Local Doctor Wins State Pediatrics Award

A doctor who likes to clown around in his spare time was named the pediatrician of the year in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Robert Cicco, who has lived in Scott for 30 years, received the honor last week by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cicco, who is associate director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at West Penn Hospital, said he was “honored and humbled” by the award.

“When I see all the work being done, and the projects, it’s an honor to be singled out for things I’ve done over the years,” Cicco said.

The 62-year-old specializes in newborn care and previously had a primary care pediatrics office in Green Tree. He also is a practicing clown and children’s entertainer who has performed around the area.

“I would be making balloons in a restaurant and (parents) would say, ‘You look just like the guy who delivered our babies 15 years ago.’”

That sense of humor in one part of his life helps with the serious part of working with parents. West Penn Hospital officials lauded his work with parents and helping them make sure their children develop and are healthy.

“It’s our goal to make sure that every kid is raised happy and healthy, and gets all the potential care they need to live a good life,” Cicco said.

Cicco will formally receive his award on March 24 at a meeting with the Allegheny County Medical Society.

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