New pediatrician stands up to diseases to keep kids healthy

Dr. Brittany Corrigan

Dr. Brittany Corrigan doesn’t back down when it comes to the wellness of little boys and girls everywhere. She not only fights for their health here as Akron Children’s newest pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics (ACHP) New Philadelphia location, but she also travels to Leon, Nicaragua, each year to care for kids with chronic diseases, such as asthma, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. If you listen closely, you may even hear her humming along to the tune, “I Won’t Back Down,” by Tom Petty.

What celebrity do you look the most like or what sitcom character do you act the most like?

I look like Princess Merida from the Disney film, Brave.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Nicaragua! It has amazing food, people and the best of both worlds: mountains and water.

Dr. Corrigan is on top of Machu Piccu for some R&R after volunteering in a clinic in Cusco, Peru.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 items would you bring with you and why?

My dog, Richter, to keep me company; chips and dip (salsa, queso or hummus) for when I get hungry; and my running shoes to go for a run.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Feed Richter. There’s no snooze button on that furry alarm clock.

What song do you know all the words by heart?

“I Won’t Back Down,” by Tom Petty

What piece of advice did someone give you when you were young that still resonates with you today?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” by Gandhi

Where did you grow up?

Mentor, Ohio

Richter, Dr. Corrigan’s dog

What was your favorite childhood toy?

American Girl dolls

What was your first concert?

American Idol with Kelly Clarkson

What was your first paying job?

Cashier at Drug Mart

Do you have a special hobby/interest or a way you like to give back/volunteer?

I’m fluent in Spanish and I am involved in a group called, Salud Para Todos Los Ninos. It provides care to kiddos in Leon, Nicaragua, with chronic diseases such as asthma, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and epilepsy.

Dr. Corrigan (left) completed the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in Louisville, Ky., with a friend.