From Curiosity to Calling: Duke Pediatrics 2026 Career Exploration Day

Group of people posing for a photo in a classroom with desks and blue drawstring bags.

The Duke Pediatrics Career Exploration Day, held on Saturday, April 11, brought together aspiring health care professionals for an engaging and informative look into the field of pediatric medicine. The event was thoughtfully planned by Dr. Jasmine Willis-Wallace, Vice Chair of Organizational Culture and Experience for Duke Pediatrics, and Jeannet Constante, Department of Pediatrics Program Coordinator.

The day began with an inspiring keynote address from Dr. McAllister Windom, Pediatric Cardiologist, who set the tone for a day centered on discovery, opportunity, and the importance of storytelling. Participants also gained valuable insight into the medical school admissions process from Andrea Liu, Assistant Dean of Duke School of Medicine Admissions. An introduction to pediatric medicine was delivered by Dr. Mai ElMallah, Division Chief of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, providing a foundational understanding of the field.

A highlight of the program was a panel discussion focused on research in pediatric medicine, led by Dr. Crystal Hrelic Colon. Panelists included Dr. Tarig Al-Dinar, Dr. Corrie Chumpitazi, and Dr. Stephen Skapek, who shared their experiences and insights into clinical and research pathways within pediatrics.

  • Eight people seated around a round table with a blue tablecloth in a conference room, with food, drinks, and phones on the table and a presentation screen visible in the background.
  • Several people seated around a rectangular table in a classroom, engaged in discussion, with notebooks, illustrated books, and a plush anatomical model placed on the table.
  • A person standing at a podium speaking to an audience seated in a classroom, with a whiteboard behind them displaying handwritten text and a wall clock nearby.
  • Small group discussion in a classroom, with one person gesturing and a digestive system poster near a window.
  • Small group seated at a classroom table using teaching supplies and a baby mannequin.
  • Speaker at a podium presenting a slide titled ‘Why People Choose Pediatrics’ in an auditorium.

Participants also engaged in “Rotation Stations,” an interactive, hands-on experience designed to showcase the breadth of pediatric subspecialties. This session included Cardiology (Dr. Mcallister Windom, Dr. Adeola Awujoola, Desiree Crook, and Meghan Ronn), Emergency Medicine (Dr. Thomas Abramo and Laura Abramo), Infectious Disease (Dr. Melissa Campbell), Neurology (Dr. Monica Lemmon and Dr. Bryn Salter), Nephrology (Dr. Jenny Varner and Dr. Anna Williams), Gastroenterology (Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi), Rheumatology (Dr. Nica Carson), Palliative Medicine (Dr. Amy Lee), Pulmonology (Dr. Mai ElMallah), Neonatology (Dr. Mike Cotton), and Critical Care (Dr. Susi Hupp). These immersive experiences allowed attendees to explore different areas of pediatrics in a meaningful and engaging way.

In addition, attendees learned more about pediatric residency through engaging with Dr. Mark Chandler (Duke Pediatric Residency Program Director) and had the opportunity to receive resume feedback from Dr. Jane Trinh (Division Chief for Medicine-Pediatrics) alongside Duke University medical students.

The event concluded with impactful closing remarks from Department Chair Dr. Bradley Marino, who shared his personal journey in pediatrics and offered an inspiring message encouraging participants to continue pursuing their interests in pediatric medicine.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many volunteers, including numerous Department of Pediatrics staff members, whose time and dedication made this event possible. Their contributions were essential to the success of the day and to creating a meaningful experience for all who attended.

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