James Nard, MD, began his career in hospital medicine before it was even an accredited, board-certified specialty. For more than 36 years, he dedicated his practice to improving medical outcomes and patient care standards in hospital medicine through pediatric care excellence, research and education. Today, Dr. Nard is being recognized on a national stage for […]
Nursing is more than just a job for allergy nurse Marjorie Billock
From the moment her father told her she’d make a great nurse, an 8-year-old Marjorie Billock knew her career path was set. Now 28 years into a distinguished nursing career, Marjorie has cared for patients all over the country, following her husband’s Navy career. In 2024, she brought her wealth of experience to Akron Children’s […]
Irish dancer overcomes injuries and achieves success at world championships
After seeing Lord of the Dance (a high-energy Irish dance show) at age 3, Jocelyn Mehle, now age 17, became fascinated with the athletic dance style that features minimal upper body movement and fast, frenetic footwork. “Beginning at age 5 she used to accompany her older sister, Kayla, to Burke School of Irish Dance in […]
Akron Children’s fosters compassionate caregivers through its nursing career programs
At Akron Children’s, the future of nursing is being shaped by programs that foster both professional growth and personal connection. Through initiatives like the Nurse Technician and Career Launch programs, the hospital is creating a pipeline that empowers nursing students to gain hands-on experience, develop meaningful relationships with patients, and transition seamlessly into full-time nursing […]
Clinical research nurses help bridge patient care with medical innovation
Hilary Tonni’s days as a clinical research nurse at Akron Children’s are as dynamic as they are unpredictable. “No two days are the same,” she said. Her work can shift from managing patient visits and addressing urgent issues to diving into data entry and study management, making each day uniquely challenging and rewarding. Her journey […]













