Dr. Jaclyn Sisskind, MD

Dr Jaclyn Sisskind is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Upstate Medical University and the Medical Director of Upstate Pediatrics.  She has been published in the School Library Journal for her use of children's literature in pediatric practice.  Jaclyn has a strong social media presence as "The Readiatrician" and has been featured on a number of podcasts and blogs speaking out against book banning, supporting the message that the freedom to read is essential to children's mental health.  Jaclyn lives in Syracuse with her husband and their three sons.  She spends her days seeing patients, teaching medical students, and calculating if she has enough time to stop at the library on her way home. 

Take Two Chapters and Call Me in the Morning : A Discussion of Using Children's Literature in Pediatric Practice.  

In this presentation, Dr Sisskind will discuss her strategies for using literature with her patients in a general pediatrics practice.  This will include screening for reading difficulties, engaging reluctant readers, and writing book prescriptions.  She will also talk about integrating children's books into a humanities curriculum for medical students and creating opportunities for other pediatric providers to expand their knowledge of youth literature.  A love letter to librarians and those to help get books into kids' hands, this presentation is sure to educate and inspire.

Dr. Kaushal Nanavati, MD FAAFP, ABOIM, ABIHM E  

Dr. Kaushal Nanavati is an Integrative Family Physician at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, who enjoys educating people on wellness, self-care, and achieving contentment and peace in life using humor, stories, and real, tangible examples.

He was born in India and grew up in Rochester, NY. He has nearly 27 years of experience as a Family Physician and is also Board Certified in Integrative Medicine. He is the Assistant Dean of Wellness at Upstate and Director of Integrative Medicine and Survivorship at the Upstate Cancer Center.

He has enjoyed learning karate and coaching his son in basketball, has completed a marathon, loves to play tennis and golf, and cherishes personal time with his family.

He is also an author, having written a book series, CORE 4 of Wellness, which is a culmination of insights addressing the importance of nutrition, physical exercise, stress management, and spiritual wellness to achieve a balanced life.

He is a sought-after speaker and has spoken to multiple groups across the United States and around the world in different industries.

In his presentation, Dr. Nanavati will explain why "A Tree Without Roots Provides No Shade."