Cultivating Connections

Claudette Onyelobi, MD

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Dr. Claudette Onyelobi is an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery at the University of Wisconsin. After earning her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, she completed her pediatric residency at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in Chicago and a fellowship in neonatology at UW–Madison. She has been recognized as a Centennial Scholar and was honored as the 2022 Iams-Tuffli lecturer for her dedication to improving care and outcomes for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

Dr. Onyelobi cares for babies born extremely early, often at just 22 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. She leads a specialized “tiny baby” team that supports families through the difficult decisions and challenges of neonatal intensive care, while also mentoring and educating other providers. Her research explores how early brain injuries affect long-term development in preterm infants and looks for new strategies to protect and support healthy outcomes. Through her work, Dr. Onyelobi combines compassionate care with research and advocacy to give premature babies and their families the best possible start.

FIMR in Action: Using Data to Drive Community and Health Department Collaboration

1:45-2:45 p.m.

Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) teams are made up of professionals from many fields who work together to understand the factors that contribute to fetal and infant deaths in their communities. By carefully reviewing these cases, teams can identify patterns, address systemic issues, and create collaborative strategies that prevent future losses. This work is especially focused on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes and improving the overall health and well-being of mothers and families.

This panel will feature leaders from across Wisconsin who are deeply engaged in this work, including:

• Melissa Seidl – Public Health Strategist, City of Milwaukee Health Department

• Abbigail Brown – Public Health Nurse, Rock County Public Health

• Kristi Ferrara, RN, BSN – Public Health Nurse, Rock County Public Health

• Joanna O’Donnell, GC-C – Program Manager, Injury Prevention and Child Death Review, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin

• Cateryn Morateck, MPH – Epidemiologist, Injury Prevention and Death Review, Wisconsin’s voice for Children’s Health

• Sarah Hughes, DNP, RN – Public Health Supervisor, Public Health Madison and Dane County

Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Dr. Jasmine Zapata is an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery at the University of Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University before completing medical school, a pediatrics residency, and a master’s in public health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She also trained in preventive medicine and public health, giving her a broad perspective on both individual patient care and population health.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Zapata serves as the Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Community Health at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She co-chairs the Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review Team and has played a key leadership role in the Governor’s Health Equity Council. Known for her energy, passion, and commitment to service, she works tirelessly to advance health equity, increase diversity in medicine, and strengthen communities across Wisconsin. Her clinical work focuses on newborn care, and her research addresses racial disparities in maternal mortality and birth outcomes.

Sheehan Fisher, PhD

1:45-2:45 p.m.

Dr. Sheehan Fisher is Associate Dean for the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success and an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. A perinatal clinical psychologist, his research focuses on both fathers’ and mothers’ mental health during the perinatal period and how it impacts parenting, family dynamics, and child outcomes. He is a leader in the emerging field of paternal mental health and serves as clinical director of the Fathers’ Mental Health Specialty Clinic.

Beyond research and clinical practice, Dr. Fisher is active in public policy and advocacy to better support diverse family needs. He serves on the boards of the International Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health and Marcé of North America, and he regularly contributes thought leadership on perinatal mental health in national forums. Recognized with the 2021 Marcé of North America Early Career Award and named a 2022 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leader, Dr. Fisher is dedicated to advancing mental health equity for families and communities.