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David Epstein
Medical Director at PM Pediatrics - Tarzana; Pediatric Intensivist; Pediatric Urgent Care Physician; Children's Health Advocate and Educator
Professional Background
Dr. David Epstein, MD, MS, FAAP, is a distinguished pediatrician whose career has centered primarily on the critical care of some of the most severely ill children in quaternary care hospitals. As a dedicated pediatric intensivist, Dr. Epstein has accumulated extensive experience in managing complex medical situations within high-acuity environments. His substantial work at prestigious institutions, including his tenure at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and as a consultant physician at the City of Hope, highlights his commitment to enhancing child health through critical care expertise.
In recent years, Dr. Epstein has transitioned his focus toward primary care, where he applies his pediatric critical care knowledge in a more accessible way through pediatric urgent care. This shift has enabled him to not only serve the urgent healthcare needs of his local community children and their families but also to collaborate closely with fellow pediatricians in maintaining continuous care. This dual perspective—gleaned from working in both primary and critical care settings—has granted him invaluable insights into the medical care systems, ultimately making him a more skilled and knowledgeable physician.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Epstein's educational foundation is robust and multifaceted. He received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the esteemed Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he established the groundwork for his career in pediatric medicine. Prior to that, he earned a Master of Science (MS) in Applied Physiology and Biophysics at the same institution. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology from the University of California, San Diego, where he cultivated a passion for understanding the complexities of life sciences.
Dr. Epstein's dedication to education is exemplified not only in his clinical practice but also through his role as a mentor and teacher. With a wealth of experience in teaching medical students, pediatric residents, and pediatric critical care fellows, he has now extended his reach into the primary care setting. His engagements include educating local pediatric staff and families, demonstrating his commitment to fighting misinformation and enhancing community health literacy.
Notable Contributions
Beyond his clinical roles, Dr. Epstein has been actively involved in educating the public about critical healthcare issues. He recognizes the consequences of healthcare misinformation, specifically regarding topics such as the limitations of CPR, medical futility, vaccine hesitancy, and non-compliance in treating manageable health conditions. His categorical approach to improving health literacy encompasses various innovative strategies, from consulting for television and film screenwriters to engaging in social media advocacy.
Moreover, Dr. Epstein has initiated community support sessions in a question-and-answer format via Zoom, providing a platform for families to obtain accurate medical information in a friendly and approachable manner. He emphasizes grassroots education, ensuring medical information is accessible and reliable, which proves especially crucial in today’s information-saturated world.
Philosophy and Mission
Dr. Epstein's guiding philosophy resonates with the timeless words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." This inspiration drives him to aspire to make a meaningful impact in the world, fostering his overarching objective to improve the lives of those around him. His commitment to clinical excellence and community education aims to leave a lasting, positive imprint on both the healthcare system and the families he serves. This holistic approach not only accentuates his competencies as a physician but also embodies his deep-seated compassion and understanding of the human experience.
Through dedication, experience, and a strong desire to educate and advocate for children’s health, Dr. David Epstein continues to exemplify qualities of an outstanding physician, leader, and community member.
Achievements
- Instrumental in pediatric care development within community urgent care settings.
- Successfully collaborated with local pediatricians to enhance continuous care for patients.
- Elevated public health literacy regarding critical healthcare topics through innovative education strategies.
- Provided comprehensive training and guidance to medical students and pediatric fellows during his academic tenure.