Clanton’s new pediatrician met and mingled with local doctors, patients and others in the health care business Friday afternoon at a welcoming reception at the Chilton Pediatrics office.

Dr. Gladys Alolod said she had a busy first week at the office but is excited about working in Clanton.

Alolod had known Dr. Christine Creus, the previous pediatrician at the practice who passed away earlier this month after battling lung cancer, for four years.

Alolod graduated from Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine in the Philippines, where she is from, in 1990. She then completed her residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

Alolod said she chose pediatrics because she loves being around kids.

“Kids are very simple,” Alolod said. “They are uncomplicated. They don’t always complain.”

Alolod has worked in Montgomery for the past two years but is still getting used to being in the South.

“I’m still not used to the Southern accent,” Alolod said.

Carol Wilson, who works at Chilton Pediatrics, said she is glad to have a permanent doctor at the practice and thinks Alolod will be a good fit.

“I think she’s an asset to the community,” Wilson said.

Tracy Brasington, who also works at Chilton Pediatrics, said many people associated with the practice, such as hospital staff and others in the medical business, had stopped by to meet the new doctor.

“It’s been great,” Brasington said. “We’ve had a very good turnout.”