Meredithe McNamara, MD, MS, is an adolescent medicine specialist and says she enjoys playing a supportive role in a young person’s life during a pivotal point in their cognitive and physical development.
Adolescent medicine, she explains, is one-stop shopping for all of a youth’s health needs, including general care, mental health and coping with trauma, managing chronic issues going into early adulthood, menstrual problems, athlete wellness, safe sex and birth control, substance use support, and gender-affirming care.
“It’s one of the most exciting and dynamic times in their lives, and I feel privileged to be part of their support system and I love creating clinical environments where they can thrive,” says Dr. McNamara, adding that adolescence spans ages 11 to 25. “I’m consistently so impressed by the strength and resilience of adolescents during such a challenging time. Young people deserve supportive, safe spaces to process these challenges and I make that a top priority during each patient visit.”
Young people deserve to have all their health needs met in a “comprehensive, judgement-free setting,” Dr. McNamara says.
She describes her approach as “strength-based care.”
“I ask them what they are proud of about themselves and what they are good at. I invite patients to tell me their stories and declare their strengths,” she explains. “Those strengths are assets that young people deserve to be keenly aware of as they move through this phase of life.”
Dr. McNamara says she also believes in shared decision-making. “Once I understand someone’s goals and priorities, I offer options on how they can get there,” she says. “I want my patients to feel like they’re in control of their care. They deserve to be equal partners in the process.”
Dr. McNamara is passionate about working with youth facing complex trauma, high-risk social situations, and mental health issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her research interests include improving trainee readiness in adolescent medicine and the long-term recovery of patients affected by violent injury. She is also involved in adolescent health program development in East Africa.
