Nikiesha Forbes, MD, FAAP

My favorite animated movie is Home, and my favorite cartoon is Bluey.

My favorite childhood book was any book from the golden back series. As I got older, I loved reading the Baby sitters club series and Nancy Drew because I fell in love with solving mysteries and discovering how things work, and also because I was inspired by the strength, bravery and determination of the main characters in their adventures.

My favorite toy was my little plastic keyboard. Off course I have a new much bigger one now which is still my favorite (inside my house), and yes I would love to start taking music lessons again. Because it’s never too late to start again!

My late Grandmother is my greatest inspiration. She worked tirelessly to build a legacy for her family and many others throughout the community with grace and resilience. As an Elementary school Headteacher and guidance counselor to families and other educators, she instilled the value of faith, perseverance, integrity, creativity and personal identity that will live on through her pupils for many generations to come.

Singing, writing, painting and fine arts, traveling, gardening, and taking long walks on the beach.

According to my mom and my grandmother, I’ve always loved taking care of sick kids and knew that I wanted to just that when I grew up. Interestingly I never played with dolls growing up because I always had a book in my face, but I would often make my little sisters pretend to be sick, perform examination with my stethoscope made from twisted wire clothes hangers, and write prescriptions or give them medicine (kool-aid or lemonade) for them to drink. Of course they loved the medication part, and kept coming back to the Doctor for treatment. Presently I enjoy my work and l love following the little babies as they grow through the various development stages and hit their milestones. I love providing guidance and reassurance to the moms and family members, and allowing them to express themselves and their concerns.

With the parents approval I encourage direct communication with my little patients as early as they are comfortable to do so. By adolescence, I am including them in discussing pertinent symptoms, medications, doses, timings, and side effects if any. By doing this I hope to help them become more aware and engaged, build trust, and develop a sense of ownership in their overall health.