Dr. Meredith Irwin knew she wanted to be a pediatrician since she was a child herself. “My dad was a nurse and worked in the nursing home industry, and so I was exposed to the healthcare industry through him,” she says. “I also loved my own pediatrician as a child.”
Today, she is a board-certified pediatrician. After working as a general outpatient pediatrician for eight years, she decided to take a different route after moving from Kentucky to Chatham, New Jersey, in 2022 with her family - husband, Justin Hurt, and children, 8-year-old Claire, twin six-year-old boys Dean and Everett, and Lily, their mini Golden Doodle.
“In my second job in Kentucky, I floated at different offices and filled in when needed,” says Dr. Irwin. “Some of the offices were busier than others, and I loved the offices that weren't as busy so I could spend an hour with new parents and their babies, and talk to them without feeling the pressure to rush to the next patient. Developing relationships with families has always been my favorite part of my job.”
To provide this type of care, she established Little Nest Pediatrics, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, in Chatham in February of this year. DPC is a healthcare model that prioritizes doctor-patient relationships, offering more personalized approaches to medical care. In addition to being able to spend more time with parents and children, parents have direct access to Dr. Irwin 24/7.
“It was five o'clock on a weekday, and I had a mom who was worried her child had an ear infection,” she says. “While I was willing to go to the child's house, I suggested that she use the camera we provide to take a picture inside the eardrum.”
Dr. Irwin could see right away that it was infected and prescribed an antibiotic. A 10-minute conversation was all it took to get her child's ear infection treated.
Another day, a patient's dad called because his child had cut his finger. She told him to bring him into the office right away. “I was able to just glue it in five minutes.”
This convenience factor is a great benefit, and so is knowing that you will always see the same doctor who is very familiar with your child.
Membership fees are reasonable, and in the long run, Dr. Irwin believes this model saves families money. “There are no copays, and you're not getting any surprise bills. I'm also saving families from unnecessary urgent care and ER visits, which come with added costs.” Parents can use their HSA [Health Savings Account] if they have one to pay the monthly fee as well.
Andi Guariglia, mother of 3-year-old Andrew, is happy she chose Little Nest Pediatrics for her son’s care. “As a parent with young children, you know that they never get sick at a convenient time, so being able to text or call Dr. Irwin quickly makes everything so much easier,” she says. “She’s even come to my house once or twice when it was easier for all of our schedules.”
Another parent, Sara McMahon, also highly recommends Little Nest. “As the parents of a baby and toddler [Noah 2 ½ and Camilla 7 months], it was important for my husband and I to find a pediatric practice that was truly a good fit for our family. Dr Irwin is incredibly kind, patient, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. Her approach and style of practice is a true breath of fresh air for busy parents who want to feel seen and heard when it comes to their children.”
Little Nest Pediatrics is also designed to be a welcoming and fun environment for kids. “As a mom of three kids, I know how miserable it can be to be stuck in a tiny little white room for no telling how long waiting for the doctor, so I wanted it to be a big open space,” says Dr. Irwin. “Kids can get up and move around, and there are toys for them to play with and keep them busy while I’m speaking with parents.” Afterwards, Dr. Irwin sends personalized visit summaries so parents don’t have to remember everything or take notes.
Instead of always examining children on the exam table, Dr. Irwin will sit on the floor where they're playing. At the end of every visit, they receive the key to the treasure chest. “There are various higher-than-average quality toys in the chest,” she says
Most kids, says Dr. Irwin, are upset when they have to leave. “It’s a happy place for them.”
To schedule a Meet and Greet with Dr. Irwin, go to LittleNestPediatrics.com.