To better meet the healthcare needs of teenagers, Kristin Rager, M.D., MPH, FAAP, FSAHM, recently joined USA Health Pediatrics as chief of adolescent medicine and a professor of pediatrics at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. She will see patients between the ages of 12 and 25.

“I chose the specialty of adolescent medicine because I truly believe that the time between being a child and becoming an adult is the most significant time in our lives,” Rager said, adding, “There are so many choices that we are faced with that can affect our future health, happiness, and success…. The choices teens and young adults are faced with daily may have a ripple effect for their whole lives.”

She is double board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Rager was elected as a fellow of the academy in 2015. A member of the North American Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, she was elected a fellow of that group in 2011.

Rager was previously the owner of Rager Adolescent Health in Nashville. She earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and a fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Adolescent Medicine. She also earned a Master of Public Health degree from The Ohio State University College of Public Health, in Columbus, Ohio.

“I love having conversations to empower teens to make the healthiest choices they can,” she said. “And a bonus for me, having conversations with teenagers all day is always interesting and always fun.”

She treats various conditions including acne, ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, gynecological concerns, and sexually transmitted infections.

Rager will be accepting new patients beginning July 29 at USA Health Adolescent and Young Adult Health, located at 4300 Old Shell Road in Mobile. For an appointment, call 251-634-4589.