Meet Jessica Kalia, DO, FAAP, IBCLC | Neonatologist, pediatrician, lactation consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Kalia, DO, FAAP, IBCLC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Preemie Pediatrics and Newborn Care in May 2022 after 20 years of working in the neonatal intensive care unit. I saw a need for continue care once babies left the NICU that expanded beyond what their pediatricians could offer. Most parents with NICU graduates experience emotional trauma in the NICU. The days and months are full of ups and downs as they hear good news and bad news about their loved one. When parents leave the NICU, many of them are still worried and anxious about their babies. For weeks they have had 24/7 access to nurses, doctors, and therapists. As soon as the baby is discharged from NICU, parents have to adjust to a different model of care. NICU babies follow up with their pediatrician for a brief visit 1-2 days after NICU discharge. However, many NICU graduates, have a long list of medical problems that need to be followed up and only a brief 10-20 minutes with their pediatrician.
That is where my practice comes in. My patients have my cell phone number and can call or text me when they have concerns about their babies, Even if they just want to clarify that they are doing things correctly (such as mixing formula), I am available to them. I function in addition to their pediatrician and provide an added layer of support to parents and families as they navigate the world outside the hospital with their NICU graduate. I provide un-rushed in-home visits as an added convenience to parents.
This model of care is one-of-a kind in the United States. It provides a bridge to home so that parents can gain the confidence to care for their little NICU warriors. My years of experience with the medical needs of NICU babies gives parents added comfort as they transition to caring for their baby outside of the NICU.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a board certified neonatologist. My specialty is intensive care for sick newborns. It was a long road to get to where I am today. It required 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of a pediatric residency and 3 years of a neonatal/perinatal fellowship. Those years were full of studying, exams, and sleepless nights caring for sick children and newborns in the hospital. I feel it is a privilege to care for my patients. Parents trust me with their most precious possession, their babies. I still work shifts each month in local NICUs. However, my private practice is a spin off allowing me to continue to care for NICU graduates.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
South Florida is beautiful. I would start by showing my friends the amazing wildlife that surrounds us. We would take an everglades airboat tour and hike along the canal levee. For lunch we would visit Las Olas, the beautiful beachfront community with many great shops and restaurants. We would take an afternoon drive to the Florida Keys and then get out on the water in kayaks or paddleboards. Dinner at a dockside restaurant watching manatee and eating fresh seafood would be a great way to end the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friend Triny Mancisidor helped me develop my practice. She helped me with my vision and focus. She created my logo and helped me with branding. She has been a cheerleader for my practice since I first mentioned the idea to her!

Website: www.preemiepeds.com

Instagram: @preemie.pediatrics

Linkedin: Jessica Kalia, DO

Facebook: Preemie Pediatrics and Newborn Care

Yelp: Preemie Pediatrics and Newborn Care