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Pediatrics

Gagnon’s new role in MNAAP means a stronger voice for Gillette and our families

The associate medical director of pediatrics at Gillette Children's, Madeleine Gagnon, MD, was recently appointed to the Board of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP).

Madeleine Gagnon, MD, was recently appointed to the Board of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP).

Photos were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The associate medical director of pediatrics at Gillette Children's, Madeleine Gagnon, MD, was recently appointed to the Board of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP).

Gagnon says it’s an important time to serve on the MNAAP board as the global COVID-19 pandemic brings special challenges for all pediatric health providers and families.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is just devastating and the MNAAP board wants to help support families as they navigate issues surrounding whether it’s safe for kids to return to in-person classes,” Gagnon says. “We also want to make sure that fears of COVID-19 are not preventing children from having access to health care. We want to be sure kids are staying current on their vaccinations.”

“COVID-19 means we’re facing the same storm but we’re all in different ships,” Gagnon says. “As the mother of two boys, I believe strongly that we need to do what we can to get through each day and do what’s best for our families.”

Madeleine Gagnon, MD, is an expert in pediatric care and a strong advocate for children with complex medical issues. 

Madeleine Gagnon, MD, is an expert in pediatric care and a strong advocate for children with complex medical issues. 

Gillette and MNAAP are powerful advocates for children

MNAAP is a leading voice on children’s health and well-being in Minnesota and represents more than 1,000 pediatricians, pediatric providers, and pediatric trainees throughout the state.

“My colleagues on the MNAAP board are all passionate about children’s health issues,” Gagnon says. “Because I’m from Gillette I work with kids who have complex needs and medical fragility every day. I want to make sure the voices of these patients are heard.”

“The MNAAP is a strong advocacy organization,” Gagnon says.  “We want to help knock down the longstanding barriers that prevent some communities from getting access to the health care they need. The MNAAP is focused on racial disparity and health injustice issues and we’re working to bring solutions to these big social issues.”

Gagnon is a robust voice for children and families getting care for complex medical conditions. “One of the main goals of the MNAAP right now is to make sure there’s support for the pediatric community at large. We know many rural clinics throughout Minnesota are trying to solve significant problems when it comes to having the proper technology to conduct virtual care visits,” Gagnon says. “Virtual care is very important as we try to keep everyone as safe as possible during COVID-19. “

Gagnon’s new role with the MNAAP will allow her to network with more colleagues and help to spread the word about the care and treatment Gillette provides.

“Gillette is an unparalleled resource for pediatric physicians,” Gagnon says. “I want to put a spot light on Gillette and to help pediatricians and patients throughout Minnesota connect with our expert doctors. “