Mahaska Health Pediatrician Explains Why Consistent Care Matters as Children Grow

Dr. Holly Van de Voort, a pediatrician at Mahaska Health in Oskaloosa, Iowa, emphasized the importance of consistent care for children during their development, according to an interview with the Oskaloosa News¹. Van de Voort, who has worked in private practice in Tennessee and Georgia before joining Mahaska Health, stated that regular well-child visits, developmental screenings, and early intervention are critical for monitoring growth and addressing concerns. “But we get concerned when they stop progressing, or even worse, regressing,” she said, highlighting the need for ongoing medical oversight.

Van de Voort described pediatric care as a partnership between families, children, and medical providers. She emphasized that consistent care allows physicians to track a child’s unique development and health history. “When giving my medical opinion, I also take the parents’ ideas and concerns into account,” she said. The pediatrician noted that well-child visits, which occur throughout infancy and into adolescence, include assessments of growth, vaccinations, and mental health discussions, such as addressing anxiety or depression.

Working With Children and Parents as a Team

Van de Voort stressed that effective pediatric care requires collaboration. She advised parents to view healthcare as a shared responsibility, stating, “It is important for parents to realize that child care is a partnership which involves the child, the family and the medical provider.” She also described her approach to engaging younger patients, such as speaking directly to them at their level to build trust.

Why Well-Child Visits Matter

The pediatrician outlined the role of well-child visits in identifying developmental milestones and potential delays. These appointments, she said, allow providers to monitor progress toward skills like walking or speaking and to recommend early interventions if needed. “If the same medical practitioner is seen over a period of time, the practitioner will be able to know what is normal for a particular child,” Van de Voort explained. She added that familiarity with a child’s history is especially valuable during illnesses or for those with chronic conditions like asthma or ADHD.

Watching Developmental Milestones

Van de Voort highlighted that developmental milestones vary among children. While some may walk at 12 months, others might not until 16 months, she said. “The greater worry arises if a child’s development comes to a halt or if they lose a skill that they had earlier,” she noted. The pediatrician also mentioned that screenings for autism, depression, and learning difficulties are part of routine care, ensuring early detection and support.

Van de Voort’s interview underscores the role of sustained medical engagement in fostering children’s health. “We get concerned when they stop progressing,” she said, reinforcing the need for ongoing care throughout childhood.