Dr. Babek Rahimi, pediatric cardiologist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, California, has been volunteering with WPP since 2007.  He was first introduced to the organization by a colleague who was working with WPP.  He currently volunteers with the US Referrals group, but spent years traveling and performing surgeries in the Dominican Republic and St. Kitts.  

Ryan was Dr. Rahimi’s first WPP patient in 2007.

After 15 years with WPP, it is difficult to pick one case that has had the most impact on him; however, when pressed, Dr Rahimi fondly remembers his first WPP patient, Ryan. As a result of that case, he was able to see firsthand the impact that WPP has on children’s lives.  Dr. Rahimi remains Ryan’s cardiologist to this day and is grateful that he has had the privilege of seeing Ryan grow up into an amazing young man.  

Dr. Rahimi has followed Ryan’s progress for over 15 years and remains his cardiologist to this day.

In fact, it is this long-term commitment to patients that Dr. Rahimi feels sets WPP apart from other organizations.  “WPP does not solely focus on the immediate medical needs of the child. Through their network, WPP follows these children after surgery and makes sure they are receiving the long-term care they need. They become a part of our family forever.”

A focus on capacity-buliding in developing nations is another reason for Dr. Rahimi’s continued partnership with WPP.  “WPP is committed to the growth of medical care for children in their home countries and improving the healthcare systems in those communities.”

Dr. Rahimi’s most recent WPP patient was baby Charles from St. Lucia. Charles is seen here with his mother and Dr. Rahimi at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA, where Dr. Rahimi was instrumental in establishing a new partnership with WPP.

Dr. Rahimi is not at a loss for words when asked why others should contribute to WPP’s mission.  “As a physician working with WPP ,  I have seen firsthand the impact WPP has on the lives of children who cannot get the medical care they need, simply because of where they were born or a lack of funding.  It is only through the generosity of supporters that we are able to continue this work. Each contribution directly helps children who need urgent medical care and helps to build programs in their home countries. Geography should never be a reason for not receiving medical care.”

Our Heroes Wear Scrubs – Q & A with Dr. Babak Rahimi

Dr. Babak Rahimi, pediatric cardiologist at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, California, began volunteering forWorld Pediatric Project in 2007.  At that time living in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Rahimi was first introduced by a colleague who was also providing care for children identified by the organization.  He currently volunteers by serving as cardiologist to children who come to MCWH through the newfound partnership with WPP, but also has extensive volunteer experience traveling to provide care to children in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean. In addition to his volunteer work as a physician, Dr. Rahimi recently joined the St. Louis Development Board.  

WPP: Dr. Rahimi, you have been volunteering for quite a long time! Is there a particular child or case that made the most signfiicant impact on you in that time?

Dr. Rahimi: After 15 years volunteering with WPP, it is difficult to pick just one case that has had the most impact on me; however, if I must pick one, I have fond memories of the first WPP patient that I ever treated, Ryan from Jamaica. As a result of that case, Iwas able to see firsthand the impact that WPP has on children’s lives.  Just 5 at the time we first met, I remain Ryan’s cardiologist to this day and I am extremely grateful that I have had the privilege of seeing Ryan grow up into an amazing young man.  

WPP: In your line of work, there is no doubt that you’ve come across many organizations providing direct care to children.  What makes World Pediatric Project unique?

Dr. Rahimi: In fact, it is this long-term commitment to patients that I mentioned about Ryan that I feel sets WPP apart from other organizations.  WPP does not solely focus on the immediate medical needs of the child. Through their network, WPP follows these children after surgery and makes sure they are receiving the long-term care they need. They [the children] become a part of our family forever.

WPP: In addition to the individual cases you’ve been a part of, in which other programs have you been involved?  

Dr. Rahimi: The continued focus on capacity-building in developing nations is another reason for my continued support of WPP.  The organization is committed to the growth of medical care for children in their home countries and improving the healthcare systems in those communities.

WPP: Why do you encourage others to support the work of World Pediatric Project, whether it be as a volunteer, donor or partner?

Dr. Rahimi:  As a physician helping the efforts of the organization,  I have seen firsthand the impact WPP has on the lives of children who cannot get the medical care they need, simply because of lack of financial means or were born.  It is only through the generosity of supporters that we are able to continue this work. Each contribution directly helps children who need urgent medical care and helps to build programs in their home countries. Geography should never be a reason for not receiving medical care.

Thank you, Dr. Rahimi!  You are our hero!