Susan S. Kirsch, MD

I love learning, and being a doctor allows for a lifetime of learning! I really enjoy making a difference, and I feel privileged to be a part of the most intimate aspects of patients lives. I love taking care of entire families from birth onwards. I think of health as encompassing not only physical aspects, but also spiritual and emotional, and that really helps me care for patients as a whole. When I am not working, I love to run, spend time with my kids and husband, and travel.

I chose to become a pediatrician because I wanted to use my love for science to give back to others. In my childhood, I was fortunate to have a fantastic pediatrician who I saw as both a healer and friend. I was driven to become a doctor by the idea that doing so would allow me to direct my interest in biology toward helping others in the way my pediatrician helped me. I am honored to be able to serve my patients as they grow into adults and their families who support them along the way. I am a strong believer in the importance of primary care and the benefit of preventative health. The ultimate goal of pediatric medical care is to help families support their children as they grow and develop into adults, but accomplishing that goal can mean different things for different families. I believe in shared decision-making to arrive at the best options for the health and well-being of the children and families that I serve. Outside of work, I enjoy any activity that gets me outside, particularly biking and hiking. My wife and I enjoy walking our dogs on the many trails and greenways in the area. I also enjoy listening to and playing music, reading and going to the movie theater on a rainy day.

I chose to become a doctor because it was my dream since childhood. I love being a pediatrician because I love children! Watching them grow and develop from birth to young adulthood is amazing, and it is my pleasure and privilege to be part of helping them learn how to be healthy as they grow. I am a strong believer in the power of healthy lifestyle choices, including sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and connection to nature for the development of healthy bodies and minds. I avoid prescribing medications whenever it is possible to treat a condition with education, reassurance and time. I use evidence-based medicine to help patients and parents consider the risks and benefits of choosing specific therapies or watchful waiting. I am a passionate advocate for vaccines and feel strongly that every child should receive the recommended vaccines on the recommended schedule at every opportunity. Outside of work, I spend my time with my family. We love to travel, hike, camp, play games, read and make music. We spend as much time as we can outdoors and enjoy cheering for the Tarheels! Our kids can be found playing Y sports, singing in the church choir, playing fiddle or guitar, volunteering with scouts, or constructing their own inventions in their "workshop.