In recent years, national attention has turned to the growing strain on pediatric healthcare systems across the United States. Rising developmental concerns among children, compounded by a shortage of specialized professionals, have left many families struggling to access timely and comprehensive care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental disabilities—including conditions affecting speech, learning, and motor skills—now affect more than one in six children. Simultaneously, reports of pediatric nutritional challenges, including micronutrient deficiencies and feeding disorders, continue to rise, particularly in communities already facing barriers to healthcare access.
As the demand for early interventions grows, a Florida-based company is preparing to introduce a new approach focused on bridging the gap between preventive knowledge and everyday care. Marques de Almeida Consulting, which will operate out of Hallandale Beach, is being developed to provide customized guidance, education, and health strategy tools that align with national pediatric needs. Its model will emphasize early developmental support, nutrition, and accident prevention—factors that research consistently links to improved long-term health outcomes when addressed in early life.
Underlying this initiative is the recognition that current infrastructure often falls short in addressing the daily realities of caregivers and educators. Despite the availability of clinical guidelines, many families report difficulty translating recommendations into routine practice, especially in underserved or overstretched communities. The shortage of pediatric specialists further complicates the landscape. By 2036, the U.S. is expected to face a deficit of over 3,000 pediatricians, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Meanwhile, pediatric nutrition services—essential for supporting children with allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, or developmental delays—remain scarce in many regions.
The company’s founder, pediatric nutritionist Juliana Couto Arruda de Almeida, brings more than two decades of pediatric experience from Brazil, where she has worked across hospital emergency units, specialty clinics, and public health outreach programs. In addition to a medical degree and board certification in pediatrics, she holds a postgraduate qualification in pediatric nutrition from Boston University. Her career has combined direct patient care with roles in health education and professional mentoring, all informed by a deep interest in preventive medicine.
“For many families, the challenge is not just accessing care, but knowing what to do day to day when health concerns arise,” said Almeida. “My hope is to make evidence-based guidance more usable, particularly for those who don’t have easy access to specialized services.”
Marques de Almeida Consulting will be structured to deliver preventive education in formats designed to reach both individual families and community-based institutions. Rather than operating as a clinical service provider, the company will focus on developing practical resources—such as digital lessons and structured health training—that can be integrated into existing systems like schools, daycare centers, and local health programs. These resources are expected to include webinars, video courses, and mobile tools that reflect current research in child health and development, allowing for broad dissemination without reliance on one-on-one care models.
This approach is particularly relevant in light of the country’s uneven distribution of pediatric services. While urban centers often support specialized care networks, rural and economically disadvantaged areas face systemic access limitations. Marques de Almeida Consulting is being planned to extend reach into these spaces by using technology to bypass physical infrastructure constraints. In doing so, it may help reduce the burden on healthcare facilities while supporting early intervention outside of clinical settings.
In parallel, the company will also aim to contribute to professional development efforts among educators and healthcare workers. Given the projected decline in pediatric workforce availability—driven in part by declining interest among medical students and lower financial incentives compared to other specialties—Marques de Almeida Consulting plans to prioritize mentorship and training as part of its operational model. The intention is to enhance institutional capacity by equipping local professionals with strategies tailored to preventive pediatric health.
By aligning its methods with national public health frameworks, including initiatives such as Healthy People 2030, the company’s long-term vision includes potential collaboration with public schools, healthcare systems, and community networks. Its work will not replace existing care models but seeks instead to augment them by providing actionable tools that can be implemented outside the bounds of direct medical care.
Though Marques de Almeida Consulting has yet to begin operations, its planned structure and goals reflect a response to pressing and well-documented gaps in American pediatric care. If successful, its contributions could extend beyond the populations it directly supports, helping to inform future models of health education and preventive outreach nationwide.
