I wish my doctor knew

Recently the New York Times published an article, “What Kids Wish Their Teachers Knew.” As a pediatrician, I have spent a good part of my lifetime fighting for the health and welfare of our young people.  They are the future.  We owe our children a safe, caring, stable childhood whenever possible. Outside of a supportive family, a long-term family physician or pediatrician can be an important role model for impressionable youngsters.  For confidentiality reasons I have altered identifying details, but will give you some of the great things heard over the years and a few tragic ones as well. I wish my doctor knew… There is not enough food at home.  Many years ago, I was seeing twins for a yearly checkup and giving them shots when one, older by 4 minutes, blurted out there was not enough food to eat at night when she was hungriest.  I contacted the school counselor to ensure both children were offered free breakfast and lunch at school.  They were added to the program sending home a backpack full of food every weekend.  At Thanksgiving, this family received one of the donated dinner baskets with turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings.  The children grew better and crossed percentiles in the positive direction; their grades improved as an added bonus. I wish my doctor knew… I want to marry her someday.  A six year old boy informed me he was going to “marry me” when he grew up.  He was disappointed at 9 years of age when I married my husband....
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Pediatrics Source Type: blogs