Melissa D. Squires, MD, MPH

As a pediatric neurocritical specialist, I love learning about every family’s values and hope to incorporate them into our treatment plans. Watching the path of my patients and their families is the most rewarding part of my job.

I grew up in a large farming family and have always enjoyed taking care of children. At a young age, I lost a friend to Batten disease. I knew then that I wanted to become a physician to take care of children with neurologic concerns. During my training, I was drawn to caring for children experiencing neurologic emergencies and being a part of their care team.

In medical school, I was recognized for my work in root cause analysis and patient-based outcomes, particularly during hospitalization stays of patients with new and acquired neurocognitive changes. I’m excited to continue my research in patient safety quality improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

We often have the privilege of walking with families through the most challenging of times. I consider myself a team member working with a family and care team through the entire spectrum of the illness. I believe that neurocritical care starts before the patient arrives at the hospital and continues long after discharge.

This is an exciting time for research in the realm of pediatric neurocritical care. We all work as a team to deliver the best medicine and care to all our patients.

In my free time, I enjoy textile crafts and going to craft festivals with my family.