Children’s Hospital at Erlanger
Caring for Children
Dr. William Basco knew he wanted to be a physician at the age of 12. “I had enough medical visits as a child that I developed a different relationship with my pediatricians than if I had only seen them sporadically,” he shares. “I got to have good conversations with them about how pediatricians can make a difference in children’s and families’ lives.” Now, in his 28th year of practice, Dr. Basco feels honored to undertake this responsibility. “Being a pediatric faculty member is the best job in the world,” finishes Dr. Basco. “You get to get up every day and help children and their families.”
I think the faculty and staff here are great, and I look forward to seeing what we can do for the entire Chattanooga region in the coming years.”
My Credentials
Medical Degree:
Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA
Certifications:
Board Certified in General Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics
Pediatric Residency:
Medical University of South Carolina
Academic General Pediatrics Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Clinical Research: Medical University of South Carolina
1. What sets your practice apart?
The practice of Pediatric Hospital Medicine is challenging because one has to be a “generalist” taking care of hospitalized children, considering as many possible diagnoses and deciding on how to narrow testing. Then, in consultation we try to arrive at the right diagnosis or treatment plan. It means that day-to-day practice can be very varied, and it also means I’m constantly learning.
2. Why have you chosen this field of specialty?
I can remember deciding as a fourth-year medical student that I wanted to spend my career working with the kind of people who work in children’s hospitals, including the clerks, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and physicians. I decided that the type of people that work in a children’s hospital are “my people.”
3. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your patients?
Demystify and educate! These approaches are almost always needed with so many pediatric conditions. After that, attempting shared decision-making about testing and treatment to make sure your patient’s parents have “bought into” the plan.
4. What’s the key to making a great first impression
Make good eye contact and really listen to what the person is saying!
5. What is your best advice for patients?
My advice would be to work with and trust your physicians and medical care team. While the internet may be a starting point for parents to gain some insight into a condition or concern, a joint dialogue will help them better understand that condition. We need to listen to each other, with parents and patients leaning on the medical professional as an expert who can care for and guide them.
- 423.778.6011
- 910 Blackford Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
- childrensaterlanger.org
