Shilpa Vernekar is a long way from home. But she takes a very philosophical view about the distance from Mumbai, India, to Phenix City.

She says you cannot compare what you have at home to what you have here. And you should enjoy what you have rather than dwell on what you can’t have.

Vernekar is a pediatrician, and has been working for the past four months at Phenix City Children’s on S. Railroad St.

After finishing her residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York City, she started looking for a job. She chose Phenix City because of Dr. Ritu Chandra, who owns the practice.

Vernekar and her husband, Mehul Revankar, met in the sixth grade. Their mothers are best friends and subtly pushed them together.

They married in 2006, which is when she moved to New York City for her residency. She graduated in 2011.

Education is important in her family. Her father is a mechanical engineer; sister, Priya Vernekar, 24, is a family practice physician in Karnataka, India, and brother, Shashank Vernekar, 20, is a junior in computer science in a university in Karnataka. Her mother stayed at home to care for the children.

Vernekar said she chose pediatrics the first week of her rotation during medical school.

“Children are the purest form of life,” she said.

We spoke to the doctor last week.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

What brought you to America?

It was after my marriage. My husband works for Tenable Network Security (a company that designs software for gathering, evaluating, communicating and reporting Internet security and compliance). It’s in Maryland, but he can work from here.

How different is life in the South from your home?

I was prepared for it (the move). I was prepared to see a difference. I knew not to expect what I had in India. So I try not to compare. The difference is good.

What do you miss and not miss about home?

I miss my family, and they try to visit as often as they can.

How can parents prepare a young child for a doctor’s appointment?

Parents have to tell the child that the visit will be a good one. If you give them a head start, they will be all right. It’s when children are about 4 years old that they have to have four to five vaccines. It’s best if (parents) make sure that the shots are not a negative thing. If they threaten a child that if they are not good, they will get a shot, that becomes negative. That can affect the relationship between the child and the doctor.

How do you deal with frightened children?

I put them in the mother or father or caretaker’s lap. I give them a sticker or use toys as a diversion. Nine out of 10 kids do settle down.

What advice do you give parents on keeping their children healthy?

I tell them the most about nutrition. A healthy intake leads to a healthy body. And a healthy diet can help keep a healthy mind to do well in school. Put down the fries, chips, sodas and juice.

How often does the average kid need to visit the doctor?

It varies on the age. Between 1 to 2 years old, quarterly visits. For children 2 and up, a yearly physical. But the average child will come three to four times a year, besides the well-child checkup.

What do parents need to know about the obesity epidemic and how can they help their child maintain a healthy weight?

From 2 years on parents should check on the growth chart. If they are in the overweight category, it’s time for 5-2-1-0. That’s five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Two hours of screen time -- computer, television and video games. One hour of physical activity every day. And zero sodas, sugary drinks and snacks and energy drinks.

What other health issues should parents be aware of?

In this population, I see a lot of asthmatics. They have to make sure to take their daily medication. And flu shots are important.

What’s your typical day like?

I am here from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. After that, I spend some time in the gym. If I tell parents that physical activity is important ... And I cook. I also work every other Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

What advice do you have for young people who want to become pediatricians?

Focus on your studies; have a goal in mind and keep working.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The satisfaction of making them better and watching them grow up. I feel I’m making an impact on their lives.