The Department of Pediatrics welcomed its new chief of the Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine on August 1. Mary Nevin, MD, visiting professor, comes to the division from University of Chicago Medicine, where she was associate professor of pediatrics and also served as the medical director of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Respiratory Care Services, and the director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship.
After completing her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and residency at Duke University Medical Center, Nevin pursued a pediatric pulmonary fellowship in Chicago at Northwestern University/Children’s Memorial Hospital (now Lurie Children’s).
Now, with over 30 years of service, Nevin is a deeply experienced pediatric pulmonologist with a clinical focus on children with complex and severe asthma. She applies her broad skillset in a range of clinical roles beyond asthma care, including bronchoscopy and aerodigestive care. Nevin has also participated in multiple research studies, quality improvement, and a patient satisfaction with systems initiative.
A life-long educator with many awards recognizing her teaching contributions, Nevin has been recognized for her excellence in both mentorship and medical education. She is an engaged national leader through the American Thoracic Society, with contributions on education committees and as chair of the pediatric core curriculum working group. She also serves on the editorial board of the American Academy of Pediatrics PREP review series and has written chapters for Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics and other textbooks.
She is enthusiastic about the prospects of collaborating with specialists in other divisions, such as endocrinology and allergy, to address complex and severe pediatric asthma.
Get to know Nevin: read her online profile and read the Q&A below.
Your hometown?
I was born in the Detroit, Michigan, area (Birmingham), but I spent the majority of my youth in the suburbs of Chicago.
Your previous position?
I was most recently the medical director of pediatric pulmonary medicine at the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital.
Why did you choose the field of pediatrics?
I came very close to entering psychiatry, but I fell in love with pediatrics during medical school and credit this to my excellent mentors in the field.
What attracted you to UW–Madison?
The opportunities for leadership, education, mentoring, multidisciplinary collaboration, and program building.
What are you most excited to start working on as chief of the Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine?
Mentoring of faculty members; teaching of medical students, residents, and fellows; and program development.
Do you have ongoing research? If so, how will you continue your efforts?
My areas of research have focused on quality improvement initiatives in severe childhood asthma. I look forward to collaborating with allergy/immunology and with endocrinology regarding at-risk populations.
How do you think the role of division chief will influence your goals as a physician?
I have always valued opportunities to mentor and hopefully to lead by example. My goals as a physician are simply to bring my best to patients, their families, and the team of caregivers involved. If I can do this and mentor others to do the same, while seeking their individual or group goals, then I am proud of my work.
What’s something interesting about your areas of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties?
Well, I believe that pediatric pulmonary medicine is a fascinating field, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Two things: one is that young children very rarely will complain of exercise-related shortness of breath (they may never complain and instead, profess a “dislike” for exercise). As such, a further evaluation is almost always warranted. We focus on asthma and airway diseases, but our cardiology colleagues often are involved as well. Similarly, the level of obesity that creates significant exercise tolerance is generally very severe. Many adolescents are told that they have difficulty exercising because they are overweight, but frequently there is a co-morbid condition that can be found and treated.
What is the last book you read?
The 15:17 to Paris
What is your favorite food?
I love Indian food but don’t get to eat it enough.
Do you have a secret talent?
Sadly, I do not. I wish I had learned a musical instrument when I was younger and would love to try to learn to play the cello — perhaps in retirement!
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?
I have run 18 marathons. I am an avid swimmer, and my husband and I will compete in the Wisconsin state Olympic games this fall. I also love to travel. Our most recent trip was to Italy, and we can’t wait to get back.
Photo by Kate Feldt/Department of Pediatrics