Meet the Fellows

Undergraduate School: Grand Valley State University
Medical School: A.T. Still Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Western Michigan University Home Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Hobbies: I enjoy all forms of outdoor adventuring. My dog, Molly, loves to go for long walks and hikes. During the warmer months, I spend as much time as I can on the water doing things like kayaking, waterskiing, and windsurfing. I also enjoy playing violin and finding local orchestra/symphony concerts to attend.
Research/QI Interests:  My academic interests include the integration of palliative care practices into the pediatric ICU setting. I am also interested in utilizing simulation training to improve provider competence in managing ethically difficult clinical situations and in facilitating difficult conversations.

Why PICU?
The diversity, pathophysiology, and medical complexity of cases managed in the ICU is unparalleled. I enjoy the opportunity that it provides to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; there is always something new to learn from other medical specialties and care team members. Additionally, working in the pediatric ICU setting is rewarding in that it provides the opportunity to care for both critically ill patients and their families.

Why IU/Riley?
I think it goes without saying that Riley is a leader in providing exceptional medical care for the pediatric population. Because of the large catchment area, variety of pediatric services provided, and extensive academic/research involvement, I knew this would be a place that would make me a well equipped and well rounded physician. However, the factor that most influenced my decision was the people. The faculty members demonstrate a genuine interest in us as individuals and are committed to supporting us in achieving our clinical, academic, and personal goals.

Undergraduate School: University of Arizona
Medical School: Midwestern University Arizona School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Phoenix Children's Hospital
Hobbies: hiking, traveling, archery, and poetry
Research/QI Interests: Pathophysiology of autoinflamatory processes in critical ill children, and Feedback implementation for physician learners in the critical care unit.

Why PICU? 
PICU is the perfect blend of the art and science of medicine that comes with the privilege of taking care of little people.

Why IU/Riley? 
The people. The faculty is strongly committed to fostering a culture of mentorship and growth. The high volume and diversity of patients serves as an exceptional learning environment.

Undergraduate School: University of Southern Indiana
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
Hobbies: running short/medium course races, yoga, traveling to experience new culture and cuisine, and reading (for fun...not just to prep for rounds)
Research/QI Interests: Palliative care within the PICU and early enteral feeding in post-op CV repair

Why PICU? 
I appreciate the vast pathology and complexity of the pediatric ICU patient. As long as I can remember, my favorite question was always "but why?" and nowhere else is the "why" more important and more applicable than the ICU. Children are so resilient and to have the opportunity to play a role in their recovery is invaluable and incredibly gratifying.

Why IU/Riley? 
I rotated in Riley's PICU and CVICU as a PGY3 and immediately felt at home. The values of their program aligned perfectly with my own. I valued the strong emphasis on education and was interested in training at a program that promoted a culture of strong relationships and collaboration among the healthcare team. I watched as the fellows and faculty worked alongside each other in a supportive and collegial manner, similar to the small program from which I came from. Riley Children's Hospital is consistently nationally ranked amongst the top children's hospitals in the nation and I was confident my training would be exceptional after spending three years working in their robust and well established PICU and CVICU. I am certain I will reach my fullest potential after my time spent working at Riley because of their investment in me not just as a fellow, but as an individual.

Undergraduate School: Rutgers University
Medical School: Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Residency: Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital
Hobbies: My hobbies include: binging tv shows, discovering new music, peloton-ing, painting, interior design, plant mom-ing, hanging out with friends and family and talking about my pup, Leo, or any other cute pup haha
Research/QI Interests: I’m a bit undecided here but am really interested in medical education, wellness and diversity.

Why PICU? 
Obviously the pathology is cool and ever changing. You also have the opportunity to get procedural experience. However, most importantly, you have the opportunity to positively impact families as they navigate some of the most challenging times in their children’s lives. Being that pillar of support drew me to the PICU and made me feel the most useful as a physician.

Why IU/Riley? 
Going through the virtual interview process was a challenge and it was daunting! However, my interview day at Riley was fantastic - all the people I met on interview day were (and still are haha) inviting, nice, down to earth and super friendly. Since being here, I can confirm there is a family dynamic amongst all the members of the PICU staff. It was truly the people who made this East coast girl come to the Midwest!

Undergraduate School: University of New Mexico
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Residency: University of Iowa Children's Hospital
Hobbies: Trail biking, hiking, running, exploring new places and trying to become the next John Bonham on the drums
Research/QI Interests: Kidney health in critical illness and pediatric ICU delirium

Why PICU? 
While in residency, I quickly realized all of the fascinating medicine I read about in medical school came to life in the PICU. Combining complex acute care with a top-notch team and the best patient population in the world was an easy choice for me.

Why IU/Riley? 
Virtual interview season was a unique experience last year. Riley went above and beyond to adapt this process for applicants and this spoke volumes to the support they provide to their fellows. Zoom screen aside, everyone has been phenomenal both in support and investment in fellow education since coming to Indianapolis and starting fellowship. There is a reason why Riley is one of the best children’s hospitals in the country.

Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Pulmonary Fellowship: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Hobbies: Running, Soccer, and Coffee-Hopping
Research/QI Interests: Sepsis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)/ Reducing risks of ICU hospitalizations in Technology-dependent/Ventilator Dependent patients

Why PICU? 
The broad and complex disease pathology, the multidisciplinary approach in management and teamwork, the unique blend between highest-end technology and human skillset; The privilege of serving the sickest patients and their families.

Why IU/Riley? 
Riley has one of the largest ICU/CICU in the nation and the world; The strong emphasis on the individual and focused development of each fellow from day one; The commitment to diversity and inclusion through recruitment of faculty and fellows from diverse backgrounds and creating a warm and welcoming environment that potentiates their growth and development into leaders in their respective fields.

Undergraduate School: University of Iowa
Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. & Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: I love moving - swimming, biking, running, climbing, hiking, camping, or really anything outdoors! My husband and I are constantly planning our next adventure, traveling whenever we can. I otherwise love reading cheesy love stories (and ICU textbooks, of course). 
Research/QI interests: Unfortunately, I am interested in everything; however, I am currently investigating extubation failure in the cardiac ICU. 

Why PICU?
I've never felt comfortable in the PICU. I am constantly challenged and being forced to think on my feet, and I love that about the ICU. It's never boring! I love that adrenaline rush that comes with the acuity, thinking through complex pathophysiology, and getting to establish relationships with the patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 

Why IU/Riley?
My residency training was here at Riley, and after doing virtual interviews all over the country, I decided it was ultimately best for me to stay. I love the people here, from the janitors and cafeteria staff to the attendings on the unit and consulting services. Riley really is one team and one family. Being a part of this family makes the challenges of PICU fellowship feel a little less daunting.

Undergraduate School: Saint Louis University
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Hobbies: Baking sourdough iterations of everyday baked goods, grilling everything, coffee enthusiast, and hanging out with my wife and son.
Research/QI interests: Long-term outcomes of PICU patients and post-intensive care syndrome in children.

Why PICU?
After many years in medical training, I have found the greatest satisfaction working in the PICU. Every day you encounter complex pathophysiology, perform crucial procedures, and help patients and their families through very difficult times. 

Why IU/Riley?
The atmosphere created by everyone coming together to take care of the sickest patients at Riley is invigorating. After my interview day, I knew I had to become a part of the team. The supportive faculty and staff make all the difference, as they truly are invested in helping you become the best intensivist you can be. I also cannot say enough about the city of Indianapolis; the people are nice, the food is incredible, and my family and I feel right at home here in the Midwest.