Caring for the Ohio Valley: Dr. Fox’s Commitment to Providing for Children and Families
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Access to high-quality, compassionate medical care is an important part of supporting children and families across the Ohio Valley and surrounding communities. At Wheeling Hospital and the overall WVU Medicine network, providing exceptional pediatric care goes beyond a yearly office visit. Doctors focus on building lifelong trust and finding ways to meet the needs of young patients and their parents through technology and collaboration.
Dr. Michelle Fox deeply believes in this mission and integrates it into every aspect of her pediatric practice. Coming from a household of teachers, Dr. Fox views healthcare as an extension of guiding and supporting families.
"Both of my parents were teachers," Dr. Fox stated. "For as long as I can remember, educating, supporting and advocating for children has been a natural part of my life."
That focus on education and one-on-one attention forms the foundation of care at Wheeling Hospital. However, modern pediatric medicine also relies on technology to deliver the most up-to-date information and support families in understanding complex conditions and treatment options.
One of the most impactful technological advancements in healthcare is a unified electronic medical record system. This helps to bridge the physical distance between local primary care clinics in the Ohio Valley and specialized medical centers.
"The unified electronic medical record also completely changes how local doctors work together," stated Dr. Fox. "Because everyone uses the same system, pediatricians right here in the Ohio Valley can instantly message a pediatric cardiologist or neurologist down at WVU Medicine Children's in Morgantown. They can securely share their clinical notes, review test results in real time and co-manage a complex condition."
This direct digital collaboration allows families to access top-tier pediatric speciality care without leaving their community, which is especially helpful for children with disabilities that make long travel nearly impossible. In addition to electronic record sharing, Wheeling Hospital utilizes live telemedicine to bring physicians from Morgantown directly to local patients. Families can meet with pediatric specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, surgery or neurology without leaving their home.
As Dr. Fox looks into the future of pediatric health in the region, she believes that addressing mental and emotional well-being is a huge priority. WVU Medicine is currently working to integrate behavioral health into primary care pediatric clinics.
"I am excited and looking forward to integrating behavioral health into the pediatric practice. There is a huge need for this," Dr. Fox stated. "Embedding therapists directly into pediatric practices will bring mental and emotional health support right into the family's doctor's office. Instead of sending a family away with a phone number and a six-month wait list when a child shows signs of anxiety, ADHD or depression, a behavioral specialist is right down the hall."
Receiving therapy in-office also allows children to remain in a familiar, safe environment where they feel comfortable and supported by staff.
Beyond technological integration and internal systems, Wheeling Hospital is looking to make its environment as comfortable as possible for young patients. Austin's Playroom, a family support space established by the Mario Lemieux Foundation, provides a play area right inside of the hospital. The room is filled with toys and games to keep children calm while waiting for appointments or results.
Ultimately, great pediatric care is built on long-term relationships that support children from infancy to young adulthood. Regular wellness visits allow physicians to monitor physical milestones, track speech, monitor development and screen for emotional or social stress. For Dr. Fox, serving as that trusted educator that inspired her to become a pediatrician is deeply rewarding.
"What I enjoy most is building long-term relationships and watching children grow from newborns into young adults," Dr. Fox shared. "And also working with parents to ease worries and offer guidance. Being a trusted guide is very fulfilling."
Dr. Fox and the team at Wheeling Hospital continue to ensure that families across the Ohio Valley receive complete and compassionate care close to home. This mission can be found across the WVU Medicine network, and it proves effective in connecting communities with the care and resources that they need to thrive.
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