Meet Our Doctors

ACCESSIBLE

As an independent, Direct Primary Care practice, We Work Directly For You.

We are NOT contracted with any insurance companies.

This great advantage allows for:

EXTENDED VISITS, every visit, taking the time you need to answer all your questions, without having to rush to the next room.
DIRECT ACCESS to your child’s pediatrician (no employee layers) via phone, text, email or video chat – where you need us, when you need us.
And… We do HOUSE CALLS!
We offer Home Visits for well newborns and sick children.
Ask us how it works!

PERSONALIZED

As Your Personal Pediatricians, Our Physicians:

– Work for you and with you, NOT for insurance companies or corporate systems.

– Bring back the doctor-patient relationship the way it should be, setting up a customized wellness plan for your child and overcoming challenges with you as a part of your family.

– Blend the Best of Science and Nature for the Best Care of Your Children.

– No more rushing, no more waiting, no more unanswered questions.
Just great medical care the way it was meant to be.

INTEGRATIVE

Our physicians are both trained in Integrative Medicine.

This specialty field respects the doctor-patient relationship, is scientifically-based and focuses on the whole person, not just a symptom.

It makes use of safe and effective therapies to achieve optimal health and healing, including medicine and surgery when needed.

This gives us a strong focus on wellness, using natural remedies and lifestyle guidance to promote optimal health in every child.

Our children are more challenged both physically and mentally today than ever before, and integrative medical care is the best approach to the health & life challenges our kids face.

Valerie Miles, MD, FAAP, DABOIM

In her first practice in Durango, Colorado, Dr. Miles was first introduced to the concept of “Holistic Medicine” – bringing together the best of modern medicine and traditional healing arts – by the parents of her patients, who inspired her to learn more about nutrition and additional approaches to keeping patients well. After four years in private practice in Colorado, she and her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1999 to be closer to family. In December 2000, she became one of the first physicians in the U.S. to be board-certified in Integrative Medicine.

In August 2000, Dr Miles established her private practice, Progressive Pediatrics (originally Holistic Pediatrics), integrating both modern and holistic medical worlds into primary care for children, with a strong focus on nutrition. Dr. Miles loves that she’s found much more success in helping families get well and stay well by practicing this way.

Dr. Miles is actively involved locally, nationally and internationally in educating both the public and her colleagues on topics in Integrative Pediatrics, and speaks on the topic of Nutrition Education all over North America for the Juice Plus Company. Dr. Miles has been married to her life’s love, Gregg, since 1987, and has one daughter, Rebecca, who is an amazing artist and entrepreneur.

Since 2018, she is following her passion to bring these years of experience to the wider world in person – creating ThriveWell Pediatrics with her long-time friend and colleague Dr. Dhanu Sant, and online – with ThriveWellPediatrics.com and RippleEffectPediatrics.com.

Dhanu Sant, MD, FAAP

Dr. Sant attended medical school at The Ohio State University. She completed her pediatric internship and residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Sant then joined a large 20 pediatrician practice. She was there for 10 years, became a partner in the practice and served as Vice President of Physician Education during her tenure.

Dr. Sant has sought out additional training in pediatric integrative medicine. Her interest in establishing an integrative practice was spurred by her concern about the increased use and side effects of many medications, as well as her deepening respect for the body’s natural healing capabilities. This led to Dr. Sant opening WholeKids Pediatrics, the first integrative primary care pediatric practice in central Ohio, in 2008. Dr. Sant has received training in the use of botanical and nutritional supplements. Based on each patient’s needs, Dr. Sant utilizes conventional medicines, natural medicines or both.

Continuing medical education in complementary therapies has allowed Dr. Sant to broaden her treatment options for both preventative and illness care. In 2008, Dr. Sant finished her yoga teacher training and infant massage training. In addition, she finished prenatal yoga training in 2015. Finally, Dr. Sant has completed an 18-month herbalism course in December of 2019. She is excited to offer herbal consults to patients and families as part of her integrative practice. She will continue to offer workshops that incorporate yoga, herbs and medicine to provide a holistic approach to health care.

Dr. Sant has relocated to Jacksonville, Florida from Columbus, Ohio. The move was precipitated by the need to help her aging parents and also a desire to live in a warmer climate. Dr. Sant and Dr. Miles have been friends and colleagues for many years. Their mutual interest in integrative primary care pediatrics led them to decide to partner to open ThriveWell Pediatrics in Jacksonville, Florida.