Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
This fellowship works with these departments and clinics:
Thank you for taking the time to consider the Akron Children’s pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship. We offer a 3-year ACGME accredited fellowship to pediatric trained candidates and a 2-year ACGME accredited fellowship to emergency medicine trained candidates. Our fellowship is designed to prepare trainees to become experts and leaders in the field of clinical pediatric emergency medicine, learn to critically appraise research, evolve their skills as educators and develop tools to assist in promoting child health and advocacy.
Fellows receive robust clinical experience in our freestanding, state-of-the-art pediatric emergency rooms with total ED volumes of approximately 100,000 visits per year. We have a unique implementation of graded clinical responsibility that allows each fellow to be confident in independent practice at the time of fellowship completion.
In addition to diverse clinical experience, the PEM fellowship offers a dedicated didactic series that includes subspecialty board preparation, quality improvement, research methodologies, and a curriculum including simulation, procedures, bedside ultrasound and physician wellness.
Due to the diverse nature of pediatric emergency medicine, fellows will have the opportunity to participate and focus on EMS liaison services, global health electives and research, advanced ultrasound procedures and quality methodology education, including full membership in both division and hospital-wide committees.
What They‘re Saying…
“I chose this program due to its diversity of clinical cases from bread and butter pediatric cases to very sick, complex medical cases to the trauma patients. I knew coming out of this fellowship, I would be able to handle any patient that came into any ED. The department also feels more like a family than a group of people you work with and that is a really special thing.”
— Allison Becker, PGY-6, Emergency Medicine
“The best part of our program is the faculty who are truly committed to our education, wellness, and success. Their mentorship and the culture of learning will allow me to grow into a confident PEM physician who can think outside the box for my patients.”
— Esther Son, PGY-4, Emergency Medicine
“I came to Akron Children’s for my pediatric residency because it felt immediately like home when I rotated here. I stayed for fellowship because Akron Children’s is a great teaching hospital with diverse pathology that still has a family feel to it. This is totally evident in the ED and makes for an awesome team working environment.”
— Kara Weicher, PGY-5, Emergency Medicine
“The autonomy with guidance that is provided by the attendings allowed me to develop management plans and build strong relationships with my patients and their families. The support team of APPs, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, nurse clinicians (and many more) are also very invested in the education of the fellows, and this team really does make the sometimes long hours more enjoyable as we are finding our way through fellowship.”
— Matthew Henderson, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship
“Being a part of the Akron Children's Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship is a privilege. Every learning experience is a voyage. This one has given me so many crucial experiences in patient care, research, and other areas of professional development. I am very excited about this voyage destination and how well I will be prepared for the next one”
— Katherine Genet, MD, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow
Choosing a career in Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) is beginning a journey to endless opportunity. Providing care for children during critical life-threatening emergencies requires a combination of compassion, mental agility, and an extensive knowledge base. Your mind must be able to sort and prioritize many variables within a limited time frame while leading a team of care providers through implementing life-saving measures to give the best possible chance for an optimal outcome.
What makes our fellowship special?
- Graduated autonomy practicing in the pediatric ED. This lets each fellow grow at the pace they need and allows them to feel comfortable running the department independently by the end of their training. Our graduates can walk into any ED and be successful.
- Our partnership with the Simulation Center allows our fellows robust education in both hands-on skills, clinical decision-making, teamwork and communication.
- Our innovative hands-on QI methodology curriculum allows fellows to learn QI and complete projects under the guidance of QI specialists.
- A flexible curriculum allows us to successfully train fellows with either a pediatric or EM background.
Individuals who are attracted to PEM frequently have a strong personal drive that leads them on amazing and varied career paths. Members of our faculty are distinguished in a variety of fields including simulation medicine, global health, bedside ultrasound, medical education, child advocacy and abuse, pre-hospital care, and hospital administration.
Because of this diversity, PEM fellows at Akron Children’s have the opportunity to explore many areas that complement the care provided in the ED.
Education remains a priority, with faculty and fellows providing direct supervision of our pediatric, family practice, and emergency medicine residents as well as 3rd and 4th-year medical students from Northeast Ohio Medical University. Our fellows also have the opportunity to be appointed as faculty at the medical school during their training years.
In addition, our group has protected weekly education days for didactics. The curriculum includes (among other things) faculty lectures, case presentations, journal review, board preparation, procedure workshops, wellness activities and monthly simulation, both in-situ and at our 30,000 square foot simulation center. Our PEM fellows are an integral part of our division and we consider it an honor to be a part of their PEM journey.
If you would like to come for a visit, we would enjoy meeting you and discussing your goals for this profession.
Sincerely,
Sarah Kline-Krammes, MD
Program Director
Our Emergency Department
Akron Children’s is home to one of the busiest pediatric emergency departments in Northeast Ohio. In the summer of 2015, a $200 million critical care building was completed and includes our 30,000 square foot pediatric emergency department. The emergency room consists of 39 total patient rooms, including a dedicated 5-bed behavioral health unit, 8 fast track rooms and 3 trauma bays.
We are a free-standing tertiary care children’s hospital with a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center that serves as a referral center for 26 counties. Our total ED volume exceeds 100,000 patients per year, including approximately 3,000 patient transports per year. We have an array of support staff, including pediatric nurses, a dedicated suture team, a behavioral health unit with specialty-trained psychiatric intake workers, child life, ED pharmacists and in-house pediatric hospitalists, intensivists, orthopedics and general surgery.
Akron Children’s has a second campus in Boardman Ohio where fellows have the opportunity to rotate in an ED with more of a community feel. This 23-bed ED opened in 2023. The campus has a small inpatient unit, OR space, and subspecialty clinics to help keep some care close to home for families in the Mahoning Valley. PEM fellows spend time as senior fellows working in this environment allowing them an opportunity to practice in an environment with more of a community feel.
We also have 24-hour faculty coverage of 2 emergency departments, a 23-bed PICU, and a Level I NICU. Akron Children’s was one of the first pediatric hospitals in Northeast Ohio to have its own pediatric transport helicopter and pediatric critical care transport team to assist in pediatric and neonatal transports from regional community hospitals.
Akron Children’s Hospital has a simulation center that is the largest, most comprehensive center of its’ kind in the region spanning more than 30,000 square feet. The PEM fellowship collaborates with the simulation center to host medical and trauma boot camps, procedural workshops, and difficult conversation seminars. The simulation center educators also provide in situ simulation education for the PEM fellows in the ED. The simulation center is also involved in mass casualty scenario drills for the ED. Overall, our PEM fellows spend more than 40 hours per academic year in simulation activities.
Fellows have access to US-trained faculty at both campuses to provide education for bedside ultrasound. Fellows complete a POCUS rotation during their first year of fellowship to build a strong foundation of skills. There is monthly dedicated POCUS education including time for lecture, tape review and hands- on practice. Fellows also participate in longitudinal scanning outside of their clinical shifts. Along with the simulation center there is a POCUS bootcamp yearly with focus on scanning and US guided procedures.
Meet Our Faculty
Members of our faculty are distinguished in a variety of fields including simulation medicine, global health, bedside ultrasound, medical education, child advocacy and abuse, pre-hospital care, and hospital administration.
Eligibility
You must meet the following criteria to apply for our Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship program:
- Completed ERAS application
- MD or DO degree
- Passed all 3 steps of USMLE or COMLEX
- Board certified/eligible in general pediatrics or emergency medicine
- Ohio medical license and DEA number
- Become credentialed and a member of Akron Children's medical staff
- U.S. citizenship or J-1 Visa
How to Apply
Our fellowship program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). You must register for this fellowship by creating an account with the NRMP. If you have questions, contact the NRMP at nrmp@aamc.org or 202-828-0676.
For more information, contact:
Jamie Prock
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Coordinator
Akron Children's
One Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308
Phone: 330-543-8452
Email: jprock@akronchildrens.org
PEM Curriculum for Pediatrics
In addition to practicing in a diverse clinical environment, the Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship at Akron Children’s provides a robust scholarly experience.
Fellows have protected time to participate in the following activities:
- Weekly didactics
- Board prep series including ROSH accounts
- Structured research curriculum including online education for biostatistics & research methodology
- Monthly in situ simulation
- Health care disparities lecture series
- Participation in quality improvement projects including monthly education as well as longitudinal project design and execution using the PDSA model.
- Procedural, ultrasound, communication and simulation boot camps
- Multidisciplinary workshops for legal, advocacy, EMS experience
- Fellow-led wellness activities
Clinical Curriculum For Pediatrics Graduates
PGY4
- Intro/Scholarly
- Supervised PEM x4
- Trauma
- General Emergency Medicine
- Anesth/Suture
- Pharm/Tox
- Child Abuse
- Ultrasound
- Scholarly
- Sedation
PGY5
- PEM X 4
- Scholarly X 5
- PICU
- General Emergency Medicine
- Burns
- Elective
PGY6
- PEM X 5
- Scholarly X 4
- General Emergency Medicine
- Elective X 3
Clinical Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Graduates
PGY4
- Intro/Scholarly
- Supervised PEM x 3
- PEM X 3
- General Peds
- Anesthesia/Suture
- Pharm/Tox
- Child Abuse
- Delivery/newborn nursery experience
- Sedation
PGY5
- PEM X 7
- PICU
- Burns
- General Pediatrics
- Elective X 3
2025
Katherine Genet, MD
Attending physician, Akron Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, Akron, OH
Director of Medical Student Pediatric Emergency Education, NEOMED, Rootstown, OH
Alyssa Goodman, MD
Ultrasound fellow, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
Kaitlyn May, DO
Attending physician, Akron Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, Akron, OH
Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Suture Team, Akron Children’s Hospital
2024
Jordan Ferguson, DO
Attending Physician, Riley Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
Elizabeth Sitzlar, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH
2023
Allison Becker, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
Esther Son, DO
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
2022
Jacqueline Doamekpor, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH
Kara Weichler, DO
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH
Assistant Medical Director of Trauma Services, Akron Children’s Hospital
Thomas Wolski, DO
Pediatric Emergency Medicine attending, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH
Physician Informaticist, Akron Children’s Hospital
2021
Beth Franklin MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Attending, Fairview Hospital, Cleveland OH
Laura Socwell MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Attending, Blank Children’s Hospital, DesMoines, IA
Akron Children’s accredited fellowship programs offer:
Stipends
(Effective July 1, 2025)
PL-4 – $75,794
PL-5 – $77,309
PL-6 -- $78,856
Vacation
House offices are granted 3 weeks of vacation or 15 customary working days.
Conference Time
Fellows are entitled to 5 days of conference time each year for medical conventions and courses outside the hospital.
Educational Allowance
Fellows are provided $1,500 annually for use toward medical-related journals or books, conferences, and license renewals.
Research and Scholarship Travel
The Department of Pediatrics encourages and supports investigator-initiated research by subspecialty fellows. Therefore, the Department supports research-related travel when the fellow is in good academic and professional standing, and when prior written approval of the program director is documented. All hospital policies relating to travel must be followed.
Although the policy relates to presentation at a national forum, requests for support for presentation at a regional forum are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, funding may be available to offset costs for professional conferences (travel, lodging, registration, meals) if not presenting scholarly activity.
Professional Liability
Professional liability insurance is provided by the hospital.
Health Benefits
Fellows, and their dependents, are eligible to enroll in the hospital’s health, dental, and vision insurance programs. Costs are shared between the fellow and the hospital. Benefits are available immediately.
Retirement Benefits
Fellows may participate in the Hospital’s 403(b) Plan from their date of hire. Match dollars are not available to fellows.
Other Benefits
- Group Term Life Insurance equal to one time the fellow’s annual income, with an option to purchase additional coverage in increments of annual earnings.
- Dependent Life Insurance coverage and Medical Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Voluntary Universal Life, Accident & Critical Illness through Trustmark & Home& Auto through Met Life.
- Employee Assistance Program available to all fellows and their families.
- Short and Long Term Disability benefits available, effective for three months following start date.
Medical License & DEA
Fellows are required to obtain an Ohio State Medical License and DEA certificate prior to beginning training.
Parking
A key access card for convenient parking is provided at no charge.
Lab Coats
One embroidered lab coat is provided, if desired.
Meals
Fellows are given $70 every week for use in the hospital cafeteria.
Relocation expenses
The hospital provides reimbursement for initial relocation expenses, up to $1,000, subject to current tax laws.
Smoke, Electronic Cigarette and Tobacco Free Campus
Akron Children’s is a tobacco-free healthcare system. Prospective employees who test positive for nicotine will have their offer of employment rescinded and will not be permitted to start work.
PEM fellows have the opportunity to pursue different avenues of scholarly work. The Rebecca D. Considine Research Institution provides support for research design, data analysis, and biostatistics to help any fellow be successful in their academic endeavors. PEM fellows also participate in a hands-on quality methodology curriculum with support from QI specialists to explore other avenues of scholarly activity. Here are examples of selected recent fellow scholarly activity.
Genet K et al. Febrile seizures in the pediatric emergency department at Akron Children’s Hospital. Poster presented at the conference of the Pediatric Academic Societies, April 2025.
May K, Brown M, Linakis S. Serious injury patterns in pediatric all-terrain vehicles. Poster presented at the conference of the Pediatric Academic Societies. April 2025.
Allen J, Foust C, McNinch N, Bestic M, Forbes M. Disparities in the emergency evaluation and management of unintentional ingestions in preschool children. Poster presented at the conference of the Pediatric Academic Societies, Poster Presentation. April 2025
Allen J, Breehl L. Assessing Mental Health and Job Satisfaction Among Pediatric Residents and Fellows at a Tertiary Center Pediatric Hospital. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal. 2024 Mar 1;19(3):2-5.
Goodman A, Paulin D. Ultrasound guided lumbar puncture simulation with utilization of infant phantom models to improve first-time success rate of lumbar punctures performed in the pediatric emergency department, a quality improvement project. Journal of Medical Sciences at NEOMED. 2024; 3(3).
Allen J, Foust C, McNinch N, Bestic M, Forbes M. Disparities in the emergency evaluation and management of unintentional ingestions in preschool children. AAP NCE. Platform presentation. 2024.
Goodman A, Paulin D. Ultrasound guided lumbar puncture simulation with utilization of infant phantom models to improve first-time success rate of lumbar punctures performed in the pediatric emergency department, a quality improvement project. Presented at the conference of the Pediatric Academic Societies, May 2024.
Sitzlar, E. Didelphys Uterus with Hematocolpos of a Unilateral Imperforate Vagina Presenting As Acute Onset Abdominal Pain, Initially Confused For Appendicitis. AAP NCE Poster presentation 2023.
Remien KA, Moore R, Son E, Watson K, South AP. Recurrent Abdominal Distention in a 5-Week-Old Full-Term Infant. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2024 Jun;63(5):718-721.
Ferguson, JB; Remien, K; Buck, A; Dardir, H; Biber, J. Analyzing Staff and Resource Utilization During Procedural Sedations in the Emergency Department Versus Hospitalist- Run Sedation Service. Poster Presented at: 2022 Society of Pediatric Sedation Annual Conference; September 2022; Seattle, WA.
Remien, K; Buck, A; Dardir, H; Ferguson, JB; Biber, J. Analyzing Length of Training and Adverse Events in Pediatric Procedural Sedations. Poster Presented at: 2022 Society of Pediatric Sedation Annual Conference; September 2022; Seattle, WA.
Dardir, H; Buck, A; Remien, K; Ferguson, JB; Biber, J. Trends in Sedation Medication Choice for Procedural Sedations in a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital. Poster Presented at: 2022 Society of Pediatric Sedation Annual Conference; September 2022; Seattle, WA.
Buck, A; Ferguson, JB; Remien, K; Dardir, H; Biber, J. Examining Aborted Sedation and Adverse Event and Medication Choice During Pediatric Procedural Sedation. Poster Presented at: 2022 Society of Pediatric Sedation Annual Conference; September 2022; Seattle, WA.
Becker, A; Paulin, D. Utilization and Implication of a Modified DIVA Scoring Tool and USGPIV Training in a Pediatric ED; AVA Annual Scientific Meeting Poster Presentation; 10/1/22; Minneapolis, MN
Becker, A. Paulin, D. Utilization and Implication of a Modified DIVA Scoring Tool and USGPIV Training in a Pediatric ED; AAP Experience Platform & Poster Presentation; 10/8/22; Anaheim, CA
Becker, A. Kline Krammes, S. Health Equity for All; APPD Spring Meeting Enhanced Learning Session; 5/19/22; San Diego, CA
Son, E. Paulin, D. EMPix 2022: Lime Phytophotodermatitis; AAP Experience; 10/8/22; Anaheim, CA
Weichler, K. Kline Krammes, S. Analysis of two validated scoring systems for determination of abdominal CT’s in a Pediatric Emergency Department Trauma Center - Templeton Trauma Symposium Poster. Pittsburgh March 2022
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