Devon Ward, MD

Hometown:
Fresno, California

Medical School:
Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program?
I was born and raised in Fresno, and was therefore especially excited to return home after graduating from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. I wanted to train at Valley Children’s Hospital because I knew how well-respected and appreciated the Valley Children’s Healthcare system is in the community.  I looked forward to being able to serve an underrepresented and highly deserving community. While completing a fourth-year, away rotation at Valley Children’s, I came to appreciate the value of a wide catchment area and the high volumes of patients with diverse medical conditions and needs. As a resident, I am so thankful for the degree to which my program director and associate program directors are invested in my education, clinical growth and professional development. They are strong supporters of my preparations for a successful career in outpatient general pediatrics.

Advocacy Goals:
I am passionate about improving mental health care access for my patients and am hopeful that future pediatricians will feel more comfortable when treating patients with anxiety and depression, while promptly recognizing and appropriately responding to suicide risk. Therefore, I have created a curriculum to help my colleagues become more comfortable and confident when treating suicidal patients.

Hobbies:
When not engaged in my clinical duties, I love to travel, attend High Fitness classes, catch up on sleep or relax with friends and family.