Dr. Jacqueline Cornell, with her husband on their honeymoon in Greece, is Akron Children’s newest Obstetrician-Gynecologist in our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center.
Dr. Jacqueline Cornell’s life and practice forever changed for the better after spending a summer of medical school in Kenya delivering babies, treating Malaria, HIV and more. Besides being grateful for the abundant resources she has at home to care for patients, she recognized firsthand the importance of understanding each woman’s unique history and current circumstance in order to provide the very best care.
Dr. Cornell’s work abroad has well prepared her for her work at home, especially when it comes to flexibility, cultural understanding and the value of helping others, as Akron Children’s newest Obstetrician-Gynecologist in our Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center. In her new role, she provides prenatal care for high-risk and normal pregnancies, gynecologic care for pediatric patients, and delivers babies and performs surgery at Summa Akron City Hospital.
Whether Dr. Cornell is delivering a baby here at home or on the other side of the globe, she’ll tell you her favorite part is sharing the best day of many of her patients’ lives: having a baby! After all, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing mom’s and dad’s expression when they see and hold their bundle of joy for the very first time.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s?
Akron Children’s is highly regarded as a top healthcare system for patient care and employment. I did a few medical school rotations here and felt very welcomed as a part of the team, even then. My husband works as a pediatrician here and loves his job, as well.
During her time in Africa, Dr. Cornell, standing with her translator, delivered babies, treated Malaria, HIV and more, all the while submersing herself in the culture.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish?
I am a generalist Obstetrician-Gynecologist working in Maternal Fetal Medicine. I provide prenatal care for high-risk and normal pregnancies, gynecologic care for pediatric patients, and I deliver babies and perform OB/GYN surgery at Summa Akron City Hospital.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
I chose OB-GYN because I love to be a part of the best day of many patients’ lives: having a baby! I love seeing mom’s and dad’s expression when they see their child for the first time.
When did you decide to become a provider and why?
In high school, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. My grandfather was a doctor, and I always was amazed by how smart he is, the number of people he helped and the numerous lives he touched.
What do you like most about being a provider?
I love meeting new patients and getting to know them.
What impression do you hope to leave with your patients each day?
I hope that my patients feel heard and cared for in each and every encounter.
Dr. Cornell’s family includes her husband, Akron Children’s Dr. Habeck, their dog, Larry, and cat, Theo.
How does your personality fit your role?
I am an upbeat person, which works very well when delivering babies!
What’s the most memorable thing that’s ever happened to you as a provider?
The most memorable moment was when I delivered a baby in Kenya and her mother named her after me. I think she was grateful that I traveled across the globe to volunteer my time and safely deliver her baby.
What would you most like to change about health care today?
One day I hope for equal access to health care for everyone — around the globe.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family includes my husband, Dr. Caleb Habeck, our dog, Larry, and our cat, Theo.
What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?
I am related to Ezra Cornell, founder of Cornell University.
Who’s on your playlist?
My playlist currently includes: Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and Vampire Weekend.
What’s the last adventure you went on?
My husband and I went island hopping in Greece for our honeymoon in September 2021.
What events in your life made you who you are today?
For a summer, I lived in a remote village near Kisumu, Kenya, for 2 months during medical school. This changed my life forever because I saw how different life is in a poor, rural village on the other side of the world. I submersed myself in the culture. I delivered babies, performed wound care, tested and treated Malaria, and tested for HIV, among many other things.
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be and why?
My dad. He passed away earlier this year, and I miss him very much.
