Q&A with Natalie J Tedford, MD, MSPH (she/her), assistant professor of emergency medicine in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Hometown: Paige, Arizona & Brownfield, Texas
Educational background: I attended the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston, where I earned a medical humanities scholarly concentration. I completed my residency in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, graduating from the Pediatric Global Health Track and serving as Lead Resident for Advocacy during my final year. I then completed a combined four-year fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine and global health at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Hospital, where I also earned my master of science degree in public health – health promotion from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Do you have an area of clinical interest, and how did you get into it? My interest in social emergency medicine stemmed from my passion for advocacy, global health, and health equity. Witnessing the profound impact of social determinants on health outcomes throughout my life and medical training (locally and internationally), I became committed to addressing these disparities during fellowship by initiating social needs screening efforts in the emergency department and subsequent referral and collaboration with community partners. I am excited to see how to implement similar efforts here at UW–Madison!
How would you describe your work to a 5-year-old? I have a special job where I help kids feel better when they get hurt or feel very sick. If a kid falls and hurts their arm, has a really bad tummy ache, or feels very sick, they come to see me. I talk with them and their parents, use my stethoscope, figure out what’s wrong, and give them the right medicine or treatment to help them feel better. My job is to make sure kids are safe and healthy as quickly as possible!
What attracted you to UW–Madison? As a former pediatric resident at UW–Madison, I was attracted to return due to its strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, exceptional research, and dedication to health equity and global health initiatives. The vibrant academic community and supportive environment at UW–Madison provide an ideal setting for advancing my professional goals and making a meaningful impact in the field. Not to mention, I was excited to work with the phenomenal people again!
What do you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? We are a team—we learn from everyone while being kind, curious, and professional toward one another.
Do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin Idea as it relates to medicine — that our efforts should influence people’s health and well-being beyond the care they receive in our emergency departments)? My work aligns with the Wisconsin Idea by striving to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. Through advocacy, research, and community engagement, I aim to create lasting, systemic improvements in health outcomes for all.
My first job: Lifeguard and babysitter
My most unusual job: I worked as a medical blinder, where I prepared and assembled medical record documentation/charts for peer review through the Texas A&M University Nursing Quality and Safety Collaboration. Essentially, I removed patient and provider identifying information from charts and documentation to make the peer-review process more objective and confidential!
What are some things you are excited to do/visit/try, being back into the Madison area? So many great things! We love the fantastic dog parks (Prairie Moraine), enjoying the community on the Memorial terrace, the UW Arboretum and Pheasant Branch trails all year round, and obviously the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
My hobbies and other interests outside of work: I like to stay busy and have many, but some of my favorites are cycling, running, swimming, Nordic skiing, painting with watercolors, reading, plant-based cooking, and spending time with my husband (Tyler) and our dog (Felix).
If you could have dinner with one person (passed, alive or fictional), who and at where would you make reservations? Professor Dumbledore at The Three Broomsticks