EDGEWATER, Fla. – Practicing pediatrics has become increasingly difficult in Central Florida, a local physician warned, as the region and state grapple with a shrinking pool of pediatric specialists and recent policy shifts on vaccine mandates.
Dr. Ted Kaplan of Edgewater Pediatrics, a native Floridian with nearly 40 years in practice, said he is closely following trends that point to a shortfall in pediatric care across the region.
“Practicing pediatrics is not easy,” he said, noting his concern that changes in vaccine policy could further reduce the number of physicians willing or able to provide comprehensive care.
According to figures from the Florida Department of Health, Orange County has just over 600 pediatricians, Osceola County has 40, and Sumter County has four. The statewide total stands at just over 5,000 pediatricians.
[VIDEO: Florida moves to end vaccine mandates]
Dr. Kaplan said the American Academy of Pediatrics is monitoring the overall situation and advocating for measures to address issues facing pediatricians.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics definitely is assessing this and talks about it. And, and they do a lot of lobbying to support actions that will try to make the situation better,” he said. “Making it hard for pediatricians to do their job and to do the care that they know is best for children is the kind of thing that’s going to have the opposite effect of increasing the pediatrician numbers.”
Last week, Florida’s Surgeon General announced the elimination of vaccine mandates for children, framing the decision in terms of parental authority.
“My assessment is that you know when you look at these things, and the balance of well, you know, do parents have the ability, should parents have the ability to determine what goes into their children’s bodies, should parents have the ability to determine what goes into their own bodies versus you know can a government authority?,” said Ladapo.
Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced support for the policy change, stressing the importance of informed parental choice.
“Parents are provided information; they’re not being coerced. They’re doing it. And I think when given accurate information, I think they’re going to do what’s best for their kids. I mean, everyone wants their kids to grow up to be healthy,” DeSantis said.
Dr. Kaplan urged families who have concerns about vaccines to consult with their pediatricians so that worries can be addressed with medical expertise.
“I like to tell parents that have concerns about vaccines, please discuss it with us so we can allay those concerns and give you confidence. It’s really something that a lot of people have become scared about. But you don’t need to be scared about it,” he said.