Markeeta M West, MD

I went to the emergency department a lot as a child, and I didn’t want that for the next generation. I went into medicine to make sure parents knew they had a home to go to for care and to ask questions — including questions about when to go to the ED and when to stay home and call your doctor for advice.

I believe that caring for patients starts with educating them. After giving patients and families the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, I’ve found that many patients are pleasantly surprised at how empowering it feels to be joint decision makers in their own care. 

As a pediatrician, I provide care to infants, children, and adolescents of all ages, but I particularly enjoy caring for teenagers. This is the time when many health lessons sink in and health habits are formed, and I feel I can be very impactful with this age group. In addition to supporting their health, I encourage them to do well in school so they can be responsible citizens, contributing to their families, friend groups and broader community.