Erika Vicente, MD

Growing up, I was always interested in science and health care. Medicine particularly attracted me because it involved building personal relationships, counseling, and education between the provider and the patient.

Pediatrics stood out to me mainly because of the inherent joy and fun associated with working with children. Even in serious circumstances, children rarely lose their joy, and being part of that was very rewarding to me. The prospect of educating and building trust and collaborating with patients drew me to medicine, and I feel it is even more significant in pediatrics. Parents and caregivers are deeply invested in their child’s health, pouring their heart and soul into their care. Being part of that relationship is incredibly fulfilling.

I believe that collaboration with parents and families is crucial. As a physician, I bring my education, technical knowledge, and evidence-based guidelines to the table, but ultimately, parents know their child best. My job is to listen to their concerns, share what I know about the science, and together craft a plan that works best for the family. Medicine is not always one-size-fits-all; I strive to guide families to make informed decisions on their child’s health.