The Guy with the Tie
Bow Tie-Wearing Doctor Volunteers to Help Kids in Need

Patience and a sense of humor are qualities shared by pediatricians who treat children with unique medical conditions. But it takes a doctor with a big heart to provide his services and expertise without expecting something in return.

Andrew Wilking, M.D., a volunteer pediatric rheumatologist at Shriners Hospital for Children in the Texas Medical Center, conducts clinics twice a month to treat children who sometimes travel from as far as Amarillo and Mexico. Patients smile when the 6-foot, 5-inch doctor walks through the door wearing his signature bow tie. Wilking’s stature, which could be intimidating to children, quickly becomes a non-issue as he sits on a stool at the child’s eye level.

“Dr. Wilking always starts by asking me about my health and how things are going at school,” said 14-year-old Stephanie Beltran, who traveled from El Paso to be seen at Shriners’ rheumatology clinic. “I used to have problems walking, but everything has been fine since I started seeing Dr. Wilking.”

For the past 14 years, Wilking has treated hundreds of children and consulted on more than 5,000 appointments during his rheumatology clinic at Shriners. But his dedication does not stop with his clinic commitments. Wilking also makes time to see patients on nonclinic days as well as following patients during their hospital stays.

“Dr. Wilking’s volunteer role is not an issue when it comes to his patients,” said Lisa Bermea, rheumatology clinic coordinator. “His holistic approach offers the children his undivided attention and careful assessment of their physical and emotional needs.”

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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