Meet Dr. Mini
Name: Mrunalini “Mini” Raut, M.D. FAAP
Your Job: Pediatrician with VIPediatrics (located in Boca Raton and now in Palm Beach Gardens!), a membership-based pediatric office that offers the most personalized, convenient, and accessible care for children of all ages. I get to develop a personal relationship with my patients and their families and know them like the back of my hand! They have after-hours ability to text/call me when needed, appointments last as long as necessary, there are no waits/same-day sick visits, and I provide house calls for my newborn patients! www.VIPediatricsHealth.com
Where did you grow up: Michigan
Town you live in now: Wellington
Why you love living there: Love the midwest feeling with more land and quietness
Favorite Piece of advice to new parents:
This is the beginning of the greatest love affair of your life. Children are a blessing and it is our privilege to usher them into this world. But remember that there are many different roads that all lead to the same place. As new parents, we get consumed by all the perceived rightway and wrongway of doing things. As daunting as all the information can be, remember to take a deep breath and exhale. Enjoy the precious moments with your baby. Cuddle them, get lost in their big beautiful eyes, talk to them, sing to them and trust that your baby will thrive no matter what as long as they feel your love and attention. And most importantly take care of yourself.
As far as the rest, reach out to the “village” that includes your family and the healthcare team when things become overwhelming or you need advice.
Favorite piece of advice to teen parents:
Well, hold on for this ride! I have two teenagers and it’s like getting on Slinky Dog at Disney every other day. This can be a bumpy time in both your lives. Just like slinky, you can expect many ups and downs, mixed in with a few twists and turns. The struggle between gaining independence and needing your guidance as a parent is going to be an ongoing struggle for them. My best advice is to be patient and calm as you navigate this change in development in your child’s brain and body. Hold true to the values of respect and love in your home. Let your teen know that no matter what, you will always be there for them and they will always have an open door waiting for them. Approach them as you would your best friend’s teenager when giving advice. You are less likely to sound “judgy” which automatically shuts down teenagers. I learnt this from my teenage daughter when she once said, “ My friends love you and when they do something wrong you’re so patient and talk to them nicely. But when I do something you get so mad.” It was an eye opening and humbling moment for me. Teenagers are very idealistic and wiser than we give them credit for and we can learn a lot from them. They are actually wonderful to talk to and are quite entertaining. Interact with them! Find mutual interests, play games with them or explore the world with them. Mutual respect and love with solid boundaries goes a long way with this age group. And never be afraid or embarrassed to seek advice from medical experts if the challenges become overwhelming.
Favorite medicine cabinet must-haves (without naming any specific brands):
Pain reliever/fever reducer, thermometer, sunscreen, bug repellant, vaseline, first aid kid, scrape and cut antibiotic ointment, allergy medicine, bandaids, hot and cold packs, saline nasal spray, tweezers and throw in a piece of chocolate for yourself because if you’re reaching into the cabinet, it’s going to be one of those days.
Tell us about why you love practicing as a concierge pediatrician
I love the ability to spend as much time with the family as they need. We are able to practice medicine the way we were trained to and the way pediatrics should be. Children approach everything with an idealistic nature and I love to be able to give them the same ideals back in the care we provide.
Favorite children’s book
‘Good Night Moon’ by Margaret Wise Brown because that is the book my children would go to sleep with every night. The calm and peace that the book elicited for bedtime was priceless for me. It even allowed me to decompress
Favorite natural remedy during cold/flu season
Honey (for kids 1 year of age and older), saline and Vaporub with menthol, camphor and Eucalyptus oil. (Don’t let kids eat the Vaporub!)
And of course…. My favorite is Tincture of Time!
What do you do for self care?
I like to hike and bike. Anything outdoors is therapy for me…and daily mindful meditation is a must.
What’s your philosophy on pediatric care?
Good pediatric care is preventive. We should help build a strong foundation in children rather than just plugging holes as needed. Using evidence-based medicine and guidelines based on expert opinions when those cracks happen, which they will, is one way to solidify that wall again.
Karaoke song of choice?
‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles. I am from Michigan! You can imagine what a feel-good song this is for us Michiganders!
