Supporting Pediatricians to Care for Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Launched in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pediatric Overflow Planning Contingency Response Network (POPCoRN) emerged as a vital initiative to address the unprecedented challenges faced by pediatric physicians who were tasked with providing care for adult patients. This network was conceived by Leah Ratner, MD, MS, then a second-year global health fellow and now a Young Adult Program Attending Physician, following her return from Lima, Peru, where she was conducting research on tropical diseases before being evacuated due to COVID-related travel restrictions.

In response to the pandemic, Dr. Ratner, in collaboration with a team from Cincinnati, developed POPCoRN to enhance the capacity of pediatric providers to care for adults and to support children’s hospitals across the nation in their expanded roles. The network’s formation was further bolstered by Shela Sridhar, MD, MPH, global health faculty and Assistant Program Director for the BCH Global Health Fellowship, who took on a leadership role alongside other experts from various institutions.

As the network evolved during the nation’s "second surge," it focused on four key areas: operational learnings, COVID-19 education, health equity, and resiliency and wellness. This strategic approach ensured that POPCoRN effectively addressed both immediate and long-term needs.

POPCoRN has facilitated robust collaboration among pediatric physicians and hospitals, providing a platform for shared problem-solving and innovation. It has also developed and disseminated a wealth of educational materials and webinars to support health systems in adapting to the pandemic’s demands. Emphasizing a justice-oriented approach, the network remains committed to advancing health equity and supporting vulnerable populations.

Now a multi-institutional collaborative, POPCoRN continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare, prioritizing equitable care and supporting the needs of healthcare professionals well beyond the pandemic.