In this Issue:

Congratulations to the pediatric critical care division for completion of year one of having an active fellowship. Program Director, Dr. Kelly Kadlec and inaugural fellow, Dr. Kayla Heidbrink, describe the challenges and excitement experienced by paving the way this first year. We look forward to the ongoing success of the program! Educational kudos also go to the pediatric palliative team for their efforts to launch novel teaching programs that support physicians in effectively sharing difficult news with patients and families. Congratulations are also in order for Dr. Geeta Rathore who was recently named to the Midlands Business Journal's "40 under 40" list. We are proud of your efforts to support your patients and families both clinically and publicly through meaningful advocacy.

The Pediatrics Department-CHRI Community Engagement Steering Committee recently held a summer half-day session for area students affiliated with our community partners, NorthStar, Completely KIDS, and Girls, Inc. Huge thanks to everyone who helped to make this event a success--and for those with an interest to join the fun in future events, please connect with the Community Engagement Steering Committee, which is open to all pediatric faculty, trainees and staff! 

Dr. Kadlec: As with most new undertakings, there is often a steep learning curve, and the first year of our fellowship program was no different for everyone involved. It's been a lot of work, by many people, to try to make this program work well, for everyone. But the benefits of having a fellow, such as being able to educate the next generation of intensivists, has been well worth it.

Dr. Heidbrink: It was exciting to be a part of the development of something new. I was nervous coming in as the first fellow because there was no one to ask questions to about how it has been before. Everyone here has been nothing but supportive. I have loved getting to know the APPs, nurses, RTs and the other clinical staff and being a part of their introduction to fellows and the role of the fellow in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). I also really appreciate their support and positive energy on the unit and the value that is placed on my feedback. I am excited to have co-fellows join as the program starts to grow.

Dr. Kadlec: A lot. Even prior to her official starting date, we had multiple conversations during which I emphasized that I wanted Dr. Heidbrink to express her opinions, good or otherwise, for her benefit and that of a program. Based on her input and suggestions, we made multiple changes, both clinically and academically. I expect, and hope, she will continue to offer her thoughts and recommendations to mold our program to make it the best it can be.

Dr. Kadlec: To be honest, I was uncertain how this would affect the PICU and the division. I assumed it would be positive, but I also had many questions going through my mind prior to Dr. Heidbrink starting such as: 

 

At the Pediatric Cancer Research lab, Gracey Alexander, research technologist II, and Erin McIntryre, research coordinator, gave the kids hands-on experience working with lab equipment. In the Davis Global Center, Kelly Kadlec, MD, associate professor, Division of Pediatric Critical Care; Lauren Gillespie, MD, pediatrics resident, and a team of pediatric critical care staff simulated the assessment and care of a child experiencing breathing difficulties and then allowed the kids to ask questions and try replicating some of the treatments. At the Michael Sorrell Center, a panel representing a wide range of career roles and stages in medicine and medical training answered questions and provided practical advice about their experiences in healthcare and pursuing the education needed for their roles.

 

The goal of the Community Partner Day was to introduce kids to the variety of positions and experiences available in healthcare and science. Sharon Stoolman, MD, associate professor, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, started the day with a talk about her experience as a woman of color and child of a single parent navigating her path toward becoming a doctor, including the instances when people along the way told her she wouldn’t be successful and should pursue something else. Event co-organizer Jaclyn Ostronic, operations/program manager, says that Dr. Stoolman’s talk struck the perfect initial note for the day. “It was important to us that the kids felt like a career in medicine or science was something attainable to them and that they belonged here,” she says. “Dr. Stoolman’s talk drew the kids in and got them excited for day's agenda.” 

Isabel Rodriguez, Community Connector, Completely KIDS, believes the effort that went into planning the day created a special experience for the attendees. “I know that the kids loved it,” she said, “I really thought that the program was very organized.”

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This month we feature Zoe Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, assistant professor, Division Endocrinology, and Andrew Huang Pacheco, MD, associate professor, Division of Gastroenterology.