Dr. Kevin Watson, gastroenterologist
Each month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an excellent patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Dr. Kevin Watson, a pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Watson recently received these kind comments from an appreciative parent:
“Dr. Kevin Watson is incredible! My poor kid has been suffering with gastrointestinal problems for years (most of his life, actually) that have been underestimated/misunderstood by other providers. Their half-measures of treatment never worked and sometimes even made his condition worse.
“Dr. Watson heard my child’s symptoms and problems with insight that no one else ever has before. He immediately created a thorough plan for testing to understand the issues in a measurable way. He was clear and accessible in his explanations as to possible causes and ways to get clarity for a diagnosis and treatment.
“I cannot begin to articulate the relief I felt following our visit with Dr. Watson, after struggling with our child’s problems for so many years. His expertise is clearly immense. He really listened and heard. He was thorough. He was kind. And I am so grateful he is now my child’s gastroenterologist.”
Dr. Watson, how long have you been with Akron Children’s?
I’ve been with Akron Children’s for 10 years.
When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
I think since I was in elementary school. My mom was very sick growing up, and I always wanted to better understand what was going on. I’ve always had a natural curiosity with science, and it just grew from there.
What drew you to gastroenterology?
It was actually serendipitous. I had the opportunity to work on a research project with a pediatric gastroenterologist during the summer between my first and second years of medical school. I ended up loving the science and field of gastroenterology.
When you read what this grateful parent said, how did it make you feel?
It really made me feel happy to know that I can make an impact on people’s lives. You never know truly what happens after the patient leaves your office. I’m just glad that I could help them have a happy experience and hopefully answer questions and get them feeling better.
How do you build rapport with patient families, especially ones who haven’t felt seen and heard?
I try to make a point to listen. I always start out my visits saying, “What brings you in to see me today?” I just let them talk and tell me their story. Just listening can make a world of difference with families.
What does family-centered care mean to you?
I think it means holding the family’s cares and concerns at the top of every decision made. It’s a team effort. I will always advocate for what I feel is best for the patient, but I am not in their home or day-to-day life. All of this needs to be taken into consideration when patient care choices are made.
Akron Children’s is always looking for team members who deliver exceptional service, like Dr. Watson. If you’d like to join our team, check out our current openings.
