Dawn Keilin, MSN, APRN-CNP, pediatric gastroenterology
A nurse practitioner in Akron Children’s department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dawn Keilin, MSN, APRN-CNP, joined Akron Children’s 10 years ago, following her mentor and friend, Reinaldo Garcia, MD, when he was hired to build the hospital’s pediatric gastroenterology division. She has worked with Dr. Garcia for over 20 years and feels lucky to be part of the original team at Akron Children’s. She sees patients within the gastroenterology division and in the multidisciplinary Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinic, which includes pediatric specialists from allergy/immunology, as well as a registered dietitian.
Keilin said that one of the biggest challenges in her practice is watching her patients struggle with chronic GI disorders and complex conditions. It motivates her to get up in the morning, determined to help improve her patients’ quality of life.
“If a child has been struggling for a while, it can be very stressful and frustrating for families, so I let them know we are a team working together through the process,” she said. “It’s most rewarding when I can help them get back to school and back to living a normal life.”
Dr. Garcia has been one of her greatest influences.
“He trained and mentored me, and has taught me so much over the years,” she said.
Keilin, who grew up in Lyndhurst, is one of the pediatric gastroenterology providers who now sees patients in Beachwood, helping to meet the demand for care in greater Cleveland. She and her husband Brent are raising their family in Beachwood. Their oldest son Drew attends The Ohio State University, their middle child, son Grant, is a senior in high school and daughter Brynn is in middle school.
In her spare time, Keilin enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and taking walks in the park. Her sons have always been active in travel sports, competing in baseball and soccer. Her daughter participates in competitive dance, which also keeps her busy.
She cannot imagine being in any other role beside nurse practitioner.
“I love getting to interact with others and talking to people,” she said.
