Kathy Johnson - Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Dr. Dami Omoniyi
After years of advanced training, 19 fellows will graduate from Akron Children’s this month, completing specialized programs that prepare them to care for children with complex and unique healthcare needs.
Training the next generation of pediatric specialists
For physicians and other medical providers, fellowship training represents an additional step that allows providers to gain in-depth expertise in a pediatric subspecialty while caring for patients, conducting research and teaching future healthcare professionals.
“Watching our fellows grow from learners into confident subspecialists is one of the most rewarding parts of academic medicine,” said Dr. Sara Lee, Akron Children’s director of medical education. “Their dedication to children, families and lifelong learning inspires all of us. We are proud to know they are carrying the values and lessons of Akron Children’s with them wherever their careers take them.”
Carrying Akron Children’s values forward
This year’s graduating class trained across a variety of specialties, from pediatric emergency medicine and sports medicine to hospice and palliative care. While their next chapters will take them to different places, many say the experiences, mentors and patients they encountered at Akron Children’s have left a lasting impression.
A sports medicine dream realized
Dr. Paige Daily
For Dr. Paige Daily, who completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, choosing Akron Children’s was an easy decision after completing both her pediatric residency and chief resident year here.
“While looking at other places to do my fellowship training, I kept comparing the experiences I had in the Akron Children’s Sports Medicine department – and nothing compared to here,” she said. “Between working with a Division I university and local high schools, the ultrasound and procedural curriculum, the intelligent and kind providers, and the team-forward approach to learning, I knew choosing Akron Children’s for my fellowship would be the best choice for my future career.”
One of her favorite experiences was serving as a sideline provider for The University of Akron athletics programs, including traveling with the men’s basketball team during its March Madness run.
“As a graduate, it was extra special to go back to my alma mater and be the sideline provider at so many of the athletic events I loved attending as a fan,” she said.
Dr. Daily also credits sports medicine physician Dr. Derrick Eddy for helping shape her journey.
“He has helped me pursue my dream of sports medicine training, has been patient during all of the learning curves from medical school to pediatric residency to fellowship and has met me where I am at each stage,” she said.
After graduation, Dr. Daily will remain part of the Akron Children’s family as a float pediatrician while continuing her role as team physician for Highland High School. She and her family are also preparing to welcome a baby girl later this year.
Finding confidence in emergency medicine
Dr. Jennifer Allen
Dr. Jennifer Allen, who completed a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship, also chose to continue her training at Akron Children’s after completing her pediatric residency here.
“I did my pediatric residency at Akron Children’s and enjoyed the education and the people,” she said. “When it came time to look at pediatric emergency medicine fellowships, it was a no-brainer choosing Akron Children’s as a place to stay and train.”
Dr. Allen said the region’s diverse patient population and wide range of medical conditions provided an ideal environment for learning and growth. During fellowship, she discovered a passion for simulation education and toxicology while building strong relationships with colleagues across the organization.
“My program director and assistant program director, emergency medicine physicians Dr. Sarah Kline-Krammes and Dr. Seth Linakis, really helped me build my confidence and overcome challenges in fellowship,” she said. “Dr. Ramona Lutes was a great mentor and helped me reorganize my thinking around certain patient presentations and cases. In addition, my research mentor, Michelle Bestic, clinical pharmacologist toxicologist, helped me hone my skills and find a love for toxicology.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Allen will remain at Akron Children’s as a pediatric emergency medicine attending physician at Akron Children’s Boardman Emergency Room and serve as a simulation educator.
“Akron Children’s has helped me hone my skills as a provider, researcher and educator,” she said. “I feel well prepared to begin a job as an attending.”
Graduating fellows and future plans
Below is a list of this year’s graduating fellows and their future plans (if they know them).
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Gerardo Corsi, MD
Kaylyn Patricia Jones, MD, child and adolescent physician, Akron Children’s
Srujan Kaja, MD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
About Kathy Johnson - Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Kathy Johnson is a northeast Ohio-based freelance writer, editor and public relations consultant with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She writes extensively for blogs, websites, newsletters and magazines. Since 1999, she has been the principal at New View Communications serving a variety of hospitals and healthcare-related clients.
Inside Children’s
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