Rachel is from Powder Springs, Georgia, and she graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in Biology. She then received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. From there, Rachel went on to complete her pediatric residency at University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. She has a special interest in PCOS, obesity, and diabetes, and her current research is focused on genetic testing in pediatric obesity.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys weight-training, reading sci-fi novels, and exploring new creative pursuits like painting. She particularly loves to sing and enjoys exploring the music scene in Nashville.

Areas of Interest: Clinical and translational research, prediction and targeted prevention and treatment of severe acute respiratory illness in children

Presentations and Publications from Residency Projects:

Publications

• Quertermous BP, Hawkins HJ, Schlotman AA, Wang H, Kemme S, Pai A, Jitwongwai S, Angkathunyakul N, Pongpaibul A, Mohammad S. A novel genetic variant associated with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3: A case series. JPGN Rep. 2024 Sep 3;5(4):538-541. doi: 10.1002/jpr3.12119. PMID: 39610430; PMCID: PMC11600367.
• Quertermous BP, Williams DJ, Bruce J, Sekmen M, Zhu Y, Grijalva CG, Antoon JW. Incidence of Influenza-associated Neurologic and Psychiatric Complications Requiring Hospitalization in Children Ages 5-17 Years. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2024 Oct 1;43(10):959-962. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004424. Epub 2024 Jun 13. PMID: 38869312; PMCID: PMC11408088.
• Quertermous BP, Williams DJ, Bruce J, Sekmen M, Zhu Y, Grijalva CG, Antoon JW. Serious Neurologic Events with Seasonal Influenza in Young Children. Academic Pediatrics. 2025 Feb 12. 25(4): 102801. Doi: 10.1016/j.acap2025.102801

Presentations

• Quertermous BP, Williams DJ, Bruce J, Sekmen M, Zhu Y, Grijalva CG, Antoon JW. “Incidence of Influenza-Associated Serious Neurologic Events in Young Children” April 24-28, 2025. Pediatric Academic Societies Conference. Honolulu, Hi.
• Quertermous BP, Gebretsadik T, Snyder B, Milne G, Chappell J, Anderson L, Peebles S, Hartert T, Rosas-Salazar C. “Urine F2-Isoprostanes: A Potential Biomarker for the Severity of Viral Acute Respiratory Infections in Infancy” April 23-27, 2026. Pediatric Academic Societies Conference. Boston, Mass.

Awards

• David Karzon Award 2025 – presented annually to the pediatric housestaff to the resident best exemplifying Dr. Karzon’s natural curiosity, love of science, and dedication to research
• Society of Pediatric Research Prosper Award 2026 – in recognition of Research Achievements in Academic

Personal Interests: Outside of the hospital, I enjoy group exercise, gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Why I Chose Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt is the perfect combination of academic rigor and down-to-earth people. I have excellent mentors who are invested in my career progression and have given me many opportunities on my journey to become a physician-scientist. I also enjoy caring for the diverse patient population we serve. I am constantly learning on the wards and in my research endeavors.

Kelsi grew up in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. She attended Vanderbilt University where she graduated with a degree in Medicine, Health and Society and met her husband. She moved to Washington D.C. and attended medical school at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Kelsi returned to Vanderbilt for her pediatric residency training and affirmed her love for neonatology. Her research interests include trauma informed care, parental resiliency, and congenital heart disease.

Outside of the hospital, Kelsi enjoys spending quality time at the lake with her husband, son, and their goldendoodle. She enjoys exploring Nashville's ever growing food scene, watching football in the fall, and hosting friends and family.

John is originally from Pennsylvania, raised near Gettysburg. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and received an undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology, then moved to Philadelphia for medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine. John was drawn to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt during an away rotation and stayed for Pediatrics residency where he found his passion for neonatology. John’s interests include pulmonary physiology and hemodynamics, specifically PDA.

Outside of the hospital, John enjoys spending time with his growing family, finding new coffee shops, soccer, running, skiing, and watching hockey (Go Pens!! Oh, and Preds!).