LIVE LIFE BETTER Dr. Rachel Dawkins: Keeping Your Children Healthy
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In this episode of Live Life Better, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomed Rachel Dawkins, MD, FAAP to talk about children's health, from newborn to teen. Parents in the greater St. Petersburg area now have a new option for pediatric care—one designed to bring back the time, access, and personal relationship many families feel has been lost in modern medicine. In August 2026, Zest Pediatrics of St. Pete opened at 425 22nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg, led by well-respected local pediatrician: Rachel Dawkins, MD.
Dr. Rachel Dawkins, MD is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who has been doling out “hugs and stickers” to children for nearly 20 years. She believes pediatric care should feel personal, unhurried, and truly centered on the needs of each child and family. She is passionate about partnering with parents, advocating for children’s health, and helping families navigate everything from newborn care to adolescence. She is also a certified sleep consultant and certified lactation counselor, further reflecting her dedication to comprehensive, family-centered care.
- A Pinellas County native, Dr. Rachel graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at St. Petersburg High School before attending the University of Miami for both undergraduate and medical school. She completed her pediatric residency at Louisiana State University/Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, where she also served on faculty.
- Dr. Rachel returned to St. Petersburg in 2014 as medical director of the outpatient pediatric clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She has been a trusted voice in local and national media on topics including vaccines, infant care, and seasonal health concerns, and she remains actively involved in leadership roles within the AAP. She also serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay and the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
- Outside of medicine, Dr. Rachel is an 8th-generation Floridian, a proud aunt, and dog mom to her rescue pup, Tuck. She’s a devoted fan of the Miami Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tampa Bay Rowdies, and still returns to New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras.
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