Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camagüey, Nov 30.- Arriving at a healthcare center is not among anyone's happy plans, much less those of a child immersed in his world of fantasies, where pain or worry do not exist, however, in the consultation of Speech therapy and Phoniatry at the Specialty Polyclinic of the Pediatric Hospital of Camagüey, both infants and parents smile and feel at home.
There they are received by a professional team attentive to the evolution and development of the little ones, highlighting Dr. Hetzel de la Esperanza Batista Mustelier, affectionately known as Dr. Toys.
This nickname is not only due to the similarity of her skin to that of children, but also to her charisma, the innocence she projects and her ability to discover the essences of his patients. Her sensitivity is reflected in every detail; from the colorful blouse she wears to the dolls she prefers instead of the sanitary gown.
“I have been a specialist in phoniatrics since 2007, after having obtained my first specialty in 2003 as a Comprehensive General Physician. Therefore, I have been working in speech therapy here at the pediatric hospital for seventeen years, a vocation that has accompanied me since I was a child,” explains Dr. Hetzel.
Her love for animals, biology, concern for her family and affection for her grandfather led her, luckily for many, to the specialty she always dreamed of, which gives her the satisfaction of seeing her little patients advance and receive love. and infinite gratitude from her families, who often stop her on her daily walk to give her a big kiss.
“In the consultation, children often arrive who have lost acquired skills and need rehabilitation through language, speech and voice treatment. In each encounter, a comforting development is observed, and even more so because I become their friend, teacher or simply Hetzel, the girl who sings, plays, tells stories and is surrounded by toys,” she added.
This is precisely what she enjoys the most: giving someone the opportunity to insert themselves into society, to achieve things and to overcome difficulties that often arise with the person.
When you open the door of the Specialty Polyclinic of the Pediatric Hospital of Camagüey, you can breathe a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The early arrivals, the concern for teaching and the teachers' criteria are intertwined with the stars drawn in vibrant colors, a symbol of the light that always accompanies the little ones. This space is lovingly designed, full of organized toys, designed for those who know how to love.
Dr. Hetzel, committed to her work, not only scientifically studies each case, but also becomes an ally for children and their families. Listen to their fears, offer hope and warn when the results are not as expected. “I interview the family, observe the child and allow them to play. I am in constant communication with parents, interacting with them. Sometimes, they do not cooperate at the first moment of the test because they do not know me or they are afraid, but there are aspects that I have already been able to observe,” she explains.
Experience, errors and rectification, as well as teamwork are essential to reach a more effective diagnosis taking into account the individual characteristics of each child. In this process, parents become the best rehabilitators. “Each child is an individuality. Parents think they are learning from me, but I learn from each one of them every day. Each interaction makes me more skilled for the next case,” adds the doctor.
The constant study of different disorders, along with worldwide research, and improvement in topics such as autism or cochlear implants, are pillars in Dr. Hetzel's daily work. “Cuba acquires the best prostheses from the best brands,” she says, reflecting its commitment to quality care.
Dr. Hetzel is motivated every day by her love for children, facing pleasant, challenging and exhausting moments with dedication and joy. It becomes a beacon of hope for parents and children who visit the Polyclinic, always providing certainty and support. (Gladys Dailyn Morera Cordero/Radio Cadena Agramonte) (Photos by the author, Televisón Camagüey and Humberto Cid González/Radio Cadena Agramonte)
