Growing up, Dr. Jessica Barnes gravitated toward games that required solving puzzles. She enjoyed the challenge and, of course, the reward that often came with hard work: winning the game! So it’s no surprise as an adult she’d choose a career path she equates to a puzzle, where you have to employ good investigation skills […]
Pediatrician Dr. Maria Komer is thrilled to treat kids and families in her hometown
From an early age, Dr. Maria Komer always knew she wanted to work in medicine. Though not the traditional path you might think: Caring for animals as a veterinarian was what she envisioned for herself. She has always had a strong affection for animals, but her love for helping and nurturing people, specifically tiny humans, […]
Hands down, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Russo enjoys most helping kids restore function
Without question, Dr. Stephanie Russo’s most memorable moment was witnessing a preschooler hug her mom the minute her cast from shoulder surgery was removed. Through tears of joy, her mom explained it was the very first time her daughter was able to give her a real hug. It’s moments like this that remind Dr. Russo […]
CNP Elise Miller finds inspiration in her patients’ resilience
CNP Elise Miller chose intensive care because she enjoys the fast pace and intellectual challenge of it. But, what she found inspires her most is the resilience of these critically ill children in Akron Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Their strength and never-ending optimism is what gets her up every morning to contribute to […]
Clarissa Reed blends critical care and compassion to treat the whole patient
CNP Clarissa Reed believes building rapport and trusting relationships are just as crucial as around-the-clock critical care in Akron Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). It allows patients, for even just a moment, to see a light at the end of the tunnel, she said. That’s why amidst a hectic environment, Clarissa takes the time […]
Dr. Kayli Deckert found her true calling in pediatric psychiatry
Dr. Kayli Deckert credits her stepfather for influencing her decision to follow medicine. Growing up, she admired his work as an anesthesiologist, shadowed him often and dreamed of one day taking over his group practice. But the path she envisioned for herself all changed after discovering her true calling in pediatric psychiatry during a medical […]
