Dr. Shaham is currently working as a Physician Advisor, and no longer seeing patients in clinic, as of January 1, 2025, but will continue to post resources and information here that she thinks will be helpful to parents.
Dr. Shaham’s philosophy:
I love being a pediatrician! I grew up in West L.A., so I know all the fun family spots, as well as the schools and medical system, including attending LAUSD schools as both a child and mother. This has given me further insight into what my patients and their parents are going through, and extra knowledge of how to get the most out of the complicated US health system. I believe in forming meaningful relationships with families, and treating my patients like my own children. Watching kids grow and develop into their potential is very rewarding, and I am so lucky that parents choose me to be a part of their kids’ lives.
My job as a pediatrician is to help kids and parents reach that potential by optimizing wellness, avoiding problems, and screening for issues that can and should be stopped early. I work with parents and kids on managing behavioral challenges, optimizing school readiness and performance, nutrition, and safety. Being a parent can be challenging these days.
The internet provides lots of helpful information. Sometimes it is so much information that parents feel confused or overwhelmed. Let me help. I work with parents to make parenting easier, not harder. I practice evidence-based medicine and follow established recommendations, but not every illness needs a test or medication. I believe that sometimes medicine is very important, but so is diet, mental health, exercise, and life balance. I believe in everything in moderation, so although eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day is important (with an emphasis on healthy veggies over fruit), it’s also okay to occasionally get junk food. The key is making it a special treat instead of an everyday expectation. But as much as I give advice, I also try not to judge parents – I know how hard it is myself, and there is only so much you can do. Ultimately, I believe a parent knows best for their own child and is their best advocate. I like to take the time to give each patient the care and guidance they need to help them meet their full potential.