For Mother’s Day, I was asked to write about maintaining a balance between being a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and a mother. First, I graduated from residency at Hospital for Special Surgery in 1997 and returned to HSS in 2007 as a member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Service. Enjoying being around those who were orthopedic surgeons inspired me to become an orthopedic surgeon as well. In particular, I always wanted to be involved in pediatrics, thanks in part to being drawn to wonderful surgeons and intriguing procedures. Also, I wanted to help patients get back to their activities.
I have four wonderful children. First, there’s my oldest son Tucker, who’s 16 years old. He’s a wonderful young man who’s crazy about American history and baseball. Next, there is 15 year old Bobby, whose main interests are baseball and movie trailers. He’s also really good at jamming on the guitar and is in the jazz band at his high school. Charlie, 13, really enjoys basketball, baseball, and also has an interest in Irish history. Lastly, Janie, 11, is a rock star in volleyball and is a really good chef.
Now I know what you’re thinking: Dr. Doyle, how can you possibly have the willpower to maintain an active schedule as an orthopedic surgeon and take care of four children at home? I’ve been blessed with an excellent husband of 26 years. Also, I work 3 days a week, meaning that for 2 days as well as on weekends when I’m not on call, I get to spend quality time with my children. This is kind of my secret, but an added measure is that I’ve been blessed with lots of energy, which is needed!
If I could put my experiences as being a physician and a mother in one word, it would simply just be WOW! I love what I do at HSS because it lets me realize my dream of working in pediatrics. I’m drawn to children and love interacting with them. It’s nice to have my own to be around as well as having the opportunity to treat them. Often times, my maternal common sense factors in when seeing patients, but more often than not, I rely on medical approaches to treatment. My children also find it pretty convenient that their mom is a physician!
Dr. Shevaun Doyle specializes in general pediatric orthopedics, pediatric orthopedic trauma, pediatric and adolescent metabolic bone disease, and scoliosis.
