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Clinical Coaching

The Clinical Coaching Program for the Pediatric Residency at MUSC was established in 2019 with the goal to help each resident reach their full potential. This innovative program is guided by the principle that self-reflection and a growth mindset are essential for lifelong learning. In this program each resident is paired with a dedicated faculty Clinical Coach who directly observes and guides that resident longitudinally during their residency across various clinical areas. Through this relationship the resident develops skills of self-reflection and receives specific feedback to optimize their individual clinical performance.

Pediatric Residency Program Coaches

Gina Aeckersberg, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Nephrology

Medical School: Goethe University Frankfurt (US)

Residency: UT Health San Antonio

Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina

Erin K. Balog, M.D., FAAP Pediatrics Teaching Scholar wearing a lab coat

Erin K. Balog, M.D., FAAP

Co-Director, Pediatric Residency Medical Education Track Associate Professor, Division of General Pediatrics

Pediatrics Teaching Scholar

Jessica Bauer, M.D.

Fellow, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina"


Christopher Daly, M.D.

Co-Director, Pediatric Residency Global Health Track Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Medical School: University of Virginia

Residency: Vanderbilt University

Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina

Additional Training: Global Emergency Medicine Fellowship - Medical University of South Carolina

Bailey Dunn, D.O.

Fellow, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina


Will Harris, M.D.

Fellow, Pediatric Cardiology

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina

Ian Kane, M.D.

Associate Program Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Residency: Vanderbilt University

Fellowship: Vanderbilt University

Professional Portrait

Jeffrey King, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Pediatrics

Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina

Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina


Elizabeth Diaz, Peds wearing a white coat

Elizabeth MackDiaz, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Residency: Levine Children's Hospital
Fellowship: Pheonix Children's Hospital
Additional Training: Pediatric Neurocritical Care Fellowship at Pheonix Children's Hospital

AJ Picca, D.O., MAEd

Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina

Fellowship: Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital

Additional Training: Master of Arts, Biomedical Education - Ohio State University


Margaret Rinaldi, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Professional Portrait

Lauren Tapp, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina

Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina

Steve Thacker, M.D., FAAP

Associate Chief Quality Officer Medical Director, Pediatric Antibiotic Stewardship Program Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Co-Director, Antibiotic Stewardship Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Medical School: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Residency: Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital - Vanderbilt University

Fellowship: Texas Children's Hospital

George Turco, M.D.

Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Residency: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Fellowship: Duke University


Jordan Whatley, M.D.

Program Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship Assistant Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Dr. Jordan Whatley is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Whatley completed his Pediatric Residency at Michigan State University in 2017 before pursuing Fellowship training in Pediatric Gastroenterology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which he completed in 2020. Dr. Whatley is Co-Director of the Pediatric Aerodigestive Program at MUSC. He also serves as Co-host of Bowel Sounds, the official podcast of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). Outside of medicine, Dr. Whatley enjoys exploring Charleston's vibrant culinary scene, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and son.

Alice Walz, M.D.

Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency Director of Clinical Coaching, Pediatric Residency Associate Professor, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Medical School: Marshall University
Residency: Stanford University
Fellowship: Vanderbilt University