Resident Profiles
What kind of program would tempt me to me leave my community and the beloved cedars and mountains of my home in the Pacific Northwest?
Well, since I'm here in Milwaukee, the answer is the pediatrics program at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. It was hard to get in my truck and drive east of the Rockies, but knowing what was waiting for me definitely helped.
So, how does the program here help make residency more manageable?
In one word: the people (I guess I mean two words)
In my encounters with the people here I am constantly amazed by the breath of fresh air that is a characteristic of this program.
Let me give you some examples. The chair of the program, Dr. Kliegman, gets together with interns once every week where we sit and discuss a case. He makes an effort to draw everyone out in a very open and friendly way, and get them comfortable with thinking through some interesting cases in front of groups of people.
In the newborn nursery, Dr. Cohen pushes us to be doctors. It's tempting for an intern to ask a senior doctor what to do, but during rounds he insisted on a commitment to a plan of action. He would take our plans seriously, help us develop our thinking and reasoning and guide us to the best plan for each patient. I walked away from those interactions not only learning the concepts but also feeling more comfortable making decisions. He also has a strong belief in the medicinal power of rounding with a cup of hot chocolate. Somehow even though he's pushing you to be a better doctor you can't be totally intimidated with a cup of hot chocolate in front of you.
Dr. Nocton, the residency director, and the chief residents work really hard to make sure that things are running as smoothly as they can for us. Realizing that they can't make our lives less busy or stressful, they do a great job making sure that we are as happy as we can be (the candy helps!)
And Gloria…..you'll meet Gloria if you interview at our program. When I came out for a second look, she helped me get a discount on a hotel, helped me find the ideal spot to live, listened to me talk about my philosophy on life, the universe, and everything else, and doesn't laugh too loudly when I swear I'll turn some paperwork in on time. She is one of the centerpieces of the residency program.
My fellow interns also make the program a lot more fun. We have casual dinners at each others' houses and the senior residents arrange things like Brewer's baseball games and resident kickball teams.
I could go on and on….but ultimately it is the people that make or break residency. And the people here will make the residency.
The last thing I will write about is the reason that ultimately made me come here. The children that I want to work for are the Native American and Indigenous community's children. I went through the Indian Health Pathway at the University of Washington so I have been really fortunate in my teachings so far. Although this year is primarily a general training year, my hope is that as time goes on I can make connections to the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, continue to go to the American Association of Indian Physician and AAP's Indigenous Child Health Committee meetings and do some electives on reservations here in the Midwest and back home in the Pacific Northwest. Given the support of the faculty and administration, I believe that I can make that happen.
My friend sent me a picture of a cedar for my cellphone so when I need a bit of home, I look at it. I'm fairly certain that I'll go back home one day, but for residency I'm glad I'm here in Milwaukee.
Carrie Fathke PL-1
PL-1
Hello and welcome to our residency program here at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. My name is Aaron Weiss and I am one of the 2nd year residents. I am originally from Logan, Utah. I attended both college and medical school at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. After reading this short intro, you might be asking yourself "how in the world did he end up in Milwaukee and why did he choose the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for residency?" If so, please read on!
When I was first deciding about where to apply I knew very little about the program here. The residents and faculty at my medical school had recommended this as a top program and I had heard many encouraging things about the city of Milwaukee. Additionally, I had several key criteria for a residency including a free-standing children's hospital, a large and diverse patient population, and a sound educational environment. After completing my intern year, I can say that the program has met and exceeded all of my expectations. Another important factor in my decision to apply here was the couples match. My wife and I were looking for a medical campus with excellent pediatrics and emergency medicine programs. We interviewed at many programs around the country and the Medical College of Wisconsin offered everything we were looking for in our respective specialties.
For me, the most exciting aspect of this program is who I interact with on a daily basis – my fellow residents, attendings, nursing staff, the patients, their families, and everyone in between. On my interview day back in January I first got a taste of these relationships while on the tour with my intern guide. As we walked the halls, she seemed to know almost everyone in the hospital as indicated by all the friendly smiles and greetings she and I collectively received. From the chairman of our department, Dr. Kliegman, to the nursing staff on the hospital floors, everyone is extremely friendly, approachable, and invested in our future careers and education. I enjoy going to work each day knowing I will be in a supportive, positive, and effective training environment. As a current second year resident, this still holds true. Looking back on intern year, the experience was incredible. Yes, I did work extremely hard. There is no question about that. But the rewards in knowledge, comfort level caring for ill children, and confidence I gained from my intern year were numerous and truly invaluable.
I am equally thrilled about the relationships I have formed with my fellow interns and residents. Each and every one is enthusiastic, bright and genuinely delightful to be around. At the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin our strong friendships seamlessly extend from inside to outside the hospital. I am certain the experiences and friendships I formed during my intern year will last a lifetime. Socially, we have wonderful monthly intern birthday dinners, residency program softball/kickball/volleyball teams, and multiple group activities throughout the year. This year we have already gone on a brewery tour, ventured to many of the summertime festivals and tailgated at a Brewer's baseball game. Also, our intern retreat at Lake Geneva was an amazing bonding experience I will never forget. Milwaukee has a veritable cornucopia of dining options and a vibrant nightlife that we often take advantage of.
In all, the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the city of Milwaukee and the residents, administration, and staff of the program have made this pediatric residency a perfect fit. I hope you will visit us and learn about all the educational, training and social opportunities that encompass our residency program. If you have any questions about my own experience or want further insight into the program, please contact me at any time!
Aaron Weiss
PL-2
Hi there! My name is Alisen and I'm one of the 3rd year residents at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Not too long ago I was where I assume you are now – sifting through and studying the 100+ pediatric residency programs and wondering how to narrow my list down. I actually ended up traveling all over the country on interviews and was surprised to find that the best fit for me was actually close to home. I'm from Elgin, IL (which is only a 2 hour drive away), but I had never been to Milwaukee – ever. I knew very little about Wisconsin and not surprisingly, I knew even less about residency programs here. What I did know is that I was looking for a large children's hospital with a well-rounded residency program dedicated to the teaching and training of excellent pediatricians. I wanted to be somewhere where I would see both common and rare conditions, where the patient population was diverse, where I could learn in a non-intimidating environment, and where residents were happy and liked what they were doing. Looking back on the last two years here, I can say that this residency program has definitely lived up to those expectations.
Thinking back on my interview day, one of the things that especially impressed me was how "down-to-earth" the people were from the residents to the faculty to the program directors and the chairman. I was also very happy to see that the chairman of pediatrics, Dr. Kleigman, knew all the residents and was himself very involved with the residency program. Every week he meets with the interns to discuss a clinical case, once a month he meets with the 2nd years again to discuss a case, and nearly every morning he meets with the senior residents for morning report.
Now for a few details about me. Prior to coming to Milwaukee, I lived in St. Louis and studied at Washington University where I majored in Biology and Spanish as an undergrad and then stayed for medical school. My husband, a native of Santiago, Chile, was at first reluctant to move to Milwaukee, a small city compared to what he had hoped to move to, but since coming, he and I absolutely love living here. We were able to afford a house with a nice yard for our dog Reina, we have great neighbors, and we've made several good friends. Plus, Milwaukee is just the right size, as there is plenty to do and see, but without the hassle of a big city.
I couldn't be happier with my choice to train at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. I work with fun and bright colleagues and supportive and dedicated faculty, and when I'm not at work, there is always something to do in the Milwaukee area. For me, the CHW pediatrics residency program was a great fit, and I hope you are able to check the program out for yourself!
Alisen Huske
PL-3
Hi, my name is Lauren Destino and I am happy that you are interested in the pediatric residency program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
I grew up not too far away in Green Bay, WI (Go Packers) though I don't admit to being a cheese head. Though I stayed in the Midwest throughout college, University of Notre Dame, and medical school, Northwestern University, I looked at residencies throughout the country. However, I made my way back closer to home after the match.
When looking at programs, I was interested in a free standing children's hospital, exposure to lots of general and specialized pediatrics, excellent teaching and a friendly atmosphere. There were many great places along the interview trail but I felt most comfortable in Milwaukee. I was not disappointed.
Over the past three years, I have been able to help take care of many children both with common illnesses and more rare pathology. The general pediatric attendings and specialty services are eager to teach and I am always learning something new. And, though being on call is not my first choice of things to do, I am amongst a great group of residents who are both work colleagues and friends.
Milwaukee is also a great place to live. I love being close to the lakefront and I have been able to participate in sports such as soccer, softball, volleyball and running. I am an avid marathon runner and have had time to train for a few throughout my residency. There are also great restaurants in the city and lots of festivals in the summer. There is always something to do and things are very accessible including downtown Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and the Milwaukee airport.
I hope you will take the opportunity to visit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and discover what a great place it is.
Lauren Destino
Pediatric Chief Resident
Welcome! I am glad you are interested in our pediatric residency program here at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW). My name is Julie Baughn and I am one of the Chief Residents this year.
I grew up in the Milwaukee area and then moved to Madison, WI for college and medical school at the University of Wisconsin. I interviewed all over the country but was most impressed with my interview here in Milwaukee and I couldn't believe how lucky I was that there was such an excellent program in my hometown. I was drawn to the friendly atmosphere as well as the excellent training I would receive. With CHW functioning as both a tertiary referral center for neighboring states as well as the hospital where local pediatricians admit their patients I knew I would receive comprehensive training in all aspects of pediatric medicine. In addition I could sense that the residents got along and genuinely liked each other.
I have now completed residency and can say I have not been disappointed. I have received excellent training. This program provides you with the opportunity to see rare diseases as well as gain valuable experience in the management of common diseases. You will see enough volume of patients to recognize an unusual presentation of a more common disease as well. In addition, while CHW serves all of Milwaukee it is conveniently located in one of the western suburbs so travel to work and parking is very convenient and safe.
In addition to your time spent training, Milwaukee has a lot to offer socially and recreationally. It has seen tremendous growth in the last decade and continues to have exciting new restaurants along Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River. The summers have a ton to offer including many festivals, Jazz in the Park, the zoo, brewery tours on the Milwaukee River, and the Brewers. In the winter there is Basket ball (Bucks and Marquette University), Football, (the Packers) as well as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World (good for kids and adults).
I look forward to meeting you on your interview day!
Julie Baughn
Pediatric Chief Resident
When I began my residency five years ago, Milwaukee was a much different city than it is today. I was an Analytical chemist working here in Milwaukee before entering St Louis School of Medicine. We have more fun urban things to enjoy now than we had when I first moved here. Milwaukee offers all the amenities of a large city with a very reasonable cost of living. Most of the residents here are able to purchase homes near the hospital.
A free standing children's hospital was a requirement for me when I was searching for the right Med-Peds program as a student. I am a National Health Service Corps Scholar and I wanted to work with children from an underserved population. My continuity clinic at the Downtown Health Center provided a great experience with that particular patient population. As the only free standing children's hospital in Wisconsin, we not only see the tertiary referral cases, but bread and butter community pediatric cases as well. Training at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) has allowed me to feel very comfortable beginning my pediatric practice. I would recommend that students looking for a program that provides excellent training, a diverse patient population and residents who know and enjoy each other consider our program.
Rodney Mayhorn, MD
Pediatric Chief Resident (Med-Peds)