National Doctors’ Day is observed annually on March 30. It is a day set aside to recognize the professionalism, judgment, and humanity physicians bring to their work every day. Each year, UW Health celebrates this day by collecting messages of gratitude from patients, families, and coworkers and sharing these accolades with its honored physicians. This year, Department of Pediatrics members received 89 messages of appreciation from patients and colleagues. We are delighted to share a selection of these messages below.
For Marisa Brant, MD, associate professor, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery: The NICU at AFCH is so lucky to have you on its team. You always make the RN staff feel comfortable to come forward with ideas and questions about their patients, and that creates an environment to provide exceptional care to everyone. The last night of rounds I had when you were on service was EXCEPTIONAL! The RN/RT team felt so heard, and I think that truly makes people enjoy coming to work each shift. On top of all of this, you are an amazing physician! The care you give to each baby and their family is the care I would want for my own loved one if they were in this situation. That is something truly special. Thank you for everything you do for our patients, families, and our NICU team!
For M. Tracy Bekx, MD, professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes: On this Doctors’ Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact you have on the children and families you serve every day. Your dedication to pediatric care goes far beyond clinical expertise — you bring compassion, patience, and a genuine sense of advocacy to every interaction. You have a remarkable ability to connect with children and meet them where they are, while also supporting and empowering their families during what can often be stressful and challenging times. Your thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and commitment to doing what is best for your patients does not go unnoticed. You are a trusted partner, a steady presence, and a true advocate for the well-being of those in your care. Thank you for the difference you make each day. Your work matters deeply, and it is truly appreciated. Happy Doctors’ Day!
For Deirdre Burns, MD, associate professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: You have been our boys’ pediatrician since the very beginning, over 17 years now. It’s hard to fully put into words what that has meant to our family. From those early, uncertain days as new parents to navigating the many stages of childhood and adolescence, you have been a constant source of guidance, reassurance, and compassion. We are deeply grateful, not only for your medical expertise but also for the way you truly care. Your kindness, patience, and steady presence have made all the difference. Whether it was answering our many questions, calming our worries in stressful moments, or taking the time to thoughtfully work through challenges alongside us, you always made us feel heard, respected, and supported. You’ve played such an important role in our boys’ lives, helping keep them healthy while also creating an environment where they felt comfortable and understood. That trust you built with them and with us is something we will always value. Thank you for your dedication, your empathy, and for being such an integral part of our family’s journey all these years. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had you by our side.
For Ryan Coller, MD, MPH, associate professor and chief, Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care: Thank you for being the most amazing doctor ever! You manage an incredible amount of responsibilities, and yet you show up to every engagement with grace, empathy, and genuine care. You have a special gift for making every person you interact with feel truly valued. The world is a better place because of your dedication, compassion, and expertise. Thank you for being you!
For Casey Freymiller, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: Thank you so much for helping our patients and staff by jumping in and getting things done with a smile on your face! You are so appreciated!
For Nina Menda, MD, associate professor, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery: I want to sincerely thank you for being a true and valued partner in advancing the patient and family experience at UW Health Kids. You clearly recognize that quality, safety, and patient and family experience are deeply connected and strongest when advanced together. You are the first medical director our team has had the opportunity to build this type of partnership with, and the impact has been incredibly meaningful. Your consistent presence, support, and advocacy have reinforced the importance of physician leadership in patient experience improvement. I am especially grateful for our monthly meetings and the opportunities to round on staff together. Those moments have modeled collaboration, alignment, and shared accountability in powerful ways. This is just a glimpse of the incredible provider you are and the positive impact you make on patients, families, and care teams every day. We are truly better because of your leadership and physician expertise.
For Victoria Nicksic, MD, clinical instructor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes: Thank you for the care, time, and compassion you give to your patients — it truly means more than words can express. The way you balance helping individuals while also contributing to research that benefits so many is incredibly inspiring. I’m genuinely grateful for everything you do.
For Douglas Olk, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: Thank you, Dr. Olk, for being a truly caring physician and for always going above and beyond with your follow-up care and notes. We all appreciate your hard work.
For Neil Paloian, MD, Division of Nephrology: Happy Doctors’ Day, Neil! You are an amazing pediatric nephrology physician. You make such a difference in many patients’ and families’ lives. I appreciate your immense knowledge around nephrology and bone metabolism, stones, and so on. You have an excellent way of explaining things to patients, families, and learners with various levels of previous experience. Your kindness and compassion are such a foundation and make you the wonderful doctor that you are. I enjoy having shared clinics with you. Thank you for the time you take to help me when I have questions or need another opinion. Thanks for all you do!
For Megan Peters, MD, associate professor, Division of Critical Care: Wanted to shout out a “Happy Doctors’ Day” to you! You are an amazing leader of the DTC clinic, and I appreciate you. You guide our clinic to provide the best care and continuously cheer on staff. You are an active listener and seek out ways to improve patient outcomes and experiences. This message is me saying, “I see you and all you do, and I appreciate you.” Keep rocking!
For Sima Ramratnam, MD, MPH, associate professor, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology: Happy Doctors’ Day, Dr. Ramratnam! I am very appreciative for your care not only for your patients but also for your staff. You coming up and wishing us a good morning is one of those small acts that leaves a large impact. Being seen and feeling noticed goes a long way for most people, and it does for you. I appreciate those small things you do every day!
For Samantha Schwartz, MD, MS, assistant professor, Division of Nephrology: You are a wonderful doctor, and you care so deeply about your patients. I am so lucky to work with a doctor who listens and values nursing and is so knowledgeable. Thank you for being you!
For Christine Seroogy, MD, professor, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology: You are a dedicated and knowledgeable physician who always puts your patients first. I appreciate the time you take to teach me.
For Jonathan Wong, DO, assistant professor, Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and Global Pediatrics: I can’t express how amazing you are! Your collaboration with all teams and roles is kind, and you are always actively listening. Your patients have so much good feedback after you have been in the room. Thank you for being a teacher and routinely advocating for your patients. You have made such a difference since joining us at AFCH, for both patients and staff. You create a safe, empathetic, and knowledgeable space. Happy Doctors’ Day, it’s wonderful to have you around!
For Megan Yanny, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: Happy National Doctors’ Day, Dr. Meg! We are beyond grateful for your kindness, expertise, reassurance, and guidance with our trio of kids. Your bedside manner, compassionate care, and calm demeanor make us feel so well cared for. Our kids all speak so fondly of you. After our last well-check, they made up a song about you on our way home: “I love Doctor Meg, I love Doctor Meg, I love Doctor Meg, and Doctor Meg loves me.” We are truly the luckiest family to have you as our pediatrician. Thank you for constantly going above and beyond for your patients and families!
For Christine Zimmerman, MD, associate professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine: Thank you, Dr. Zimmerman, for being such a great pediatrician for our three children over the years! I always know their health is in good hands with you as their physician. You are appreciated!
Messages were edited for length and clarity and to preserve anonymity.