Get to know Dr. James Godfrey

james-godfrey-mdHow long have you been a pediatrician and how long have you been with GHPA?

I graduated from medical school in 2001 and completed my pediatric training in 2004.  I have been with GHPA for a little over 10 years.

 

What were you like as a child? (Any favorite activities or strong personality traits?)

I was a reserved child…always curious about how things worked.  I enjoyed school, and I played soccer for over 10 years.  I loved spending time with my family. Evidently, I also enjoyed pestering my younger sister (but only if you ask her).

 

What inspired you to become a pediatrician?

Children are very resilient (much more so than adults), and I very much enjoy the honesty that comes from the mouths of my patients.

 

What do you enjoy most about being a pediatrician?

I enjoy watching families grow up. The amount of change that happens in a family from the birth of a child until all children are adults is astonishing!  It is an honor to be a small part of this wonderful process.

 

What important lessons have you learned since being a pediatrician?

Life is full of surprises, and children epitomize this statement.  I have learned over the years that you never know what kids will say or do in response to a situation, so don’t ask something if you don’t want to know.  I have also learned many tips and tricks from my parents that I have been able to use with my four children.

 

What is your top piece of advice for parents?

Be flexible…you never know exactly what is coming next down the road as you are raising a family.  You must be willing to improvise along the way in order to maintain the overall harmony in the house.

 

What is one fact that most people don’t know about you?

I enjoy cooking. While I don’t get the opportunity to do it that often, it is a blast to get into the kitchen and come up with a creation or spend time with my wife or children making a fun meal. However, my wife would tell you that I am a messy cook!

 

What is the greatest thing you can teach to your children?

I would say that the greatest thing you could teach your children is to love and respect others. This world is full of hatred and disappointment (and that makes it hard to live in at times).  Show them how to love and have respect for others and they will be a blessing to you, your family, and everyone they encounter.

 

 

 

 

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