At the end of 2000, Drs. Vasko, McGaha and Traynham were practicing on Northbridge Drive as
'Northbridge Pediatrics' and were preparing to move into a newly built facility on Savage Road (our current
main office). Since the practice was moving out of the Northbridge area, it seemed to make the most sense
to change the name of the practice. Since the practice was moving closer to the plantation district and into
a building that looked more like a traditional Charleston house, the name 'Plantation Pediatrics' was chosen.
Fast-forward eighteen years to the end of 2018. Much has changed in that time. Our practice has grown
from one location to three across the greater Charleston area. We have added excellent providers to our
ranks and have grown from three physicians to eight physicians and one pediatric nurse practitioner. Much
has also changed in our world. Each of us as individuals and all of us as a practice have become increasingly
unsettled by the possible offense that our practice name might generate. For many, 'plantation' recalls
Charleston's history of slavery and racism. While the name was never chosen with any intent to alienate or
harm anyone, we would never want that to happen, even unintentionally.
Over the last few months, this conviction has become more pressing as each of us is committed to living in a
way that seeks to serve others and put others' needs above our own and not even allow a perception of
offense. While the easy thing would be to just plug along status quo, we are not called to do the easy thing
but rather the right thing.
We have labored for months to find a name that conveys our heart for our patients and their families. To
that end, we are excited to announce that effective early 2019, 'Plantation Pediatrics' will be known as
'Neighbors Pediatrics'.
Why 'Neighbors Pediatrics'? Well, the reason is simple. Neighbors are exactly what we want to be. Real
neighbors, not just acquaintances. Real neighbors care for one another and are there for each other in the
good times and the bad times. Real neighbors care for each other despite individual differences. Real
neighbors see each other as equals and work together for the common good of their community.
We desire to be true neighbors to all our patients and feel called to love them more than we love ourselves.
We have had the great privilege of caring for people from all over the world and from widely varied
backgrounds. We have watched your children grow and hopefully taken some of the fear out of parenting.
We have been able to travel the world and do the same in cultures on five continents as well. For all of
these reasons and more, we are here as 'Neighbors Pediatrics'.
As we make this exciting transition, our goal is to continue to deliver the same excellent, family-centered
care you have grown accustomed to receiving and to truly live up to our new name. Same doctors. Same
locations. Same staff. Same heart. New name. We look forward to being your Neighbors for years to
come. Thank you for the honor of caring for you and your families.
