Bringing hope when families need it most
From patient to paediatrician, Dr Kai Newton describes a full-circle moment when he was able to bring hope to a family navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, restoring a sense of belief during an incredibly challenging time.
My best day at work was during a shift as a healthcare assistant. It was my first day on this paediatric ward and I was very excited but very nervous. I really didn't know what to expect. As I entered through the double doors, I got a wave of dej ja vu and nostalgia. I remembered that I had been on this ward as a cancer patient. It was a surreal feeling. As I interacted with the first patient and their family, I explained my personal journey on this ward. Little did I know that the family was opposite was listening in.
As I introduced myself to this family, the father with a sense of urgency said my son is in the same problem, a brain tumour. As I spoke with this family, I was able to instill a sense of hope and belief that is often lost when a child is diagnosed with cancer. It was my best day because it informed me that through a period of darkness, clinicians have the power to bring a sense of light.
Difficult days that end with smiles
Both Dr Mir Nurul Anwar and Dr Dilshad Sami reflect on the perfect day in paediatrics, not one defined by a single event, but by every day that ends with a family being able to take their child home healthy and happy.
A perfect day in paediatrics begins with anxious parents and a sick child, but ends with smiles and relief. The most rewarding moments come when a child who arrived weak and frightened begins to recover—smiling, playing, and asking for food again. Reassuring parents, explaining the illness, and seeing their trust grow is deeply meaningful. As a teacher, guiding medical students during ward rounds and watching them understand a clinical problem adds another layer of satisfaction. When a child is discharged healthy and the family leaves with gratitude, it reminds the paediatrician that every long hour and careful decision contributes to protecting the future of a young life.
One of the most memorable and rewarding days of my career involved an eight-month-old infant who was brought to the hospital in severe dehydration and shock. The child was critically ill, and I was the only paediatric specialist available in a 50-bed hospital at the time. Seeing the baby recover and later return to the arms of relieved parents was an unforgettable moment. It reminded me why I chose paediatrics. In that moment, all the years of training, the long hours, and the challenges of the profession felt worthwhile.
When advocacy changes a child's future
Dr Thushara Latha Perumal reflects on a rewarding moment in her career, when listening to a young person and advocating on her behalf helped open the door to education and future opportunities.
One of my best days at work involved a teenager with cerebral palsy who had been out of school for nearly five years due to a misunderstanding about her cognitive abilities. During clinic it became clear that her cognition and verbal skills were much stronger than previously assumed. I spent time speaking with her and her parents about seeking further support and wrote a detailed letter to the relevant council teams, including the Young People’s Disabilities Team, outlining her abilities and advocating for appropriate educational support. I also encouraged her to advocate for herself and think positively about her future.
Two months later, while triaging EHCP referrals, I saw that she had been allocated a mainstream school place and was going to panel for consideration of an EHCP. I was delighted to see she would be returning to school, and that she had already begun expressing her own goals and aspirations. It was a very rewarding moment.
Earlier this year, we asked members of the paediatric community to share their stories as part of our 30th anniversary, celebrating millions of moments that mattered. Stories like these remind us of the impact you can have on children and families when you choose paediatrics.
If you'd like to share your story, we'd love to hear from you!