Sandra Escalera, MD, is a pediatric gastroenterologist who likes to tell her young patients, especially those with chronic conditions, that they are superheroes.
“I say that although they may have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, they are special and I expect for them to be happy and to live long lives and to not change their plans because of this condition,” Dr. Escalera says. “The only difference is that we have to take care of this problem and they might have more doctor’s appointments than other kids. This is not a black cloud over their heads and I am with them.”
Dr. Escalera says she knew from a young age that she’d become a doctor and in medical school quickly realized pediatrics was the field for her.
“Kids are so resilient and want to take care of themselves. I learn so much from them and love the things that come out of their mouths,” she says. “Initially, I went into general pediatrics, but during the first week of my internship, I fell in love with a kid who was 18 months old and had been in the hospital since birth with liver disease.”
That exposure to a serious gastrointestinal (GI) disease sparked an interest in pediatric GI and hepatology. “What I love about pediatric GI is its range. You can do general health including discussing nutrition and good habits or you can perform procedures or treat someone with extreme bleeding in the operating room,” she says. “It also appeals to my primary care interests and wanting that continuity of care.”
Dr. Escalera specializes in inflammatory bowel disease but also treats fatty liver disease, as well as GI complications in cystic fibrosis, glycogen storage disease, and peptic ulcer disease.
With each new patient, Dr. Escalera says she approaches them with a vision of a blank page.
“We have our standards of care and evidence-based medicine, but each patient is unique with different needs. I try to keep this in mind,” she says. “I consider it a blessing not only that I’m a physician, but that I’m a minority. With all the disparities in health care, when a patient sees someone like me, who speaks their language and looks like them, it’s a thrill.”
Dr. Escalera is involved in efforts to improve patient access to health care as well as work around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical field.
