Why I'm a Pediatrician

Dr. Kia Nelson: Hi, my name is Dr. Kia Nelson, and I’m a pediatrician at Sauk Prairie Healthcare. A question I get asked frequently is why I choose to care for children … why I went into the field of pediatrics.

Many doctors go into medical school having no idea what kind of medicine they want to practice. They then find a specialty they’re passionate about through their medical school coursework and clinical rotations.

My experience was a little bit different. I knew I wanted to work with kids before I ever knew I wanted to become a doctor. You see, I grew up as one of the oldest kids in a big family, and was frequently tasked with babysitting many of my younger siblings, cousins, and even some of the neighborhood kids. This gave me the opportunity to witness child development up close from a young age, and boy was it a fun and memorable experience, helping care for all those rambunctious kiddos.

One spunky child in particular had some medical needs that required a close relationship with their pediatrician. I think that was probably when the seed was first planted for me to consider a career in pediatrics, since I was able to appreciate how important their relationship was with their pediatrician, who supported them through challenges at home and at school.

Fast forward a few years and I was in college studying human development and family studies. Through these studies, I realized how important those childhood years are for shaping us into the wonderful, unique individuals we are later in life. I also learned how there is so much in a child’s day-to-day environment that influences their wellbeing, and how they grow up to be, from the food they eat, to their classroom environment, to illnesses they face, to their relationships with their loved ones, it is all so important, and pediatricians are able to help families with each and every one of these factors.

Later, once I experienced my first pediatric rotation in medical school, I was hooked. I loved being alongside families through life’s big moments, such as the birth of their first child, as well as through everyday moments such as discussing ways to get our kids to sleep better at night. I say ‘our kids,’ since I’m constantly learning from my patients and their caregivers myself, to help me be a better mom as well. Plus, my patients are so much fun and make me laugh every single day, which is just the best.

I feel so honored each and every day to be able to help care for today’s children and support families along their parenting journeys, and luckily, get to share some smiles along the way.