“This career chooses you. It’s a calling.”
Dr. Michelle Manalang was originally on
track to become an engineer but ultimately
decided medicine was her best fit. Once
she decided on medicine, there was little
doubt the kind of work she wanted to do.
“I was very interested in taking care of
children with complex issues, especially
those who are very ill,” she said. “It’s
extraordinarily rewarding to meet the
children and to work with the families.”
Dr. Manalang said she gets to follow patients
for many years and that allows her to
develop strong relationships with those
in her care. She approaches care in a way
that takes into consideration the concerns
of the child and the family. Dr. Manalang
added that it is important to look at the entire picture of the child’s life and health and not just one specific diagnosis.
“When you care for kids, the families
are really important,” Dr. Manalang said. “It’s important to sit down and listen to their concerns.”
Dr. Manalang earned her medical degree
at University of Illinois - College of Medicine.
She completed a residency in pediatrics at
University of Iowa - Hospitals & Clinics and a
fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology
at University of Missouri - Kansas City.
Dr. Manalang is married, and she and her husband have a daughter. They like spending time together as a family, and
Dr. Manalang especially enjoys watching her daughter snowboard.