When I opened Etowah Pediatrics in 2006, I wanted to create a safe place for kids. A place where they felt safe to come to get treated when they’re sick.That’s the most important thing, because if you can build a relationship of trust, then you built a lifetime relationship. Whereas the children grow older they feel comfortable coming to you when they’re sick and when they have problems or if they have any questions that need answering. Because of all the effort we put into building those relationships with our patients, they know that they can come to us and we will help them be as healthy and happy as they can be.
Although a native of Georgia, Dr. Hester is an integral part of the Gadsden and Etowah County community, and he loves calling Gadsden his home. Dr. Hester received his undergraduate degree from The University of Georgia and his medical degree from The Medical College of Georgia. He has been practicing in the Gadsden community for more than 15 years and is honored to have been a part of so many patients’ lives throughout their childhood. In 2006, Dr. Hester founded Etowah Pediatrics because he wanted to offer a new approach to pediatric care that focuses on healthy living in a safe, professional, and compassionate environment.
In his free time, Dr. Hester loves to support local sporting events and is particularly passionate about music, sometimes teaching percussion to kids around town. He is married to his high school sweetheart and together they have two children with whom they love to spend time. Dr. Hester also spends his free time watching movies, listening to music, reading, and watching the Georgia Bulldogs.
Dr. Hester is board certified by The American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics which gives him the expertise, experience and access to resources to offer high-quality state-of-the-art pediatric care. He loves all of his patients and working in the general pediatric setting. Dr. Hester is especially passionate about working with children who have asthma to ensure the healthiest management of the disease possible.
Learn More About Dr. Hester!
What is your favorite piece of advice or quote?
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.
Who are some of the people in your life who inspire you the most and why?
My father, because he taught me how to be a good husband to my wife and a good father to my kids. And also that hard work pays off. He was also a physician, an Ob-Gyn, so he knew all about hard work.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Super strength. I’d show it off all the time.
What is your perfect weekend day? Describe what you would do and who you would be doing it with!
Throwing a ball, any ball, with my kids in the front yard under the oaks.
Tell us a childhood story about when you were living your best life!
I used to ride my bike all over town. I always loved the freedom of going where I wanted, as fast as I wanted. And stopping to buy the candy bar I wanted.
What is your favorite part of your daily job that isn't part of your job description?
Making the kids laugh.
If I asked for your favorite Etowah Peds memories, what are some memories that come to mind?
When the children from families I’ve gotten to know over the years have grown up, gone to school, or gotten jobs, and then those grown kids come back, bringing their own children to see me, so I can care for them, too.
What is the best part of working at Etowah Pediatrics? What are the culture, people, and work like at Etowah Peds?
Every person in this office is proud of the work they do here. They give their best, every day, so the kids can get what they need. That’s what medicine is: giving the patient what he or she needs. We do it every day, and the people I work with do it with a smile on their faces. I’m very proud of them all.