Opening Remarks and Keynote: Pediatric Sepsis from the Perspective of "The Pitt"
Opening Remarks: Ronnie "The King" Coleman, Sepsis Survivor and Advocate
During these opening remarks, former professional bodybuilder, Ronnie “The King” Coleman, will share his personal experience with sepsis and provide an update on his recovery journey. Mr. Coleman will also share the inspiration for his #RonnieStrong campaign, a global movement dedicated to raising funds and awareness for sepsis.
Keynote: Pediatric Sepsis from the Perspective of "The Pitt"
In this Keynote presentation, step into the fast-paced world of emergency medicine through the lens of a Pittsburgh ER physician who served as a medical advisor for The Pitt, a popular medical drama TV show on HBO Max. Dr. Owusu-Ansah will weave real-life clinical insight with storytelling, offering a compelling look at how pediatric sepsis presents and is managed in the emergency department. Drawing from frontline experiences, the presentation will explore risk factors, symptom recognition, and evidence-based treatment approaches, while also examining how medical narratives in television can influence awareness, understanding, and education around critical conditions like pediatric sepsis.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, the learner should be able to:
- Restate the latest definitions around pediatric sepsis and septic shock
- Identify risk factors and clinical manifestations from the perspective of an emergency department physician
- Describe current treatment strategies for pediatric sepsis
- Analyze how media can enhance perspectives around pediatric sepsis education
Target Audience:
Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.
Sylvia Owusu-Ansah MD, MPH. FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine; Associate Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department of Pediatrics
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in pediatric emergency medicine and serves as an EMS physician. Currently, she holds the positions of EMS Medical Director and Associate Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
As a dedicated advocate, educator, and researcher, Dr. Owusu-Ansah actively promotes the principles of pediatric emergency medicine and emergency medical services both in academic settings and within the wider community. Her significant contributions have earned her multiple awards and recognitions, and her work has been featured in esteemed media outlets, including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and U.S. News & World Report.
Throughout her career, Dr. Owusu-Ansah has trained over 2,000 individuals in CPR, including notable figures such as Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh's first Black mayor, as well as members of the University of Pittsburgh's Division I athletic teams. She notably played a crucial role in an event where a soccer goalkeeper used CPR skills learned under her guidance to save her father's life, an effort documented in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Owusu-Ansah co-leads a program aimed at underserved middle school students, equipping them with healthcare and lifesaving skills while mentoring medical students of color. As the CEO and co-founder of Akoma United, she is committed to empowering underserved communities with essential skills, including initiatives focused on Ghana. Furthermore, she is currently developing a book and co-owns the short film "In Good Hands," which has advanced to the semi-finals at the 2025 New York Independent Film Festival and was one of the HBO short film finalists at the American Black Film Festival 2025. Dr. Owusu-Ansah also served as an advisor for the inaugural season of the medical drama series "The Pitt," available for streaming on HBO Max.
Ronnie Coleman
Former Mr. Olympia and Professional Bodybuilder, Sepsis Survivor and Advocate
#RonnieStrong
Ronnie Coleman, known around the world as “The King,” is a legend who redefined the sport of bodybuilding and inspired generations to push past their limits. With eight consecutive Mr. Olympia victories and 26 IFBB professional titles, his legacy is built not only on strength but on relentless determination and discipline. His achievements have been honored globally, including induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame and the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2025, Coleman faced one of his toughest battles yet—a near-fatal encounter with sepsis. Emerging from this challenge with the same resilience that defined his career, he now stands as a powerful voice for sepsis awareness through the Ronnie Strong campaign.