Monica Farias, M.D., was born and raised in Panama. She graduated from medical school, completed her pediatric residency and practiced pediatric medicine for 5 years before moving to the United States.
In the states, after passing her medical boards, she began a new pediatric residency at Children's Hospital of Austin - now Dell Children's. 1997 was a great year for Dr. Farias, not only did she complete her pediatric residency, her son Julio was born, and she joined Cook Children's Physician Network. She's board certified in pediatrics and attends regularly to pediatric seminars to maintain her certifications and update her knowledge in the pediatric field.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Farias works to make her patients - and parents - feel at ease.
"Children are often afraid when they go to the doctor, so my first job is to make them comfortable. I've learned that means making them a part of the decision making," she says.
She believes you have to tell a child exactly what you're doing and always be honest. "I'm going to look in your ear; it's only flashlight, you won't feel a thing. I'm going to listen to your heart; my stethoscope may be a little cold. And I'm going to give you a shot; which may sting for just one second."
Dr. Farias's practice accepts newborns until the age of 18 or after they graduate from high school. She likes to get involved with the newborns, even before they are born, by offering free prenatal consultations to parents-to-be. After their birth she will see her patients for regular well-child visits to be sure they are developing at their full potential. Of course, she also sees her patients during illnesses to offer proper medical care and help get them back on track to being healthy.
She enjoys being involved in the lives of her patients and the families. She's attended her patients' sports activities, school recitals, religious events, quinceañeras and graduation ceremonies. She's proud to say "not only are some of my friends my patients, but some of my patients have become my friends." In fact, Dr. Farias has been in practice long enough that some of her former patients now bring their own children to be under her medical care as well.
For Dr. Farias, pediatric care doesn't end when she leaves the office. She's been a medical consultant for the Eagle Mountain ISD for the past 5 years. She provides community service by participating every year as part of the medical team for the Youth 2000 Catholic Diocese of Forth Worth during their retreats and has provided care to pediatric patients at the Northside Salvation Army Community Center with physical exams to help them attend summer camps. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge, as she pays it forward by volunteering as a preceptor for students in the medical field.
Outside of her office practice and community service, Dr. Farias enjoys time with friends, attending sports events with her son and relaxing at home with him and their two dogs. Traveling to Panama to visit her family and childhood friends is also something she likes to do whenever she can. Dr. Farias has been living in Texas almost 30 years, and although she still has her native accent, she has acquired a Texan lifestyle, enjoying Tex-Mex food, grilling, attending performances at Bass Hall and going to the rodeo.
Dr. Monica Farias would love to get involved in the life of your children, helping them to grow into healthy adults with the same passion and skill she's shown, and continues to deliver, to the all children she serves.
