MD, co-chief of ARC Pediatrics in this recent article in Community Impact. "Parents really need to be comfortable with the pediatrician they're selecting."
To aid busy expectant parents in this selection process, ARC has created a Prenatal Meet & Greet program, which aids with planning for the baby's arrival and pediatrician introductions. We know choosing a doctor to take care of your baby and guide you through their growth and development is a very personal decision. That's why we encourage parents to try a free Meet & Greet.
ARC prenatal Meet & Greet
Expectant parents interested in the free ARC prenatal Meet & Greets have the choice of
- attending one of the group teleconferences—which occur on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.—or
- scheduling a one-on-one visit with a pediatrician in-person or by televisit.
Dr. Duong said the group teleconferences are her favorite because expectant parents are able to meet physicians from the comfort of their own homes and get to see the faces behind the masks, which are required for in-person meetings. "I think some of our parents do get comfortable with a few of our pediatricians so that you don't have to have just one — and that gives even more flexibility," Dr. Duong said.
Teleconferences begin with an introduction and initial information about ARC, then breakout rooms are created where doctors at each clinic across Austin and Central Texas are able to meet with parents in that specific geographic area. The goal is for the pediatric physicians to help answer any questions and prepare them for what to expect at the hospital and after delivering the child. In addition to this free service, Duong said ARC's availability and access are what make the clinics stand out from others in the area to expectant parents who are choosing their child's pediatrician.
Schedule your Meet & Greet today
For those interested in learning more about or scheduling an Austin Regional Clinic Pediatrics' prenatal Meet & Greet, visit austinregionalclinic.com/services/pediatrics.