Pediatric News
Updates from the Department of Pediatrics - 2023 Vol. 9
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Drs. Heidi and Jonathan Castillo
Join Developmental Pediatrics Division
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Jonathan Castillo, MD, and Heidi Castillo, MD, have joined the Division of Developmental Pediatrics. A married couple, both completed their residency and fellowship training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and served as faculty there before joining Texas Children’s Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Jonathan Castillo serves as the new chief of the division, and Dr. Heidi Castillo is a professor and will support resident and fellow education. Both are excited to join UNMC as researchers and educators. “It’s an honor to join the UNMC Department of Pediatrics,” Dr. Jonathan Castillo said. “We look forward to building on the great educational and research foundation that inaugural chief Dr. Cynthia Ellis established.”
Dr. Jonathan Castillo lectures internationally on his research interests, which include neural tube defects in fetal patients and global and minority health disparities. While at Texas Children’s Hospital, he collaborated with the Fetal Center there in providing pre- and post-natal intervention for individuals and their families affected by neural tube defects. He also provided education to learners around issues of minority health as they relate to immigrants to the United States with limited English language proficiency. Dr. Jonathan Castillo has published extensively within the field of global health and is actively pursuing opportunities to continue his work at UNMC.
Dr. Heidi Castillo’s clinical and research interests center on motor development, including cerebral palsy and spina bifida. She has served as the primary investigator (PI) of the CDC’s National Patient Spina Bifida Registry at her two previous educational institutions and has been the chair of all the PIs nationally for the registry. Dr. Heidi Castillo has experience in the organization Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND). LEND is a multidisciplinary collaboration to bring young learners from different disciplines together to learn more about caring for individuals and their families with developmental disabilities.
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Drs. Tanya Orie Rogo and Shirley Delair |
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Dr. Tanya Orie Rogo Provides Insights on Pediatric Global Healthcare to Department of Pediatrics Audiences |
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The Department of Pediatrics welcomed a global health expert to deliver the inaugural pediatric grand rounds on Global Health Equity on Sept 8. Tanya Orie Rogo, MD, MPH&TM, FAAP, FPIDS, associate professor of Pediatrics at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, spoke on “Training Clinicians to Care for the World’s Children.” Dr. Rogo is also the program director of the Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases; the global health educator in the Department of Pediatrics; and the medical director of Antimicrobial Stewardship at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI. In addition, she co-directs the global health concentration for medical students. Dr. Rogo spent four years in Rwanda developing the pediatric residency program at the University of Rwanda through the Human Resources for Health partnership with the Rwanda Ministry of Health.
Dr. Rogo’s visit was supported by the Department of Pediatrics Global Health Equity Program. In addition to her grand rounds talk, she gave the keynote presentation “Pediatric Workforce Development in a Global Context: Lessons Learned from Rwanda” at the Pediatric Academic Workshop, sponsored by the Child Health Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics. She also met with Pediatric residents and presented on "A Career in Global Health."
Dr. Rogo also spoke to NMC's global health leadership and representatives from the Department of Pediatrics, the Office of Global Engagement, the Global Center for Health Security, Nebraska One Health and the College of Public Health on sustainable, equitable Global Health programming
While visiting, Dr. Rogo also toured UNMC’s iEXCEL program at the Davis Global Center, the Biocontainment and National Quarantine units and took part in the North Omaha Legacy Tour. She also met with Pediatrics residents and presented on "A Career in Global Health."
“We were so honored to have Dr. Rogo visit and share her expertise with so many audiences in the department,” said Shirley Delair, MD, MPH, Pediatric Residency Global Health Track Director. “We look forward to hosting additional experts in global health equity.”
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Letter from the Chair:
Kari Simonsen, MD, MBA
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It's been another eventful month in the Department of Pediatrics. I'm excited to share with you some of the successes and happenings across the Department in this month's newsletter.
First and foremost, an introduction to Drs. Jonathan and Heidi Castillo who have joined our Developmental Pediatrics Division (see story above). Dr. Jonathan Castillo is serving as division Chief, and both new physicians will be actively contributing to clinical care, research, teaching and advocacy in the division. I would encourage you all to connect with them if you haven't had an opportunity to do so.
We had a special invited grand rounds presentation this month with Dr. Tanya Rogo, a pediatric infectious diseases and global health expert from Brown University (see story above). She provided the inaugural grand rounds on Global Health Equity at the invitation of Dr. Shirley Delair, chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Dr. Rogo also provided additional teaching at the recent Pediatric Academic Workshop Series, our departmental faculty development program.
Our educators are entering a very busy time of the year, with M4 students preparing for the residency interview season and our graduate medical education (GME) program leaders starting their interviews for residents and fellows. We are grateful for the support of so many faculty, staff and trainees who help ensure an excellent experience for our interview candidates. I'm particularly impressed at how effectively our virtual interview experience is able to bring forward the sense of teamwork, camaraderie and academic opportunity that is so vital to the ongoing success of our GME programs. Thanks in advance to all who are supporting the interview cycle for our residencies and fellowships. In this month's newsletter you can also learn more specifically about how the Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Cardiology Divisions are supporting trainees in their respective divisions.
I hope you'll also enjoy reading about opportunities to get involved with community engagement, inclusivity and culture-building activities and networking events coming up this fall. And last but not least, tis the season for flu and COVID vaccines, so you'll find helpful information for vaccine tracking and vaccine availability listed below. Thank you for all you do for Pediatrics at UNMC!
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Drs. Jared Baxter and Hunter Creglow |
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Meet Drs. Hunter Creglow and Jared Baxter: Emergency Medicine Fellows |
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This year the Emergency Medicine Division (ED) welcomes its first fellows: Hunter Creglow, MD, and Jared Baxter, MD. Drs. Creglow and Baxter took time to answer our questions about their experiences and impressions of the division so far.
What drew you to pediatric Emergency Medicine?
Dr. Creglow:
My first introduction to the world of medicine was actually in college as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the small town my college was in. Being a firefighter was one of the most enriching experiences I had in college and shaped much of my career path. After my time on the department, I was always drawn to higher acuity medicine and had an intense passion for outreach to smaller rural communities. The emergency medicine field was perfect for this. My choice to work specifically with the pediatric population actually stems more from my family. I have a brother who is about 10 years younger than me who has special needs. Ever since my family was blessed with my brother's arrival, I have been fortunate enough to get more involved in the special needs community. This led me to work with children diagnosed with autism at UNMC's Munroe Meyer institute (MMI) while in medical school. My time at MMI cemented my desire to spend the rest of my career serving the pediatric population to the best of my ability.
Dr. Baxter:
Through my medical school rotations, I realized it was really great to combine my passion for caring for patients in the healthcare setting and also with the *fun* that is only present in pediatric medicine! An additional aspect of pediatrics that drew me toward choosing this career was knowing that we can often make changes in the child's life that could even impact their future children. Last, but not least, I just simply love the variety of visits in the emergency room and the chance to see more acute improvements in the disease processes with which my patients present. So, Pediatric Emergency Medicine is the best option for the combination of everything I love in medicine.
How do you feel about being one of the first fellows in the program?
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House Officer of the Month |
Congratulations to Alexis Malaterre, MD - HO III for being named August House Officer of the Month. Here are some quotes submitted about Dr. Malaterre.
“Alexis is as kind as she is knowledgeable, and we very much enjoy when she is on the floor!”
“Alexis is a superior super sup! She triages well and is the ultimate team player.”
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Sam Frankel (M4) Presents Research
at World Congress of Pediatric
Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
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Joining the members of the Department of Pediatrics faculty members attending the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery was fourth year medical student Sam Frankel. Sam does research with Jeffrey Robinson, MD, associate professor, division of Pediatric Cardiology, and received the Pediatrics Lozier Medical Student Research Travel Grant from the Department of Pediatrics to attend the congress. He presented his project “Outcomes for Pediatric Patients after Cryoablation for Typical AVNRT after Mapping with High-Density Catheters." Dr. Robinson said of Sam, "I was very proud of him for representing UNMC, Omaha and our team at Children’s so well at the congress that drew over 6,000 attendees from our specialty."
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It's Flu Shot Season:
Here What You Need to Know
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It's flu season again! All UNMC employees are expected to record their flu vaccination status – whether they have received the vaccine or have provided a reason for declining being vaccinated.
Dually-employed and contingent workers of UNMC and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center are required to report their flu vaccine status to UNMC and Children's by Nov. 30.
Flu Vaccine through UNMC (UNMC Employees)
If you work in a clinical area that has staff to administer the vaccine, it is recommended that you get a flu shot in your clinical area. If you do not work in a clinical area, use the flu clinic schedule link to find a time and location that works for you. No scheduling is required, and appointments will be on a walk-in basis. (Please bring your UNMC ID Badge.).
Flu Vaccine through Children's (Dually-Employed and Contingent Workers)
Consistent with last year, all clinical staff will receive their flu vaccine within their clinical departments (unless received during their annual compliance review or requested otherwise). For all other team members, including contingent workers, many vaccine options are available. See Children's vaccination schedule [files.constantcontact.com].
Both institutions allow you to receive the flu vaccine from your primary care provider or through your local pharmacy.
Required Reporting to UNMC (All UNMC Employees)
Sign into Health Tracking System with your UNMC NetID (without @unmc.edu) to enter your flu vaccine status information (date/location or declination). You will need to wait at least one day after receiving the shot to enter the information. You can also add information about COVID-19 immunizations and boosters, if relevant.
*If you get your flu vaccine at a UNMC/Nebraska Medicine clinic, you will fill out information on the influenza database prior to receiving the shot.
Children’s Reporting
As a reminder, flu vaccines are required annually for all Children’s employees, contingent workers and volunteers. You can send an email to employeehealth@childrensomaha.org. Include in the email subject line your full name and birth date. Attach a scanned copy or picture of your vaccination report that includes your full name, date of birth, and date vaccination received or you can physically drop off a copy at Children's Employee Health office.
COVID-19 Boosters
COVID-19 Boosters are not mandatory at this time. The Nebraska Medicine team is working to determine how to make boosters available to those who wish to get it them with their flu vaccine.
Tuberculosis Annual Symptom Review for UNMC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer recommend routine annual tuberculosis skin testing for health care personnel. However, all health care providers do need to complete an annual symptom review form in the Health Tracking System, which will be available Oct. 1.
Email Jackie Ostronic if you have questions, concerns or a problem accessing the Health Tracking System.
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Community Engagement News |
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Dr. Hunter Meyers, pediatric resident, at the CHRI/UNMC table |
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Department of Pediatrics and CHRI Attend Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Health Fair |
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Earlier this month, representatives from the Department of Pediatrics and the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI) provided valuable health information and donated health supplies at the Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Health Fair held at the public school in Macy, Neb. Before the event, members of the department and CHRI filled four large boxes with donated items, such as toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, feminine products, etc. for the newly established health pantry at the school. Thank you to all those who donated!
The donated items were delivered to the event by the representatives attending the event: Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, CHRI executive director, Hunter Meyers, DO, pediatrics resident and Amy Rezac Elgohary, global health research and education programs manager. Kim Castellano, Project ADAM coordinator from Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, also attended to share information about Project ADAM. Representatives from the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC), an organization with close ties to the department, also attended. Representing NPQIC were Dr. Anderson Berry, medical director; Sydnie Carraher, DNP, program administrator; and Kara Foster, project coordinator.
Additional information regarding the fair:
- Over 400 attendees (school kids, families and community members)
- The department/CHRI table provided information on health care careers and pathway programs, vaccine information and Medicaid enrollment materials, as well as UNMC-branded bags, hand sanitizers and pens with support from the Heider Family Foundation
- Organized by the school leadership and the Nebraska Health, Education, Advocacy and Leadership across Indigenous and Native Generations Project
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Drs. Carraher and Anderson Berry and Kara Foster at the NPQIC table |
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News |
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Hispanic Heritage Month
(Sept. 15 to Oct. 15)
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The CHRI Seminar Series will host a special event on Oct. 27. Kenneth Bayles, PhD, vice chancellor of research, UNMC, and Karen Gould, PhD, professor and vice chair for faculty development, will present on, "Our New Environment Related to Mentoring Research Trainees: What Faculty Need to Know." They will discuss new NIH policies and how these policies are driving changes in the mentoring landscape. We will also discuss steps UNMC is taking to help faculty adapt to this new environment. A meeting invitation will be sent to CHRI members in the future. If you would like to attend, but are not a CHRI member, please email chri@unmc.edu.
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This month we feature Chuck Koster, content strategist, CHRI and Department of Pediatrics.
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Meet Chuck Koster:
What brought you to your given specialty/role?
When I was a kid, I identified my favorite baseball player by the font on and design of his jersey. That may have been an early sign I was fated to the world of marketing. Before coming here, I worked for a good while in the corporate travel world.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
I think it's a tie. I love basketball courts with wooden floors and old movie theaters.
What are you a fan of or very interested in?
The people and dog that I love. Those are what I am most interested in probably. Other than that, I like the NBA, Everton soccer, Joy dish detergent, cream soda, Marilynne Robinson books and Paul Newman movies.
What was the most important lesson taught to you during your career training?
Get some therapy and a dog. No one ever told me that, particularly with regards to my career, but I wish they had. Both have been very helpful for me.
Is there any book, music or TV series or movie that you admire and would recommend to others.
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Staff Milestones:
Recent Service Anniversaries
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Congratulations to those celebrating recent work anniversaries. We wish you all the best for continued success! |
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University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
982155 Nebraska Medicine
Omaha, NE 68198-2155
402-955-3933
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