Our team at Paedicare comprises two specialist endocrinologists dedicated to providing expert care for children and adolescents facing endocrine conditions. Both Dr Yassmin Musthaffa and Dr Dallas Fowler are unique in that they are trained in Paediatric Endocrinology and have done additional training in General Paediatrics.
This is exceptionally rare in Queensland. This additional training means that our endocrinologists can provide comprehensive care for your child’s endocrine needs while also addressing any general paediatric concerns they may have. This dual training allows our endocrinologists to take a holistic approach to your child’s health, ensuring that all aspects of their well-being are carefully considered and managed.
Drawing from our personal experience as parents and professional experience within the public health system, we have expanded our services to offer tailored private care that meets the needs of your family. Our mission is to deliver up-to-date, multidisciplinary treatment that addresses a range of endocrine disorders with a customised approach.
Our dedicated duo (Yassmin and Dallas) are experienced in managing various endocrine conditions, including thyroid disorders, growth and puberty disorders, pituitary gland disorders, adrenal gland disorders such as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, and adrenal insufficiency. We also specialize in addressing calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid, and vitamin D disorders, as well as genetic abnormalities associated with hormonal disorders like Klinefelter’s and Turner’s Syndromes. We also offer comprehensive, empathetic management of weight concerns, and can guide your children through medical solutions for weight management.
What is an endocrinologist
An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to hormones and the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a complex network of glands throughout the body that produce and regulate hormones, which are chemical messengers that control many bodily functions. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, pituitary disorders, reproductive hormone disorders, and more.
Growth concerns
There are many factors that can influence children’s growth and development at different stages of their lives. These can include genetic factors, nutrition, chronic illness, bone or hormone disorders. If you have concerns about how your child’s height and weight are tracking, it is useful to refer to growth charts for boys and girls. These are average anticipated growth patterns, plotted according to children’s age and gender, creating a percentile curve. Growth charts that are used in Australia, can be accessed via these links:
If you have concerns about your child’s height, whether they seem too short or too tall compared to their peers, your GP can provide initial assessment and guidance and, if necessary, refer you to a paediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation. In general, earlier intervention (if appropriate) will produce better growth outcomes.
Puberty concerns
Puberty is the natural process of physical and hormonal changes that occur as a child’s body transitions into adulthood. It marks the period of sexual maturation and typically begins around ages 8 to 13 in girls and ages 9 to 14 in boys, although the timing can vary widely among individuals.
If you have concerns about your child’s puberty, whether it’s delayed, early, or otherwise concerning, it’s important to seek guidance from your general practitioner (GP) as a starting point. Your GP can provide initial assessment and advice and, if necessary, refer you to a paediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation and management.
Thyroid concerns
The thyroid gland and its hormones play a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being by regulating metabolism, growth, development, body temperature, heart function, brain function, and hormonal balance. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to a variety of health problems, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which can affect many aspects of health and require medical treatment.
If you have concerns about your child’s thyroid function or any thyroid-related symptoms, seeking guidance from your general practitioner (GP) is the first step. Your GP can assess the symptoms, perform initial evaluations, and if necessary, refer you to an endocrinologist or another specialist for further investigation and management. Here’s how you can seek help if you’re concerned about your child’s thyroid:
Weight concerns
Obesity in children is a complex and multifactorial condition that requires a comprehensive approach addressing genetic, environmental, lifestyle, physiological, and psychosocial factors. Successful treatment often requires a combination of dietary modifications, increased physical activity, behavioural interventions, family support, and access to specialised care tailored to the unique needs of each child. Several leading paediatric medical organisations recognize obesity as a chronic disease that requires medical intervention and long-term management. It is not just a lack of will-power. Recognising obesity as a disease helps reduce stigma, promotes access to evidence-based treatment, and emphasises the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to prevention and management.