PEDS EM

Jocelyn Plesa, MD

Co-Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Dr. Jocelyn Plesa, MD is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she has spent the last 12 years doing what she loves most — caring for kids when they need it most. Known for her calm presence and genuine warmth, Dr. Plesa has become a familiar and trusted face in the emergency department, making stressful moments a little easier for patients and families alike.

Dr. Plesa’s passion for pediatric medicine took her on a journey through some of the best training programs in the country. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, completed her pediatric residency at Miami Children’s Hospital, and went on to fellowship training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh — experiences that shaped her into the well-rounded clinician she is today.

Outside of the emergency department, Dr. Plesa is a proud mom of two boys, a Florida Gators superfan, and someone who genuinely knows how to have a good time. She and her family call South Florida home, where her husband serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. When she’s not catching a live concert or sporting event, you’ll find her on the Pilates mat, putting together a stunning floral arrangement, or tackling her latest home project. She brings that same energy, creativity, and dedication to everything she does — including the care she delivers every single day to her patients and their families.

She takes pride in teaching medical students and residents, for this next generation is the future of medicine. She considers herself a lifelong learner of medicine and young minds always bring a fresh new perspective.

Jheanelle McKay, MD

Associate Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Department
Co-Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Dr. Jheanelle McKay is a board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician with extensive training and experience at some of the nation’s leading institutions, including Boston Children’s Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. As the Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department and Co-Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education, Dr. McKay plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of emergency medicine physicians.

Dr. McKay completed her pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she developed a passion for pediatric care in high-acuity settings. With a focus on medical education, she has been recognized for her excellence in clinical teaching, earning the 2024 Pediatric Resident Teacher of the Year Award at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Her commitment to hands-on, procedural training is evident in her leadership roles and innovative research, including a groundbreaking study on "just-in-time procedural training" for pediatric emergency medicine trainees.

Throughout her career, Dr. McKay has worked closely with interdisciplinary teams, contributing to advancements in pediatric emergency care, particularly in global health and diversity initiatives. She has lectured and trained healthcare professionals both locally and internationally, ensuring a broad and meaningful impact on pediatric emergency medicine.

For medical students passionate about pediatrics and emergency medicine, Dr. McKay offers a unique blend of expertise, mentorship, and dedication to clinical excellence. Her work at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital provides a dynamic and supportive environment for students to develop their skills in pediatric emergency care, making her an invaluable resource for those looking to pursue a career in this field.

Exceptional peds experience

  • Where

    The pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) rotation at Memorial Healthcare System (MHS) offers an unparalleled training experience at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH), the crown jewel of our EM residency program. As the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in South Broward County, JDCH serves as a regional hub for complex and critical pediatric cases, with more than 75,000 pediatric visits annually.

  • How

    During your rotation, you'll work in our 44-bed Pediatric Emergency Department, which handles a high volume of diverse and high-acuity cases. In addition to our main hospital, you'll have opportunities to provide care at our community site Memorial West, which sees an additional 20,000 pediatric visits per year. This extensive clinical exposure will prepare you to handle everything from routine pediatric emergencies to the most complex trauma cases.

  • Who

    JDCH offers comprehensive pediatric subspecialty services, including pediatric cardiac and renal transplants, ECMO, and inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry. As a resident, you will work closely with specialists from a variety of fields, gaining valuable insights into the management of complex conditions and multisystem diseases. This collaborative environment ensures that you not only become proficient in emergency care but also in coordinating care with our top-tier specialists.

  • Why

    Our Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) rotation is designed to provide you with an exceptional learning experience that goes beyond routine emergency care. With a team of highly specialized physicians who bring decades of expertise, you'll receive hands-on training in a dynamic and supportive environment. The combination of extensive clinical exposure, direct mentorship, and specialized didactic sessions at JDCH ensures that you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in pediatric emergency medicine. This rotation is a crucial step in shaping your ability to manage a wide range of pediatric emergencies, making it an essential component of your overall emergency medicine training.

Curriculum

Peds EM rotationS

  • PGY 1 - 2: designated PEM blocks during intern year (2 months)

  • PGY 2 & 3: longitudinal PEM shifts interspersed in your adult EM rotations, with increasing autonomy as your training advances. A varied clinical experience encompassing the full-spectrum of pediatric illness and injury

monthly Didactics and Simulation (8a-1p)

  • Comprehensive didactic curriculum based on ACGME guidelines to complement bedside teaching (18 month cycle)

  • Routine guest lectures from Pediatric Subspecialists, who engage learners with an interactive, multimedia approach

  • Monthly PEM simulation in our new state of the art high-fidelity JDCH SIM lab