Greene County Medical Center has signed a contract with Dr. Cody Silker for pediatric coverage effective July 21. Silker received her doctor of osteopathic degree from Des Moines University and completed her pediatric residency with Blank Children’s Hospital.
Pediatric coverage at the medical center is generally limited to caring for newborns immediately after birth while they are still at the medical center; the newborns’ mothers are cared for by their OB/GYN or midwife. Newborns require an initial exam and follow up exams by a family practice or pediatric provider. Circumcisions are also provided by the pediatric provider.
Silker currently practices at Guthrie County Hospital with clinic days in Panora and Stuart. She remains affiliated with Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, and will support newborn needs for the medical center in addition to her current clinic practice.
According to vice president of medical affairs Dr. Jon Van Der Veer, who was instrumental in this new partnership, “Bringing Dr. Silker on board is a great asset for the New Beginnings Birth Center and the medical center.”
“We are thrilled we were able to fill this immediate need so quickly after McFarland Clinic’s recent cancellation of their pediatric coverage contract with the medical center,” stated chief nursing executive Katie Heldt. Both Heldt and Van Der Veer noted that with the addition of Silker, a coordinated care approach for both mother and infant will include the OB/GYN or midwife, Silker and anesthesia staff to assure the best care is provided to both mother and infant.
