Your Children’s Health
Our Way of Life
By Sharon Cuthbert
 “Helping You Raise Healthy Kids Is Our Specialty!” That mantra has represented this pediatric practice for over 46 years. The founder of the practice, Dr. Jean L. Bennett, M.D. began practicing in Clearwater on July 1, 1963. Through her 40 years of dedication, Dr. Jean, (retired in 2003) laid the groundwork of trust and the notion of “community” that still lives and flourishes within the walls today.
Dr. Greg Savel joined the practice in 1991 and has spent the last 18 years building upon and nurturing those ideals. Dr. Karen Kelly’s arrival in 2000 has brought a wonderful sense of dedication to the practice community, as well. Dr. Kathy Boreman joined the practice in 2004 and Dr. Kimberly Odom followed in 2006. Each board certified physician has children of his/her own and has a keen ability to make children feel at ease. Drs. Greg, Karen, Kathy, and Kim have dedicated their lives to helping the children of the communities they serve. It is evident when you bring your child in to their office that your family is their priority. The pediatricians round at Morton Plant Hospital every day of the year, seeing newborns from moments after their birth. Dr. Savel’s colleagues and staff are humbled by the loving trust bestowed upon them by the families for whom they are fortunate enough to care.
The practice continued to grow over the years and there was a significant need for a second location. The doctors listened to the requests of their families who lived and worked in North Pinellas County. In December of 2005 they opened their second office in Oldsmar in order to serve their valued families. During the past four years the doctors and staff have become lovingly entrenched in the second community they serve. Dr. Savel’s offices have partnered with many schools in this area, providing educational and monetary support to those who dedicate their lives to the education of our youth.
Dr. Savel’s offices are open 365 days a year, with little exception, since 1967. The doors of the practice open at 6:30 AM, in order to give parents an opportunity to bring their children in before school and/or work. Historically, it is the busiest time of the day because it benefits the children as well as the parents. The practice philosophy is that because your child will get sick at THE most inconvenient time, they must always remain available for his/her needs. This accessibility prevents the parent from bringing the child to the hospital/urgent care. In the end, this will reduce costs and lend continuity to the care of the child.
 Dr. Savel’s “family” of staff members exhibits a loyalty and dedication that is almost impossible to find in this day. Turnover doesn’t exist in their practice. Cheryl Burton has been an employee in triage for over 40 years and still provides concerned parents with intelligent and caring advice over the phone. Families benefit from the peace of mind that can only come from a consistent and uniform voice within a medical practice such as Dr. Savel’s. He says “It is an understatement to say we are blessed to have such an incredible and dedicated staff. We have a team of wonderful people here with your family’s best interest at heart.”
Dr. Savel goes on to say, “During 46 years of helping to raise the children of this fine community, we have held the hands of our patients during their worst struggles, as well as rejoiced in many of their greatest triumphs. As our nation struggles in this economic climate, we understand what a blessing it is to care for the children who represent our future. It is our privilege to help families sift through the trials of raising kids. We are eternally grateful for the opportunity to take care of the most precious members of our community.”
As the author of this cameo and a member of Dr. Greg’s practice, I would like to interject my own thoughts, if you don’t mind…… I have worked for many physicians through the years and can sincerely say that I have never witnessed a more dedicated and loving practice as this. It is my honor every day to work for such loving physicians that truly care about their patients and staff. I have never laughed or cried as hard as I have in this practice. I have been given the unique opportunity to witness the most loving and hardest working physicians I’ve seen in a long time. There is something to be said about maintaining old school values in an innovative medical practice. I have had the privilege of watching young employees learn from employees who never even considered a text message or an email. And in the name of progress, my finance manager who has been with us since 1989 sends me an email almost every day - miracles in motion! Thank you Dr. Greg, Dr. Karen, Dr. Kathy, and Dr. Kim for enriching our lives.
Please visit our website for more information about our practice.
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