Episode 045 - Special Guest Gary Kirkilas DO on Advocacy and Mobile Medicine

April’s episode is a very special one for both Jason and Scott, and hopefully for all of you was the hosts sit down with a listener who contacted them to share his story. Dr. Gary Kirkilas is a unique pediatrician in Phoenix, AZ who works primarily with Phoenix’s unhoused population through the robust mobile medicine program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In this free-flowing conversation, Dr. Kirkilas shares his story and what drove him to this career including meeting his future employer, and a role model for many on Pediatric Advocacy, Dr. Randy Christensen, author of the book Ask Me Why I Hurt: The kids nobody wants – and the doctor who heals them. Gary talks about the unique joys and challenges that comes with running a mobile medicine unit and caring for the unhoused pediatric population, as well as advocacy efforts he has undertaken to take healthcare to the children in the schools in the area.  He also discusses his additional advocacy efforts in protecting Pheonix’s children from the dangerous advertising and labelling practicing utilized by many manufacturers of THC-infused drinks and snacks, an effort that has led him to the Arizona Capitol to provide expert testimony on the impact these foods and drinks have on the pediatric population. We also dive into Gary’s life outside of medicine and his own quest for health as an Ironman Triathlete!! This is an extremely inspiring and educational podcast that you are sure to enjoy as much as we enjoyed recording it. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Kirkilas, you can find his story at Dr. Gary Kirkilas – Pediatrician ∙ Speaker ∙ Writer ∙ Advocate. And you can find the book Ask Me Why I Hurt at major retail booksellers, or you can always support small businesses by asking your local bookstore to order it for you! On a side note, if you think we are sounding better lately that is do to the amazing editing and sound mixing of Allison Cyrus, who just happens to also be Scott’s daughter-in-law. Welcome to the ACOPedscast family Allison!! Happy Listening!