Dr. Theodore Ward-Michaud
Dr. Ward-Michaud is a lifelong resident of northeast Ohio who grew up in Garfield Heights before moving to Broadview Heights. Inspired by the pediatrician from his childhood, Dr. Ward-Michaud became interested in pursuing a career in primary care knowing firsthand that building a strong patient-family relationship supports healthy growth for youth and adolescents.
Dr. Ward-Michaud completed his residency at MetroHealth Medical Center and rounded in the adolescent clinic, PICU and emergency room at Akron Children’s during away rotations. Finding this experience warm and positive, the opportunity to pursue the position at Akron Children’s Pediatrics would help complement Dr. Ward-Michaud’s goals to inspire the next generation to pursue medicine.
Describe your role and what you hope to accomplish.
I am a primary care physician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Green. I hope to create a safe environment where all kids – no matter gender, race, sexuality or otherwise – can have compassionate, wholistic care.
What unique or different skills do you have that help you practice medicine?
As a member of the LGBT+ community, I have a unique perspective when it comes to taking care of patients who also identify as LGBT+. I want to be the inspiration to both parents of LGBT youth, as well as youth themselves that no matter your sexuality or gender identity, you can still become whatever you want to be in life.
How do you deal with the emotional impact of being a provider?
Practicing medicine means seeing kids and families through some really difficult situations. I try to remember that the tough days are not personal, and it is not about me. It is all about meeting people where they are and helping them through to the best of my ability. Also, lots of wife, daughter, dog and kitty snuggles always help.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family is made up of my wife, Rebekah, a high school English teacher; and my 2.5-month-old daughter, Eleanor. We have three fur babies: a 1-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Poppy; a 3-year-old tortoiseshell cat, Nova; and a 13-year-old ragdoll cat, Oliver.
Dr. Ward-Michaud with his wife, Rebekah.
What do you do when you are not working?
Currently, I love playing with my daughter or walking my dog. My wife and I also enjoy playing board games and video games. A huge nerd at heart, I love Super Mario Bros and Pokémon. I also used to play Dungeons and Dragons (let me know if you want to start a campaign).
What makes the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is bedtime with my daughter. We have a whole bedtime routine including getting pajamas on, having our last bottle, reading books together and then rocking in the chair until she falls asleep.
Dr. Ward-Michaud’s daughter, Eleanor.
What is the last adventure you went on?
I am currently on the adventure of being a parent with my first child, Ellie. There is a learning curve. Everyone assumes that my medical knowledge helps me as a parent. But there is a parent brain and a doctor brain, and sometimes those contradict each other. Also, there’s a huge difference between knowing something and experiencing it firsthand. I could hear about things like “purple crying” or spitting up from my patients and know the exact way to treat them. But I had to experience these things as a parent to truly understand what my patients were going through.
