MY Doctor Appreciation Day: The SAS Doctor Who Never Forgot the Family Behind the Patient | MY staff stories

For one Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctor at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, the journey into medicine began with heartbreak.

When a close family member died from liver cirrhosis at just 45 years old, it left a lasting impact. Witnessing not only the physical effects of illness but also the emotional and social toll it took on loved ones sparked a determination to understand disease better and help others facing similar challenges.

“That experience taught me that healthcare is about much more than treating a condition,” they reflect. “It showed me the importance of truly seeing the person behind the diagnosis and the family around them.”

Today, working in community paediatrics, that belief continues to shape every patient interaction.

One consultation, in particular, remains firmly in their memory.

A young child had been referred for an assessment due to developmental concerns. For months, the family had been navigating uncertainty, delays in accessing services and growing anxiety about what the future might hold. By the time they arrived at the appointment, they were exhausted and overwhelmed.

Rather than focusing solely on the clinical assessment, the doctor created space for the parents to share their fears, frustrations and hopes for their child. They listened carefully, explained potential diagnoses in clear, compassionate language and outlined the support available to help the family move forward.

As the consultation ended, the child’s mother became emotional.

“She told me it was the first time she felt someone had truly listened and finally given them some clarity,” the doctor recalls.

“It was a powerful reminder that our role isn’t just about making a diagnosis. It’s about supporting families through some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.”

The experience reinforced why community paediatrics remains such a rewarding specialty. While clinical expertise is essential, it is often the simple acts of listening, explaining and reassuring that leave the greatest impression.

“Sometimes the smallest interventions can have the biggest impact,” they say. “Helping a family feel heard, understood and supported can change the way they experience their entire journey.”

Alongside their clinical role, they also serve as the Trust’s Guardian of Safe Working Hours, advocating for resident doctors and helping to ensure colleagues work safely and sustainably.

The role has given them a unique perspective on the pressures doctors face throughout their careers and the importance of creating a culture where staff feel valued.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the role is being someone colleagues can turn to when they have concerns,” they explain. “When people feel heard and supported, it benefits not only their wellbeing but ultimately the care they provide to patients.”

For them, appreciation—whether from patients, families or colleagues—has a profound effect.

“In a demanding role, those moments remind you why you chose medicine in the first place. They renew your energy and reinforce that the work we do matters.”

As Mid Yorkshire celebrates MY Doctor Appreciation Day, they have a simple message for colleagues across the Trust:

“A small act of kindness can make a huge difference. Saying thank you, checking in on a colleague or acknowledging someone’s efforts helps create a culture where people feel valued and supported. When we look after one another, we’re better able to look after our patients.”

It is a philosophy that has guided their career, from a life-changing personal loss to supporting children, families and fellow doctors every day.