Dr. Jay Stuart Epstein, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician with over four decades of dedicated service in clinical pediatrics. He is recognized as a pioneer in establishing best practices and patient-centered care, especially for children with complex needs, such as visual disabilities. Throughout his career, Dr. Epstein has continually adapted his practice to the evolving healthcare landscape, earning him the honor of being named one of St. Louis’ Best Doctors for 13 consecutive years. This achievement reflects his relentless commitment to delivering top-tier care to children and families across the St. Louis region.

Dr. Epstein’s journey began at Emory University, where he completed his B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Physical Chemistry, before moving on to earn his M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine. Following his education, he underwent rigorous clinical training in pediatrics, completing both his internship and residency at Emory-affiliated hospitals. Early in his career, he took on a role at Medical City Dallas, honing his skills in private practice and solidifying his expertise in pediatrics, which later paved the way for his successful move to St. Louis.

Upon relocating, Dr. Epstein became a founding member of Forest Park Pediatrics in St. Louis, where he served as a primary care pediatrician and ultimately built a highly regarded private practice that remains a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in the community. His leadership at Forest Park Pediatrics spanned many roles, from establishing HR practices and policies to managing financial projections and reporting, all while providing primary care services for acute and well-child visits. Under his guidance, the practice thrived, demonstrating Dr. Epstein’s acumen for both clinical and operational management.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Epstein held numerous academic appointments at Washington University School of Medicine, culminating in his role as Professor of Clinical Pediatrics. He spent over 30 years contributing to resident education, with a focus on asthma control and community health programs. Dr. Epstein also served as a COPE Preceptor from 1992-2021 and held key positions on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Medical Executive Committee, where he contributed to initiatives that enhanced pediatric care standards across the institution.

Dr. Epstein’s passion for community health and advocacy has led him to volunteer his time and expertise with several organizations. As a board member of the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children with unique health challenges. He has also served in various advisory roles, including as Medical Director of Camp Manitowa, where he championed preventative health education and wellness. An additional role was the Medical Director of Health Foundations which was a collaborative relationship between Jewish Hospital (predated Barnes- Jewish Hospital), Jewish Hospital school of Nursing and the Jewish private schools of St. Louis.  This entity provided needed protocols for a variety of health related issues that the school faced as well as the development of policies for immunizations, required forms and any other school medical concern that came up.  He worked with an advanced practice nurse who provided the day to day management for the schools.  

A strong advocate for evidence-based medicine, Dr. Epstein emphasizes the importance of utilizing data-driven approaches in his work. His published research spans multiple topics, including asthma self-management and the role of telephone coaching in improving patient outcomes. His scholarly contributions have been featured in journals such as JAMA Pediatrics, Pediatrics, and Pediatric Nursing, establishing him as a thought leader in pediatric healthcare and preventative care strategies.

In recent years, Dr.  Epstein has embraced the rapidly evolving field of telehealth, hospital utilization review and collaboration with a nurse practitioner.  He was employed as a remote mental health provider to consult and treat adults with ADHD.  He currently works part-time for Optum health care as a remote physician advisor doing utilization reviews for in-patient admissions for hospitals that contract with Optum. He also works as a collaborative physician for a nurse practitioner whose primary care practice takes care of underserved patients with Medicare providing home visits and managing obesity and primary care in that same population.  These occupations have expanded his role as a medical practitioner and medical reviewer which provides different impactful solutions locally and remotely.

Throughout his career, Dr. Epstein’s motto, “If You Don’t Go, You Won’t Know,” has inspired his work and informed his interactions with patients, colleagues, and students alike. His dedication to the well-being of his patients, along with his commitment to advancing pediatric medicine, exemplifies the highest standards of healthcare practice. As he continues to contribute to the fields of telehealth, primary care, and medical education, Dr. Epstein remains a trusted advisor, respected physician, and compassionate advocate for children’s health.

Character:

Dr. Epstein’s integrity and compassion make him a deeply respected figure in pediatric healthcare, exemplified by his commitment to patient well-being and community service. His dedication to ethical practice and genuine care for families has earned him trust and admiration from colleagues and patients alike.

Knowledge:

With over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Epstein combines extensive knowledge in pediatrics with expertise in mental health and healthcare management. His scholarly work and hands-on approach to evidence-based care showcase his depth and adaptability in advancing pediatric health.

Strategic:

Dr. Epstein has successfully led and scaled a thriving private practice, adeptly navigating healthcare’s complexities, including shifting to telehealth and Medicare reimbursement strategies. His strategic approach in healthcare aligns operational excellence with patient-centered care, resulting in sustainable impact and growth.

Communication:

As both a published author and an educator, Dr. Epstein is skilled in translating complex medical topics into clear, accessible language. His collaborative approach fosters understanding and engagement among patients, medical students, and healthcare teams, enhancing overall care quality and cohesion.