Meet peer supporter, Jill Pearson, MD

Pediatric hospitalist medical director helps others love their work

Did you know dedicated clinicians and nursing staff are available 24/7 for confidential peer-to-peer support for all Salem Health Hospital and Clinics employees and medical staff.

Since May 2018, the Salem Health Peer Support Team has provided confidential support for those experiencing emotional distress or enduring an adverse event in the workplace. The team also reaches out to those involved in serious adverse events affecting patients to ensure all clinicians and staff involved receive the care and resources they need to cope.

Let’s meet another peer supporter, Dr. Jill Pearson, pediatric hospitalist medical director:

Why are you part of peer support?

“I love being part of peer support because I feel passionate about building a work environment that feels like family. We all deserve to love to come to work every day, and especially through the trials of the past three years, supporting each other has never felt more important. I value being someone who staff and other providers feel safe coming to during times of crisis or stress and I know they are always there for me as well.”

Tell us about you!

“I have four incredible children who bring me joy every day. They have taught me so much and continue to be the light of my life. Spending time with them doing anything from hiking, paddle boarding, birdwatching, puzzle building or binge-watching shows is my recipe for resiliency. I am also an avid off-road Jeep enthusiast, which keeps my adrenal glands happy.”


How did you get your start in health care?

“I started my career in pediatrics in southern Oregon, where I practiced the whole spectrum of care from resuscitating 25-week premature babies, consulting on pediatric trauma patients in the emergency room and growing a pediatric practice where I absolutely loved watching my patients grow up.”

Why health care?

“I have always been honored to feel part of my patients’ families and have always been drawn to the hospital setting. I consider it a true blessing to be able to care for the acutely ill child and comfort their parents during a stressful chapter of their child's life.”

Tell us about your work at Salem Health:

“I was hired by Salem Health to develop a pediatric hospitalist program nearly six years ago. I cannot express how proud I am of my team and the incredible work we have done to standardize care and increase the acuity of patients we care for here. Our goal is to keep as many children here, in their own community, when they require hospitalization. The camaraderie my team feels with our NICU, ED, RT and pharmacy has been beyond amazing. And the relationships we have built with our nursing staff have been extraordinary, making our work life feel more like an extension of family. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime.”

Are you in need of confidential peer support?

Don’t hesitate to reach out! They are here to help. To learn more about the peer support team, click here. To contact the team, call the confidential switchboard at 503-814-7337 (4-PEER internally).