When Grace Wakulchik was a Cuyahoga Falls High School student considering a career in health care, a friend’s mother introduced her to a nurse who had earned her master’s degree. At the time, most nurses were trained in hospital-based schools and not colleges. But Grace took her advice and enrolled at Case Western Reserve University. “She suggested that I get a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then a master’s, and that was a big influence in […]
MBA Opens Doors Foundation provides mortgage and rent assistance for patient families
When a family comes to Akron Children’s Hospital for treatment, it’s not uncommon for them to face a long stay as we care for their child. That means in addition to the emotional stress of dealing with an accident or major illness, they also may worry about how to pay the bills after taking days […]
Kari Phillips signing off after 32-year career as executive assistant
When Kari Phillips applied to Akron Children’s in 1989 at the urging of her childhood friend (Gayle Zimmerman), she never imagined they both would have 30+ year careers at Akron Children’s and retire in the same year. On Oct. 1, Kari will log off her computer for the last time as executive assistant to Pam […]
Career Launch celebrates its first graduates
When Akron Children’s introduced its workforce development program in 2019, it was with the intention of filling in-demand, entry-level positions in specific degree paths. Two years later, Patrice Russell, talent acquisition programs manager, held the first-ever Career Launch graduation ceremony (virtually) to celebrate 5 graduates who recently completed the program. “This graduation is a success […]
Gary Cao named vice president of enterprise analytics
Ge (Gary) Cao joined Akron Children’s on April 1 in the new position of vice president of enterprise analytics. In this role he will oversee the hospital’s data and analytics strategy as well as work to build, lead and develop a data and analytics enterprise team. He has held a variety of executive positions within the analytics field at companies […]
Traveling and transplanting to a warmer climate on the “to do” list for newly retired dialysis nurses
Friday, May 7, was an emotional day in the division of nephrology and dialysis because 2 longtime nurses said their final goodbyes as they begin their retirements. For Jim Flanagan, clinical coordinator, who has worked for Akron Children’s since 1979, and Julie Mate, since 2009, it was bittersweet. “Just about every patient we saw this […]
