Mission Magazine - Children’s Champions

Children’s Champions

November 2005

Kristi Whitenton, M.D., second-year pediatrics resident at the Health Science Center, described her numerous hours in the pediatric clinic at KellyUSA as extremely rewarding.

"I felt privileged to help these children and to alleviate some anxiety within their families," Dr. Whitenton said. "Many children were in need of medical care at such a vulnerable time."

Twenty-seven-year-old Tenneka Williams brought her 10-month-old daughter, Nyla, and six-year-old son, Tashawn, to the pediatric clinic, where Dr. Whitenton was able to perform physicals, make diagnoses and prescribe medicine. Williams was particularly concerned about her children’s health after treading through knee-deep water to evacuate their home in Jefferson Parish, La.

"The doctors have been amazing," Williams said. "I am so thankful for the support and treatment I’ve received here. They’ve treated me like this is my home."

Ear infections, asthma, rashes, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration were the most common conditions among the countless number of children who needed assistance, Dr. Whitenton said.

"While most children only needed mild medical attention, there was great potential to become very sick if they had not been treated at all. This is an experience that will have a lasting impact on me."