A doctor’s sprint across hospital grounds proved to be a powerful reminder of what it means to show up for your patients truly

Angelica Luczak’s doctor running (left); Angelica Luczak’s son (right).Credit :

Angelica Luczak was getting ready to welcome her fourth child when she arrived at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Fla, already 5 centimeters dilated.

With the help of her doctor, Christopher Kraft, MD, she was lightly induced to keep things moving, but soon after, he had to leave for a brief meeting with another patient in his office.

Once the 32-year-old had reached 10 centimeters, she grew anxious, fearing Dr. Kraft might not make it in time for the birth, given his office was located in a different building.

Angelica Luczak at the hospital with her family.Angelica Luczak

“I remember laying in bed taking deep breaths thinking, ‘I really hope he makes it,’ because I was feeling so much pressure and completely ready to give birth,” Luczak tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Sensing her worry, the nurse on duty reassured Luczak and her husband, Sage, by telling them to look outside the window. There, racing back with determination, was Dr. Kraft – instantly putting the expectant mother at ease in the most unforgettable way.

“I’ve been under Dr. Kraft’s care for three pregnancies and hearing him running over to make sure he was there brought me so much peace of mind and a sense of safety,” Luczak says.

If he didn’t make it in time, Luczak confirmed there was another doctor on the floor and that her “angel” nurse was fully capable of delivering the baby – but she couldn’t help but hope Dr. Kraft would return before the moment came.

According to Dr. Kraft, his office is just 100 yards from the labor and delivery unit, allowing the board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist to move quickly between hospital rooms and his office to care for patients in both places.

With 12 years of experience, the 49-year-old has refined both his timing and his route, ensuring he can always get back to the hospital when it counts the most.

Angelica Luczak with her baby boy.Angelica Luczak

“I have cared for Angelica over the course of several years, throughout three of her four pregnancies,” Dr. Kraft tells PEOPLE. “During that time, I developed a strong and trusting relationship with her and her family. I am very familiar with her obstetric history and fully expected to be present for the delivery of this baby.”

The thought of missing her delivery – or worse, not being there to handle a potential complication – weighed heavily on him. Knowing it was her fourth pregnancy, he understood the very real risk of things progressing quickly.

However, given Dr. Kraft had stayed in close communication with both the patient and the nursing staff, he was ready to return as soon as he was needed – and he did just that.

“I had an incredible sense of relief when he entered the room, unwinded from his run, especially when he said ‘ready to have a baby?’ with a big smile on his face,” Luczak recalls.

“I’m thankful that he has a great sense of humor because that’s how I’ve always gotten through hard moments in my life. Within those next few minutes, he was helping bring my son into the world.”

Angelica Luczak’s children.Angelica Luczak

Luczak describes Dr. Kraft as exceptionally caring and knowledgeable, with a rare sense of humor that puts patients at ease. “He’s also a husband and father and you can tell that care translates into his practice,” she adds.

Dr. Kraft tells PEOPLE he sees his profession as a calling that demands discipline, dedication, and humility.

“Each patient represents a human being who is deeply valued and connected to others through love and relationships,” he shares. “To provide care is to shoulder a significant responsibility…It is a calling I hold with great respect, and I consider myself truly fortunate to do this work.”