Q&A with Megan Attridge, MD, MS (she/her), assistant professor of emergency medicine, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
A McFarland native and UW–Madison alumna, Dr. Megan Attridge returns to Wisconsin after building a career in pediatric emergency medicine, research and advocacy. She earned her undergraduate and medical degrees at UW–Madison before completing a pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
She also earned a master’s degree in health services and outcomes research from Northwestern University. Before returning to UW, Attridge served as an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician at Lurie Children’s.
Her academic interests include firearm-injury prevention, neighborhood opportunity and child health outcomes, food and infant-supply insecurity, and sudden unexpected infant death, with a focus on translating research into practical improvements for children and families.
Q: Why did you choose emergency medicine?
I chose emergency medicine because it offers the opportunity to care for children and families during critical moments while also addressing the broader factors that shape their health. The emergency department is an important setting for identifying social needs, connecting families with resources and advancing injury-prevention efforts.
I value being able to provide immediate care while also working toward solutions that improve children’s health beyond their emergency department visit.
Q: Do you have a particular area of clinical or research focus? What about it interests you?
My research focuses on firearm-injury prevention, neighborhood opportunity and child health outcomes, food and infant-supply insecurity, and sudden unexpected infant death. I am drawn to these areas because they reveal opportunities to move beyond describing disparities and develop practical, sustainable interventions that help children and families thrive.
In my operational role, I am especially interested in translating this work into clinical processes that improve the quality and effective, meaningful care delivery.
Q: What attracted you to UW–Madison?
As someone who grew up in Wisconsin and attended UW–Madison, I was excited by the opportunity to return home and serve the community that helped shape me. I was also drawn to the UW’s collaborative culture, strong sense of community and commitment to improving the health of children and families throughout Wisconsin.
Q: What’s one thing you hope trainees will learn from you and your work?
I hope trainees learn to look beyond the immediate clinical concern and recognize the broader factors affecting a child’s health. I want them to see that every patient encounter is an opportunity to listen, advocate and identify meaningful ways to support children and families.
Q: Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how.
Yes. My work reflects the Wisconsin Idea by translating research and clinical experience into programs, operational improvements and advocacy that support children and families beyond the emergency department. I hope to use my work at UW to help build healthier, safer communities throughout Wisconsin.
Q: What’s something interesting about your area of expertise that will make us sound smarter at parties?
I hope you’re not spending too much time talking about this at parties, but here’s one surprising fact: WIC and SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase diapers. Diaper insecurity has been associated with caregiver stress and increased health care visits for urinary tract infections and diaper dermatitis, and it can create barriers to child care when families are required to provide their own diapers.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Madison?
I’m so happy to be back “home” and close to family in McFarland and Sun Prairie. I love taking my kids to the Dane County Farmers’ Market and Madison Children’s Museum, spending time outdoors and making short trips to Devil’s Lake. I’m also having fun introducing them to one of my UW–Madison favorites: Babcock ice cream!
Q: Do you have any personal hobbies, interests or secret talents?
I consider myself a TV connoisseur. I also randomly know how to juggle.
Q: If you could have dinner with one person — passed, alive or fictional — who would it be, and where would you make reservations?
Leslie Knope — I think she would have loved Mickie’s Dairy Bar (which I’m learning is temporarily closed!).