For over three decades, families in Augusta, Maine have entrusted the health of their children to the caring physicians at Kennebec Pediatrics. Among these dedicated doctors, Dr. Sydney Sewall stands out as a pillar of the practice, having devoted 34 years to providing exceptional pediatric care. Recently, as Dr. Sewall transitioned into retirement from Kennebec Pediatrics, his legacy of gentle expertise and commitment to his young patients was celebrated by colleagues and families alike.
In a heartwarming scene typical of his practice, Dr. Sewall’s calm and reassuring demeanor was evident during a routine check-up with two-year-old Lucille Rae McNally. As Lucille explored a picture book in the Kennebec Pediatrics examining room, Dr. Sewall effortlessly combined professional examination with playful interaction, turning an ear check into a game and ensuring both Lucille and her family felt comfortable and cared for. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates Dr. Sewall’s approach – a blend of experienced medical skill and genuine empathy that has defined his career as one of the most respected Kennebec Pediatrics Doctors.
Dr. Sewall’s journey with Kennebec Pediatrics began in 1982, joining Drs. Terrance Sheehan and Charles Danielson. Over the years, he has estimated that he has cared for over 12,000 children, witnessing generations grow up under his watchful eye. The depth of his connection to the community was evident in the weeks leading up to his retirement, as countless parents shared memories of him as their own pediatrician. Some of his former patients, now adults themselves, are now bringing their grandchildren to Kennebec Pediatrics, a testament to the enduring trust placed in him and the practice. This multi-generational impact highlights the significant role Kennebec Pediatrics doctors play in the lives of Augusta families.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Sewall acknowledged the remarkable advancements in pediatric medicine. He championed the importance of immunizations, noting the significant shift from administering single vaccines to combination shots, a change driven by the desire to provide comprehensive protection against childhood diseases like Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal infections. “Prevention is always the big thing,” Dr. Sewall stated, recalling a time when spinal taps were a frequent procedure, now thankfully rare due to effective immunization programs. His dedication to preventative care underscores the proactive approach of Kennebec Pediatrics doctors.
Beyond immunizations, Dr. Sewall also highlighted improvements in medication and treatment for common childhood ailments such as asthma and diabetes. He noted the progress in cancer therapies for children, making them “a lot safer and a lot more effective.” The evolution of diagnostic tools, particularly the increased use of ultrasound technology, represents another significant stride forward in pediatric care, offering less invasive methods for obtaining crucial medical images. These advancements reflect the ongoing commitment of Kennebec Pediatrics to providing the most up-to-date and effective care for their patients.
Dr. Sewall’s path to pediatrics was not initially straightforward. A Harvard University graduate with a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, he initially considered psychiatry. However, his rotation in pediatrics resonated deeply with him. “I chose pediatrics because I like that rotation the best,” he explained. Early in his career, he served with the Indian Health Service in Tuba City, Arizona, an experience that broadened his perspective before he and his wife, Deb, decided to return East and settle in Maine. The “somewhat rural areas” of Maine appealed to him, leading him to Kennebec Pediatrics in Augusta, a decision that would shape his professional life for decades.
His colleagues at Kennebec Pediatrics deeply value Dr. Sewall’s contributions. Dr. Kieran Kammerer, medical director of Kennebec Pediatrics, who worked alongside Dr. Sewall for 23 years, stated unequivocally, “If he wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have joined the practice. He was the reason I joined.” Dr. Barbara Crowley, who partnered with Dr. Sewall for 20 years before Kennebec Pediatrics joined MaineGeneral Medical Center in 1996, lauded him as “probably one of the smartest pediatricians in the state.” She emphasized his willingness to share his expertise, “He was enormously generous with his time in teaching others, both in teaching residents and teaching Pediatric Advanced Life Support for decades.” Dr. Crowley also highlighted his exceptional patient care skills, “Families loved him. He was especially patient, kind and caring with those who had attention deficient disorders or developmental delays. He loved newborns, and whenever there was a newborn issue, he wanted to be called in. Whatever the situation was, he was calm and competent.” These testimonials underscore the high regard in which Dr. Sewall is held within the Kennebec Pediatrics and MaineGeneral Health communities.
While retiring from his practice at Kennebec Pediatrics, Dr. Sewall is not stepping away from medicine entirely. He is embarking on a new chapter as a faculty member at the Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency Program, based near Kennebec Pediatrics and MaineGeneral Medical Center. In this role, he will be teaching pediatrics to the next generation of doctors, further extending his influence on healthcare in Maine. This transition allows him to continue contributing his wealth of knowledge and experience while shaping the future of family medicine.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Sewall enjoys sailing, cycling, and playing the violin with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and chamber music groups. He and his wife have two grown children and four grandsons, who he looks forward to spending more time with.
Dr. Sydney Sewall’s retirement marks the end of an era at Kennebec Pediatrics, but his legacy of compassionate, expert care will undoubtedly endure. His dedication to his patients, his contributions to pediatric medicine, and his commitment to teaching have left an indelible mark on the Augusta community and beyond. For families seeking experienced and caring doctors for their children, Kennebec Pediatrics continues to uphold the high standards of patient care exemplified by Dr. Sewall throughout his distinguished career.
