NEWS
February 10, 2021
Here's some information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the risk of heavy metal exposure to children, and how to help minimize it.
AIR POLLUTION, TRANSPORTATION, AND OUR HEALTH
January 28, 2021
Dr. O'Mara is the Vice-Chair for Community Outreach and a Steering Committee Member of Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action. See his video on transportation and our health here.
VPAC PROVIDERS GET THEIR COVID VACCINES
December 19, 2020
VPAC providers are eagerly starting to receive COVID vaccines.
Click here for more information on when children may be getting COVID vaccines.
December 14, 2020
Recognizing signs of stress in your children and ways to offer support.
November 12, 2020
A growing number of studies have shown that gratitude benefits both our physical and emotional health.
October 14, 2020
This article includes ideas on how families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
THANK YOU, BETH MORRELL!
September 16, 2020
Our nurse practitioner, Beth Morrell, will be leaving VPAC in order to spend more time with her family. We wish Ms. Morrell the best, and thank her for the wonderful care and compassion she has had for our patients.
September 9, 2020
The 2020-2021 VPAC Fight the Flu Campaign has begun!
This year, we have sign-ups for families to help enable social distancing during shot clinic hours.
BESS O'KEEFFE DEPARTURE
September 4, 2020
Our Physician Assistant Bess O'Keeffe will be departing VPAC to spend more time with her family. We thank Ms. O'Keeffe for her dedication to VPAC over the past year.
August, 30, 2020
Starting Sept 1, 2020, our weekday walk-in acute care clinic hours will be from 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00PM – 4:30 PM in both offices.
If you are bringing a child in for walk-in clinic, we ask you to call us from your car when you arrive and to follow the prompts for “Walk-in Clinic”. Your call will be answered by a nurse, and they will either have you come right in or call you back when we a room is available.
August 30, 2020
Please join us in welcoming Lindsay Bruno to the VPAC family. Ms. Bruno is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from James Madison University. Her nursing career has predominantly been in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of INOVA Children's Hospital and INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Virginia in 2020.
Ms. Bruno will be seeing patients in both the Fair Ridge and Springfield offices.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE AND LOCATION CHANGES
June 26, 2020
Virginia Pediatric & Adolescent Center is pleased to announce that our Springfield office renovations are progressing well (the photo to the right is our hallway during move-in) and starting Monday, July 6, we will be seeing well visits in both our Springfield and Fair Ridge Drive offices. Shot clinic hours will also be returning to as previously scheduled.
Click here for further details.
NEW APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION SYSTEM
June 15, 2020
Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center is happy to announce that we have a new appointment confirmation system. PLEASE make sure we have good contact information (especially e-mail and cell phone number) for you.
June 5, 2020
It is never too early to speak with your children about our similarities and differences and to help them develop positive ideas about themselves and others.
April 23, 2020
Due to a previously scheduled and necessary renovation of our Springfield office, we will be reversing our location designations. Beginning Monday, April 27th, all well visits and conferences will be conducted at our Fair Ridge office. Walk-in hours for acute care on weekdays and Saturday will be conducted at our Springfield office only.
April 17, 2020
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children continue to receive well-child care and immunizations, particularly infants and young children (through 24 months of age).
March 17, 2020
Dr. O'Mara has been advocating for our children's health through support of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
TEMPORARY SCHEDULE CHANGES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
March 16, 2020
Please see this important information regarding temporary schedule changes due to the Coronavirus Outbreak.
Mar 1, 2020
A comic exploring the new coronavirus that is appealing and informative for kids.
Refer to this AAP article or the CDC website for more information about COVID-19.
FAIR OAKS OFFICE MOVE
October 6, 2019
The Fair Oaks Office will be moving to our new location on Monday, October 28:
4001 Fair Ridge Dr., Ste. 301
Fairfax, VA 22033
Because of our move, our Saturday office hours on Saturday, October 26 will be held at our Springfield office.
THANK YOU, LAURA CONWAY!
October 4, 2019
We wish the best to Laura Conway CPNP for a happy and healthy retirement, and thank her for her 21 years of dedication to our patients at VPAC.
October 2, 2019
Ranitidine (Zantac) products, including generic products from several pharmacy chains, are being pulled from store shelves due to possible contamination. Ranitidine treats gastroesophageal reflux disease. If your child is taking a form of ranitidine, please contact our office at 703-569-8400 to speak with an advice nurse to discuss alternatives.
Please share this information with other families who might be affected. For adults, please contact your doctor with any concerns
WELCOME BESS O'KEEFFE, PA-C
September 2, 2019
Please welcome physican assistant Bess O’Keeffe to our VPAC family. She will be seeing patients primarily at our Springfield office. She grew up in Springfield and received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Biochemistry from The College of William and Mary. She graduated with her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Indiana State University in 2019. Bess enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and friends. She is also a yoga instrucor.
FAIR OAKS OFFICE MOVE
August 26, 2019
We are very excited to announce that we will be relocating our Fair Oaks office sometime in the fall. Our new address will be:
4001 Fair Ridge Dr., Ste. 301
Fairfax, VA 22033
Our new office will be located about 1.5 miles from our current location.
Stay tuned for updates!
July 27, 2019
We see more allergy and asthma issues when spring pollen levels are higher due to warmer-than-usual temperatures as well as increased rain. Milder winters the past couple of years have meant more ticks in the spring and summer, followed by more Lyme and other diseases.
May 29, 2019
Each year, on the first Saturday of June, thousands of Virginians simultaneously descend on the rivers, streams, and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to remove harmful litter and debris. Thirty-one years strong, Clean the Bay Day is a true Virginian tradition and an annual opportunity to give back to local waterways.
SATURDAY PHYSICALS STARTING MID-MAY
April 19, 2019
There will be a limited amount of scheduled physicals on Saturday mornings in our Fair Oaks office starting mid-May through the summer. To schedule an appointment, call 703-569-8400.
WALK-IN PRE-OP VISITS
February 27, 2019
On Tuesdays through Fridays only, patients may come to our walk-in clinic hours at either office for pre-op visits. Please note that we are unable to accomodate these visits on Monday or Saturday. Walk-in acute care clinic hours are 7:00am - 9:45am in both our Springfield and Fair Oaks offices.
DR. O'MARA ATTENDS CLIMATE & HEALTH SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE
April 13, 2018
Earlier this month, Dr. Timothy O'Mara attended a Climate & Health Solutions conference and visited Virginia legislators to discuss the effects of the climate on children's health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement in 2015 entitled “Global Climate Change and Children's Health” that detailed how children are “uniquely vulnerable” to effects of climate change, including “physical and psychological sequelae of weather disasters; increased heat stress; decreased air quality; altered disease patterns of some climate-sensitive infections; and food, water, and nutrient insecurity in vulnerable regions.” Click here for more information on how climate change affects children now and in the future.
October 23, 2018
As we head into colder, drier weather, keep moisturizing dry skin on your little ones to try to prevent dry patches from becoming inflamed.
FIGHTING FOR CLEAN CAR STANDARDS
September 28, 2018
Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center's Dr. O'Mara wrote an op-ed about fighting for clean car standards for our children's health. Read his article here.
September 26, 2018
We would like to welcome Beth Morrell, CFNP to Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center. Ms. Morrell is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has 8 years of experience in pediatric health care. She will be seeing patients in both our Fair Oaks and Springfield offices.
WELCOME BACK, EMILY BEARSE!
September 3, 2018
We are pleased to welcome back, Emily Bearse CPNP. She is back in the area after having moved away in 2012.
Emily Bearse is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She grew up in Fairfax and she received her Bachelor of Science of nursing from University of Virginia. She graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program from the The Catholic University of America in 2009. Ms. Bearse will be working primarily in the Springfield office.
August 30, 2018
In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the highest weight and height allowed by their seat. Most convertible car seats have limits that will allow children to remain rear facing for 2 years or more.
THE 2018-2019 FIGHT THE FLU CAMPAIGN HAS BEGUN!
August 28, 2018
We have flu shots for ages 6 months and up available in both offices. Please click here for more information.
STACEY AKERS DEPARTURE
August 8, 2018
Our nurse practitioner, Stacey Akers, will be leaving VPAC after the first week of August. She and her husband are adopting a little boy from China and are excited about this new chapter in their lives. We are happy for Stacey and her family, and thank her for her 3+ years of fellowship and dedication to our patients.
WELCOME MEGHAN CROMWELL CPNP
June 3, 2018
A belated welcome to Meghan Glassmacher Cromwell, a nurse practitioner who joined our practice this April. She and her siblings grew up in our practice, and she worked here as a medical assistant a decade ago. She received her BSN and CPNP from the University of Rochester. After that, she worked in primary care in Annapolis for 2 years before joining a pediatric pulmonology group for a year and a half. She has a special interest in asthma and other respiratory issues. She and her husband have a sweet 10-month-old daughter. We feel very lucky to welcome her back to VPAC!
WALK-IN SPORTS PHYSICALS AND TRAVEL CONFERENCES
April 23, 2018
On Tuesdays through Fridays only, patients may come to our walk-in clinic hours at either office for Sports Updates or Travel Conferences. Please note that we are not able to accomodate these visits on Mondays or Saturdays.
Walk-in clinic hours are 7:00-9:45 a.m. in both our Fair Oaks and Springfield offices.
Sports updates are only for patients who have had a well visit with us within the past year. Otherwise, please call to schedule a well visit and mention that your child also needs a sports physical.
For pre-travel conferences, we recommend that your child be seen at least 3 weeks prior to travel to allow time for immunity to develop following vaccination.
CORINNE ADKINS DEPARTURE
February 11, 2018
Our physician's assistant, Corinne Adkins, will be leaving our practice next month. We thank Ms. Adkins for her 13 years of service to our patients. We are happy that she will be able to work closer to home.
February 7, 2018
Symptoms that call for immediate medical care are if a child’s breathing becomes labored, and he or she is taking fast, shallow breaths or feels chest pain or pressure; if the child’s lips turn blue or purple; if he or she is less responsive than usual; if the child’s skin becomes clammy; or if the child refuses to eat or drink or has diarrhea and is vomiting, raising the risk of dehydration.
January 26, 2018
Should you still get a flu shot, why is this year so bad, and when should you or your child go to the doctor?
WELCOME TO OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE!
November 26, 2017
We hope you find our new website informative and easy to navigate. Soon, we will also be able to offer our patient families access to a new patient portal with expanded capabilities.
INTRODUCING DR. FARHA NAQUI
November 6, 2017
We are happy to announce that Dr. Farha Naqui will be joining our practice in December 2017. She will be practicing primarily at our Fair Oaks location.
Dr. Farha Naqui is a board certified pediatrician who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from The George Washington University and her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Vidant Medical Center at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She has been in private practice for the last 5 years.
DR. CRIM'S REDUCED SCHEDULE
November 2, 2017
Dr. Crim will officially be scaling back her hours after January 2018. She will no longer have a set schedule, and will likely be working only a few days each month. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her, please talk with our schedulers regarding her availability.
We are happy that Dr. Crim will be able to enjoy more time with her family, and are thankful for her years of dedication to our patients.
WASHINGTONIAN TOP DOCTORS
October 24, 2017
Congratulations to Doctors Rossbach, Jarvandi, O'Mara, and Cross for being recognized in Washingtonian magazine as being one of the Washington, DC area's 2017 best doctors!
October 10, 2017
You probably can't protect your child from hearing about tragic events. These four tips can help you talk to your kids about these difficult topics.
August 11, 2017
The flu shot doesn't offer perfect protection, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We have flu shots available for all ages (6 months and older).
This year, like last flu season, the CDC is not recommending nasal FluMist for children due to its decreased effectiveness. All of our flu shots will be quadrivalent (protect against 4 strains); most local pharmacies and other retailers only offer trivalent (3 strain) vaccines.
Click here for our flu shot hours.
July 11, 2017
Post-partum depression and anxiety are common and treatable. Please don't suffer alone -- tell your family or friends and please seek help from your obstetrician or primary care provider. We're here to support you, too; don't hesitate to reach out!
July 11, 2017
If your child is older than 6 months and younger than 4 years, a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine may be recommended for international travel. Call our office to schedule a travel conference for 3-4 weeks before you depart.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LACTATION CONSULTANTS!
June 27, 2017
Congratulations to our physician assistant Corinne Adkins and nurse practitioner Kimberly Kinkade who both passed their boards and now are officially International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Ms. Adkins and Ms. Kinkade have been providing lactation support for familes in both of our offices and have availability for lactation appointments most days in each office.
We are very grateful for the lactation support that Kathie Lawson, RN has provided to our patient families over the past couple of decades. She is transitioning to a well-earned retirement, and we will miss her!
June 22, 2017
Keep checking the whole family for ticks every evening after spending time outside!
SPORTS UPDATES
May 1, 2017
Does your child need a physical for camp or college or school sports? many local schools require a physical or "sports update" after May 1 for sports clearance for the coming school year, even if your child had an annual well visit within the past few months.
TRAVEL CONFERENCES
April 8, 2017
Traveling abroad this summer? Schedule a travel visit with one of our providers about 4 weeks before you leave so we can review your child's vaccines and the CDC travel recommendations for the countries you will be visiting. Children age 13 months - 3 years can receive their booster of MMR early to have better measles protection. Children 6-11 months can receive an MMR dose early to protect them for travel. Depending on where you are traveling, we may also discuss typhoid and other vaccines as well as malaria prophylaxis. Travel safely and enjoy those family vacation memories!
