Dr. Starla Martinez reflects on 25 years at Akron Children’s

Ahead of her retirement, Dr. Starla Martinez reflects on her 25 years at Akron Children’s and the people who made her time at the hospital memorable.

Dr. Starla Martinez, pediatric pulmonologist and division director of the Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center, joined the team at Akron Children’s in July 2000. In her 25 years at the hospital, she’s held different positions, and a lot has changed. But what initially drew her here – the mission and heart of the hospital – remain unchanged.

Ahead of her retirement, Dr. Martinez reflects on the people who made her time at Akron Children’s memorable.

What brought you to Akron Children’s? Who gave you your start?

During my training in Cleveland, I had such great mentors. They were impressed with what was going on at Akron Children’s, so it was high on my list of places to consider. Once I interviewed at Akron Children’s and met the pulmonary team and others, I didn’t even continue interviewing elsewhere.

I joined the team as the third pulmonologist, joining Dr. Greg Omlor, Dr. John McBride and Betsy Bryson, the sole nurse practitioner in the group at that time. These people and so many others have been key mentors, leaders and role models for me throughout my career. For example, Dr. Robert Stone was such a legend and such a champion for those of us who were early in our medical careers. He and his wife, Rochelle, helped us feel a part of the mission of Akron Children’s.

Have you always worked in the same department and role?

I’ve been a pediatric pulmonologist for all of my time here at Akron Children’s. I’ve also had the privilege to be part of the Medical Education team for most of those years. I served first as the pediatric clerkship director for a number of years, then as the director of medical education for a handful of years before my role in Pulmonary expanded to division director, necessitating leaving a formal role in medical education. But I’ve always enjoyed teaching med students and residents, whether at Northeast Ohio Medical University or here at Akron Children’s, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of the educational journey for many hundreds of them.

In her retirement, Dr. Martinez is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and family.

What gave you the most satisfaction at work?

Being able to make a positive difference for a patient, a parent, a student or resident, a staff member or a colleague gave me the most satisfaction. Sometimes I knew at the time that a conversation or encounter had encouraged a tired or anxious parent and gave them the knowledge and confidence they needed to care for their ill child, or a colleague dealing with a difficult issue got some clarity as we talked. But other times I had no idea I had helped until they told me later, which is always so gratifying and absolutely humbling.

I have truly tried to be an encourager, as well as a teacher and an excellent physician, and I’m thankful for any good that I’ve been able to do. It’s definitely not been done on my own; I’ve always had an amazing team in pulmonary and in the various other teams I’ve been honored to be part of.

I’m very proud of the great work that our Asthma Transformation Team has done over the past decade and more, initially under the leadership of Dr. Cooper White and others. We’ve been able to improve the burden of illness for patients with asthma and their families and communities, dramatically reducing the rates of emergency room visits and admissions for asthma. It’s been a labor of love for many of us – and it’s been so encouraging to partner with our community, including Summit County Public Health and many school districts, and to see the momentum of improvement continue.

What’s your most memorable and/or happiest moment at Akron Children’s? Why?

I couldn’t begin to name only 1 memorable moment as there have been so many. The happiest or best moments are the ones that involve being on a journey with patients and families who have endured much—pain, fear, discouragement, sorrow—and have been able to find joy again.

Dr. Martinez said she is also looking forward to spending time outside each day in her retirement.

Do you have any advice for people just starting at Akron Children’s?

For all the clinicians, I would say: Don’t let the convenience and efficiency of the electronic medical record (EMR) and AI prevent you from actually caring for the patients and families who come to you for your help. The EMR is great, but it shouldn’t take the place of critical thinking.

What inspires you?

Knowing that even when I haven’t had strength enough to carry out my responsibilities nor enough knowledge or wisdom to make the right diagnosis and treatment plan on my own, Jesus Christ has been working in me and through me to take care of my patients. And even though I’m retiring from caring for patients, his empowerment continues in everything I get to do in this next season.