For more information contact:
Janel Thoune
Marketing Specialist
Bay Area Medical Center
715-735-4200, ext. 3117
jthoune@bamc.org

(Marinette, Wis.) – Children are seeing two new faces within the brightly colored walls of the NorthReach Pediatrics clinic. Jeffrey Urban, MD, and Lisa Ballou, FNP-C, have recently joined the clinic. They will use a team approach with Sandy MacArthur, MD, in providing a wide array of health services for infants, children and adolescents.

Dr. Urban is a board-certified Pediatrician who came to Marinette from Winona, Minn. where he spent six years in pediatrics practice. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Minneapolis. Dr. Urban served in the U.S. Navy in various capacities for six years, and then went on to complete his residency program in pediatrics from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Although Dr. Urban enjoys seeing a variety of general pediatric patients, he has developed expertise in the area of gluten intolerance (food intolerance to wheat). Both his wife and four of their children have gluten intolerance, and the family has adjusted their life accordingly knowing what the health affects are, and what types of foods are safe to eat.

He also stresses a variety of safety issues with his patients and parents, including the importance of wearing bike helmets and being aware of water safety.

“I also feel it is important to get insight from the parents,” Dr. Urban said. “I like to work with the parents to get their views of what is going on with their kids. I want the parents to be involved in decisions for their child’s care as well.”

With five children, Dr. Urban appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere and benefits of the Marinette-Menominee area. “This is a good place to raise kids,” he noted, not having to worry about the safety of his children while playing outside. “There are also good schools here, and we all enjoy the water.”

The water, outdoors and children’s activities were also a big hit for Ballou’s family. Her children are on the local YMCA Stingrays swim team and enjoy gymnastics and soccer as well.

“I am a big proponent of physical fitness and starting young. It is important to show children fitness activities that are fun, and that they can become part of your lifestyle.”

Ballou is the new board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner practicing with Drs. MacArthur and Urban at the NorthReach Pediatrics clinic. Prior to moving to Marinette, Ballou worked at the Illinois Center of Pain and Rehabilitation/Family Practice in Pekin, Ill.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Illinois in Chicago, and then later completed her Master’s in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Peoria, Ill.

Ballou brings a wide variety of experience to the NorthReach Pediatrics clinic. In addition to her 11 years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, she also has experience in neonatal and pediatric ICU care.

She will provide a complete range of children’s care including well checks, immunizations, preventative care, treatment for illnesses and sports physicals. She believes prevention, education, physical fitness and nutrition are the basis for good health.

Urban and Ballou may come from different backgrounds, but there are many things they agree on – including finding an approach that works best for each child and family. They also look forward to working with Dr. MacArthur as a team in providing health education and care for the community’s children.

All three providers are currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment at the NorthReach Pediatrics clinic, please call 715-735-5272.

Caption: Dr. Jeffrey Urban and Lisa Ballou, FNP-C, are the newest providers to join the NorthReach Pediatrics clinic along with Dr. Sandy MacArthur in Marinette.