#487 – Jeffrey Soffen, CEO at Spark Pediatrics

A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience

Jeff Soffen, CEO of Spark Pediatrics, didn’t just stumble into healthcare innovation—he was driven by personal necessity. When his middle child was born with shoulder dystocia, a complication that led to nerve damage, Soffen experienced firsthand the struggles of securing quality pediatric care. This fueled his passion to rethink how medically complex children receive support, ultimately leading him to create Spark Pediatrics.

The Problem with the Current Pediatric Home Care Model

In the U.S., 1% of children with medical complexities account for 50% of pediatric healthcare spending. Many rely on home-based nursing, but the reality is grim—40% of nursing hours go unfulfilled, leaving families in crisis when caregivers don’t show up. This model, adapted from senior care, doesn’t always serve children well. Soffen challenges the status quo: “Why is home care always the preference?”

A Center-Based Model That Works

Spark Pediatrics provides an alternative—Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers where children with complex medical needs receive skilled nursing care, speech, physical, and occupational therapy, and a chance to experience childhood with their peers. Unlike the home-care model, this center-based approach ensures consistent, team-based care that improves health outcomes and reduces costly ER visits and hospital stays.

Why Some States Lag Behind

While Florida has embraced PPEC with over 150 centers, states like Texas and Pennsylvania have less than ten each. The reason? Inertia and lack of momentum. Soffen compares it to the mental health movement: “Ten years ago, no one was talking about mental health, but now it’s a top priority. Pediatric complex care deserves the same attention.”

A Call to Action: Who Needs to Step Up?

Soffen calls on key players to take action, including:

• Healthcare payers and providers to integrate PPEC models into their systems.
• Hospitals to create partnerships that improve discharge processes for NICU patients.
• Policy makers to prioritize pediatric healthcare solutions and funding.

The Future of Pediatric Care

Spark Pediatrics is not just a company—it’s a movement. Soffen envisions a future where pediatric complex care is as prioritized as senior care, ensuring that no child is left behind due to system failures.

Get Involved

If you’re a healthcare leader, payer, or hospital system looking to innovate pediatric care, reach out to Spark Pediatrics. It’s time to move from conversation to action.