Frederick Pediatric Associates

For more than 30 years, Frederick Pediatric Associates has provided quality, compassionate, patient-centered primary medical care for children, ages birth to 21. The practice has four convenient locations: two in Frederick, and one each in Mount Airy and Urbana, as well as a telemedicine option.

“Pediatrics is really different from family medicine or internal medicine,” said Dr. Brian Swinton. “A child is not a small adult. Treating a child is unlike treating an adult. Having the expertise, the knowledge, and the personality to care for children is definitely a unique thing. It is something, I think, that people are more born with than [something] they acquire.

“When I have [medical] students in, I always let them know that pediatrics is a calling. It is not something you aspire to do. It is just what you are — or are not. We try to make the children the center of what we do in terms of our interactions and treatments.”

Offering outpatient treatment, Frederick Pediatric sees children for regular well visits to assess their growth and other milestones, as well as for sick appointments. Staff also provide referrals to specialists when additional medical care is warranted. With the uptick in adolescent behavioral health concerns since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, doctors are providing families with guidance in that sphere.

Frederick Pediatrics upgraded its patient portal during the past two years. Families can access a wealth of information from visits, including notes taken during the sessions, vitals, and immunization records. The portal also allows parents to submit questions to the providers and staff. About a year ago, the practice added a text system, so that families may text questions, request prescription refills, and make or change appointments.

The thing Dr. Swinton enjoys most about being a pediatrician is the continuous relationships built with patients and their families. In pediatrics, he has the advantage of seeing patients grow up over time, allowing for personal connection and interaction. Dr. Swinton feels it is important that parents and children who come to appointments with questions, leave the appointments with the answers they need and a clear plan as to what to do next. Families should feel comforted that they can contact the practice if the need arises or if something changes so they can work together for the ultimate care and happiness of the children.