At Atria Seville in Las Vegas, stories are always in the air – stories of lives well lived, of adventures near and far, and, in the case of residents Olivia and Dillard, stories of new life.
Between the two of them, Olivia and Dillard delivered over 5,000 babies during their decades-long careers as OB/GYN physicians. And though they come from very different backgrounds – Olivia from the Philippines and Dillard from rural Nebraska – they shared a mission: helping mothers bring healthy babies into the world, one delivery at a time.
A calling that started at home
Olivia’s journey started in Manila, where her mother worked as a public health nurse delivering babies in local homes. While Olivia waited for the visa that would allow her to come to the United States – with her medical diploma already in hand – she accompanied her mother and assisted in these deliveries.
That, she says, is where it all truly began.
After arriving in the U.S. through a medical exchange program, Olivia completed her residency in Michigan and launched a remarkable career that included service in the U.S. Navy. Her work took her around the globe – Alaska, Spain, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Japan – and sometimes even above it. One of her most memorable deliveries took place on a commercial flight somewhere over international waters. “I tried to stop the contractions,” she laughed, “but the baby had other plans.”
A life of service – and surprises
Olivia’s career brought her into contact with some notable figures. While stationed at Long Beach Navy Hospital, which was the Center for Alcohol Rehabilitation, she was selected to accompany Betty Ford on her daily walks during treatment. “We became good friends,” Olivia recalls. During the same tour in Long Beach, she was called to the emergency room to examine Julie Nixon when she needed medical attention.
From the Army to the OR
After serving in the U.S. Army and completing medical school, Dillard began his career in Colorado, where he quickly discovered his passion for obstetrics. Over the years, he managed countless deliveries, including more than a few that required quick thinking and steady hands. One particularly interesting case involved a baby arriving feet-first – already halfway delivered before the mother reached the hospital. “That baby weighed 14 pounds,” he laughs. “A healthy boy, and a strong mother, too!”
A deeper understanding of parenthood
Dillard’s connection to family and parenthood also extended into his personal life. He and his wife adopted two children, and, unexpectedly, later had two biological children of their own. Though he didn’t deliver them himself, the experience deepened his appreciation for the journey he helped so many parents begin.
Medicine, morals and the written word
Dillard’s experiences in medicine also inspired him to become an author. His writing reflects his deep commitment to his values and how they guided his medical practice through challenging times. In his books, he explores his perspectives on medical ethics and the moral dilemmas physicians face during shifting perspectives in reproductive health.
Laughs, lessons and lifelong impact
Ask Olivia or Dillard about the job, and they’ll tell you it was never boring. Olivia recalls a young Navy corpsman who fainted in the delivery room while trying to assist during the birth. “I turned around and he was on the floor,” she says, smiling. For Dillard, the hardest moments were the ones that tested not just his skill, but also his heart.
More than anything, both Olivia and Dillard talk about the joy – of being there when a new life begins, of comforting nervous parents, and of watching the power and resilience of mothers firsthand.
Honoring the spirit of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day at Atria is always a special time, and this year it carries a little extra meaning – among the residents are two people who helped bring thousands of moms into motherhood.
“I still remember delivering the first set of twins in Los Angeles County in 1979,” Olivia says. “It was New Year’s Day. And no ultrasound back then, so it was a surprise!” Dillard reflects on the ripple effect of his work. “Every baby we helped bring into the world has their own story now. It’s humbling to think about.”
At Atria, we celebrate not just the moms in our lives, but also the hands that held theirs – the ones who offered strength, comfort and care in life’s most miraculous moments. Just like Olivia and Dillard.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Atria.
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