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, […]
From the way we build connections with our patients to the way we push the limits of medicine, working at Akron Children’s Hospital is a one-of-a-kind experience.
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 […]
Nurses give Santa a major assist, delivering holiday joy to Youngstown kindergarteners
The idea came to Gina Antonucci in 2019 while at a country club holiday party, watching the children visit with Santa, and enjoying gifts and beautiful displays of food. She thought of how many children would not have the same experience. But, she thought, she could do something. Gina, a float nurse at Akron Children’s […]
