UF&Shands offers new pediatric specialty clinics in Ocala and Lake City

Children in Lake City and Ocala now have the opportunity to receive specialized care closer to home, thanks to a partnership between community pediatricians and UF&Shands, the University of Florida Academic Health Center.

Starting last week, UF College of Medicine pediatric subspecialists in cardiologyendocrinologygastroenterology,hematology/oncologyneurology and pulmonology will see patients in the two cities and surrounding areas on a rotating schedule every month.

“The department of pediatrics and its divisions are very committed to continuing to improve the medical care that we provide to our community,” said Edgard Andrade, M.D., M.S., interim co-chief and an assistant professor of pediatric neurology who will see patients at the satellite practices. “As such, I am very supportive of the efforts we’re undertaking to improve patient care, accessibility and patient satisfaction, evidenced by the highly experienced faculty that will staff the satellite clinics.”

In Ocala, at Ocala Pediatrics, 1500 SE 17th St., Suite 600, the schedule is as follows:

  • Every Wednesday and Friday: cardiology
  • First Tuesdays and Second Thursdays: gastroenterology
  • Second Tuesdays: hematology/oncology and endocrinology
  • Fourth Tuesdays: neurology and pulmonology

In Lake City, at 348 NE Methodist Terrace, Suite 101, the schedule is as follows:

  • Third Tuesdays: endocrinology
  • Third Wednesdays: hematology/oncology
  • Third Thursdays: pulmonology
  • Third Fridays: neurology

“We are excited to take UF pediatrics to our community partners,” said pediatrics chair Scott Rivkees, M.D. “We are a patient-, family- and physician-friendly department and the leading academic pediatric center in the state. It’s an honor to be able to continue to deliver the best care possible to the children in our extended community, by bringing the care to their hometowns.”

Making referrals is easy and convenient.

You can download and complete the referral form by clicking on the link below, and list either Ocala or Lake City as the treatment location. Or, call our referral line: 877-KIDS-R-UF (877- 543-7783). Please visit our referral website:www.pediatrics.med.ufl.edu/patient-care/referrals/physician-referrals/ for more information.

The department is looking forward to expanding our specialized care and working with you to make this endeavor a success for Ocala and Lake City pediatric patients and their families.