Flourish Hour- January 2024
2024-01-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Via Zoom
Theme: Life Hacks
Speakers: Sushant Srinivasan, MD
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/96720043144
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- February 2024
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Advocacy/DEI
Speakers: Megan Yanny, MD, Alex Wolf, MD, & Amanda Gatewood, PhD
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99777430293
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- April 2024
2024-04-04 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Children’s Books
Speakers: Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, director of CCBC, Reva Finkelman, MS, Emily Ruedinger, MD, Med
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/94967665624
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- June 2024
2024-06-27 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Visiting Professor Program Overview
Speakers: Professional Development Team, Nikki St Clair, MD, MS, Mary Ehlenbach, MD, & Dan Sklansky, MD
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99830361135
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- September 26, 2024
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Advocacy & Voting
Title: Getting Involved in Elections
Speaker: Laura Houser, MD, Juli Aulik, Matt Phair, T. J. Clark, JD; and Art Saffran
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97811987762?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- October 24, 2024
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Wellbeing
Speakers: Mala Mathur, MD, MPH, Marianna Shershneva, MD, PhD, and Shandra Bauer

Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/98830520055?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- November 21, 2024
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Passion and Purpose
Speakers: Sarah Airozo, Adam Bauer, MD and Kennedy Fuglseth, DO
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/91266302005?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- January 23, 2025
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Surviving Cabin Fever
Speakers: Nikki St Clair, MD, MS, Julene Gaspard, and Ebba Hjertstedt, MD, MS
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/91412440770?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- February 27, 2025
2025-02-27 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: DEI
Session Overview: Our February session will focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. With this session being soon after the inauguration, we hope to provide our department members with information about organizational and departmental actions taking place to protect and uphold our DEI priorities both within SMPH/UW Health and the Department of Pediatrics.
Speakers: Mary Ehlenbach, MD, and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff

Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/96587264771?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- June 26, 2025
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00
Theme: Summer Fun: Hobbies & Activities
Speakers: Kristin Determan, Britt Allen, MD, and Carine Renner, MD
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/91714995718?pwd=[REDACTED]
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- September Session
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00
Date: September 18, 2025 | noon
Title: The Art of Baking: Nourishment for Life and Work
Session Overview:
This month’s Flourish Hour invites you to explore the art and science of baking as a metaphor for flourishing in all areas of life. Just as baking requires patience, creativity, and balance, so too does growing a fulfilling career and personal life. From crafting the perfect loaf of bread, to shaping beauty from earth and fire, to transforming the season’s harvest into nourishing meals, our speakers will share how the practices of baking and making can feed the soul, encourage mindfulness, and build resilience. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or seasoned baker, you’ll find inspiration in the stories and strategies shared during this session. Join us as we knead, mold, and mix our way to new perspectives on well-being, purpose, and creativity.
Speakers: Andrew Lewandowski, DO, Angela Yang, MD, and Kristii Horn
Where: Zoom
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- October Session
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
Date: October 30, 2025 | noon
Title: Rooted in the Season: Fall Adventures
Speakers: Rory Bade, MD, Krisjon Olson, PhD, Charlie Bergstrom, MD, & Reva Finkelman, MA
Session Overview: This October’s Flourish Hour celebrates the richness of fall through biking adventures, farming, and getting into the Halloween spirit that nourish both physical health and mental well-being. Join us for an energizing session where we explore local outdoor activities, hear from colleagues about their seasonal pastimes, and discover how embracing the rhythms of fall can support our department’s broader goals of creativity, balance, and holistic growth. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a curious hiker, or simply someone who enjoys a crisp apple in the sunshine, there’s something here to inspire your autumn journey.
Where: Zoom

Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- November Session
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00
Date: November 20, 2025 | noon
Title: The Heart of Giving
Session Overview: Join us for Flourish Hour: The Heart of Giving, a relaxed and inspiring session celebrating the power of volunteerism. In the spirit of the season, we’ll hear from people who generously share their time and talents to make a difference in their communities. They’ll reflect on what motivates them to serve, the impact they’ve seen, and how giving back enriches their own lives. Come connect, listen, and be inspired by the many ways we can each give from the heart.
Speakers: Lisa Fisher, Dan O’Connell, MD & Avani Bellary, DO
Where: Zoom
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- January Session
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00
Date: January 29, 2026 | noon
Theme: Winter Adventures
Session Overview: Bundle up and glide into the magic of winter! This month’s Flourish Hour invites you to explore the excitement of cold-weather adventures—from a local event, Olympic events, dog sledding, to the thrill of speed skating and beyond. Whether you’re drawn to frosty outdoor fun, curious about winter sports traditions, or simply seeking inspiration to embrace the season, join us for an engaging session that celebrates the joy, energy, and wonder of wintertime activities.
Speakers: Charlie Bergstrom, MD, Anne Marie Singh, MD, and Chelsea Schaack
Where: Zoom

Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- February Session
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Date: February 26, 2026 | noon
Theme: What Does Hygge Mean to You?
Session Overview: Join us on Feburary 26, 2026, noon–1 p.m., (via Zoom) for a cozy virtual gathering centered around the Danish concept of hygge — a quality of warmth, comfort, and togetherness that fosters a deep sense of well-being. During this interactive session, we’ll explore the question, “What does hygge mean to you?” Participants will reflect on the small moments, rituals, and environments that bring a feeling of contentment, while learning how hygge can be incorporated into everyday life through experience from our fellow department members. Expect a welcoming space, meaningful conversation, and inspiration for creating more comfort and connection in the new year.
Facilitator: Mala Mathur, MD, MPH
Where: Zoom
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.

Flourish Hour- April Session
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00
Date: April 30, 2026 | noon
Title: Tiny Stories Project Writing Session
Speakers: Jessica Babal, MD, & Marissa LoCastro, MD
Overview:
The project invites residents, fellows, and faculty to write 55-word stories describing a moment in residency that was humbling, stressful, relatable, rewarding, or challenging. There is special interest in having physician faculty provide stories to show residents that they are not alone in their difficult experiences.

Participants would have the option to have their stories anonymously displayed at an art gallery–style event in June, designed to foster connection across UW SMPH departments. Many departments across UW SMPH are contributing this year, and it would be wonderful to have our Pediatrics faculty well-represented! Or, participants could keep their work for themselves, no sharing is required.

The Tiny Story project lead, Marissa Locastro, is also looking for pediatric staff to pilot participation, sharing about their humbling, stressful, relatable, rewarding, or challenging experiences as they entered the world of academic medicine. Staff would have the option for their work to be posted in a mini gallery within the department hallways, or kept for personal use only, no sharing required.
Where: Zoom
Flourish Hour is accessible to all faculty, staff, and trainees and these sessions are created to support department members in flourishing in their careers. Sessions may include a variety of topics that relate to our department’s Strategic Priorities (DoP login required), 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. If you are interested in hosting, teaching and/or suggesting a future professional development event, please complete the Professional Development Activity Request Form.
