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The rewards of being a pediatrician remain constant, according to Dr. Jenna Sirmans, M.D., FAAP, CLC. By providing continuity of care to her patients, she has a front row seat for their early life milestones. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
“It's amazing to see a child being born and then watching them start walking and talking,” Dr. Sirmans says, “and later excelling in school, and hearing what they want to do when they go off to college. Knowing that I got to play a part in that by keeping them healthy and helping get them there really means a lot to me.”
Her pediatric career began after receiving her undergraduate degree in biology and communications studies from Furman University, and her doctor of medicine degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Additionally, she completed a pediatric residency training program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout, she experienced leadership roles, participated in a variety of research, collaborated on poster presentations and medical educational materials, and much more.
Today, as a practicing pediatrician, she works hard at staying tuned in to best practices and guidelines by taking action, including diligently reading some of the latest professional pediatric reports and listening to pediatric podcasts. She also makes the most of her active membership in the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Dr. Sirmans says she finds great satisfaction sharing her knowledge and educating both parents and patients. Whether it’s helping caregivers navigate whatever condition their child may have to discussing preventative care and safety, teaching opportunities help drive her to be the best physician she can be.
“I really love it when a child feels like they play a part in their health too,” she explains. “I present suggestions, such as washing their hands when they’re sick, directly to the patient. And knowing that they understand it and are taking ownership of themselves is something that I look forward to every day.”
Dr. Sirmans finds reward in all aspects and ranges of pediatric care, from infants to teens. Among it all, she has a special appreciation for the opportunity to help adolescents facing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
“I really enjoy helping talk kids through that, and getting them into counseling and medications as needed,” she says. “That’s a very formative time, and it can be hard and isolating. I would like to think that I am a calm, listening ear and someone they can open up to. It means a lot to me to see them come back smiling in three months after we've worked on things.”
At home, Dr. Sirmans loves spending time with her husband and two dogs. Crafting is a passion, including painting with watercolors. Other pleasures include reading and participating in a local book club, beach time, and listening to live music.
