Meet Dr. Permashwar
I'm a general pediatrician with 20+ years of experience working in Virginia in outpatient pediatrics seeing kids birth-adolescent. These clinics serve underserved areas. I have a strong interest in refugee and immigrant families, promoting healthy life, preventative health care, oral health and literacy skills. I am a champion of reducing health care disparities- working closely with medical students on community projects to promote education, access to care and reduce food insecurity. I volunteer with the Bradley Free Clinic to increase access of uninsured population to quality pediatric care and the ability to attend school and play sports etc (which they cannot if do not have a physical). My personal aim in life: every child no matter the background deserves a chance of good health and an education! Children are the future. I currently work at Carilion Clinic. I have been here for many years in the valley- it’s a beautiful place to raise a family, including my own three teenagers and support our community in any way possible!
What strengths did you observe in the family?
I visited a family together in their home, the child was happy, curious and playful! The child is beautiful and responded well to interactions from the CHIP worker. She was happy to receive a gift. Mom expressed that she wants to be a good mom but struggles with needs of family, her mental health and social circumstances. My takeaway is that CHIP shows persistence, has a nonjudgmental approach and recognizing that everyone has interest and strengths if approached with respect.
What did you learn from the family?
Family has little family support or involvement in social or community activities and isolated. CHIP worker keeps trying to educate and interact and has clearly built trust with mom over time. The CHIP worker may be her only support aside from father and worker knew how to speak with mom, understood her mood, reticence and was fluid and comfortable to keep asking question, telling mom about issues, community resources, and skillfully assessing needs, development of child, identified issues and will follow up for overall good of family.
What were your takeaways?
CHIP workers are the only support and friend that these parents may have. It’s clear they have been with family for some time. They understood the challenges in dealing with situation but persistent for the overall good of the family. The kids are resilient and in the right environment will thrive. External help is needed for families even when they may not know or actively participate in self-care. Life is difficult and a helping hand and a friend can make a huge difference in family’s life.