Nicholas Kuehnel, MD

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Vice Chair of Clinical Operations
Division Chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Clinical information Publications

EDUCATION

BS: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Biology
MD: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Pediatrics
Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Dr. Kuehnel is Vice Chair of Operations for the Department of Emergency Medicine, where he leads strategic and operational planning for emergency and prehospital services. He also serves as Chief of the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, advancing clinical and academic efforts at the Pediatric Emergency Department at American Family Children’s Hospital.

Previously, he was the inaugural Medical Director for Quality and Safety for UW Health Kids, leading systemwide efforts to integrate pediatric quality, safety, and patient experience. Since joining the department in 2017, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Performance Improvement, and has contributed to graduate medical education through quality initiatives and fellowship leadership.

Dr. Kuehnel earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed pediatrics residency at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, followed by a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at MCW and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, as well as golfing, running, and exploring Madison.

SELECT AWARDS & HONORS

• Safety Leadership Award, UW Health (2023)
• Physician Leadership Development Program Participant, UW Health (2022-2023)
• Rising Star Clinical Excellence Award, UW Health (2021)
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical Care, BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine (2019)
• Emergency Medicine Research Career Development, Medical College of Wisconsin (2017)
• Wisconsin Medical Society Houghton Award (2011)
• Alpha Omega Alpha, student inductee (2010)

ACTIVE RESEARCH

Clinical Decision Support for Early Detection of Deterioration in Hospitalized Children
Funding Source: NIH/NHLBI R01HL173037
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Duration: 05/2024–03/2029