Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE was strong while she was in college, Dr. Reeves was progressively drawn toward medicine. She wanted a more hands-on helping experience and that, for her, the best way to practice both was to become a physician. This led her to Jefferson Medical College in 1987. Initially, expecting to go into family medicine, practicing in a rural community, she soon discovered a love for caring lor children and decided to become a pediatrician. Given her maternal qualities that many of us witness, this comes as no surprise. Residency was spent at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. where Dr. Reeves gained an interest in healthcare disparities and serving children in underserved communities. During this time, she came to realize that all people want to be healthy; therefore we, as physicians, need to give them the benefit of the doubt, which for her is one of the most important aspects of medical practice. As a result of her experiences in various com- munities, along with interest in international issues, she traveled to Honduras where she participated in a pediatric clinic and deepened her commitment to public health. While at Cincinnati, Dr. Reeves met the love of her life, fellow pediatrician Dr. Edisio Semeao, whom she married in August 1995. She returned to Philadelphia with him, accepting a position in the pediatrics department of Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, PA, as he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As pediatricians, they both knew they wanted a family and had their first child, Ben, in 1997. Their daughter, Annie, was born in 2004. Though very different in nature, Ben stoic, reserved, and watchful; Annie, willful, opinionated, and gregarious, both are characters, bringing much energy, excitement, and enjoyable challenges to their lively family.

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whom she describes as a 'great influence. According co Dr. Reeves, her grandmother taught her how to play chess by age five because she believed that knowing the game well would yield lifelong benefits. She also encouraged Dr. Reeves’ musical talents which served her well in medical school when at times money was particularly tight, she would sing for her supper at the Caribou Cafe. Dr. Reeves’ considerable singing talents earned her awards, a college scholarship, and various singing engagements. Dr. Reeves also attributes to her grandmother, an appreciation co celebrate discipline in life’s small tasks, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the great sacrifices that parents and others often make to care for children.' It was this philosophy along with an interest in liberal arts that Dr. Reeves decided to attend Juniata College to major in Religious Philosophy and Biology. While at Juniata, she acquired an appreciation for teaching and seriously considered becoming a professor of religious philosophy. Participating in a group of students that organized weekly lectures for Sunday services, she found herself increasingly drawn to public speaking. On one occasion when she had co speak extemporaneously on behalf of her speaking partner, not only did she launch in and deliver an unexpected address, she received significant praise for her presentation. Her friend and colleague, Dianne Butera, calls it “eloquence on the fly.” She notes, I have watched in amazement as Kathy Reeves pulls threads of thoughts together in a matter of moments. She possesses a keen ability to see the big picture while understanding strategy of individual moves. That and her continual pondering of ideas, and perhaps most importantly, her passion for sharing enables her to be a wonderful mentor, teacher, friend, and of course, doctor.’ Though the lure of an academic life, as a professor,

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Dr. Reeves' career has taken many twists and turns. Hired as a hospitalist at Crozer-Chcster Medical Center, it quickly became evident that her strong leadership skills would serve her well as Crozers first program director, when Crozer assumed Hahnemann’s Pediatric Residency Program. She enjoyed this position where she honed her teaching and mentoring skills, receiving numerous teaching awards. From this experience, as well as her initial interest in becoming a college professor, she decided to join Temple University’s School of Medicine and jumped at the opportunity to serve students as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. As Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as well as a practicing clinician, mother, wife, and friend, many have come to appreciate Dr. Reeves' dedication for being a voice for students as well as patients. We also appreciate her listening ear. Working alongside fellow student advocate Dr. Sterling, a colleague and friend whom she feels quite lucky to have as a fellow Dean’s Staff member, Dr. Reeves has been able to bring her life experiences and help the student body. As Dr. Sterling notes, We complement our approaches to working with students and I marvel at her ability to know just what to say and how to say it. She is a wonderful advocate for our students, her patients and ultimately the community. I am lucky to have her as a colleague and friend. Many will remember her interest in the humanities as well as in community service. Many have appreciated her ability to foster student interest in these areas, further strengthening Temple’s commitment and support for the residents of North Philadelphia. We also will remember her commitment to role of professionalism in medical education, her facilitation of discussions relating to current issues in the field of medicine, and the frequent reminder of the privilege to care for people. Throughout our four years at Temple, when problems of a professional or personal nature have arisen, or simply to hear a caring voice, many students have found that sending a quick email to kreeves(5)temple. edu has often helped find a solution. As we move into our new worlds, we also take with us her belief that compassion is key to our aspirations, attitudes, and actions. It is without hesitation or question that the Class of 2009 is indebted to Dr. Reeves for her continued presence and assistance in our education and in helping to make Temple University School of Medicine and the educational process a little more kind to all of us. Congratulations, Dr. Kathleen Reeves. -Brad Hayward 6C The Class of 2009