meet our team
Connie Bartlett, DO
Board-Certified Pediatrician
Languages spoken:
English & Vietnamese
Meet Dr. Bartlett
Dr. Bartlett brings 28 years of pediatric experience from St. Joseph–St. Jude Heritage Medical Group, along with a deep commitment to partnering with families. Most recently, she served as Chief Medical Officer for National Healthcare & Housing Advisors, where she advanced integrated care for California's most vulnerable populations. Her approach centers on shared decision-making and seeing the whole child at every encounter.
In addition to her clinical and executive roles, Dr. Bartlett is the first Vietnamese American President-Elect of the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA), representing over 3000 physician members, 97 specialties in the county. In this role, she leads and participates in advocacy at local municipalities and in Sacramento.
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Bartlett loves cooking, getting lost in a good book, traveling to new places, and hitting the slopes for some downhill skiing, giving back to her community, and other activities that allow her to recharge, explore new perspectives, and embrace new adventures.
Q&A with Dr. Bartlett
What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?
My favorite animated movie is "Big Hero 6." Who doesn't love Baymax!!
What is your favorite children's book and why?
Hungry Caterpillar. I love the theme of growth and transformation.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
My clay cooking set. I loved to host dinner parties for friends and family.
Who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My mother is my inspiration. She's quiet and strong, generous and grounded in values that show up not just in words and how she lives every day. She taught me resilience by example, compassion without conditions, and the importance of showing up even when it's hard.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love downhill skiing. This is the closest sensation to that of "flying" for me. It's fast, focused and freeing. It's both a workout and a reset, physically demanding but mentally refreshing.
What inspired you to work in pediatrics?
What inspired me to work in pediatrics was a deep belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard and given the healthiest possible start in life. I was drawn to the resilience of children, the trust families place in their providers, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact early, when care, advocacy and compassion can truly change a life's trajectory. Caring for children is like a calling to serve both with heart and mind.
What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?
My superpower is empathy - the ability to truly see, hear and feel what others are experiencing. It allows me to build genuine rapport not only to my patients, but with their families as well. By listening without judgement and leading with compassion, I create a space of trust and safety where people feel understood and valued.
How do you accommodate patients with special needs?
I accommodate patients with special needs by creating an environment that is accessible, respectful, and individualized. I take time to understand each patient's unique physical, cognitive, sensory or behavior needs and adjust scheduling, communication style and care processes accordingly.