Cameo Carter, MD, ABP, DABOM, FAAP, is a physician executive, healthcare advocate, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of leadership experience spanning clinical care, practice operations, healthcare innovation, and public policy engagement.

 

She is the Founder, CEO, and Medical Director of Garden Pediatrics, a thriving physician-led pediatric practice in Redlands, California, recognized for its high-touch, relationship-based care model and commitment to preventative health, community trust, and clinical excellence. She is also the Founder of Garden Wellness, a physician-led obesity medicine and metabolic health clinic focused on evidence-based medical weight management, preventative care, and long-term lifestyle transformation.

 

As a practicing board-certified pediatrician and board-certified obesity medicine physician, Dr. Carter brings a rare perspective that bridges frontline clinical care with executive strategy, systems redesign, and policy advocacy. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable healthcare models that improve patient access, support physician well-being, strengthen primary care infrastructure, and reduce barriers created by administrative complexity.

 

Dr. Carter is an active member of the California Medical Association and currently serves as the District II, District 5 Alternate Delegate, where she contributes to organized medicine, healthcare policy discussions, and advocacy efforts impacting physicians and patients across California. Her growing work in healthcare reform centers on affordability, preventative care, physician sustainability, and equitable access to quality care.

 

Beyond clinical leadership, she is a trusted voice in community relations, public affairs, and civic engagement, regularly speaking on the intersection of healthcare, parenting, public policy, and social advocacy. Through her platform DoctorLady, podcast, speaking engagements, and media presence, she translates complex healthcare issues into accessible public dialogue and mobilizes community engagement around the policies that shape family and child health.

 

Dr. Carter’s leadership experience includes healthcare consulting, advising health technology startups and established organizations, hospital and network committee leadership, strategic business growth, and community-centered program development. Her work sits at the intersection of medicine, leadership, public trust, and systems change.

 

She is passionate about building healthcare systems that are more humane, financially sustainable, and responsive to the communities they serve.

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Education & Medical Training

Dr. Carter’s journey began at La Sierra University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology, graduating magna cum laude with honors. She continued her education at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, earning her M.D. in 2003. Following medical school, she completed her Pediatric Residency at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital from 2004 to 2007, where she was recognized with the Jeanne Andrews Award as the Pediatric Ambulatory Medicine Resident of the Year. Post-graduate training has included a collaborative course through CHLA and the Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine through Harvard Medical School.

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Research & Curriculum Development

During her residency, Dr. Carter conducted research in business and pediatrics, assessing the business knowledge of new pediatricians and developing a curriculum to address gaps in residency training. This unique focus on both clinical care and the business of medicine has made her a sought-after consultant for new medical practices.

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Leadership & Professional Experience

Dr. Carter has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the Pediatric Section Chair at Redlands Community Hospital from 2012 to 2014. She also completed two terms as a member of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Operating Board, contributing to the strategic direction of pediatric care in her community and currently is on the Montessori of Redlands school board. As a Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Care Network Member she currently chairs the member engagement committee.

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In her early clinical work, Dr. Carter contributed as a per diem pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente and served as a pediatric resident physician at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Her earlier experience includes roles as a preschool teacher, crisis counselor, aerobics instructor, and camp counselor, reflecting her lifelong dedication to children’s development and well-being.

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Professional Affiliations

Dr. Carter is a certified fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). She is also affiliated with the AAP Section on Administration and Practice Management (SOAPM), further showcasing her expertise in the intersection of healthcare and business.

 

Speaker & Consultant

Dr. Carter's in-demand speaking engagements cover a wide range of topics, from pediatric care and medical recommendations to leadership and entrepreneurship.

 

Personal Life & Passions

Dr. Carter is dedicated to fostering authentic and balanced living, both personally and professionally, and is deeply involved in her local community.​