DOTHAN, Ala. — Wiregrass families have a new option for pediatric care with the opening of Kindred Pediatrics in Dothan, a smaller practice designed around longer appointments, parental involvement and a whole-child approach to care.
Kindred Pediatrics was founded by Hilary Killingsworth, CRNP, a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics and a mother of two boys. Killingsworth said the idea behind the practice was not born from a lack of quality pediatric care in the Wiregrass, but from a desire to give families another choice.
“The Wiregrass is home to many wonderful pediatric professionals,” Killingsworth said. “What I felt was missing was another choice—a smaller, more personal setting where families could slow down, ask questions and feel truly heard.”
The clinic serves children from birth through adolescence and is located inside Family First Chiropractic at 1347 W. Main St. in Dothan. Killingsworth is licensed in both Alabama and Florida, allowing the practice to serve families from across the Wiregrass and surrounding areas.
Creating More Time For Parents And Children
For Killingsworth, one of the priorities behind Kindred Pediatrics is giving families enough time to discuss their concerns without feeling rushed.
She said parents are often asked to take in a large amount of information during medical appointments while also caring for a sick child, managing a newborn or trying to remember questions they wanted to ask.
“As a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics and a mother of two boys, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to make decisions about a child’s health,” Killingsworth said. “Parents are often trying to absorb a great deal of information during a short appointment, sometimes while comforting a sick child or managing a tired newborn.”
“I wanted to create a place where families never feel rushed, dismissed or afraid to speak openly about their concerns,” she added.
Appointments at Kindred Pediatrics are intentionally longer, according to Killingsworth. The additional time is designed to allow parents and the provider to talk about more than the immediate reason for the visit.
Those conversations may include nutrition, sleep, development, behavior, medications and other concerns affecting a child.
Families are also encouraged to ask questions about recommendations and the reasoning behind them.
Newborn Home Visits Available
A major part of the practice will focus on newborns and their families, including an option that does not require parents to immediately bring their newborn into the clinic.
Kindred Pediatrics offers newborn home visits for families following the birth of a child.
Killingsworth said she has seen firsthand how difficult those first days and weeks can be for parents, particularly mothers who are recovering from childbirth.
“Those first few days and weeks are beautiful, but they can also be exhausting and uncertain,” Killingsworth said. “Getting a newborn dressed, packed and into a medical office shortly after birth can feel overwhelming, especially for a mother who is still recovering.”
The home visits are available for newborns whether they were delivered at a hospital or at home.
During the visits, Killingsworth said her focus extends beyond checking the newborn.
“My goal is to check on the baby’s health and development while also supporting the mother, answering questions and helping the entire family feel more confident as they adjust,” she said.
A Whole-Child Approach
Kindred Pediatrics describes its model as a “whole-child approach” to pediatric care.
Killingsworth said conventional medicine remains part of the practice and is used when needed. At the same time, nutrition, lifestyle and other supportive options may be considered when appropriate for an individual child.
“This is not about rejecting traditional healthcare,” Killingsworth said. “It is about looking at the complete picture and creating an individualized plan for each child.”
That individualized approach can include discussions about a child’s physical health as well as development, behavior, nutrition and other factors that may affect overall well-being.
Kindred Pediatrics plans to provide well-child visits, sick visits, newborn care, behavioral and developmental support, weight-management services and guidance for common childhood concerns.
Killingsworth said the smaller practice setting is also intended to give her an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with children and their families.
“I want to know my patients and their families—not only their medical history, but who they are and what matters to them,” she said.
An Emphasis On Parent Education
Parental involvement is another central part of the practice.
Killingsworth said she wants parents to have information they can understand so they can take an active role in decisions involving their children.
That philosophy also extends to conversations surrounding vaccinations.
“Parents deserve accurate information about the benefits and risks of the choices they face, including decisions surrounding vaccines,” Killingsworth said. “My role is to educate, answer questions and help families make informed decisions—not to shame or pressure them.”
Killingsworth said families are welcomed at Kindred Pediatrics regardless of their vaccination choices.
The Meaning Behind ‘Kindred’
The clinic’s name was chosen to represent the type of relationship Killingsworth hopes to build with families.
“The name ‘Kindred’ reflects the heart behind the clinic: connection, trust and a sense of belonging,” Killingsworth said. “My hope is that families walk through the door and immediately feel that they have found a safe, welcoming place for their children.”
Killingsworth said she does not view Kindred Pediatrics as a replacement for the other pediatric services already available throughout the Wiregrass.
Instead, she sees it as another option for parents who may be looking for a smaller practice and a different style of care.
“Kindred Pediatrics is not meant to replace every form of pediatric care available in our community,” Killingsworth said. “It is meant to offer families another option—one centered on time, education, partnership and genuine relationships.”
For Killingsworth, the overall mission comes down to three things: caring for children, listening to parents and supporting families.
“The vision is simple: children deserve thoughtful care, parents deserve to be heard and families deserve to feel supported,” Killingsworth said. “That is what I hope to bring to the Wiregrass through Kindred Pediatrics.”
Kindred Pediatrics is located at 1347 W. Main St. in Dothan. Families interested in learning more about the practice, available services or scheduling an appointment can call 334-258-7293.
Also, check out their website below for more information.
Kindred Pediatrics https://share.google/5z1vGkTE5mPSe8xBE
Sponsored Content: This article is a paid native advertisement from Kindred Pediatrics. Information and statements in this article were provided by Kindred Pediatrics founder Hilary Killingsworth, CRNP.
