Q&A with Danielle Rodgers, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, I was a high school special education teacher in Denver, Colorado, for five years prior to returning to my home state to complete my medical training (medical school and residency) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Previous position (title, institution): Chief resident, University of Wisconsin Pediatrics Residency Program
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? My job is to teach kids and their families how to stay healthy and to help kids when they are sick.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? As a trainee, I witnessed the talent and dedication of our faculty and staff countless times. I knew that I would be incredibly fortunate to join this group of supportive and passionate providers.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? Take bike rides with my family to nearby parks and ice cream shops.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? I hope trainees will learn the importance of working with patients and their families to identify the next steps that will work best for those individuals.
How does your work relate to the Wisconsin Idea? I love the Wisconsin Idea and regularly shared it with our residency recruits. In our roles as general pediatricians we are continuously striving to improve the health of our patients and community.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I love spending time with my family and sharing my hobbies with them. We are fans of board games, creating homemade gifts, riding bikes, reading, baking, playing sports, and exploring the outdoors. More recently, we’ve loved adding to the list of national parks that we’ve visited.