Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program

Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, with Santa Claus at the UVM Medical Center

(DECEMBER 4, 2024) Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, welcomed Santa to the UVM Medical Center, WCAX-TV reported.

The man in the red suit has visited the hospital for the past 18 years, escorted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The tradition started when a CPB agent had a child who was sick in the hospital and needed a lift of Christmas spirit.

On this day, patients and staff rushed to the windows to watch Santa Claus descend from the sky, not by sleigh, but by helicopter, to deliver toys to all of the girls and boys.

Pediatric specialist Dr. Lewis First says the children, hospital, and parents look forward to this every year. “Being in a hospital this time of year is not anything that a child or family wants to have happen. But if they need to have their health taken care of, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital wants to make it extra special for these families,” he said.