Kate Boroff, MD, is a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Mansfield.
Every day at Akron Children’s, we strive to deliver compassionate care and create positive experiences for our patients and families. This month, we’re spotlighting Kate Boroff, MD, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Mansfield, who recently received the following feedback from a patient family:
“(Dr. Kate Boroff) was the most amazing doctor that I’ve experienced working with my autistic child. She even got down on the floor with him to make him comfortable to listen to his heart and look in his ears. She’s amazing.”
How long have you worked at Akron Children’s, and what’s your role?
I started with Akron Children’s in August 2023. I’m a pediatrician at Akron’s Children’s Pediatrics, Manfield.
Reflecting on this patient experience and the feedback you received, how do you feel about it?
It was such a nice comment, and I remember this patient family. In a way, I wish I could give them feedback, too, because that mom does such an amazing job advocating for her child with Autism. She’s the one putting in all the hard work. I just had fun meeting them, and I feel grateful to be a small part of their team.
How do you help to make patients with Autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders more comfortable during their appointments?
When I did my rotation in developmental pediatrics, I had an attending physician who said, “Meet patients where they’re at.” I don’t try to force anything, especially for well visits. For example, if they’re resistant to an ear exam, and I don’t feel it’s necessary during that appointment, I can pretend to practice with them, but not force anything; then at their next visit, when they truly need an ear exam, they will trust the provider more. That’s true for all pediatric patients. If you meet them where they’re at, they will hopefully come around and be more comfortable during their visit.
What does patient- and family-centered care mean to you? How do you strive to deliver that care?
In all patient scenarios, as a provider, you’re one small gear in a bigger process. I try to advocate for patients and their families and help to figure out what their needs are. One of the nice things about working for Akron Children’s is we have a lot of resources to provide for our patient families.
I also try to recognize how well the parents are doing, particularly parents of children with Autism. Their children have a lot of needs, including therapies and other appointments. I try to give parents feedback, so they know they’re doing a great job, even when it’s not always easy for them.
What do you most enjoy about your work at Akron Children’s?
I really love it so far. The people I work with are amazing. It’s such a welcoming environment. They’ve taken me under their wing but let me practice in the way I feel comfortable.
I also really appreciate Akron Children’s commitment to serving all children. We have patients with more needs in our area, and we’re able to help them because of the resources Akron Children’s provides. If they don’t show up for an appointment, we work with them to find a transportation solution for their next visit.
My dad was a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Mansfield. He passed away a few years ago, but he really believed in Akron Children’s message and model of access to care. It’s nice to be a part of that.
