Published on April 13, 2026

Community Health Connection: Pediatric Care at Bronson Children's

We spoke with pediatric hospitalist, Megan Sikkema, DO, about common questions patients have about pediatric care and what makes the multi-disciplinary team at Bronson Children’s unique.

Video Transcript

Pediatrics at Bronson really means caring for children of all ages through every stage of their life. From wellness visits to routine illnesses all the way through highly specialized care. There is a team of pediatric experts in a variety of areas that are ready to take care of our families.

We have pediatric gastroenterology or GI, cardiology, surgery and neurology. We have a child advocacy program along with a robust pediatric oncology service. Along with all our different subspecialties, we have a team of social workers, nurses, medical assistance, case managers, pharmacists, child life, dietitians and rehab teams that are all specialized in pediatrics.

And all these services help to really elevate the care that we're able to deliver to kids. Everything that we do at Bronson Children's Hospital has the child and the family at the center so that no matter where you enter our system, that is the focus. And when we keep them at the center, the quality of care comes along with it.

When a child gets sick, it is one of the scariest things that a family has to go through. And it's also incredibly scary for the child themselves, whether that's in an office getting a vaccine or in the hospital having to have an IV in their arm or another procedure.

One of the best parts about my job is being able to take the time with the children themselves, get on their level, play with them, learn about who they are as a person — that helps to put them at the center.

I want parents to know that here at Bronson, they are going to receive comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based care. I also want them to know that they have a team of people here that are dedicated and ready to support them, walking alongside them every step of that journey.

Get connected at BronsonHealth.com.

Your Questions Answered: Pediatric Care at Bronson Children's Hospital

What does pediatric care at Bronson look like?

Pediatrics at Bronson means caring for children of all ages through every stage of their lives. From wellness visits to routine illnesses all the way through highly specialized care.

Bronson Children's Hospital is southwest and south-central Michigan's only children's hospital. Children need special doctors, nurses, equipment and treatments, and that's exactly what we offer. Everything about our pediatric care is specially designed just for them, from advanced technology and equipment sized for children, to a child-friendly environment with hospital murals, games and toys to encourage healing and play.

Our team includes not just physicians and specialists, but also social workers, nurses, case managers, pharmacists, child life specialists, dietitians and a rehab team — all specialized in pediatrics and dedicated solely to caring for children from newborns to 18-year-olds, 24 hours a day.

We are a member of the Children's Hospital Association and receive patient referrals from 19 regional hospitals and other institutions across the region.

What specialties and services does Bronson Children's offer?

We have pediatric gastroenterology, cardiology, surgery, neurology and more. We also have a child advocacy program along with a robust pediatric oncology service. All providers and clinicians on our team specialize in pediatrics to elevate the care that we're able to deliver to children who come to us for care.

Alongside the services mentioned, Bronson Children’s offers a wide range of services, including:

If your child is ill or injured and needs a higher level of specialized care, Bronson Children’s Hospital is ready 24/7.

Does Bronson Children's Hospital have a NICU?

Bronson Children's Hospital offers neonatal intensive care (NICU) as part of its complete scope of pediatric inpatient services. The NICU team is among the most specialized and experienced in the entire southwest and south-central Michigan region.

The care team in the Bronson NICU is made up of dedicated and highly skilled professionals. In addition to the team of experts, you'll have the resources you need to provide direct care for your baby while you're in the NICU. This NICU parent guide helps you to know what to expect and how to nurture your baby while in the NICU. 

Here, you’ll find helpful information, tools and resources to keep you informed and connected every step of the way: NICU Parent Resources in Southwest Michigan | Bronson Healthcare

How does Bronson support the whole family, not just the patient?

At Bronson Children's, the Patient and Family Centered Care philosophy is integrated into every aspect of care. The goal is to ensure that families never feel like they are navigating their child's health journey alone.

As Dr. Sikkema puts it: "I want parents to know that here at Bronson, they are going to receive comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based care. I also want them to know that they have a team of people here that are dedicated and ready to support them, walk alongside them every step of that journey."

Child life specialists are available to support not just the child, but the entire family — providing emotional, psychological and social support throughout the entire hospital experience.