Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Emphasizing Clinical Excellence

Train in One of the Nation’s Highest-Acuity Pediatric Intensive Care Units

The Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) boasts a pediatric ICU which is among the highest-volume, and highest acuity PICUs in the United States, with 48 beds and approximately 1600 admissions per year. Fellows who train in our program have the unique opportunity to serve a diverse, largely underserved urban and suburban Metro Detroit population of more than 4 million people. All pediatric and pediatric surgical subspecialties are active at CHM, as we are a tertiary and quaternary care referral facility, and a Level 1 trauma center, and pediatric burn center. The CHM PICU is situated in our state-of-the-art Acute Care Tower built in 2017 with 48 large, private rooms, including a dedicated Cardiac ICU and Neuro ICU. In addition to a large volume of the procedures generally performed by pediatric intensivists, the CHM PICU staff also performs flexible bronchoscopies and conducts all aspects of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). By the time our fellows have finished their three years of training, they are prepared for anything.

Pediatric Critical Care Highlights

+
Admissions
CV Surgery Pump Cases
Beds
Level-
Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Burn Center

Fellowship Overview

Program Director

Our PICU is a high-volume, high-acuity, fellow-driven unit that provides exceptional clinical exposure and hands-on training across the full spectrum of pediatric critical care. This rigorous experience, combined with dedicated mentorship and education, has contributed to the outstanding achievement and career placement of our graduates.

Fellows receive extensive training in pediatric cardiac intensive care through dedicated rotations and close collaboration with specialized multidisciplinary teams. Unique opportunities also exist to develop expertise in advanced procedures, including diagnostic and therapeutic flexible bronchoscopy and all aspects of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), from dialysis catheter placement and prescription writing to machine setup, anticoagulation management, and troubleshooting.

Equally important, we foster a supportive culture that prioritizes fellow wellness. Program-sponsored activities throughout the year—including Program Director breakfasts, fellow retreats, holiday celebrations, graduation events, and other social gatherings—help build camaraderie, promote well-being, and create a rewarding training experience.

Dr. Ajit Sarnaik
Fellowship Director

Welcome From the Chief

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellows are integral to the success of our division and serve as its ambassadors throughout the hospital. As frontline leaders in the PICU, fellows play a vital role in delivering the exceptional, patient-centered care for which Children’s Hospital of Michigan is known.

Beyond their clinical responsibilities, fellows are key drivers of the division’s academic mission. Through participation in research, quality improvement initiatives, scholarly projects, and educational activities, they contribute significantly to the academic productivity and continued advancement of the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Division.

Christian Bauerfeld, MD
Division Chief

Our Fellowship Program

Curriculum

A Curriculum Built for Clinical Excellence

Our fellowship curriculum is intentionally designed to develop thoughtful, highly skilled pediatric intensivists with a deep understanding of disease processes and critical care physiology. Through a robust culture of bedside teaching, hands-on learning, and protected educational time, fellows gain the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in any clinical environment.

Throughout training, fellows work closely with experienced faculty who prioritize teaching and mentorship, ensuring that every patient encounter becomes an opportunity for learning and professional growth.

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Highlights:

  • Curriculum designed to foster a deep understanding of pathophysiology and critical illness
  • Strong emphasis on bedside teaching and real-time clinical decision-making
  • Protected time for educational conferences and didactic sessions
  • Faculty committed to fellow education and individualized mentorship
Simulation

Preparing Fellows for High-Stakes Clinical Scenarios

Simulation is a cornerstone of our educational program. Our division is home to a dedicated Director of Simulation and Program Coordinator of Simulation who oversee a comprehensive simulation curriculum tailored specifically to Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellows.

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Highlights:

Using high-fidelity simulation equipment owned and maintained by our division, fellows participate in monthly simulation sessions that reinforce clinical knowledge, procedural skills, crisis resource management, and team leadership. As fellows progress through training, they also gain valuable experience leading simulation exercises for residents and nursing staff, further developing their teaching and leadership abilities.

  • Dedicated simulation leadership within the PCCM division
  • High-fidelity simulation equipment owned and maintained by the division
  • Monthly fellow-focused simulation sessions
  • Training in crisis management, communication, and leadership skills
  • Opportunities to lead simulations for residents and nursing teams
Research

Supporting the Next Generation of Physician-Scientists

Research and scholarly activity are integral components of fellowship training. Fellows are supported by our Scholarship Oversight Committee (SOC), which provides guidance throughout every stage of the research process—from project development and study design to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation.

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Highlights:

With dedicated mentorship, structured feedback, and numerous institutional resources, fellows are well-positioned to achieve meaningful scholarly success. Our program has a strong track record of fellows presenting at national meetings, publishing their work, and earning regional and national recognition for their research accomplishments.

  • Dedicated Scholarship Oversight Committee guidance throughout fellowship
  • Personalized mentorship and structured research support
  • Assistance with project development, study design, and manuscript preparation
  • Strong record of abstracts, publications, and academic awards
  • Opportunities to present research at regional and national conferences
Investing in Fellow Success

Ashok and Ingrid Sarnaik Endowment

A unique strength of our program is access to funding through the Ashok and Ingrid Sarnaik Endowment. This generous resource provides opportunities above and beyond traditional Graduate Medical Education funding, helping fellows pursue academic, professional, and wellness initiatives that enhance their training experience.

The endowment supports a broad range of activities, from research projects and conference attendance to fellow wellness events, creating additional opportunities for growth, learning, and community building.

Our Fellowship Culture

A Supportive Community Dedicated to Excellence

At Children’s Hospital of Michigan, our fellows are part of a collaborative and mission-driven community that is deeply committed to providing exceptional care to children and families throughout Metro Detroit. Fellows consistently describe the program’s culture as one of teamwork, support, and shared purpose.

The broad clinical exposure, high patient volume, and extensive procedural opportunities prepare graduates to thrive in any practice environment. Through hands-on experiences across a diverse range of clinical scenarios, fellows develop the confidence, clinical judgment, and technical expertise needed to succeed wherever their careers take them.

Many applicants are drawn to our program by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a diverse patient population affected by socioeconomic challenges and healthcare disparities. At the same time, strong mentorship from faculty, meaningful relationships with colleagues, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care create a rewarding and enjoyable training experience. Fellows feel supported throughout their training by dedicated mentors, faculty members, nurses, and staff who are invested in both their professional success and personal well-being.

Fellow Interview

Emily Kugel

Fellow Interview

Devarshi Desai

Fellow Interview

Afreen Qadeer

Meet the Fellows

2026 Graduates

Laaibah Ejaz, MD

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Aga Khan University

RESIDENCY: SUNY Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Global health, Neurocritical care

HOBBIES: Swimming, reading, spending time with family

FUN FACT: 3x National Spelling Bee Champion in Pakistan

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: Getting to learn something new every single day while being surrounded by wonderful people who are committed to helping me achieve my potential.

Emily Kugel, MD

UNDERGRAD: Case Western University

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

RESIDENCY: Lurie Children’s Hospital/Northwestern

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Medical Education

HOBBIES: playing with my cat, running, exploring Detroit

FUN FACT: My blood type is Diet Coke!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: How every day is different + getting to know co fellows, faculty, and unit staff

Julie Morin-Major, MD

UNDERGRAD: University of Montreal

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Trinity School of Medicine

RESIDENCY: William Beaumont University Children’s Hospital

RESEARCH INTERESTS: PTSD

HOBBIES: Spending time with my family outdoors & enjoying the water in Michigan

FUN FACT: I didn’t study in English until medical school, my first language is French!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: Being able to help children and families during difficult times all while being surrounded by a great team of co-fellows and faculty.

Graduates in 2027

Kaila Lessner, MD

UNDERGRAD: Penn State University

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Penn State University

RESIDENCY: Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Medical Education

HOBBIES: Baking sourdough bread, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, reading books

FUN FACT: In undergrad, I drove the Zamboni for hockey games!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: There is such a diverse patient population to learn from and the high volume/ high acuity on the unit keeps me busy! I have an amazing group of co-fellows, attendings, and the rest of the PICU team that make coming to work fun and enjoyable every day.

Devarshi Desai, DO

UNDERGRAD: University of Florida

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

RESIDENCY: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Sepsis, Education

HOBBIES: Spin classes, reading, puzzles, traveling

FUN FACT: I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: I enjoy being part of a team that includes both learners and teachers as well as being surrounded by supportive people that create a great environment for fellowship.

Katie Zuspan, DO

UNDERGRAD: University of Utah

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Rocky Vista University – Southern Utah

RESIDENCY: Baylor/Children’s Hospital of San Antonio

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Nutrition, Sepsis, Education

HOBBIES: Gardening, hiking, home improvement projects, planning to horseback riding a hobby

FUN FACT: I was a drum major for the University of Utah Marching Band and played water polo in college!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: I love learning in depth about physiology and pathophysiology and learning to apply that to make kids better. I love that we get constant cardiac ICU exposure because of our mixed unit which will give me more confidence in managing cardiac kids at the end of fellowship. My co-fellows and attendings have been amazing to work with and a lot of fun, especially when the first few months of fellowship can be hectic!

Graduates in 2028

Rhiannon McGrath, MD

UNDERGRAD: University of California – Santa Cruz

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Lewis Katz School of Medicine Temple University

RESIDENCY: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

RESEARCH INTERESTS: I have interests in both clinical and social justice focused research.

HOBBIES: Plants, cooking/baking, reading

FUN FACT: At one point in time, a cuttlefish at the LA aquarium was named after me!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: I find great value in supporting families through their worst experiences and making those impossible moments survivable. I love working as part of a multidisciplinary team and developing a broad skillset. And, I love the support and camaraderie I have with my co-fellows.

Areeb Mustansar, MD

UNDERGRAD: Aga Khan University

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Aga Khan University

RESIDENCY: SUNY Upstate Medical University

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Healthcare disparities that govern ICU outcomes.

HOBBIES: Spending time with family

FUN FACT: “My fun fact is that I don’t have a fun fact”

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: My amazing colleagues!

Afreen Qadeer, MD

UNDERGRAD: University of Michigan

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Wayne State University SOM

RESIDENCY: Henry Ford St. John Pediatric Residency

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Not sure yet!

HOBBIES: Reading, eating ice cream, hanging with my cats

FUN FACT: I played the clarinet for 8 years!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: The patient pathology we see and the people. Everyone is so kind, supportive & fun!

Graduating class of 2029 (Incoming class)

Tariq Almanaseer, MD

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Mutah University – Jordan

RESIDENCY: Corewell Health/Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

RESEARCH INTERESTS: ECMO

HOBBIES: Playing/watching soccer, traveling

FUN FACT: I love cooking & learning new recipes

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: I enjoy the acuity, teamwork, and the opportunity to care for critically ill children while making a meaningful impact during difficult times for families

Ahmad Nawaz, MD

UNDERGRAD: Government College – Punjab, Pakistan

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Allama Iqbal Medical College

RESIDENCY: NYMC Metropolitan Hospital

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Pediatric cardiac critical care

HOBBIES: Hiking and table tennis

FUN FACT: My kids don’t need trips to the barber shop — they’ve got an in-house pediatrician and amateur hairstylist in one package!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: Strong academics & amazing colleagues to work with

Kendel Ridgeway, DO

UNDERGRAD: Grand Canyon University

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Arizona School of Osteopathic Medicine

RESIDENCY: Children’s Hospital of Michigan

RESEARCH INTERESTS: TBD

HOBBIES: Long walks & good restaurants

FUN FACT: I keep an exhaustive, running list of Detroit activities & restaurants (there’s even a whole section for cheese!)

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT FELLOWSHIP?: The breadth of pathology, clinical intensity and service to the community.

Recent Graduates

Graduates in Leadership Positions

Dr. Yasir Ahmed (Class of 2022)

President, Sudanese Network of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Ji-Yeon Kim (Class of 2020)

PICU Medical Director, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Dr. Gwendolen Sinclair
(Class of 2016)

Section Chief of Pediatrics, Covenant Health – Saginaw, MI

Dr. Vishwanath Gajula
(Class of 2015)

Director of Heart Center and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Mississippi – Jackson, MS

Dr. Elizabeth Prentice
(Class of 2014)

PCCM Fellowship Director, Helen Devos Children’s Hospital – Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Elizabeth Rosner
(Class of 2014)

Division Chief, Pediatric Critical Care – Helen Devos Children’s Hospital – Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Bassam Gebara (Class of 1990)

Chief, Pediatric Critical Care, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital

Dr. Kathleen Meert (Class of 1989)

Chair of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University, Pediatrician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Dr. Percival McNeil (Class of 1980)

President, Bahamian Medical Council – Nassau, Bahamas

Kelly Levasseur

Vice Chief

Katie McVety

Program Director

Application Resources

How to Stand Out?

fellowship program Contacts

Ajit Sarnaik, M.D.

Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Division of Emergency Medicine
3901 Beaubien
Detroit, MI 48201

sarna1aa@cmich.edu

Dawn Paynter

Program Coordinator

Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Pediatric Education
3901 Beaubien Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48201

dawn.paynter@tenethealth.net

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