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Meet Your Neighbor: Sandy Kalm, MD
By Callie Thomas
There are horse whisperers and dog whisperers, but it’s interesting to consider that there might actually be a child whisperer; someone who helps translate and voice children’s feelings to their parents to better understand their needs. Coming from a long line of child whisperers, Resident Dr. Sandy Kalm has a natural ability to uncover what ails those that can’t speak for themselves. Her father is a child/adolescent psychiatrist, her brother is also a pediatrician, and her cousin is a pediatric neuro-oncologist. While her family shares a common passion for helping kids, it would seem that she was gifted with an exceptional talent for reaching her patients on another level. She’s currently on duty at Good Night Pediatrics, a nighttime urgent care. She enjoys watching her patients grow and flourish and advocates good communication skills. The care facility lets the kids take books home with them after a visit. The program has been so popular that they are in need of replenishing their book supply and are planning a drive very soon. Kalm has also become involved with the Henderson Library through their Reading with Rover program.
Dr. Kalm has a three-and-a-half-year-old Sheperd-Sharpei registered therapy dog named Ingrid, so it’s easy to connect the dots. Ingrid doesn’t exactly read to kids, but kids will love to read to Ingrid–probably because she’s such a good listener. By bonding with the dog, children feel comfortable enough to read out loud. Kalm is excited to work with her assigned reading child and help them improve their reading this fall. Ingrid and Dr. Kalm are a dynamic duo and also lift the spirits of HealthSouth Hospital patients by making the rounds and visiting them in their rooms as well as in gyms to motivate and encourage their rehabilitation. Dr. Kalm and Ingrid took a time out with us so we could get to know them a little better.
You have such a special understanding of the children that you treat. Some would say it’s magical.
“There’s an element of magic about our book collection at Good Night Pediatrics! Kids will say they want a book about spiders, or Dora, or anything they can think of and suddenly…PRESTO! They’ll find one right there on the shelf. Amazing!”
We think you really do have special powers! Any other unusual events or traits you’d like to share?
“I played the flute for at least a decade in my native Salt Lake City. I’ve played in the Jewish Christmas Band for the St. Vincent De Paul Center while people in need ate a delicious Christmas lunch. It was the most amazing experience–volunteers that usually feed the homeless every day were off for Christmas. The Jewish community came together and spent three days cooking these amazing traditional dishes and served them while we entertained with our music. Oh, and once when I was in medical school in New York I dressed up as a clown to visit kids in the hospital.”
It’s easy to see you enjoy giving back to the community. How do you enjoy the fruits of your labors?
“I love spending time with my family–my husband Howard, my step daughters Molly and Kayla and, of course, Ingrid. There’s also a wonderful farmer’s market on Fridays and $6 Tuesday movie nights in my community.”
Any words of wisdom for others in the community?
“Always expect the unexpected.”
