Doctors’ Day: Our Calling to Serve

March 30, 2023 | (12) Comments

Today is National Doctors’ Day, and it is my privilege to serve as a guest blogger for On The Mark and I hope to honor each of the incredibly talented physicians we have here at Texas Children’s.

I came to Texas Children’s 13 years ago. One of the first things that struck me as I walked in the door was the almost palpable dedication and compassion that I felt amongst the physicians who work here. As doctors we owe our patients and their families nothing less than the highest quality, safest and best care and, simply put, I knew that I was surrounded by the very best. Back then, it took me only a few moments of walking through the halls and meeting my new colleagues to realize that I would spend my career surrounded by caring, passionate and gifted physicians. I knew that I had found my forever home.

As physicians to some of the sickest and most vulnerable patients and their families, our role is unlike any other. I have always felt that it is a real privilege to care for our patients and to be entrusted by their families to care for their children — whether in a hospital bed, the clinic or by tele- or video-medicine. As physician-scientists Stephen Trzeciak and Anothony Mazzarelli describe so powerfully in their book Compassionomics, patient care is not just about the science of medicine which comes from the books, but also the art of healing which comes from the soul.

Over the past year, I have been reminded more than ever before, why Texas Children’s is the world’s destination for comprehensive medical care for children and women. Last fall, as we were emerging from the cloud of the pandemic, we faced unprecedented patient volumes and acuity levels. All of our doctors and providers ran toward the challenge as they always have, and made sure that we could care for the tsunami of new patients as well as the ones we already had. In November we made history — having nine patients on ECMO on the same day. The readiness of our physicians and medical teams are the reason why we were able to provide this life-sustaining treatment to give hope to the sickest children.

To our doctors: since taking my new role and having the privilege of being Pediatrician In-Chief and Chair, I have gotten to know many more of you and, if it were possible — my awe and admiration for all of you have grown even more. Each of you are remarkable at what you do, but even more so, it is your heart, your compassion and your commitment that make you the most amazing team I have ever met. From the best moments to the most difficult ones, always remember that this is your calling.

To our Texas Children’s family: I ask that everyone join me in thanking a physician today. I know that you’ll agree with me that we would not be able to do what we do without our amazing doctors who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty every minute of every day.

On behalf of all of Texas Children’s, I’d like to invite our physicians to celebrate Doctors’ Day with several come-and-go events, beginning with breakfast tomorrow (Friday) in the Pavilion for Women Conference Center on the 4th floor. Breakfast will begin at 6:00 am and the other events will continue until 3:00 pm. I hope to see you all there and I wish you the very best Doctors’ Day!

Lara Shekerdemian, MD MHA
Texas Children’s Pediatrician-In-Chief
Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine

12 Responses to “Doctors’ Day: Our Calling to Serve”

  1. Tamie Okpara

    Happy Doctor’s day to all of our our wonderful, brilliant, and resilient physicians that work so hard toward improving the lives and heath of our patients and the community! You are very much appreciated!!

  2. Alene Whitesides, RN, CPN

    While I was working at the hospital and TCPA clinic prior I worked with the best physicians ever! Our medical directors here at TCHP are incredible as well! Their dedication and expertise is second to none! Best part of my career working side-by-side with the best of the best! It shows by having the best outcome for our TCH patients and TCHP members. Keep that passion and dedication!

  3. Julie LaSalle

    Happy Doctor’s Day! Our physicians’ knowledge and compassion not only help treat and save lives but also teach those around them. You all elevate Texas Children’s to being one of the absolute best institutions be apart of!

    Thank you!

  4. Amber Cordero

    Happy Doctor’s Day! Thank you so much for all that you do for our patients. A special thank you to Dr. Belfort and all of the PFW physicians for helping me grow as a nurse and a leader. You all are very much appreciated!

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