Congratulations Dr. Tough Mudder Bergeron!

Congratulations to Dr. Blake Bergeron for recently completing the Nashville Tough Mudder – go Dr. Blake! We asked Dr. Bergeron for a few words about the event, so here is his recap, followed by a few pictures!

"A few weeks ago, a group of us from Memphis took a trip to do the Tough Mudder outside of Nashville.  The tough mudder is a 10-12 mile obstacle mud race, that has become famous for its wide variety of obstacles, most notably jumping into a dumpster of ice cold water, climbing through huge mud pits and crossing the finish line after getting shocked by 50,000 volts of electricity.  This was my 2nd mudder, and I did the first one with Nurse Meg's husband, Matt, and another friend in St. Louis last year.   It actually takes some training to be able to do the obstacles and make it through the day...but teamwork and camaraderie help a lot too!  The most important thing is to find exercise that you love, go hard and have fun!  I really tried to get another doctor from Pediatric Consultants to do the race with me, but everyone said they were busy or something.  There's always next year, right Dr. Frizzell and Mathis?"

The King of Pediatric Consultants

Elvis Presley with Dr. Mathis at Wine Opener

A few weeks ago, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Memphis hosted a benefit at the Playhouse on the Square. The Wine Opener featured wine tastings, gourmet food, and Pediatric Consultants' own Dr. Blake Bergeron as Elvis Presley!

Dr. Bergeron says, "I got involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in order to help raise awareness for this disease and to raise money for this great cause. The foundation is a major supporter of research efforts, but that is not all they do. They help families get assistance for testing, medical supplies, medications, and offer a support network for those affected by the disease."

"Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders and it affects thousands of children.  These patients are very brave individuals, and we as a practice take care of several children affected with the disorder.  It is a life long disease, and these children need frequent medical care.  They face a life of daily medications, breathing treatments, vest treatments, and doctor visits.  Back in 1950, children with CF had a life expectancy that barely included elementary school.  Through extensive fund raising and research, major advances have been made in the field, and today patients can expect to live to the 40s and beyond!  In fact, emerging research is suggesting that there may the possibility of a genetic cure!"

Part of the evening was the "Sixty Five Roses" competition. According to legend, this is what one young CF patient called his disease when he couldn't pronounce the proper name. Several local florists donated some beautiful arrangements, and part of the evening called for "celebrity judges" (including Elvis!) to pick the winner.

This was Dr. Bergeron's first gig as Elvis, but party-goers would have guessed he was a professional! Dr. Bergeron's neighbors served on the committee for the fundraiser and recognized his untapped potential to be the King of Rock and Roll. He says, "I was thrown into the Elvis impersonating business, I can assure you! I figured it would be for a great cause, so I volunteered.  The costume was donated generously by Mr. Lincoln's Costume Shoppe in Midtown, and when I tried it on, I didn't really think it was me! I even sent a picture to my mom when I was in costume and she didn't recognize me!"

"The evening was incredible.  It's not everyday that you get to go to a party with Elvis!  I posed for what seemed like hundreds of pictures.  At first I was uncomfortable, dressed as such a spectacle, but after a little while everyone was giving me high-fives and shouting, "Well, there's Elvis!"  I tried to get as much into character as possible, so I practiced talking like Elvis and even tried to mimic his little smirk!  Not so sure I pulled it off though.  Someone asked me to sing, but I politely declined. I told them they want people to come to the party, not run away screaming.  At this point, I'm not available for bookings. However, if demand picks up, I may consider starting a side job!"

Get to Know Beth Spence!

During a vacation in France, Beth meets a real French poodle!

We're proud to introduce you to Beth Spence, Pediatric Consultants' Chief Operations Officer!

Tell us about what you do for Pediatric Consultants, and how long you have been with the group? 

My official title is "Chief Operations Officer".  I, however, do a little bit of everything.  Frontdesk? Done it. Filing? Did some today. Listen to complaints? With an open ear. Wash dishes? Just call me Mom. My chief responsibility these days surrounds our implementation of the Electronic Health Record.  I am a nurse by training and worked here as a nurse for many years. In fact, I still jump in there and help the nurses as often as I can. I started working with Pediatric Consultants in May, 1994. I thought I would try it here for a while to see if I liked it...

What is your favorite part about being part of the Ped Consultants team? 

Truthfully, I love this practice and the people who work here. I look forward to coming to work most days and I highly respect our doctors, each and everyone of them. Is our work exciting and adrenaline producing?  Well, hang out in our waiting room some days.  No, seriously, day in and day out we take care of kids from all socio-economic groups, all shapes, sizes and colors and that is a good, fun, thing. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I love to travel and dine out.  Most recently I was fortunate enough to travel to France for a trip of a lifetime.  Riding bikes has become a fairly new hobby for me as I live near the Greenline.  I don't ride to the degree Dr Frizzell and Dr Mathis ride.  I'm more of a cruiser with a bike bell.

Have you lived in Memphis for a long time? Where are you from? 

I am a lifelong Memphian.  I "went away" to school, 126 miles from home to The University of Tennessee at Martin.

Do you have any funny stories to reveal about any of PC's doctors? 

Sure, but I probably shouldn't share them here.  Suffice it to say we have a great group of doctors who are as fun-loving and self-deprecating as can be.

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?  

You know, this is a really hard question.  There are so many good things about Memphis -- restaurants, music, art, history.  One of my favorite times is coming up soon.  Driving down Parkway on the way to work in the springtime is absolutely beautiful.  AutoZone park for a summer night game with fireworks? perfect! Chowing down on some Memphis style (is there any other?) ribs? divine!

What was the last book you read? 

House of Prayer #2: A Writer's Journey Home by Mark Richard  It's the author's memoir of growing up in the South.  I especially like Southern Fiction and Non-fiction.  My friend Lisa (who works here as well) recommends great books.

Do you have any activities that you do stay fit/healthy? Have any tips to share? 

Ha! if you knew how hard staying fit is for me. I am a former scholarship college athlete from back in the "olden days" just after Title IX was passed.  I once was an avid runner...legs can't take it anymore.  Now, I like to walk my dogs, ride my bike, work in my yard and try to eat as healthy as I can. Last weekend I started the "Hundred Pushups Training Program"  Check back in 6 weeks to see how I do. My 90 year old Mom says, "keep moving." I think that's a good tip for all of us.