Pediatrics Spotlight: Brian Sharp

For over three decades, Brian Sharp, PA-C, has been a trusted advocate for children’s health. Offering pediatric care at Variety Care’s Mid-Del clinic, he has spent the last 23 years dedicated to the well-being of children and families in his community. His journey into pediatrics was driven by a lifelong desire to help kids and influence their growth and development.

“I’ve always wanted to help kids,” Sharp reflects. “I’ve always kind of related to them, and as I went through medical training, I realized pediatrics was the best fit for me.”

A Passion for Pediatrics

With 33 years of experience in general pediatrics, Sharp has cared for countless children from infancy through adolescence. His work goes beyond treating physical ailments, he sees his role as a guide and supporter for families navigating the challenges of raising healthy kids.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is watching children develop and thrive. “You see people start as children and then reach their full potential,” he says. “I really enjoy watching families grow.”

Building Trust with Families

Trust is a crucial element of Sharp’s practice. He understands that many parents have concerns or differing views on medical care, and he approaches each family with empathy and understanding.

“I want parents to know that I’m here to help, not to judge,” he emphasizes. “Sometimes we don’t always agree, and that’s okay. My job is to provide the best medical advice available and support families in making informed decisions.”

His approach is to foster open conversations and allow trust to develop over time. “You have to build relationships over time,” he explains. “I really enjoy being face to face with the families and really getting to know them better.”

Addressing Hidden Health Concerns

Beyond treating common childhood illnesses, Sharp and his team often identify underlying issues that parents may not be aware of. Mental health concerns, developmental delays, and even cases of abuse can sometimes come to light during routine visits.

Sometimes parents will bring their child in to discuss congestion or another topic, but end up talking about other health risks.

A Day in the Life in Pediatrics

Every day in Sharp’s clinic is different. Half of his time is spent on well-child checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care, while the other half is dedicated to sick visits—addressing everything from high fevers to chronic stomach pain. His favorite age group to work with? Infants and young school-age children.

“I like the 2-to-6-month-old stage because they still smile and don’t cry when you touch them,” he jokes. “But I also really enjoy school-age kids when they start to show their personalities more.

Advice for Parents

Sharp encourages parents to find a healthcare provider they trust. “It’s important to have a provider you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to you and is there when you need them,” he advises.

One of the biggest barriers he sees is access to care, especially for families who fall into coverage gaps. Variety Care works hard to bridge those gaps, whether through financial assistance programs or accessible communication options like MyChart.

“We had a patient whose family didn’t qualify for Medicaid and couldn’t afford private insurance,” he recalls. “Through United Way funds, we were able to help her son get treatment for an ear infection.”

The Heart of Variety Care

After more than two decades with Variety Care, Brian Sharp remains committed to its mission of providing quality, affordable and accessible health care for all. “Variety Care creates an avenue to do what I’m supposed to be doing,” he says. “Jobs that are worth doing are not always easy, but this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

Through patience, trust, and genuine care, Brian Sharp continues to make a difference in the lives of his young patients—one checkup at a time.