“ As people age , there are different categories of issues that can come up , and so that ’ s a lot different than the pediatric patients ,” he added . “ It ’ s unfortunate that as we get older , we ’ re not as resilient as we were when we were young .”
Is it more difficult to treat a child than an adult ?
“ Some people say yes ,” said Gallo . “ I think , with children that are only a couple years of age , they can ’ t tell you what ’ s going on . You have to be more of an investigator to try to figure out what the problem is . But if you have a good rapport with the family members and you just listen to them , a lot of times they ’ ll tell you what you need to know to figure it out .” Gallo said parents should call a pediatrician with any questions they might have when they themselves aren ’ t sure what ’ s going on healthwise with their child , and there are good resources online — he mentioned specifically the American Academy of Pediatrics and WebMD . Of course , “ there ’ s a lot of bad information ( online ) too , so probably the best advice would be , if you have a concern , just contact your pediatrician to try to ask them what your concern is and just see what they say .”
For Gallo , the most rewarding part of his job is the relationships — bonds with him as a family doctor that start young and can grow through life . That ’ s important , because sometimes going to the doctor can be an intimidating , anxiety-filled experience , and Gallo wants to treat that problem as thoroughly as any other .
“ It ’ s very rewarding to see them in the office and joke around with them and have a good time and have them smile at you , and they realize you ’ re not their enemy ,” he said . “ It ’ s very satisfying to have that ( kind of relationship ). A lot of these kids , I ’ ll see them outside the clinic and they ’ ll joke around with me just like we do here . It ’ s just a good thing .”
8 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky May 2023