Alyssa Watkins, MD, FAAP, IBCLC
College:
Kansas State University
Biology
Medical Degree:
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Residency:
Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa
- Board Certified Pediatrician;
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant;
- Instructor for Neonatal Resuscitation Program;
- Certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support & STABLE programs;
- Board member of the Kansas Learning Center for Health in Halstead.
Background:
During both medical school and her residency, Dr. Watkins volunteered at several clinics serving low income patients. While at the KU School of Medicine, Dr. Watkins participated in research on breastfeeding practices, and was a co-presenter of the results at an American Academy of Pediatrics convention.
As a resident, Dr. Watkins felt that medical education was important, and she gave numerous presentations and lectures on a variety of topics to both colleagues and students. She also worked with a diverse medical team on the quality of care improvement projects, specifically for safe prescription writing and improving the delivery of asthma education to families.
Dr. Watkins is married and has two sons.
Philosophy: “…the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.” Dr. Francis W Peabody
Dr. Watkins enjoys taking care of children with chronic medical conditions, working to make them as active and functional within their family and environment as possible, as well as providing support for new and growing families through minor or catastrophic health events.
When her patients need a specialist to help coordinate their care, Dr. Watkins is committed to finding the right specialist as close to home as possible, to make sure her patients’ needs are met. Making sure that these referrals are completed efficiently is important to Dr. Watkins.
As a parent, Dr. Watkins appreciates the concerns new parents have. She seeks to teach and reassure parents when they have a new baby, a chronic health problem, or face new challenges. She works to provide a medical home as part of a team of medical providers that know the needs of your child, and helps to coordinate efficient and effective health care.
Qualifications:
Dr. Watkins graduated magna cum laude from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was active on the Resident Quality Council and the Blank Children’s Hospital Death Review Committee. Dr. Watkins is a Board Certified pediatrician, and in addition, is a certified instructor in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, a simulation-based training program to prepare medical providers to meet crisis situations in the delivery room or newborn nursery; Pediatric Advanced Life Support, training physicians, nurses, paramedics in the treatment of seriously ill or injured infants and children; Advanced Cardiac Life Support and S.T.A.B.L.E., a neonatal education program focused exclusively on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants.
From our patients survey:
“This is my 3rd child but my first one to go to Cottonwood and I ABSOLUTE ADORE DR WATKINS!!! she is always amazing! She listens to my concerns, she is so sweet and she has seen us a lot with a sick baby but she is always caring and reassuring! ❤ So glad we drive from Hutchinson to see her!”
“Dr Watkins is amazing. She is thorough, compassionate & shows that she truly cares for my children & their well-being.”
“Dr Watkins always listens to all my concerns, is never judgmental and always gives her honest opinion. My boys both have seen her since they were born (my oldest is 4.5 years old and I have a one year old) and from day one, they have loved her. She voices any concerns in an honest yet respectful manner and I never seem to feel uncomfortable around her. She treats my children the way I would imagine she treats her own children. She is relatable, kind and compassionate and I would never imagine taking my boys elsewhere. Thank you to the entire staff at cottonwood peds!”
“Dr. Watkins is the best! We drive all the way from El Dorado to see her because she is just the best pediatrician out there!”
“I always feel so reassured and good after talking with Dr. Watkins. She is amazing at her job and helps ease my mind.”
“Absolutely love Dr Watkins! She is a wonderful caregiver and educator.”
“I have had all of my children, both biological and foster children, seen by Dr. Watkins. She is extremely patient and caring, and quick to offer help and advice. I highly recommend her! I have also really loved the other providers there when Dr. Watkins has been unavailable. Over all, their office is wonderful.”
Some services Dr. Watkins can provide:
Prevention and Care
Well Child Check-Ups
Sports Physicals
Immunizations
Allergies and Asthma Control
Chronic Conditions
Headaches & Migraines
Sore Throat & Strep Throat
Ear Infections
Constipation
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Behavior Problems
Sleeping Problems
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Procedures
Circumcision
Fracture Care
Wart removal
Ingrown Toenail
Laceration Care (Stiches/Staples)
Tongue-Tie Clip