Q&A with Carine Renner, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I completed my undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at Valparaiso University in Indiana. I earned my medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where I also completed a residency in pediatrics.
Previous position (title, institution):Resident Physician in Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am a float physician within general pediatrics, which means that I get to spend time in all the different UW pediatrics clinics providing primary care. I love pediatrics because I get to work with children at a variety of ages and stages in life, and I also help families and their children support and improve their health for a lifetime. For research, I’m interested in the field of integrative medicine and how it can support the whole health of children.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I’m a doctor who sees kids in clinic to help them grow up healthy.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? The community of support. Throughout medical school and residency, I witnessed the amazing people, culture of curiosity, and commitment to growth at work here, and I am excited to continue to be a part of that.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? I love to spend time outside in the arboretum and at the various parks and natural areas around the city.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? My goal is to help trainees learn that one of the most important parts of patient care is how patients and their families feel in your presence. Providing care goes beyond medical knowledge and skills, it’s also about creating an environment of trust and support.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. The Wisconsin Idea is about expanding knowledge gained in the classroom to a broader purpose. For me, this means helping my patients and their families learn about their health. It’s one of my favorite parts of my job: helping empower people to understand their bodies and what they can do to promote their own health.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? Did you know that a kid’s head reaches 90% of its final adult size by age 5? That’s because the brain is growing and developing so much in the first few years!
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I love being outdoors, reading, playing music, and spending time with loved ones.