Most parents think rushed well visits and weekend trips to urgent cares where no one knows their child is just a fact of life. It's "normal" that the situations requiring the most support—like the late-night fevers that land your family in an ER waiting room for three hours—feel stressful and chaotic, often ending without a clear answer or a plan.

But it doesn't have to be that way. With Sollis Pediatrics, launching in Palm Beach later this month, our South Florida community will soon have unlimited access to a Concierge Pediatrician that knows their child by name, not by chart.

We're proud to welcome Dr. Carrie Stucken to Sollis Health. A board-certified pediatrician and faculty physician with almost two decades of experience, she's the kind of doctor that families dream of.

A Career Built on Real Relationships

Dr. Stucken grew up in New York, studied human development and family studies at Cornell, and went on to earn her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine. Her residency took her through the Boston Combined Residency Program, splitting time between Boston Children's Hospital (a Harvard affiliate) and Boston Medical Center. From there, she practiced at both Boston Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia before relocating to South Florida in 2013, where she has spent the last 13 years building something that matters deeply to her: long-term patient relationships.

"The through-line in everything I do is relationships," Dr. Stucken says. "Pediatrics isn't just about treating illness. It's about knowing a child over time, understanding their history, their family, their patterns, so that when something comes up—whether it's a well visit or a scary 11 pm call—you're not starting from scratch."

That commitment extends beyond the clinic. Dr. Stucken is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of physicians. A mom to twin teenagers, she's also a pediatric parent herself. She knows what it feels like to need answers quickly and to want someone you trust on the other end of the phone.

Q&A with Dr. Carrie Stucken, Concierge Pediatrician

Philosophy & Approach

How would you describe your approach to pediatric care in one sentence?

My north star is building trusted, long-term relationships with families so I can provide thoughtful, compassionate, and personalized care that helps children thrive physically, emotionally, and developmentally. 

How long have you been practicing pediatrics and how has your experience shaped your perspective? 

I’ve been practicing pediatrics for 19 years, and my experience across many different settings has really shaped who I am as a physician. I started my career working in inner-city Boston and Boston Children’s Hospital.  I then worked at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and for the past 13 years I’ve been in private practice in South Florida.

I can honestly say that every stage of my career has made me a better doctor. Early on, I think it’s incredibly important for young physicians to care for a diverse population and see a very high volume of patients. That experience helps you develop pattern recognition, strong clinical instincts, and a deep understanding of how illnesses progress and how children and families respond differently.

Now, at this point in my career, I feel incredibly grateful to have that foundation of knowledge and experience. What excites me most is having the time and space to really share that experience with families to listen carefully, guide thoughtfully, and partner with parents in a more meaningful way. That’s a huge part of what drew me to this opportunity.

How do you think about the relationship between a pediatrician and a family?

I believe one of the most meaningful things I can do as a pediatrician is help guide and support families through all stages of childhood—from infancy to adulthood—not just medically, but emotionally as well. Being trusted during both the joyful moments and the challenging ones is a privilege. Being a part of these moments is something I am looking forward to having more time to do! 

How do you stay current? Are you seeing things shift in pediatric medicine right now?

Staying current is one of the most fun parts of pediatrics. I love to learn, so going to conferences and reading are intellectually stimulating to me. I try to go to the national American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference every year, as well as smaller local conferences to network with subspecialties in the area. There is a shift in pediatrics right now to more focus on prevention and also on mental health. It is a very exciting time to be a pediatrician! 

What's your philosophy on prescribing antibiotics?

I think antibiotics are wonderful medications—when they’re truly needed. They have saved countless lives, and there are absolutely times when they are the right treatment. But antibiotics can also cause harm, including side effects like diarrhea, allergic reactions, and contributing to antibiotic resistance, so I try to use them thoughtfully and carefully.

My approach is really centered around education and shared decision-making with families. We talk through what is most likely going on, what the risks and benefits of antibiotics are, and whether supportive care and close monitoring may be the better option initially.

One of the things I especially value about the Sollis model is the ability to follow up closely with families. Because I can check in and reassess how a child is doing, we don’t always have to rush to antibiotics immediately. Sometimes careful observation is the best medicine—and if a child truly does need antibiotics, we can start them at the right time.

What's something about your approach that you think makes families stay long-term?

Strong relationships! I love watching the kids grow. 

Developmental Milestones & Child Behavior

What's your philosophy on sleep training? At what age do you start that conversation?

My philosophy on sleep training is that it’s very personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child is different, every parent is different, and every family has different comfort levels, needs, and dynamics. My role is really to support and guide families through that journey without judgment.

There are a few things that I consider non-negotiable from a safety standpoint—most importantly, safe sleep practices, like always placing babies on their backs to sleep and following safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Beyond that, there is a wide range of normal when it comes to sleep habits and sleep training approaches. Some families prefer a structured method, others take a more gradual or responsive approach, and some choose not to formally sleep train at all. We can talk through the options together and figure out what works best for your child and your family.

I usually start having conversations about sleep very early, even in the newborn period, because healthy sleep habits develop over time. But more formal discussions about sleep training often begin around 4–6 months, depending on the baby’s development and the family’s goals.

How do you approach introducing solid foods—do you have a preferred method or timeline?

I typically recommend introducing solids around 4–6 months of age, depending on a baby’s developmental readiness cues, such as good head control and showing interest in food.

In terms of approach, I’m very open-minded. Many families do well with a combination of traditional purees and baby-led weaning, and I think there are benefits to both. My philosophy is really that there is no one right way to feed a baby.

Most importantly, I want families to feel supported and not judged. Feeding infants can become surprisingly stressful for parents because there is so much information and so many opinions out there. My role is to provide families with evidence-based guidance and help them make informed decisions that feel right for their child and family. My goal is to help families introduce foods safely, support healthy eating habits, and find an approach that works well for their child and their family dynamics.

What's your approach to potty training?

Potty training is a big developmental milestone, and it’s something I’m very happy to help guide families through.

My general philosophy is that potty training works best when we follow the child’s developmental readiness rather than forcing a strict timeline. Every child gets there at a different pace, and there is a very wide range of normal. I try to help families recognize readiness cues, troubleshoot challenges, and create a low-pressure, positive environment around the process.

What behavioral concerns in toddlers do you take seriously vs. tell parents are a phase?

I take all parental concerns seriously. One of the most important parts of pediatrics is listening carefully to families, because parents are with their children every day and often notice subtle changes long before anyone else.

That said, toddlerhood is also a stage filled with enormous emotional, behavioral, and developmental growth, so many behaviors that feel very concerning in the moment can actually be part of normal development. Tantrums, testing limits, separation anxiety, strong emotions, sleep struggles, and picky eating are all very common at this age.

My role is to help families sort through what is developmentally typical, what may simply be a phase, and what might warrant closer monitoring or further evaluation. I never want parents to feel dismissed or embarrassed for bringing up concerns. Even when a behavior is likely normal, families still deserve guidance, reassurance, and support.

And if something does seem outside the expected range, early recognition and intervention can make a huge difference, so having those conversations early is always worthwhile.

How do you approach early signs of autism or sensory processing differences? What does your screening process look like?

Early identification and early intervention are incredibly important, so developmental surveillance and screening are a routine part of how I care for children. I pay close attention not just to milestones, but also to how a child communicates, interacts socially, plays, responds to sensory input, and progresses over time. I also listen very carefully to parents, because often families notice subtle differences before they can fully describe them.

In terms of formal screening, we use evidence-based developmental and autism screening tools at recommended ages, while also continuously monitoring development during routine visits. But screening is never just about checking boxes on a questionnaire—it’s about looking at the whole child in the context of their environment and development over time.

If there are concerns about autism, speech delays, sensory processing differences, or other developmental issues, my approach is proactive and supportive. Sometimes that means closer follow-up, sometimes referrals for therapies or evaluations, and sometimes simply monitoring over time. My goal is to guide families thoughtfully through the process without causing unnecessary fear, while also making sure children receive support as early as possible if they need it.

Most importantly, I want families to feel comfortable bringing up concerns early. No question or concern is ever too small when it comes to development.

What should a parent do if they just think "something is off with my baby" but can't quite articulate what?

I always tell parents: trust your instincts and talk to me. Parents know their children incredibly well, and sometimes they can sense that something is off even before they can clearly explain why. I take those concerns very seriously.

My approach is that we will figure out the next step together. Sometimes the answer is straightforward, and sometimes it takes time, observation, or further evaluation to fully understand what’s going on—and that’s okay. Medicine is not always about having an immediate answer; it’s about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, following closely, and partnering with families through the process.

 

 

What Makes Sollis Different

What does concierge pediatrics actually mean and how does it change the experience for a family? 

To me, concierge pediatrics means more personalized, accessible, and relationship-based care for families. It allows pediatric care to feel less rushed and more connected.

In a traditional practice model, doctors are often balancing very large patient volumes, tight schedules, and administrative demands. Concierge medicine creates the opportunity for families to have more direct access to their pediatrician, longer visits, easier communication, and more continuity of care. And at Sollis, there is a WHOLE team!

For families, I think it changes the experience because they feel truly known. There is more time to discuss concerns thoroughly, whether it’s a newborn feeding question, anxiety in a teenager, school issues, nutrition, sleep, or complex medical concerns. Families don’t feel like they have to squeeze everything into a few rushed minutes.

It also allows for more proactive and preventive care. Instead of just reacting when a child is sick, we can focus on overall wellness, development, mental health, lifestyle, and supporting families through all stages of childhood.

What excites me most is that it brings the relationship back to the center of pediatric care—and I think that benefits both families and physicians.

What does "peace of mind" mean to you as a pediatrician and how does Sollis actually deliver on that?

As a physician, peace of mind means helping families feel that they are supported, heard, and never alone when it comes to their child’s health. Parenting can be wonderful, but it can also be incredibly stressful and overwhelming, especially when a child is sick or something feels uncertain.

What excites me about Sollis is that the model is truly designed to provide that reassurance. Families have direct access to care, more time with their physician, close follow-up, and the ability to reach experienced medical professionals 24/7. That level of access and continuity helps families feel confident that they can get guidance and care when they need it—not days later.

I also think peace of mind comes from relationships. When a physician really knows a child and family over time, care becomes more personalized, thoughtful, and proactive. Families feel comfortable asking questions, and together we can make decisions in a calmer, more informed way. Ultimately, peace of mind is not just about having access to medical care—it’s about feeling cared for.

What will the panel size be at Sollis compared to a traditional pediatric practice and why does that matter?

One of the things I’m most excited about in joining Sollis is having a smaller patient panel than in a traditional pediatric practice. In many traditional settings, pediatricians are caring for thousands of patients, which can make it challenging to spend as much time with each family as we would ideally like.

At Sollis, the smaller panel size allows me to really focus on each individual child and family. It means more time during visits, more availability for follow-up questions, and the opportunity to provide truly personalized care rather than feeling rushed from one patient to the next.

I think that matters because good pediatric care is about much more than treating illness—it’s about building relationships, understanding a child over time, and helping families feel supported and heard. Having the time and flexibility to do that is incredibly meaningful to me as a physician.

What does it mean to have a "care team" rather than just a single doctor?

It means your child is never dependent on one person's availability. When you're a Sollis member, your family is known—by your primary pediatrician, yes, but also by the broader clinical team who has access to your child's full history. So if Dr. Stucken is unavailable and your child comes in at 9 pm with a high fever, the physician who sees them isn't starting from scratch. They know your child has a penicillin allergy, that they've had three ear infections this year, that you've been monitoring a murmur. That context changes everything about the care we can deliver. 

Can you explain how Sollis Health combines primary, urgent, and emergency care for kids and why that matters for families?

Most families are used to navigating a fragmented system: a pediatrician for well visits, an urgent care for weekend illnesses, an ER for anything serious. Each of those touchpoints is disconnected. 

At Sollis, all three exist under one roof, within one relationship. Your child's primary care physician is also connected to the team who's on call for an urgent issue at 8 pm, and they have full ER-level diagnostic capability if something more serious presents. That continuity—one team, one record, one environment—means we're not just more convenient. We're more accurate, more responsive, and, frankly, less scary for kids who already know us. 

Access, Availability & Continuity of Care

How does having 24/7 urgent & emergency care as part of the same membership affect how you care for patients as a primary care pediatrician?

One of the most reassuring parts of this model is that families have access to care 24/7, including urgent and emergency care, all within the same system. As a pediatrician, that changes how I care for patients because I know they have somewhere trusted to turn at any hour—not just during office hours

For families, I think it reduces a lot of stress and uncertainty. Parents often struggle with questions like, Should I wait until morning?, Do I need the ER?, or Am I overreacting? Knowing there is immediate access to experienced medical care provides tremendous peace of mind.

It also improves continuity of care. Instead of care being fragmented across multiple urgent cares or emergency departments, there is communication and collaboration within the same team. That means I can better understand what happened during an urgent visit, follow up appropriately, and continue guiding the child’s care afterward.

I also think it allows us to be more thoughtful and individualized in our decision-making. When you know a family has strong access and follow-up, you can often manage situations more carefully and proactively rather than practicing defensively. Ultimately, it creates a more connected and supportive experience for families.

Are you the only pediatrician at Palm Beach, or will my child sometimes see someone else?

I will personally see your child for all well visits and ongoing preventive care, because building that long-term relationship and continuity is very important to me.

For sick visits or urgent concerns, depending on the time of day, availability, or what is going on medically, your child may sometimes be seen by another member of the Sollis team. One of the benefits of this model is that families still have access to care when they need it, even outside of typical office hours.

That said, communication and continuity remain extremely important. When another team member evaluates your child for an urgent issue, we work collaboratively so I can stay informed and continue helping guide your child’s overall care. I am the captain of your team.

Patient Relationships & Working with Parents

How do you handle it when a child is terrified of the doctor?

It is very important to recognize that being scared of the doctor is extremely normal for children, especially toddlers and young kids. My approach is never to shame that fear, but instead to help children gradually build trust and comfort over time. One of the unique benefits of the Sollis model is that the office is calm, less busy and chaotic, and there is little-to-no wait time, which can make children feel much more comfortable and less anxious.

I also encourage families to prepare children ahead of time in a playful, low-pressure way—reading books about doctor visits, practicing on stuffed animals or dolls, or role-playing parts of the exam at home. Those small things can really help make the experience feel more familiar and less scary.

And relationships matter tremendously. When children see the same physician over time and feel known and safe, visits usually get much easier. I always tell parents that crying, being upset, or resisting exams at certain ages is very common—and it truly does get better with patience, consistency, and trust.

How do you work with parents who like to do a lot of research before appointments?

I welcome engaged and informed parents. Most parents are doing research because they care deeply about their child and want to make the best decisions possible. My goal is never to make families feel dismissed for asking questions or looking things up.

At the same time, I know the internet can be overwhelming and sometimes contradictory or anxiety-provoking. One of the most important parts of my role is helping families sort through all of that information and understand what is evidence-based, what may not apply to their child specifically, and how to put everything into context.

I really view it as a partnership. I bring medical training, experience, and evidence-based guidance, while parents bring an intimate understanding of their child. The best decisions usually come from combining those perspectives together.

One of the benefits of having more time with families is that we can actually have those deeper conversations rather than feeling rushed through them.

Do you have relationships with child therapists or developmental pediatricians you trust and refer to? 

Yes. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with many excellent specialists in the community, including child therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other pediatric subspecialists.

One of the advantages of having practiced in South Florida for many years is that I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with many of these professionals and get a sense of who provides thoughtful, compassionate, high-quality care.

I also think referrals are about much more than simply handing a family a name on a list. My goal is to help connect families with the right fit for their child’s specific needs, personality, and situation.

And because mental health and developmental concerns can feel overwhelming for families, I try to help guide them through the process and continue partnering with them even after the referral is made. I really view care as collaborative and team-based.

 

Sollis Pediatrics will be available at our Palm Beach Center later this month. Learn more about this exciting membership and unlock complete concierge care for your child here.