Avery Award of Excellence in Pediatric Surgery
Niswonger Children’s Hospital
Johnson City, Tennessee
Nominated by Sarah Parker
Dr. Lesli Taylor was nominated for her award by Sarah Parker, whose son Rowan was born with gastroschisis and spent the first 10 months of his life at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Right after Rowan was born, Taylor told the family she had a plan save Rowan, despite the serious complications, but it would take a long time. “She was there nights, weekends and holidays, in addition to doing her other duties,” said Scott Robertson of The Business Journal as the award was handed out. “With Dr. Taylor overseeing his care, along with the staff at Niswonger, Rowan has survived and exceeded almost everyone’s expectations. Now nearly 5 years old, he lives a very normal life.”