I recently had the amazing opportunity to both witness and participate in an event where my Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) pediatric mentor received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of exemplary service to the pediatric community of Southern New Jersey. My mentor’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to serve the Latino community has set an example, not only for patients and their families, but for generations of pediatricians who have come to depend on her for strong mentorship and wise guidance. As her mentee, it was a proud moment to watch my ...

My patient sat back in her chair, shoulders curled forward over her substantial belly, two canes leaning against the counter next to her. “No, doctor, I need you to say that you WILL make this happen, not that you will ‘try’. Can you say that?” It was an uncomfortable moment. As a physician I am not used to having my words dictated to me, and I did not take to it very well. She was about to be released from rehabilitation, recovering from surgery. She usually lives in her own home, by herself, but with a support team due to her serious mental and ...