Dr. Allotey says being a parent helps her to be a better doctor. “I I ask myself how I would want my sons to be treated if I were the parent,” she says.
Akron Children’s is a place where compassion meets expertise, and where every team member plays a vital role in the care and well-being of its young patients. Dr. Naa Allotey, pediatric emergency physician and EMS medical director, embodies this spirit through her dedication to her patients and her unwavering commitment to her team.
Dr. Allotey, who immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana to do her pediatric residency, says finding Akron Children’s was like finding a second home.
“Once I completed my residency and fellowship in pediatric medicine I chose to stay here because everyone was so kind to me,” she says. “Dr. Jeff Kempf, retired residency program director, and Christine Mayes, residency program coordinator, had a great impact on that decision.”
And her role isn’t just about providing patient care.
Dr Allotey says one of the things that attracted her to working at Akron Children’s was the kindness she was shown during her pediatric residency and fellowship. Dr. Allotey immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana after graduating from medical school.
“My impact on patient care goes beyond the medical aspect,” she shares. “It’s about providing reassurance, hope for families and leadership to my staff.
“The kids I treat and the satisfaction I see with their families keeps me passionate about my work,” she adds. “When a parent or patient smiles because they feel better than when they came in, that’s what drives me.”
But caring for others also means remembering to take care of herself. Dr. Allotey emphasizes the importance of self-care to combat stress and avoid burnout.
“Spending time with family, my church community and traveling are essential parts of my self-care routine,” she says. “Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial; without it, my productivity at work and home suffers. I know I’m off balance when I feel overwhelmed and moody, so I intentionally take time for myself.”
As a parent, Dr. Allotey always tries to bring that perspective to her work.
Dr. Naa Allotey says her happiest moments as an ER physician are anytime she can provide life-saving interventions for critically ill patients.
“Anytime I enter a patient’s room, I ask myself how I would want my sons to be treated if I were the parent,” she shares. “It gives me a good perspective on how to treat my patients—taking time to listen to them, understand their expectations and provide the care they deserve.”
Reflecting on her happiest moments in the Mahoning Valley ER, she says it’s unequivocally saving lives.
“My happiest moments are anytime we provide life-saving interventions for critically ill patients and are able to make a good save on a very sick, near-to-death patient,” she shares.
Although the kindness she experienced during her residency solidified her decision to join Akron Children’s, it’s the support of her work family that has kept her here ever since.
“I cannot say enough about my work family; they make Akron Children’s more than a job for me,” she says. “For anyone considering employment here, create your niche in whichever department you find yourself in. Any department that doesn’t have teamwork cannot be effective, so make connections with the people you work with and set a goal to make an impact together.”
For more information about working at Akron Children’s, visit careers.akronchildrens.org.
