Nicole Bentley, MD

Biography

Why did you become a physician?
I chose to become a physician because I have loved helping people and challenging myself intellectually as long as I can remember. I was exposed to medicine at a young age due to illnesses in my family and friends and looked up to the physicians who helped them through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I wanted to be able to help patients in that way both when they are ill and while they are well to help them stay healthy and prevent illnesses.

What is your medical philosophy?
Prevention, communication and team work are key to providing quality care for kids. I enjoy spending time teaching families about the ways they can help keep their child healthy and prevent illnesses. I also love talking with families, truly getting to know them and working with them to help their child get better when they are ill.

What type of care/clinical interests are you most passionate about?
Adolescent health (specifically pubertal changes and abnormal menses), differentiating between viral vs bacterial infections, asthma management and helping kids form healthy exercise and dietary habits to help prevent obesity and related issues later in life.

Why did you choose your specialty?
I chose pediatrics because I love the resiliency of children, even when they are feeling very sick. I also love working with parents and talking through questions as they come up since kids can change so much so quickly. This career gives me such joy and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

What qualities best describe the care you provide your patients?
I do my best to provide compassionate care to my patients and their families. I believe communication and teamwork are vital to providing good care to kids, so I try to listen and use parent, nursing and other care team members' input as much as possible when making treatment decisions.

Being a healthcare provider, what drives/motivates you each day?
Each day I have the chance to make a difference in a child's life, answer a question for parents who want to learn and do what is best for their child or learn something new myself since medicine changes so quickly. The possibility of any of these occurring motivates me.

What is the most important thing patients should know about you and your practice?
I am passionate about providing the best care possible to every child I see each day. Personal Interests Newborn Care
Adolescents
Pediatric Obesity
Asthma
Pediatric Health Maintenance