About Local Pediatrics On Demand

Elevating Pediatric Healthcare in St. Tammany Parish

Located in the heart of St. Tammany Parish, Your Local Pediatrics on Demand (Your Local P.O.D.) is a beacon of innovative pediatric healthcare. Established in 2023, Your Local P.O.D. is a testament to the evolving needs of modern pediatric care, offering comprehensive medical services to children and young adults up to the age of 21. With a unique model of care, Your Local P.O.D. bridges the gap in pediatric health services by providing exceptional care during afternoon hours and extending services into the night, 365 days a year.

The facility is steered by a team of seasoned professionals, Tiffany Spicuzza and Michelle Theard, both board-certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioners. Their combined experience of over 35 years in pediatric healthcare shapes the core of the clinic’s operations. The team’s expertise is particularly notable in managing chronic illnesses in children and responding to urgent care needs with skill and compassion.

Tiffany Spicuzza brings a wealth of knowledge from her nearly 15 years in the field. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Her experience is pivotal in enhancing the clinic’s capabilities in caring for children with complex health needs.

Michelle Theard, complementing the team with over 20 years of pediatric experience, adds a depth of expertise from her extensive educational and professional journey. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, she advanced her qualifications with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Her role as an assistant professor in the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program and her experience in pediatric intensive care and emergency medicine contribute significantly to the clinic’s service offerings.

Supporting Spicuzza and Theard is Dr. Claire Morgan, a respected pediatrician with a rich background spanning over two decades. Dr. Morgan, a certified member of the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, brings a comprehensive skill set from her experiences as a pediatric emergency room physician, hospitalist, and general pediatrician.

At Your Local P.O.D., the commitment to child-centered care goes beyond medical treatment. The facility is proud to be both sensory-inclusive and ADA compliant, ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all children, including those with special needs. This inclusive approach reflects the team’s dedication to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to every child, accommodating a broad spectrum of health and sensory needs.

Together, the team at Your Local P.O.D. is not just providing healthcare; they are setting a new standard in pediatric care, ensuring that the children of St. Tammany Parish and surrounding areas receive the highest quality of medical attention, especially during times when traditional healthcare services are less accessible.

Values

At Your Local P.O.D., our values are deeply rooted in community-focused, patient-centered care. We believe in:

• Compassionate Healthcare: Offering warm, empathetic care tailored to the unique needs of each child and family.
• Accessibility: Providing crucial medical services during times when traditional pediatric offices are closed.
• Quality and Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality care that is both efficient and effective, meeting the urgent needs of our young patients.
• Community Engagement: Actively participating in local health initiatives and forming robust partnerships within the community.

Vision

Our vision is to provide convenient and coordinated specialized pediatric care in Mandeville and its surrounding areas. We strive to:

• Fill the Pediatric Care Gap: Address the crucial need for pediatric services, especially for children under two years old and during off-hours.
• Foster a Youth-Inspired Environment: Create a clinic space that is comforting, engaging, and tailored to the needs of children and adolescents.
• Build Strong Community Relationships: Become a trusted healthcare partner for families, local leaders, and healthcare providers.
• Innovate in Pediatric Healthcare: Continuously advance our services, including offering in-house pharmacies and the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies.

Your Local P.O.D. is more than just a clinic; it’s a community partner dedicated to nurturing the health and well-being of the next generation. Our commitment to excellence in pediatric care is unwavering, as we strive to be a leading force in pediatric healthcare innovation and community engagement.