Dr. Eric Cerrati Trades Surgical Scrubs for Kitchen Duty at Ronald McDonald House

For the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their children undergo treatment at the nearby Primary Children’s Hospital, the day offered a rare moment of normalcy. Dr. Cerrati’s team managed the entire service, from menu planning and cooking to plating and hosting. The surgeon, who maintains hospital privileges at Primary Children’s and specializes in pediatric reconstructive work, noted that the decision to close the office was straightforward. He emphasized that the act of care should extend well beyond the walls of a clinical environment.

By bringing the full administrative and clinical staff into the kitchen, the practice aimed to foster connection outside of their professional roles. This volunteer effort is intended to become an annual tradition for the surgical team, which operates clinics in both Salt Lake City and Park City. The initiative highlights a deeper alignment between the staff’s daily work in facial reconstructive surgery and the emotional reality faced by families navigating the pediatric healthcare system.