When four-year-old Isla of Aplington began experiencing repeated ear infections, her parents hoped it was just a phase that would pass. She had been evaluated by another ENT in the past. At that time, ear tubes were not recommended. After two rounds of antibiotics this fall, Isla’s eardrum ruptured. It was clear that something more needed to be done.
That’s when Isla’s family was referred to Dr. Rodriguez at Waverly Health Center (WHC). Understanding the urgency, Dr. Rodriguez quickly scheduled Isla for ear tube placement the next week.
From the moment they arrived at WHC, Isla and her parents felt at ease. “The staff made Isla feel so comfortable,” her mom Crystal shared. “She got to jam out to her favorite Forrest Frank songs before her procedure and ‘scrub in’ her stuffed animal. It made the whole experience feel calm and positive for all of us.”
The family was deeply touched by the kindness and attentiveness of everyone they met. “Every staff member and provider were so kind, friendly and genuinely caring. We never felt rushed or like just another patient,” said Crystal. “Dr. Rodriguez and his team were fantastic. They took my concerns seriously and made sure Isla was scheduled for her procedure quickly, without a long wait time.”
For Isla’s family, one of the things that set WHC apart was its comforting atmosphere. “The smaller size of WHC allows for a more personal experience,” said Crystal. “You truly feel like more than just a number. There’s a sense of care and connection that stands out.”
Today, Isla is thriving. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Crystal has been thrilled to see her daughter’s progress since getting tubes. “Before the procedure, Isla had a few sound errors, particularly with her s-blend words. Those have completely resolved.”
Her advice to other parents facing a similar situation? “Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to advocate for your child. We’re so thankful for Dr. Rodriguez and the entire WHC team for helping our girl improve her overall speech intelligibility by now being able to hear sounds accurately.”
