We met the legendary Dr . Pat Purcell three months after giving birth to twins born at 26 weeks . Immediately , we knew she was special . This wonderful Mary Poppins , Oprah Winfrey , Tina Fey , Dr . Quinn Medicine Woman put us at ease , in our place , and in the right perspective with a grace , humor and command of craft that few achieve . She made it possible for us to breathe as first-time parents to twins born at a poundand-a-half and has been there for us every step of the way thereafter . One time we went in for a wellness checkup and three of us left on medication . She gave us clear guidance on whether it was safe to try having a third child , quipping at the end , “ Well , now the rest is up to you because I can ’ t help you there .” She ’ s a counselor , friend , caregiver and phenomenal physician . She ’ s also an amazing mother , incredible grandmother , avid learner , driven , resilient , real , inspiring , bad ass woman . We ’ re forever grateful she ’ s in our lives and we should all be glad she chose to stay home and make her professional mark in Louisville . Congratulations , Madame President . Chris and Morgan McGarvey
For over 20 years , I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dr . Purcell .
Pat is constantly striving and sharing new knowledge with others through reading and meetings . She returned to school to obtain an MBA . She mentors residents and med students . In fact , her greatest challenge with med students and residents was helping them “ unlearn ” what I taught them .
Pat is truly dedicated to any group or cause that she joins . On the worst weekend of her life , she drove 200 miles to chair a board meeting and moderate the opening session of the Kentucky Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting .
She is active in the American Academy of Pediatrics , GLMS and the Kentucky Chapter of the AAP and held many executive positions . She is the incoming President of GLMS . Most importantly , I consider Pat a friend and look forward to seeing the wonderful job she will do as President .
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Stephen Church , MD