HealthEast® Quality Data
“I get the explanations and details I know I need and deserve.”
HealthEast® Maplewood Clinic patients the Hers
Few families have had experience with as many caregivers at HealthEast as Chor and Lee Her. “Our story starts with my mother, who had a stroke in 1994,” said Chor. “First she was at St. John’s Hospital, then she was transferred to Bethesda Hospital. We were with her, day and night, and were so surprised and happy at the care they gave her in both places. The nurses were making sure that we had what we needed—and the social worker was so helpful too.”
The social component of care hit home with Chor as he watched his mother’s recovery. “My job fills a role similar to a social worker’s, and so I noticed when her care included people who helped us and listened carefully.” A social worker again became a key source of care after Chor and Lee became parents. “Our first two deliveries were at St. John’s and both were wonderful experiences, with nurses who were always there for us, and doctors who made sure we got the best care.” said Chor. “But honestly, our third pregnancy was a surprise one—and it was a social worker who helped us adjust.”
The Hers are looking forward to the upcoming delivery of their third child, which they plan to again be at St. John’s, and afterwards having their baby receive care from pediatrician Dr. Rachel Bye at the HealthEast Maplewood Clinic. “Dr. Bye understands so much about our children—their health, how shy they can be. We’re so happy that our children can have the same welcome and understanding that we feel in our own care.”
HealthEast® Quality Data
Inventing new ways to connect with kids: Dr. Rachel Bye
After 13 years in pediatrics, pediatrician Rachel Bye is still energized and fascinated by her work. “When I was in medical school, I thought I’d go into surgery or be an OB/GYN. But my pediatrics rotation in my third year was the most fun I had in med school. I saw that all the pediatricians really enjoyed what they were doing, and I always found myself wanting to go home and learn more. I was hooked.”
One of the biggest challenges in Dr. Bye’s practice is also one of the greatest rewards: responding to the wide range of reactions that children have to a doctor visit. “I never know what a given day will be like, or what’s going to walk in my door. I always am learning different techniques for approaching different children, from really anxious ones to the really quiet, reserved ones.”
Some of Dr. Bye’s tricks of the trade are ones that she also shares with parents to use outside the examination room. “Bringing in a stuffed animal to show a child what will happen with their exam helps get a more reserved child get interested and involved — and it almost always makes things go better. Also, if a child is having a really difficult time, I like to find something they’re doing well during a visit, even if they just sit there for two seconds reading a book. By reinforcing and praising the good behavior, as opposed to negative attention, we give the child and the parent something to remember.”
“Of course, there are some kids that are so over-the-edge upset, we know that we just will have to try again another time. But I know that this behavior will change eventually, and it just makes my day when a child who screamed every time before walks in, hops on the table and says ‘Hi, Dr. Bye.’ Another reward these days is that I have patients that I’ve known since they were infants, and now they’re headed into high school. Watching them grow up and move on — it’s just one reason why I love everything about my job.”
