"Dr. Lisa Nash is just awesome. She knows my child's history. She cares, she takes her time, she calls me back personally, not her assistant, but personally, the same day that I need something, like when results come in. She calls back immediately, even if it's after hours and she's just great. We love her." – Patient family
My first patients growing up were my dog and cat, who tolerated procedures, were prescribed "medicines" (aka treats), and whose wounds sometimes got bandaged multiple times per day. As I grew up, much to the delight of my pets, my interests shifted towards caring for children. I worked as a wrangler at a camp for children with special needs, teaching kids with chronic medical conditions to ride horses. This allowed them the opportunity to have a normal, happy summer camp experience, and it solidified my decision to pursue a career in pediatrics.
At Texas A&M University, I earned my degrees in biochemistry and genetics while working in multiple research labs, studying the biochemistry of colon cancer and new genetic targets for the treatments of obesity and diabetes. Although the learning experiences were invaluable, I primarily discovered that I was not cut out for basic science research, sitting at a bench far from the patient interactions I so desired.
In medical school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, my eyes were opened to the unique medical needs of underserved populations and the opportunity of medical teams to be a powerful, positive influence in the lives and health of individuals, families, and entire communities. During residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a world-renowned leader in advancements in pediatric medical care, I discovered the importance of children having continuity of care with a primary care doctor. I worked promoting improved literacy in inner city Philadelphia, establishing medical homes for children who were victims of abuse or homelessness, and teaching school-aged children about the effects of good nutrition on overall health.
After residency, I moved back home to North Texas to be closer to my family, which has now grown to include three nephews and one niece. I had the opportunity to join Cook Children's and work with Dr. John Dalton, my own childhood pediatrician, in 2007. I have been practicing at Cook Children’s Physician Network in Hurst for the past 12 years. My patients continue to teach me and their parents new lessons every day. Children have an incredible resiliency in the face of illness and other challenges. To see the world through their eyes is a unique and humbling experience. It reminds me to take the time to savor every moment with loved ones, to seek fun and lots of smiles, and to strive to be a better person every day.
When I am not in the office, you may find me on a mountain top, skiing with my husband, Bryan, and daughter, Virginie. Between ski seasons, I also love cheering on my hockey-playing husband at the ice rink, kayaking on the lake, jazzercising, and hiking with my four (yes, four) rescue dogs, who are all tremendously relieved that I now have a day job as a real pediatrician.
