Memorable Moments-Drs. Sabogal, Parbhu and Woo
We asked several doctors who appear on the Best and Top Doctors lists to share a memorable day or experience in their medical careers.
Dr. Carlos Sabogal
Director of Pediatric Pulmonology, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Many years ago, after receiving an offer to switch jobs, I went through a period of indecision and could not see clearly what I wanted to do. I thought about it several days and then as I worked with patients, received a sign. The mother of one of my patients, who was very grateful for her son’s excellent response to treatment, spontaneously said to me: “Doctor, I want you to know that you are in the place that you should be, doing what God wants you to do.” It really surprised me and all I could say was “thank you.” The experience highlighted for me the mutual and reciprocal healing relationship between a patient and doctor. We all have success stories about bringing healing into patients’ lives—at times beyond just a physical cure. God sent me a messenger to have my “beyond physical cure.”
Dr. Keshini Parbhu
Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic Surgeon Orlando Eye Institute
Saving someone’s life can be a humbling experience. During my residency, I remember an occasion when an elderly man came to our triage clinic because he had noticed a subtle change in his field of vision when he woke up that was getting worse. As I was trying to get a general idea of his field of vision loss, he started having difficulty speaking and other neurological problems. I quickly ushered him into a wheelchair and rushed him to the ER, which was fortunately only one building over. The CT scan confirmed that he was having a hemorrhagic stroke. Thanks to timely intervention, he survived. I learned a valuable lesson that day—don’t just treat the eyes, treat the entire person.
Dr. Raymund Woo
Medical Director of Orthopaedic Surgery, Florida Hospital for Children
Several years ago while I was working in Gainesville, an Oviedo father brought in his 10-year-old son David, who was born with a shortened arm. I operated on David and lengthened his right arm by 7 centimeters. The recovery process was very painful for David, but he never complained. Years later, I accepted a position at Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando. While at church one Easter, I was stopped by a familiar face—David’s father. “I know you don’t remember me, but perhaps you remember this scar,” he said as he motioned to David, who lifted his sleeve to reveal the mark. The father beamed as he explained that David joined the Marines and had been serving in Afghanistan. We all strive to serve others but may never know the legacy that we leave behind.
