About Dr. Natasha Burgert
Today, my pediatric practice is in Overland Park, KS. Although my passion remains direct patient care, I also use various digital and traditional media outlets to promote child health and wellness.
I have been able work in science communication through my role as National Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Counsel of Communications and Media for the AAP. I have writing experience as a regular contributor to NBC Learn’s Parent Tool Kit, and US News and World Report, and Forbes Health. I promote vaccinations for our community’s children and serve on Missouri’s Advisory Committee for Childhood Immunizations. I am also a nationally recognized speaker in health innovation, health care social media, vaccine advocacy, and media use with children.
I am fueled by my husband, Dr. Kevin, and our two dynamic kids. As a family, we love to travel and share new adventures. Kevin and I also like to golf and are in a couples league in the spring and summer. And in my second life, I would be a race car driver. I love to watch Formula 1 racing and have taken sport driving classes across the Country.
When my AP Biology teacher in Omaha, Nebraska asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, the answer was easy. I wanted to teach.
His eyes were soft and suggesting, when he replied, “Yes, you would be a fine teacher. Have you ever thought about teaching medicine? You have quite the knack for science.”
That simple quip opened my mind to possibilities. (Thanks, Mr. Bentley. ) After arriving at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I poured into my studies with a new goal. I fought for opportunities and experiences that I would have otherwise ignored. And less than a decade later, I had reached the goal that my high school science teacher had sparked when I graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
I learned how to be a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. My attending physicians instilled the importance of relationships and teamwork while caring for children. I was able to learn about each patient family, honoring them as individuals while offering state of the art medical treatments. I was inspired by children fighting through hardship and ready to celebrate when healing came. I fondly remember my years in Cincinnati and the lessons every patient shared.
Let’s Connect
Find me at Pediatric Associates - South Overland Park
Innovation in Health Care
My private practice is a workshop for innovation. Using the newest technological devices and communication channels, I continually attempt to refine and improve the patient experience.
Have you built the next health care solution?
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As one of the first CellScope DIRECT providers in Missouri, I was able to connect with patient families for diagnostic and treatment plans. The Seymour app and Oto device allows families to get quality care for ear infections and simple skin issues from home.
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The AAP and USPSTF recommend that all children get screened for amblyopia before the age of 5 years. This treatable cause of vision loss in children can be detected using a smartphone-based photoscreener by GoCheck Kids. I was the first provider in Missouri to offer the service to my patients, and has successfully "caught" many kids whose vision correction was initiated using this innovative tool.
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As part of the Sprint Accelerator, powered by Techstars, I was able to contribute advice and time as part of the mentorship team to emerging start-up companies. I provided active and constructive feedback to technology teams as a practicing physician, and continue to work as advisor and mentor to start-up ventures across the country.
Advisory
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Fair and Fashionable
I am honored to sits on the Advisory Board of the nonprofit Fair and Fashionable (F&F), founded in Kansas City.
F&F educates men and women ages 15-30 about the dangers of suntanned skin. Melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - is the most common cancer among women ages 25-29.
F&F partners with designers to host tan-free fashion shows across the country. The goal is to show men and women who follow runway trends that real style means celebrating their natural skin tone
Wait Until 8th
I remain a proud voice for this grassroots organization, led by parents on a mission to delay the smartphone.
As evidence increasingly shines light on concerns surrounding early smartphone use, WU8 supporters can connect with like-minded families who agree the smartphone is not needed for young children. Waituntil8th.org encourages those who believe childhood is too short to be distracted by a smartphone to take their pledge. Learn more and take the pledge today at waituntil8th.org.