Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 55 Meet the Benefi s Doctor Offering Highly Specialized Care for Children Dr. Marwan Bakhach is a pediatric endocrinologist who helps children grow into healthy adults—he treats patients as tiny as newborns and young people up to 21 years old with endocrine conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and obesity. Dr. Bakhach is one of only a few pediatric endocrinologists in our state. Why did you choose to practice in Great Falls, Montana? I've lived in large cities most of my life but always found myself retreating to nature and the outdoors whenever I had time. I was ready to move permanently to an area with close access to the great outdoors and wildlife. From a career standpoint, I believe my experience will be very rewarding because the region has great need for pediatric endocrinologists. Can you identify some of the health challenges faced by today's children? Rates of newly diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are increasing among today's youth. Also, research in the past few years suggests American girls are entering puberty earlier—some as young as six years of age. The phenomenon has been linked to specifi c pathologies, obesity, and even environmental toxins. What brings you joy in your practice? Success! Seeing a patient with type1 diabetes making it on a football team because their diabetes is under control, or a short child gaining extra inches and reaching an acceptable fi nal adult height—these are moments worth celebrating, and it gives me great pride to be part of it. Can general pediatricians also treat children with endocrine conditions? General pediatricians are the frontline for pediatric care, and as such, they often notice concerning signs and symptoms fi rst. They can start investigating the possibility of an endocrine disorder, but if an endocrine condition is highly suspected, the child should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for a thorough workup and ongoing management of the condition. How are you planning on reaching patients who don't have access to a nearby pediatric endocrinologist? Major health systems like Benefi s, along with many health insurance plans, are adopting the use of telehealth to deliver more immediate access to care for those who need it. Telehealth is the use of technology that enables providers to conduct virtual patient visits. Basically, it makes it possible for providers to treat and follow up with patients whenever needed and wherever the patient is, by using a computer or a smartphone. I'm excited about the greater impact we'll be making by doing regular telehealth consults with my patients. A tradition of advanced care. Learn more at Benefi s.org

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