Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Local pediatricians share what makes their career so rewarding + special
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Working as a pediatrician can be one of the most rewarding and challenging careers. From being a part of children’s lives as they grow up to developing relationships with their families, it’s definitely a special role.
We spoke with two local Children’s of Alabama pediatricians—one who’s been working for 44 years and one mother of three—to hear more about their careers. Here’s what we learned.
Dr. John Cortopassi, Pediatrician at Greenvale Pediatrics-Hoover
Dr. John Cortopassi‘s career began in Mobile where he attended the University of South Alabama for medical school.
Next, he completed his residency at UAB, then joined a private practice in Birmingham.
Now, he’s been at Greenvale Pediatrics in Hoover for 44 years.
Like many pediatricians, his decision to go into the field came from his desire to take care of children at all stages of their physical and emotional development—from infancy to childhood to young adulthood.
“Hands down, the most rewarding part of a career in pediatrics is watching my patients grow and mature. Being a part of this journey is very special.
A tremendous gift to me is when one of my patients reaches adulthood under my eye and then returns to my practice and allows me to take care of their children. These are our grand-patients.”
Dr. John Cortopassi, Pediatrician, Greenvale Pediatrics-Hoover
Dr. Christina Fettig, Pediatrician at Mayfair Medical Group
Dr. Christina Fettig has been a physician at Mayfair Medical Group since 2013, but a Birmingham resident since she trained at UAB and Children’s in 2006.
As a physician, wife and mother of three, Dr. Fettig is a busy woman.
She was a regular patient as a child, requiring surgery and regular physical therapy sessions for muscle weakness/spasticity, and those experiences shaped her into the doctor she is now.
Since her teenage years, Fettig has wanted to provide others the same excellent medical care, love and support that was showered upon her growing up.
“My patients truly become my extended family and I feel blessed every day to be their trusted physician.
This can be the most difficult aspect of my job, as it is extremely challenging to leave the office behind each day. But it’s so rewarding to partner closely with children and their parents in both wellness and sickness.”
Dr. Christina Fettig, Pediatrician, Mayfair Medical Group
Pediatrics is a “life-giving” career
For anyone pursuing a career in pediatrics, Dr. Cortopassi’s biggest piece of advice is to remember you are not only treating the patient, but interacting with parents and grandparents who will be with you throughout the entire journey.
“Pediatricians become a part of people’s families. From invitations to graduations, recitals and even weddings, it’s clear the special place we have in our patients’ lives.”
Dr. John Cortopassi, Pediatrician, Greenvale Pediatrics-Hoover
Dr. Fettig’s advice is simple: go for it.
“I can’t imagine a more meaningful and joy-filled career. Yes, the medical training is extensive and the days are long… but the relationships you build and the lessons you learn are life-giving.”
Dr. Christina Fettig, Pediatrician, Mayfair Medical Group
Want to learn more about working at Children’s of Alabama? Visit their website to apply for a job today.
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