RJ Gillespie, M.D., M.H.P.E.

I grew up in Portland and was a former Children’s Clinic patient. I believe the patient comes first, so I like to address all patient concerns thoroughly at each appointment. At any given appointment, there are topics that we should cover that help patients understand their child’s growth and development – but ultimately, patients and parents drive the agenda. My favorite part of my job is watching each child’s progression from one visit to the next – seeing the “light bulbs” going off as kids figure things out. From toddlers mastering a new skill to teens seeing things in a new way is always fun to watch.

I decided that I wanted to be a doctor after a high school mission trip to Honduras, where I was inspired by a Honduran community doctor out in the field who helped people in their daily lives. Medical school rotations with kids solidified pediatrics for me.

I am an avid reader, having read 50 books each year for the past two years, and am an amateur photographer. I enjoy cooking and used to test recipes for a local cooking school.