Pediatric Place Celebrates 10
th
Anniversary and Welcomes New Practitioners
As always, appointments may be made to see long-time practitioners Dr. John Bates and Stephanie Woodall. With the recent addition of pediatrician Dr. Dustin Parker and pediatric nurse practitioner Kayla Yates, however, walk-in visits are now welcome, as well.
Parker, a Newbern native, completed his pediatric training at Lebonheur Children’s Hospital before joining the clinic a few months ago. Yates, an Obion County native who completed her training at Union University, joined the Pediatric Place staff at the beginning of October. This followed several years of serving patients at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City.
After spending time in academic medical centers and larger cities, Bates, owner and pediatrician at the clinic, knew he wanted to practice academic medicine in a small town. “
Union City emerged as the best opportunity for all of us after much research, investigation and prayer,” Bates reflected. “It helped that this happens to be the place my wife calls home. It allows us to raise our children with nearby grandparents, and the community is clearly a great place to raise a family. It also was a region where I thought our team could make a difference by providing vital services for children.”
Pediatric Place opened Sept. 4, 2007.
Ten years later, the Pediatric Place staff includes two pediatricians, two pediatric nurse practitioners, four nurses, an office manager and two front desk staff members. Bates said everyone in the office has a passion for children, and most of them have children of their own. In speaking of the team, Bates said, “There is no better group of people who could provide the type of compassionate care our practice offers,” Bates said. “They all assume multiple roles to allow us to operate efficiently and effectively.”
Bates added that each staff member at Pediatric Place is trained to practice modern medicine like one would find at a children’s hospital such as Lebonheur or Vanderbilt. “Ensuring high quality care in our rural areas is an important aspect of the quality of life we enjoy,” he commented.
The office is staffed with three providers five days a week, and at least one pediatrician is always on site. With increased staff, the clinic is now able to accept even more patients from the large region it serves. Currently, Pediatric Place serves children from Northwest Tennessee, West Kentucky and the Bootheel of Missouri.
“I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to practice medicine here,” Bates said, “and I do not take lightly the fact that many parents place their trust in us to care for their children. The community’s support is overwhelming and humbling; we hope our service expresses our care and appreciation for each child who comes through our door.”
Pediatric Place is located at 1345 Edwards Street in Union City, Tennessee. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals may walk in or call 731-885-4338 to make appointments. More information is available at facebook.com/PediatricPlaceUC.
