Health & Fitness
Edward-Elmhurst Health: NICU baby’s doctor becomes her role model
Adrianne Noworul of Naperville with her daughter, Alyssa Noworul and Rajeev Dixit, M.D., a neonatologist at Edward Hospital.
On a morning in May 2004, Rajeev Dixit, M.D., a neonatologist in the Edward Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), received a call from the Emergency Room that an ambulance brought in a baby born unexpectedly at home.
Dr. Dixit and Angela Stephenson, RN, rushed to the ER and brought the baby to the NICU. All they knew was the baby girl had a faint heartbeat and was cold when she arrived at the hospital.
The chance that Dr. Dixit was the attending neonatologist that day led to life-altering events and a possible career in medicine for the now 18-year-old woman, Alyssa Noworul, of Naperville.
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"Dr. Dixit is one of the most important people in my life. He saved my life, so everything I ultimately do is because of what he did,” says Alyssa. “I love visiting him on my birthday and talking with him and his family. He even made time to attend my high school graduation. He isn't just some doctor who took care of me 18 years ago, he is my role model."
Beyond expectations
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Alyssa spent four weeks in the NICU, progressing slowly from her traumatic birth to a healthy newborn.
Alyssa’s mom, Adrianne Noworul, who was 20 at the time, says, "I remember the staff being so nice and answering all the questions we had. Alyssa was born on a Thursday and was not supposed to make it through the weekend. We had her baptized on day three. Eventually, Alyssa began responding to treatment and got better.
"Even as a little one she was a thinker and problem solver," Adrianne says, describing Alyssa as her miracle.
Moving forward
Alyssa, a Benet Academy alumna, is now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in psychology and working toward a career in medicine.
“Ever since spending time with Dr. Dixit and visiting the NICU, I’ve thought about going into the medical field,” Alyssa says. “Because I have such a great role model in the medical field, I decided on medical school.”
"The universe sometimes presents us with opportunities to interact with certain people. Alyssa is a remarkable young woman and I have been privileged to watch her thrive in every stage of her life," says Dr. Dixit.
Learn more at EEHealth.org/services/pregnancy-baby/after-delivery/nicu.
