Helping someone take care of their child is a privilege that Diana Perez, Physician Assistant, does not take for granted.

Diana practices at the endocrinology and diabetes clinic at Beacon Medical Group Pediatric Multi-Specialty office. She is passionate about helping children with endocrine problems such as diabetes or issues with their growth, puberty, thyroid and other hormonal disorders.

Before she worked at Beacon, she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Goshen College, and went on to receive her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, she began her career as a PA with Melrose Park Pediatrics, located in one of the underserved communities in Chicago, where she assumed the role of Lead PA.

“I’ve wanted to work in medicine for as long as I can remember,” Perez said. “I have always found the working of the human body absolutely fascinating. Also, I spent a couple of months in a children’s hospital when I was a small child. The positive experience I had as a patient certainly influenced my desire to help and care for others, especially children.”

In addition to her personal experience, she was also drawn to pediatrics as she became more aware of the challenging health care situation children and youth are facing, especially those who belong to underserved communities. Her goal is to develop meaningful relationships with patients and teach them the habits and skills they need to take care of their health at a young age.

Over the years, her pediatric patients have shown her how incredibly strong and resilient they are, despite the circumstances around them— “it is a nice reminder to have on a daily basis.”

“It’s my hope that I can plant a little seed in a child’s mind to help them develop healthy habits that will serve them well for the rest of their life,” she said.

In Her Own Words
Who is or was the most influential person in your life? My mother, a true example of courage, strength, and selflessness.

What was your first job going up? I was “the official” babysitter for my family and friends, so that became my first job. I remember that I immediately loved being around children because of their spontaneous, mischievous, and honest nature.

What is your favorite food? A combination of Costa Rican with Middle Eastern food.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, who would it be and why? Nelson Mandela. For a man to serve so many years in prison and still maintain a positive outlook on life and humanity, I would love to talk to him.

In addition to medicine, what are you most passionate about? Human rights and social justice.

What is something that most people don’t know about you? I like sewing, and I recently completed my first quilt.