retired Pediatrician, community health advocate and contributing blogger
Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. Her posts reflect pediatric topics like childhood development, family dynamics, and nutrition. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.
Dr. Elise J. Herman attending medical school at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and completed her residency at Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver Colorado.
Elise Herman, MD, joined other pediatric health care leaders for a panel discussion on “Insights from pediatric health care leaders on COVID-19 vaccines for children” hosted by the American Hospital Association (AHA), American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association.
Philosophy of Practice
I feel fortunate to partner with parents as they raise their children! I am passionate about the building blocks of good health – good nutrition, lots of exercise, adequate sleep, etc. Pediatrics is a fascinating field because we are lucky to be able to watch kids grow up!
Blog Posts by Dr. Elise J. Herman
Why Volunteering is Important for Your Child
Encouraging your child to volunteer is a great way to help them think of others. Depending on the activity, kids as young as 2 years old can be involved, and starting young helps instill a service attitude that your child will carry forward throughout their life. The benefits of volunteering are many, not only to…
The Importance of a High Fiber Diet for Kids
Kids have an increasingly processed diet, which contributes to higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as overall poor nutrition. There is another concern: inadequate dietary fiber. Fiber is very important for kids’ health and may play a role in decreasing colorectal cancer in young people, which although still uncommon, has alarmingly…
Sore Throats in Kids
As we move into fall, viruses and bacteria begin to circulate. Kids often complain of a sore throat this time of year, which is usually caused by a virus. Viral sore throat occurs with typical cold symptoms including runny nose, congestion, cough, low grade fever, and hoarseness. Because this is due to a virus, antibiotics…
Pediatric Influenza and Vaccination
As school starts up again, it is inevitable that kids will pass around lots of viruses, including influenza. Influenza (often called “the flu”) is a very contagious respiratory virus which causes fever up to 103-105 degrees, muscle aches, runny nose, and sore throat. A dry cough which can become severe is common, and fatigue is…
Help Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the way we feel about ourselves and is central to how we move through the world. If someone has high self-esteem, they feel confident and capable, and are more able to rise to a challenge and persevere. They can handle making mistakes, and do better overall in terms of school, work, and social…
Bee and Wasp Stings in Children
Being outside in spring and summer is terrific, but it does come with the risk of bee and wasp stings. It is important to know how to treat stings, what to watch for, and even better, steps you can take to decrease your child’s risk of being stung.