Monica Hegedus, MD, has joined the staff of the PeaceHealth Medical Group’s pediatrics clinic on Valley River Drive. She earned her doctor of medicine from Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and completed her pediatric residency at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. She is board certified in pediatrics. She most recently worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as an urgent care pediatrician. She was drawn to pediatrics after an early interest in life sciences and a connection with her pediatrician led to a job shadow opportunity. “I strive to help children and their families feel comfortable and also try to have a little fun during their urgent care visits,” she said. “In addition to helping patients feel better for their acute medical issues, I believe it is important to incorporate prevention where I can to help patients lead healthier and happier lives.” The combination of the sense of community and easy access to nature in Eugene/Springfield, and PeaceHealth’s mission attracted her and her husband to the area. Dr. Hegedus can also speak Hungarian. In her free time, she volunteers with animal rescues, gardens, and hikes with her husband and dog.