Pediatrician Lina Castillo, M.D., is an idealist. When conversing with her, it does not take long to discover what Castillo’s passion is – children.
She believes her interactions with children have the potential to shape the future of our society. It is this passion that propelled Dr. Castillo to pursue becoming a pediatrician when she went to medical school – to care for what she believes to be the underserved, the underdog, those that are most vulnerable, and in most cases unable to defend themselves from the ills of our world.
For Castillo, becoming a doctor was a calling and not just a career choice.
“My parents are both doctors,” she said. “I observed how hard they worked, the relationships they built with patients, the long days and sleepless nights, and the deep sorrows that accompany the burden of delivering a less than favorable diagnosis. It is a sacred responsibility and one that I am willing to carry.”
For the aforementioned reasons, pediatrics seemed to be the perfect fit for Castillo.
“When going through medical school, I soon gravitated toward pediatrics,” she said. “The children in our community truly are our future. I feel it is a privilege and honor for parents to entrust me with their child’s care. It’s gratitude that can only be repaid by an occasional hug or smile.”
It didn’t take long before Dr. Castillo recognized that she had even more to contribute to the field of pediatrics.
“While going through my residency program at Miami Children’s Hospital, one of my rotations was with pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology,” she recalled. “I experienced firsthand how much of a difference this field made in the lives of children. So I made the decision to continue on and complete a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.”
With her advanced training in gastroenterology and hepatology, Dr. Castillo could essentially receive a call to any urban area in the United States, but instead has chosen to practice in Hermiston.
“You know, at any major urban medical center, I wouldn’t have the same opportunity that I will have here to get to know my patients,” she said. “Yes, I have special training in GI and hepatology, but I am a general pediatrician at heart. Meaning that I want to build relationships with the families I care for over the course of their lives, not just in the operating room.”
Castillo’s bedside manner can be described as warm and friendly.
“I want the children in my care to be their best – to feel good and be healthy,” she said. “I feel it is my responsibility to be an encouragement to parents and children to give them hope and even advice to help them with life skills and career choices where applicable.”
Outside of the office and the operating room Dr. Castillo can be found on a run, kayaking, cooking or dancing.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Castillo, call 541.667.3740 or go online.
