Dr. Kayli Deckert, pictured with her husband, Dr. Rohan Das, and family, is Akron Children’s newest pediatric psychiatrist in our Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center.
Dr. Kayli Deckert credits her stepfather for influencing her decision to follow medicine. Growing up, she admired his work as an anesthesiologist, shadowed him often and dreamed of one day taking over his group practice. But the path she envisioned for herself all changed after discovering her true calling in pediatric psychiatry during a medical school rotation. She fondly recalls leaving that shift crying tears of joy and calling her dad to share the exhilarating news.
Today, as Akron Children’s newest child and adolescent psychiatrist in our Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center, Dr. Deckert is honored to treat kids and teens with emotional or behavioral disorders. In her new role, she can be found most days offering outpatient consultation to kids struggling with the stress of a chronic condition, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.
Dr. Deckert’s goal for all her patients is to ensure they leave her office with clear improvement and the feeling that their time together was well spent. After all, making an impact in children’s lives is exactly what she was meant to do.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s?
I was born and raised in the Akron area, and I received my earliest medical care at Akron Children’s. I can only recall hearing glowing reviews about the hospital, the employees and the medical care, so I was drawn to apply.
During my job interview, I was impressed by the atmosphere of kindness, care and professionalism. I also appreciated the focus on attention to detail, positive family experiences and the multitude of on-site services.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish.
I work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist on main campus. I spend 4 days per week working with outpatient children and 1 day as a Psychiatry Consult-Liaison. I hope to plant roots at this hospital and become a trusted and respected doctor in the community. I want each patient and his family to feel that our time together was well spent, and I hope each individual leaves my care with clear improvement.
Drs. Deckert and Das are busy planning for the arrival of their first child in the spring.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
I always admired my stepdad, who works as a local anesthesiologist. I shadowed him often in early childhood, and I knew then that I would become a physician and take over the anesthesia group when he retired. Well, my first medical school rotation was in anesthesia, and it clearly was not for me.
My second rotation was slotted for psychiatry, and to be honest, I was not looking forward to it. I felt the least prepared and thus, the most unnerved by this type of work. An opening arose for the child and adolescent inpatient unit, and I impulsively volunteered. I am so glad I did. I left the hospital after my first shift, cried happy tears and called my dad to tell him that I had found my calling. That’s the only way that I can describe it; this work is my calling and I am meant to be doing it. I am beyond lucky to feel grateful and happy for what I do.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
I live with my husband, Akron Children’s Dr. Rohan Das, and our 2 cats (Nigel and Moon). We are thrilled to welcome our first child in May 2022. My entire extended family also lives locally.
What’s your superpower?
I am a master of organization!
How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered for my warmth, kindness and solidity. You know when you’re feeling lonely or sad, how the mental representation of someone who unconditionally loves you can make you feel better? I want to occupy that mental space for the people that I love.
