01 Nov Adetunbi Ayeni, MD: A 2024 Unsung Hero
Dr. Adetunbi Ayeni is a transformative force in pediatric emergency medicine at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. As a dedicated physician, her commitment to her young patients is evident in the compassionate care she provides, ensuring that each child feels seen, heard, and valued during critical moments. Her recent appointment as the program director for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship underscores her leadership and vision for the future of medical education.
Dr. Ayeni’s love of clinical teaching is evident in every aspect of her work. Having completed not only her Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship but also an Ultrasound fellowship, she seamlessly integrates her extensive knowledge into her teaching practice. In the pediatric emergency room, she excels at bedside teaching, providing real-time guidance and mentorship to trainees while demonstrating critical skills. Additionally, her expertise in Point of Care Ultrasounds (POCUS) allows her to educate her fellows and residents on advanced diagnostic techniques in an engaging, hands-on manner. Dr. Ayeni is also deeply committed to supporting the next generation of physicians, dedicating significant time to help soon-to-graduate medical students prepare for their residency interviews, ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on their medical careers. Her enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring not only enhances the educational experience for her trainees but also inspires a culture of excellence and compassion in pediatric emergency medicine.
What truly brings Dr. Ayeni to mind for this award however is her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has single-handedly designed a comprehensive three-year curriculum that confronts healthcare disparities head-on. By addressing the historical context and contemporary impacts of disparities faced by African Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups, she empowers her colleagues and trainees to understand and address these critical issues in their practice. Her curriculum delves into topics like implicit bias and heuristics, equipping future leaders in pediatric emergency medicine with the tools they need to provide equitable care. What truly sets Dr. Ayeni apart is her dynamic teaching approach. She engages her fellows, residents and students through various modalities, including small group discussions, video presentations, and interactive sessions. Dr. Ayeni possesses a remarkable ability to create a safe and engaging space for residents and fellows to discuss difficult topics, fostering open dialogue about sensitive issues in healthcare. Her approachable demeanor and genuine passion for these conversations encourage participants to engage fully, rather than retreating to their cell phones. Through her dynamic presentation style and interactive teaching methods, she captivates her audience, ensuring that even the most challenging subjects are addressed thoughtfully and respectfully. This unique skill not only enriches the learning experience but also empowers her trainees to confront and navigate complex issues with confidence and empathy.
In summary, Dr. Adetunbi Ayeni is not only a dedicated pediatric emergency medicine physician but also a passionate advocate for equitable healthcare. Her innovative DEI curriculum and commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and understanding environment will leave a lasting impact on both her fellows and the communities they serve.
Recipient Bio:
Dr. Adetunbi T. Ayeni is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician in the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare Enterprise. Dr. Ayeni completed her residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University/Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital and did two fellowships (Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Point of Care Emergency Ultrasound) at NewYork -Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. She attended the seven year accelerated medical program at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City University of New York Medical School and went on to Stony Brook University School of Medicine to complete her medical education. Over the years Dr. Ayeni has won countless awards acknowledging her medical achievements and work with the community. For three years she served on the regional board of the Student National Medical Association, where she was the Associate Regional Director for New York and New Jersey for two of those years. In 2008 she became a founding member of the Distinguished Nigerian Physicians of Tomorrow. Her most recent award was in June 2018 where she was chosen from the Department of Emergency medicine for her “excellent display of Hospital Values in her work every day.”
Dr. Ayeni was the Program Director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine fellowship for the last seven years and was recently promoted to Program Director in January of 2024. She is emergency ultrasound faculty as well as the Director of Diversity for the Emergency Department at her institution. During the height of the pandemic, she planned, developed and implemented a longitudinal course focusing on race, healthcare, and medical disparities in minority communities in hopes to train residents, fellows, and attendings into becoming more well-rounded physicians.
– Christopher Kelly, MD