Groundbreaking providers reflect on 25 years at Kentucky Children’s Hospital
This year, Kentucky Children’s Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary of dedicated service to kids throughout the Commonwealth.
Since its founding in 1997, KCH has worked constantly to expand the resources and treatment options it provides to the most vulnerable patients, and has led the way when it comes to innovative advancements in pediatric care. In 2022, KCH was once again recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country.
As KCH has grown, many team members have grown right along with it. We recently spoke with several providers who have been with KCH since the beginning about how the hospital has evolved over time and the importance of their service to the children of Kentucky.
Cholottie Fields, Patient Services Coordinator: Even now with COVID and the stress of it all, the administration has kept us all together and has continued to remind us that “We are UK” and we can get through anything. The strength and stability has gotten even stronger over the years that I have been here. It’s a team effort and I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
Stacie Trent, Divisional Charge Nurse (RN, BSN, CPN): Each day I come to KCH, I am a better person for just working here. I am wiser, stronger, more compassionate, thoughtful and more empathetic. … Starting as a tech while in nursing school at UK, KCH helped sculpt me into the type of nurse I strived to be. They were flexible while I gained knowledge and independence in college. Deciding to be a pediatric nurse was easy because of the nurses who guided and molded me throughout the years.
Therese Ryzowicz, Clinical Dietitian (MS, RD, LD): I have learned so much. Dr. Nirmala Desai was my mentor in the NICU and is such a wonderful human and teacher. The goal is always to give our patients the best care. That has never changed but keeping up with knowledge to do that is a constant quest. I have also learned that working as team is the most effective.
Treacy Regan, Clinical Research Associate (BS, CCRP): I am proud of the way our doctors and nurses and support staff work with each other — not to meet quotas, or to maximize reimbursement, or to publish internationally — but because our patients and parents just do better when we stay strong, don’t slack and we give them and each other 100%.
Hubert Ballard, KCH Director of ECMO (MD, FAAP): In the world of NICU, it has been amazing to watch our quality improve and ability to treat the sickest and smallest patients. It would have been hard to imagine premature babies routinely surviving born 18 weeks premature 25-30 years ago. Additionally, the changes that have occurred with our ability to perform ECMO in KCH that is top tier patient safety, quality and survival outcomes!
Kimberly Samuelson, Pediatric Transport Team (RN, BSN): Even though equipment has changed, policies have changed and people have come and gone, the one consistent has always been the care we give. We come to work on the weekends, holidays and miss time with our families to give the best care to our smallest patients. That will never change.
Lisa Butcher, Patient Care Manager (RN, BSN, CNML): My favorite part of working for KCH is witnessing the resilience and positive attitudes of the children we treat.
Sherri Hannan, Safe Kids Fayette County Coordinator (RN): I am proud that we have made a difference in the lives of so many families. From children recovering from an illness or injury or worst case, we’ve helped families get through some of their darkest days with compassion. We are here for them! My children have been in this hospital — I trust the care given in this facility with those most precious to me. I am proud to work here and I am proud of all the people who have dedicated their lives to caring for children.
