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better,” she said. She also noted that during the height of COVID-19, there was a major rise in eating disorder diagnoses and behaviors.“ It’ s important to acknowledge that eating disorders like anorexia nervosa have one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates of any psychiatric diagnoses. I enjoy being able to deliver specialized care when families don’ t know where to turn and getting them connected to the psychologic and nutritional care that they need in a collaborative care space. It’ s funny, I actually have some patients who initially struggle and then I get to see them on the other side of their illness, just for them to realize I’ m not that bad and they want to see me for primary care.”
Because of her work with patients with eating disorders, she was named the 2024 Champion for the Treatment and Recovery of Eating Disorders by the Kentucky Eating Disorders Council. But her work doesn’ t stop there. She also has many patients dealing with teenage pregnancy, substance use problems and other high-risk behaviors.
“ The teens and I have enough rapport and trust that they can be very up front with what’ s going on with them. They can ask questions so we can problem solve together, and they feel like a partner in their care,” she said.“ I always say, I don’ t lean away from a spicy teenager. While I wish I had a magic wand to make them compliant and have good decision making, that’ s not reality. But at least if they can trust me to tell me what’ s going on in a safe space, being able to receive that is an honor.”
Dr. Badal is also an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Louisville and Director of the Adolescent Medicine rotation for all pediatrics residents; she also enjoys that she gets to work with child neurology and med-peds residents.
“ Teaching is always fun because they can be nervous or hesitant
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