Pediatrics was the specialty I enjoyed most in medical school. It is a field that combines prevention and treatment. Rather than focusing strictly on illness, I prefer to concentrate on wellness in a broader sense. Wellness includes physical health, but is also influenced by family interactions, cognitive development and emotional and behavioral well-being. My work with patients is distinguished by an evidence-based practice, which avoids treating colds and other viral illnesses with antibiotics. I also assess family and other environmental factors that influence a child's health. Providing children with a safe and nurturing environment is important to their health. Good health necessitates avoiding health-impairing behaviors, including smoking, dietary excess and sedentary lifestyle. In addition, children's attitudes toward school and their academic success contribute to their ultimate health and well-being. In my proactive approach, I focus on early literacy, school readiness and school performance.