This is my gratitude blog post from Saturday, November 24, 2012. Following up on yesterday’s blog post in which I expressed gratitude for excellent provider care offered by our pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of Alexandria, today, I’d like to single out the doctor who we have seen the most – Dr. Andreas Sideridis.
Yesterday, I wrote about a memorable visit to see Dr. Sideridis when my oldest daughter was a mere three weeks old. Today, I will follow up that story with another funny thing I did frequently in the first two years that we went to Pediatric Associates.
Being a new mom and completely inexperienced with everything to do with childrearing, I often had concerns that my medicine and food choices were not sound. To ease my concerns, I often brought in the actual food and medicines at our doctor’s appointments. I would put them on display in a straight line on top of the examination table, innocently, waiting for the doctor to come in and make his assessment on my choices.
Well, I must have done that little charade a few too many times, because one day when Dr. Sideridis came in to the office during our appointment, he brought with him two student interns to sit in and observe. Would you believe what was the first thing that Dr. Sideridis called to the attention of the interns? Yup, my innocent display of medicines, which somehow changed at each visit. He got such a kick out of seeing my displays each time.
Although I was slightly embarrassed that Dr. Sideridis would find my display to be so amusing, I have to say that his sense of humor broke the ice to what has blossomed into a beautiful, engaging, and jovial doctor – patient relationship. As serious and dedicated and devilishly educated as Dr. Sideridis is, somehow, he began to open up more, smile, and crack up with me during our funny, off-topic conversations with each visit.
Throughout our many, many, many, many sick and well visits with both of my daughters, Dr. Sideridis has remained an unrelenting professional, never veering off the ledge of high standards that he sets for himself. I trust his education, experience, and medical knowledge as confidently as I would the words of our priest.
This year, I learned that Dr. Sideridis started participating in a “Smartest Doc” contest and began earning monthly certificates of recognition. I also learned how he loved to travel, particularly to Greece. I learned that he wishes to have children of his own someday. I learned that cooking is not his thing, but eating healthy foods and wine is definitely his thing! In short, it has been a great pleasure getting to know Dr. Sideridis on a personal level.
I’ve learned a great deal of practical medical knowledge from Dr. Sideridis, learned a lot about his personal interests, and have enjoyed a million laughs and silly stories shared with Dr. Sideridis, who surely thinks I’m the most eccentric, nuttiest mom around, but maintains a level of respect to not say that out loud.
I am extraordinarily grateful to Dr. Sideridis not just in providing outstanding medical care and attention to my daughters, but in patiently answering the hundreds of questions I’ve had over the years, respectfully assessing my medicines and foods without making me feel stupid, and for finding the time to engage me in pleasant chit chat at every visit.
I feel totally comfortable and at ease with Dr. Sideridis. I always look forward to our visits because I am confident that he will fix all the issues that need medical attention. I’m also happy knowing that I will laugh a bunch of times at each visit. That’s just the kind of special doctor – patient relationship we have.
Dr. Andreas Sideridis has been practicing pediatric medicine for nearly 20 years. I cannot award him with any awards or recognitions for the quality of the medical services he has provided, but as a mother of two patients who are loyal to Pediatric Associates of Alexandria, I can certainly honor him with positive words and a public display of gratitude for his smarts and especially his friendship.
Dr. Sideridis is a great doctor, a great person, and a delightful friend who tickles my funny bone and makes each doctor’s visit special. Thank you for almost seven years of dedicated service to the Socci family, Doctor. I raise my glass of Greek wine to salute you. Here’s to many more years together!
What are you grateful for today? Please let me know in the comments section.
