One in a series
Clinical Excellence Award
Sylvia Leal-Castañon, M.D., associate professor/clinical, Department of Pediatrics – Ambulatory Care, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine
President’s Awards 2017 from UT Health Science Center on Vimeo.
Remarks by Dr. Henrich at the March 6 awards dinner:
“Dr. Sylvia Leal-Castanon has been a valued member of the Department of Pediatrics since 1995. As a graduate of our School of Medicine and its residency program, Dr. Leal-Castanon is an attending physician in both the resident continuity and acute care pediatric clinics and thus attends to patients from all spectrums of illness. She also is a highly regarded teacher of residents and medical students. Her excellence in pediatric care is not only focused on direct patient care but also advocacy for children and thus she serves on many boards and advisory councils that work to advocate for children’s health.
“One of the compliments that can be made for any physician is when former patients return to see you with their children and grandchildren. Dr. Leal Castanon has experienced that many times. In addition, perhaps even a higher compliment which she has enjoyed, is when former patients are inspired to enter into the profession of medicine because of what she meant to them.”
From the nominating letter by Sandra Jo Ehlers, M.D., medical director, UT Kids Pediatric Resident Clinic; interim division chief, General Pediatrics, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine
“Dr. Leal-Castañon’s work ethic, compassion, empathy, knowledge, energy, dedication and selflessness truly define ‘clinical excellence.’ She has gained the respect of her fellow colleagues, clinic support staff, learners, patients and their families. Sylvia has done this through the excellent medical care she provides for her patients, the warmth and concern she shows them and the lengths to which she goes to advocate in their name. She has given exemplary pediatric care to a wide patient population, and it is obvious to see the love and admiration in the eyes of her patients and their families. We are so fortunate to have such a highly regarded, talented and conscientious pediatrician on our faculty, teaching our medical students and residents and role
modeling true humility, compassion, positivity and advocacy.”