Friday, June 26, 2009

Hero of the Week


The Hero of the Week column began about a month ago after I became frustrated with the nightly news. I thought it was time to give more recognition to those who change the world instead of those who try to destroy it. With that said, my Hero of the Week goes to Doctor Jonathan A. Roth.

Yesterday morning was spent at St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia. Our little guy, Scooter was scheduled for out-patient surgery. Although this was not a complicated surgery, there is still some state of fear that you go through as a parent when your child is put in someone else's care.

The paper work, the tears, the minutes that feel like hours until your child is back in your arms. It was a rough morning for the whole family.

As we sat in the waiting room, we watched as doctors approached parents to give them the news that their child was doing fine and that a nurse would be out to get them soon.

Finally at 10:30 am (we had already been up for 5 hours) Dr. Roth emerged from behind the doors. But unlike the other doctors who took a seat right in the waiting room, our doctor pointed us to outside. My heart sank. Only bad news is given in hallways. What had happened? Where's my son?

Once the door closed behind us, Dr. Roth smiled: "He did great," he said.

He continued in this kind manner until he finished giving us directions. My husband and I thanked him and returned to our seats in the waiting room.

Here I was getting all worked up when in actuality what I had just experienced was an act of kindness. For a small moment, Dr. Roth went out of his way to bring us comfort. He took the time to step into our shoes and give some reassurance when it was needed.

For that reason Dr. Roth, you have been chosen my Hero of the Week.

33 comments:

The Hapa Girl said...

OH...I love that story! BTW...when did the new look on your blog happen? Did I miss it, I really hope I'm not that late!

Well...that story reminded me of a doctor who took great care over me when I was extremely ill. Long story short version, I was really sick after the birth of Katie and was hospitalized a week after birth, many complication, Dr. Castille (and OB Doctor) saved me from going under the knife by fending off the ER Doc, and during the most critical part of my hospital stay, he left his daughter's graduation party to make sure I was treated well...and to make sure the ER doctor did not whisk me away into surgery!

He was my blessed HERO!

Kathy B! said...

I'm really glad that all is well and that your son is fine.

And I'm super glad you had a doctor like Dr. Roth.

Stephanie said...

So stressful! Glad theings went well.

MIITB said...

Glad your son is fine! The world needs more doctors like your sons.
Visiting from SITS

Unknown said...

What a great story (and idea to recognize people). It's nice when a doctor especially a children's doctor takes time out to make us feel better.

We are moving to the Philly area (again) so it's nice to know that good hospitals and doctors are around.

Visiting from Ann's VGNO!

Kat said...

What a great story! Sadly you don't see that very much anymore.

Happy VGNO!

Angelina said...

I love it that you are looking for positive news among all the mess! Keep it up! We all need it! and thank you

Elizabeth D. said...

That's wonderful to hear that there are still doctors who understand how important their bedside manner is! I'm so glad that everything went well and that your son is A-OK. :) Happy VGNO!

Jennifer said...

Oh, I love this post. Isn't it crazy that we have become accustomed to NOT experiencing kindness from others? *sigh* I'm glad Scooter is well!

Alicia said...

so sweet! glad to hear that everything went well...i love when doctors have such great bedside manners...i went today, and well, lets just i'm gonna post about it tonight!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear all went well with your little guy.

Carolee Hollenback said...

Glad everything turned out ok.

Happy VGNO

I am Harriet said...

Great story.

Happy VGNO!
http://iamharriet.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-vgno-streisand-memories.html

Anonymous said...

Great hero choice! Never underestimate a good doctor!

Gladys said...

I have been exposed to so many heartless, crass doctors over the last couple of years that I'm thankful to hear there are some good guys still out there.

Happy VGNO

Jenn@ The Crazies said...

Happy GNO!! I am having a Giant Fortune Cookie giveaway as part of my GNO, be sure to come by!! Have a great weekend!!

Lagean Ellis said...

I am glad all is well with your son. It is so scary to think that anything can happen to your child, yet some deal with it every day.

Here's to your HERO!

Happy VGNO!

Mandala Michelle said...

I'm glad your little one is well. The world needs more Drs like that!

dood1ebugs said...

Its great to hear about good people and the great things they are doing. You are right. All the news talks about is the negative. What a great breath of fresh air.

Golfersmom said...

I am glad that your son is fine. That has to be scary but everything turned out fine.


Hope you have a great weekend.

Lola said...

Stopping by for VGNO!

Hope you have a great weekend.

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Kris said...

Hard to find those doctors with the great bedside manner nowadays.
Happy VGNO

Liz Mays said...

Happy VGNO! Sometimes that extra word of comfort is just what we need!

a49erfangirl said...

That is awesome when a Doctor can be very personal to a family like that. I am glad your little one came through surgery ok. I hope your little one makes a speedy recovery!

~Sandy~ said...

that's awesome! glad to hear the surgery went well and hope your little one heals fast :) what a nice dr. sometimes they are so busy to even talk to you themselves. we have been to that hospital before and have only good things to say about it.

enjoy your weekend and Happy VGNO!

Mercedes said...

I like the hero of the week idea. Glad that your son is fine.
Stopping by from sits.

Mommy of Many said...

I am glad things went well. It is great to have people be considerate of what you may be going through, especially when it comes to your child. I pray that yor son is recovering well.
visiting from sists

Dorkys Ramos said...

Happy to hear it all went well. I know it can be stressful waiting around for news about a loved one's surgery. Slightly different, but my puppy was neutered this week and I was still stressing about it while I was at work waiting for the phone call! I know it'll probably 10 times greater when I have a child.

And this is a wonderful idea for a column. We could all use more positivity and happy news these days.

Julie from JulieChats said...

I'm so glad everything turned out OK! Little Jake had hernia surgery at 5 wks and I know just how you felt, it kind of brought back that sick feeling to my stomach to read your post. Just not knowing what was going on and then imagining it, is not a good feeling! Hope he's doing well now!

Just stopping by a little late fro VGNO!

Martha said...

What a great tribute to Dr Roth. I've been in your shoes with my youngest and know just what you were going through. What he did means a lot!

Ali said...

Awww that IS awesome of him! What a great doc to take time and talk to you like that! I am glad all went well. Hope you had a great VGNO, I am late catching up since our power went out last night!

Unknown said...

Thanks Dr Roth! Very sweet post. I like this idea. The nightly news or any news for that matter is violent, and haunting. I do not watch it any more for this reason. I have NO idea what is going on in the world because of this, like MJ dying two days ago ( just found out yesterday!), but I have found that ignorance is absolute bliss!

Anonymous said...

Very cool story.Love your featured hero posts. Stopping by for a very late VGNO...