(SAVANNAH, GA) Dr. Ben Spitalnick was presented the President’s Award at the 2013 Night of Champions by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) on May 9. “Dr. Ben” as he is known locally, is managing partner of Pediatric Associates of Savannah and currently serves as Representative for the Savannah area to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The LDSS President’s Award recognizes the contributions made by dedicated individuals in our community who go above and beyond the ordinary, to positively affect the lives of differently-abled people in a significant way.
LDSS President Candy Bogardus met Spitalnick through working together in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Memorial University Medical Center over 16 years ago. When Bogardus’ daughter Lainey was born with Down Syndrome, she and her husband called upon Spitalnick asking for help finding a support group in the Savannah area.
“God puts people along your path in life that sometimes know you better than you know yourself,” said Bogardus. “Dr. Ben was one of those people. He said to us, ‘I have some families you should meet. I know you can get this thing done!’"
“His passion for our kids is contagious. He is quick to spread it to whomever he meets. Dr. Ben makes a difference in the world of differently-abled people every day by advocating for them, befriending them, loving them for who they are, and taking care of them," she added.
The businesses attending the 2013 Night of Champions were inspired by Spitalnick’s willingness to go the extra mile by taking an active role in the lives of these special people. His dedication is apparent as he seeks out knowledge on any matter concerning “his kids” and is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Bogardus added, “What a comfort to know that your doctor is just as vested in your child’s success and health as you are.”
Spitalnick hails from North Atlanta and is a graduate of the University of Georgia, received his medical degree from MCG, and did his Pediatric Residency at Memorial Health University here in Savannah. He also has an MBA from Auburn University. In 2010, he received the Outstanding Young Physician Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a member of Rotary Club of Savannah, and a 2011 Leadership Savannah graduate.
About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. We encourage people to bring their children. We are an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. http://www.ldssga.org/