July 10, 2023

Meet Melissa Eagan

Pediatric Nurse Educator 

Where are you from? 

I am a Saint Louis gal, born and raised!

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? 

I had just enrolled my youngest into kindergarten when a friend (and now co-worker) reached out with an opportunity. I was working at a local pediatrician’s office at the time and thought orthopedics would be a fun jump! I love to learn and figured WashU would be the very place to further my knowledge. I am still always learning new things daily!

How do you support the department?

I have had the chance to work with just about all of our peds ortho docs over the years. I primarily work with Drs. Gordon, Kelly, and Schoenecker on a daily basis. I spend time with children of all ages and their parents preparing them for surgery, so they know what to expect before, during, and after. I have also had the opportunity to train staff over the years on conditions we see commonly in pediatric orthopedics.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding? 

My two great passions in orthopedics are limb deformity and cerebral palsy. I spend a lot of time with those children and their families. But honestly I love helping patients through it all: scoliosis, hip dysplasia, fracture care. It’s very rewarding to see a child overcome challenges, and see them through that journey.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spend time with my family! My two teenagers keep us on the go. Their sports have taken us many places over the years. I enjoy running and most recently completed a KT82 relay on the Katy Trail.

What's the best advice you ever received? 

A teacher once said to me,“Good, better, best. Never let it rest, till your good is better, and your better is best.” (It was actually a quote from Saint Jerome.) I couldn’t have been more than 10 at the time. That quote has inspired me to strive for perfection - personally, spiritually, and professionally.

If you weren't in health care, what would you like to be doing?

I would probably be teaching middle school or high school math. I started tutoring math in grade school, and continued all through high school. Loved it!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have been married to my husband, Tim, for 16 plus years. We have two wonderful teenagers Aubrey (almost 16) and Bobby (14). They keep life exciting. We have a trip planned to Puerto Rico with family this summer and we are all looking forward to unplugging for a week.

I have had the honor and privilege of serving with great teams on mission trips to the Eastern Caribbean to provide orthopedic treatment and education, in partnership with the World Pediatric Project.

I get to work closely with the cerebral palsy center at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital. One of my all-time favorite days of the year is the TRY MY BEST adaptive triathlon. I brought my children to the first event 9 years ago to cheer and watch. We stayed the entire day, and before the day's end I found myself on the planning committee. This year it will be on September 10 at Washington University Athletic Complex from 8 am - 12 pm. Come out and see what it’s all about!

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online

or call (314) 514-3500.