Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine strives to provide outstanding, comprehensive care to young individuals as they transition from adolescence into adulthood. We believe that long-term health depends on the development and promotion of healthy behaviors early in life. We offer evidence-based medical care and interventions for the management of physical and mental illness.
We understand the importance of the patient-provider relationship and know that confidentiality and privacy is important to teens and young adults. We practice collaborative care and value the contributions of our patients, providers, staff, and our community partners. We are committed to providing a comfortable environment that is inclusive of all individuals.
Compassionate and Inclusive Care
Compassionate and Inclusive Care: Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine provides a comfortable and respectful atmosphere, free of discrimination, for all patients, regardless of race, nationality, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, etc.
Care of the Whole Individual
We understand that wellbeing goes far beyond the lack of physical illness. We believe that mental and physical health have many interactions and that our lifestyle and environment inform overall good health.
A Developmental Model of Care
We provide care that facilitates adolescents’ transition into adulthood. We understand the needs of a child changes from early adolescence, to late adolescence, to early adulthood. This can be a difficult time for parents and families, but the best outcomes respect a teen’s individuality and independence. At 18 years of age, our patients are treated as adults who are encouraged to take responsibility for their medical care.
Confidential and Patient-Focused Care
A healthy partnership between patient and provider requires privacy. Confidential care encourages access to care and facilitates discussion about sensitive topics/risk-taking behaviors that substantially affect wellbeing. All patients, regardless of age, will have opportunity to meet with providers privately. After 18 years of age, only patients will meet with providers, except in rare circumstances and with patient consent. Communication between parents/guardians and providers that occurs without patients’ awareness is discouraged as this erodes the trusting relationship that keeps patients safe. PAYAM follows all national and state disclosure rules for patient safety.
Evidence-Based Care
We practice medicine according to the most up-to-date scientific evidence and research. We are committed to hiring and maintaining the most qualified providers. Our team is made up of physicians and advance practice providers who practice medicine in good standing, are board certified, and maintain continuing medical education and referral networks.
Collaborative Care
Our practice is committed to maintaining multidisciplinary corroboration with adult and pediatric specialists across many fields. We collaborate with mental health specialists and nutritionists within the practice and foster a referral network in the community.
Patient Safety
We provide care according to the central tenet of “Do no harm.” Many medical treatments and medications carry risk, and we work diligently to inform patients and mitigate these risks. Certain medications (such as stimulants and controlled substances) are carefully monitored and require acceptance of our policies before we can prescribe. As medical providers, we reserve the right to stop any medication (prescribed by us or others) at any time if the risks outweigh the benefits.