Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is actively expanding its specialized pediatric services, recently initiating a search for a board-certified or board-eligible Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician to join the team at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This recruitment effort comes as the health system continues to integrate its operations following its transition to become part of Jefferson Health, a merger that has significantly broadened the scope of professional development and academic collaboration available to clinicians in the region.
As a physician, I have seen firsthand how the landscape of pediatric subspecialty care is evolving to meet the complex needs of modern families. The role of a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician (DBP) is increasingly vital, serving as a bridge between clinical diagnostics and the long-term, multidisciplinary support required for children navigating developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges. At the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital—the only children’s hospital in the region—the incoming specialist will join a robust, high-acuity clinical environment designed to provide comprehensive care from infancy through adolescence.
Building a Collaborative Clinical Framework
The position is not merely a clinical role but an opportunity to help shape the future of pediatric behavioral health in eastern Pennsylvania. The hospital, which features a well-established Pediatric Residency Program with eight residents per class, places a strong emphasis on quality improvement (QI) initiatives and leadership development. For a physician, this environment offers the rare ability to influence patient care pathways while working alongside a diverse team of specialists, including pediatric neuropsychologists and habilitation therapists.
Support for the DBP practice is structured to reduce the administrative burden that often plagues subspecialists. The network provides registered nurse support and primary care coordination, assisting with essential tasks such as drafting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) orders, managing laboratory workflows, and integrating habilitative services. This infrastructure is designed to streamline the evaluation and intervention process for conditions involving sleep, toileting, emotional regulation, and communication needs, including standardized testing such as ADOS and DAYC-2 assessments.
The clinical resources available at the facility are extensive, supporting a high-acuity patient population. These include:
- A 40-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- A newly renovated 12-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with 24/7 in-house intensivist coverage.
- A dedicated Children’s Emergency Room that handles over 25,000 patient visits annually.
- A pediatric-certified burn center and a Level II pediatric trauma program.
Professional Growth and Regional Impact
The integration of LVHN into the Jefferson Health system has introduced new avenues for academic and clinical growth. Clinicians within the network now have access to educational opportunities through Thomas Jefferson University, a significant benefit for those looking to balance patient care with research or teaching. The Lehigh Valley area itself, situated approximately 60 miles from Philadelphia and 80 miles from New York City, offers a unique professional setting that combines the resources of a major medical hub with the atmosphere of a growing, accessible community.
For those considering the move, the health network offers a comprehensive benefits package intended to support long-term retention. This includes competitive salary structures, student loan support through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (for eligible employers), and full reimbursement for medical licensing and malpractice insurance. These incentives are part of a broader strategy to attract top-tier talent to the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, which has been part of a network recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its “Best Hospitals” rankings for 23 consecutive years.
Navigating the Path to Application
Candidates interested in this position must be fellowship-trained in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and possess, or be eligible for, a Pennsylvania medical license. The selection process is managed internally, and the network emphasizes a commitment to equal opportunity, ensuring that recruitment, selection, and professional advancement remain free from discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other protected classes.
The current recruitment effort is led by Senior Clinician Recruiter Kyle Rickert, who can be reached at [email protected] or 484-375-7307 for those seeking specific details regarding the application process. As the healthcare sector continues to address the growing demand for pediatric behavioral health services, roles like this one at LVHN represent a critical checkpoint in expanding access to specialized care.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
As the recruitment cycle continues, interested candidates are encouraged to review the official LVHN about page to better understand the mission, values, and ongoing initiatives within the network. We invite our readers to share their thoughts or experiences with the evolving state of pediatric behavioral health in the comments below.
