Leslie Austin Rust, MD, FAAP

For me, what makes pediatrics the absolute best specialty is the opportunity to see my patients grow and develop into their amazing, awesome, and unique selves.

I love meeting parents at the beginning of this journey, partnering with them to make the best choices for their family and child, and watching those kids grow into young adults. That relationship is what makes my days in the clinic the best.

I place a high value on thoroughly explaining treatment care options and collaborating with parents and patients on medical decisions. I feel that education is the key to ongoing wellness, positive developmental milestones, and disease management.

Parents are their child’s primary advocate and they know them best! Respecting the parent’s perspective is critically important as we collaborate to make decisions. With older kids, I really listen to concerns and spend time developing a relationship.

Outside of work, I enjoy trail running, mountain biking, and taking road trips with my husband and our lovable and crazy Australian Shepherd.