Meet the Pediatrician // Dr. Sudha Damidi
JOIN US: We are hosting an Open House for Dr. Damidi on Wednesday, August 30 at the Pediatric clinic in Pigeon (168 N. Caseville Rd, Pigeon, MI) from 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Ask anyone and they'll have a hard time disagreeing:
People love babies.
There’s just something about a baby’s miniature size, sweet cooing sounds and the nonstop discovery of life right in front of them.
Parents will literally do anything for their kids to ensure a bright and healthy future. And as the world seems to spin faster and faster, with demands coming at mom and dad from every angle, having a medical professional standing in their corner is absolutely, positively essential.
Being a Pediatrician is a calling that requires a unique blend of medical expertise, empathy, a gentle touch and a genuine love for children. In the bustling world of healthcare, Pediatricians hold a special place in
our hearts, dedicated to caring for the health and well-being of our little ones.
Sudha Damidi, MD has always had a dream of helping children grow to best understand their health. Dr. Damidi believes in the power of healthy habits and a strong emphasis on preventative care to prevent diseases before they even come into play. Altogether, it ensures a bright future for her young patients. Her commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives is evident throughout her life’s journey.
Dr. Damidi's interest in becoming a Pediatrician was sparked at a young age back in rural India.
In grade school, she witnessed a classmate get a bead lodged inside of their ear and watched as they became very distressed, unsure of what would happen next.
“I saw a kid put a bead into their ear right in the classroom and immediately they became terrified because we did not have any resources to remove the bead right there. They then went to the doctor where they had the instruments to take the foreign object out of the ear. The child’s mood immediately improved because he was so terrified of where it would end up. That really had a lasting impact on me and what medicine could do.”
This incident became a pivotal moment that inspired her to pursue a career in Pediatrics, aiming to make a dramatic difference in the lives of children.
After completing medical school in India, Dr. Damidi moved to the United States in 1994, where she has been practicing ever since.
When her twin boys were born in 1997, she took a break from the office to prioritize their care and growth. Driven by her passion for motherhood and her children's well-being, she returned to residency in Pediatrics after a few years, completing her training in New York before ultimately settling back home in the mitten state.
Michigan and even more specifically, the Thumb reminds Dr. Damidi of her time living back in India because of the small-knit community feel and the idea that everyone knows each other.
“On my first visit to Scheurer, I immediately felt a connection with the team and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere. I really liked the friendliness, the openness of the team and felt like I blended in right away.
I was easily able to connect with everybody and it felt as if it was something that was just meant to be. I look forward to building relationships with patients and their families, providing compassionate care, and making a positive impact on the community.”
Before her move to Scheurer Health, Dr. Damidi attended to newborn care and patient rounds at Hurley Medical Center and other tertiary facilities in Flint, Michigan.
“I lived in Rochester Hills, but my work experience came from Flint. I worked in a small group practice for about 10 years with two other Pediatricians.”
As a practicing Pediatrician in the Flint area during the water crisis, Dr. Damidi witnessed firsthand the devastating effects it had on families and the community. Many families were forced to move, resulting in changes in patient numbers and necessitating a move to a different practice. Despite the challenges, Dr. Damidi acknowledges the resilience and strength of the Flint community and remains connected with her former colleagues.
“The Flint water crisis brought a lot of changes to the healthcare field. Many families moved out during that year and we started seeing numbers shrink and that is when I made the move to switch to a different practice, so I could make the biggest impact possible. It was an excellent practice and still is to this day. I keep in touch with the providers and appreciate all the work they do.”
Dr. Damidi has nothing but excitement and eagerness to start as our newest Pediatrician.
“Your Pediatrician is just like a second parent to your child. You can trust the Pediatrician
because we want the very best for your child and look out for them just like a parent does. It’s the parent’s job to help the child grow and I make sure that they are growing healthy.”
It is hard not to feel Dr. Damidi’s passion for children’s health, even during your first interaction with her. Not only does she want a parent to understand their child’s growth and development, but the whole family.
“Preventative care is most effective when the entire family understands it and is onboard from an early stage. That’s the key to a healthy future…and I can help with that!”
Dr. Sudha Damidi is seeing patients Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Pediatric clinic at Scheurer Primary Care – Pigeon (168 N. Caseville Rd, Pigeon) and is open to any children from newborns to 18-years-old.
To make your appointment with Dr Damidi, call our Pediatric clinic in Pigeon directly at 989.453.2141. No physician referral is required.
Dr. Damidi’s name is pronounced simply: Comedy with a D.
“Dom-ed-ee”
