kidsgastrodoc

05/01/2023

As many of you know by now, my willingness to endorse products across social media is cautious and entirely dependent on evidenced-based information (which for most products is limited and therefore a non-negotiable "no" for me). As such, when Nutricia approached me about their newly developed 30kcal/fl oz ready-to-feed infant formula, Fortini™ Infant, I was skeptical. Another infant formula on the market, eh? What does "big pharma" want from me now?

Given Nutricia's brand reputation as the creator and maker of Neocate infant formulas, I was willing to hear more about their new product, Fortini. To ensure my commitment to bringing you evidenced based health information I did a deep dive into the product, the research behind it, and the current literature on infant nutrition.

At this time, I can safely say that Nutricia's ready-to-feed infant formula, Fortini, is a breakthrough and an absolute win in the field of infant malnutrition and failure to thrive (FTT).

As a Pediatric Gastroenterologist I see and treat many infants with malnutrition or failure to thrive (FTT). Growth in the first 1,000 days of life is a critical period for brain development which lays the groundwork for cognition throughout life.

Up until now, the current approach to infants with malnutrition and failure to thrive (FTT) involves concentrating and fortifying infant formulas. This method is complex, time consuming and challenging. It is often a lengthy matter of trial and error which can result in prolonged delays in reaching the feeding goals necessary to achieve adequate nutrition and catch-up growth.

That was until Nutricia introduced their new ready-to-feed Fortini Infant formula. Fortini is the first and only 30kcal/fl oz formula specially calibrated for term infants with FTT.

It is indicated for term infants from birth up until 18 months of age with or at increased risk of growth failure, increased energy requirements, and/or fluid restrictions (e.g.,congenital heart disease, chronic lung diseases).

Reasons I like Fortini (continued in comments) 👇🏻

03/13/2023

JOIN ME LIVE this week as I chat to Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr Rebecca Winderman MD

🇦🇺10am Tuesday 14th March AEDT
🇺🇸6pm Monday 13th March EDT

We’re going to talk all things Paediatric Gastro Health:

👶🏼How we keep little guts healthy
🥣The impact of different foods on the gut
🍼The gut difference between breastmilk and formula
🧫The latest research and finding on gut microbiome
🦠Common paediatric gut problems

I’m so excited for this chat and can’t wait to see you there!!

For those who can’t make it I’ll post the LIVE CHAT 🎙onto the feed straight after.

03/13/2023

GOING LIVE TONIGHT 6PM EST WITH NONE OTHER THAN 💕 come one come all as we chat pediatric microbiome :)

01/13/2023

“But mommy, you help a lot of kids!!” The truth is, my daughter’s not far off with that statement. I am indeed able to help the majority of kids that come through my office.

But every now and then I am reminded of my limitations.

When a child comes into my office and something just isn’t right. When I find something abnormal on exam, on imaging or on a biopsy report. When all of the stars align to create the perfect storm!!!

Moms, they just know. They have that maternal instinct. And when something feels wrong with their child they can only hope that nightmare isn’t true.

“How bad is it?” she asked. I looked at her. I didn’t need to say anything, mom knew.

Today my white coat felt heavier than ever. The anger and frustration of not being able to “fix” it all. When it’s “too late”. When I become a shoulder to cry on rather than a savior!!!

These experiences change us as doctors.

Your kids become ours.

To be entrusted by parents with their children’s lives is a monumental responsibility which I do not take lightly.

I am profoundly grateful and humbled to be a physician who cares for children.

I may not always have the answers, but I will stand by your side and be your advocate until we do.

Today was a tough day.
And that’s ok.
We are all human.
Even us doctors.

01/13/2023

“But mommy, you help a lot of kids!!”

The truth is, my daughter’s not far off with that statement. I am indeed able to help the majority of kids that come through my office.

But every now and then I am reminded of my limitations.

When a child comes into my office and something just isn’t right. When I find something abnormal on exam, on imaging or on a biopsy report. When all of the stars align to create the perfect storm!!!

Moms, they just know. They have that maternal instinct. And when something feels wrong with their child they can only hope that nightmare isn’t true.

“How bad is it?” she asked. I looked at her. I didn’t need to say anything, mom knew.

Today my white coat felt heavier than ever. The anger and frustration of not being able to “fix” it all. When it’s “too late”. When I become a shoulder to cry on rather than a savior!!!

These experiences change us as doctors.

Your kids become ours.

To be entrusted by parents with their children’s lives is a monumental responsibility which I do not take lightly.

I am profoundly grateful and humbled to be a physician who cares for children.

I may not always have the answers, but I will stand by your side and be your advocate until we do.

Today was a tough day.
And that’s ok.
We are all human.
Even us doctors.

10/25/2022

I am both absolutely gutted and elated at the same time.

I met these twins as a second opinion shortly after they were discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They were born prematurely at 28 weeks (3 months early) and both experienced multiple complications in the NICU related to their gastrointestinal tract.

Mom struggled with trying to get her babies to gain weight and grow. She came across my information and reached out to schedule a visit with me for a second opinion.

When I met them they were extremely underweight (well below the 3rd percentile on the growth chart). But mom was determined to do whatever was in her power to avoid having feeding tubes placed in her babies.

We worked together using diet and integrative medicine and little by little we were beginning to see some wins. We celebrated the tiny milestones together and eventually those turned into huge milestones.

Today I am elated to be able to discharge them from my clinic as they are both growing and developing alongside their peers. Bittersweet to say goodbye to patients. Bravo to mom and family for their dedication and hard work!

10/24/2022

Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Rebecca Winderman talks about the digestive process, and a whole host of related issues and concerns, including gas, reflux, constipation, vomiting, stooling, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, the gut microbiome, the many colors of p**p, and the importance of a baby's f...

10/22/2022

Too many times people are hesitant to accept this fact. We get defensive. “It’s not all in my head!”

Not all. But it’s not all in your gut either. It’s both.
A sweet interplay.
Sickness can disrupt your mental health. The the opposite is also true. Your mental health can also make you sick.

10/22/2022

Too many times people are hesitant to accept this fact. We get defensive. “It’s not all in my head!”

Not all. But it’s not all in your gut either. It’s both.
A sweet interplay.
Sickness can disrupt your mental health. The the opposite is also true. Your mental health can also make you sick.

08/31/2022

Blessed to have been welcomed at The White House today to celebrate the Healthcare Leaders in Social Media Roundtable. Thank you for the opportunity to come here and share accurate health information with my family of followers here.

I’d like to take the opportunity to tell you about what I’ve learned regarding The Inflation Reduction Act that recently signed into action. I’ve learned today that this act will help millions of Americans gain access to affordable healthcare by lowering health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs.

08/23/2022

Our guidelines are very clear. With the exception of VERY specific clinical situations we DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS.

08/01/2022

So excited to be speaking at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on the use of social media in health care! Thank you Rohit Kohli, MBBS, MS for inviting me! It’s going to be epic!

05/02/2022

04/27/2022

My OR nurse turned to me and said “The best kinds of procedures are the ones that don’t need to be done.”

Realistically, however, when you factor in the friction of securing OR time, insurance prior authorizations, patients’ schedules & physician availability, the decision to proceed with surgery on the day of a scheduled procedure is less of a decision and more of a practicality.

My mom once told me “Rebecca, not everyone is going to like you. You’re not pizza!” 🙃

As physicians it’s our duty on the day of surgery to ask our patients how they have been feeling since we last saw them. Be it 1-2 weeks ago in clinic or overnight in the hospital.

Symptoms change, they evolve and sometimes they even resolve.

When the latter occurs, it may be time to deploy some humility and forgo surgical intervention.

It’s not an easy decision, but sometimes it’s the right one. Even if that means I don’t get to be everyone’s “pizza” that day. I assure you today I was not everyone’s “pizza” but I was for the right ones.

04/22/2022

It is with extreme humility that I share with you my new role as a participant in the Healthcare Leaders in Social Media Roundtable, White House Office of Public Engagement. I will be bringing you information on public health initiatives set forth by this administration to arm you with the resources which are becoming available to the public!

For instance, in March President Biden recently set forth several strategies to address the nation’s mental health crisis. One initiative set forth to take effect this summer is the "988" mental health crisis service hotline, which will create a national network of local crisis centers fortified by national back up centers to answer calls and texts. Essentially, if you have a mental health emergency, instead of calling “911” you will be able to call “988” and reach a dedicated call center for mental health crises.

I look forward to being able to bring you more information as it pertains to public health policies and together we will spread awareness about much needed resources! I am beyond grateful to you and to the administration for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this roundtable.

04/10/2022

03/08/2022

Guys I found a new workout brand that I love! I literally never create these types of posts but you’ve helped me find some great brands and I’d like to give back. is a smaller brand with awesome looking, beyond comfortable and affordable workout apparel. I bought three outfits and don’t you worry…I’ll be posting them today tomorrow and the next asking you if you’ve moved your body today lol.

Check out my stories for a link with a 20% off discount (EHKIDSGAS)

02/21/2022

Double Board Certified Medical Doctor….who meditates daily?!?

YES! So many of you have been asking about why, how and when I meditate. I’ll be honest, it’s a new practice for me and I debate whether or not to share my whys but if it helps one person out there then it’s worth it for me.

I have spent so much of my life running, chasing, accomplishing. Always busy. No time to stop. In fact my life was either overwhelmingly stressful or depressing. I chose the most prestigious, rigorous and time consuming career path…medicine. It kept my life stressful and exhausting which was perfect because it meant I didn’t have to sit with my thoughts. Any breaks, vacations, moments or time in space with any sort of l*l would throw me into sadness. So I kept going.

College…MedIcal School…Residency…Fellowship

I was finally an attending physician running my own department when suddenly the pressure, stress and anxiety about my career had subsided. I was cruising. As my dad would say “But Rebecca, what will you worry about next?” Because as my family and friends knew, Rebecca always found something to worry about. This time, however, Rebecca was worried about how she was going to stop worrying.

I met a wonderful person (no not a partner), a mentor, who guided me to where I am today. Here’s what I came to realize during my journey.

1. We all have hurt. Whether you acknowledge it or not, it’s there
2. Sitting with yourself in silence is the hardest but most rewarding healing you can do
3. Meditation is grounded in actual science. Check out
4. Meditation doesn’t have to be an ominous holy experience. Mine usually starts with me sitting down, closing my eyes and letting thoughts roll into my head. Usually sounds like this “has it been 15 minutes yet? Did you finish that chart from yesterday? We should really do this in the morning. That’s when it’s most effective. Is this working? How long do you think it’s been? Ugh this is absurd already I don’t have time for this……” and on until about 5 minutes in when all of the “noise” in my head quiets down.

01/27/2022

Gut Health Tips!

01/25/2022

Too much research here to cite but MANY diseases are connected to our gut microbiome (living species, mostly bacteria, but also fungi, archea and more!). Only recently have we uncovered this in the research and I’m here to spread the word! Follow me to find out how to keep your gut microbiome happy and healthy!

Too much research out there to cite but here are a few big ones:
PMID: 25394236
PMID: 22411464
PMID: 29209090

01/24/2022

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

01/24/2022

So many questions about how I had my student loans forgiven. (This applies to many occupations not just physicians so check the website StudentAid.gov)

In short:
I worked in government run hospitals (often low income areas) for 10 years

I consolidated my loans to Fedloan servicing

I made sure I was on an Income Driven Repayment Plan

I made on time payments for 120 months

I made sure to submit my employment certification each year (although you technically do not have to do it yearly….let’s say you consolidated after 5 years of working, you can submit employment certifications in a retrograde fashion and all will be good.

MOST IMPORTANTLY
I stayed on top of it and I kept records of EVERYTHING. And I mean everything!

I checked StudentAid.gov every 2-3 months and took screenshots of my progress which they list on their site. Oddly enough the number of payments would fluctuate. First it was 72 then 45, 52, and on and on. I would have to call them and inform them of the mistake. They ask for proof and I HAD IT! They won’t change it right away. You have to keep checking back to make sure it’s corrected. (Screen shot that too!).
Keep a record of EVERY communication they send to you. There’s an inbox on the site and from time to time they will they will send you dated letters. Screen shot those. They disappear sometimes as well and they often have number of payments and other important info.

I created a folder in my Google drive for PSLF stuff and it saved me BIG TIME!

Lastly, don’t be afraid to call! If you’re stuck on something, PICK UP THE PHONE! (Get the name and ID number of whoever you spoke with, date and time and….YES keep a log of that as well)

It wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination but it is doable. Like anything else in life, if you’re patient and you work hard you will get it done!

GOOD LUCK!

01/21/2022

Y’all are making me work these days 😂 THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENT.