At Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinics, providing consistent, high-quality care for pediatric patients is more than just a service—it’s a mission. Our pediatricians and Child Life Services specialist ensures that every child has access to personalized, preventive, and specialized healthcare, from newborn care to the teenage years.
Pediatric care is a vital foundation for lifelong health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), consistent visits with the same pediatric provider strengthen the relationship between provider, patient, and family—leading to better developmental tracking, more accurate diagnoses, and improved health outcomes.
“Having the same provider throughout a child’s early life allows us to build trust and catch issues early—before they become more serious,” says Dr. Niles Senthe, pediatrician at Memorial Medical Clinics and a specialist in neonatology. “What I enjoy most about pediatrics is that I get the opportunity to influence a child’s healthy habits for life and set them on a path for ongoing preventive care.”
Why Consistent Pediatric Care Matters
Children grow quickly—and so do their physical, mental, and social health needs. Pediatricians provide continuity of care by monitoring development, managing acute and chronic illnesses, and supporting children through each stage of growth.
According to a study by Health Affairs, rural communities across the U.S. face severe shortages in pediatric care. In fact, pediatricians are often entirely absent from rural counties, leading to gaps in childhood healthcare access. In contrast, Memorial Hospital offers not just one, but two full-time pediatricians with extensive training and specialization.
The advanced pediatric offerings at Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinics stand out in the landscape of rural healthcare. While many rural families are forced to travel long distances or wait for care, our team of providers delivers personalized, expert pediatric services close to home. This helps prevent delays in care, reduces health disparities, and gives children in our region a better chance to thrive.
“Every child deserves consistent, high-quality care,” says Dr. Kolleen Burnett, who sees pediatric patients at the Memorial Medical Clinic Broadway location. “It’s an honor to walk with families through the ups and downs of childhood and be part of that journey.”
This ongoing provider-child relationship is the backbone of pediatric care and is key to monitoring issues like developmental delays, chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, and behavioral health concerns. It also facilitates timely immunizations, early screenings, and collaborative decision-making with parents.
In the Exam Room and Beyond: The Role of Child Life Services
Pediatric care at Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinics goes beyond diagnostics and treatment. It includes emotional support, age-appropriate education, and family-centered communication—thanks to Maddie Porter, Certified Child Life Services Specialist.
Maddie often partners with Dr. Senthe and Dr. Burnett during pediatric visits and hospitalizations, adding an extra layer of individualized care. Her role is to help children cope with the stress of medical visits and treatments and to guide families through the healthcare system.
“Whether it’s a routine checkup or a more serious concern, I’m here to be a friendly face and advocate for the child,” says Maddie. “I help prepare kids for what to expect, offer emotional support, and help parents feel more confident navigating their child’s care.”
Ask for Maddie
Want Maddie to join your child’s appointment? Just ask. At the time of scheduling, simply request that Maddie Porter be included in your visit. It is a courtesy service on behalf of Memorial at no cost to you.
Comprehensive Pediatric Services
Our pediatric providers are equipped to manage a wide array of health concerns, including:
- Acute Illnesses: colds, flu, strep throat, conjunctivitis, ear infections, bronchitis, fever
- Chronic Conditions: asthma, diabetes, ADHD, allergies
- Developmental and behavioral issues: autism, learning disabilities, mental health support
- Preventive Care: immunizations, sports physicals, well-child exams
- Specialty Needs: endocrine disorders, urinary tract infections, sports injuries, tonsillitis, burns
By offering such a wide scope of services, Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinic ensure that your child’s health is comprehensively managed—from everyday sniffles to more complex diagnoses.
Make pediatric care a priority. Schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Niles Senthe, M.D. is accepting patients in Carthage and Colchester.
Call 217-357-2173 (Carthage) or 309-776-3301 (Colchester) to schedule an appointment
Dr. Kolleen Burnett, D.O. is accepting patients at the Memorial Medical Clinic Broadway location.
Call 217-551-3100 to schedule an appointment.
The path to lifelong wellness begins in childhood—with providers who know your child by name, understand their history, and are dedicated to their future. Let Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinic be your partner in your child’s lifelong health journey—starting today.
