Q&A with Nicole (Nikki) Kamps, MD, assistant professor, Division of Critical Care
Hometown: Platteville, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. I was lucky enough to stay at the UW for my pediatric residency and pediatric critical care fellowship. I then traveled to Houston, Texas, to complete my cardiac critical care advanced fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Previous position (title, institution): Clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Stead Family Children’s Hospital/University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (2022-2025).
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am a pediatric cardiac critical care physician who has a passion for clinical care, teaching, and quality improvement. I gravitated toward cardiac critical care early in PCCM fellowship because I was drawn to the complex physiology, high acuity, and relationships built with families and members of the entire cardiac team.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I work in a hospital where I get to take care of kids of all ages who are really sick. Most of my patients have problems with their hearts, and a lot of times they need surgery to fix them. We have super heart surgery doctors who help fix patients’ hearts at our hospital. A lot of times, I get to help kids both before and after surgery!
What attracted you to UW–Madison? I was lucky enough to benefit from UW–Madison’s tremendous culture of curiosity, dedication to education, and commitment to the advancement of clinical care as a trainee. I always hoped to rejoin this team and help contribute to the phenomenal care they provide.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? While it is difficult to beat Badger game day, the farmer’s market, concerts on the square, or enjoying the sunset at the Memorial Union Terrace, my favorite way to enjoy Madison is on the water. Whether we are fishing, cruising, or relaxing with friends, nothing beats being out on a boat on a Madison summer day!
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? That there is something to learn from every patient and to never be afraid to ask questions. There are no questions that aren’t worth asking, as every question is an opportunity for you and others to grow.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. Yes, of course! Through providing excellent care at our hospital, we serve families throughout the state and beyond. I have seen countless examples of our patients and families becoming fierce advocates and building steadfast support systems for others throughout the state with similar conditions. It is so cool to see these families join our team and improve the health of the community beyond the hospital. This is just one example of how our work exemplifies the Wisconsin Idea. Academically, I hope to build a program that provides education for acute care providers who help stabilize our sickest patients prior to transferring them to our institution.
What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter during video chats and parties? One in 100 children are born with congenital heart disease. While heart defects are the most common birth defects, there is tremendous variation — every child’s heart is like a one-of-a-kind anatomical and physiological puzzle! A lot of times, they require surgery in the first couple weeks of life, when their heart is no bigger than a walnut!
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? When I am not at my boys’ sporting events or at work, you can find me fishing. I even considered pursuing a career as an angler if medical school didn’t work out. I went musky fishing for my honeymoon, and I hope to have a fishing guide business/B&B when I retire. My other hobbies include gardening, reading, art (watercolor and texture), making seasonal craft cocktails, and singing. I am fully embracing my plant-mom era with an ever-growing collection of fun and unique houseplants that I enjoy caring for!