Pediatrician Ariyo finds joy walking alongside kids and families at NorthShore Health Center’s Gary clinic

When Pediatrician Oluwatobi (Tobi) Ariyo joined the staff at NorthShore Health Center’s Gary clinic in August 2024, she was proud to work somewhere she could make a difference. Opening in 2024, the Gary clinic provides quality, accessible care for a community that previously had to venture out to surrounding cities and towns for their healthcare needs.

Ariyo always knew she wanted to be a pediatrician because she loves kids and wanted the chance to make a positive impact in their growth and development. Bringing her expertise to Gary has been a joy.

“I live in Chicago, but from my research and from talking to staff in this area, I learned that the need was very high. Getting a clinic in Gary specifically was much-needed, and the community really appreciates it — we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from patients and families,” Ariyo said. “I’m really excited to be part of something like this. It is very humbling.”

Working with kids as they develop can be a challenge, as it requires medical expertise and a bit of mystery-solving. Pediatricians must take into account family medical history, listen to the parents’ input, and observe and assess a child’s needs.

“I view it as a puzzle piece, especially the younger kids. They can’t really speak for themselves, or they don’t know what’s going on, and sometimes a parent might not even know what’s happening. As clinicians, we should be able to take a good history and physical and start from there. It’s a great opportunity to use the fundamental aspects of medicine,” Ariyo said.

While finding solutions to medical puzzles is a challenge that Ariyo enjoys, her favorite part of the job is simply seeing and interacting with the kids.

“No matter what state of mind I’m in, there’s this joy that children and adolescents bring. I always feel better and my mood improves when I see them. I think there’s so much hope and possibility with children, and it definitely brings joy,” Ariyo said.

One of the things that is truly unique about Ariyo’s job is that pediatrics is not just about kids, but about the whole family. When dealing with such a vulnerable population — not just the kids, but also the parents — she has to know how to listen and guide everyone.

Ariyo recalls an impactful memory when a 4-day-old baby boy was brought in by his parents, and it was evident that the first-time parents were exhausted and struggling. When Ariyo asked the mom how she was doing, she broke down and cried. Ariyo was then able to offer her compassion and guidance. Ariyo was happy to provide a safe space where she could encourage the parents and lift the spirits of the young family.

“I told them that everything was okay and that their feelings were not abnormal. I thanked them for opening up, sharing with me, and letting them know that people are actually there to help; sometimes we just have to ask for it. I could see their whole demeanor start to change. I felt that there was a weight lifted off their shoulders. The baby had been crying, but even he was smiling at this point,” Ariyo said.

After connecting the parents with further resources to help them navigate parenthood, Ariyo was reminded of the importance of listening to parents and children through various stages of health and development, both physically and mentally.

“The pediatric population — parents, too — this is their heart. They are putting their trust in us as providers, and it is a truly humbling profession,” Ariyo said.

In order to pour her whole heart into her profession, Ariyo believes that investing in the power of rest and being a well-balanced individual with a variety of interests is key. She makes hobbies a priority outside of work to protect her mental health and show up to work with a refreshed, ready mind. Ariyo’s passions include fashion, sports (especially the Philadelphia Eagles), art, museums, live music, reading, traveling, crocheting, and cooking.

To learn more about NorthShore Health Centers and its team of caring professionals, visit northshorehealth.org.