Pediatric Specialty Clinic-St Vincent Healthcare

David E. Skarda, M.D., M.B.A., is a leader in pediatric surgical care, dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child (baby, toddler, school-age, or teen). His unique qualifications include specialized training in minimally invasive surgical techniques and being the sole DaVinci robot-certified and credentialed pediatric surgeon in the Intermountain West. Dr. Skarda specializes in the following elective conditions through the clinic: Inguinal hernia Umbilical hernia Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) G Tube (both placement and removal of a stomach tube) Reflux (Nissan fundoplication and redo fundoplications for recurrent reflux, robotic) Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS, robotic) Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA, robotic) Gastroparesis Paraesophageal hernia (robotic) Hiatal Hernia (robotic) Vascular access Chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum) Pneumothorax Urachal and omphalomesenteric remnants Dr. Skarda specializes in the following emergent and urgent: Appendectomy (removal of the appendix) Intestinal obstructions Intestinal atresias Esophageal atresia Congenital diaphragmatic hernia Volvulus Malrotation As a board-certified pediatric surgeon in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Primary Children’s Hospitals, Dr. Skarda is committed to providing leading-edge compassionate surgical care promptly. He places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that you fully understand the procedures, options, risks, and benefits. He is available for new patient consultations at his clinics at Primary Children’s Hospitals (Salt Lake City and Lehi, Utah) and St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana. Dr. Skarda has specific clinical experience and expertise in surgically managing chronic nausea and abdominal pain syndromes in children and teenagers, including median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA), gastroparesis, biliary dyskinesia (pain from a gallbladder that does not work well), and symptomatic cholelithiasis (pain from gallstones). Notably, Dr. Skarda works as part of an organized multidisciplinary team to correctly diagnose and treat these conditions. He is happy to see patients via telemedicine technology (such as Zoom) for most conditions. An in-person visit may be necessary for some conditions where direct examination is critical. Our clinic nurses can help you know if a face-to-face visit is needed or helpful. He speaks Spanish. He will talk to you and/or your child’s doctor. In his free time, Dr. Skarda likes spending time with his wife Paula, their adult children, and their grandchild at home, traveling and outdoors. Additionally, Dr. Skarda is a pilot and enjoys learning new skills.

Stephen J.Fenton, MD, FACS, FAAP is a board certified Pediatric Surgeon with strong interests in extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) life support, the management of neonatal conditions and in particular the diagnosis and treatment of conditions during the fetal period. Dr. Fenton specializes in the following conditions: inguinal hernia *umbilical hernia *undescended testicle *hydrocele *cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) *gastrostomy (placement of a stomach tube) *appendectomy (removal of the appendix) *vascular access (ports and central lines) *ulcerative colitis *Crohn’s disease *gastroesophageal reflux disease *chest wall deformities (pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum) *pediatric endocrine surgery (thyroid and adrenal tumors/pancreas surgery) Prior to his training in pediatric surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Fenton worked as a general surgeon for the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas where he specialized in complex minimally invasive surgery. As the lead trauma surgeon, he was deployed on two separate occasions serving in both Afghanistan and the Philippines. After fulfilling his military duty, he trained in Pediatric Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where he became interested in fetal care and surgery. Dr. Fenton is the founder and director of the Utah Fetal Center at Primary Children’s Hospital (www.utahfetal.org). This center specializes in a multidisciplinary approach to the care of a pregnant mother whose fetus has been diagnosed with a complex congenital anomaly. Consisting of experts in maternal, fetal, and pediatric care, the Utah Fetal Center uses the most up-to-date care to address the mother’s and baby’s needs before, during, and after delivery. Dr. Fenton is also the founder and director of the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network (www.utahptn.org). Under the direction of the Utah Department of Health, the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network is tasked to establish a Statewide network, inclusive of all regions and hospitals in Utah, to develop, refine, and recommend methodologies, standards and guidelines to reduce morbidity, mortality, and the cost of injury to pediatric patients. Thus, working towards the right treatment of each injured child at the right facility within the right period of time.Dr. Fenton is fluent in Spanish and is happy to talk to you and/or your child’s doctor. He has extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, choledochal cysts, and complex neonatal disorders including: tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), duodenal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and congenital lung lesions.

Children's Clinic is a full-service pediatric practice dedicated to delivering top-quality care to children from birth through the teenage years. The practice has earned a reputation for excellence in the region and is the pediatric health resource of choice for many families near the West End and Downtown areas of Billings, Montana. Children's Clinic is the only independently owned pediatric practice in Billings. A team of highly skilled, board-certified pediatricians provides personalized, unrushed care. Outstanding administrative professionals keep the clinic running smoothly and can assist families who need to sign up for Medicaid or other insurance options. As an independent practice, the Children's Clinic has the flexibility to respond to a wide range of patient needs. Expanded scheduling ensures families have access to an outstanding pediatrician when and where needed and don't have to wait for answers or treatment. After serving the Billings community for more than 70 years, Children's Clinic is proud to be the pediatric resource of choice for many parents who were once themselves patients of the practice. Even some of the staff were seen there as children. Children's Clinic offers a wide range of pediatric services, ranging from routine infant care and well-child exams to the management of chronic health issues like asthma and pediatric diabetes. Vaccinations and specialized exams are available, as are diagnostics and treatment for issues like ADHD, autism, allergies, nutrition concerns, and much more. Partnering with the Children's Clinic is an excellent way to ensure children of all ages grow and thrive. Booking an initial visit is as simple as a phone call, and online booking is also available 24 hours a day.