By Michelle Caceres
For Brandon pediatrician Dr. Stewart Grant of Total Pediatric Healthcare, quitting time does not always mean he is finished seeing patients.
Once a month or more, the physician shutters his practice and heads to Brandon Outreach Clinic on Parsons Ave., where he offers acute care to young patients with earaches, fevers, coughs and other maladies.
The free clinic, established more than 20 years ago as a way for uninsured individuals to access health care, is composed of hundreds of volunteers, including physicians, nurses and pharmacists who donate their time to individuals who don’t have access to affordable healthcare.
“It’s important that as physicians we give something back to the community, especially those that for whatever reason are not able to access healthcare,” said Dr. Grant, who has been in practice for more than 18 years.
“I knew pediatrics was for me because I find joy taking a sick child and making them better,” he said.
Mother of three Melissa Cheveres, who moved from Brandon to Westchase months ago but continues to make the one hour journey to his Brandon practice when her children need to see the doctor, said she recognizes Dr. Grant’s compassion and caring for her children.
“Kids can be terrified of doctors but he has gained the trust of my kids and even though they can cause a ruckus. I know he cares about them,” she said.
The guidance counselor at her 10-year-old son’s school refused to test him for gifted until his behavioral issues were under control (he couldn’t sit still to be tested). Dr. Grant provided treatment options and under treatment was able to sit for the test. He’s now in the gifted program.
“He was so good about showing me the different options we had, answering my questions and then allowing me to make the decision,” said Cheveres.
Her husband wants her to find a pediatrician closer to home, but she has been putting him off.
“He’s such a good doctor,” she said.
Total Pediatric Healthcare, located at 131 N. Oakwood Ave. in Brandon, is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and select Saturdays.
For more information about Dr. Grant or to schedule an appointment, call 655-5106.
