A Pediatrician’s Perspective: Caring for Families with Compassion and Expertise

Photography by James Moore

Dr. Karen Johal Shares Her Journey as a Pediatrician and a New Mother

Becoming a respected pediatrician at Ozarks Healthcare required years of training and hands-on experience working with children and families. But for Dr. Karen Johal, nothing transformed her approach to pediatrics quite like becoming a mother herself just over a year ago.

“Oh my gosh, let me tell you, being a parent and being a pediatrician are so different,” she said with a laugh. “You’d think being a pediatrician would prepare you for parenthood, but definitely not. I'm learning new things every day, and I have a whole new appreciation for parents— that’s for sure.”

With this fresh perspective, Dr. Johal is more convinced than ever of the importance of parents choosing the right pediatrician for their child.

“Having a relationship with a regular doctor is always great,” she said. “But a pediatrician brings specialized expertise—not just for well visits, but in tracking a child’s milestones, early detection, and intervention in terms of social, emotional, physical, and developmental well-being.”

She emphasized that recognizing signs of developmental concerns is especially crucial in very young children, particularly those under three years old who may not yet have the ability to express what they’re feeling.

“A pediatrician is trained to detect certain conditions that a general physician might not immediately recognize,” she explained.

Finding the Right Pediatrician

Dr. Johal believes that choosing the right pediatrician goes beyond medical credentials. Communication and accessibility are just as critical. She encourages parents to interview potential pediatricians before making a decision.

“A lot of it comes down to simply being able to talk to your pediatrician,” she said. “Set up a meeting, get to know the staff, and see how comfortable you feel. The office staff is an important consideration too, because they’re the ones who greet you, schedule appointments, and relay information.”

She also pointed out that timely communication from a pediatrician’s office is essential for parents.

“When an adult has a problem, they can speak for themselves. But when it comes to your child, you don’t want to wait three or four days to hear back from the doctor’s office. You need a reliable staff that listens to parents and knows when to say, ‘You should probably come in for that.’”

Trusting Parental Instincts

Dr. Johal urges parents to trust their instincts and never feel dismissed when they have concerns about their child’s health.

“I always tell parents, and especially now that I’m a mom, your gut feeling is never wrong,” she said. “I would rather see you in my clinic every single day and it turns out to be nothing than have you ignore something and it ends up being serious. Parents know their kids best—they spend 24 hours a day with them. I see them for what, 15 or 20 minutes? If you’re worried about something, it’s worth bringing them in just to be sure.”

At the same time, she understands the challenges parents face in the digital age, where information from social media or well-meaning friends and family can sometimes cause unnecessary panic.

“That’s a big struggle today,” she said. “It’s so easy to Google something or look it up on social media rather than go to your doctor’s office. But especially for babies, many things require a physical examination for an accurate diagnosis. Every child is different. What applies to one may not apply to another.”

Partnering with a Pediatrician for Your Child’s Health

Dr. Johal reassures parents that it’s okay to do their research, but they should always discuss their concerns with their pediatrician.

“That’s why having a good pediatrician matters,” she said. “It’s great to read books and resources, but whatever you find—bring it to your pediatrician and have that conversation. A good pediatrician will listen, guide, and support you in making the best choices for your child’s health.”

For Dr. Johal, being both a pediatrician and a parent has deepened her understanding of the families she serves. And at Ozarks Healthcare, she’s committed to helping parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising healthy, happy children.