At Children’s International Pediatrics in Picayune, MS, we have both the children’s and their parent’s best interests at heart. Our pediatric clinic provides a relaxing atmosphere for our patients while they wait and receive care. Your child deserves the best pediatric care possible and Children’s International is Here For You. Call 601-215-8060 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or nurse practitioner at our Picayune clinic.
Pediatrician in Picayune, MS
2003 Wildwood Dr.
Picayune, MS 39466
Phone: 601-215-8060
Fax: 833-884-7663
Pediatric Clinic Hours
Monday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Telehealth Video Visits Now Available!
Medicaid & Private Insurance Accepted
Children's International Pediatrics
Pediatrician in Picayune, MS
Picayune (North) Pediatric Services
Annual Well Visits
Children grow rapidly, requiring periodic check-ups with your pediatrician to oversee developmental progress and identify any underlying health complications that may be present.
Sick Visits
Throughout childhood, children get sick and it’s important that you bring your child in to see your pediatrician or nurse practitioner as soon as possible so we can provide your child with immediate, thorough care to help them feel better quickly.
Sports Physicals
Sports physicals are preventative screenings routinely used to verify a patient’s physical health and ability to safely participate in athletic activity.
Nutrition Counseling
At Children’s International, we believe in treating the whole person – not just a disease. Preventative care is a foundational part of our practice.
ADD/ADHD
Millions of children and adults across the country suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Pediatric Clinic Providers & Staff
April Ross, M.D.
General Pediatrician
April Ross, M.D. received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Spring Hill College and her Doctor of Medicine at University of South Alabama Medical School. She completed her pediatric residency at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital and was the Chief Resident at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Her favorite hobbies include reading, shopping, traveling, and decorating. Dr. Ross is most inspired by her mother and her favorite superhero is the lasso wielding Amazonian princess, Wonder Woman. Some of Dr. Ross’s patients might be excited to know that she is a collector of Barbie dolls! Her favorite quote is: “You only live once! Trust god and go for it!”
Brian Padgett, APRN, FNP- BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Brian Padgett, a family nurse practitioner with 11 years’ experience, joined Children’s International in September of 2021 and is excited to begin his journey to the Pediatric outpatient space. Brian started his medical career when he joined the Army National Guard and served eight years. His time as an LPN brought him to Mississippi by way of V.A. Hospital in Biloxi. He then went to William Carey where he graduated with honors and received the Crusaders Award before obtaining his Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Southern Mississippi on December 9, 2010 and passed the AANP certification exam on February 20, 2011.
Learn More About Dr. Padgett
In June 2011, Brian was employed by Covington County Hospital working at Family Care Express. In addition to his full-time clinic position in the clinic setting, he was also responsible for sick call rounds at Veterans Nursing Home in Collins, MS. Brian received his Telemedicine training in emergency care from UMC in Jackson, MS in 2011. In March 2019, Brian started working for Fast Pace Urgent Care providing both acute and chronic care for adult and pediatric patients, physical exams, including but not limited to, sports physicals, military, pre-employment, work, adoption, Non-DOT and DOT and basic type physicals.
Brian’s love for medicine started while he was young. He grew up in West Terre Haute, Indiana. His father was a Pentecostal preacher and hauled trash to provide for his wife, a fulltime mother, responsible for the care of their 15 children. Brian was “Lucky 13” of this huge family with seven brothers and seven sisters. He and his family spent many hours ministering to the elderly at the local nursing homes. He loved the feeling of helping people.
In Brian’s free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out at the gym, gardening, fishing, camping, and traveling.
Carla Penton, APRN, FNP-PC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Carla is a Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has nine years of primary care pediatrics experience. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1984 from the University of Southern Mississippi; with membership in Sigma Theta Tau honor society. She earned her Master’s in Family Practice from the University of South Alabama in 2009. Carla is a member of the MS Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Carla was a school nurse at Pearl River Central Elementary and Middle Schools for nine years. Before that, she was employed as a staff and charge nurse at Slidell Memorial Hospital in the Pediatrics, Nursery and Obstetrics department. Carla has precepted numerous area students, investing in their goals of becoming nurse practitioners. She also enjoys being married for 36 years to her best friend Bruce, who is a retired teacher and coach. Carla and Bruce have three daughters, two sons in law, and four grandchildren.
Amber Kelley
Pediatric Office Manager
Bio coming soon…
Who We Are
We are more than just a pediatric clinic; we are a family committed to providing our patients with the best pediatric care available. At Children’s International in Picayune, MS, we have both the children’s and their parent’s best interests at heart. We promote physical and emotional well-being through comprehensive and personalized medical care and maintain an active role in each of the communities we serve. Call anytime during clinic hours to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or nurse practitioner.
Family-Centered Pediatric Clinics
At Children’s International in Picayune, healthcare is synonymous with family. Once you and your child walk through the clinic doors, you are home and we are here to take care of you the same way we would take care of our own family members.
Comprehensive Care
We offer a large variety of preventative, primary, and specialty care services to ensure that your child receives thorough health care. For more information about the comprehensive medical services we offer, see our pediatric services page.
Mission Statement
We are committed to making a difference in your child’s life by offering exceptional patient care in a nurturing and professional environment to our patients, parents, and the communities we serve.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the number one choice for pediatric services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatricians And Nurse Practitioners
What Is A Pediatrician?
Pediatricians are doctors who manage the health of your child, including physical, behavior, and mental health issues. They’re trained to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.
Pediatricians have an education that gives them special skills to take care of your child’s health. They graduated from medical school and completed a 3-year residency program in pediatrics before working as a pediatrician in a pediatric clinic.
What Does A Pediatrician Do?
They’ll see your child many times from birth to age 2 and once a year from ages 2 to 5 for “well-child visits.” After age 5, your pediatrician will continue to see your child every year for annual checkups (aka well visits). They’re also the first person you should call when your child is sick.
To take care of your child, your pediatrician will:
- Do physical exams
- Give your child vaccinations
- Make sure your child meets milestones in growth, behavior, and skills
- Diagnose and treat your child’s illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems
- Give you information about your child’s health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs
- Answer your questions about your little one’s growth and development
- Refer you to specialists if they think your child needs expert care.
Does My Child Need A Pediatrician?
Some reasons why your child needs a pediatrician are:
- They have years of special training in children’s health.
- They only see children in their practice, so they have a lot of experience in recognizing and treating childhood illnesses.
- If your child was born early or has a health condition that needs close monitoring, a pediatrician may offer more specialized care.
How Much Education Does A Pediatrician Have?
A pediatrician must first graduate from medical school before going on to specialize in the field of pediatrics. They need to complete four years of college, then four years of medical school, and then three or more years in an accredited residency program for pediatricians.
How Much Education Does A Nurse Practitioner Have?
For a Nurse Practitioner, their 4-year degree must be in nursing. After earning a BSN, they complete a master’s degree program that trains them to be a nurse practitioner (NP). NP degrees can take 2 to 4 years to complete.