Q&A with Derek Spindler, MD, assistant professor, Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care, and associate program director, Pediatrics Residency Program
Hometown: Onalaska, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor of science in biology with Honors in the Liberal Arts. I obtained my medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed my pediatric residency and chief residency at UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
Previous position (title, institution): Clinical assistant professor at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (2018-2025). Medical director for Respiratory Therapy and Short Stay Unit.
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am a pediatric hospitalist who specializes in the care of hospitalized children encompassing a broad range of conditions. I was attracted to hospital medicine because of the intellectual curiosity required in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical illnesses, the balance between managing acuity and care coordination, and the collaborative nature of the role in working with a multidisciplinary team. I am also passionate about teaching and mentorship in both graduate and undergraduate medical education, quality improvement, and a scholarly focus on the management of patients admitted to the hospital with respiratory illness.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I work in a hospital taking care of kids who are quite sick and often require a team of people to help make them better. My role is like the quarterback in football who helps make the play calls to get kids home healthy (a touchdown!).
What attracted you to UW–Madison? I have always called Wisconsin (and for much of my life, Madison) home. When the opportunity to return to Madison arose, I was excited by the prospect of returning to a program and hospital medicine group that has been so influential in my development as a physician. The faculty and staff at the UW are very supportive and collaborative, which creates an environment that allows everyone to flourish. I am energized to return to the UW and continue to grow in both my clinical and academic roles!
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? The Memorial Union Terrace is quite possibly one of my favorite places to relax with family and friends for an evening and enjoy the beautiful environment we are so lucky to have in Madison. Badger game days are also a must!
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? Never stop asking questions and embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. There is so much to be gained in learning from every patient and family interaction and each team member you work with — be a sponge!
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. Absolutely! From providing care to patients and families who represent communities across the state, to helping train future pediatricians (many of whom may choose to practice in Wisconsin), I believe so many facets of my work as both a clinician and educator subscribe to the Wisconsin Idea. I hope to build on the ever-expanding knowledge in caring for hospitalized children and share my research broadly to impact communities beyond our own in caring for children at American Family Children’s Hospital.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? My latest passion is for cycling – I love finding rural roads or trails to explore or even setting off on a bike-packing adventure with a group of friends. Cycling to me is both relaxing in being surrounded by nature but also challenging when you are grinding out a long ride.
I grew up around sports and music and love going to concerts and sporting events in my spare time. Formula 1 and IndyCar have long been my favorite racing series – before wanting to become a doctor, my childhood dream was to be a racecar driver! I love attending races with my family and friends and have been fortunate to attend many Grands Prix over the years as well as growing up near Road America, which may be the best track in the entire world (though I may be biased). Other activities I enjoy include going for walks/hikes with my wife, spending time with our dogs, and finding new recipes to cook!