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Medical College of Wisconsin Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship

The Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin is highly dedicated to not only maintaining the tradition of excellence within our training program but also leading the way in clinical, scholarly and educational offerings for our trainees. All of us at MCW/Children's have made a promise to our patients to remain lifelong learners so we may always provide the best and safest care possible. We also promise to foster the growth and development of our trainees by providing them with a truly exceptional, well-rounded educational experience while constantly re-examining not only what we teach, but how we teach it.  
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A Message from Our Program Director

Hilary Schreiber, MD, MAAs program director, it is my honor to develop and train the next generation of physicians, researchers, and leaders in pediatric critical care medicine. Our program is dedicated to providing our fellows with a broad and intensive clinical experience, a rigorous academic curriculum, and strong foundation in research. Our training will provide the all the skills necessary to set our fellows up for a successful career wherever they choose to go after training.

Hilary Schreiber, MD, MA
Director, Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow Tour

See the spaces and places you will spend time in as a pediatrics critical care fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

As a Pediatric Critical Care fellow you will...

  • Learn to care for patients with a full spectrum of critical illness including medical and surgical cardiac disease, mechanical support (ECMO, VAD, CRRT), solid organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, oncologic diseases, neurologic and neurosurgical diseases, and other medical and surgical diseases
  • Learn to provide critical care consultation and remote management for patients in referring institutions as a member of our critical care transport team and medical control
  • Participate in protected critical care educational conferences
  • Identify your personal scholarly interest(s) with close mentorship from faculty
  • Attend and ideally present your research at regional or national conferences
  • Develop your skills teaching patients, families, medical students, residents, and nurses

About Our Institutions

Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)

The Medical College of Wisconsin brings together the most inquisitive minds in science, medicine, education and community engagement to solve the toughest challenges in health and society today. Academic medicine is at the core, where scientists, physicians and students work hand-in-hand with the community to ask the questions no one else is and fuel the continuous cycle of knowledge that’s shaping the future of medicine.

Learn more about MCW

Children’s Wisconsin

Children’s Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. We offer a wide range of care and support for children of all ages. Our services include medical care, dental care, child and family counseling, foster care, adoption, social services, child advocacy and injury prevention.

Learn more about Children’s Wisconsin

About Our Fellowship

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About the Program

Our fellows receive all their training at Children’s Wisconsin. Our ICUs have 68-beds and approximately 2,000 admissions per year.

The 36-month curriculum is divided roughly into 16 months of clinical work and 20 months of research activities as follows:

The first year is conducted in 2-3-week blocks. Clinical service during the second and third years made up of 1-2-week block at a time, which allows for increased time dedicated to your scholarly project.

First Year

  • PICU – 26-28 weeks (16-18 weeks of days, 10-12 weeks of nights)
  • Anesthesiology – 6 weeks
  • Research – 12-14 weeks
  • Transport – 2 weeks
  • Transport Medical Control – throughout the year
  • Night float M–F and S/Su

Second/Third Years

  • PICU – 19-21 weeks (12-14 weeks of days, 7-9 weeks of nights)
  • Electives available: neurocritical care, palliative care interest-specific
  • Research – 24-28 weeks
  • Transport Medical Control – throughout the year
  • Night float M–F and S/Su

In addition to the clinical rotations, you will be engaged in research with support from a faculty mentor and a scholarship oversight committee. Fellows also participate in many different committees within the section and hospital such as code review, mortality review, QI committee, etc.

Curriculum

Critical Care Conference Series

Mondays: Senior Fellow Career Development Series
4-part series in Fall, targeted toward our 2nd and 3rd year fellows. Provides education and guidance in career and professional development and transition to faculty/attending life

Tuesdays: Critical Care RESCQD Conference Series
Lecture series that encompasses critical care-specific discussions on Research, Ethics, Safety (Patient), Career development, Quality improvement, and Diversity

Wednesdays: Critical Care Core Conferences
Lecture series led by institutional expert speakers based on the American Board of Pediatrics Content Specifications for Critical Care Medicine covering basic and advanced pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Thursdays: Rotating Schedule

  • Lunch with Leaders: Quarterly lunch on campus with fellowship leadership team and fellows to allow for discussion on a variety of topics
  • Journal Article Breakdown Session: Quarterly conference series led by PICU faculty. Guides fellows on how to critically appraise journal article publications
  • PICU Code Review: Review of all compression events in PICU and CICU in the preceding month with a focus on quality and systemic improvement opportunities

Lunch with Leaders

Journal Article Breakdown Session
Quarterly conference series led by PICU faculty. Guides fellows on how to critically appraise journal article publications.

PICU Code Review: Led by the PICU Code Review Steering Committee
Review of all compression events in all 3 ICUs in the preceding month with a focus on quality and systemic improvement opportunities

PICU Board Review Series
Monthly faculty led sessions with board-specific content and question review

Neurocritical Care Case Conference: Led by NCC Work Group
Multi-disciplinary lecture series that includes ICU, general neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, PM&R, and more. In-depth review and discussion of an interesting and/or educational patient case.

Fridays

Simulation Lab: Led by PD/APDs
Once monthly in-person sessions with simulations focused on emergent events, development of critical thinking, and procedural skills in our state-of-the-art simulation lab

Fellow Administrative Meeting
Required monthly meeting direct by the PD. Brings program leadership and fellows together to discuss program announcement, updates, or concerns. Also, a time for fellows to share and celebrate professional and personal milestones with each other.

Scientific Writing Course
2–4-part series led by PICU faculty. Guides senior fellows through the process of writing a manuscript

Multidisciplinary Conference Series

Joint Fellowship Curriculum (JFC)
Required bi-annual session bringing academicians-in-training from all pediatric disciplines covering a broad range of topics to the professional development of fellows. See JFC section for more details.

Optional:

  • Cardiac Cath Conference: Weekly multidisciplinary review of upcoming cardiothoracic surgery procedures presented by cardiologists and surgeons
  • Electrophysiology Tea Rounds: Led by one of the electrophysiologists, teaching review and interpretation of EKFs, in collaboration with the pediatric cardiology fellowship
  • Cardiac Surgical Rounds: Led by our cardiothoracic surgeons, reviewing surgical repairs of carious congenital heart defects, in collaboration with the pediatric cardiology fellowship

Department of Pediatrics Conference Series

Department of Pediatrics Scholarship in Process Conference
Weekly research presentations from faculty across all specialties within pediatrics with a focus on shared knowledge, collaborations, and research opportunities

Pediatric Grand Rounds
Weekly lecture for staff physicians, trainees, and students by local and nationally recognized experts in various pediatric specific topics

Professor Rounds
Weekly interactive, hospital-wide clinical case presentation conference presented by a senior pediatric resident where they get to quiz the faculty. A beloved tradition at Children’s Wisconsin.

Schwartz Rounds
Monthly multidisciplinary forum where clinical caregivers discuss difficult emotional and social issues arising from the care of patients

Clinical Training

ICU Clinical Training

Fellows will receive intensive and thorough clinical experience with the goal of learning to diagnose and manage pediatric critical illnesses. Fellows will spend time in the general ICU (PICU) and cardiac ICU (CICU) during their training. In the PICU, fellows will learn to care for patients with medical and surgical critical illness. This includes patients with neurologic and neurosurgical diseases, oncology and bone marrow transplant patients, kidney and liver transplant patients, patients with renal disease including renal replacement therapy, post-surgical orthopedic, ENT, and general surgery patients, children with chronic critical illness and technology dependence, children with acute respiratory diseases, and multiple other disease processes. In the CICU fellows will manage patients with medical and surgical cardiac disease and patients requiring mechanical circulatory support such as ECMO and VADs.

Throughout training, fellows will spend clinical service time in the PICU and CICU. First year fellows will do their service time in 2-3 week blocks, with weeks of day time service and night float weeks. Second and third year fellows will do 1-2 weeks blocks with a mix of day service and night float. First year fellows will also do rotations with anesthesia (6 weeks) and transport (2 weeks). Second and third year fellows have the option to participate in electives such as palliative care and neurocritical care. In the PICU, fellows will act in a supervisory role on either a resident or APP team. In the CICU, fellows will have primary patient responsibilities. Non-clinical time is dedicated to fellow research and education.

Fellows will learn to perform and supervise common critical care procedures including bag mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, peripheral IV placement, central line placement, arterial line placement, chest tube placement, lumbar puncture, procedural sedation, ECMO and VAD management, and leading codes. Fellows will also learn to use point of care ultrasound (POCUS) for vascular access and evaluation of patient physiology.

Fellows are part of several emergency response systems, including the hospital-wide code team, trauma activation, rapid response, transport team, and medical control. As part of the code team, fellows will lead the code team in response to events throughout the hospital, with direct supervision from a critical care faculty member. Fellows receive ATLS training and certification and respond to level 1 and 2 traumas in the emergency department. In the trauma bay fellows may perform procedures and facilitate patient transport and disposition, in conjunction with the emergency department and surgical team. As part of the rapid response team, fellows respond to hospital-wide rapid response activations to assess and mange patient who may require critical care. Senior fellows are also members of the transport team and may travel with the transport team to pick up critically ill patients from surrounding hospitals. Senior fellows will act in a medical control role and work with the charge nurse and faculty to manage patient flow through the unit.

Fellows will participate in fellow specific and section-wide educational activities. This includes fellow board review, simulation sessions, core physiology conferences, research, patient safety/systems improvement, ethics conferences, journal clubs, career development series, code review, morbidity and mortality conference, neurocritical care conference, and ECMO case reviews. Senior fellows will be expected to lead certain conferences such as research in progress and journal club. Senior fellows are also invited to join section committees of their choice, such as code review, ECMO review, and PICU QI committee. Fellows also participate in a joint fellowship curriculum with other pediatric fellows that covers topics applicable to all fellows.

Research Training

Education
Fellows received formal training and become competent in research and scientific writing. Education topics include developing a research question, scientific writing, statistics, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. The critical care section has a research education and advisory meeting every other month that covers a rotation of research education topics. Additional resources available include workshops and lectures through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the MCW Human Research Protection Program.

Mentoring
Fellows will choose a faculty member to be the primary mentor for their project. The faculty mentor will provide advice on designing and conducting the project, data collection, data analysis, and abstract and manuscript writing. Additional faculty members will be part of the scholarly oversight committee to facilitate successful completion of the project. The program director will be available for advice and is responsible for monitoring the fellow’s progress.

Focused Time
Non-clinical time is dedicated to research. Fellows will have approximately 12-14 weeks of research during their first year and 24-28 weeks during each of the second and third years.

Research Expectations
The fellow is expected to complete a significant study of publishable quality and present that research at a local, regional, or national conference.

Areas of Research
Research may be done in any area of critical care. Fellows have pursued projects in basic science, clinical research, quality improvement, and qualitative studies. Fellows may work with faculty outside of the section of critical care if they identify a mentor working in an area of interest.

Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis is available within the section of critical care. A statistician is a member of every fellow scholarly oversight committee.

Additional Opportunities

  • Senior fellows are given the opportunity to attend PALISI and enroll in the clinical writing course.
  • The Steigleder grant fund is available to support fellow research projects.
Progression in Responsibilities

Overview/Throughout Fellowship

  • We have 2 multidisciplinary units:
    • West 3: The cardiac ICU where you will manage pre- and post-operative patients with congenital heart disease and complex airway malformations, acquired heart disease, patients with cardiac transplants, various ventricular assist devices, and hospital-wide ECMO (VV and VA).
    • Center 4/West 4: 3 pods make up the general ICU, where you will care for trauma/surgical ICU care, learn post-op management for variety of post-op patients with neurosurgery, general surgery, ENT, and solid organ transplant (predominantly liver and kidney), pediatric burn patients for >20% TBSA burns, sepsis and oncology including bone marrow transplant/hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, acute and chronic respiratory failure, and more.
  • Work directly with residents and nurse practitioners in teams on each floor
  • Respond to Code Blue alarms throughout the hospital as the code leader and actively participate in the trauma bay resuscitation for all Level I and Level II traumas.
  • Develop skills in triaging admissions and transport patients throughout “Medical Control” pager
  • Develop presentation skills through journal club, systems improvement conference, board review, etc.

First Year

  • Get immersed in clinical care for gaining comfort and confidence in the PICU early
  • Begin learning and mastering routine procedures: arterial lines, peripheral IV’s, central venous lines, chest tube placement, and intubation both in the unit and on 2 months of anesthesia
  • Travel with our transport team to various regions during a 2-week rotation

Second Year

  • Clinical time is significantly decreased to allow for time to focus on your research project
  • Participate in a quality improvement project
  • Gain more autonomy during your service weeks
  • Twice monthly transport shifts where you may go by ground or air
  • Serve as members of section committees such as Code Review, Mortality Review, QI, etc.
  • Get involved in activities that achieve personal goals and professional development such as facilitate mock codes, teach PALS (pediatric advance life support) or PFCCS (pediatric fundamental critical care support)

Third Year

  • Work on finishing your research project and/or completing additional projects
  • Present your research at a national conference
  • Twice monthly transport shifts where you may go by ground or air
  • Consider electives such as Neuro-Critical Care, bronchoscopy, procedural sedation, palliative care, or toxicology. Past fellows have also spent extra time with cardiology in Cath lab, echo, or EP
  • Supervise residents, NPs, and junior fellows’ procedures
  • Transition to becoming an attending
  • Continue to serve in committees and get involved in activities that achieve personal goals and professional development
Evaluation

Evaluation of Training Program
Pediatric Critical Care fellows and faculty participate in annual reviews of the training program through anonymous surveys provided through the ACGME and MCWAH. The results and comments are collated and discussed at an annual meeting that includes program leadership, 2-3 fellow representatives, and faculty from critical care and other subspecialties. Potential needed changes to the goals, objectives, and/or curriculum are addressed and implemented based on the feedback provided.

Evaluation of Fellows
Fellows are routinely evaluated by critical care faculty for every service week and night call via online evaluation forms. Our evaluation forms utilize the ABP recommended Milestone and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) framework to evaluate each fellows’ development within each core competency. Our core faculty compliance for these evaluations is > 90%. This formative feedback is available to each fellow in real-time and is formally reviewed biannually at their semi-annual reviews with program leadership. Fellows are also evaluated by faculty they work with during electives in other subspecialities.

Evaluation of Faculty
Fellows are provided with the opportunity and encouraged to fill out evaluation forms of faculty they work with in all 3 of our units. These evaluations are provided to faculty in 6 months blocks to maintain anonymity.

A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Typical Day on W4 and W5

  • 6 a.m. receive sign-out from the overnight team
  • 8 a.m. radiology rounds
  • 8:30 a.m. resident teaching
  • 9 a.m. morning rounds
  • 12 p.m. conference mostly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Simulation lab and board review some Fridays
  • 1 p.m. ongoing patient management, new admissions, care conferences, etc.
  • 5 p.m. sign out to the overnight team

Typical day on W3

  • 6 a.m. receive sign-out from the overnight team
  • 8 a.m. sign out rounds with CT surgery, cardiology, and CICU team
  • 9 a.m. morning rounds
  • 12 p.m. conference mostly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Simulation lab and board review some Fridays
  • 1 p.m. ongoing patient management, new admissions, care conferences, etc.
  • 4 p.m. bedside sign out rounds to the overnight team
Application Process & Visa Information

Our 3-year fellowship program is ACGME accredited and begins on July 1 each year. We accept four fellows each year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must have completed a US-accredited residency program. Applications from prospective applicants are accepted from July through October via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). We will access your application and contact you to make interview arrangements.

Complete applications should include the following:

  • ERAS application form
  • At least 3 letters of reference including Program Director letter
  • Medical Student Performance Evaluation/Dean's Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal statement
  • MD Applicants: USMLE scores - Steps 1, 2, and 3 or
  • DO Applicants: COMLEX scores – Levels 1, 2 and 3
  • ECFMG certificate for foreign medical school graduates (see visa information below)

Our program currently accepts the following visas:

  • Permanent Resident Visa
  • Visitor Exchange Visa sponsored by ECFMG (J-1)
  • Temporary Professional Workers (H-1B)

View MCWAH visa information

Apply via ERAS

Benefits, Conditions & Terms of Employment

Fellows are employed by the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH). View their website for information regarding vacations, leaves, insurance, stipends and professional liability.

MCWAH benefits, conditions and terms of employment

FACTS (Fellow Advancement through Career Development, Training, and Scholarship) Program

As a fellow, you will participate in the FACTS Program and embark on a journey that not only enhances your professional skills but also fosters meaningful connections with peers across various pediatric subspecialties. FACTS is a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your education through career development, scholarly activities, and personalized learning experiences. FACTS offers centralized education on core topics relevant to all pediatric subspecialties, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among fellows. The curriculum emphasizes individualized education by providing multiple offerings in certain time slots, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and career goals. Through shared learning sessions and collaborative projects, you'll build lasting relationships that support both your personal and professional growth, preparing you to excel as a well-rounded pediatric subspecialist.

Learn more about our curriculum

Living & Training in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets and a prime location for the Medical College of Wisconsin’s main campus. A one-of-a-kind city with a vibrant and diverse culture, this charming, yet metropolitan must-see is just 90 minutes north of Chicago and nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re catching a show at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, immersing yourself in the old world charm of the Historic Third Ward or taking in the sights and sounds of one of the many cafés, beer gardens or restaurants that line the city’s riverbank and shoreline, Milwaukee never disappoints. Find out why MCW students, faculty and employees take pride in calling Milwaukee home.

Where do the current fellows live?

  • Brewer's Hill in downtown Milwaukee
  • Wauwatosa
  • Oak Creek
  • Third Ward
  • Brookfield
  • Lower East Side

Favorite places fellows have visited in Wisconsin:

  • Devil’s Lake near Madison
  • Whetherby Cranberry Company
  • Lakefront
  • Summerfest
  • Door County
  • Two Rivers
  • Wisconsin Dells
  • Sunrise at Cave Point County Park
  • Wisconsin State Parks

Favorite restaurants in Milwaukee:

  • Odd Duck
  • Elephant Cafe
  • Ca’lucchenzo 
  • Carnevor 
  • La Masa 
  • Anmol
  • Stella Van Buren
  • Celesta
  • Amilinda
  • Dorsia
  • The Original
  • Kin by Rice and Roll

MCW is a great choice for your work and your life. Learn more about housing and rental options.

Our Alumni

July 2021-June 2024

  • Melissa Chiu, MD
    Palliative Care Fellowship, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA
  • Angelica Ostrowski, DO
    Attending physician, Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL
  • Krista Parran, MD
    Cardiac 4th year instructorship, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
  • Meaghan Reaney, DO
    Anesthesia Residency, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

July 2020-June 2023

  • Besma Jaber, MD
    Attending physician, Aurora Advocate Health Systems; Chicago, IL
  • Fatima Ajmal, MD
    Assistant Professor, University of Chicago/Comer Children’s Hospital; Chicago, IL
  • Cameron Kasmai, MD
    Fourth year fellowship at Children's Texas; Houston, TX
  • Christena McBride, MD
    Attending physician, Randall Children’s Hospital; Portland, OR
  • Merritt Tuttle, MD
    Toxicology Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

July 2019-June 2022

  • Bill Benson, MD
    Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Boston Children's; Boston, MA
  • Kathryn Higdon, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, University of Missouri Child Health; Columbia, MO
  • Vickren Pillay, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Boston Children's; Boston, MA
  • Kelsey Wehrenberg, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, University of Florida Shands Children's Hospital; Gainesville, FL

July 2018-July 2021

  • M. Ashwini Bhat, MD
    Anesthesia Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore, MD
  • Ali Hemyari, MD
    Anesthesia Residency at Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI
  • Palak Shah, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, Presbyterian Healthcare Services; Albuquerque, NM
  • Kellie Snooks, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

July 2017-June 2020

  • Matthew Amidon, DO
    Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Senior Instructorship, Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI; 2020-2021
    Current: Cardiac Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI
  • Matthew Powell, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, University of Kansas; Wichita, KS
  • Ira Shukla, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Children’s Hospital New Orleans; New Orleans, LA
  • Raji Venkitachalam, MD
    Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI

January 2017-December 2018

  • Amy O’Connor, DO
    Cardiac Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Lurie Children’s Hospital; Chicago, IL

July 2016-June 2019

  • Samantha Friedman, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri Child Health; Columbia, MO
  • Whitney Kopp, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital; Spokane, WA
  • Nital Patel, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, Pediatric Intensivist, Children’s Respiratory and Critical Care Specialists; St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN

July 2015-June 2018

  • Amee Bigelow, MD
    Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; Cincinnati, OH
  • Erin Flynn, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, Children’s Respiratory and Critical Care Specialists; St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN
  • Pamela Petersen, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Texas Children’s Hospital; Houston, TX

July 2015-June 2017

  • Jesse Stringer
    Cardiac Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Rady Children’s Hospital; San Diego, CA

July 2014-June 2017

  • Andrew Ausmus, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Anesthesia Associates of Kansas City; Overland Parks, KS
  • Ahmeneh Ghavam, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Assistant Professor, Comer Children’s Hospital/University of Chicago; Chicago, IL
  • Steven Haasken, MD
    Pediatric Intensivist, Essentia Health; Duluth, MN
  • Patrick Noonan, DO
    Pediatric Intensivist, Lutheran Children’s Hospital; Fort Wayne, IN
Our Faculty
Our experienced, talented faculty are excited to support you throughout your fellowship.

Meet Our Faculty

Recent Fellow Publications
  1. Shah P, Petersen TL, Zhang L, Yan K, Thompson NE. Using Aggregate Vasoactive-Inotrope Scores to Predict Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Sepsis. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2022 Mar 4;10;778378.doi:10.3389/fped.2022.778378. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35311061 PMCID: PMC3981266 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.778378. 
  2. Fink EL, Robertson CL, Wainwright MS, Roa JD, Lovett ME, Stulce C, Yacoub M, Potera RM, Zivick E, Holloway A, Nagpal A, Wellnitz K, Czech T, Even KM, Brunow de Carvalho W, Rodriguez IS, Schwartz SP, Walker TC, Campos-Miño S, Dervan LA, Geneslaw AS, Sewell TB, Pryce P, Silver WG, Lin JE, Vargas WS, Topjian A, Alcamo AM, McGuire JL, Domínguez Rojas JA, Muñoz JT, Hong SJ, Muller WJ, Doerfler M, Williams CN, Drury K, Bhagat D, Nelson A, Price D, Dapul H, Santos L, Kahoud R, Francoeur C, Appavu B, Guilliams KP, Agner SC, Walson KH, Rasmussen L, Janas A, Ferrazzano P, Farias-Moeller R, Snooks KC, Chang CH, Yun J, Schober ME, Global Consortium Study of Neurologic Dysfunction in COVID-19 (GCS-NeuroCOVID) Investigators. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neurologic Manifestations in Hospitalized Children Diagnosed with Acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C. Pediatr Neurol 2022 03;128:33-44 PMID: 35066369 PMCID: PMC8713420 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85122662722 01/24/2022. 
  3. Segar DE, Amidon M, Scott J, Frommelt PC. Native Aortic Root Thrombus in 3-Year-Old Fontan Patient with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Presentation and Echocardiographic Findings of This Life-Threatening Complication. CASE (Phila) 2021 Oct;5(5):276-279 PMID: 34712870 PMCID: PMC8530801 10/30/2021.  
  4. Powell MBF, Rajapreyar P, Yan K, Sirinit J, Mikhailov TA. Nutritional Practices & Outcomes in Patients with Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2021 Dec 27. doi: 10.1002/jpen.2320. Online ahead of print. PMID: 34961948. 
  5. Segar DE, Amidon M, Scott J, Frommelt PC. Native Aortic Root Thrombus in 3-Year-Old Fontan Patient with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Presentation and Echocardiographic Findings of This Life-Threatening Complication. CASE (Phila) 2021 Oct;5(5):276-279 PMID: 34712870 PMCID: PMC8530801 10/30/2021.  
  6. Shukla I, Hanson SJ, Yan K, Zhang J. Vasoactive-Inotropic Score and Vasoactive-Ventilation-Renal Score as Outcome Predictors for Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021 Nov;9;769932.doi: 10.3389/fped.2021.769932.eCollection 2021. PMID: 34917562 PMCID: PMC8669802 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.769932. 
  7. Snooks KC, Yan K, Farias-Moeller R, Fink EL, Hanson SJ. Continuous Electroencephalogram and Antiseizure Medication Use in an International Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Population. Neurocrit Care 2022 04;36(2):573-583 PMID: 34553297 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85115327777 09/24/2021. 
  8. Friedman SD, Kovach JR, Thompson, NE. Methadone's Effect on Cardiac Repolarization: Safety in the PICU. Ped Crit Care 2020 Sep;21(9):e747-e751.doi: 10.1097/PCC.000000000002492. PMID: 32740189. 
  9. Patel N, Petersen TL, Simpson PM, Feng M, Hanson SJ. Rates of Venous Thromboembolism and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Among Types of Central Venous Access Devices in Critically Ill Children. Crit Care Med. 2020 Sep;48(9):1340-1348. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004461.PMID: 32590391. 
  10. Marcdante K, Knox K, Amidon MPreparing for the Transition to Your Next Career Role. J Grad Med Educ 2020 Feb;12(1):109-110 PMID: 32064063 PMCID: PMC7012517 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85079537283 02/18/2020. 
  11. Bigelow AM, Koh W, Kinstler A, Conn SM, Geiser L, Wright CC, LaMantia SP, France A, Cooper DS. Eliminating Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in a Pediatric Cardiac ICU. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2020 Sep;21(9):e819-e826. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000002469.PMID: 32769704. 
  12. Patel N, Petersen TL, Simpson PM, Feng M, Hanson SJ. Rates of Venous Thromboembolism and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Among Types of Central Venous Access Devices in Critically Ill Children. Crit Care Med. 2020 Sep;48(9):1340-1348. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004461.PMID: 32590391. 
  13. Friedman SD, Kovach JR, Thompson, NE. Methadone's Effect on Cardiac Repolarization: Safety in the PICU. Ped Crit Care 2020 Sep;21(9):e747-e751.doi: 10.1097/PCC.000000000002492. PMID: 32740189. 
  14. Marcdante K, Knox K, Amidon M. Preparing for the Transition to Your Next Career Role. J Grad Med Educ 2020 Feb;12(1):109-110 PMID: 32064063 PMCID: PMC7012517 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85079537283 02/18/2020. 
  15. Bigelow AM, Ghanayem NS, Thompson NE, Scott JP, Cassidy LD, Woods KJ, Woods RK, Mitchell ME, Hraŝka V, Hoffman GM. Safety and Efficacy of Vasopressin After Fontan Completion: A Randomized Pilot Study. Bigelow AM, Ghanayem NS, Thompson NE, Scott JP, Cassidy LD, Woods KJ, Woods RK, Mitchell ME, Hraŝka V, Hoffman GM. 
  16. Petersen PC, Hanson S, Yan K, Clarke W. Partially Wireless Pulse Oximetry Reduces Loss of Signal Integrity due to Motion in Children. Hosp Pediatr. 2019 Sep;9(9):690-696. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2019-0017. Epub 2019 Aug 16. PMID: 31420351. 
  17. Parashar N, Amidon M, Milad A, Devine A, Yi L, Penk J. Noninvasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist Versus High Flow Cannula Support After Congenital Heart Surgery. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2019 09;10(5):565-571 PMID: 31496404 09/10/2019. 
  18. Notario PM, Gentile E, Amidon M, Angst D, Lefaiver C, Webster K). Home-Based Telemedicine for Children with Medical Complexity. Telemed J E Health 2019 11;25(11):1123-1132 PMID: 30628860 PMCID: PMC6842894 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85066097420 01/11/2019. 
  19. Bigelow AM, Flynn-O'Brien KT, Simpson PM, Dasgupta M, Hanson SJ. Multicenter Review of Current Practices Associated with Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Pediatric Patients After Trauma. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2018 Sep;19(9):e448-e454. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000001614.PMID: 29912812. 
  20. O'Connor A, Smith AH, Crum K, Edwards TL, Kannankeril PJ. Analysis of clinical and candidate genetic risk factors for postoperative atrial tachycardia after congenital heart surgery in infants. Am Heart Journal 2018 Aug;202;1-4, doi: PMID: 29800783 PMCID: PMC6067964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2018.04.014. 
  21. Bigelow AM, Scott JP, Hong JC, Cronin DC, Vitola BE, Fons RA, Petersen TL. Human Parechovirus as a Cause of Isolated Pediatric Acute Liver Failure. Pediatrics. 2016 Nov;138(5):e20160233. doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-0233.PMID: 27940759. 
Testimonials

“As I complete my pediatric critical care fellowship and move on to the next stage of my career, I cannot thank all of you enough for the past 3 years. Our fellowship program is incredibly blessed to have such an exemplary group of faculty to teach, support and guide us in the early stages of our careers. I greatly appreciate and cherish all the knowledge, support and friendship I have found in each and every one of you.”

"'Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.’ Without question, I can say that there are so many great teachers here at Children's that I think even an entire fellowship is a short time to learn from all of them.”

"I think that, in addition to our high volume and acuity exposure, we have unique experiences with our transport and trauma involvement."

"Training to become a pediatric intensivist at Children's has been a great adventure. One of the primary reasons that has made fellowship such a positive experience has been the leadership and support of the fellowship program. Being a critical care fellow comes with several challenges that go well beyond taking care of the critically ill child. While I knew I would receive excellent clinical experience here at Children's as the foundation of my training, the fellowship program has really helped me grow in ways that go beyond these clinical aspects. Areas of focus, such as professional development, mentoring, critical thinking, and work-life balance are not just discussions that get you through one day to the next but lessons that perpetually push me to grow in ways that are both unexpected and genuine. I am truly grateful to be the part of this process at Children's and feel better prepared to be a pediatric intensivist in more ways than I ever imagined because of it."

“The program here has such a wide variety of pathology among its patients as a fellow you feel prepared to care for all patients following your time here. The support from faculty in regard to clinical experience and research is the best, ultimately preparing you for nothing but success in future endeavors.”

“Working with faculty from different training backgrounds helps develop familiarity with different practices and management approaches.”

“The fellowship training has high patient volume, exposing you to a variety of disease processes and medical complexity. There are also multiple institutional affiliations, which create a wide array of research opportunities.”

“My favorite thing about the PICU fellowship program here at Children's is definitely the people I work with. It’s more like a family than anything. I consider myself extremely lucky to have such and amazing leadership, faculty, co-fellows, NPs and nurses.”

Additional Training Opportunities

Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Instructorship

A 1-year training opportunity for physicians who have successfully completed a 3-year pediatric critical care fellowship and are pursuing a career in pediatric cardiac intensive care. Please contact Dr. Adam Szadkowski for additional information.

Learn more about the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Instructorship

I find immense value in the ability to work as a multidisciplinary group within the PICU. Our institution has many great minds and leaders in their respective fields. The opportunity to have an open and collegial discussion with other subspecialties regarding not only patient care but ongoing research and education has been instrumental in my growth and development as a fellow. There is a great respect for the fact that our hospital is a teaching institution on many levels and faculty take every opportunity to teach and mentor trainees.”

A former Fellow

Our Third Year Fellows (2022-2025)

Alexander Burford, MD

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Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Residency: Oregon Health Science University

Favorite Ice Cream: Cornbread honey butter ice cream (it's a special at 50 licks in Portland). 

Favorite Hobby: Trying new foods

Favorite Disney Movie: Moana

Kathleen Burns, MD

Burns_Kathleen

Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Residency: Rush University Medical Center

Favorite ice cream: Mint chip (but only if it’s green)
Favorite hobby: The NYT crossword puzzle
Favorite Disney movie: The Force Awakens

Claire Maggiotto, MD

Maggiotto_Claire

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo
Residency: Children’s National Medical Center

Favorite ice cream: Anything mint (mint chip, mint cookie, mint brownie, or peppermint stick)
Favorite hobby: Camping, Needlepointing, Exercise, (I would like to take up gardening)
Favorite Disney movie: The Incredibles

Nicole Stegmeier, MD

Stegmeier_Nicole

Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: Akron Children’s Hospital

Favorite ice cream: Superman
Favorite hobby: Running, cross fit, hiking with my husband and our husky (Kylo)
Favorite Disney movie: Toy Story

Our Second Year Fellows (2023-2026)

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Hanna Distel, MD

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine; Residency: University of Hawai'i

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Hollis Johnson, MD

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin; Residency: Spectrum Health/Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

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Brian Marcus, MD

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: Yale School of Medicine; Residency: University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital; Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship: Yale School of Medicine

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Alexandra Ranucci, MD, MPH

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine; Residency: Louisiana State University

Our First Year Fellows (2024-2027)

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Lucia Bracco, DO

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine; Residency: Advocate Children's Hospital Park Ridge IL

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Tony Chuang, MD

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine; Residency: Mayo Clinic

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Ryan Grammens, DO

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine; Residency: University of New Mexico

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Bianka Martinez, DO

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University; Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago Pediatrics Residency Program

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Katie Mutke, MD

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow

Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine; Residency: Indiana University

Our Team

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Hayley Severson, MLIS

Education Program Coordinator II

Contact Us

Department of Pediatrics

Critical Care
9000 W. Wisconsin Ave. MS 681
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Hayley Severson, MLIS

Fellowship Program Coordinator
Pediatrics Critical Care
(414) 337-6773
hseverson@mcw.edu