Laura Kester Prakash, M.D., M.P.H.
Specialties
Pediatrics
Adolescent Medicine
Department
Title
- Associate Professor
- Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program
Reviews
Glassrock Building
2521 Stockton Blvd., Suite 3200
Sacramento, CA 95817
Driving Directions
Primary Phone:
916-734-3112
Primary Care Center
Call for Information
,
Driving Directions
Primary Phone:
916-874-9670
Additional Phone Numbers
Physician Referrals: 800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284)
Philosophy of Care
As an adolescent medicine sub-specialist, I'm deeply passionate about the care and health of my patients. Adolescence is a period of substantial physical, psychological, cognitive, and moral development. It is a time of significant transition where young people grow, discover, and experience new and exciting, but also challenging things.
I'm dedicated to working with my patients to address the large variety of their concerns to work towards building healthy, thriving, and resilient adolescents and young adults.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Kester is a board-certified pediatric and adolescent medicine sub-specialist who focuses on providing primary and consultative care to adolescents. She specializes in treating patients with acne, menstrual disorders, contraception, sexual, gynecological, and reproductive health services, eating disorders, weight concerns and obesity, gender health services, substance use, depression and anxiety.
Research/Academic Interests
Dr. Kester's education interests resolve around adolescent, young adults, and resiliency building.
Division
Adolescent Medicine
Center/Program Affiliation
Education
M.D., University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 2007
M.P.H., Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI, 2013
B.S., Biological Sciences, Mount Saint Mary's University, 2002
Internship: Pediatrics, Baystate Children�s Hospital/Tuft�s University School of Medicine, 2007-08
Residency
Pediatrics, Baystate Children�s Hospital/Tuft�s University School of Medicine, 2008-10
Fellowships
Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 2010-13
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics,
American Board of Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine,
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Pediatrics
Association of Pediatric Program Directors
Society of Adolescent Medicine
Honors and Awards
Residents Teaching Leadership, 2010,
Evidence-Based Medicine Teaching Award, 2009,
Abbott Award for Outstanding Oral Research Presentation, 2005,
Who�s Who in American Colleges and Universities, 2002,
Saint Catherine�s Medal � Service and Academic Achievement, 2000,
Select Recent Publications
The Effects of a Brief Intervention on Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Intention to Initiate HPV Vaccine in 18-26 Year Old Young Adults. Kester, LM, Shedd-Steele, RB, Dotson-Roberts, CA, Smith, J, Zimet GD. Gynecology Oncology Accepted December 2013
Association of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with Re-detection of HPV after Apparent Clearance. Shew, ML, Ermel AC, Weaver BA, Tong Y, Tu W, Kester L, Denski C, Fortenberry JD, Brown DR. Journal of Infectious Disease Accepted April 2013
A National Study of HPV Vaccination of Adolescent Girls: Rates, Predictors, and Reasons for Non-Vaccination. Kester LM, Zimet GD, Fortenberry JD, Kahn JA, Shew ML. Maternal and Child Health Journal July 2013.
Reproductive Health in Adolescent and Young Adult Women with Chronic Kidney Disease. Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease: From Diagnosis to End-Stage Disease. (Ch4) Laura M. Kester. 2019.
Diabetes Mellitus. Neinstein’s Adolescent and Young Adult Health: A Practical Guide, 6th Ed. (Ch13). Tamara S. Hannon, Laura Kester, Donald P Orr. 2016
Sexually Transmitted Syndromes. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases 4th Ed. Kester LM, Burnstein G, Blythe M. 2012
Using Hemoglobin A1C for the pre-diabetes and diabetes diagnosis in adolescents: can adult recommendations be upheld for pediatric use? Kester, LM, Hey H, Hannon TS. Journal of Adolescent Health April 2012