Initially pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine, based on my experience as an EMT, I quickly realized my passion was in caring for critically ill children and helping support and guide families during these difficult times. As a mid-career intensivist, my primary focus, and enjoyment, remains taking care of kids at the bedside which has guided my other interests and involvement, including acute resuscitation, simulation, bioethics and resident/fellow education. I do not have one specific niche where I tend to gravitate more towards; I like being involved in a variety of areas related to the profession. This variety, similar to the various diagnoses and patient ages in the PICU, is what keeps me passionate and stimulated day-to-day and year-to-year.
Board Certification
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatrics
Education
1994 M.D., Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
2000 Residency in Emergency Medicine (2 years), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock, AR
2004 Residency in Pediatrics (including Chief), St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix, AZ
2007 Fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN
2017 Master’s in Education, University of Cincinnati, Online
2023 Master’s in Organizational Change Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Online (est.)
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Roles
Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
Medical Director, Simulation Program
Medical Director, Project Austin
Primary Interests
1. Resuscitation Education
● Improving CHMC’s response(s) and outcome(s) for pediatric and adult codes
● PALS Instructor since 2000
● AHA Volunteer, National Committee(s) member since 2008
● 2015 AHA PALS/PEARS Products Content Consultant
● 2020 AHA PALS PEARS Products Science Consultant
● Past Co-Chair SCCM Pediatric Virtual Critical Care Rounds
2. Simulation Education
● Improving CHMC clinical quality and performance, particularly ECMO
● Chair, Education Committee, Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)
● Author, ECMO Simulation in Infants, Children and Adolescents, in ECMO Simulation: A Theoretical and Practical Guide (2020)
● Section Editor, Pediatric ECMO Simulation; Joint Publication by Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and International Pediatric Simulation Society
3. Bioethics
● Improving clinical bioethical considerations/processes across the enterprise
● CHMC Ethics Committee member since 2012
● Co-author, 2015 AHA CPR Guidelines: Ethical Issues
4. Resident/Fellow Education
● Improving resident competence, experience and education in ICUs, and throughout the organization
● Rotation/education Director for PICU and CICU
● Long-term member of Residency Program’s Clinical Competency Committee and Program Evaluation Committee
5. Improving Continuity and Outcomes for Children w/ Special Healthcare Needs
● Fortunate to be involved with CHMC’s Project Austin, spear-headed and mission-driven by two former PICU nurses, which has achieved regional success in achieving the IHI’s Triple Aim
This Provider Practices at:
Children’s Nebraska
8200 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE 68114
402-955-4200
Fax: 402-955-3262