Dr. Gwen Erkonen, MD, MMedEd

Clinical Trials

• Multi-center Clinical Trial of Limiting Resident Work Hours on ICU Patient Safety

Media Releases

A Pediatric Critical Care Physician’s Journey

Gwen Erkonen, a dedicated pediatric critical care physician at Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is making waves not only in the medical field but also in the literary world with her heartfelt memoir and creative non-fiction writing. Gwen, a former special education teacher, has a diverse background that informs her compassionate approach to medicine and storytelling.

Dr. Erkonen earned her medical degree from Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, and completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. She is board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and has devoted her career to providing exceptional care to critically ill children. Her experiences in the fast-paced, emotionally charged environment of pediatric intensive care have deeply influenced her writing, allowing her to connect with readers on a profound level.

“Being a pediatrician and a mother has shaped my understanding of the challenges and triumphs that families face in times of crisis,” says Dr. Erkonen. “Through my writing, I aim to share these stories, to shed light on the complexities of childhood illness, and to inspire hope and resilience in both my patients and readers.”

In her memoir and creative non-fiction pieces, Dr. Erkonen explores themes of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of children. Her writing offers an intimate glimpse into the world of pediatric medicine, bridging the gap between clinical practice and personal narrative. Her work has been featured in various literary journals and medical publications, resonating with audiences who appreciate the intersection of medicine and art.

As a mother, Dr. Erkonen understands the emotional landscape parents navigate when their children are unwell. Her dual role as a physician and a parent allows her to approach her practice with empathy and insight. She believes that sharing stories of hope can empower families facing difficult medical journeys.

Dr. Erkonen is currently working on her next book, which delves deeper into her experiences as a pediatric critical care physician, weaving together personal anecdotes with the realities of medical practice. She hopes to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals through her advocacy for compassionate care and storytelling.

Recommended Articles

• Is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine Safe for My Baby?

  What are some considerations with regard to vaccination?Never hide anything from your GP while he is deciding about the shots for your baby as your carelessness might have grave after-effects (side effects) for your baby. If your baby has diarrhea or is recovering from the flu, it would not be the...

• The Keto Diet for Weight Loss

  The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb, adequate-protein diet that was designed by Dr. Russell Wilder in 1924. It became popular then for its effectiveness not only in treating epilepsy but in weight loss. After a few years, the popularity of the ketogenic diet began to wane as new...

• What Is Hib Meningitis?

  Hib meningitis is an infectious disease that is life-threatening. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the surrounding layers of the spinal cord and the brain. The meninges are layers that assist in protecting the brain from infection and injury. Children who are below 4 years old are the...

• How to Protect Your Child from Getting Head Lice in School

  Head lice are grayish insects that feed on human blood extracted from the scalp. Female lice release sticky substances that attach all eggs to specific hair shafts. Eggs are laid a few millimeters from the shaft - an environment that offers the idyllic temperature for incubation.Everyone who comes...

• What Is Pyrexia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  Introduction Pyrexia is the medical term for fever, in which the human body temperature rises above the average normal (37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Pyrexia is one of the most common symptoms of numerous medical conditions.There are multiple factors can affect the normal body...

• What are the Treatment Methods for ADHD?

  Reported cases of ADHD have been on the rise lately. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as many as 11% of children between the ages of four years old and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is a disease characterized by ongoing patterns of...