Our mission is to create and maintain relevant and innovative growth opportunities for all faculty, staff, and trainees within the University of Wisconsin Department of Pediatrics. These opportunities address personal and professional well-being. Professional development opportunities will be developed based on the needs of faculty and staff within our department and through the recognition of national and local issues affecting pediatric clinical care, education, quality improvement, research, and advocacy. Consistent with the Wisconsin Idea, the impact of our professional development education will benefit the children and families that we serve in our communities and throughout the state.
Regularly Scheduled Series & CME
Pediatrics Grand Rounds
Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. via Zoom
Pediatrics Grand Rounds is a weekly multidisciplinary conference designed to improve participant's ability to practice pediatric medicine. These sessions are for CME and MOC Part II credits.
Medical Education Scholars in Pediatrics
Medical Education Scholars in Pediatrics is a monthly conference for faculty and trainees to conduct research in medical education, viewing medical education as a primary focus for academic scholarship.
Pediatric Collaborative Care Behavioral Health Conference
Pediatric Collaborative Care Behavioral Health Conference is a bi-monthly interactive lecture series that focuses on core behavioral health clinical topics encountered in pediatric primary care settings.
Family-Led Academic Grand Rounds
These national, quarterly educational sessions will be led and presented by families. FLAG Rounds flips the traditional model and embraces family as educators as they share their stories and offer strategies to develop knowledge and skills.
Visiting Professor Program
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Department of Pediatrics will facilitate up to four one-day visiting professorships per academic year. Visiting professorships may be hosted by any member of the department who completes an application and receives approval from their division head or supervisor prior to applying. Applications will be reviewed by the Visiting Professorship Committee and granted based on the strength of the proposal, the goals for the visit, and the needs of the department.
Visit the Visiting Professor Program website to learn more about the requirements and application process.
Conferences
Clinical Care Week
September 8-10, 2026
This conference highlights innovations in clinical care through state and nationwide lenses.
Medical Education Week
February 8-11, 2027
This conference highlights medical education and scholarship for faculty, staff, and trainees.
Research Week
May 10-13, 2027
This conference highlights the latest advances and practices in pediatric research.
Lectureships
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Allen Inspiring Children Lecture
Allen Inspiring Children Lecture welcomes our new trainees each academic year. This lectureship is grounded in motivating, creating connections and sparking passion in these new learners, by sharing the experiences that have made faculty wiser clinicians and to keep learning and growing from patients.
Gilbert-Barness Lecture
Gilbert-Barness Lecture, as designated by its endowment, invites University of Wisconsin medical community individuals who will provide state-of-the-art, contemporary information and ideas in the areas of pediatrics and pathology. The lectureship is co-administered by the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics and embodies the highest ideals of academics. It broadens the learning potential of both departments and will bring to the entire University community fresh ideas on which to contemplate.
Norman Fost Lecture on Skepticism and Critical Thinking
Norman Fost Lecture on Skepticism and Critical Thinking is presented on a topic that reflects the engagement of skepticism and critical thinking about a health care issue that may be guided by conventional wisdom rather than facts, preferably about an ethical issue related to pediatrics.
Murray Katcher Child Health Advocacy Lecture
Murray Katcher Child Health Advocacy Lecture honors Murray Katcher, MD, PhD, emeritus professor of pediatrics. Katcher retired from the Department of Pediatrics in 2012 after 35 years as both a clinician and a focused, tireless, prodigious advocate for the health and safety of children and vulnerable adults. The Katcher Lectureship features speakers who address the challenges and successes of such advocacy.
Iams-Tuffli Lecture
Iams-Tuffli Lecture is an annual lecture series on the practice of pediatrics. The series is named after the late Alexander Iams, MD, and Gordon Tuffli, MD, two Madison-based pediatricians and friends who embodied the lecture series’ goal of promoting camaraderie in the field of pediatrics. After Iams passed away in 1984, his family – including son and daughter-in-law Jay and Pat Iams – established a memorial fund and lecture series to honor his 35+ years in pediatrics. The annual lecture covers a diverse range of topics relevant to pediatricians in both private and academic settings. Additionally, the memorial fund generously pays for the registration fees for all participants.
Odell Lecture
Odell Lecture was established in 1994 to honor Dr. Gerard B. Odell, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics. Dr. Odell was internationally recognized for his research in the field of neonatal jaundice and bilirubin metabolism. In addition to the lectureship, the Gerard B. Odell Research Award was established to honor Dr. Odell’s distinguished career in pediatrics research, academics, clinical practice and education. The award is given to an assistant or associate professor of pediatrics in recognition of outstanding research accomplishments and demonstrated potential for future contributions in basic or translational research.
Workshops and Special Series
The Department of Pediatrics hosts a variety of workshops and special series for its department members. Additional information, including registration and Zoom links, can be found on our Professional Development intranet. NetID required for login.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Flourish Hour - Series
Flourish Hour, held monthly on Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. via Zoom, works to support department members in flourishing in their careers and personal lives. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s strategic priorities, as well as topics such as finding passion in your work, how to utilize time management strategies, and how to live a healthier life.
These sessions are recorded and can be accessed on the Department of Pediatrics Intranet.
2026-2027 Schedule
September 24: Summer Book Club Discussion || Led by: Mala Mathur, MD, MPH
January 21: Gratitude Practice|| Lisa Thomas Prince, MPH and Mindy Gribble, RN, HNB-BC
April 22: Passion and Purpose || Cathy Lee Miller, MD, Emily Backes, MD, MA, and TBD
Story Slam - Thursday, October 8
Date: Thursday, October 8, HSLC 1335 & Zoom
Storytellers: Michael Kim, MD, Lori Schultz, and Heidi Kloster, MD
55-word Storytellers: Norman Fost, MD, MPH, Jennifer Brady, RRT, RRT-NPS, Kristin McArdle, MSW, CAPSW, Sarah Airozo, and Marib Malik, MBBS
Theme: Adventures in Teaching and Learning
Overview: Our mission is to foster a sense of connectedness and shared humanity through storytelling that builds community, nurtures compassion for self and others, encourages introspection, and inspires meaning-making.
Health Equity Rounds - Thursday, November 19
Health Equity Rounds is a longitudinal, case-based conference series and curriculum built on the belief that medical education has the power to improve health equity.
Health Equity Rounds is open to faculty, staff, trainees, researchers, and other healthcare providers from various disciplines, roles, and levels of training. Because Health Equity Rounds occurs during our weekly Pediatrics Grand Rounds, these sessions are also open to individuals outside of the Department of Pediatrics. To learn more about Health Equity Rounds, visit the website.
Date: Thursday, November 19
Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Speakers: Claudette Onyelobi, MD, Jill Denson, PhD, MSW, and Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH
Title: Approaches to Complexities in Care for Black and At-Risk Families
Leadership Conference - Thursday, January 7
Department of Pediatrics Leadership Conference 2027
Thursday, January 7, 2027 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC), ILC Rooms 3110B, C & D
Leadership isn’t defined by a title—it’s demonstrated through the ways we communicate, collaborate, support others, and navigate challenges.
Join the Department of Pediatrics for a day of learning, connection, and professional growth at the 2027 Leadership Conference. Designed for faculty, staff, trainees, and researchers at all stages of their leadership journeys, this interactive conference will explore practical approaches to building stronger teams, fostering meaningful relationships, navigating difficult conversations, and leading with confidence.
Through an engaging workshop, an inspirational keynote, and interactive breakout sessions, participants will gain valuable tools and strategies they can apply to their everyday work, regardless of their role or position.
To learn more and register for this conference, visit the website!
Staff Summit - Tuesday, March 9
2027 Department of Pediatrics Staff Summit
Tuesday, March 9, 2027 | Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC), Interactive Learning Center (ILC) – all four pods!
The Department of Pediatrics Staff Summit brings together administrative staff from across the department for a day of professional growth, skill-building, and connection. This annual event celebrates the diverse roles and contributions of our staff while providing opportunities to learn new skills, share experiences, and strengthen relationships with colleagues.
The 2027 Staff Summit will focus on building practical skills and gaining tools that support everyday work and continued professional growth. Through an engaging keynote presentation, interactive workshops, and opportunities for collaboration, participants will explore strategies to enhance communication, improve workplace effectiveness, and build confidence in their professional abilities.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two breakout workshops focused on practical skills such as delivering effective presentations, facilitating engaging meetings, and creating visually impactful PowerPoint presentations.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing skills, explore new approaches, or connect with colleagues from across the department, the Staff Summit offers an opportunity to invest in your professional development and leave with tools you can put into practice right away.
To learn more and register for this conference, visit the website!
Other Professional Development Opportunities Outside of The Department of Pediatrics
Below are links to additional UW–Madison resources and programs that offer professional development opportunities. Some opportunities may also include continuing medical education (CME) credit.
Professional Development Team
Reva Finkelman
Position title: Professional Development Manager
Email:
rfinkelman
Phone: (608) 263-8542
Professional Development Calendar
The below calendar includes Pediatrics Grand Rounds, Medical Education Scholars in Pediatrics, conferences, lectureships, Flourish Hours and workshops/series.
Events
-
-
Visiting Professor Program: Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Lara Danziger-Isakov, MD, MPH
HSLC 1335 +1 moreDate: Thursday, November 12, 2026 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT in HSLC 1335 via Zoom Zoom Link Title: Visiting Professor Program: Pre-transplant Assessment and Post-transplant Interventions: The Role of Infectious Disease in the Transplant Team Session Overview: …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Health Equity Rounds-Claudette Onyelobi, MD, Jill Denson, PhD, MSW, & Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH
Via ZoomHealth Equity Rounds is a longitudinal, case-based conference series and curriculum built on the belief that medical education has the power to improve health equity. Health Equity Rounds is open to faculty, staff, trainees, researchers, …
-
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds-
Via ZoomDate: Thursday, December 3, 2026 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT via Zoom Zoom Link Title: TBD Session Overview: TBD Speaker: TBD Please text the 6-letter code provided in the livestream lecture to 608-260-7097 for CME credit. Series …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- The Norman Fost Lecture on Skepticism and Critical Thinking
HSLC 1325 +1 moreDate: Thursday, December 10, 2026 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT in HSLC 1325 and via Zoom Zoom Link Title: The Norman Fost Lecture on Skepticism and Critical Thinking: Shared Decision Making and Other Strategically Ambiguous Shape Shifters …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Norell Rosado, MD
Via ZoomDate: Thursday, December 17, 2026 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT via Zoom Zoom Link Title: TBD Session Overview: TBD Speaker: Norell Rosado, MD, professor, division chief, Division of Child Protection, Division of Global Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, …
-
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Nicole Werner, PhD
1345 HSLC +1 moreDate: Thursday, January 14, 2027 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT in HSLC 1345 via Zoom Zoom Link Title: Visiting Professor Program: Session Overview: Speaker: Nicole Werner, PhD, associate professor, Department of Anesthesiology, and director Center for Research …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Gilbert Barness Lecture- Jonathan Hecht, MD, PhD
HSLC 1325 +1 moreDate: Thursday, January 14, 2026 Time: 12-1 p.m. CT via Zoom Zoom Link Title: Pathology and Pathophysiology of Placenta Accreta Speaker: Jonathan Hecht, MD, PhD, professor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Please …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds – Reya Mokiao, MD
Via ZoomDate: Thursday, January 21, 2027 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT via Zoom Zoom Link Title: Forthcoming Session Overview: Forthcoming Speaker: Reya Mokiao, MD, assistant professor, Nephrology, Seattle Children's Hospital Please text the 6-letter code provided …
-
Flourish Hour- January Session
Date: January 21, 2027 | noon Theme: Gratitude Practice Session Overview: Join us for a session on gratitude this November. Learn more about the benefits of this mindfulness practice and explore more through an experiential …
-
Pediatrics Grand Rounds- Jalal-Ud-Din Khan, MBBS
Via ZoomDate: Thursday, January 28, 2027 Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. CT via Zoom Zoom Link Title: Clinical Pathology Conference Session Overview: Forthcoming Speaker: Jalal-Ud-Din Khan, MBBS, chief resident, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and …