Baby's First Year

Dr. Eduardo M. Sanchez founded Clinica del Norte Pediatrics PLLC in the same diverse community in San Antonio, Texas where he grew up. There, he has cared for thousands of babies, children, and teenagers, including his own five children. Dr. Sanchez inherited his family-oriented, entrepreneurial spirit from his Mexican-born parents, who owned and operated businesses. His mother opened a beauty salon after completing her licensing program, and his father owned and operated a grocery store. Dr. Sanchez began working at age nine-delivering newspapers, and cleaning at a barber shop and beauty parlor (as they were called). When he was 11, he started working in the family construction business. His many tasks ranged from framing for concrete driveways, to using a jack-hammer to break up old concrete structures, and doing everything in-between. After high school, he became a teen parent and supported his family by joining the U.S. Army. After Basic Training and Specialized Training, he was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. A Green to Gold Active Duty Scholarship enabled him to attend Prairie View A&M University in Houston. After commissioning as a second lieutenant, he pursued a graduate degree from Texas Woman's University, and a doctorate degree from Maryville University as a Jonas Veteran Scholar. In 2002, after eight years in the Army Reserve, Dr. Sanchez returned to San Antonio and founded Clinica del Norte Pediatrics PLLC. There he provides quality care for babies, children, and teenagers in his very diverse and predominantly Hispanic community. He has worked diligently to provide the best care to families who call his pediatric center their "medical home." At the same time, Dr. Sanchez have been instrumental in multiple start-up companies as a consultant, director, or as venture capitalist involved in acquiring and developing commercial real estate properties. Deeply committed to serving the community, he is dedicated to serving on numerous boards-including managed care organizations and non-profit organizations-that promote community health and quality healthcare for everyone, including the indigent. He serves as board chairman for TYME to Empower, an organization helping teen parents excel with education and career success. All the while, Dr. Sanchez worked hard all of his life to provide the best care and love for his children, who include Eduardo III, who is 30 and has served in the U.S. Army for 11 years. His three daughters are: Mariel, 22, who graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in education; Sophia, 21, a sophomore undergraduate college student majoring in biology; and Adriana, 18, who will soon start attending college. The newest addition to our family, Greyson, is 18 months old and growing fast. "I'm honored to offer this book," Dr. Sanchez says, "to help other mothers and fathers do the best we can in our most important mission, job, and career of all... being a parent!"