Q&A with Bridget O’Connell-Long, MD, assistant professor, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Hometown: East Troy, Wisconsin
Educational/professional background: I earned my undergraduate degree, a BS in biochemistry, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I completed my MD at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. For my residency in pediatrics, I went to the Oregon Health and Sciences University.
Previous position (title, institution): I previously worked as a general pediatrician at a community health center in Phoenix, Arizona.
What is your field of research or area of clinical care, and how did you get into it? I am a general pediatrician and a physician informaticist. I worked for Epic as a project manager prior to attending medical school, which interested me in how we can leverage technology to improve our own efficiency and the care of our patients. I’m also interested in medical education.
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? Sometimes when kids feel sick they come to see their doctor and we help them feel better. We also teach kids and their parents how to keep their bodies healthy.
What attracted you to UW–Madison? The UW is a community of brilliant, innovative, and truly kind people who care about the patients they serve and the people they work with. We couldn’t wait to come back to Madison after training and working elsewhere because it has always felt like home. I’m so excited to be a part of the academic community here again.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madison? My favorite time of the year in Madison is the fall. I missed the seasons and the fall colors when I lived out of state. My favorite thing to do is walk to Picnic Point or go to the Farmer’s Market.
What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? Be humble: no matter how much we learn, our patients will always teach us something new. Children don’t follow a rulebook and will often surprise you.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how. Yes, it does. Although my patients are mostly children in Madison, we also spend time educating medical students and residents who will work in other parts of the state and the country. They take what they learn from us and apply it to their work.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests? I like to cook and go to parks with my husband and my children. I also enjoy reading and drawing. Someday I hope to finish a children’s book about my dog and my kids.