Sydney Saldino, D.O. – Family Medicine
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic : Texarkana, TX
Dr. Sydney Saldino is a board-certified family medical doctor at the new McKnight Road location of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Texarkana. Her interest in the healthcare field began with her parents. Growing up, Dr. Saldino’s mom was a nurse, and her father was in podiatry school. “I was always surrounded by and intrigued by medical careers. I looked at hospitals as these fascinating places, and healthcare workers were like superheroes to me. As I aged, I grew into an appreciation of science, and I was always a very empathetic child who wanted to help people,” Dr. Saldino says. “I realized that one way I could help as many people as possible was to pursue a career as a doctor. I don’t think anyone will ever tell you that it is an easy journey, but if you continue to remind yourself of your purpose, it does help.”
Dr. Saldino was especially drawn to family medicine due to the relationships between patients and physicians. “You often form a bond with the whole family. It’s amazing to learn all the stories your patients are carrying with them and to be a part of their journey,” Dr. Saldino says. “I try to use my position to improve as many lives as possible or to at least be the person my patients can feel safe with.”
The most impactful lesson Dr. Saldino has gained through her experiences in the healthcare field is that learning is an ongoing process. “I think that in your journey to become a physician, you are constantly learning so much, and that learning does not end after you become an attending physician. In fact, I learn new lessons from my patients nearly daily. It’s called ‘practicing’ medicine for a reason. We are meant to continue to learn and grow constantly,” Dr. Saldino says. “I also think learning how fragile, yet impactful, all life is has been a significant lesson that tends to come back often.”
Every role in healthcare is important, and Dr. Saldino believes that each medical professional is part of a team that has to work for the patient in their journey. “We all play a part in someone’s story, and we have the power to make people comfortable and feel safe no matter what they are going through,” Dr. Saldino says. “I hope that the future of healthcare allows us to be compassionate to our physicians, all healthcare team members, and, of course, our patients. I want us all to remember that we are humans and deserve dignity and respect always.”
Though accomplishments such as completing medical school and residency as well as working in animal rescue are all admirable and celebratory feats, Dr. Saldino also recognizes the importance of family in the balance of her life. “Family is so important to me. So much of my family is here in Texarkana, and they provide an amazing support system for me,” Dr. Saldino says. “I am married to Phillip Schelkopf, and we have a wonderful son named Thomas, who we lovingly call Tommy. He is almost a year and a half now and is the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”
Dr. Saldino says that her family inspires her to keep going, and her son inspires her to be the best person she can be. Then, at work, her patients inspire her to work hard for them. So, it is really the people in her life who set the bar for her future goals. “Right now, my goal is to expand my practice to help as many people as possible. I truly want to be the best doctor I can be for my patients and the best mother I can be,” Dr. Saldino says.
Fun Facts:
1. I am passionate about helping people, animals, children, and mental health.
2. I am involved in the Texarkana community through animal rescue, though I have taken a step back since starting a new job and becoming a mom. Hopefully, we can finish finding homes for the remaining dogs we have. My role at Christus will also be helping the community.
3. My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Colima’s, and I always order the chile relleno burrito.
4. The best tip I know for staying healthy is to drink lots of water.
5. If I could create a magical prescription drug, it would cure all mental illnesses because there is such a stigma surrounding mental health care, and there are so many families and individuals hurting.
6. Most people don’t know that I love all animals. I love farm animals, dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. I love learning about all the different species. I actually wanted to be a vet for a long time until I decided to work with people at my job and with animals at home.