Dr. Coleman Clifford always had an interest in science and working with children, so it seemed natural that he would become a pediatrician. “I had a close relationship with my pediatrician growing up and I think that helped spur my interest in medicine,” he explains. “Now that I am a pediatrician myself, I would like my patients to have the same kind of relationship with me.”

In his practice at Reliant Dr. Clifford enjoys getting to know children and their parents and watching families develop over time. “Parents always have great insights into their kids, they are really the experts,” he explains. “It’s great to work with them and assist them as best I can in raising a healthy family.” One of his favorite aspects of pediatric care is the longitudinal relationships that can be built.

Some of Dr. Clifford’s clinical interests include sports medicine, newborn health, behavioral health, and children with longstanding illnesses. Dr. Clifford did his residency training during the Covid-19 pandemic and saw many children dealing with anxiety and depression. “Mental health just became a huge problem at that time and many kids needed help,” he explains. “During that time, I came to appreciate the importance of treating patients as a whole, both in terms of their mental and physical health.”

Dr. Clifford worked in the Reliant Auburn office during his pediatric residency at UMass Medical Center and decided the team environment at Reliant was a great fit for him. “The great thing about Reliant is that we have a whole group of people who can help patients. In addition to the pediatric staff, we have very talented subspecialists, behavioral health providers and social workers we can call upon when needed. So, I just think it is a great place for a family to get pediatric care.”

In his spare time Dr. Clifford enjoys running, hiking, playing soccer, woodworking and traveling with his wife, who also works in medicine.