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Kathryn Halyko, MD

  • Pediatrics

Accepting New Patients

UnityPoint Provider


  • Hospital Affiliations:
    • St. Luke's Hospital
  • Languages Spoken:
    • English

About Kathryn Halyko, MD

Education
Undergraduate Education
  • Knox College, Galesburg IL: BA - Neuroscience, with minors in dance and chemistry
  • Medical School
    • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago IL: MD
    • Residency
      • University of Iowa, Stead Family Children's Hospital
Focus Areas
  • Pediatrics

Biography

Why did you become a physician/provider? It allows me to combine my love of working with children and my desire to help people live healthier lives.
As a provider, what is your medical philosophy? I believe providing effective medical care is best achieved through strong and nurturing relationships. In many situations, there is more than one option, and one size doesn't fit all families. Good health outcomes come from open discussions and working together. I focus on providing comprehensive care to keep healthy kids healthy. I also serve as a resource to families for the newest safety guidelines, as well as strategies for coping with developing children's day-to-day activities including tantrums, biting and bedtime refusal. In addition, I reassure parents that they are doing the best for their children. On the occasions when a child isn't healthy, I try to diagnose the problem early, then provide treatment and support, and navigate them to a specialist if needed.
What type of care/clinical interests are you most passionate about? I am most passionate about preventing illness. Prevention is easier than treating illness after it develops. It includes vaccinations and healthy habits, which start with teaching kids at young ages. I love to guide families down healthy paths.
Why did you choose your specialty? I have always loved working with and being around children. I never tire of the child thought process and what they say. It is inspiring to watch them grow.
What qualities best describe the care you provide your patients? I am a guide and collaborator. I use my knowledge and my connection with patients and families to provide high-quality health care.
Being a healthcare provider, what drives/motivates you each day? I have the ability to help shape the long-term health of children as they grow into productive members of society.
What is the most important thing patients should know about you and your practice? I am passionate and love to watch children and families as they grow. I give encouragement to parents when they are doing all the right things, reassure them when their children are healthy and provide treatment for illness and ailments when necessary. 
Personal interests: I married one of my good friends, Mike, from my childhood after we reconnected in medical school. We began our family with the rescue of our dog, Sheldon. We have since welcomed two beautiful children, Logan and Elyse, who have captured our hearts completely. We love spending time together, especially cooking, baking and trying new foods. We enjoy playing outside, swimming, going for walks and riding bikes (with our helmets on, of course). I also love reading or listening to audio books, doing puzzles and drinking coffee.

  • Preventive care
  • Vaccines
  • Well-child and adolescent visits
  • Sports physicals
  • Common colds and ailments
  • Asthma
  • ADHD
  • Depression and anxeity
  • Obesity
  • Guiding parents through normal growth and development