Robert Wedge, DO
Why did you choose Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency?
I chose Valley Children's because of the support I saw and felt during my time here as a fourth year medical student. The faculty and staff truly care for the residents and make sure they have the resources to succeed. Valley Children's also serves a large population of not just Fresno, but the whole Central Valley, which provides great learning opportunities and helping the underserved. Finally, my wife and her family are from Fresno, which provides us with a great support system away from the hospital. These aspects will allow me to become the best pediatrician I can be.
Hobbies:
Golfing with friends, finding shows and movies to watch with my wife, and trivia nights. I enjoy watching sports: Anaheim Angels, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Vikings, Indiana Pacers, and Arsenal FC. I love watching motorsports, especially NASCAR and F1. Catch me watching a local short track race at Madera Speedway! A weird hobby of mine is plane spotting!
Advocacy and Research Interests and Accomplishments:
I have been drawn to serving those who do not have the access or the resources for adequate healthcare. When I was completing my Masters in Global Medicine, I had the opportunity to go to Panama to provide healthcare to the underserved native population, which I hope to continue in the future. I did research in undergrad on bacteria growth in clean rooms and their resistance to typical cleaning agents. I had open heart surgery at 18 months old and I hope to pursue research in the pediatric cardiovascular and adult congenital heart defect field while I am at Valley Children's and beyond.
Care Philosophy:
Without the interventions that happened early in my life, I wouldn't be where I am today and it has really shaped my philosophy on healthcare and the role physicians play. I have a unique perspective from being the patient and listening to how my parents navigated those tough times when I was a baby, then child, and teenager that I can incorporate into my practice and help treat patients and be an example for parents that their child will be okay and the times may be tough right now, but there will be a day in the future where they can look back on with positivity.