Spotlight
Dr. Mary Fallat
Norton Children’s
Mary Fallat, M.D., pediatric surgeon, Norton Children’s
What makes her an “Audrey” Dr. Fallat is a true champion for kids. Sparked by the deadliest drunk driving crash in U.S. history, she made it her mission to ensure children receive the best trauma and burn care, regardless of where they live or socioeconomic status.
Not only has her work as a pediatric surgeon saved thousands of lives, Dr. Fallat’s vision and leadership led to significant changes in pediatric trauma care throughout Kentucky and beyond.
She fought for legislation to develop a statewide trauma system, which established new standards and designations for trauma care, and advocated for better coordination among hospitals, EMS and other agencies. Her work has served as a model for other states. Dr. Fallat’s impact is felt on a national level, especially through her work to develop a national pediatric pandemic network, which aims to provide equitable pediatric care in everyday emergencies, disasters, and global health threats.
Dr. Fallat’s leadership extends beyond the hospital setting. She advocated for first responders to have the equipment they need as well as secured a grant to help them cope with death in the field. Dr. Fallat also has served as a mentor and role model for countless surgical trainees, especially women.
For these reasons, and more, Dr. Fallat is Norton Children’s Audrey. She is an advocate for all children, and her life’s work has impacted countless patients and families throughout Kentucky and across the country.
“Dr. Fallat is guiding the future of care for kids across country.” – Dick Bartlett, Kentucky Hospital Association
“Dr. Fallat is single-handedly responsible for growing pediatric trauma care in Kentucky. She has saved thousands of lives and is adept at caring for the most complex patients. She’s the best at medicine but also provides the empathy and emotional support families need during these very difficult situations.” – David Foley, M.D., pediatric surgeon, Norton Children’s
Notable achievements:
Recipient of Pediatric Trauma Society Lifetime Achievement Award
Established the region’s first pediatric trauma center in the 1980s
Established trauma system legislation so all citizens in Kentucky, especially in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality care.
Awarded Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) grant to help develop a national pediatric pandemic network. The network helps children’s hospitals and other organizations collaborate and prepare to provide high-quality, equitable pediatric care in everyday emergencies, disasters, and global health threats.
Funded by HRSA as program director for the Kentucky EMS for Children program since 2001
Achieved a grant to help first responders cope with death in the field
Serves as trauma advisor to the National Pediatric Readiness Program
Current vice-Chair of the American College of Trauma Children’s Surgery Verification Program.
Past president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association
Past chair of the American College of Surgeons Pediatric Surgery Advisory Council
First surgeon to chair committee on Bioethics for the American Academy of Pediatrics
Countless local and statewide awards
Full CV attached
Dr. Audrey Evans inspires me as the female pioneer whose contributions improved not just the lives of children with neuroblastoma but the many families who needed compassionate care in their hours of greatest need. She was a champion of patient and family centered care with her partnership in establishing the Ronald McDonald House.
I want my legacy to be remembered as the children's surgeon who championed pediatric readiness in rural and underserved America and laid a foundation for ensuring that children have access to optimal surgery, trauma, and burn care, whether this be at home or through an improved national system of care.