Meet the Doctors: Dr. Kristie Rivers

With a medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Kristie Rivers is a pediatric hospitalist in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. While her primary role is Assistant Medical Director for the hospitalist program, Dr. Rivers is also the Assistant Pediatric Residency Program Director. Along with her work as a pediatrician, Dr. Rivers is mom to two boys, 8 and 6. Follow her on Twitter.

Why did you go into pediatrics?

I love the fact that children are so resilient when they are sick. While it can be really hard at times to see children suffering, the fact that they get better so quickly most of the time is rewarding beyond words. Also I just genuinely enjoy being around kids — from the sweet newborn baby to the talkative school-aged child, each one brings me so much joy when I am at work.

What are your favorite things to do with your children?

I love snuggling and reading them books. My boys are at an age where I can read big kid books to them and we can talk about the bigger themes and meanings. We also love anything outdoors, whether it is bikes, swimming, spontaneous late afternoon trips to the beach, nature walks, or even something as simple as sidewalk chalk.

What are your favorite accounts to follow on Twitter? 

A few of my favorites in no particular order are Common Sense Media, HuffPost Parents, Babble, Kevin MD, Above the Fray, The Motherlode, Momastery, Atul Gawande, and Bundoo of course!

What is your favorite quote about kids?

How can I pick just one?!?! Here are a few of my favorites:

“Sometimes” said Pooh, “the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss

Why do you like working with Bundoo?

As a hospitalist who deals mostly with sick children, I don’t always have the chance to educate new parents on common baby and childhood topics. I love Bundoo because I get to do just that — give practical, sound medical advice in a day an age where that is so hard to come by on the Internet.

What’s your favorite article or blog on Bundoo? 

I really love Dr. Sara’s blog When Parents Yell as it offers such an honest look at a topic I’m sure every parent can relate to.

Of my own writing, my favorite is probably my blog Breaking bad news: a doctor’s perspective as the subject matter just hit me so close to home.

Aside from your work with Bundoo, what else do you do? 

In addition to Bundoo, I also am a pediatric hospitalist at a children’s hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Not only do I take care of the sick kids in the hospital, I also spend a big part of my time teaching pediatric residents and medical students. I serve as the Assistant Medical Director for the hospitalist program, as well as the Assistant Pediatric Residency Program Director.

Who or what inspired you to do what you do? 

I had such an inspiring attending in my residency program who once gave me the advice to never settle for the next best thing, to always be on the lookout for the next opportunity life has to offer, to never feel trapped in life. I have carried that with me to this day, as I’m always looking for the next opportunity to keep me stimulated and growing, whether professionally or personally.