Meet the Physician: Dr. Janet Lawley

Dr. Janet Lawley has recently joined the practice at Cornerstone Pediatrics in Madison. Recently Valley Babies was able to learn a little more about Madison’s newest pediatrician.

VB: Please give us a little background about yourself.
Dr. Lawley: I am originally from Birmingham, AL. I went to medical school at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. I did my residency in Chattanooga, TN, at the University of TN. I’ve been married almost 9 years; my husband Michael is a pediatric orthopedist at TOC. We have 2 girls ages 4 and 2, and are expecting another in January.

VB: Why did you choose Pediatrics as your specialty?
Dr. Lawley: I have always felt most comfortable treating and evaluating children. I enjoy the preventative medicine aspects of pediatrics and the opportunity to be a part of a child’s journey from infancy to adolescence.

VB: How does being a mother affect the way you interact with parents?
Dr. Lawley: I think it makes me more compasionate and empathetic. I also believe I relate a little more easily.

VB: Both you and your husband are physicians. How does that impact your work?
Dr. Lawley: I enjoy being able to discuss different diagnosis and treatment options with my spouse. When I tell him about my day he really understands. It’s also nice to have a free ortho consult whennever I need it.

VB: As we enter flu season, what advice do you offer parents of babies?
Dr. Lawley: Wash! Wash! Wash! The best way to stop the spread of Flu or other illness is hand washing.

VB: What about parents of school-age children?
Dr. Lawley: The very same thing – Everybody needs to be washing their hands!

VB: What is the most important thing that new parents need to know?
Dr. Lawley: It’s okay not to know everything and to ask questions. Feel free to use your pediatrician as a reference whenever you need advice or suggestions.