Meet Jared Friedman | Pediatric/Pediatric Emergency Medicine Concierge Physician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jared Friedman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jared, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
No matter what anyone says, being a Parent is the hardest, yet most rewarding job there is.

While anyone can provide their kids with the material goods – food, clothes, toys, electronics, education, home, car, etc – it is the intangibles that are truly priceless.

To work hard, to help others in time of need, to be true to your word, to display your emotions, to admit when you are wrong, or to say “Thank you,” are just a few of the things I hope my children “see” each and every day.

I want to serve as a role model to them, to teach them life skills, to provide unconditional love, and most importantly, to be present in their lives.

Being a Doctor, I see death more than I care to in the ER. I am certainly guilty of taking the gift of life for granted sometimes. I am often reminded of the saying, “one can buy a clock, but one cannot buy time.”

So, for my children, I want them to recognize that time is not infinite, that health is not guaranteed, and that money is not certain, but our experiences, family, and true essence is forever.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Having moved to Miami about 6 years ago from the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, and NYC before that, I was always greeted with the same cliche question, “What do you for for a living?” After answering, “Doctor,” the follow-up question was always, “What kind?”

Still to this day, with every new introduction – the proverbial light bulb goes on, eyes light up, and cellphones are taken out to grab my number “in case” one of their children needs anything!

Being a Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Medicine trained Physician is something I do not take for granted. It is a true honor to care for children in their healthiest (and sickest) moments. There are times in the middle of an ER shift that I call my wife to say, “I love you. Please give the kids a hug and kiss for me.” And, there are also times that I am hugged and kissed myself by the Abuelos in the room with their little Johnny or Sally.

Each day I go on shift in the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital ER (or House Call), I “check my ego” at the door and prepare myself to be a member of the Team. It doesn’t matter what letters are in the front or at the end of my name on my ID badge, what matters is the ONE solitary goal of helping children. By providing real-time education, medical information, anticipatory guidance, and frequent follow-ups to the Families, I am using a shared decision making model to care for each child as MY very own. And that is why I do this each and every day. To me, that is priceless!

Being able to differentiate between what is truly an “Emergency,” “Urgency,” and “Non-concerning or Routine” was always something that came naturally to me. In fact, being Jewish, and living in an Orthodox Community, I would always get a WhatsApp or text message, phone call, or “excuse me” in the supermarket or on the street regarding someone’s child. With a smile on my face, I always tried to help as best as I could. It was my way of being G-d’s Medical Messenger. Even as Families were beyond grateful for my pro-bono care, they had always encouraged me to start my own Concierge Practice. In their words, “Jared, you would make a killing because this is what we need in Miami!” As time went on, and we lived through such polarizing times with COVID, many Families started (and still are!) moving down to Miami for “quality of life.”

The time came and STARDOC was born.
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STARDOC provides personalized, high-quality Pediatric care with 24/7/365 access, house calls, telemedicine consultations, point-of-care testing, procedures, treatment strategies, and private CPR/Choking/Anaphylaxis and other Emergency Skills Workshops. STARDOC’s vision is bringing bespoke, unparalleled Concierge care via the skills, expertise, and openness in communication to each individual Family in the comfort of their own home. In addition, through strong relationships to other Pediatric Subspecialists and Children’s Hospitals across the US and World, STARDOC is expanding its network of care for your child’s benefit. When you are part of STARDOC, you are not just part of a boutique Pediatric Concierge Service – you are part of our Family.

Having graduated from an Ivy League University, trained in multiple well-respected Hospitals, and currently serving as Medical Author, Lecturer, and Expert Witness, combined with me being Core Education Teaching Faculty, Clinical Affiliate Assistance Professor, Medical Director of PPEC Centers, and On-Line Medical Control/Medical Advisory Board Member for Hatzalah South Florida, I definitely have my hands full. However, in juggling these roles, I never lose sight of the end goal – always striving to be the best Physician (and Father/Husband) I can all the while realizing the importance of living (a healthy) life to it’s fullest.

Moreover, in remembering that we all need to do our part in this World and give back to others, as part of my “Pay-It-Forward” Initiative, 10% of dues from On-Demand Home Visits, Customized Weekly/Monthly Plans, or All-Inclusive Annual Subscription Models are donated directly to a Charity of each Family’s choice. Finally, in being part of the limited number of STARDOC Families – which is currently by word of mouth or referrals only – you are able to have a peace of mind knowing your prized possessions – your children – are cared for as my very own!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is the place to be. Period.

Whether you are here for a business meeting, a Family vacation, or a quick two-day getaway, Miami has it all (except the snow!)

If you want tranquility – just close your eyes and listen to the waves on the sandy beaches or in a yacht yourself – all the while enjoying the sun.

If you want cuisine – whether Asian, Kosher, Latino, or American flavor (just to name a few) – you can find your spot and never go unsatisfied.

If you want culture – listen to a symphony, watch a broadway show, visit a world-class museum, or catch a professional sports game.

If you want luxury – take in the sites of multi-million dollar mansions, too numerous to count exotic cars and yachts, one-of-a kind artwork at Basel, or designer wear at Bal Harbour Shops.

The choice is yours. The dream is yours to live.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout (and each day of my life) to my wife, Dana, and my children. They are MY everything!

Website: www.stardocpeds.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stardocpeds/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stardoc-pediatrics-4a87a0232/