It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Dr. Regan Giesinger on May 16, 2023, after a brave and fierce battle with cancer. Regan will be missed by her mother, Ronna Killeen (James), her father, Jim Giesinger (Vicki), her brothers, Michael (Ingrid) and Matthew, her extended family and her many friends and colleagues.
Regan was born in Winnipeg on April 1, 1981, and moved with her family to Calgary and then to Toronto. She graduated from the University of Guelph (BScH, 2003) and Queen's University (MD, 2008). Following her qualification as a medical doctor, she pursued specialities in pediatrics and neonatology through residency and fellowship terms at the London Health Sciences Centre and SickKids Hospital. Regan was appointed to the faculty at SickKids in 2015 where she developed further expertise in neonatal echocardiography. In 2018, she joined the division of neonatology at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital and became a clinical assistant professor. She was appointed as director of the neonatal hemodynamics and targeted neonatal echocardiography program and was instrumental in cultivating the program to be a world leader. In her role as medical director of neonatal transport, she shepherded many sentinel advances in the expansion of the team and reinvigorated its interface within pediatrics. She also served as assistant program director of neonatal-perinatal medicine. Regan rose to the rank of clinical associate professor in 2020.
Regan's impact on her profession was global. She was an invited speaker both nationally and internationally on neonatal transport and hemodynamics and was an avid educator of trainees in those areas. She contributed significantly to the body of research, being published in over 65 original articles, 11 book chapters and numerous abstracts. For her achievements in neonatal hemodynamics, she was appointed as a fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography, only the second neonatologist to have been honoured with this accolade. She was an executive member of the Neonatal Hemodynamics Advisory at the Pediatric Academic Society and the Neonatal Hemodynamics Special Interest Group at the American Society of Echocardiography. Her passionate dedication to clinical care set her apart. Regan made herself available 365 days of the year 24/7 to all NICU patients in her passionate pursuit of the highest level of hemodynamic care possible.
Regan poured her time and energy into her work, which filled her life with purpose. She also enjoyed travel and science fiction and was an avid curling fan. She was an enthusiastic cat owner throughout her life, most recently to Darwin, Lacey and Lulu. Regan was a much-loved and popular aunt to Joshua, Gabriel, Violet and Raife, and at family gatherings would most often be found entertaining the kids.
Regan conquered cancer in 2002 at the age of 21. She did so again in 2022. When facing this challenge for the third time in 2023, she approached it with optimism and confidence that she could beat it again. Her unwavering determination and spirit were hallmarks of her character. The family is grateful for the care that Regan received at the University of Iowa Hospital through 2022 and 2023.