MEMBER NEWS — AAP HERO AWARD NOMINEES

Marlene Melzer‐Lange, MD, FAAP
Milwaukee, WI
“She is more than a pediatric physician. She is the voice of the segment in our community considered voiceless and works to advocate on their behalf. Marlene’s dedication to youth and families in our community is commendable. Many participants at our annual Christmas program have no idea she is a doctor because she carries herself in a way that they feel she is one of them. She never wants recognition but her actions touch so many. Marlene laughs when you call her a hero, but in her many roles as physician, innovator, leader and mentor, her mission always has been to be a champion for children.”

Elizabeth Peterson, MD, FAAP
Beaver Dam, WI
“Most doctors in the area are unfamiliar with hemolytic uremic syndrome, and would not have reacted as as quickly as Dr. Peterson did. She saved my daughter’s life because of her knowledge and quick response… came to visit us… followed her progress and checked in with us often. Dr. Peterson answered all of our questions and made sure we were comfortable with all the care we had to administer as well as what we needed to watch for. She was available at any hour of the day to answer questions and help with problems. She is our hero.”

Jennifer Peelen Thomas, MD, IBCLC, FAAP
Racine, WI
“Dr. Jen is the best. Just a few of the awesome things she provides her patients include a web site full of knowledge about everything regarding children; she is always full of fabulous ideas; she gives babies a “Got Breastmilk” t-shirt if they have successfully nursed for 12 months (paid for out of her pocket); she treats parents and patients with the utmost respect, and she is compassionate, truly loves her job and treats he patients like her own family. She always takes our concerns to her highest priority, not pushing them aside and making us feel comfortable despite how ‘silly’ we may feel our questions are. She didn’t just listen, she did something no one else did — she HELPED! Our family could never thank Dr. Jen for all she’s done.”

AAP’s District VI Awards for distinction in select areas of pediatrics:

James Conway, MD, FAAP
Madison, WI
Immunization and Infectious Diseases

Sharon Fleischfresser, MD, FAAP
Madison, WI
Medical Home

John Meurer, MD, FAAP
Milwaukee, WI
ACCESS/Advocacy/Pediatric Council

Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD
Madison, WI
Residents/Advocacy

Ramesh Sachdeva, MD, PhD, MBA, JD,
FAAP
Quality Improvement

Jenny Thomas, MD, FAAP
Racine, WI
Advocacy/Breastfeeding Education

Our sincere thanks and congratulations to these leaders who contribute so much to the betterment of children’s health in the state.