When I first decided to become a pediatrician, I had a very specific vision in my mind. I imagined watching babies grow into confident teenagers. I pictured knowing a family so well that I could sense their worries before they even spoke them. However, the reality of the traditional healthcare system often makes that vision hard to achieve. That is exactly why I shifted my focus toward a concierge model.
For me, medicine isn’t just about prescriptions and growth charts; it is about people. Specifically, it is about the deep, trusting bonds formed over years of care. Today, I want to share how I approach my practice and the specific steps I take to build meaningful, long-term connections with the families I serve. By focusing on concierge pediatric relationships, I can provide a level of care that goes far beyond a quick fifteen-minute office visit.
The Gift of Time: Why It Matters
The foundation of any good relationship is time. You cannot build trust with someone if you are constantly checking your watch. in a high-volume clinic, doctors are often forced to rush. They might have thirty patients in a single day. That leaves very little room for conversation. In my practice, I have flipped that script.
I deliberately limit the number of families I work with. This isn’t about being exclusive for the sake of it; it is about mathematics. Fewer patients mean more time for each individual child. When you come to see me, our appointments are not rushed. We have the luxury of sitting down and talking. I want to hear about how school is going, how the new puppy is behaving, and how you, as parents, are coping with the lack of sleep.
This extra time allows me to pick up on small details. Sometimes, a medical issue isn’t obvious on the surface. By chatting for thirty minutes or an hour, I might notice a subtle developmental cue or hear a parent mention a behavior that warrants a closer look. This is the cornerstone of concierge pediatric relationships: having the time to look at the whole picture, not just the symptom of the day.
Accessibility Builds Trust
One of the scariest moments for a parent is when a child gets sick in the middle of the night. It is 2:00 AM, the fever is spiking, and you don’t know if you should rush to the ER or wait until morning. In a traditional setting, you are often left navigating an automated phone tree or talking to an on-call nurse who has never met your child.
I build relationships by removing that barrier. My families have direct access to me. When they call or text, they get Dr. Sabeti, not a call center. Knowing that I am just a text message away provides an immense sense of security for parents. It turns panic into a plan.
When a parent knows they can reach me, they feel supported. This support builds a deep sense of loyalty and trust. They know I am in their corner, whether it is a Tuesday afternoon or a Saturday night. This consistent availability tells families, “I value you, and I am here for you.” That feeling of safety is essential for a long-term relationship.
Consistency is Key
Imagine telling your most personal worries to a stranger. Now imagine doing that every time you go to the doctor because you see a different provider at every visit. That is a barrier to connection. In my practice, consistency is the rule, not the exception.
I see your child for every well-check and every sick visit. I know their history because I was there when it happened. I remember that they had a reaction to amoxicillin three years ago without looking at the chart. I recall that they were afraid of the scale last year, so we approach it differently this time.
This continuity of care is vital. It allows your child to feel safe with me. I am not just “the doctor”; I am Dr. Anita. Children who see the same face year after year develop a rapport. They are less scared and more willing to talk about how they are feeling. For the parents, it means you don’t have to repeat your child’s medical history ten times. We pick up exactly where we left off.
Understanding the Whole Family Unit
Pediatrics is unique because I am never just treating a patient; I am treating a family. To build a strong relationship, I have to understand the family dynamic. Are the parents going through a stressful time? Is there a new sibling on the way? Are there financial or educational pressures?
I take the time to get to know the parents just as well as the kids. I understand that a calm, confident parent usually leads to a calm, happy child. A huge part of my job is actually coaching parents. I validate your concerns. I tell you that you are doing a great job. When parents feel heard and respected, the relationship flourishes.
By understanding the family culture and values, I can tailor my medical advice to fit your life. Medicine is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one family might not work for another. Because I know you personally, I can offer solutions that are realistic and effective for your specific situation. This personalized approach reinforces the strength of our concierge pediatric relationships.
The Data on Relationship Building
It is easy to say that concierge care is better, but I think it helps to visualize the differences in how we build these connections. I created a chart to show the comparison between the relationship dynamics in a standard high-volume practice versus my personalized approach.
| Relationship Factor | Standard High-Volume Care | My Concierge Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Time per Visit | 10-15 Minutes | 30-60 Minutes |
| Provider Consistency | Rotating doctors or nurses | Always Dr. Sabeti |
| Communication | Portals and call centers | Direct text/cell access |
| Focus of Care | Reactive (Sick care) | Proactive (Holistic wellness) |
| Relationship Depth | Transactional | Personal & Familial |
Navigating the Teen Years Together
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching the transition from childhood to adolescence. This is a critical time when the doctor-patient relationship changes. The relationship shifts from being primarily between me and the parent, to include a direct bond with the teenager.
Teenagers need to feel that their doctor is a safe space. They need to know they can ask questions about their changing bodies, mental health, and social pressures without judgment. Because I have known many of these kids since they were small, that trust is already established. It is much less awkward to talk to Dr. Anita, who has known you forever, than to a stranger.
I work hard to respect their growing independence. I speak directly to the teen, empowering them to take charge of their own health. This evolution of the relationship ensures that they stay engaged with their healthcare during years when many teens stop going to the doctor altogether.
Proactive Wellness and Preventative Care
In many standard practices, you only see the doctor when something is wrong. That creates a relationship based on illness. I prefer to build a relationship based on wellness. Concierge pediatric relationships flourish because we spend time discussing how to stay healthy, not just how to fix sickness.
We talk about nutrition, sleep hygiene, screen time, and emotional resilience. Because I have the time, I can educate families on these topics in depth. This positions me as a partner in your child’s development, rather than just a mechanic fixing a broken part. We work together to set goals for the family’s health.
This proactive approach means we are in constant communication. You might text me to ask about a new vitamin or a behavioral issue at school. These small touchpoints keep the relationship active and strong, ensuring that no small issue turns into a big problem unnoticed.
Emotional Support for Parents
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It is full of anxiety, guilt, and uncertainty. A major part of how I build relationships is by serving as an emotional anchor for the parents. I am here to tell you that it is okay if your toddler won’t eat broccoli, or if your sleep training isn’t going perfectly.
I often find that after the physical exam of the child is done, the real appointment begins. This is when parents open up about their own stressors. By listening and offering professional reassurance, I help lower the anxiety levels in the household. When parents feel supported, they are better equipped to care for their children.
This emotional connection is what turns a medical practice into a medical home. You aren’t just a file number; you are a human being doing your best, and I am honored to support you in that journey.
Integration of Technology and Human Connection
While I value old-fashioned face-to-face connection, I also use technology to strengthen our bond. Being able to send a photo of a rash or a video of a cough allows for immediate feedback. This convenience prevents unnecessary trips to the urgent care and keeps the care within our established relationship.
However, technology never replaces the human touch. It is a tool that enhances our communication. It allows me to be “present” even when we are not in the same room. This blend of modern convenience and traditional bedside manner is essential for maintaining strong concierge pediatric relationships in today’s fast-paced world.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a “medical home” is not a building, but an approach to providing comprehensive primary care. This concept aligns perfectly with my philosophy. You can read more about the importance of a medical home and continuity of care on their website here: A Medical Home: Where Everybody Knows Your Name.
A Partnership for the Future
Building these relationships is a long-term investment. It requires patience, empathy, and a genuine love for what I do. I view my role not as a dictator of medical orders, but as a partner in your family’s life. We make decisions together. We celebrate milestones together. We navigate challenges together.
Every time I walk into an exam room or answer a phone call, my goal is to strengthen that partnership. I want my families to feel that having me as their pediatrician is like having a doctor in the family. That level of intimacy and trust is what makes concierge pediatrics so special.
From the first days of life through high school graduation, I am committed to being a steady presence. In a world that is constantly changing, having a doctor who truly knows you and cares about you provides a stability that is priceless. That is how I build relationships, one family, one child, and one visit at a time.
