Diego R. Hijano is a physician-scientist specializing in pediatric infectious diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Born and raised in Argentina, he blends clinical expertise with a deep commitment to human connection, particularly in the bone marrow transplant and oncology units, where he supports patients and families through some of medicine’s most challenging moments. Dr. Hijano’s work focuses on advancing compassionate, equitable, and effective care while shaping institution-wide improvements in healthcare delivery. His research contributions can be explored via his NCBI bibliography, and more about his career is available on his LinkedIn and Bluesky.
Children often surprise us with the seriousness they bring to a clinic visit. Every so often, when the room feels tense, I turn to a simple question and ask what their favorite toy is. Caregivers smile, and children lean forward with the kind of excitement that only play can spark. In a moment, the atmosphere changes. The room feels lighter, the conversation easier, and the visit begins to unfold with …
Why toys matter in the exam room
“What is your favorite homemade food?” I ask each patient. Almost always, there is a smile, and the conversation takes off from there. Moms light up describing their special dishes. Patients giggle when I suggest, “Should we have your mom make some for us to share?” Younger kids look at their moms with wide eyes, wondering if it could really happen. Those moments, those faces, are priceless; and they carry …
Food is a universal language in medicine
“Dr. Who?” the child asked.
“Dr. Hijano,” I said. “But you can call me Dr. Diego. Like Go Diego Go! Dora the Explorer’s cousin, the one with the baby jaguar who saves the rainforest.”
A pause. A smile. And just like that, the ice broke. In pediatric oncology, that is no small thing.
I work in a pediatric cancer center, most often in the bone marrow transplant unit. When people hear this, they …
How humor builds trust in pediatric oncology
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