The Adult Down Syndrome Center welcomed a new physician in September. But Dr. Hannah Graham isn’t exactly new to the Center.
“I did my residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and during my time there, I got to work with patients at the Center,” she shared. “I also did a special rotation here.”
During her residency, Dr. Graham enjoyed getting to know the patients and their families.
“I was amazed by how awesome they are. I learned so much from them that I still carry with me to this day. They’re wonderful, special people.”
Then, two years ago, Dr. Graham and her husband had a baby girl who was born with Down syndrome.
“When the opportunity to return to the Center came up, I felt like it was a calling,” she said. “I always dreamed of coming back here.”
Dr. Graham has a unique perspective and understanding of caring for individuals with Down syndrome.
“Being a mom is a big part of who I am. It helps me have more compassion for people. But I’m early on in my journey. I know what it’s like to have a toddler with Down syndrome, but I don’t have that experience as a parent of an adult yet. So, I continue to learn from my patients.”
She’s also learning from other team members.
“The people I get to work with are fantastic. They’re some of the best human beings,” she shared. “It’s a very special place to be.”
Dr. Graham will be seeing patients at the Center and rounding in the hospital.
“And I get to work with residents, which is a little surreal. It reminds me of my own residency here.”
In her free time, Dr. Graham and her family enjoy spending time outdoors.
“My husband and I are both from Colorado and we love to go hiking with our family. I love to cook. And I’ve recently taken up gardening, but unfortunately, I was born with a black thumb,” she laughed. “If anyone has any gardening advice, please let me know!”
Learn more about the Adult Down Syndrome Center.