My role as a child's pediatrician is to be that child's health advocate, which involves forming a partnership with the child's parents and/or other important figures in his/her life. My approach to pediatric care includes an honest and open approach versus an authoritative one. I employ evidence-based medicine when I make recommendations for pediatric care including prescribing medications, ordering tests and utilizing referral services. However, I feel that medical care should be individualized as much as possible to meet the specific needs of the patient and family. I feel very strongly about following the immunization recommendations that are reviewed and updated yearly by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.