Lt. Cmdr. Scott Berkheimer, a pediatrician serving at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, was named Navy Pediatrician of the Year by the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Uniformed Services (AAP SOUS) in October 2026, recognizing his professional accomplishments and dedication to caring for military-connected children and families.
The recognition honors a Navy pediatrician for contributions to pediatric medicine and patient care. Nominated by the pediatrics department at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Berkheimer was selected following a review of nominees' professional accomplishments and curricula vitae by the AAP SOUS.
For Berkheimer, the recognition carries particular significance as an acknowledgment from fellow medical professionals.
"It is incredibly validating to be selected for this award," Berkheimer said. "I struggle with feelings of imposter syndrome, and it reassures me to hear that my other professionals think I am doing well enough to be recognized as the Pediatrician of the Year for our community."
At Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, Berkheimer provides medical care to infants and children, balancing primary care appointments with responsibilities in the hospital's newborn care services.
On an average week, he serves on pediatric duty call two to three days, attending deliveries to provide immediate medical attention or resuscitation when necessary and overseeing the care of newborns admitted to the hospital.
Outside those responsibilities, much of his workday is dedicated to preventive care, routine examinations and addressing the medical concerns of young patients and their families. While the responsibilities are extensive, Berkheimer said the opportunity to work with children makes the profession especially rewarding.
"I was drawn to pediatrics by how fun it is," Berkheimer said. "I get to work with kids all day, and it genuinely makes me smile every time I get to interact with them."
That enthusiasm extends beyond treating illnesses and injuries. As a parent himself, Berkheimer understands the importance of helping families navigate medical concerns and ensuring children receive the support they need to grow and thrive.
"Nothing is more gratifying than when I am able to help a worried parent or a struggling child find the care and support they need to begin to thrive again, and that is what makes me continue to work my hardest here at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms," he said.
Providing pediatric care in Twentynine Palms also presents challenges unique to the installation's remote location in the Southern California desert.
Serving military families in the geographically remote Twentynine Palms community requires additional coordination to ensure children have access to specialized medical services when needed. Berkheimer said some specialty appointments may require families to travel to larger medical facilities elsewhere in Southern California.
To help families navigate those challenges, Berkheimer works closely with specialists at Naval Medical Center San Diego to coordinate care, seek expert guidance and, when possible, reduce the need for patients and their families to travel for additional evaluations.
Building trust with young patients is another essential part of providing effective pediatric care. Rather than approaching examinations as strictly clinical encounters, Berkheimer incorporates play, conversation and age-appropriate participation to help children feel comfortable.
For younger patients, that might mean turning an examination into an interactive activity. Older children are encouraged to participate in discussions about their health and become active members of their own healthcare team.
Shared interests also help establish connections.
"It also helps that I am a nerd with children of my own, so I share or at least am familiar with a lot of interests kids have," Berkheimer said, citing trading cards, kids shows and video games as examples of topics that can help build rapport.
Although the award recognizes individual achievement, Berkheimer emphasized the importance of professional training, mentorship and the support of colleagues.
He credited the Pediatrics Residency Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego with providing a strong foundation of clinical knowledge and professional relationships that continue to benefit his patients at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms.
"The Naval Medical Center San Diego Pediatrics Residency program provided excellent training and connections that continue to serve me every day," Berkheimer said.
The recognition also highlights the role Navy Medicine pediatricians play in supporting the health and well-being of military families, ensuring children receive compassionate, high-quality healthcare while their parents serve.
For medical students and future physicians considering pediatrics, Berkheimer offered a simple message about the rewards of the profession.
"It's the best career," Berkheimer said. "There is no other field where you get to have as much fun as in pediatrics. And there is nothing more rewarding and gratifying than helping children."
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Twentynine Palms operates Defense Health Agency military treatment facility Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, which delivers safe, high-quality healthcare to service members and their families. The command supports the health and readiness of warfighters at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, the Marine Corps' largest live-fire training installation, while readying Navy Medicine personnel to provide expeditionary medical support around the world.