Dr. Kevin Strong has taken over the pediatrics practice of Dr. Edna Sayat in Rockport. He was previously in private practice in Fairfield, Conn.

When Strong and his wife, Amanda, decided to move to an area with a less hectic lifestyle, they found the choice an easy one. "This was my favorite job offer and my wife's favorite community, so it was doubly attractive," he said. "The other pediatricians as well as everyone I've met professionally at Penobscot Bay Medical Center are just great."

"My goals are to doctor, and to educate," said Strong. "Pediatrics is not just ear infections and child mishaps. There is also the emotional component – depression, anxiety. Amanda is a pre-kindergarten teacher. She and I are hoping to make a positive contribution through educating families about healthy living, emotionally as well as physically."

Strong majored in psychology as an undergraduate at Duke University, and in his senior year decided to become a pediatrician. "I knew I wanted to work with kids, and I also found that I liked science, particularly physiology," he said. Strong went on to get a medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He did his pediatric residency at the University of California at San Diego.

When Strong joined the practice of an older pediatrician, Dr. Charles Hemenway, in Connecticut, he learned skills not taught in medical school. "He changed the way I conducted my physical examinations as well as my observational and history-taking skills," said Strong. "And he taught me about humility, too – the ability to listen to other views and consider alternative diagnoses."

Strong has taught health education in the public school and done volunteer work for youth outreach programs for many years. He received the Big Brother of the Year award in 2006 from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut.

A competitive swimmer in college, Strong still likes to swim as well as sail and surf – rumor has it that he has already surfed Popham Beach. Amanda likes cooking and dancing. Both look forward to becoming involved in the community once they find a home in the area. The Strongs have two young children – Tristan, 3, and Audrey, 15 months.

Dr. Strong's office is located at 731 Commercial St. (Route 1) in Rockport; the telephone number is 594-2222.