Professor Dianne Atkins is nominated for recognition as an ILCOR Giant based on her transformative contributions to pediatric resuscitation science and education over several decades. Her pioneering work has unquestionably advanced our field in numerous ways that align with your selection criteria.
Professor Atkins has demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving resuscitation outcomes since the 1990s through her service with the AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee (now Immediate Past Chair) and participation in every CPR guideline update since 2000.
“Early in my career, sometime in the late 1980’s, Richard Kerber telephoned me asking what I knew about transthoracic impedance in children, as he had documented that extensively in adults. I knew nothing, so Dick was kind enough to teach me and invited me to conduct the first study of TTI in children. This was followed by 2 additional papers looking at results during actual shock delivery and with the new “adhesive” pads. Prior to our publications, there had been only one paper about defibrillation in children. At that point, I was asked to join the Pediatric Subcommittee of ECC, and I realized that others considered me an “expert” and I needed to learn a lot more about defibrillation and resuscitation.”
With 150 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Atkins' scholarly impact is substantial. Her groundbreaking research on pediatric cardiac arrest—particularly ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation—represents landmark contributions to the field. She pioneered pediatric adaptations for AEDs, and her 2022 systematic review demonstrated improved survival when AEDs are used for children. Using Get-With-The-Guidelines-Resuscitation data, she confirmed appropriate energy defibrillation dosing for children—a critical parameter previously untested.
Professor Atkins has co-authored over 30 publications with ILCOR, including systematic reviews and annual updates that have educated countless providers worldwide. Through her service on ILCOR's Pediatric Task Force and Science Advisory Committee, she has directly shaped the direction of international resuscitation science.
As a female cardiologist who rose to prominence when the field was predominantly male, Professor Atkins has served as an important role model. Her founding role in the Rotary-Kerber HeartSafe Community Campaign has trained over 500 people in CPR/AED use and delivered more than 100 AEDs to her community, as well as 50 24/7 units, demonstrating her commitment to expanding resuscitation knowledge across diverse settings.
Professor Atkins' career from Johns Hopkins University through her current status as Professor Emerita of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa reflects a lifetime of dedication to improving outcomes for children at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Her clinical focus on children with inherited arrhythmia syndromes further demonstrates her holistic approach to cardiac risk.
Professor Dianne Atkins exemplifies the qualities of an ILCOR Giant and deserves recognition for her transformative contributions to resuscitation science.