A new pediatric membership model is launching at The Lanby, aiming to address what its founder describes as a fragmented and overwhelming experience for parents navigating their children’s healthcare. The program, announced on , focuses on holistic, root-cause medicine and integrated wellness care, moving beyond traditional, episodic “sick visits.”
The impetus for this new approach stems from the personal experiences of Chloe Harrouche, founder of The Lanby, after becoming a mother. She found herself facing common childhood concerns – eczema, picky eating, sleep disturbances, and behavioral issues – and encountering responses from her pediatrician that felt insufficient. As she described, she was often told issues were “normal,” to “just wait it out,” or that her pediatrician wasn’t a specialist in the specific area of concern. This led her to seek answers elsewhere, realizing a need for a more personalized and comprehensive care plan.
A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Care
The Lanby’s Pediatrics membership is built around four core principles: holistic, root-cause medicine; whole-child development; integrated clinical and wellness care; and a genuine partnership with parents. This signifies a shift away from solely addressing symptoms to understanding the underlying factors contributing to a child’s health challenges.
This approach aligns with the principles of integrative and holistic pediatrics, as practiced by physicians like Michael Allen, MD. Dr. Allen, triple board certified in Pediatrics, Integrative-Holistic Medicine & Anthroposophic Medicine, emphasizes a focus on a child’s unique needs, considering not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, environmental, and even spiritual aspects of health. He prioritizes strengthening and balancing the body through natural remedies and nutrition whenever possible, rather than relying solely on medication to suppress symptoms. His practice includes a thorough evaluation of a child’s growth, nutrition, sleep, and emotional health, alongside a detailed developmental assessment and physical exam.
Addressing the Root Causes of Pediatric Issues
The Lanby specifically highlights the connection between pediatric allergy issues and immune development, gut health, and environmental exposures. Their “root-cause” approach aims to work proactively, coordinating care to build resilience and reduce allergic burdens over time. This suggests a focus on preventative measures and long-term health strategies, rather than simply reacting to acute illnesses.
The emphasis on root-cause medicine reflects a growing recognition that many childhood health issues are complex and multi-faceted. Traditional medical models often operate in silos, with different specialists addressing individual symptoms without a comprehensive understanding of the child as a whole. The Lanby’s model seeks to bridge these gaps by integrating clinical and wellness care, fostering collaboration between different healthcare professionals, and actively involving parents in the decision-making process.
A Partnership with Parents
A key component of The Lanby’s Pediatrics program is a commitment to a “real partnership with parents.” This acknowledges the crucial role parents play in their children’s health and well-being. The program aims to empower parents with knowledge and support, providing them with personalized plans and options for care. Here’s a direct response to the “conflicting advice” and “siloed specialists” that Harrouche experienced firsthand, creating a more collaborative and informed approach to pediatric healthcare.
The launch of Pediatrics at The Lanby comes at a time when parents are increasingly seeking alternative and integrative approaches to healthcare for their children. The program’s focus on holistic wellness, preventative care, and a strong parent-physician partnership may resonate with families who feel underserved by traditional medical models. The waitlist for the membership is currently open, signaling a potential demand for this new approach to pediatric care.
According to a comment on LinkedIn, the founder believes this new venture will be “more disruptive than anything we’ve ever done,” suggesting a significant shift in the landscape of pediatric healthcare.
The Center for Living Health also offers Integrative Holistic Pediatrics with Dr. Michael Allen, MD, who has over 30 years of practice and specializes in children/adolescents with complex or difficult issues, families seeking a natural and holistic approach, and educating and empowering parents with treatment options.
