Dr. Pfeifer Named HealthCare Champion for Exceptional Kindness
At HaysMed, we believe that extraordinary care goes beyond medicine and Dr. Aaron Pfeifer, Medical Director of Emergency Services exemplifies that spirit. Recently honored as the newest HealthCare Champion, Dr. Pfeifer transformed a stressful emergency room visit into a moment of comfort, connection, and kindness for a young patient and his family. His ability to blend clinical excellence with genuine compassion left a lasting impression that turned fear into smiles and worry into gratitude.
The family recounted their experience:
“I just want to take a moment to recognize Dr. Pfeifer for the incredible care he gave our son during a recent ER visit. He came in with GI issues and was clearly not himself—quiet, in pain, and just not the energetic kid we know. He usually doesn’t complain when he’s sick, so we were concerned it could be something serious.
Dr. Pfeifer took great care of him and gave him IV meds that helped really quickly. Pretty textbook, standard treatment. But more than that, he made sure our son felt safe and seen once he started feeling better. When he perked up, Dr. Pfeifer chatted with him about Mario, asked about his favorite Gatorade flavor, and even talked about his stethoscope—something he was excited to say he had one of at home too. It was personal, thoughtful, and exactly what he needed in that moment.
Instead of being scared of the hospital or the IV, he remembers that he went in feeling horrible and left talking about Mario. He remembers the fun conversation, not the pain or the fear—which is a big deal when you’re six. And when we were discharged, Dr. Pfeifer even sent him home with a blue Gatorade (his favorite) and a handwritten note. Turns out, blue Gatorades and handwritten notes can change everything. The best medicine is kindness, and Dr. Pfeifer gave it generously. He hasn’t stopped talking about him since. What started as a stressful night turned into something he remembers with a smile. As a mom, I’ll never forget how Dr. Pfeifer turned a hard situation into a kind, positive memory for our son.”
The HealthCare Champion program at HaysMed allows patients and their families to recognize those who made a special impact during their stay. There is no higher compliment than being acknowledged by a patient or family for exceptional care.
Do you have a HealthCare Champion at HaysMed who touched your life? Visit the HaysMed Foundation HealthCare Champion website to share your story and help us celebrate the heroes among us.
