Get Connected
Start a Screening

Become a Physician Champion

We are seeking PHYSICIAN CHAMPIONS!

A Physician Champion is a leader in early childhood development and is the voice for families and children who need early intervention services. Physician Champions play a critical role in giving Help Me Grow® Florida (HMGF) credibility and authority, particularly within the health care community.

Physician Champions

  • Are Help Me Grow advocates
  • Market HMGF to fellow physicians
  • Promote HMGF within their own offices
  • Present at state medical meetings about the HMGF system
  • Invest as much time as they are willing to give (there is no minimum time commitment)

Did you know?

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that developmental surveillance be incorporated into every well child visit. HMGF is a system to support that recommendation.
  • The AAP recommends that standardized developmental screening tests be administered to all children at the 9, 18, and either the 24 or 30 month visits.

How does HMGF support physicians? HMGF...

  • Assists with the referral process; following-up to ensure families are successfully connected to needed services
  • Saves the physician time by providing care coordination and promoting developmental surveillance in between doctors’ visits
  • Enhances the physician and patient relationship by ensuring families receive the support they need promptly
  • Provides training to health care staff regarding developmental milestones, if needed
  • Supplies technology for families to easily complete a developmental and/or behavioral screening in your office
  • Offers materials for families to enhance education about developmental monitoring and surveillance

What are the benefits to becoming a Physician Champion?

  • Becoming a part of a broader communitybased effort to support early childhood development
  • Gaining visibility among professional community and being recognized as an expert in early childhood development
  • Strengthening professional reputation and opening doors for leadership opportunities
  • Having a platform to advocate for early intervention services and supports and the importance of developmental monitoring and surveillance
  • Enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers, early childhood providers, and community organizations
  • Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines Sponsored by The Children’s Forum and the State of Florida, Division