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Anne Helwig, M.D.
Pediatrician
Did you always want to be a doctor?
"I started out in nursing, actually. But after a year, I wasn't happy where I was, but I knew I wanted to stay in the medical field. I was at University of Pennsylvania at the time, so I switched from the school of nursing to the school of arts and sciences, and graduated with a degree in biology.
"My first position post-graduation was in research for the division of endocrinology at University of Connecticut Health Center. This work made me decide to go to medical school. And from there, pediatrics was a natural choice. I always wanted to work with kids."
What can new moms expect on their first visit with you?
"The first visit is all about reassurance. 'How are you doing? The baby's doing well. You're doing well. You're going to be a great mom!' By the time new moms come here, they are pretty stressed out. This is the time to take a breath and see that all is well-in-hand. And it's my time to get to know the family, the siblings."
What's the most important advice you can give parents?
"Read to your kids. Twenty minutes a day is not that hard to do, and the impact can be huge. It's one-on-one quality time focused on them. For working parents it can be hard to find those opportunities, but the outcome is worth it.
"Also, play with your kids. They are booked solid with so many activities, and you may have work. It's nice to have time to play where you don't have structure.
"Being a mom myself has made me a better pediatrician and being a pediatrician has made me a better mom. As a pediatrician, I see some pretty sick kids (luckily they rebound pretty well). But when I go home, this keeps things in perspective for me. Suddenly the crayon on the wall is not so important. On the other hand, when a parent comes in pulling her hair out because her child isn't doing well with potty training, I can sympathize!"
Education:
Doctor of Medicine, 1993, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.
Bachelor of Arts, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Residency:
Pediatrics, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa.
Certification:
Board Certified, American Board of Pediatrics
Professional Experience:
Pediatrician, ABC Family Pediatricians
Research, Division of Endocrinology, University of Connecticut Health Center
Memberships:
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Honors & Awards:
A.I. duPont Institute prize in pediatrics
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