Smart divisions recognize members’ professional achievements. Strong ones celebrate each other’s personal milestones, too.

The Division of Immunology makes a point to acknowledge all manner of accomplishments. They regularly host potlucks and socials to celebrate team successes, building community. A timely example is a mini baby shower, dubbed a “baby sprinkle” by the division’s administrative team, that celebrated the pregnancies of three members: Rheumatologists Samira Malik, MBBS, and Ayesha Iftekhar, MBBS, and Allergy and Immunology Physician Assistant Lauren Bracken, PA-C.

Division members stopped by the Immunology Conference Room to congratulate their colleagues, then stayed for conversation and cupcakes. Administrative services coordinator Lynne Thomas encouraged those arriving to take up some crayons and a coloring sheet. Members tapped into “the child within” for a midday break.

Between coloring and cupcakes, team members exchanged pregnancy stories and updates from the current Olympic Games. The joy in C-423-1 was so infectious one might forget the event took place in a fluorescent-lit office conference room.

Those present then turned their attention to Division Director Benjamin P. Davis, MD, PhD, who delivered a few remarks. Davis congratulated each provider on her pregnancy, and then highlighted unique qualities of each “new mom” that distinguishes them both within the division and the broader community.

“When I think of these three, there are certain qualities that come to mind,” he said. “Qualities of fierceness, playfulness, kindness, and generosity are a few.”

Davis shared brief anecdotes that captured what he admires most in Malik, Iftekhar, and Bracken.

“These are qualities that make each of you great colleagues, but they also make you great moms,” Davis said.

Davis closed out his remarks by presenting Malik, Iftekhar, and Bracken with gift certificates to a local spa.

And of course, no baby sprinkle would be complete without a photo of the expecting trio.