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Pediatric Obesity Program
Paws4Health is a multidisciplinary program at the Children's Hospital of Georgia to treat pediatric patients with obesity. Our goal is to educate and empower patients and their families to improve weight control and achieve an overall better health and quality of life.
Our clinical team includes subspecialty physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical dietitians, and behavioral health specialists to address Prevention, Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellbeing.
After an initial medical evaluation, each patient meets with a team of providers to develop a plan to address the individual needs of each child that includes:
- Reduction of associated co-morbidities
- Improve body composition
- Nutritional counseling
- Develop lifestyle and fitness goals
Patients will attend a series of regular follow up clinics to monitor and provide individualized attention based on their progress.
The program is offered by the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Augusta University through referrals by a child's Primary Care Providers.
Referral Form
Referral Guidelines:
- Ages 6 to 18 years of age
- Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile
- BMI between 85th to 95th percentile with 2 or more co-morbidities (Elevated fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, or liver function tests)
Core Clinical Team
- Lead Provider - LaShawn Oates, FNP-C
- Registered Dietitian - Anna Phillips, RD
- Gastroenterology - Dr. Vita Goei, Dr. Rami Arrouk, Dr. Rebecca Yang, and Katy Slagle, PNP-C
- Psychiatric and Behavioral Health - Dr. Alex Mabe
- Endocrinology - Dr. Jacqueline Chan
- Referral Coordinator - Christine Giacone, BSN, RN