Biography
Rebekah Wakeman, M.D., specializes in pediatrics and sees children of all ages at MyMichgian Pediatrics in the Campus Ridge Building on the campus of MyMichgian Medical Center Midland.
Philosophy of Care
“I have always loved working with children, from my first jobs babysitting and teaching piano lessons to teaching and educating,” Dr. Wakeman said. “I see my role as a teacher and trusted source of information for patients and families. I think I bring a unique perspective due to my experiences with my own children and their unique needs.”
“It’s important to listen to the patient and family as there are often multiple good choices. I welcome questions and love to share why I make my recommendations. This is particularly important for patients with special needs as I believe families are the experts for these children and my role is to help meet their needs.”
“At the beginning of the child’s life, my role is mainly to support and encourage the parents in their role. As the child grows, my role shifts to include education and building trust with the child. Learning to communicate with a health care provider is a key skill for adulthood, and I can help create positive expectations for this relationship. I try to make recommendations based on my medical training and the knowledge that I gain from the family.”
“My experiences with my own children and working as a medical assistant have given me a unique understanding of some of the challenges families face. In addition, I completed a fellowship in pediatric critical care medicine, which gave me extensive experience with very sick and complex pediatric patients. This training helped develop my leadership skills and ability to stay calm in a crisis. I have learned how to celebrate milestones for each unique patient.”
“I am also familiar with procedures such as intubation, central line placement, home ventilator and G-tube use. I am particularly interested in pediatric patients with complex health care needs. I am an advocate for LGBTQ+ families and I’m familiar with care of transgender children.”
“I am always learning from new advancements and from each unique person that I care for. With advances in genetic medicine, the ability to target treatment to specific diseases and to personalize medicine to the patient are trends I am watching closely as potential game-changers for some diseases.”
“I love to explore the outdoors by hiking, biking and kayaking. If there is a body of water near me, I will probably be immersed in it sooner or later. My goal is to visit each of the National Parks.”
“I am an avid reader and can never be without a book, just in case I’m bored! I was a music minor in college and love to play the piano and listen to music from choir to orchestra to Broadway.”
“My wife, Brie, and I have six children. Yes, we are busy!”
Special Interests and Procedures
- Well child visits
- Complex pediatric conditions
- Home ventilator and G-tube use
- Transgender medicine
