To the Editor,
In an era when healthcare often feels fractured and impersonal, I want to shine a light on a doctor who represents the absolute best of medicine and compassionate service: Dr. Samuel Andonian, of Lexington, MA. For nearly 50 years, Dr. Andonian has dedicated his life’s work to the children and families of Massachusetts, and his impact on our community is immeasurable.
He is not just a highly expert pediatrician; he is a partner, a source of unwavering strength, and a genuinely intuitive healer. He joins in the joys of raising children and becomes a vital resource when challenges occur, ensuring families never feel alone.
Our Family’s Lifeline
Our family’s journey is one of hundreds that Dr. Andonian has changed. He has served as our pediatrician for over 27 years, navigating a path far more complex than any parent anticipates. When my sons, Neil and Tyler, received unexpected diagnoses — mitochondrial disease followed by regressive autism, the path forward felt like an impossible maze. Dr. Andonian was not just a guide; he often led the way. He provided the clarity and strength I needed to persevere through his unwavering support.
In my professional roles as CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts and as a medical student educator with Operation House Call, I know how desperately families with children who have autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities need doctors like him. Our family has been extraordinarily lucky to have Dr. Andonian in our corner, from the scariest times to sharing every small step of progress.
Modeling Compassionate, Individualized Care
What makes Dr. Andonian especially outstanding to me is his deep commitment to seeing and respecting the whole person, especially children with complex needs. He is a profound example for the next generation of physicians:
For my nonverbal son, Neil, Dr. Andonian works in close partnership with me, his primary caregiver, but always talks directly to Neil, making him feel like the most important person in the room. He patiently awaits nonverbal cues. He is so dedicated that, on high-agitation days, he has conducted full exams, checking ears and throat — out in our minivan, prioritizing our son’s comfort and safety above all else.
For my son Tyler, he uses a different approach, knowing connection is key. He allows extra time for processing, incorporates Tyler’s favorite toys into the side-by-side exam, or lets him pace, allowing Tyler to answer questions independently and engage on his own terms.
He models how to ensure that behavior is seen as communication and never minimizes the impact of autism on the entire family. His ability to care for my typically developing daughter with the same depth of compassion and expertise, while providing immense comfort to me as a mother, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
In a time when we often hear negativity about the state of healthcare, the tireless, dedicated work of Dr. Samuel Andonian over half a century is a powerful and uplifting antidote. He has not only kept generations of families healthy and strong, but he has treated every one of us with dignity and respect. We are deeply grateful.
Sincerely,
Maura Sullivan and family