Moving On: Acknowledging Carl Cooley’s Contributions to NH-ME LEND

Working as a primary care pediatrician in a small New Hampshire town, Carl Cooley came to appreciate the important role families play in health care, especially for children with developmental disabilities and chronic health care conditions.  He found the traditional primary care model lacking for children with more complex needs, leading him to pursue a career as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician with the goal of improving the system of care.  Carl’s contributions to the field are numerous.  He became a national leader in developing and implementing the “medical home” model of care to ensure primary and specialty health care was well coordinated for children with complex needs and their families.  His vision for quality health care extended to include the effective transition of adolescents and young adults with complex needs from pediatric to adult health care services, promoting patient-centered care.  His work further expanded to children with critical congenital heart disease and the promotion of a community-based coordinated system of care.  Carl’s gentle manner and clear vision have touched many lives, including hundreds of NH-ME LEND trainees since the inception of the program in 1992.  As Carl moves on in his life journey, NH-ME LEND wishes him well.  We appreciate his wisdom and perspective and know he will be missed.

Read more about Carl Cooley:  https://iod.unh.edu/person/cooley/w-carl