WESTFORD – A bench was dedicated at Jack Walsh Field thisโค month to honor Dr. Athanasiou,the founding pediatricianโค of Pediatrics West,as he enters retirement โafter decades of service to the community. The dedication recognizes Dr. Athanasiou’s lasting impact on the health โadn well-being โฃof Westford families.
For years, dr. Athanasiou has been a trusted figure for countless children and parents in โWestford, buildingโ aโฃ practice known โfor its caring approach and expertise. The benchโข serves asโ a tangible symbol of gratitude from the โขPediatrics West staff and the wider โcommunity for his dedication. as he steps down, Dr. Athanasiou leavesโข behind a legacy โขof compassionate care and a well-trained team prepared to continueโ his commitment to pediatric health.
Dr. Athanasiou reflected on the evolvingโค challenges in pediatrics, noting the increasing focus on mental health, growth and progress relatedโข to lifestyle choices – โคincluding nutrition and exercise – โand discussions โคaround health, development, and gender decisions. He emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that indications of obesity can begin around age 7, prompting proactive conversationsโฃ wiht parents.
Throughout โhis career, Dr. โคAthanasiou expressedโ a deep connection with his patients and their families. โHe shared โhis joy in encountering former patients in โคWestford, learning about their lives โand โaccomplishments. “I love little kids,” he said.”They’re little โpuzzles.Every one of themโฃ is a little puzzle. And you have to solve it. It was my stated effort to make them trust me. It was very fulfilling.”
The Pediatricsโข West staff โขhighlighted Dr. Athanasiou’s dedication to mentoring and guiding them throughout โhis years in practice, โensuring a continuation of high-quality pediatric care for the Westford community. He also touched on โthe importance of continued investment in basic scientific research, acknowledging recent federal cuts to such funding.