Zachary Hoover, MSN, PNP-PC, BSN

Simpsons

The Pout Pout Fish. Both of my children loved the book and would giggle throughout. It made for a cute end of the day, no matter what the rest of my day held.

GI Joe

Shavarsh Karapetyan. He saved many lives on three separate occasions despite causing great injury to himself. Then, after a long hospital stay, set new world records despite being told he could never compete again.

Trips with my kids to create memories, hiking, rugby, the Jersey Shore (beach not the show), sports memorabilia, and cooking.

I started my medical career working with adults and pediatrics in an emergency setting. Children have an unbiased and upbeat approach to life. They make me rethink what priorities are truly important in life. I moved to primary care because I enjoyed seeing children grow into the best versions of themselves.

I'm not sure I have a particular set of skills like Liam Neeson, but I have worked in a variety of settings across the country. Having a child with special needs has made me more patient as a parent and provider. Many of the books I've read on how to raise a neurodivergent child, are applicable to better communication in general. I am a big fan of the RIE movement started by Madga Gerber and expanded to all ages by authors like Janet Lansbury and Dr Becky Kennedy.

My son is on the spectrum and my daughter has sensory processing issues. I ask the parents what is generally the best approach. I try to give the patients as much information about what to expect and speak to them in a normal tone like anyone else. I'm flexible with the exam. If they want to sit in a chair and watch an iPad, I will work around them as long as I can do what I need to do.