Dr. Ghada Harsouni, MD, IBCLC, was ready to venture out in a new direction in her care of mothers and children. In 2024, she launched her own practice, Honeybee Pediatrics and Lactation in Ann Arbor.
“I realized how much I loved spending time with patients, how I did not want to feel rushed, and how I liked to control my own schedule,” she said. “In this practice, I take on a very small volume of patients. I chose to do a micro-practice, which meant I could keep it more simple.”
Harsouni calls herself a one-person show. Answering phone calls? Returning texts and emails? Marketing? Scheduling appointments? She does it all.
“I do admit, it’s not an easy task I have taken, as I am always on call. But it’s very fulfilling,” Harsouni said.
As a mother herself, Harsouni has created a family atmosphere in her practice that often allows her to bring her own children to work.
“I love that children can play in the playroom while I’m talking to the parents because I’m already assessing their development. It also helps the children with their fear of going to a doctor because my office does not look like a traditional doc office at all! It’s a fun environment filled with bees, balloons, and lots of toys.”
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Harsouni also offers Mini Med School workshops for children ages four to ten, teaching them how to be a doctor for a day. Children participate in a white coat ceremony before beginning STEM-related activities where they learn about the body, germs, hygiene, nutrition, and even a mini-CPR. She also offers summer camps at various locations.
“This has been very popular and parents always reach out to ask when I will do different versions of the class, as their children enjoy it so much,” she said. “I hope to cater to older children and teens in the future.”
Get to know Dr. Ghada Harsouni
Tell us about yourself!
I am a pediatrician and lactation consultant in Ann Arbor.
Family?
Husband, two sons and one daughter.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in New York City, where I completed the majority of my schooling and training, and came to Michigan when my husband began a fellowship. We fell in love with the state as it is very family friendly…less traffic and much less expensive than NYC.
Career?
I worked in DMC Children’s Hospital for over seven years and loved helping the underserved. I was also the director of a refugee clinic in Hamtramck where we helped the uninsured catch up on their medical health.
Do you have a Mom superpower or hack that makes daily life easier?
Having a place for everything helps so much. Also, a bin with all the outside things by the exit helps. This bin has sunscreen, hats, socks, sunglasses, bug spray, diapers and so on.
If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?
Learning computer skills like spreadsheets will come in handy when I’m printing badges for the mini med school! Luckily my high school volunteers help me with this.
Which do you prefer: podcasts, books or movies?
I was a bookworm most of my childhood, taking books to the park with me, and reading late at night. My father had to come to my room to turn off the lights (he didn’t know about my backup flashlight). Now, with my three children, I barely have time to keep up with my social messages! But I do love a tangible book more than anything.
Any hobbies?
Balloon work and making giant flowers from crepe paper. I started learning how to make balloon arches, and launched a fun side gig (@bloomsbyhoneybee) on Instagram where I create balloon garlands.
You can be counted on to bring __________ to the potluck!
Honeycomb bread. Mom hack: I use frozen dinner rolls, stuff them with cream cheese, let them rise, and coat with honey or syrup after they bake.
Favorite local restaurant?
The Dixboro Project! My friends and I are obsessed with everything Dixboro!
Favorite hidden (or not so hidden) gem in the Ann Arbor area?
Little Break is pretty amazing. It’s founded by Ariel Wan, a mom who supports moms and dads. Parents can drop off their kids in the daycare and join in an adjacent work space. You can buy a day pass or a membership. Wan leads Power Lunches as part of the Mamas Network. I recommend joining and learning from the amazing women in our community.
Any quotes or mottos that inspire you?
Jill Churchill said “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” I have to remind myself of this constantly, as social media bombards us with moms who appear “perfect” but in reality no one is. We have to focus on the million ways to just be a good one.
What has surprised you about being a business owner?
The constant thinking- about taxes, cost of material, keeping up with invoices, learning the system. It can be overwhelming, but there is so much support in our community. We have to go out there, network, keep getting involved and help each other.
