Early on, Sherry Mook, staff nurse in the Pre-operative/Post-anesthesia Care Unit at Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley, knew she wanted to be a nurse. The oldest of six children, she liked taking care of others. When she told her mother her career plans, her mom encouraged Sherry to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, not a […]
Patient Experience Spotlight: Ruthie Youssefi
Every day at Akron Children’s, we strive to deliver compassionate care and create positive experiences for our patients and families. This month, we’re spotlighting Ruthie Youssefi, APRN-CNP, a pediatric nurse practitioner, who recently received the following feedback from a patient family: “Ruthie (Youssefi) was phenomenal! My daughter was nervous during this visit and cried, […]
Study finds increase in non-invasive respiratory support therapies are not correlated with reduced breathing tube use in PICUs
A retrospective study, led by Akron Children’s pediatric intensivist Dr. Jonathan Pelletier, may lead to further review of various respiratory support options used in treating for infants and toddlers for bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis, usually caused by RSV, is the most common reason for children under age two to be hospitalized and drove a three-fold increase in […]
Chronic headaches can ruin childhood, but not if these providers have their way
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month and Akron Children’s is tackling this common complaint that can easily derail childhood and adolescence with an expanded team of providers, dedicated headache and infusion clinics, and a commitment to research, quality improvement and education. Here’s an overview: Akron Children’s Headache Program is led by Dr. M. […]
Dr. Steven Kuerbitz composes a retirement filled with playing pipe organ masterpieces, traveling the world and savoring life
Steven Kuerbitz, MD, pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Akron Children’s, has never shied away from challenges. When he was young, Dr. Kuerbitz, his parents and siblings attended a church that had just installed a new pipe organ. He loved its sound. Although he was only 15, he decided he wanted to learn to play this grand […]
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. It can cause anemia, episodes of severe pain and other symptoms. Here’s what you should know about sickle cell disease. What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells in your body. Healthy red blood cells are round, flexible […]













