Natalie’s Story: A Quiet Act of Compassion in Pediatrics
At Goshen Physicians Pediatrics, the days are often filled with laughter, playful energy and the joy of watching children grow. But every so often, a moment arises that calls for something deeper — a quiet kind of heroism rooted in compassion, empathy and unwavering care.
One such moment involved Natalie, a medical assistant whose actions quietly exemplified the heart of our mission. A very young patient arrived for a routine visit but was in clear need of immediate attention. Natalie stepped in with calm professionalism and gentle care. She ensured the baby was clean, comforted and properly assessed, even as the visit presented emotional and logistical challenges.
“Honestly, my first thought was just that she needed to be loved and cared for in that moment,” Natalie shared. “I didn't think about anything else except making sure she was safe, comforted and warm. My heart broke for her and I wanted to do whatever I could to meet her needs right there.”
While arrangements were made for the baby to receive further medical attention, Natalie continued to provide comfort — holding, feeding and soothing the child with a tenderness that moved everyone around her.
“I think in pediatrics, we are reminded everyday why compassion matters so much,” she said. “I tried to focus on the baby and what she needed instead of how heavy it felt. Although I did get emotional, my faith and my purpose in caring for others helped keep me centered and grounded.”
Jen Erst, who nominated Natalie for recognition, shared:
“Natalie went way above and beyond for this little baby. This is who she is. This is an example of all of our CARE values wrapped into one instance.”
Moments like these remind us that while Pediatrics is often a lively and joyful environment, it also presents situations that require extraordinary emotional strength. Natalie’s response is a powerful example of the choices our team makes every day — to show up with compassion, to care deeply and to live our CARE values in every interaction.
She also offered encouragement to fellow Colleagues who may find themselves in similar situations:
“I would remind them that it is okay to feel deeply and that compassion is one of our greatest strengths, not a weakness. Sometimes the most meaningful care we give isn't medical, it's just ‘human.’ Just be present. Follow your instincts and most importantly lead with love. Even if you cannot change the outcome, the comfort you offer in that moment can mean everything.”
At Goshen Health, our CARE values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence — are at the heart of everything we do. Compassion means showing genuine empathy and kindness to every patient no matter their circumstance. Accountability reflects our commitment to doing what’s right, taking ownership of our actions and following through with integrity. Respect guides how we treat others — with dignity, understanding and appreciation for their unique experiences. Excellence drives us to deliver the highest quality care, continually striving to improve and exceed expectations. Together, these values shape a culture where patients feel seen, supported and truly cared for.