Pediatric medicine takes center stage with Springfield Clinic’s newest locations. Springfield Clinic Peoria Lindbergh and Springfield Clinic Morton Pediatrics are led by four physicians who, while new to the Springfield Clinic team, have years of experience providing pediatric care.
Pediatric Passion + Convenient Locations = Happy Families
Springfield Clinic Peoria Lindbergh is led by David Akerele, MD, and Amanda Stovall, MD. Their passion for their patients is clearly visible in the fun and creative environment they create for their patients to receive health care. They are especially excited to offer walk-in services to improve convenience and provide timely care that fits in busy family schedules.
David Akerele, MD, is especially proud to be rooted in Peoria. “I didn’t even consider adult medicine; it was always pediatrics,” says Dr. Akerele.
Dr. Akerele’s motivation to pursue medicine was strongly influenced by his love for children. As a father of two children, Akerele knows the importance of compassionate, connected care with the patients and their caregivers. Dr. Akerele “enjoys being silly and playful,” and what child doesn’t want to see that in their physician?
Dr. Akerele has a diverse clinical background that includes working through the H1N1 epidemic during his pediatric residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, and the Ebola epidemic during his time at Emory University Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Akerele has been working as an infectious diseases consultant in addition to being a full-time pediatrician, volunteering at Aletheia Christian School to develop health care policies during the pandemic and manage COVID-19 in-school health cases. Dr. Akerele has been married to his wife Natalie for 13 years. He serves as a board member at Aletheia Christian School and is a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He loves reading, traveling with his family, producing music, and laughing with family, friends, and loved ones.
Amanda Stovall, MD, was inspired to pursue medicine by her high school basketball coach, who was also a psychiatrist. After shadowing him in the hospital, she knew she wanted medicine to be her profession. Dr. Stovall chose primary care because of the relationships that are formed in caring for children and families over time. Dr. Stovall says she especially enjoys caring for newborns and teenagers. “The newborn phase can be stressful. I love teaching new parents, empowering them, and helping care for their baby. Teenagers,” she continues, “in a similar light, are learning to take charge of their own health. Together with their parents’ support, I get to witness and support that transition and it’s a great thing!”
Dr. Stovall has two dogs and loves to be outdoors. She enjoys staying active, running, music, and cooking for her loved ones. She’s new to Peoria and says she’s enjoying getting to know her community and the area.
David Cross, MD, and Kacey Zobrist, DO, are leading the charge in Morton at Springfield Clinic’s other new pediatrics location—Springfield Clinic Morton Pediatrics.
“Morton is my home,” Dr. Cross remarks on why he wanted to provide care in central Illinois. Dr. Cross has spent his life in central Illinois and was always interested in math and science in school. When he decided to go into medicine, he chose pediatrics. “It’s so fun because you see them from the beginning to all development stages,” he says. There is “nothing more precious in life than kids, and to trust their health with someone else, getting to build those relationships with families and patients, it’s just so rewarding.” Dr. Cross is a school board member for the Morton community school district.
Dr. Zobrist remembers telling her parents while she was in kindergarten that she wanted to be a “kid” doctor. “I have a brother that’s eight years younger, and I was always playing mom,” she says. “My grandmother said if we were at any event, she would look for me by the babies. Because that’s where I would always end up. I’ve always just gravitated toward children. And I love this specialty because it’s not just the child you focus on, but also the family unit as a whole.” Dr. Zobrist and her husband have three young boys, and they stay active in sports activities and in the community.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help a child,” Dr. Zobrist states.
Expansion Continues Across Medical Specialties in Peoria
Thrilled to provide expanded pediatric care in Peoria, Springfield Clinic has planted roots in the Peoria community with 36 providers, nine locations, and outreach care in three additional locations. Springfield Clinic recognizes that collaborating with existing health care organizations in the market allows for better care in the community.
In April 2021, Springfield Clinic and UnityPoint Health entered into a collaborative agreement to expand each system’s providers for general surgery, breast surgery, bariatric and colorectal procedures, and other specialty services, which will increase the number of patients served and decrease the wait time to get those procedures. “We are excited to be able to give people in Central Illinois greater access to expert care by joining forces with the high-quality services offered by Springfield Clinic,” said Dr. Keith Knepp, CEO of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois. “Our goal is to partner with the great providers in this community so that patients can get the care they need close to home,” says Ray Williams, CEO of Springfield Clinic.
Springfield Clinic Peoria Lindbergh
Dr. David Akerele and Dr. Amanda Stovall
309-323-6068
Springfield Clinic Morton Pediatrics
Dr. David Cross and Dr. Kacey Zobrist
309-291-3380
For more information visit www.springfieldclinic.com.