Pediatrician -

Slowly, the arms uncrossed. Elena listened to his heart—a steady, racecar beat—and checked his "super-vision." When it came time for the shots, she didn't call them shots. She called them "software updates for his immunity-shields."

Leo squeezed his eyes shut, his cape fluttering as he held his breath. "Done," Elena whispered a second later. Leo opened one eye. "That’s it?"

"Update complete," she said, handing him a sticker of a T-Rex wearing sunglasses. pediatrician

As Leo marched out, feeling ten feet tall, his mother lingered by the door. "Thank you, Elena," she said softly. "He’s been having nightmares about this all week."

She took a quick breath, checked her next chart—a newborn's first wellness check—and straightened her stethoscope. The racecars were waiting. Notable Real-Life Pediatricians Slowly, the arms uncrossed

Elena didn't reach for her stethoscope. Instead, she sat on her rolling stool, which squeaked just the right amount to make Leo’s eyes widen. "A force field? That’s impressive. Is it solar-powered or does it run on apple juice?" Leo paused, his scowl wavering. "Apple juice. Mostly."

"Good to know," Elena said, pulling a "light-saber" (her flashlight) from her pocket. "I actually need to check your internal engine today. If the force field is too strong, I won't be able to hear if your heart is beating like a drum or a racecar." "Done," Elena whispered a second later

One Tuesday afternoon, Leo, a five-year-old with a superhero cape and a very serious scowl, sat on the exam table. He was there for his kindergarten boosters, and he was ready for battle.