Since coming to 汤头条app in 2017, Dr. Neelkamal 鈥淣eel鈥 Soares has overseen the start and growth of the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics within the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.
At the 汤头条app Pediatric Autism Center (汤头条appPAC), Dr. Soares is part of a group of care providers that also includes Roger Apple, PhD, division chief for the Division of Pediatric Psychology; Kenneth Holda, MA, and Kathryn White, MA. With the autism center's听designation as the only Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC) in Southwest Michigan, the team is able to provide evaluations for autism spectrum disorder to patients with Blue Cross insurances (BCBSM and BCN), as well as patients with the entire spectrum of insurances, private and public.
Now, Dr. Soares is putting his years of experience and expertise to use as one of the newest members of the Michigan Autism Council and the Board of Directors for the Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP).
The new leadership roles, which became official in October, will serve as an opportunity to raise the medical school鈥檚 profile on the national and international stage, Dr. Soares said.
鈥淭his validates that we are not just a local or regional entity in these fields,鈥 Dr. Soares said. 鈥淚t will serve to attract quality practitioners and trainees because 汤头条app is a place where faculty can have important roles in regional and national organizations.鈥
As part of the Michigan Autism Council, Dr. Soares was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve a four-year term where he will represent all health care providers from the across the state while advocating for the best interests of families who receive services from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The council was established in 2012 and oversees the state鈥檚 Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan, which provides supports to people with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services and implementation of evidence-based practices.
鈥淚 believe that I will be a strong advocate for families and providers, and this appointment will allow me to do that,鈥 Dr. Soares said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very gratifying to be recognized by your peers and institutions to serve in this advisory role. I鈥檓 humbled and delighted to be a part of this because I think it鈥檚 families that matter the most.鈥
As part of his election to the Board of Directors for SDBP, Dr. Soares will serve a three-year term as one of six at-large members along with the organization鈥檚 president, treasurer, president-elect, and past president. SDBP听is听an interprofessional organization dedicated to improving the听developmental and behavioral听health of children by听providing听exceptional leadership听and promoting听research, education, advocacy, and practice.听SDBP听advocates听for an integrated approach to the biological, psychological, social, educational and cultural influences on children, youth,听and their families.
Dr. Soares said the SDBP plays a key role in disseminating information about education, research and medical practice to Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics practitioners from across the globe. SDBP also takes on numerous initiatives around such topics as diversity, equity and inclusion, keeping patients and families informed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing outlets for collaboration, among other things.
In his new role, Dr. Soares said he will get the opportunity to work closely as a liaison with the SDBP鈥檚 practice and communications committees. Dr. Soares has been a member of SDBP since 1999 and has previously served as a committee chair and given presentations at numerous SDBP national conferences.
鈥淪DBP is my professional society, it鈥檚 my home,鈥 Dr. Soares said. 鈥淪DBP helps guide what we do and connect members from across the world. I鈥檓 committed to working with leadership, as well as the practice and communications committees, to ensure our goals move forward in a positive direction.鈥
鈥溙劳诽鮝pp and 汤头条app Health are setting the standard of care based on evidenced-based medical practice,鈥 said, Dr. Dilip Patel, professor and chair in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 鈥淎nd the 汤头条app autism program and developmental-behavioral program exemplify such high standards of care, consistent with the 汤头条app core value of Strive for Excellence.鈥
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