In celebration of National Doctor’s Week, we’re thrilled to spotlight two exceptional pediatric doctors at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), Gaspar Rivera and Dannielle McBride. Their dedication to compassionate care for an underserved population embodies the spirit of service at ZSFG’s pediatric department.
Through various efforts like Equity and Innovation grants, the Foundation has supported the fantastic work of the pediatric team. Grants like the Children’s Health Center (CHC) Bridge Clinic, Educational Kits for Elementary Children, and Expanding the ZSFG Patient Pantry at CHC have enhanced the reach and impact of pediatric care, ensuring that every child that is admitted at ZSFG receives the support and resources they need.
Gaspar Rivera’s Journey in Pediatrics
What inspired you to go into pediatrics? What is it about this patient population that makes you feel like this is your calling?
I am the child of immigrants from Mexico and a first-generation college student. I am currently the only doctor in my entire family however I do remember going to my Grandmother’s doctor visits. She had many complications from Type 2 Diabetes, and she was my first inspiration to become a doctor. I saw the need for bilingual and bicultural physicians, and I felt a strong motivation to reduce preventable diseases and their complications. As I progressed in my training it became clear to me that pediatrics is the best place to prevent disease and promote health. It did not hurt that pediatricians get to play with toys, make kids smile, and help teens/young adults patients towards a bright future. The patient population that we see at the CHC is diverse, uplifting, and inspiring. I feel lucky to have a role as their pediatrician and as a Co-Medical director for their clinic.
As one of the busiest pediatric clinics in the city, your team plays an essential role in so many families’ lives. Why do you choose to work at ZSFG? What’s unique about the pediatric department at ZSFG?
I chose the CHC because it provides high quality, comprehensive and family centered care for patients from historically marginalized communities San Fransico. I appreciate that the CHC attracts mission-driven providers and staff while fostering a sense of community, collaboration and comradery. Additionally, the CHC provides a chance to care for monolingual Spanish speaking patients (as a Spanish speaking provider from a similar background), collaboration with the department of public health, and opportunities to teach medical students and residents. All of these aspects help CHC serve as leader in San Fransisco for pediatric care.
Dannielle McBride’s Journey in Pediatrics
What inspired you to go into pediatrics? What is it about this patient population that makes you feel like this is your calling?
I come from a very large family and always enjoyed taking care of my younger siblings. My family’s difficulties in accessing adequate healthcare without insurance inspired me to go into medicine early on. As I got older, I always felt like a child at heart and really connected to the inherent joy, honesty and openness of children. I also connected with the vulnerability of childhood and wanted to be an advocate and protector of their health and wellbeing.
As one of the busiest pediatric clinics in the city, your team plays an essential role in so many families’ lives. Why do you choose to work at ZSFG? What’s unique about the pediatric department at ZSFG?
As a Black child growing up in a challenging neighborhood faced with many challenging circumstances, I see many families and patients that have had a similar experience at ZSFG. It is a very special feeling to connect with them on multiple levels outside of the doctor-patient relationship. I see the families that I care for as an essential part of MY community and it is a special feeling to have that connection and grounding in the work.
Doctors Rivera and McBride embody the values of compassion, advocacy, inclusion, and equity that define the pediatric department at ZSFG. As we celebrate National Doctor’s Week, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rivera and McBride, and all the doctors at ZFSG who work tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of their patients.