Today we’d like to introduce you to Derica Sams.
Hi Derica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work in medicine and care for children. Growing up in Georgia, I was inspired by the idea of combining science, service, and advocacy for families. My journey took me through my undergraduate studies at Emory University, medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I later completed my fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology at Vanderbilt University.
Throughout my training, I saw how many children struggled with chronic digestive issues—conditions like abdominal pain, reflux, constipation, and food sensitivities that significantly affect their quality of life. I also saw how difficult it could be for families to access timely care.
That experience ultimately inspired me to create Pediatric Digestive Health and Wellness. I wanted to build a practice where children could receive specialized digestive care in an environment that prioritizes compassion, education, and partnership with families. Our mission is to provide expert care while empowering parents and children with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their long-term health.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many physicians who start their own practice, the journey has had its challenges. Opening a medical practice involves far more than clinical care; it includes building a team, navigating healthcare systems, managing operations, and ensuring that the practice remains sustainable.
One of the biggest challenges has been addressing the gap in access to pediatric gastroenterology care. In many areas, families may wait weeks or even months to see a specialist. Part of our motivation for opening the clinic was to help reduce those wait times and improve access for children in our community.
Another challenge is balancing the administrative side of running a business with the heart of what we do—taking care of patients. But every challenge has reinforced our mission: to create a patient-centered practice that families trust.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pediatric Digestive Health and Wellness?
Pediatric Digestive Health and Wellness is a pediatric gastroenterology specialty clinic dedicated to helping children with digestive and nutritional concerns—from infancy through young adulthood. Our practice focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions such as:
Chronic abdominal pain
Constipation
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Food allergies and sensitivities
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Feeding difficulties and nutritional concerns
What sets our practice apart is our family-centered and integrative approach to care. We believe digestive health is closely connected to nutrition, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to identify the underlying cause and help families develop sustainable solutions.
We also take pride in spending time educating families so they fully understand their child’s condition and care plan. When families feel informed and supported, outcomes improve.
From a brand perspective, what I’m most proud of is the environment we’ve created. Our practice is built around compassion, accessibility, and partnership with parents. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel safe, heard, and cared for.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Starting a medical practice is, in many ways, an act of risk. Physicians are trained to work within established healthcare systems, so choosing to build an independent practice requires stepping outside of that traditional path.
For me, the risk was worth it because it allowed me to design a practice centered entirely around patient care and family engagement. It meant creating a place where we could take the time to truly listen to patients, offer comprehensive treatment options, and innovate in how we deliver care.
I don’t necessarily view risk as something to avoid. Instead, I see it as something that should be approached thoughtfully and intentionally. When the goal is improving access to care and helping children live healthier lives, it becomes a risk worth taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pediatricgihealth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricgihealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pediatricgihealth/
- Other: admin@pediatricgihealth.com (email)
