Yes , I love my children and grandchildren . While I am grateful for their reciprocal love , I find myself more grateful for the ability to see their worlds , as they navigate successfully though their individual paths .

My daughter is a general pediatrician , wife and mother who shares her perspective on the path of motherhood which began in 2018 . My daughter and her husband have shown me what has evolved in parenting healthy , happy children . There have been and will be instances of my silent ( and sometimes not so silent ) questioning their decisions . Each instance has revealed their steadfast commitment to their children even in the face of my skepticism . I am grateful for their love of their children and for the joy the children bring to each day .

My son and my daughter-in-law ( another pediatrician ) are farther along in the journey with a delightful 10-year-old . Watching them support her growth from a young child to a young lady has been so satisfying . Are there and will there be hiccups in the future ? Yes , I am sure , but I am grateful for their solid belief in their child and her capabilities . I am grateful that they both strive to be supportive parents as well as partners to each other .

This brings me to my dear best friend who has been an integral part of my life since residency . My BFF , a pediatric infectious disease physician , has supported me in so many ways : always asking not “ What do you need ?” but “ What can I do for you ?” Watching her traverse various identities in the medical community has inspired me to also consider reaching beyond my perceived limits . I am grateful for her invaluable encouragement allowing me to move beyond my perceived limits .

This brings me to my professional gratitude . First , choosing medical school over a PhD in physics … need I say more ? As the years speed by , I am reminded of the choice I made so many years ago . Choosing pediatrics over other specialties and specifically the initial choice of joining a private pediatric group has suited my personality well . The perspective I have gained has aided in many facets of my ability to care for children through the years . I am so grateful for all the wonderful families for whom I ’ ve had the honor of sharing in the care of their children . The confidence that I gained not only aided my patients but made me a better parent and now grandparent . Who could have predicted ?

I look to so many of my Kentucky colleagues in the field of pediatrics who are leading the way in addressing health issues relevant to children : Dr . Christopher Bolling who was integral to the American Academy ’ s policy statement on obesity with all its many facets , Dr . Kristina Bryant who currently serves on the Red Book Committee for the AAP , Dr . Mandy Sadhir who is working tirelessly at UK on suicide prevention , Dr . Amber Pendleton who is a leader in developing resiliency in children that have suffered mental trauma and Dr . Julia Richerson who continues to be a voice for Family Health Centers as they deliver excellent care to children in the Louisville area .

These physicians are just a few of the many examples of how to succeed at leading a path that provides care to many of Kentucky ’ s children . There are so many paths that all of us have traversed , so many sacrifices with countless rewards that we have encountered both personally and professionally . In this month of love and gratitude , I am especially thankful for all our GLMS members as they lead the way in the practice of medicine today .

Dr . Purcell currently serves as the District IV Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics .

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