Get to know us: Mauricio A. (Tony) Escobar Jr., MD, FACS, FAAP

Meet Mauricio “Tony” Escobar, MD, who has been part of the Mary Bridge Children’s family for the past 14 years. He works from both Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Outpatient Center in Tacoma.

Dr. Escobar wears many hats at Mary Bridge Children’s, including serving as medical director for both our pediatric trauma and pediatric surgery programs. He is a pediatric surgeon and treats a variety of cases, but has a special interest in general and thoracic surgeries, as well as neonatal surgery and surgical oncology.

He received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, as well as additional training from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Dr. Escobar provided the following insight into his life in — and out — of the hospital.

What is your favorite way to lighten the mood with patients and families?

I talk directly to the patient and introduce myself to them first. Then I introduce myself to their parents. I’ll also call out something about the child that I’ve noticed about them — maybe something they’re wearing — often, I’m a huge fan of what they like myself.

What is something you’d like every one of your patients to know?

My goal as your child’s surgeon is to give them the best possible care while making the experience as child friendly as possible. Surgery for an infant or child is one of the scariest times for a family, and I hope to foster caring and trust during each and every encounter with me. I feel honored and humbled to perform surgery on children and babies. When you let your child go into surgery, I hope you feel I will care for them like they were my own.

Regardless of if it’s an emergency or elective surgery, I want your child to understand what the problem is, how we are going to fix it, and what to expect afterwards. While I may see some patients briefly and others long-term, it’s an honor to be part of helping them grow and thrive. I hope you’ll find value and meaning in you and your child’s experience with surgery.

Dr. Tony Escobar scrubbing for a surgery.

Kids love Disney! What is your favorite Disney or fictional character?

Han Solo.

Kids also love treats. What is your favorite treat?

Flan.

Mary Bridge Children’s providers are already superheroes, but if you could have one special superpower, what would it be?

I seriously hope my superpower is “baby whisperer”! Babies love me. They always stare at me and follow me around the room. At first, I thought it was just a one-off, but over the years it’s been borne out as true time and time again.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The kids. Hands down, without a doubt, it’s the kids. They’re absolutely terrific. They’re what drew me to pediatric surgery in the first place.

Do you have hobbies outside of work?

I love collecting comic books, playing retro video games like Nintendo and Sega, reading and being with my family.

What is your Mary Bridge “why”?

The people. I work with the greatest group of physicians, nurses, staff and leadership. There is one common mission and goal, which is to take the best possible care of kids. Period. I’m so lucky to be here!

This is part of a new blog series introducing the many dedicated experts who provide care in a wide variety of medical specialties at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Network. To find a provider, visit marybridge.org/providers.