Southcentral Foundation Expands Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Services for Statewide Access

By Marketing Specialist Stephanie Smith

Southcentral Foundation’s expansion through the Alaska Subspecialty Pediatric Network aims to enhance specialized pediatric care statewide.

Earlier this fall, Southcentral Foundation launched an expansion of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes services, now available to children from birth to age 18 across Alaska. Designed to support families statewide with hormone-related health needs, the expansion means more access to early diagnosis, specialized treatments, and ongoing management of complex endocrine conditions.

With the addition of two pediatric endocrinologists, two nurses, and a second pediatric diabetes educator, SCF has increased access to quality care and personalized support. Virtual appointments make it easier for families, even in remote areas, to connect with experts without the need to travel.

“We hope that this expansion will improve access to pediatric endocrinology care across the state and set the foundation for a sustainable, long-term solution to meeting the needs of our community,” SCF Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Rachel Kerford Lescher said.

SCF’s Alaska Subspecialty Pediatric Network aims to meet the growing needs of families, offering improved access to specialists equipped to manage a range of pediatric endocrine conditions. Pediatric endocrinologists have specialized training in how glands and hormones affect infants, children, and adolescents.

“The endocrine system is a connection of glands that are sending messages, which are hormones, throughout the blood stream to tell the rest of the body what to do,” Lescher said, explaining the crucial role hormones play in guiding growth, development, and overall health.

Hormonal issues, often lifelong and sometimes present at birth, can impact various aspects of a child’s health, including growth and pubertal development. If a child is not growing as expected or shows signs of an endocrine disorder, a visit to a pediatric endocrinologist may be necessary.

“We want to assure you that your child’s health needs come first and the whole team is working hard to meet those needs as our state grows,” Lescher said.

A key priority of the expansion was maintaining continuity of care, ensuring children experience smooth transitions and uninterrupted care, even with changes in their care team. This approach has supported families in receiving consistent guidance through every step of their child’s journey.

For more information or questions about pediatric endocrinology and diabetes services, families are encouraged to contact their primary care team.  Interested in meeting the Alaska Subspecialty Pediatric Network team? Visit here!