DR. CURT PARNES AWARDED Pro-LC “PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR”

DR. CURT PARNES AWARDED “PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR”, PENNSYLVANIA LACTATION CONSULTANT’S HIGHEST AWARD

January 8, 2013, Philadelphia: The Pennsylvania Resource Organization for Lactation Consultants (PRO-LC) has chosen Curt I. Parnes, M.D to be the 2013 “Physician of the Year” for his “outstanding advocacy which supports, promotes, and protects breastfeeding.”  Board certified in Pediatrics, Dr. Parnes has over 26 years of experience and has been with Abington Pediatric Associates since 1985.  Dr. Parnes attended Franklin and Marshall College, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and trained at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.  He has won a number of awards, including NCQA Physician Practice Connections - Patient Centered Medical Home and Bridges to Excellence Medical Home Recognition 2014.   

Nominated by Colette Acker, IBCLC of the Breastfeeding Resource Center (BRC), Dr. Parnes has been a strong supporter of breastfeeding in their community, serving on the board of directors of the BRC for 8 years, most recently as President.  In an effort to support local businesses that have a big impact on the health of the community, Dr. Parnes and his wife Susan have been generous financial donors as well.  He also partners with the PA American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Education and Support team, charged with promoting and educating healthcare providers to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates and encourage exclusivity for the first 6 months.  With current evidence-based knowledge, physicians are able to support breastfeeding and improve the health outcomes of their patients.  Recent research links lower rates of diabetes and obesity with exclusive breastfeeding for six months. 

Abington Pediatric Associates has an impressive amount of timely and accurate breastfeeding information on their website at http://www.abingtonpeds.com/resources/breastfeeding.asp further evidence of Dr. Parnes’ commitment to the health of the families he serves.  Dr. Parnes frequently refers his breastfeeding couplets to the International board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for help, if needed, to ensure his patients achieve their personal breastfeeding goals.

To read more on breastfeeding and the Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding.

Dr. Curt Parnes will receive the award at the PRO-LC meeting January 14^th in Willow Grove, PA.  For more information, contact Colette_BRC@comcast.net or to find a lactation consultant in your area, please visit www.pro-lc.org.