SJM_Advocare_Moorestown Pediatrics_0224FINAL.qxp_profile 2 / 22 / 24 4 : 27 PM Page 1 PROMOTION B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T The practice can now offer more direct SA FATHER HIMSELF , DR . JOHN GIARDINO UNDER ? services for this population while staying STANDS COMPLETELY THAT CHOOSING A PEDIA ? within its scope of care and complementing ATRICIAN IS ONE OF THE FIRST KEY DECISIONS A other providers . PARENTWILL MAKE FOR HIS OR HER CHILD.In trusting “ We continue to work collaboratively that person to oversee the child’s develop - with behavioral health specialists in the ment from birth to adolescence , to treat community , ” Dr . Giardino says . “ In fact , ailments both common and complex , and we’re always open to developing a collabo - toprovide advice on everything from nutri - rative approach to care . If patients are strug - tionto vaccinations , the relationship needs gling with anxiety or depression , we like to tobe compatible from the start . explore counseling and therapy , and we Tothat end , Dr . Giardino and the rest of refer them to local psychologists . We can theteam at Advocare Moorestown Pediatrics help on our end with some of the basic are happy to host meet - and - greets with medication management , but if someone prospective parents or families seeking a is dealing with something like bipolar dis - change in the care for their little ones . order or severe OCD , they should be seeing “ Theycan schedule a formal time with a psychiatrist . We handle the more common us so they can get to know us , get to know pediatric issues — in fact , anxiety is probably the practice and see if it’s a good fit , ” he the most common issue we see in pedi - explains . “ I think when it comes to caregivers , atrics . ” to therapists and to doctors , you want to Whether it’s a mental or physical issue , find someone who is willing to work as a Dr . Giardino stresses the importance of team , who you feel comfortable talking to taking the time to understand what’s truly and who you feel safe enough to open up going on with the patient to best evaluate to . As a parent , you want to find someone the underlying cause . The practice is also who has shared values so you can work open to integrative and holistic approaches toward a common goal . to care . “ One of the reasons people go doctor - “ We see a diverse array of patients , and shopping is because they want to find a A Team there are people who come from different doctor who is open to their concerns or cultures and different belief systems , ” he will take the time to hear them out . I want says . “ We try to work with families to the ourpractice to be one that’s accommodating best of our ability so we can achieve good and I want our physicians to be accessible , Approach health.There’s more than one good path to to listen and to try to find a team approach good health , so it’s important that the doctor basedon shared values . ” and patient see where we match up and That has been the focus of Advocare For more than 50 years , how we can get to that end point . ” Moorestown Pediatrics since its founding local families have trusted Advocare Dr.Giardino , who was inspired to follow in1968 by Dr . Charles Moloney , who served MoorestownPediatrics to care his uncle’s footsteps into pediatrics , is always as a mentor for Dr . Giardino until retiring grateful to be on that journey with patients in the early 2010s . His influence is still felt for all of their children’s needs in and to be an integral part of their lives , and today . a collaborative manner . therest of his team shares in that philosophy . “ Weactually have some third - generation By MATT COSENTINO “ Our practice is small enough that the families who started as patients of Dr . providers truly get to know the families and Moloney , and now they come with their we’re able to take the time necessary to work grandkids.That’s one of the most rewarding was built and continuing Dr . Moloney’s with them and answer their questions , ” he things , when you hear stories like that , ” Dr . legacy , the practice is also more than willing says . “ It’s those bonds we form over the years Giardinosays . to adapt to the current landscape . For that create a more durable , lasting patient - “ I’vebeen in practice long enough myself example , since the pandemic there has been physician relationship , and that hopefully tobe treating second - generation patients — asteady increase in the number of children n leadsto better health outcomes . ” the kids of people who I treated when I first dealing with emotional or mental health joined the practice . It’s valuable to build issues , which is why it has expanded its that relationship over time and to get to behavioralhealth program . know the patients and their medical needs . Nurse practitioner Lisa Tighue recently One of the things we strive for is to make completedadditional training and became sure patients have someone who is interested a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner , in learning about their health care needs , whichhelps Advocare Moorestown Pediatrics utilizing a collaborative approach , and tomeet this growing demand . finding the best way to achieve their mental “ I think some of the stigma is going and physical health . We function as a team awaywhen it comes to behavioral and emo - Advocare Moorestown Pediatrics toachieve that goal . ” tional health issues , ” Dr . Giardino says . Moorestown | ( 856 ) 235 - 0264 While staying true to the cornerstones “ People are more willing to seek out help , AdvocareMoorestownPeds.com onwhich Advocare Moorestown Pediatrics which is definitely a positive . ” SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 20 issue 11 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 15