Dr. John Pelegano Named Healthcare Hero
January 4, 2020
A child comes to Hospital for Special Care often with a heart-wrenching story. Brain injury. Spinal cord injury. Cancer. Rare disorders. Preemies with tracheostomies. These children need round-the-clock care, meticulous attention to detail, and multiple clinical interventions and therapy using the most innovative technology.
However, caring for children with the most complex diagnoses doesn’t only take the highest level of medical care and the most high tech equipment. It takes heart. Dr. John Pelegano makes sure his team is there to cheer on the first steps, read a bedtime story, and sit with family during times of stress and celebration.
In December, the Harford Business Journal recognized Pelegano as a Healthcare Hero for Advancements and Innovation in Healthcare. They recognize eight individuals and organizations across the state, who upholds a high standard of excellence.
As Chief of Pediatrics with a career of over 30 years, Pelegano has built a collaborative environment between staff, volunteers and families. He serves on the State of Connecticut Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council, volunteers his time as a Camp Courant medical director, and traveled to China to provide consultation on health care for children with developmental disabilities. He has led innovations in complex medical care for pediatric patients and in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Pelegano has become a leading expert in the diagnosis of ASD. Our autism center is the first and Patient-Centered Specialty Practice. As HFSC raises money for the new Inpatient Autism Unit and Partial Hospital Program, Pelegano was the first to step forward as the chair of an employee fundraising campaign, becoming a true superhero for autism.
“John’s dedication to continuous learning and teaching has made him a mentor to a new generation of physicians, nurses, respiratory, physical, speech and occupational therapists,” Dr. Haasan Minhas says. “He has seen and led some amazing innovations in complex clinical care for pediatric patients over the course of his career, and in doing so has shaped the professional growth of countless physicians and positively impacted the recovery of thousands of children.” (Quoted in the Harford Business Journal)
Read more about Pelegano’s recognition from the Harford Business Journal.