Katie Thompson joined the University of Michigan 23 years ago. Since then, she’s carried her expertise and knowledge across several departments and units. Keep scrolling to learn more about Katie!
Q. You are a Senior Administrative Assistant and Fellowship Program Coordinator for the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP). Can you explain what you do in these roles and when you joined us?
A. I joined the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics about four years ago. As the program coordinator, I am responsible for making sure that our fellowship program runs smoothly. And that our fellows have what is needed and get pointed in the right direction for their future success.
Administratively, I schedule a lot of meetings and play a pivotal role in events, including our Spring 2025 MCHB Conference which will have around 100 attendees next year! As a division administrator, I spend a lot of time ensuring that annual reviews happen and that faculty element profiles are up to date, along with general troubleshooting with additional needs. And of course, as it says on my job description as need for extracurricular work. I enjoy making sure that other people’s needs are met.
Q. How does your role contribute to the overall goals and mission of the department?
A. I am one of the first “faces” or people that fellows in our division may work with. Because of this, I try to keep our mission, goals, and especially our DEI work at the forefront of what I do. To me, this means kindness, always. No matter who you are, or what your experience or titles are, I’ll meet you with the same level of kindness and grace that I hope someone would reciprocate back to me.
Our education goal is to provide a positive, inclusive, and exceptional learning environment, and I feel strongly that I work hard to embody that!
Q. How did you get here, and what other background do you have?
A. I’ve been with the University of Michigan for 23 years, first starting as a medical secretary in Thoracic Surgery and moving on to spend time in Ambulatory Care, Revenue Cycle, and now Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics! Before joining DBP, my interactions with faculty and fellows had been somewhat limited. This role was 100% new to me!
Q. What is your favorite part of this job and what are you most proud of?
A. My favorite part of the job is the credentialing process. I think that’s because it allows me to see something from beginning to end. Once GME signs off on it, it feels like a reward or an A+ on an exam! I get to cross it off my list and know that I worked hard and got from steps A to Z. I always feel so proud when it’s done!
I’m also extremely humbled and proud that our fellows enjoy working with me. It is an honor to watch the fellows grow and move on to become faculty. I love being part of this process with them!
Q. Can you share a valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career at Michigan?
A. I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is to give yourself grace. I’ll never forget on my first day with pediatrics, a colleague said to me, “Just give yourself grace. None of this is easy!”. I had a lot to learn when I came to pediatrics and I was met with such patience and grace from the very start. I have heard that colleague's voice in my head every day for the last four years and continue to meet others with that same sentiment.
Q. Outside of your professional life, do you have any hobbies or interests you're passionate about?
A. Music is a passion for me. My husband and I met when he was looking for a lead vocalist to front his band.
Outside of music, I love spending time with our two rescue dogs, I love to be in the dirt gardening and I adore being a grandma to my two favorite people Cole & Myah.
Q. Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
A. Ironically, I would say that most people don’t know that I was involved in the music scene. I play all genres of music: country, classic rock, blues, and more and have even met with producers in Nashville!
I actually toured around Michigan, for several years - in some of the biggest clubs in southeastern Michigan. Including Casinos. At one point I was offered a contract with a production studio in Nashville.
Q. What would you share with someone interested in working in our department?
A. I would say that I am so thankful for those that I work with. Everyone here will go out of their way to help you. It’s a wonderful place to work and I couldn’t be happier! And I know you will be too. You will not find kinder, more generous and caring people anywhere. It is my honor to be a part of Pediatrics - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.
