Urmila Shende

Bio

I love taking care of children and teenagers. What I didn't realize when I went into pediatrics was how challenging and yet rewarding it can be. When I began my practice more than 10 years ago in Sonoma County, my reasons for becoming a pediatrician were mostly because kids are just so darn cute, sweet and innocent. Since then, I have gone through many sleepless nights, ear infections, tantrums, picky eating phases, sibling rivalry, school problems and many more "issues" - with my own 2 boys and my patients. I understand how scared children can be when they are in the office, and know what helps to calm them down. And I can identify with the fear a parent feels when they are worried about their child's health - both when it is just a worry and a reality. I strive to treat my patients as if they were my own - and their parents as I myself would like to be treated. I feel that my children have given me my best training as a pediatrician, and continue to. But it is also the many shared experiences I have had with my patients (medical and personal) that continue to teach me about becoming a better pediatrician.


It is very rewarding for me as a pediatrician to be able to help a young family navigate through the challenges of childhood and parenthood, and to educate them in laying a healthy and confident framework for their future. I feel a responsibility to advocate for a child when they have special needs. It is particularly gratifying for me to have my patients come to me when they are teenagers and to have their trust as well as that of their parents in helping them through their stormy periods, and in celebrating their successes.

I have worked in the community in private practice for 10 years, but joined Kaiser in January of 2009. I decided to move to Kaiser because I feel it is a successful, efficient model, with wonderful resources that can be difficult to come by in the fragmented private insurance model. I have been honored by the many patients who decided to move to Kaiser with me.

I earned my MD degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, then did my internship at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. I then finished my residency in 1997 at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and stayed on as a chief resident and staff attending there for a year, before starting my practice in Santa Rosa in 1998 in the private community.

My practice partner at Kaiser is Dr. Cindy Wu. We have a very similar practice style, and take care of each other's patients when one is not in the office as we both work part-time. We strive to ensure consistency in our patients' care, and we work very well together !

At the end of the day, especially a long, hard day, it is that sweet smile from a patient, or a cute story - which makes me remember why I became a pediatrician in the first place.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose pediatrics because I love kids, but I continued with pediatrics because I love being able to educate parents and children. It is a dynamic process that changes with each developmental stage. If I hadn't gone into pediatrics, I think I would have become a teacher, as both professions are so rewarding, gratifying and fun.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

Pediatricians take care of kids from birth until ~age 18. I have a particular interest in taking care of adolescents. I also enjoy teaching other doctors and am involved in teaching medical students and residents at Kaiser.

I am on the Board of Directors of the 4C's (Community Child Care Council), an organization that strives to ensure quality preschool and child care for our community

I am a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Sonoma County Medical Association

Current projects or research:

Establishing a Teen Clinic at Kaiser,
and improving preschool access and enrollment for our patients

Great health resources that I refer to:

Caring for Your Infant and Young Child - Birth to Age 5 by Steven Shelov
The Nursing Mother's Handbook by Kathleen Huggins
Positive Discipline series by Jane Nelsen
The Sleep Book for Tired Parents

aap.org
kp.org - esp the medline option on the left side of the homepage; great resource for medical information

An interesting story from my training:

When I was in my second year of residency, I remember starting my shift in the emergency room feeling perfectly fine. Within 2hours, I felt like I was hit by a truck - sudden pain in my back and legs, fever and unbelievable weakness. My attending asked if I was alright; "you look so pale" she said. I hadn't gotten my flu shot that year and the REAL flu hit me. I was so weak I couldn't even stand up in my apartment's elevator to go up 2 floors. I was in bed for the next 4 days. It was worse than recovering from my 2 emergency c-sections! So now, I am a strong believer in getting the flu vaccine - I never want to be that sick again!!

Interests

Currently reading:
just finished - The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver - a great read ! A Suitable Boy -ask me if I am still reading it and why!

My favorite book or author:
anything written by Barbara Kingsolver, The Kite Runner by Khaled Husseini

Great movie:
Sound of Music

Hobby Photos & Links:

Backpacking in Lassen

Daven looking down the Angel's Landing Hike, Zion

My husband and I at Crater Lake 2005

Family & Friends

People in my life:

I met my husband, Chris, during medical school in Northwestern. He is a family medicine doctor also at Kaiser. It can be hard to be married to a doctor, but we manage to balance work and family fun. I feel sorry for our children sometimes, as they get overdiagnosed a lot!!

My children and people I care about:

We have 2 boys, Daven (12) and Rohan (8). They keep us busy, exhausted and happy. As we like to say, there is never a dull moment!

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Hiking at Point Reyes

Daven and Rohan actually smiling at the same time!!

what a silly hat, Rohan!

Daven at Mt Tamalpais

Rohan is so proud of his big brother!

A weekend at Monterey

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

Anyplace outdoors is where I love to be. We love to be back in nature, hiking/ camping or just enjoying the scenery.

One of my recent trips:

We travel back to India (where my parents are originally from) every few years, and are close to my relatives there. During our last trip in 2006, we spent time talking to my grandfather about his time in the Indian freedom movement, and his acquaintance with Mahatma Gandhi. I hope my children remember the stories and understand that it is an important part of their heritage.

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

a beautiful view of bryce canyon

Trip Photos:

Daven and Rohan in front of the elephant we rode on!

a Beautiful Sunset in Kerala, India