By Patty Jo Sawvel

Wake Forest Baptist Health Pediatrics – Kernersville, formerly known as Kernersville Pediatrics, has been serving the community for nearly 15 years.  Located at 815 Old Winston Road, it has established a reputation as the “hometown pediatrics practice that offers customized care.”

As Dr. Amy Jo Wallace explained, “Every child is different and every family has its own dynamics.  So we work really hard to understand them as individuals and then create a care plan that is customized for their needs.”

An essential element of the plan hinges on timing.  Health care providers at Pediatrics – Kernersville know that when a child is not feeling well, everyone wants the child to be cared for as soon as possible.  At this practice–by working as a finely coordinated team–Dr. Rebecca Ball, Dr. Amy Jo Wallace, and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) Sharon Allen can usually see new or existing patients within four hours.

Althea Marshall, who has been taking her children there since the practice opened said, “I switched from my old provider because it was impossible to get in for a same day visit, and then it took hours to get out.  Here, I always get in the same day and usually within two hours.”

It is this convenience, as well as getting quick customized and quality care, that keeps Althea driving from Thomasville to Kernersville.

Over the past 15 years, she has worked with all the providers at the office and added, “I do not have a preference of who sees me when we come in.  They all treat me like family and they all refer my children to a specialist when we need them.”

As part of the Wake Forest Baptist Health network–which includes Brenner Children’s Hospital–patients gain access to hundreds of nationally and world-renowned specialists.

Riley, the son of Wendy Stricker, has been diagnosed with mild autism.  He has been referred to a whole team of specialists and they coordinate his care to make it easy on everyone.

According to Nurse Practitioner Sharon Allen, who brings 10 years of pediatric ICU experience to the team, “As part of the Wake Forest Baptist and Brenner Children’s network, we can go into the records and see each patient’s information and the specialists’ notes immediately, have instant email communication with the specialists and the family, and keep everyone connected.”

Connection is not only a priority for the adults, it is crucial for the children.  Young Riley has made his strongest connection with Nurse Practitioner Sharon Allen.

His mom explains, “Nurse Practitioner Sharon Allen gained immediate trust with Riley. Typically, Riley does not like to be touched so it is a struggle to go to the doctors.  But from the first visit, he responded to her gentle and calm approach.  He chose her to be his ‘doctor.’  Now, when he does not want to do something at home, all I have to say is “‘Doctor” Sharon says so’ and he will immediately do it.  She has changed our lives.”

Laura Clark feels the same way about Dr. Amy Jo Wallace.  She has been taking her two girls to Pediatrics – Kernersville since they were born.  Laura shared, “Dr. Wallace has a genuine love for children and my children can feel that.  She spends time with them.  She talks with them.  We never feel rushed.  I am so glad that someone at our church recommended her because we will never ever leave her.”

Dr. Wallace has been at the practice for nine years, straight out of residency, and loves what Kernersville offers the practice by being such a warm and healthy town.

The practice continues to grow with Kernersville and is welcoming new patients.  Much of this growth is credited to referrals from happy patients.  However, some of the growth is internal.

Dr. Rebecca Ball, graduate of Duke University School of Medicine and practicing pediatrician for 22 years said, “Several of my former patients are now bringing their children to me, and that is the ultimate compliment for a pediatrician.  It tells me that they were comfortable and confident under my care and now they want me to take care of their children.  It is a wonderful experience for all of us.”

Odessa Gordon, mother of two, said with a smile, “I wish Dr. Ball could be my doctor, but I am too old!”  She added, “A big part of the success of this practice goes to office staff.  They greet me by name, they make us feel like we belong, and they make my children feel important.”

The health professionals and staff at Wake Forest Baptist Health Pediatrics – Kernersville invite you to stop by, peek in, and see the practice for yourself.  Or, call for a same day appointment at 336-716-WAKE (9253).  For more information visit their website at WakeHealth.edu/Primary-Care.