The year 2014 was an exciting one for Eugene Pediatrics. We were deeply blessed, and I give thanks every day for the chance to take care of life’s most precious people — your children.
As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on my top ten professional moments of the past 12 months. They are in no particular order because each moment was deeply important to me.
My 2014 special moments include:
- Hugging my long-time colleague and friend, Dr. Jenny Mauro, as we opened Thrive Behavioral Health, making Eugene Pediatrics one of the only pediatric practices fully integrated to include a child behavioral-developmental clinic.
- Being one of four clinics invited to discuss the transformative work we are doing at the Oregon Coordinated Care Model Summit.
- Welcoming Dr. Peter Sidor to Eugene Pediatrics.
- Watching a little boy who had a kidney transplant walk out of our clinic holding the hands of his forever family, who is adopting him and moving to a new city. We have been through so many ups and downs with him, and it was amazing to see the smiles on all their faces as they left together to start a new life.
- Working alongside Dr. Amelia Roth and John Roth, P.A.-C., who joined Eugene Pediatrics in September.
- Greeting Dr. Katie Ravitch, one of our wonderful child psychologists, accompanied by one of our two canine staffers — therapy dogs, McNulty and Callahan, which have been a popular new addition to the clinic.
- Sitting with my arms around three very special little girls during the photo shoot for Parents Magazine “1 of 7 Favorite Pediatricians in America” — and knowing that loving kids is what it’s all about.
- Witnessing inspiring moments as our new case manager, Jordan Burbee, connects people in need with community resources that will change their lives far beyond the walls of our clinic.
- Seeing the smile on the face of a very special young man returning to our clinic for his first visit after receiving a heart transplant and the tears in the eyes of so many of us who recognized the miracle we were witnessing.
- Smiling at the thousands of happy faces, of all ages, coming through our doors to visit us for care — such gifts you share with us!
I have lots of hopes and dreams for 2015 and beyond. None of it would be possible without your continued trust and confidence, which we work to earn every day. May you and your family have a healthy, blessed and happy New Year!