Zest Is Expanding. Again. But Why?
By Drew Hertz, MD — Zest co-Founder and President
This month, Zest announces the expansion of our network with the addition of two new offices and three new doctors. My friends often ask me, “Why are you growing?” The answer is in our mission.
Zest was founded with the intent of “saving pediatrics.” That is a bold mission. Some may think overly ambitious. We think it is desperately needed — and long overdue.
Both families and pediatricians are frustrated with the current system: rushed appointments, poor doctor continuity, and the inability to reach someone you know when you need them most. Families are not getting the care they deserve.
And for pediatricians, this is not what they envisioned when they went to medical school. They don’t have the time to provide the care they were trained to provide. They want to listen, to think, to collaborate with families. They want meaningful patient relationships that support the whole child — growth, development, and long-term health, not just illness management.
The insurance-based system is not serving either families or pediatricians. Pediatrics needs saving.
We expand wherever we find a physician who shares our values and where families are desperate for a better option.
That is what Zest is doing. That is why Zest is growing. That is why Zest is expanding.
Drew
