Shawn Clinton Schlinke, MD

What motivates me about being a pediatrician is the relationships I build with my patients and their families. When I look at my schedule each day, the first thing I look at is the name of the patient, not necessarily the complaint. I like to see which of my buddies are coming in to see me. I want my patients to know that when you come to see me, you will be heard and listened to. For me, practicing medicine is a team effort and joint decision-making process between myself and the parents. At the end of the visit, I want the family to clearly understand the plan and the backup plan if needed. Practicing medicine is not always a straight line, but I want my patients to know I will be there for them every step of the way.

Originally, I wanted to be a teacher and worked as a teacher's aide. My interest in healthcare grew when a student I worked with got seriously ill. This led me to explore a career as a physician assistant (PA). While I always carry a teacher's heart, I find joy in educating families on caring for their kids. Working with children is a delight; their infectious joy makes my days fulfilling. I also enjoy supporting parents through the journey of parenthood. My goal is to provide evidence-based medicine with compassion. I want my patients and their parents to trust me and feel comfortable asking any questions. Listening is my priority because their stories matter, and I'm dedicated to seeing their children thrive. Being fluent in Spanish allows me to connect with Spanish-speaking families, ensuring equal access to care for every patient.