PM Pediatric Care is a place all North Shore Moms should know about. I personally took my son there earlier this week for a sports-related injury and we were able to walk in around 7:30pm on a Monday evening and walk out less than an hour later. The team was friendly, efficient and reassuring to a mom and kid who were stressed at the end of a long day. Keep reading to learn more about one of the amazing providers at PM Pediatric Care, Jennifer Chester, a Peabody native, Physician Assistant and mom of 3.
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
Originally I’m from Peabody. I did my undergrad in Boston and then moved to Orlando for PA school and lived there for 12 years. Now I’m living in Stoneham with my husband and children.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have three children – Finley (6), Rowan (4), and Addison (2).
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
The beach! Summer is our favorite time of year as a family – we all love being outside as much as possible. There are so many great beaches around here but Wingaersheek Beach is our favorite. I also love taking my kids to Salem Willows – it has such a sense of nostalgia for me and being able to introduce it to my kids has been so fun. During the fall we spend a lot of time visiting the local farms for all the fun fall things – apple picking, pumpkins, and cider donuts.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
As a whole – Newburyport. There are so many great restaurants and small shops to browse in. It’s a great way to spend a day. I also enjoy spending time at MarketStreet in Lynnfield.
Tell us a little bit about your background and why you became a pediatric Physician Assistant.
I have always known I wanted to go into medicine. I originally chose PA school because of the ability to go into multiple different specialities, however I have worked in pediatrics for my entire 12 year career so far. Working with kids is just different – they are so fun and honest. Every kid is different and they all bring something special. Getting to help kids is also particularly rewarding.
How long have you been in your role at PM Pediatric Care?
I’ve been working for PM in Massachusetts for the past 2 years, and worked in the Florida offices prior to that.
Why do you like working in an urgent care setting?
I love the pace and the variety of different things that I am able to see everyday. You never know what you might see on any given day, and that is exciting for me. I also love being able to fix things on the spot and getting kids back to feeling their best as quickly as possible. I also love the schedule – working longer days allows me to spend more full days with my kids, which I love.
Where is PM Pediatric Care located?
We have 4 locations in Massachusetts. Our location on the North Shore is located in Saugus at 737 Broadway. We also have offices in Woburn, Dedham, and Braintree.
What are the main types of illnesses and injuries you, and the team at PM Pediatric Care, treat?
We are well equipped to see most injuries and illnesses in our offices. We see all the common childhood illnesses – fevers, coughs, sore throats, ear pain, rashes, and more. We also frequently do laceration repairs (stitches, staples, and glue), and treat sprains/fractures.
What age patients do you see?
We see patients from birth up until age 26.
Do you accept insurance?
We do! We accept most insurance plans. We also have very reasonable self pay prices for those without insurance.
How would moms best connect with you to set up an appointment?
The best way to set up an appointment time is through our website – pmpediatriccare.com. We also always accept walk-in patients.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
Having a schedule – but also willing to be flexible. I try to set us up for success each week – having a family calendar, meal planning – but I also try to be realistic that needs are constantly changing. Family life with 3 kids is hectic, having a full time job in medicine is hectic – learning to be flexible has been key for me.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
Give yourself some grace! We are all doing the best we can, and that can look different every day. Also – it’s okay to ask for help – we could all use it sometimes.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
I like to run! The North Shore has some great spots for scenic running. I’m also an avid reader and love getting into a new book series.
Find more about PM Pediatric Care at pmpediatriccare.com and follow along with them on Instagram @pmpediatrics or Facebook @PMPediatricCare.
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This post is sponsored by PM Pediatric Care but all opinions present are my own.