SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 Hawaii Parent 137 A s parents, we are surrounded by information. A quick internet search can generate thousands of answers to a single question, and social media often offers advice from well-meaning friends, influencers, and even complete strangers. While having access to information has many advantages, it can also leave families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about which sources they can truly trust. One relationship, however, continues to stand out as one of the most valuable resources for raising healthy children: the long-term relationship between a family and their pediatrician. At the Hawaii Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we believe that every child deserves not only excellent medical care, but also a trusted healthcare partner who knows them over time. Building strong relationships between families and pediatricians is one of the most important investments we can make in the health and well-being of Hawaii’s children. What the Research Shows Research consistently demonstrates that children benefit when they receive continuous care from the same pediatrician or pediatric practice. Studies have found that families with an ongoing relationship with their pediatrician are more likely to keep up with well-child visits, recommended immunizations, and developmental screenings. Research also shows that parents consistently rank their child’s pediatrician among their most trusted sources of health information, making conversations with a trusted physician especially valuable when navigating important decisions about a child’s health. More Than Sick Visits Many people think of a pediatrician as the doctor you visit when your child has a fever or ear infection. In reality, pediatricians do much more than diagnose and treat illness.
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