Biography
Ashley Huerd, M.D., specializes in pediatrics. She sees children from newborn to age 17 at MyMichigan Pediatrics on Houghton Avenue in West Branch.
Philosophy of Care
“I enjoy working with families to help them reach achievable goals with their children and to help children reach their best potential in the academic, developmental, psychological, behavioral, and emotional aspects of life,” said Dr. Huerd.
“I believe in honesty and I hope my patients and their parents feel confident that they can fully open up to me regarding every aspect of care, including any apprehension they have regarding the treatment plan or potentially difficult topics such as prevention of sexually transmitted infections or recreational drug use. It’s important that my patients know they won’t be judged and that the doctor’s office doesn’t have to be a scary place.”
‘I love well child checks, because it presents an opportunity to praise children and parents for their successes and achievements. It’s important that parents have a physician to go to at least annually to ensure their child is appropriately thriving. Yearly well child checks are important to attend, so that I can monitor for any potential issues and address any concerns you have regarding your child. Annual well child checks are especially important in teens, as they often will talk to me about issues they are hesitant to talk about with their parents (though I do encourage them to do so!)”
“My special skills include educating patients regarding prevention of sexually transmitted infections and safe sleep education to help prevent sleep-related deaths in infants. Sleeping practices performed decades ago were not always safe and every sleep-related infant death I can help prevent is another child who will have the ability to grow and reach their full potential.”
“As a pediatrician, my general skills include closely monitoring for developmental discrepancies, assuring appropriate growth and good nutrition, a thorough knowledge of childhood infections, guiding parents in anticipating a child’s needs, and advising on how to avoid injuries, including when and how to use car seats and so much more.”
“I’m an advocate for immunizations, and I can provide tips to parents and children to help ease any anxiety they may have about vaccines. For example, proactively informing children whether their visit will include vaccinations (see the Centers for Disease Control immunization schedule for the timeline), comforting your child while the vaccine is given, and trying not to show your own fear of needles will go a long way in decreasing a child’s discomfort. If children sense a parent’s anxiety, it can amplify their own anxiety about getting a vaccine. However, if parents do have a fear of needles, it may also be helpful to acknowledge that fear and show them what it is like to be brave!”
In her free time, Dr. Hured enjoys crafting, puzzling, hiking to new waterfalls, kayaking, reading fantasy fiction, fishing and ice fishing, and wandering in the snow.
Special Interests and Procedures
- Circumcision
- Child safety education
- Education on safe sleep for infants
- Education on sexually transmitted infections
- LGBTQIA education and support
