Physician Always Knew She Wanted To Be a Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in treating infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They perform a diverse range of health-related services that range from health and wellness screenings to management of complex medical conditions.

Amanda Shoubaki, DO Pediatrician South Central Pediatrics

Amanda Shoubaki, DO, a new pediatrician with South Central Pediatrics in Laurel, said, “Children undergo rapid physical and mental changes as they grow. As a pediatrician, I assess a child’s health status based on the normal ranges for their age.”

When asked why she decided to go into the medical specialty of pediatrics, Dr. Shoubaki, said, “I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician even before I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I have always enjoyed being around children, so I looked into professions focusing on the needs of children. When I found out there was a doctor just for kids, I knew that is what I wanted to be. As I got older and learned more about it, I knew I would like helping children and getting to know their families.”

Dr. Shoubaki believes that having open communication with parents is key to being a good pediatrician. “We’re on the same team,” she said. “I’m the expert on children’s health, but they are the expert on their child. I like making it a cooperative effort and I let parents know that I am working with them to help them do what they do best, which is parent their child.”

A native of Hattiesburg. Dr. Shoubaki graduated from Oak Grove High School and then went to the University of Mississippi for undergraduate school. She said, “It was great coming back to this area to go to medical school at William Carey. I have always been a big fan of the South. I’m definitely a Southerner at heart.”  After completing medical school at William Carey University, Dr. Shoubaki completed her residency in pediatrics at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. “Coming to Laurel and joining South Central seemed like the perfect opportunity to come home and do what I loved doing,” she concluded.

Dr. Shoubaki is accepting new patients. Her office is at South Central Pediatrics which is located in the medical office building next to the South Central Emergency Department. To make an appointment, call 6016493520.