We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lora Van Tassel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lora below.
Lora, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
One of my favorite stories to roll my eyes at from my childhood is my dad’s ambitious backyard landscaping project. With my brothers and I as his unpaid labor force, we spent an afternoon scrubbing river rocks clean, only to move them to the other side of the yard. While this task seemed laughable back then, it taught me a valuable lesson: vision alone isn’t enough. Hard work is essential to turning dreams into reality. While washing and moving rocks might seem like a waste of time, I now see the value in the effort. It’s the seemingly small or meaningless tasks that lay the foundation for success. Though I haven’t had to scrub rocks again, the work ethic instilled in me has been invaluable in various aspects of my life, including my role as the owner of Home Base Pediatrics.
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic through their role modeling. My dad worked in various jobs, but his passion always drove him toward entrepreneurial ventures. His accomplishments gave me the vision for my current practice and taught me the ability to manage many hats. My mom ran a successful home daycare, but what really defined her work ethic was her willingness to go beyond the “normal” for her business. She took in kids as early as parents needed and allowed extended hours as well. She was dedicated to making her client’s lives easier, even when it meant giving up her own comfort. She always used her creativity to design learning games for her daycare and coached good parenting skills. Her goal was always to improve the lives of the people around her, and that level of care went far beyond what most daycare providers offered. Through my parents’ personal and professional leadership, I learned the value of hard work.
Despite their demanding work schedules, my parents prioritized our extracurricular activities, encouraging us to participate in sports, clubs, and church events. They were always there to give rides, watch ceremonies and cheer us on. This commitment inspired me to stay busy throughout my school years and beyond. Their ability to balance demanding work schedules with being present for us taught me that true work ethic isn’t just about putting in hours—it’s about managing time and life in a way that lets you be there for the people who matter most. Both my parents worked tirelessly, but they also made sure we knew we were a priority, and that was perhaps their greatest lesson to my brothers and I.
The push that truly set my new pediatrics practice in motion came from my dad. From the moment I graduated medical school he encouraged me to own my life through starting a pediatrics practice. While it took me 8 years to embrace his advice and admit he was right, it finally did occur to me that no one would work harder to help me achieve my goals than myself. My mom’s incredible ability to form deep connections with people inspired my approach to patient care. Her talent for remembering details and showing genuine care has motivated me to build lasting relationships with my patients and their families. At Home Base Pediatrics, I strive to create a space where families feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and working together to achieve optimal health. Through my parent’s efforts and guidance, I am proud to say that I work tirelessly to ensure a happy healthy community by being part of my patient’s lives.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a mobile pediatrician, I offer a comprehensive range of pediatric services typically provided in a traditional office setting, all from the comfort of your home. This eliminates the need for time-consuming trips to the doctor’s office, allowing you to focus on your family. Imagine a convenient and stress-free experience, particularly for young children and busy families. Membership includes routine check-ups, developmental evaluations, vaccinations, and sick visits. Additionally, I offer urgent care services for common ailments like minor injuries, respiratory illnesses, and skin conditions. For new parents, I can perform newborn screenings at home, eliminating the need for stressful trips to the hospital or lab. Outside of my membership plans, I also provide specialized services such as circumcision for newborns and ear piercing for infants and children.
My medical expertise, coupled with my personal experience as a mother, allows me to offer compassionate and comprehensive care. My practice offers the highest level of pediatric care, ensuring your child receives the best possible attention. I’m not just a healthcare provider; I’m a trusted partner in your family’s journey. By visiting your home, I can truly understand your child’s environment and daily routines. This allows me to offer personalized advice and support, addressing your specific concerns and needs. In times of illness or uncertainty, I’m readily available to provide reassurance, answer questions, and guide you. I love providing personalized care and offering guidance on everything from nutrition and sleep to developmental milestones and behavioral issues. I’m here to support you during the ups and downs of parenthood, making healthcare accessible and convenient.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond the clinical expertise, I believe my joyfulness and love for community have been instrumental in my success as a pediatrician and entrepreneur. My genuine enthusiasm for interacting with families creates a positive and welcoming environment, making each visit a memorable experience. This approach has not only fostered strong relationships with my patients but has also encouraged them to share their experiences with others, contributing to the growth of my practice. By actively engaging with the community through various initiatives, I’ve been able to build a strong network of support and further solidify my reputation as a compassionate and dedicated healthcare provider. I love being a part of community events and social media projects as well as showing my support for the foundations and organizations that matter to my patients.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my practice has been the power of word-of-mouth referrals. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear parents rave about the convenience and personalized care my home-based pediatric services offer. When satisfied families share their positive experiences with friends and family, it truly resonates. They understand the value of having a pediatrician come directly to their home, especially for busy families or those with special needs children.
I love seeing firsthand how much families appreciate this approach. Often, I’ll be on the floor playing with a child, seamlessly conducting a developmental evaluation while we have fun. It’s a testament to the unique and personal touch of home visits.
Social media has also been a valuable tool for connecting with families. By sharing educational content and insights, I’ve been able to position myself as a trusted source of information. Partnering with Red Room Studios to create informative videos has allowed me to reach a wider audience and provide valuable advice to parents.
Ultimately, it’s the combination of personalized care and expert guidance that has driven the growth of my practice. By prioritizing the needs of families and delivering exceptional service, I’ve been able to build a loyal and growing client base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homebasepediatrics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebasepediatrics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeBasePediatrics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-van-tassel-2518202a4/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/home-base-pediatrics-phoenix-2
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@homebasepediatrics
Image Credits
Eric Pittman Photography