Akron Children’s is thrilled to recognize this year’s graduating class of 23 pediatric residents. Residency is a demanding yet rewarding time, and these individuals have dedicated themselves to excellence in pediatric care. As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, we’d like to recognize their achievements and celebrate their bright futures.
We asked a few of them to share their career plans and their favorite parts of residency.
Dr. Jennifer Fritch
Bonds of Friendship and Support: Jennifer Fritch, MD
As Dr. Fritch approaches the completion of her residency, she is most appreciative of the relationships she has formed with co-residents and mentors while at Akron Children’s.
“The unwavering support and encouragement of my peers gave me the confidence to excel both personally and professionally,” she said.
Specifically, Dr. Fritch expressed her gratitude to her continuity clinic preceptor, Dr. Jessica Cerrezuela Steiner.
Because of the time she spent under the mentorship of “Dr. Jess,” Dr. Fritch said she has developed a strong skill set, learned how to function productively in a busy clinic, and can comfortably communicate with patients and their families.
As Dr. Fritch prepares to return to her hometown of Washington, PA, as a general pediatrician, she is eager to share her love of pediatrics with her future patients.
“I will be rounding at the hospital where I was born and where I met my husband volunteering in high school,” she said. Fritch. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to return and serve the community where I was raised.”
Dr. Micah Morris
A Passion for Research and Gastroenterology: Micah Morris, MD
Dr. Micah Morris said the unique opportunity to gain hands-on learning with endoscopy during his residency has helped prepare him for his upcoming fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
He acknowledged Dr. Kevin Watson, pediatric gastroenterologist, as a pivotal mentor who guided him in his academic research and fellowship preparation.
“Dr. Watson helped me find venues to present my findings and create my network with other members in the field of gastroenterology,” he said. “He has been an example of a mentor I would like to carry forward in my career, providing support and also pushing me outside of my comfort zone to grow.”
Dr. Morris said the volume of patients seen is an important factor in developing skills as a clinician, and there was no shortage of clinical experiences within his training.
“The number of rare diagnoses cared for at Akron Children’s helped me to broaden my knowledge and prepared me to see patients with complex needs while understanding the challenges in providing care for this population,” he said.
Sarah Holcomb
Building a Rewarding Career in Outpatient Care: Sarah Holcomb, DO
For Dr. Sarah Holcomb, her co-residents, faculty and her patients have all profoundly impacted her journey.
“I would like to thank pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Dwyer, who was my RECs preceptor for my three years of residency,” she said. “She was instrumental in my education, my desire to pursue outpatient pediatrics, and in helping me feel more comfortable with the transition from resident to attending physician.”
Akron Children’s not only provided a strong educational foundation but also fostered a supportive network Dr. Holcomb can rely on as she embarks on her new role as a general outpatient pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics North Canton.
“Many of the providers I have worked with throughout my residency have told me that their doors are always open if I run into any questions, which is very reassuring as I start out on this new journey,” she said.
Dr. Kayla Schlosser
Fellowship Bound: Kayla Schlosser, DO
When Dr. Kayla Schlosser thinks about her residency, she knows her robust training at Akron Children’s will be invaluable to the patient care, management, coordination and problem-solving skills that will be necessary in the next step in her career as a neonatology fellow at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s in Cleveland.
‘I’m especially grateful to the hospitalist group, particularly Dr. Nimisha Jain, who significantly shaped my clinical skills,” said Dr. Schlosser. “Additionally, the neonatology groups at Akron Children’s and St. Elizabeth’s provided invaluable support and mentorship, particularly Dr. Julia Schaffer, Dr. Laura Jackson, Dr. Douglas Potoka, Dr. Jennifer Grow, Dr. Melissa Andrianov and Dr. Kelly Roush.
“I’ve been exposed to three different NICU settings at Akron Children’s, which has been beneficial to my long-term career aspirations,” she added.
Some of her favorite memories include social events with her co-residents allowing her to create meaningful off-the-job friendships.
“I have made lifelong friendships through residency and am so grateful for the relationships that Akron Children’s fostered,” she said.
Dr. Jaron Maggard
The Pursuit of Excellence in Cardiology: Jaron Maggard, DO
Akron Children’s Heart Center, with its exceptional faculty and exposure to complex cases, has prepared Dr. Jaron Maggard for his cardiology fellowship at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital at the University of Texas at Houston.
Although research is a large part of the path toward becoming a physician, Dr. Maggard never found it exciting until he began working with cardiologist Dr. John Clark.
“Working with Dr. Clark on projects related to the emerging field of cardioneuroablation was the first time I’ve truly felt excited about the field of research,” he said. “I can now say I hope to incorporate it into my practice in the future.
“Medicine can be a hard path, especially when managing some of the sickest patients and most worried parents, but Dr. Clark’s ability to bring a smile to both his patients and co-workers is a unique aspect of his approach to medicine,” he added “Just like Dr. Clark, I hope to be able to say I have ‘the best job in the world.’”
Congratulations to our graduating residents! We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness the positive impact they will continue to make on the lives of children.
Below is a complete list of this year’s graduating class:
| Class of 2024 Pediatric Residency Graduates | |
| Kathryn Abele, DO | General Pediatrician, Cleveland Clinic |
| Ashley Burke, DO | Boston Children’s Health Physicians- Orangetown Pediatrics |
| Paige Daily, MD | Pediatric Chief Resident, Akron Children’s |
| Mackenzie Dreher, DO | PICU Fellowship, Children’s Mercy Hospital |
| Taylor Free, MD | Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship
Nationwide Children’s Hospital |
| Jennifer Fritch, MD | General Pediatrician, Washington Pediatrics, Washington, PA |
| Sarah Holcomb, DO | General Pediatrician, Akron Children’s Pediatrics North Canton |
| Jaron Maggard, DO | Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital |
| Randy Moore, MD | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship
Nationwide Children’s Hospital |
| Micah Morris, MD | Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship
Nationwide Children’s Hospital |
| Alexas Ophaug, DO | General Pediatrics/Urgent Care in Raleigh North Carolina |
| Jubel Puthusseril, DO | Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh |
| Avi Rascoe, DO | Pediatric Chief Resident, Akron Children’s |
| Kayla Renner, DO | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship
UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s |
| Julia Russell, DO | Pediatric Chief Resident, Akron Children’s |
| Tessa Scheckelhoff, DO | Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship
Westchester Medical Center – Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital |
| Lalan Shah, DO | General Pediatrician
Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Belpre |
| Diana Vasilakos, DO | Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship
UH Rainbow Babies |
| Ahana Walia, MD | Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital New York, NY |
| Melissa Walker, MD | Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship, Akron Children’s |
| 2024 Pediatric Residency Chief Residents | |
| Logen Breehl, DO | Pediatric Sports Medicine Fellowship
Akron Children’s |
| Amy Buck, DO | Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital |
| Sapna Khemka, DO | Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship
Nationwide Children’s |
Learn more about Akron Children’s pediatric residency program.
