Dr. Peitso with daughter Hailey, a psychologist, on her wedding day in September of 2015. Dr. Peitso and her husband also have another daughter, Robyn who is a 4th year medical student, and a son, Matthew, who is a geologist.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
After a long career as a primary care pediatrician, last year I switched gears and became a pediatric hospitalist at St. Cloud Hospital. Shifts vary from 9-12 hours in length. I take care of sick children and also healthy newborns, in support of a very busy newborn service. I am fortunate to have NICU and PICU backup. I also have a 0.2 position as physician champion with the Care Transitions team within CentraCare, which allows me to continue my work advocating for families and robust care coordination.
What’s one pediatric issue you are particularly passionate about and why?
Addressing disparities in health care. With the help of a MNAAP grant from AAP Friends of the Children several years ago, my peds department had the opportunity to improve our developmental screening process for Somali children and bring on board a Somali community health worker. This experience has raised my awareness of all manner of barriers to equal health care access, and also the power of individual commitment and action.
You’re an active member of MNAAP. What benefits have you gained from your involvement?
When I was contemplating stepping up my involvement in MNAAP activities, Dr. Jeff Schiff told me that being active in MNAAP had a way of opening doors. I have gone through many doors, personal and professional, directly leading from my activities with MN AAP.
Which other organizations are you currently involved with?
I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota Medical Association and the Board of the Minnesota Medical Association Foundation. I am a member of AAP and the Section on Hospital Medicine and the Council for Children with Disabilities. I also sing in my church choir when able.
What’s one thing most people are surprised to learn about you?
I am a Boston Marathon finisher and am currently in a 12-step program for grieving ex-runners. It’s called “Yoga”.
What’s one of the best pieces of advice or funniest things a child has said?
Best advice category: “Hey mom, can we get a dog?”
Anything else you want to add?
There is a power and momentum created when pediatricians, passionate about advocating for children, work together with parents and other advocates, toward a common goal. I highly recommend it as both a professional and leisure time activity.
