As seen in Top Doctors in Nashville, July 2014
In medical school, Dr. Molly Hood was confident her path was set. Until her last rotation.
'My plan was to do internal medicine with a concentration in infectious diseases,” says Hood. 'But then I did the pediatric rotation, and I was hooked.
'Everyone in pediatrics seemed to work well as a team and enjoy what they do,” she continues. 'For the most part, children came in with treatable illnesses. I realized that I could make an impact early in my patients' lives.” Pediatrics seemed a logical choice for Hood, who had spent summers in high school and college coaching young swimmers. Moving back to Nashville in 2005 was very much a homecoming, as Hood's family relocated to Brentwood when she was in sixth grade. 'I guess I'm closer to being a native than most,” she laughs.
It was her private practice in Franklin that sparked an involvement in local Down Syndrome resources. 'About a year and a half ago, the parent of one of my patients with Down Syndrome invited me to an informational session on GiGi's Playhouse,” explains Hood. 'This is an achievement center for people with Down Syndrome. It provides a wide range of resources for free.”
Started in Chicago, GiGi's Playhouse now has 17 locations nationwide, including the one that opened in Nashville, November 2013. Hood was named to the board of directors, and her involvement in Down Syndrome care and support led to her being named Physician of the Year by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.
When she's not caring for children, Hood can most likely be found on one of Nashville's walking trails. Hiking is cathartic for her, as are parks, she says.
'My goal is to get to all the national parks,” says Hood. 'I'm trying to visit one per year.”