Episode 24 Overview, Guest Bio & Additional Resources
Glenn Kitchener’s Journey from Diagnosis to Advocacy
In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, we explore the world of pediatric asthma education with Dr. Mark Schnellinger, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Minnesota and the author of The Medicine Stars, an adventure novel that helps middle schoolers understand asthma through storytelling.
We explore:
- The challenges families face during pediatric asthma crises, from medication access to socioeconomic barriers
- How The Medicine Stars blends storytelling and medical knowledge to educate children about asthma
- The role of schools, families, and communities in creating supportive environments
- Why empowerment through knowledge reduces fear and builds confidence for children with asthma
- Broader systemic issues and the future of pediatric asthma education and care
Dr. Schnellinger shares his journey from emergency medicine to creative author, showing how narrative can be a powerful tool to help children and families better understand asthma.
Expert in Pediatric Asthma and Emergency Care
Dr. Mark Schnellinger is a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Minnesota with a deep commitment to helping children and families navigate the challenges of asthma. His clinical experience, from urgent cases at Coney Island Hospital to his current role, has shaped his dedication to improving care for young patients facing respiratory crises. Dr. Schnellinger emphasizes the importance of education, access to medication, and family support as cornerstones of effective asthma management, especially in communities where barriers to care are common.
Bringing Storytelling Into Health Education
Alongside his medical practice, Dr. Schnellinger is the author of The Medicine Stars, an adventure novel designed to teach middle school readers about asthma in a way that is both engaging and empowering. By blending mythology, fantasy, and accurate medical knowledge, the book helps children understand what happens in their bodies during an asthma attack while easing fear and encouraging confidence. Endorsed by pediatric specialists, The Medicine Stars is more than a story—it is a tool for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to support children in taking charge of their health. Learn more at drmarkstar.com.