Dr. Krisztina Judit Balazs, MD

I had worked part time for Kaiser Permanente for almost a year before joining as full time physician in May 2005. I am a pediatric hospitalist, which means that I work in the hospital and provide care for sick newborns and children admitted to the hospital. I also attend high risk deliveries to provide help for the babies if necessary. My maternal grandparents and great grandfather were physicians. I decided to become a pediatrician when I was in the hospital with a pneumonia at age fourteen. I had always loved children and had no doubt in my mind from that point that pediatrics is what I want to do. I graduated from Semmelweis Medical School in Budapest, Hungary. After working for two years at a children's hospital in Budapest, I was offered a pediatric residency position in Detroit, Michigan. That's how my family moved to the United States. I love my job. I feel honored to be able to provide care for babies and children. Working as a pediatrician for Kaiser Permanente makes my job …even more enjoyable: I have my independency, backed up with wonderful colleagues and a full support system. I am very proud to be a physician in a system where for every employed doctor there are 7 applicants! Our Pediatric Hospitalist Team is awesome; there are six of us and I am so proud to be a part of this group. Our comeradery and friendship are priceless to me. Throughout my career I have worked extra time in newborn intensive care unit. If I had to pick a favorite interest, caring for newborns would be it, although I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of pediatrics. I have four children and a grandson. Several years ago I home schooled for two years. I loved teaching and learning with my sons!

I have always wanted at least three children, and I decided to become a pediatrician at age fourteen. Well, instead of three children, I am the prod mother of one girl and three boys! I also followed my dreams to become a pediatrician. I love children. Being a doctor is very challenging and rewarding. I feel very lucky to be able to love and enjoy my work every day!

I am a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and Sonoma County Medical Association. My special interest is in newborn intensive care and also in preventive medicine. After my children are grown, I am planning to go to countries in the Third World and help children there. I will have to go to high places (Ethiopia, Ecuador), because I am rather allergic to insect bites, so tropical weather would make me quite miserable. I graduated from Regis University's MBA with emphasis on health care management a few years ago. I had started the school with a hope to understand (a little) better all the challenges and changes the US health care faces today. I am glad the school is over, but I certainly have gained a lot of understanding and knowledge.