Sarah Adams, MD, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Hudson
Every day at Akron Children’s, we strive to deliver compassionate care and create positive experiences for our patients and families. This month, we’re spotlighting Sarah Adams, MD, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Hudson, who recently received the following feedback from a patient family:
“I have (#) kids, and we have been seeing Dr. (Sarah) Adams for (#) years. She is hands down the best pediatrician we have had for our kids. Yes, there is always a wait to see her, but that is because she really takes her time with each patient and listens to all concerns. She makes sure you are heard, that nothing is dismissed, and that she gives the patient and parent as much information as possible. You can tell she truly loves her job and the families she cares for.”
How long have you worked at Akron Children’s, and what’s your role?
I have been part of the Akron Children’s family since 1993. I started as a resident, and now, I’m a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Hudson. I also serve in other roles with the organization. I’m on our Patient Experience team, as a relationship-centered care facilitator. I also serve on several committees related to family-centered care, peer-mentorship and mental health and wellness.
Reflecting on this experience and the feedback you received, how do you feel about it?
I’m extremely humbled. One of the things I love about being a pediatrician is I feel like I’m a part of these families. Especially since I’ve been doing this for so many years, it feels good to know that patient families trust me, and they understand me.
One of my challenges is staying on time, but it feels good to know that this family felt it was worth the wait. When I close the exam room door, I try to make patients and families feel like they are the only ones I’m seeing today. I’m fully present. This encourages me to continue practicing in this way.
How do you build rapport and help patients and families feel heard during a visit?
I’m a talker, and I always felt like I’m good at a communicating, but I’ve learned to be a good listener. Being able to sit back and listen to my patients and their families doesn’t take up more time. It makes me more efficient. We need to give patients the opportunity to share their thoughts and their stories. We need to understand where they’re coming from. What are their barriers, their strengths and their challenges? That way, when we provide medical advice, it’s geared towards the patient and family, not our own agenda. That allows us to provide a standard of care in a relationship-centered atmosphere.
What does patient- and family-centered care mean to you? How do you strive to deliver that care?
It really means being patient-focused, rather than provider-focused. When you build great relationships with your patients and families, you give better medical care. When you work with the families and make it a team effort, the outcomes are better.
It comes down to good communication. That includes getting a list of their concerns, setting an agenda for the visit, learning their expectations and priorities, and coming up with a plan together that meets their needs while providing good medical decision making.
That approach has improved my communications skills, and that joy and energy reflects back to the families. We can build that relationship with families whether it’s their first appointment or a patient we’ve known for years.
What do you most enjoy about your work at Akron Children’s?
First and foremost, it’s the patients and families. This organization has built a family atmosphere. I always feel a part of the Akron Children’s family. I could practice or see patients anywhere, but I love this community.
I also love our mission and three promises. We take care of our patients as we would our own kids. We treat others as they would like to be treated, and we turn no child away. That’s really what has kept me here the last 30 years. It’s always been about the families, the community and the children that we serve.
