Senate Resolution 9EX
By: Senator Harrell of the 40th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Dr. Elma Mera Steves; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Dr. Elma Mera Steves was born in Contamana, Peru, and after earning her
medical degree in Lima, Peru, she came to the United States to pursue her medical residency,
beginning a distinguished career in pediatric medicine; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Elma Mera Steves completed her residency training at Grady Memorial
Hospital and chose to make Georgia her home, dedicating her life to the care of children and
families throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, in January 1965, she established a solo pediatric practice on Chamblee Tucker
Road in Chamblee and faithfully served generations of patients for more than 53 years,
remaining in active practice until her retirement in May 2018 at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, she helped expand pediatric healthcare services in Georgia as a founding
member of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and through her efforts to assist Piedmont
Hospital in opening its pediatric department; and
S. R. 9EX
WHEREAS, committed to advancing the medical profession, she served as president of the
Georgia Branch of the American Medical Women's Association during the late 1970s and
provided leadership and mentorship to fellow physicians throughout her career; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, she joined with 14 fellow physicians to found the Peruvian American
Medical Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare to
underserved men, women, and children in Peru with compassion, integrity, charity, and
respect, and she participated in numerous medical missions benefiting those in need; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her exceptional service and accomplishments, she received the
DeKalb County Medical Society's Julius McCurdy Citizenship Award in 2012 and the
Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Leila Denmark Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2015, the chapter's highest honor recognizing a lifetime of
contributions to pediatrics; and
WHEREAS, through her professional excellence, humanitarian service, civic leadership, and
devotion to improving the lives of others, Dr. Elma Mera Steves has earned the admiration
and gratitude of her patients, colleagues, and community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend Dr. Elma Mera Steves for her decades of exemplary service on
behalf of the citizens of this state and extend best wishes for future health and happiness.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr. Elma Mera
Steves.
S. R. 9EX