Dear Families,
It is with a mixture of deep gratitude and a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of a true cornerstone of our practice. After over 46 years of dedicated service, our beloved nurse, Betsy Bridges, will be hanging up her scrubs to begin a well-deserved retirement.
A Legacy of Care: From October 1979 to Today
Betsy’s journey with us began in October 1979. She originally arrived with a degree in Medical Office Management to work in the Business Office of Children’s Medical Center, having found Dr. Amer’s name as the very first entry in the Yellow Pages.
However, her heart belonged to the patients. Dr. Amer recognized this immediately, frequently pulling her out of the Business Office to meet the children and eventually encouraging her to go to nursing school. Betsy stayed with CMC throughout nursing school, transitioning from the office to the clinical side we all know and love.
The Heartbeat of Children’s Medical Center
Since she first walked through our doors at the original 1575 Vine Street location—where she was honored to meet Dr. Max Ginsburg and Dr. Leo Flax—Betsy has worn nearly every hat imaginable:
- The Clinical Expert: She remembers the days when we performed X-rays in the clinic and when our doctors performed rounds at Children’s Hospital. She recalls long walks with Dr. Amer, learning about admitted patients and watching the “standing room only” crowds whenever he presented at Grand Rounds. From the back office checking in patients and administering vaccines with a gentle touch, to triaging urgent calls with calm expertise in the front office, Betsy can be seen all over the office.
- The Lactation Specialist: Her passion for breastfeeding was sparked by Dr. Marianne Neifort (“Doctor Mom”). Through our Foundation, Betsy became a Certified Lactation Educator and spent four years teaching at Florence Crittenton High School. She even brought teen moms to CMC to teach them the importance of a “Medical Home.” Many of those mothers became lifelong patients, and the babies Betsy met then are now 18 and 19 years old! Betsy has supported countless new mothers through the challenges of breastfeeding, offering both clinical wisdom and the reassurance that “you’ve got this.”
- The “Connector”: Perhaps most importantly, Betsy is our institutional memory. She remembers the “little black bag” Dr. Amer carried on house calls (always filled with lollipops) and the fact that he only took the stairs—everyone at the hospital knew him. She is proud to say she has known five to six generations of families who have grown up at CMC. She doesn’t just know your child’s medical history; she likely remembers when you were a patient here.
A Mission of Service
Betsy was there when CMC outgrew Vine Street and moved to 1625 Marion—a building made possible by two generous family’s donations, built on land that, in a “small world” twist, previously belonged to Betsy’s Uncle John Eby.
Some of Betsy’s favorite memories were created during “Trick or Treat Street” each year. CMC would buy costumes for those who couldn’t afford them, and Betsy helped transform 12 exam rooms into a wonderland where kids received candy, toothbrushes, and toys. Staff provided treats, doctors offered face painting, and one year, Betsy’s son even organized his Boy Scout troop to staff the rooms to earn a Service Badge.
She helped champion the Community Child Health Foundation, supporting social workers who provided housing and food resources, and the “Jump for Life” program that gave jump ropes to every child.
Most recently, the clinic moved to our current home at 1818 N Ogden, Suite 300. While Betsy admits this was a difficult move because she worried a “real doctor’s office” might not feel like the same Medical Home, she is happy to say she was wrong! She loves the new building and truly feels that Dr. Amer would love it, too.
Going Above and Beyond
Betsy’s compassion has never been confined to the four walls of our clinic. Whether she was personally driving a patient to an appointment or quietly shopping for supplies for a family in need, Betsy lived the mission of “care” in its truest sense. Her generosity is legendary, and her impact on our community is immeasurable.
Join Us in Celebration
While we will miss her presence in the hallways, we are so excited for Betsy to enjoy this next chapter of her life.
We want to give Betsy the send-off she deserves, and we would love for our patient families to be a part of it. Please join us for a retirement gathering to share memories, hugs, and well-wishes:
- Date: April 14, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: The Lobby of Children’s Medical Center
We know many of you have personal stories and fond memories of Betsy, and we invite you to share them. We are compiling a retirement book for Betsy, so please upload any notes, photos, drawings from your children if you would like to add to the book. Please make sure to add your name to what you upload, and send submissions in by April 14th so that we can present the memories to her on her final day at CMC May 1st, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/131gfQ03sbZFpAQL8RPmmIBMfo8Y7utSo?usp=drive_link
Betsy would like to thank each and every family for letting her be a part of your lives. Betsy, thank YOU for over-forty years of heart, soul, and healing. You are irreplaceable, and you will always be a part of the Children’s Medical Center family.
Warmly,
Dr. Spero, Dr. Erin, Dr. Debbie, Dr. Liz, Dr. Katie, Dr. Lauren, Dr. Lisa, and Dr. Abby
Children’s Medical Center